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EDITORIAL with Hartley Coles Vandalism and loiterers Vandalism is rampant in Acton and it's likely to get worse as the weather gets warmer. It's not just something peculiar to Acton. It's a problem in neighbouring communities, too. Rockwood experi- enced a rash of it during March break and there's plenty of it in Georgetown and Milton as well. In Acton's case it was on the agenda at the last meeting of the Business Improvement Area (BIA). Members are concerned at the extent of the vandalism and loitering in the downtown area where teens and older youths congregate. One businessman noted he had been vandalized three times and no arrests had been made. In the discussion some members of the BIA thought a teen cur- few might curb the vandals. It was suggested youth might be banned from the streets from 11p.m. to 6 a.m. as one answer to the sense- less damage inflicted on community property. Halton Police Detective Sergeant Jackie Gordon said she under- stands the frustration of business owners but maintains it is up to the store owners bothered by intimidating loiterers to press trespassing _, charges and be willing to go to court over them. She says the prob- lem is really boredom and better recreational and transportation systems are what is needed to curb loitering and vandalism. Of course, business owners know that retaliation by vandals is not unknown and are reluctant to press charges. They feel it's up to the police to move the loiterers and keep the streets for the public. At one time when Acton had six constables on duty it was possible. With only a village constable on duty through the day and cruisers available on call the same resources are not there. A curfew? When this scribbler was growing up in Acton there was a curfew at 9 p.m. for everyone under 16 years of age. They had to be off the street by then unless accompanied by their parents. It worked reasonably well but, of course, the one constable then simply couldn't patrol all the streets even in a village of 2,000 souls. For teens under 16 who didn't have adequate parental supervision -- and there were some then, too -- it was a game of hide- and- seek with the constable. We're all for better recreational and transportation facilities to ease the problem. But unless this community has a million dollar sugar daddy neither is likely to happen soon. Even the Town's leisure centre is going to be far away and not easily accessible. So what can be done? Well, for one thing, a big plus would be to catch the vandals and throw the book at them. Make examples of them to discourage further incidents. Another would be to have a meeting with the miscreants and ask for their suggestions on curing the boredom police seem to think exists. Perhaps their energy could be channelled into more worth while pursuits. Meanwhile, Queen's Park passed a bill yesterday which would allow people who had been vandalized to sue the parents of those who committed the act up to $6,000. It's another measure in the fight to combat the problem which also exists in places "where there's lots to do". Maybe this will help to make parents more responsible for their kids, which surely has something to do with the rash of vandalism which exists. =. 2 | Bane RSE gata at THURSDAY. APRIL 6, 2000 er 4 . io CAMPAIGN KICKOFF: The Acton Branch of the Canadian Cancer Society kicked off their April fundraising campaign with a chili dinner for volunteers at Trinity Church last Wednesday. At the dinner were, left to right: Cathy Gerrow, Mayor Marilyn Serjeantson, Norm Elliott, Liz Bailey, Rick Bonnette and Clark Somerville. -- Angela Tyler photo Buildings would spoil school land To the Editor, Re: Proposed sale of the MSB school property Regarding the recent article whereby the Mayor of Georgetown South...oh, pardon me... Halton Hills suggested the Town purchase the above mentioned property, we feel that she is missing the whole point of our objections. We strongly disagree with this property being purchased in order to build structures of any type. Witha due respect to our seniors, this in- cludes a seniors' apartment or "one or two homes on either end of the property". It would not be the end of the world...it would definitely be the end of many hours spent by our com- munity, especially our youth, play- ing their various sports and activi- ties. Since the town has not provided us with alternate facilities, we cannot afford to lose any part or parcel of this porperty. If you took the time to research the hours this playing field is used yearly, you would soon find that it not by any means a surplus. We have collected over 2.000 names on our petitions to date. We will be presenting them to the Halton Board of Education at their meeting of April 19. They are at Home Hard- ware. Royal Jug City, Lakeview Kitchen & Flooring, Station Hotel. Time Out Sports, Acton Musicland, Andy's Restaurant, Acton Pharmacy and Acton Bowling Lanes. If you have not yet signed this petition, we urge you to get out now. The more united we are, the better chance we have to save this land. If you are interested in going to this meeting on April 19, buses are being provided. Please call Kathy at 853-0822 or Roz at 853-5264 or e-mail @ zor_217.yahoo.com. Buses leave at 6:45 p.m. sharp from MSB. Please leave your name, phone number and number of seats you require. We should return by 9:45p.m. Yours truly, Kathy Verbeek, Roz Edwards Artists appreciated 'incredible Dear Editor. On behalf of myself and my as- sistant Liz Allardice, I would like to thank the people of Acton and Geor- getown for their incredible welcome and hospitality while I was painting in the arena in Acton. The heritage in Canada is richest in the hearts of Canadians who make up each com- munity. You made us feel part of your welcome' community and it was a pleasure spending time with you. We especially like learning about the heritage of Acton; you have so much heritage in such a small area. We were amazed at the buildings and feel of the area. We look forward to returning with our families. Warmest painterly regards, Michelle Loughery/Mural Artist Ask the teenagers Dear Editor, In response to your "Teen Cur- few" issue of Thursday March 30, I would like to offer some suggestions. I agree with Detective Seargent Gordon that "recreational activities and better transportation systems," would help the situation. What do teens think? What would they like to do in this community in- stead of vandalize? Go to movies? The nearest theatres are 20-minutes away with incompatible bus times. Perhaps some need a creative out- let! May I suggest a skateboard/inline skating park? (Too bad the old arena is gone.) I see teens fishing: perhaps a fish- ing club could be created, or art classes, or nature appreciation walks. The people that need to be asked how resources and funds should be allocated are the teenagers. Jane Johnson Mayor wants to keep Tis DAYLET |= Con Tams [IE Give ir aoa land for public PANE SE lou. Pemcenmng| SH MOn™S i ad a sere Dear Editor, ie ss < . Headlines and editorial privileges hurt! Subject... McKenzie-Smith Bennett School community lands. ) I know that the citizens of Acton bought the land at this location oo for school and community use in the 1950's. I will do whatever it Cy ~ takes within my power to keep the land in public ownership. f Ne aS ' Sincerely, \ % Marilyn T Srp Distributed to every home vier in Acton and area as well as Editorial adjoining communities Hartley Coles J 9 * ' Frances Niblock Mike O'Leary Ellen Piehl ADVERTISING POLICY 59 Willow Street North Maggie Petrushevsky Angela Tyler Every effort will be made to see advertising copy, neatly = Acton, Ontario Advertising and Circulation cong eo ee Grea mp eiet: ree L7J 1Z8 Marie Shadbolt = in -- but will -- -- without charge it part of an advertisement in which an error may occur (5 ] 9) 853-005 1 Fax 853-0052 Kaich aj, ee provided a claim is made within five days of publication.