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Share your voice on quarry's future When it comes to discussion-- virtually any discussion-- involving Dufferin Aggregates there are usually dichotomous views on the local quarry operation. One opinion held is that the company is slowly, but surely, destroying the beauty and vitality of the Niagara Escarpment in the firm's bid to retrieve much soughtafter aggregate. Critics charge the environment has been forever damaged by the quarrying operation and these same critics are usually first in line to fight any plans for expansion by Dufferin. The contrary opinion is one that Dufferin is a business meeting an Ontario-wide demand for aggregate and has gone above and beyond expectations in trying to rehabilitate the land it quarries. The firm points to the fact it has allowed for the planting of more than 21,000 trees in recent years and exceeded standards in sloping quarry walls, among other things. The quarry has also been criticized for its hours of operation and neighbours have complained about blasting at the site. Dufferin contends, while it has a licence to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, it has consulted with neighbours to try and lessen the impact of the quarry operation on those who live nearby. Regardless of which view one holds, the fact remains that when quarrying operations eventually cease, there will be many acres of land available and Dufferin is planning now how best to use those lands. Dufferin is seeking seven residents from the Acton area to participate on the After Use Vision Advisory Committee (the Town will also appoint three members of the public, a councillor and one staff person). The committee will provide advice to Dufferin on how best to use the land in the future-- uses that could include anything from nature trails to soccer fields to fishing ponds. Love them or hate them, quarries do have a shelf life and local residents should jump at the chance to help shape the future of the Acton quarry. For details on seeking a seat on the committee see today's story on page 9. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Sidewalks save wear and tear on joggers Dear editor, As both a driver and a jogger, I felt compelled to respond to what seems to be a misunderstanding about joggers taking to the road rather than sticking to the sidewalk. Joggers are not, in fact, using the side of the road because we think we "own the road" or because we have a death wish. Believe it or not, concrete sidewalks are significantly harder than Dear editor, Let me start by saying I enjoy and look forward to the weekend edition of The Independent & Free Press. I am always particularly interested in Ted Brown's viewpoint on what typically are trivial, yet important, topics; his comments are always timely, humourous and pithy. A few months ago on two previous occasions, Ted used the term "The Sidekick" when referencing his partner. I dismissed the comment, and mentioned to my spouse that if he used this term again then I would have to speak up. Well, in a recent column, it was Ted's third strike. Now we all use loving nicknames when referring to our spouses or partners, but don't even get me started on the juvenile references such as hubby or wifey. These are definitely two terms that do not belong in our vocabulary. Other very appropriate terms to refer to one's partner could be "my spouse" however, perhaps they are not married, so how about this crazy sugasphalt. By running on the asphalt rather than the concrete, joggers are attempting to save the long-term health of their joints. For a review please see http://answers.google.com/answers/thre adview?id=144092. You will note where asphalt sidewalks do exist (e.g., Eighth Line) you will see few, if any, joggers on the road. As a driver, it does disturb me to see runners running on the road and not gestion, refer to her by her first name or perhaps a pseudonym. The term "The Sidekick" could be interpreted, and has been by myself, as a derogatory reference to your partner. I, for one, take offense. While we live in the 21st century and you would think that the rights of all individuals are equal, we are far from that perfect world. We still live in a world where in India 10,000 baby girls a year are murdered by their parents for committing the highest offense of all ... being born a girl. Gender discrimination, along with many other forms, is alive and well. Ted, being a father of four daughters, I am positive you would never want any man to treat them as anything other than an equal. While it's unlikely that your reference to your partner as "The Sidekick" is intended as anything other than playful and cute. It's unfortunate labels such as these that can be the foundation of discrimination. Jackie Pries, Georgetown facing the traffic. Certainly if we are going to run on the road, we should be aware of the vehicles so we can see and act accordingly if for some reason a driver does lose control. As a runner, it also disturbs me to see drivers who do not yield an inch for a runner. Particularly on wide roads like Argyll, where it is so easy to allow a runner a little space. Surely it is not a hardship to move your car over a foot or two to allow a fellow community member at the side of the road some space. Kathryn Abercrombie, Georgetown Columnist's use of nickname offends reader Theft of stamps `shameful' Dear editor, I supply Wastewise with postage stamps for collectors to purchase. On a monthly basis I replenish their stock and Wastewise receives a portion of the sales. On March 2 I put in a new selection which was stolen on March 3 or March 5. It is shameful that anyone would stoop so low to steal from an organization like Wastewise, which works hard to recycle items on a regular basis. Wastewise appreciates it that so many people donate so much stuff. It is a shame that items get stolen that they have to pay for. If anyone notices some very attractive postal souvenir sheets from all over the world that someone is showing off, please call the Halton Regional Police Service at 905-878-5511. Henry Vanden Top, Georgetown