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OPINION Premier has had plenty of time Municipal leaders across Ontario were giddy over the recent announcement by Premier Dalton McGuinty that the province will look into how social programs are funded. Their excitement is understandable. After all, Ontario is the only province in Canada where municipal taxes are used to subsidize provincial health and social services programs. Across Ontario, it amounts to a whopping $3.2 billion annually. For local ratepayers, it works out to hundreds of dollars in additional property taxes each year. The so-called "downloading" was forced on municipalities by the Mike Harris government almost 10 years ago, and local politicians have been singing the money blues since. But before they start counting the cash, they should consider the fact the review panel will be given a year-and-a-half to present its report. So, what's another 18 months, you say? Well, by that time we could have a new, nonLiberal government-- a government that won't be bound to honour McGuinty's commitments. The premier has said the issue is complicated and he needs the time. Does he really? Municipalities have been making their case for years. Surely, all the information that's required is already available. Voters must make their voices heard and tell McGuinty to complete the review, including implementing the recommendations, before he goes to the polls again. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Resident commends councillor for efforts Dear editor, I read with interest Cynthia Gamble's August 2 article, Councillor's attendance rates an A. Ms. Gamble left the impression that Councillor Moya Johnson was delinquent in her duties to her constituents. Perhaps I could offer another opinion. For the past 18 months, I have been privileged to be a volunteer on the Halton Hills Accessibility Advisory Committee under Moya's chairmanship. We were able to witness first-hand her dedication to the Town and our issues in particular. Her strong leadership helped to mold our group into an effective voice for all disabilities in our community. Her voice on council (one within days of major surgery) brought our issues forward for resolution. In addition, when I acted as chairman for the Rick Hansen Wheels In Motion, Moya was one the first to volunteer on our fledgling committee. Again, her support, loyalty and encouragement helped us present our first disabled fundraiser- an event that helped support a child in Limehouse. At our monthly, then later bi-weekly meetings, Moya would often arrive directly from work and without supper- but she would arrive and contribute. Moya's commitment to volunteering, in addition to holding down a full-time job at Sick Children's Hospital in Toronto, should be recognized and appreciated. I know I do. Bill Leslie, Georgetown (Editor's note: Reporter Cynthia Gamble's story did not imply Councillor Johnson was "delinquent in her duties". The story listed her reasons (surgery, business meetings and out-of-country vacations) for missing seven meetings this term. The accompanying editorial also referred to her absenteeism as "unusual".) B.C. man looking to get in touch with local buddies Dear editor, I left Oakville 30 years ago and went to Colombia, South America to study for a year. I ended up staying for 24 years and in the process left behind several best friends. I have been back in Canada since 2001 but I now live in Surrey, B.C. and I have not been able to find my Ontario friends from Georgetown, Norval and Brampton (not to mention Oakville) and my cousin Betty Anne Rolf (married to Ken Rolf) from Kitchener. Could you please publish this in an attempt to get them to contact me? I am especially looking for Rick Leslie from Georgetown, Wayne Ownes from Norval and Les McAusland (who married Wayne's sister-- Cathy?) who I think lived in Brampton. My e-mail address, for these guys and anyone else who knew me and would like to write and get back in contact is: smithcdn@yahoo.com. Leonard V.A. Smith, Surrey, B.C. 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. Wallet owner grateful for its return Dear editor, I would like to express my appreciation for a kind and honest woman who found my purse and returned it to me recently. I lost it in Mississauga, dropped in a parking lot, and when I returned, it was gone. My heart sank, but two hours later, a phone call to my home revealed a Norval resident had found it, looked up my telephone number, and called to relieve my stress. She was gracious and accommodating, and it reinforced the idea that there are plenty of honest people left in this world. We do, in fact, outnumber the dishonest among us, a fact too easily forgotten these days. So Sharon, thank you again. Good deeds spawn good deeds, and rest assured, your efforts to track me down and ensure I got my purse back will multiply. Pam Bruce, Mississauga