10 THE NEW TANNER THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2007 EDITORIAL Distributed to every home in Acton and area as well as adjoining communities. 373 Queen Street East, Unit 1 Acton, Ontario L7J 2N2 email: thenewtanner@on.aibn.com Frances Niblock Mike OLeary Angela Tyler Rebecca Ring Publisher Editorial Ted Tyler Hartley Coles Editorial Contributors Advertising and Circulation Composing Marie Shadbolt Bruce Cargill Danielle McIsaac By Angela Tyler with Hartley Coles (519) 853-0051 Fax: (519) 853-0052 Every effort will be made to see advertising copy, neatly presented, is correctly printed. The publisher assumes no financial responsibility for typographical errors or omissions in advertising, but will gladly reprint without charge that part of an advertisement in which an error may occur provided a claim is made within five days of publication. All articles, advertisements and graphic artwork appearing in The New Tanner is copyrighted. Any usage, reproduction or publication of these items, in whole or in part, without the express written consent of the publisher of The New Tanner is a copyright infringement and subject to legal action. Ontario will go to the polls on Wednesday October 10 a scant 40 days away- to elect a government and also to decide whether a new system of proportional representation will be suitable for the province. The referendum on electoral reform will require a 60 per cent majority to pass which means it must muster majorities at least 64 of the provinces 111 ridings. Most people who mark their ballots on election day will have no problem on affixing their x on the candidates of their choice, from what ever party they support. However in view of the paucity of information about a new proportional system of representation, there undoubtedly is going to be a lot of problems. Not only is there not much information readily available on how it is supposed to work, it seems incredibly complex. Apparently this new model legislature will combine the best fea- tures of our present system to a mixed member proportional system similar to one used in New Zealand. The idea is that so many voters dont opt for the three major political powers will now have a say in how this province operates. Some say the proposed electoral reform will result in an exhausting trail of minority governments. On the other side its proponent say the mix would produce greater accountability and introduce more parties into the legislature as well as generation more democratic parliament. We think more information should be available to the public soon so voters can make up their minds about whether electoral reform is needed in Ontario, or not, well before the election. Why is there such a, outcry about naming part of the Highway 401 as the Highway of Heros as a memorial to those who have died in the armed forces, especially those who paid the supreme sacrifice in Afghanistan. There may be other names which may be more appropriate but why has the renaming turned into a political football. That part of the 401 will still be called the 401. A sign along its route will remind motorist that members of the armed forces are dying at the hands of the Taliban. In 1965 it was renamed the McDonald Cartier Highway, but its still called the 401. It was only a few years ago that former Highway 25 (now Regional Rd. 25) was named the Veterans Highway. Most everyone rejoiced at the tribute to our veterans. Its still called 25, but each time we pass one of those signs it reminds us of the sacrifice veterans made for our freedom, as well as others. Why is this renaming turned into a case of whether or not one supports the Canadian efforts in Afghanistan? Its simply a tribute to those who died in service of their country. When youve been married for a bit sometimes you get into a rut. The Dude and I have been in a dateless rut. Last week I was feeling a bit un- der the weather but come Saturday I was starting to feel somewhat alive again. The Dude suggested that maybe I needed to get out of the house and off the couch. A movie was his plan. Saturday evening we headed off for our moving outing. It had been ages since wed been to the movies together. It had been so long that neither of us could remember the last movie we had seen together. I remembered our first movie together. It was our second date. The movie basically stunk, but the evening was wonderful. So with that we were off to Milton to see a movie that had high ratings. We, being past the dating stage, opted for the early show. Sometimes I miss the movie theatres that used to be. Somehow reclining seats and surround sound arent always important. The most important things are good popcorn and a good date. We were early for the feature. We got our popcorn and snacks and headed to the theatre. I said new theatres werent important; however, was I enjoying these rolling reclining seats. They were roomy and I thought other new theatres had great seats but these were the cats meow. Then, I remembered why I didnt really enjoy going to the movies anymore. There were the commercials. There was at least 20 minutes of commercials. I never used to mind much when they had the trivia questions or the snack bar commercials but now, theres an endless array of commercials more numerous than we see on television. Then there was the other thing. It was worse than a death sentence. I remembered why adults dont go to the early show, especially when the early show is a PG 14 show. There are teenagers. There are a lot of teenagers who like to talk and giggle a lot. I suppose Im sounding like an old fuddy-duddy. Yet, when youre paying over ten bucks each to see a movie, then paying for snacks, you can easily drop $40 for a movie that doesnt last a full two hours anymore. I really want to see the movie, not have to watch some teen check out the text messaging on their cellular phone, or talk to their friends. If youre going to a movie, then watch the movie. I guess I have to face reality. It is different going to a movie now than when I was younger. When I was younger, going to a movie was something special because there was no theatre in town then. Going out of town to the movies was an outing. When we were at the movie, we watched it. If we didnt, either the usher would flash a flashlight at you, basically telling you to smarten up, or other patrons would certainly make their point quickly that you werent being respectful of them. Date night was fun, however, I think next time well just go out for dinner or rent a videooops, Im showing my age again. Next time well rent a DVD. In a rut? Consider a movie! 60 AND GOING STRONG: Byron and Blanche Bruce celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Sunday at their family home along with their children Brenda Reid, Brad Bruce, Bob Bruce, Bev Wilkins, 10 grandchildren and friends. When asked what the key to a successful marriage is, Blanche said it was marrying a good man while Byron said it was a good nights sleep and porridge in the morning. The Bruces who are in their 80s still farm 2,000 acres. - Angela Tyler photo Electoral reform What a boondoggle SENIOR STYLE: Acton High School held its back to school registration on Tuesday of this week. Adam Stewart, who will be starting grade 12 this year hands in his registration to Angie Kukkonen who was assisted by Co- President of the student council Dylan Kennedy. - Angela Tyler photo