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Dion's rationale a bit curious Ontarians, specifically those in the Greater Toronto Area, are getting their first up-close look at Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion in action this week as the Grits' boss tours the area in what could be an election practice run. Dion, who will spend the next few days in the area-- including a stop at Milton's Country Heritage Park today-- has targeted the area, identified as a prime population growth spots in this week's census, primarily because of its richness in votes. By most accounts Dion is a "nice guy" who, perhaps while lacking the bravado of predecessors Paul Martin and Jean Chrétien, faces a tougher job than those two of selling himself to Ontario voters as a potential prime minister simply because of his lower profile. One charge Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Conservatives have levelled at Dion and the Liberals is that they are "soft on crime" and, judging by Dion's opening day on the Ontario tour, one would be hardpressed to disagree. Dion said Wednesday that he would support Harper's efforts to make it harder for people arrested on gun crimes to get bail. In effect, he would support the Conservatives' measure that would require accused gun offenders to justify why they should be released on bail-- the so-called "reverse-onus" provision. However, Dion drew the line on backing the Tories' plan for tougher and longer sentences for some crimes. "It will not be effective," said Dion. "(We) will have a higher incarceration rate but not a lower crime rate." While it's true the incarceration rates would likely climb, we have a hard time seeing the negatives of keeping criminals-- particularly those using guns-- in prison longer. Certainly Dion's promise of more police and RCMP officers and a crackdown on identity and Internet crime is welcome, but people who choose to use guns in committing crimes should pay a higher price than they currently are. Perhaps, however, Dion has a better idea. If so, we'd love to hear it. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Cancer Society could use your help Dear editor, Every April during Daffodil Month, the Canadian Cancer Society relies on tens of thousands of volunteers to canvass their neighbourhoods to help raise money in the fight against cancer. To make this year's door-to-door campaign a success, we're challenging the residents of Georgetown to walk their block and join the Canadian Cancer Society as volunteer canvassers. It's estimated that 2 out of 5 Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. But, by donating just a few hours of time, residents of Georgetown can help change this statistic and bring hope to people living with cancer in our community. Canvassing is also a great way to build our community's spirit, get re-acquainted with old neighbours and meet new ones. The money raised during Daffodil Month helps the Canadian Cancer Society assist people affected with cancer in our community by: · Providing more than 8,600 trips to cancer treatments · Offering community support services to people living with cancer, their family members and friends · Helping the Canadian Cancer Society fund leading-edge Canadian Cancer research · Providing extensive and reliable information on all types of cancer To become a volunteer door-todoor canvasser, please call Sherry Teeter at 1-866-711-0111 ext. 28. You can be a face in the fight against cancer. Together, let's make cancer history. Sherry Teeter Fundraising Co-ordinator Brampton/Caledon/Georgetown/ Dufferin County Unit Crossing guards thanked for their efforts Dear editor, Heart-felt thanks to the wonderful crossing guards that we have in Georgetown! These individuals brave the elements (and the ever-increasing traffic) each day to care for our children. I drive through four intersections that are tended by crossing guards on my short drive to work. I have yet to make it to work without a smile or a wave. These are very special people and we are very lucky to have them! Many thanks to you all. Ceinwen Hellowell, Georgetown Thanks for support Dear editor, We would to like to send a big thank you to everyone who donated items for our scrapbook day in support of the Weekend to End Breast Cancer and helped make it such a big success. Thanks especially to our scrapbookers, who without their efforts this day would not have been possible. Also, a big thanks to Nicole at Tim Hortons, Mike at Topper's Pizza and Glenda at Subway for their very generous donations. To the local business community, thank you for again supporting this fabulous cause. Erin Winson and Sherry Gardiner, Georgetown Joggers should stick to using sidewalks Dear editor, In response to the Feb. 28 letter (Roadways are for vehicles, not runners) about joggers thinking they own the road I completely agree. I have two small children and I certainly wouldn't walk on the street with them let alone run with my stroller. I'm just curious though as to why the road is better when there are so many parked cars to contend with, yet there are paved sidewalks everywhere. I know I'll continue to use the sidewalk as I think the road is very dangerous anyways with all the impatient drivers in Georgetown. Drivers, you can wait those extra five seconds for me and my children to cross and joggers you should use the sidewalk as you'll become another statistic that should have obeyed the law. Bianca Lewis, Georgetown