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OPINION Is policing a job for you? It can't be easy being a cop-- especially since our population continues to grow in leaps and bounds without the necessary services in place to sustain the growth. Of course residents expect (demand?) the same level of police service they have been enjoying over the years. That service can mean anything from responding to traffic accidents to diffusing a tense domestic situation to comforting a lost child to breaking the news that a loved one won't be coming home again. A police officer's job-- or calling-- demands that the individual be a caring but strong soul, a marriage counsellor, child care advocate, teacher, social worker and, when required, a midwife. Somehow the policeman or woman is expected to be all of that, often with little appreciation from the community they serve. But for most of the police officers who make it their life's quest to improve the lives of others and the safety of towns and cities in which they work, they wouldn't want to change their profession. They love the job and embrace all of its daily challenges. Their enthusiasm for policing is readily apparent in the new recruitment campaign being promoted by Halton Regional Police Service. "Variety is the spice of life, so policing is very challenging and rewarding­ plus you can really help people," says Media Relations Officer Sgt. Peter Payne. "You can look in the mirror and tell yourself you made a difference. If you're dedicated to helping people, this is the job for you." Halton Police are currently looking to draw from a large pool of applicants and want to encourage local residents to consider a career in policing. If you have what it takes to serve and protect the people of Halton, you might want to check out www.hrps.on.ca or call the recruitment information line at 905-634-1831, ext. 5116. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Median petitioner responds to critics Dear editor, Re: Three recent letters to the editor were about what I am doing concerning the reconstruction of Main Street in downtown Georgetown. I would like to clarify some points to those writers. To Anne Rogers-Kaczor: Please redirect your "outrage" over being `insulted" about where you stand in proximity of the Main St. project. In the report from Chris G. Mills, Manager of Development Engineering for the Town of Halton Hills, I refer you to page 2 of Report ENG-2006-0022, dated May 31, 2006, under "Comments Received From Public". The input from the Public Open House on April 13, 2006 was summarized into two categories-- "Businesses/Residents along Project Limits" and "Responses outside Project Limits". Council accepted this report from staff. It seems they were not outraged by the wording and neither was I. Please take your "outrage" to them. To Linda Zammit: my apologies to bringing up the Berlin Wall, I see that it was a tender part of your life. I probably could have used Hadrian's Wall or the Great China Wall but what I wanted to convey to the public is `intimidation' as it can be seen by seniors, the disabled, the visually impaired, and the very young when it comes to crossing the street due to the median impediment. It doesn't look like much to us, but to them, it's a lot. Equal access and freedom of movement should be for all. It is good to be reminded that in Canada, we can still petition governments and freely talk to people on Main St. To Elizabeth McNeilly, Christine Monteath and Kimm Falls: Let me respond to your letter which was critical of my actions seeking to have a petition signed (by 200 people) to get rid of the median. No doubt it was unusual to see me talking to people about the Main St. reconstruction and getting a petition signed. Democracy comes to Main St., Georgetown, yes, that would that be unusual? Is it unusual that someone would disagree with you or council? I think that I was annoying only to you for the fact that I went to the people and asked them what they wanted. The majority don't want the median. See the petition. However, don't fret, council will be putting the median in anyway just so that our "local" farmers won't be put out at the market next year. God forbid that they should have to make a little sacrifce, compared to what the merchants are going to have to endure. It seems to hell with how the electorate and the majority want the $1.2 million project to turn out. So it may not be democracy working at its best (or at all) for the majority of us here in Georgetown (Halton Hills) but I am sure that you, my good merchants, will be happy in your little stores as look out at your aesthetically-pleasing little median that few people want or see as functional or practical. And don't forget to thank your council. Now let's see where my tax dollars went this year. Dave Harley, Georgetown Church to hold Saturday night services Dear editor, This is an open invitation to all people of Halton Hills from the church of St. Alban in Glen Williams, especially for those that have never attended a church service or have not attended for many years. Starting on Saturday, September 9 at 6 p.m. we will celebrate the Anglican Mass. It will be a one-hour said service with bells, bows and genuflection and, as always, everyone is invited. The sermons will be instructional, explaining how things have developed over the years and why we do the service the way it is done. We will do this for 12 consecutive Saturdays. We invite everyone to come and explore their faith and bring their friends. If any are wondering why we are giving this invitation it is in response to a Gallup survey that found that religious faith and practice is a primary source of happiness. We feel that we should at least give people the opportunity to find out if this is true or wishful thinking. The Rev. Grahame Stap, St Alban the Martyr, Glen Williams