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6 ·The IFP· Halton Hills ·Tuesday, May 22, 2012 OPINION Win-win-win Sometimes politicians listen to the people they represent. Sometimes politicians at one level of government listen to those at another level. Sometimes politicians of one political stripe heed the words of a rival. Sometimes politicians get it right-- and when they do it is a thing of beauty. Such was the case last week when Liberal Transportation Minister Bob Chiarelli met with Halton Hills Mayor Rick Bonnette in a hastily-arranged meeting (Bonnette was at Queen's Park on another matter) to deliver the news an east-west highway won't be built in south Georgetown. The decision came a day after WellingtonHalton Hills MPP Ted Arnott, a Conservative, put forward a resolution in the legislature calling for the Province to end consideration of Alternative 4-3 in the GTA West Corridor Study. Arnott had also spoken to Chiarelli on the matter numerous times as had a determined Bonnette. As well, both Halton Regional Council and Town of Halton Hills Council (including Councillor Moya Johnson, who ran for the Liberals in a failed bid to unseat Arnott in the last provincial election) denounced Alternative 4-3. The citizens' group CRASHH (Concerned Residents Against Superhighway in Halton Hills) also voiced its opposition loud and clear-- as did the 9,000 residents who submitted postcards of protest. Kudos to them. "As a former mayor, I know the importance of consulting with communities," said Chiarelli. "My Ministry will recommend the widening of Highway 401 as our preferred plan." Now, let's state the obvious. This was an easy decision for Chiarelli as the Province has no money in the immediate future for a new highway and even expanding the 401 is a distant, albeit more cost-effective, dream. In the end this is a win-win-win situation: the Province can say it listened, local politicians advocated for their residents and a foolish plan to build a highway through good farmland, when an existing highway could more easily be expanded, was quashed. 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 Thanks to all who fought 4-3 Dear editor, As a steering committee member of CRASHH (Conerned Citizens Against Superhighway in Halton Hills), I would like to express my thanks and gratitude to a number of people who have been so instrumental in the fight to cancel Alternative 4-3. First, Mayor Rick Bonnette and Town council for their unshakeable commitment to articulate, time and time again, that Alternative 4-3 is the wrong choice for our town. Also, to our MPP Ted Arnott who has stood behind this protest from day one and always made himself available for advice. Thirdly, to Wendy Bruchal, Chair of CRASHH, who proved to be a leadership juggernaut and a tireless protester who never lost sight of her vision of what a successful grassroots protest should be. Fourthly, my thanks to Minister Bob Chiarelli who showed courage in making the right decision and a win-win for the Province as well as for Halton Hills and most importantly to the incredible citizens of our town for standing up and insisting that the voice of local democracy must never be ignored. On a personal note, I was very active along with others in the lawn sign and postcard campaign and would like to give my heartfelt thanks to the many homeowners who allowed me into their homes and extended their warm hospitality and kind support to me. Paul Durante, Halton Hills flowing. Our local Cogeco team who cover local events. A community not afraid of a challenge and despite what appeared to be insurmountable odds found light at the end of what seemed a very long and dark tunnel We are the little town who could and did. Halton Hills was worth the fight Thank you for your support. Wendy Bruchal, CRASHH Cancellation of 4-3 a `good news' story Zellers' staff thanked Dear editor, Re: Alterntive 4-3 cancellation. Words fail me which if you know me speaks volumes. In today's very crazy world a good news story is hard to come by. We are so fortunate to have a mayor and councillors who care enough to push the envelope. This also is echoed by Town staff who also want to do right by the citizens who are their friends and neighbors. Our MPP, a Minister of Transport and regional chair also share the commitment to listen to the facts before deciding the best course of action The best local paper with the reporters who make time to provide the community with facts and articles and help keep the lines of communication WEB POLL RESULTS (Go to www.theifp.ca) Which of the four remaining teams will win the Stanley Cup? · Los Angeles Kings (54%) · New York Rangers (33%) · Phoenix Coyotes (8%) · New Jersey Devils (5%) 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, It is with great sadness that I acknowledge the closing of the Zellers store is fast approaching. Over the years I have made many friends in this store and would like to thank these ladies for their dedication and hard work. I wish them nothing but the best. I would also like to thank Amal and her team. This has been our pharmacy of choice for more than 10 years and I cannot say enough about them. They alway greeted me with a smile and personal greeting. They are very professional and go above and beyond regarding your health. Kathy Cheyne, Georgetown