Page'4"= Halton Hills This Week, Saturday, October 16, 1993 O pinion === PUB jin Gibson PRODUCTION MANAGER: Kathleen Topolsek _ CIRCULATION MANAGER: Marie Shadbolt OFFICE MANAGER: Jean Shew HALTON HILLS THIS WEEK IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & OPERATED. PHONE: 873-2254 Readers make their point ‘There are the doers; then there are those destined to be the hewers of wood in this world: As far as this unwashed scribe is concerned, there won’t be much wood getting hewn in the environs of Halton Hills for quite some time. : Of course, I’ve always felt that way about the local citizenry, even going way back to the first time I ven- tured into the area as sports editor for the late lamented Georgetown Herald, in November of 1973 — when it was then located on Main St. It didn’t take me long to get the message that people around here most definitely were individuals and had no problem expressing Ives. Thad written a story slamming one of the local hockey teams and the next time I wandered into Memorial Arena on Mill St., a Pleasant looking mid- dle aged lady came sauntering over to me and politely inquired if I was the gentlemen who had written the afore-mentioned literary gem. When I admitted my sin, she promptly hit me over the head with her purse — which incidentally, hid a half bottle of the devil’s elixer. After checking to make sure her mickey was still intact, she calmly informed me she couldn’t be bothered writing ’a letter to the editor complaining about what I had written and wanted to get her message across to me Personally. I assured her she had made an excellent point, as 1 backed off feel- ing the lump rise on my damaged noggin. Thankfully, there haven’t been too many of those kinds of letters to the editor during my various forays attempting to bring the news to our community. However, it goes with the turf and I accept the slings and arrows. Sometimes, I will even take on the role of devil's advocate, just to get things stirred up. But around here — as is self-evident by our most recent letters to the editor — that seldom happens. That's the way it Should be! That’s-what'a g0od community newspaper should offer both its readers and the community as a whole. A forum to air their complaints; a sounding board of differing views; a telease for sometimes pent-up emotions and a forum where all are treated equal regardless of their some- times questionable view. This is what I have tried to accomplish at this news- Paper and it seems to be working — no thanks to me, really, but thanks to a vibrant community with resi- nts who aren’t afraid to raise their voice on any number of many and varied issues. For those still waiting for their letters to appear — even the critical ones — I assure you, they will appear. Just be patient. Right now, I’m sw: fi Only one thing I ask! If you're going to hit me over the head with a concealed liquor bottle, at least have the decency to offer me a drink in return, Colin Gibson A time to give thanks To the Editor: The turkey is basting - the know the person who lost the money and I don’t know the table is set for four. Our son is coming over for dinner with his “latest”. My hus- band is fertilizing the lawn, the dogs have already been fed and enjoyed their “out- ies” and I have a few min- utes to myself, reading the Halton Hills This Week Weekend edition. Why should I feel happy today, though? A very good friend of ours died this week, but we are grateful the pain and suffer- ing stopped for her and the family. ss Reflection ° Thanksgiving. On page 3 this week I tead: “An honest man”. Just someone in the maddening crow who returned an enve- lope, found, with several hundred dollars. Maybe not a big deal to many. But to me it is. I don’t Person who found it. It’s sure great to read an article like this, especially at this time of the year. Our families, our friends and our food, whether it’s Provided for by regular pay cheques or the local food banks; especially we should be grateful for our lives. Although, would you have returned the money? We all can use a few extra bucks nowadays, right? I feel grateful today, espe- cially today. It’s Thanksgiving. Not for all the trimmings but for realizing, there are good people around me who dismiss their own needs and wants and return an envelope with money. To you Carlos, especially, I hope you had a happy Thanksgiving! Annelies Kerkhof Acton The People’s Corner FAX:873-3918 Turner meddling is not wanted To the Editor: T am writing in response to the recent article in your newspaper about the remarks made by Halton-Peel federal election candidate Garth Turner on the establishment of landfill sites within the Halton-Peel area. As you may be aware, the L.W.A. process was set up to remove any political interfer- ence in the selection process as was so prevalent in former Tory and Liberal govern- ments. The NDP provincial government has the most aggressive recycling and 3R’s program in Canada. The result of which nearly 25 Per cent of all garbage is recycled in the Halton Region. The question must be asked: what has this Tory government done — the answer as usual — nothin; ir. Turner states “that he will stand shoulder to shoul- der with any citizen” to oppose landfill sites. Citizens of Halton-Peel should remember how Mr. Turner stood “shoulder to shoulder” with the people of his riding when he was opposed to the GST --but we all know Mr.Turner voted for the GST. Tt appears on this issue and the issue of labor laws, Mr. Turner attacks Reform To the Editor: I read Halton-Peel Reform Party candidate Dick MacDuffee’s recent com- ments about me and about Reform policies, with inter- est. There are two points that need to be clarified: First, I have not been espousing “Reform princi- ples” for the past five years. In fact, I-have-been-espous- ing common sense reforms for the last 15 years. Long before the Reform Party was formed, Garth Turner was crusading in person and in print for less government, lower deficits, giving people back the right to own proper- ty and forcing more indepen- dence among Members of Parliament. These, in fact, were the reasons I ran for Parliament in 1988 - when the Reform Party was still advocating separation for Western Canada and Preston Manning is worth noting that Preston Manning could not win a seat in Parliament in that election - and today. polls suggest he will not win a seat in 1993 either. Yes, I did run to be prime minister earlier this year and my platform was comprise of those same things which I believe in. Kim Campbell knows that and she knows I don‘t make deals. But that didn’t stop her from asking me to be one of the 25 peo- ple now in charge of the gov- emment. Second, the Reform candi- date says his party wouldn't raise taxes. Well, maybe it’s time he read Reform’s own “material, -where.$5.5. billion in tax increases are written in black and white. Reform would eliminate the deficit in three years by raising Unemployment Insurance premiums by $2.6 billion for employers and $1.4 billion for workers. It would also end $1.5 billion in tax credits to small and medium-sized businesses. And that comes on top of Slashing seniors’ pensions ($3.5 billion, by Reform’s own count) and cutting the agricultural support pro- grams which are keeping a lot of farmers alive. And did T mention the cuts in transfer payments to the provinces which “would increase Provincial taxes? Yes, it's a simple plan. Too bad the economy could never get out alive. Garth Turner, MP Halton-Peel Minister of National ‘evenue Truckers take heed To the Editor: To all those truckers and bus drivers ouwthere who ave to put in long hours, and have to work seven days a week; my sympathies. T uavel the highways a lot and on almost every trip I come upon a truck or bus that totally upsets me, ustial- ly leaving my heart in my throat. : Being as big as you are, I guess you feel you should have total control of the toad. Believe you me, most of you drive like there is no one else out there. My problem is that most truckers or bus drivers like to cut you off to get ahead of the truck in front of them, then hold up traffic in your lane for miles. Thave often been so angry, T have wanted to take down Plate numbers. But when you are driving down the 401 at high speeds, the last thing you want is to take your eyes off the road. T also don’t think it would do any good to report you. T would just like you all to think about the other little guys beside you next time you're on the road. Happy trucking. P. Fendley Georgetown Turner is interfering in areas of provincial responsibility in which he or any federal government has no jurisdic- tion. It would suit Mr. Turner better if he turned his atten- tion to creating jobs jobs jobs for the people of Canada instead of meddling in affairs of which he or his govern- ment have no business med- dling in. Noel Duignan, MPP North Halton New Democratic Party Liberal plan queried To the Editor: Regarding the “Liberal Plan For Canada” flyer, the first line on the cover states, “Canada needs a change of direction.” Please, not back to the Liberal government in which Mr. Trudeau and Mr. Chretien et al ran up the biggest debt load in the histo- ty of this country. Under the heading “Ten Years of Debt and Deficit”, what is omitted is just as glar- ing as the horrendous figures given. There is no mention of over 13 years of unprecedent- ed spending by the Liberals, which they appear committed to continue, given the chance. Our parliament needs reforming, so that the politi- cians are answerable to the people they represent, at all times, not just for a few weeks every five years. If you want reform, you have to vote for it. Ann McKay Campbellville A harvest of turnips To the Editor: T have been reading Mike Pembry’s letters about Garth Turner’s supposed “attacks” on the Reform Party. I offer “two viewpoints: hes 1) Yes, Reformers share many of Garth's ideas, which were on record before the Reform Party existed. But, Garth does not share all their philosophies. If he did, he would have agreed to run for the Reform Party, as he as asked to do a year ago. For example, Garth considers the fact that your party is not run- ning candidates in Quebec a weakening force in our fight to keep Canada together. Beware To the Editor: Citizens of Halton Hills, please beware of MVA and voice a strong opinion to regional councillors. Then Perhaps they will have a stronger say at meetings. The quote of the weck came from Mayor Miller last week at the MVA meeting: Successful To the Editor: The North Halton Literacy Guild held a very success! “Fall Raffle”. Prize winners included: Grand Prize: ‘Two Blue Jay tickets -- Monica Tse, Georgetown Second Prize: Crochet Tablecloth - Sam McKinlay, Oakville; Charlene Wood, Georgetown Third Prize: Thanksgiving Basket - Kathleen Dobie, Georgetown; ico! Robertson, Milton; Vaughn Cole, Milton Fourth | Prize: Betty McIntyre, Acton; K. Nan Hurst, Acton /AII the prizes were donated and we would like to thank 2) If you had someone you thought shared many of your ideals - a proven, exceptional MLP., why are you fielding a candidate? “Mr: Pembry, I-don’ ce. that your party will reap a “bumper crop” in Halton- Peel. By splitting the vote in the Conservative Party (most Reformers come from this group) you will, at least in our constituency, end up ben- efiting the Liberals. You may think you're planting pota- toes but, when all is said and done, you may end up har- vesting turnips. Lois Fraser Limehouse of MVA “Some of the people are going to be hurt. It is up to us to see that they don’t get hurt too bad”. Need I say more? Blake Hunter Georgetown P.S. Council meeting and quote from the mayor is on video at my home. Fall Raffle some people: for their generos- _ ity: A & P, Georgetown; Al & Al's Red Brand Meats, Acton; Kathleen Bellinger, Mary Kay, Georgetown; Blue Jay Organization, Toronto; Knechtel’s, Georgetown; Halton Hills IGA, Georgetown; — Loblaw’s, Georgetown; Miracle Food art, Georgetown and Handmade Crafts by Edwina & Michelle, Georgetown, We would also like to thank all the people who worked hard to sell the tickets and also the people who purchased them. Many thanks. North Halton Literacy Guild