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Editorial Home improvement There is much to be said about keeping government out of an individual's personal affairs and also about the lack of respect many have for history. But, there is also a valid argument to the point that an individual's right to raise a fist stops at another person's nose. Consider the case on today's front page. The Town of Halton Hills last week ordered the demolition of a home at 52 Confederation Street. The owner, Mert Veldhoen, was irate the Town took this action, saying they had dealt unfairly with him, that he intended to rebuild the home and that the Town had "no clue what they wanted." On the other hand, the Town argued the home, built in 1843, was in a terrible state of disrepair, that the owner had been charged and convicted five years ago of carrying out "all sorts of construction without permits" and that the Town had extended deadlines numerous times for the owner to fix the property. While some neighbours called it an "extreme act of vandalism" by the Town, we disagree. Simply being a property owner does not-- and should not-- give a person carte blanche to allow their property to become derelict and a danger to the general public. In this case this home was only steps from a general store where many children visit. In its most recent state it also likely attracted a variety of vermin that next-door neighbours should not have had to deal with. Also, why should those neighbours endure diminished property values, simply because one homeowner opted not to follow proper building codes and procedures? The historic photo on page one shows a stately home unquestionably worth preserving. Unfortunately, the one that came down last week was little more than rat-trap, left to ruin by an owner who is solely to blame for the home's demolition. Letters to the editor.... Mayor praised for his efforts by union boss Dear editor, I read the Feb. 24 Independent & Free Press and to my surprise read that Councillor Mike Davis is attempting to attack the goodwill of New library not needed Dear editor, It is a great concern to read that Town council has embraced the concept of an extremely expensive and probably unnecessary new library. If the project goes through it will involve large tax increases, many millions in building costs, development costs, loan costs and increased operating costs. The present library appears more than adequate to handle present needs and the projected six per cent population increase by 2011. I have never experienced the facility to be overused; sometimes I am the only person there. The staff are polite and if needed will get you an available book from anywhere in Ontario. What is the basis for saying the library is, at the moment, "half the required size?" It sounds if someone is playing with statistics rather than observations. They are also playing with a great deal of taxpayers' money. Any diminishment of the library and the Cultural Centre will have serious consequences on downtown Georgetown. Once this happens it will be impossible for the bureaucracy to rectify. A significant part of local history and character will be gone forever. We will all pay dearly for that in every way. Mayor Rick Bonnette. I am disappointed with the comments of Councillor Davis; he should be praising the decision of his mayor and fellow councillors, as they attempt to help those who need their help. I have been and still am energized by the reaction of this town. Upon learning of the Curwood closure, the support and compassion, combined with how the town has rallied around these workers, and just how accessible the mayor's office is, must be recognized. When I phoned Mayor Bonnette, the first thing out of his mouth was "tell me what I can do to help these workers". He just rolled up his sleeves and got to work. Mayor Bonnette began this work by calling the U.S. headquarters of the company; he contacted government officials to request they attend a meeting with the union. After that meeting, the Mayor and MP Michael Chong went to the plant in an attempt to meet with U.S. management, who would not meet with them. The mayor spoke with region staff, to see if there was any unused space available in the town. He was advised that there was a meeting room at the Mold-Masters SportsPlex no one was using, so he asked us if it was suitable to be used for the Action Centre. For his quick actions, Mayor Bonnette should be congratulated not criticized. The 137 workers need to know that they are going to be provided with the assistance and services they will need to seek re-employment. This small meeting room will do just that, it will be used for training, job search, and interview preparation, to mention a few. The Members and Officers of Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada Local 591G would like to thank Mayor Bonnette, Halton Hills councillors and staff, and members of the community who have offered to help, as we attempt to get all 137 Curwood employees re-employed. Norman Beattie, President CEP Local 591G