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6 ·The IFP· Halton Hills ·Tuesday, April 3, 2012 OPINION Failure to lead Our federal government-- in a majority position for the first time in a number of years-- apparently doesn't want to truly lead our country. Last week's budget announcement provided a prime opportunity to do just that. Rather than lead by example and show us how it's done, the Conservatives sat on their hands as they told us we need to work an extra two years before retirement-- most of us, anyway. The Tories will phase-in an increase in eligibility for Old Age Security from 65 years of age to 67, affecting those of us who are younger than 54. Meanwhile, they won't be making any adjustments to MPs' pensions until next year, and we don't yet know what those adjustments may be. This despite public outcry after the Canadian Taxpayers Federation reported earlier this year that taxpayers contribute $23.30 to an MP's pension for every $1 he or she contributes. And when hidden contributions are factored in, MPs pensions rise at a rate of 10.4 per cent each year. Wouldn't that be nice? In the eyes of this government, it's okay for the masses to work longer in life, while its members continue to be eligible for their pensions at age 55. The Conservatives should have pledged a full and public review of MPs' pensions, including how they are funded, with the stated goal of bringing them more in line with what the rest of us receive. While working an extra two years is hard to stomach no matter what, knowing MPs are willing to sacrifice as well would add a little sugar to this distasteful medicine. 905-873-0301 Publisher: Ken Nugent General manager: Steve Foreman (sforeman@theifp.ca) Retail advertising manager: Cindi Campbell (ccampbell@theifp.ca) Managing editor: John McGhie (jmcghie@theifp.ca) Distribution manager: Nancy Geissler (ngeissler@theifp.ca) Classifieds Kristie Pells (classified@theifp.ca) Accounting Rose Marie Gauthier Editorial Cynthia Gamble: News editor (cgamble@theifp.ca) Ted Brown: Photography (tbrown@theifp.ca) Lisa Tallyn: Staff writer (ltallyn@theifp.ca) Eamonn Maher: Staff writer/sports (emaher@theifp.ca) Letters policy Letters must include an address and daytime phone number. Anonymous letters will not be published. Letters should not exceed 150 words and may be edited for content and/or length. Publication is not guaranteed. Email: jmcghie@theifp.ca Steve Nease Mail or drop off: Independent & Free Press, 280 Guelph St., Unit 29, Georgetown, ON., L7G 4B1. Letters to the editor Speedy driver gets reprimand Dear editor, This letter is to the driver of the blue Mazda who nearly hit my daughter on Eaton Street on a recent Sunday afternoon. Yes the weather was nice, which resulted in increased traffic, but it also encouraged children to get out and ride their bikes and enjoy the weather too. Just because the speed bumps have been removed for the winter season, doesn't mean that it's open season to speed on Eaton Street. My daughter used the marked crosswalk, where there is a bright yellow sign indicating children in the area. From what I was told by my very upset daughter when she got home, was that she looked to make sure no one was coming, as did her three friends who were with her, and was more than halfway across the road when you came roaring around the corner, slammed on your brakes and coming inches from hitting her. Your only comment to her was "Did I hit you? You need to be more careful." Perhaps stopping to see if she was all right would have been the better choice. If you are a regular driver on Eaton Street, let this be a lesson to you to slow down. Andrea Ireland, Georgetown Please join my mom, my family and me on June 1 at the Croatian Centre for the seventh annual Georgetown Relay For Life. For more information email me at GeorgetownRFL@hotmail.com. Lucy Gagro, On behalf of the Georgetown 2012 Relay For Life Committee Grateful family promotes Relay Resident changes Dear editor, On April 5, my mom will be opinion of bridge celebrating her fourth birthday... in cancer-free years that is. These birthdays are now more important than her real ones. We are so lucky to have her with us. We have learned to appreciate life, to enjoy the sunrise, to laugh and to hope. We don't celebrate with the normal birthday party trimmings such as cake and gifts in April. However, in early June, we celebrate with family and friends and the entire community. We celebrate all cancer survivors. We remember all loved ones who have lost their battle with cancer and we fight back by raising money for the Canadian Cancer Society in the hopes that one day we will find a cure. WEB POLL RESULTS (Go to www.theifp.ca) The federal government in its budget has decided to do away with the penny. Are you happy to see the penny eventually disappear? · Yes (53%) · No (47%) The Independent & Free Press The Independent & Free Press is published Tuesday and Thursday and is one of several Metroland Media Group Ltd. community newspapers. Editorial and advertising content of The Independent & Free Press is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Dear editor, Re; Danby Road bridge. I was one of the original residents who prematurely signed the petition against the bridge. I unfortunately jumped on the antibridge bandwagon before I was fully informed. With what I have learned I am now a pro-bridge proponent. The access for the fire department to Gardiner Public School was the key issue in changing my mind. The amount of time it would save the fire department in reaching a potential emergency would drastically be reduced with the construction of the bridge. In an emergency every minute counts. Branislav Cugalj, Georgetown