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6 The IFP · Halton Hills, Thursday, March 1, 2012 Clean up the dirt OPINION 905-873-0301 Publisher: Ken Nugent General manager: Steve Foreman (sforeman@theifp.ca) Retail advertising manager: Cindi Campbell (ccampbell@theifp.ca) Managing editor: John McGhie (jmcghie@theifp.ca) Distribution manager: Nancy Geissler (ngeissler@theifp.ca) Classifieds Kristie Pells (classified@theifp.ca) Accounting Rose Marie Gauthier Editorial Cynthia Gamble: News editor (cgamble@theifp.ca) Ted Brown: Photography (tbrown@theifp.ca) Lisa Tallyn: Staff writer (ltallyn@theifp.ca) Eamonn Maher: Staff writer/sports (emaher@theifp.ca) The riding of Wellington-Halton Hills is on the list released by Liberals and New Democrats claiming that residents received misleading or harassing phone calls during the 2011 election. It seems riding residents became involved in the scandal due to their home proximity to neighbouring ridings where political battles were fierce. That certainly was not the case here-- Wellington-Halton Hills has been solidly Conservative for many years, capably led by a principled Michael Chong. It's unlikely that any member of the various political parties in this riding would countenance these `dirty tricks'-- locally or nationally. Elections Canada is investigating, but whether these dirty tricks were deliberate or were simply the result of a poorly-managed company offering poorly-managed instructions to its employees, the point is nothing like this should ever-- not even a hint-- happen again. The ultimate responsibility is on the shoulders of informed voters to ensure it doesn't. Letters policy Letters must include an address and daytime phone number. Anonymous letters will not be published. Letters should not exceed 150 words and may be edited for content and/or length. Publication is not guaranteed. Email: jmcghie@theifp.ca Mail or drop off: Independent & Free Press, 280 Guelph St., Unit 29, Georgetown, ON., L7G 4B1. Loonie donations The United Way of Halton Hills is on its final push to reach its 2011 campaign goal this year, $340,000. But to date it's fallen short-- shorter than even last year's total, $329,000. The United Way direct mail and payroll deductions campaigns are down and, "It's certainly showing us the recession is not over, people are still struggling," said UW executive director, Janet Foster. In addition, a myriad of fundraising campaigns are being held in the community, which are emptying wallets. But residents should keep in mind that a donation to United Way is not just a donation to one organization, but to 16 agencies that provide essential services to residents of all ages. They include Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the North Halton Distress Centre and Community Living North Halton. It's easy to give through payroll deduction-- $1 a week is a $52 donation, $2 a week is $104. This way, residents don't have to struggle to find that one-time donation. A loonie or toonie a week is not too much to ask to maintain essential social services. Steve Nease Letters to the editor Grieving family thanks community for its support A thank you from the family of Catharine (Cathy) Turner How do I begin to say thank you to all of our friends and relatives who helped us through the shock of the sudden death of my beloved Cathy ( or as I caller her, Kate)-- not only my loving and devoted wife, but my soulmate, my rock, my business partner and mother to our four beautiful children, James, Emily, Nathan and Tristan. I truly consider myself the luckiest guy in the world that she chose me as her husband and lifemate. Cathy was the daughter of Shirley Lyons, sister to Bob, Ken and Bruce, daughter-in-law of Louise and Tom James. Cathy was struck down with a streptococcus infection that caused toxic shock syndrome and she died of multi organ failure related to the shock and septicemia (NOT Necrotizing Fasciitis or what is referred to as Flesh Eating Disease). We all ask WHY? Why has this happened to someone so young? Cathy was a spirited strongwilled and generous woman who attracted a large following of her devoted friends. She was pure in heart, strong in character and totally unselfish in all her deeds with an ever present smile. Cathy had a creative talent for everything she touched. She impressed us all with her intelligence and professionalism and willingness to help others. She was so loved by our children and our children were her pride and joy. We all weep that one so loving should have such a brief life. Again, thank you to all who have shared our grief in the past few days. I wish to thank the following for their support: · our great and loving friends on Regan Cres., · Debby Dunn, principal of George Kennedy, Paul Vanderhelm, principal of Centennial Middle School who flew the flag at half-mast in respect and Nick Varricchio, principal of GDHS · the GBA and coach Jim Miil, and all the kids and their parents that played with James now and over the years and coach Dave Henderson and the players that put "CT" on their sweaters for first game James played and GMHA and all coaches and parents and Sensei Tony Rampulla and family. · our loyal customers at the stores · the McKeown family and Rich for finding the strength to get up and speak. · Wendy Farrow and BIA and our fellow local business owners around town. Mayor Rick Bonnette for attending both services. Deb Corrado and Tracy Gould and our staff at both stores. · My friend and mentor Rev. Peter Barrow and Rev. Canon Rob Park for their comforting words. The women of St. George's Church for the luncheon they prepared for the reception after the service. To Jean Lorriman and Carol O'Leary for their beautiful comforting duet. Also many thanks Toby and his staff at Jones Funeral Home. And last, but not least, Paul and Debbie Zeni who were with me at all times in the last days and hours and never stopped fighting in trying to help Cathy and were there for me. Don, James, Emily, Nathan, Tristan Turner Georgetown Editor's Note: Look in the Classified section, pg. 23, for a poem that Cathy wrote to her father. WEB POLL RESULTS (Go to www.independentfreepress.com) How far do you think the Raiders will advance in the playoffs for the league championship? 1. First round (31%) 2. Second round (14%) 3. Third round (9%) 4. Fourth round (46%) The Independent & Free Press The Independent & Free Press is published Tuesday and Thursday and is one of several Metroland Media Group Ltd. community newspapers. 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