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6 Independent & Free Press, Wednesday, May 24, 2006 OPINION Decide now Isn't it ironic that three years ago Dalton McGuinty's Liberals were elected, in part, to settle the Conservatives vs. teachers chaos in the education system-- and have now created their own chaos by simply doing nothing. Under the Tories, school boards had to close schools to get provincial funding for new schools in other growing areas like Halton Hills. But two months after their election in 2003, the Liberals placed a moratorium on school closures, promising a new funding formula. Three years later, we still await that formula, and school boards like the Halton District School Board (HDSB) are going into debt to pay for desperately needed schools. HDSB superintendent of business Steven Parfeniuk is calling the situation "untenable." "I think we need to make sure the Ministry of Education solves the problems that it created for us and other school boards in the province," he said. Here in Halton Hills, the board wants to build a school in Georgetown South, but is forced to add a 10-classroom portapak to Silver Creek instead. According to Halton Hills Trustee Ethel Gardiner, there are more than 300 children housed in portables at Silver Creek, whereas there are HDSB schools with less 300 children in them. Renovations are desperately needed at Georgetown District High School-- not including the hoped-for addition-- but where will the money come from, and when? The Province is more than willing to take tax dollars for education-- about $890 from each Halton resident-- but yet seems unwilling to return that money to where it's needed-- schools and classrooms HERE! Already the Liberals are looking for votes for their re-election bid in 2007, so now is the time that taxpayers should be demanding decisions and action now. That's the only way Halton Hills' older schools are going get renovations and new schools get built. www.independentfreepress.com Phone: 905-873-0301 Fax: 905-873-0398 Steve Nease STAFF DIRECTORY Publisher Ken Nugent Advertising director Steve Foreman (sforeman@independentfreepress.com) Retail advertising manager Cindi Campbell (ccampbell@independentfreepress.com) Managing editor John McGhie (jmcghie@independentfreepress.com) Business manager Carol Young (cyoung@independentfreepress.com) Distribution manager Nancy Geissler (distribution@independentfreepress.com) ADVERTISING Retail Sales: Jennifer Spencer (jspencer@independentfreepress.com) Adam Spinney (aspinney@independentfreepress.com) Brendan Louth (blouth@independentfreepress.com) Michelle Wan (features@independentfreepress.com) Real estate: Sue Spizziri (realestate@independentfreepress.com) Classifieds: Kristie Pells (classified@independentfreepress.com) ACCOUNTING: Rose Marie Gauthier, Jennifer Christie, Michelle Wimmer EDITORIAL Cynthia Gamble: News editor (cgamble@independentfreepress.com) Ted Brown: Photography (tbrown@independentfreepress.com) Lisa Tallyn: Staff writer (ltallyn@independentfreepress.com) Eamonn Maher: Staff writer/sports emaher@independentfreepress.com) PRODUCTION: Mary Lou Foreman, Kevin Powell, Shelli Harrison, Dolores Black, Debbie MacDougall LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Sidewalk disrepair causes problems Dear editor, First, I would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the gentleman, who stopped and rescued me on Sunday, April 30. You see, my power chair had become mired in the gravel that the Price Chopper calls a sidewalk and I couldn't move. Eight cars drove by and must have thought I found a new place to rest, because although they looked, they kept going. It took a major effort on the part of "my Good Samaritan" but he got me out. Again, thanks. Now, as to the Price Chopper. It is unbelieveable that they have been able to take the use of that sidewalk away for over seven months. I like to shop at Home Hardware and since last October, the sidewalk on both the north and south side of Guelph St. has been unusable to me in my power chair. I have had two choices: run on the highway or go around by Armstrong Ave.-- neither being appealing on the long term. The SuperStore and Canadian Tire during construction, both returned the sidewalks to full usage within weeks. How can the Price Chopper get away with it? Well, in an effort to help the Price Chopper understand how much of an inconvenience they are causing me and other disabled in the community, I propose the following: Neither I, my friends, or anyone else who understands the frustration your barrier causes, will shop in your store for the same number of months you have blocked our free access to Home Hardware and beyond. It is now seven months and counting. Bill Leslie, Georgetown (Ed. Note: In response to Mr. Leslie's concerns, the Town of Halton Hills Engineering Department ordered Price Chopper and its contractor to fix the sidewalk by May 9, otherwise the Town public works would do it from pre-posted securities. As of this printing, a temporary sidewalk has been installed.) Something bugging you? Send us a letter! Letters to the editor must include an address and daytime telephone number. Unsigned letters will not be published. Letters should not exceed 200 words and may be edited for content and/or length. Mail or drop off: Independent & Free Press, 280 Guelph St., Unit 29, Georgetown, ON., L7G 4B1 E-mail: jmcghie@independentfreepress.com Trustee thanks school volunteers Dear editor, Through your newspaper, I would like to express sincere gratitude to all volunteers who support our public schools in Halton Hills. Their work at many levels in our schools truly enriches the lives of our students and staff. They give willingly of their time and talents and our schools are blessed by their presence. Thank you sincerely to all volunteers for supporting our schools in so many tangible and profound ways. Our students are fortunate to be the recipients of your kindness and generosity. Ethel Gardiner, Halton Hills Trustee Halton District School Board THE INDEPENDENT & FREE PRESS The Independent & Free Press is published every Wednesday and Friday at 280 Guelph St., Unit 29, Georgetown Ont., L7G 4B1. It is one of several newspapers published by Metroland Printing, Publishing & Distributing Ltd. Advertising is accepted on the condition that, in the event of a typographical error, that portion of the advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with reasonable allowance for signature will not be charged for, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the acceptable rate. In the event of typographical error advertising goods or services at wrong price, goods or services may not be sold. Advertising is merely an offer to sell which may be withdrawn at any time. Editorial and advertising content of The Independent & Free Press is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Price: Store copies 50¢ each; Subscriptions $26.00 per year by carrier; $92.50 per year by mail in Canada; $130.00 per year in all other countries. Plus G.S.T. Second Class Mail Registration Number 6869. The Independent & Free Press is a member of The Canadian Community Newspaper Association and The Ontario Community Newspaper Association. Indoor soccer coaches and officials thanked for their volunteer service Dear editor: I wish to publicly acknowledge the contribution to our community made by the coaches and officials responsible for providing our son with an outstanding sporting experience. Each Saturday morning, we would look forward to the game hosted by the Georgetown Indoor Soccer league at Christ the King High School. Alas, the championship went to the Teal Team this past weekend, but the game was close and exciting from start to finish! A heartfelt thanks to the Lime Team's coaches Kim and Lewis, for all their support and generosity over the season. Without the dedication of volunteers like these kind folks, our children would not have the wide array of choices for recreation, culture and athletics available in this great community. Thanks. Tim Dixon, Georgetown