Letters to the editor...Median petitioner responds to critics

Dear editor, Re: Three recent letters to the editor were about what I am doing concerning the reconstruction of Main Street in downtown Georgetown. I would like to clarify some points to those writers. To Anne Rogers-Kaczor: Please redirect your "outrage" over being `insulted" about where you stand in proximity of the Main St. project. In the report from Chris G. Mills, Manager of Development Engineering for the Town of Halton Hills, I refer you to page 2 of Report ENG-2006-0022, dated May 31, 2006, under "Comments Received From Public". The input from the Public Open House on April 13, 2006 was summarized into two categories-- "Businesses/Residents along Project Limits" and "Responses outside Project Limits". Council accepted this report from staff. It seems they were not outraged by the wording and neither was I. Please take your "outrage" to them. To Linda Zammit: my apologies to bringing up the Berlin Wall, I see that it was a tender part of your life. I probably could have used Hadrian's Wall or the Great China Wall but what I wanted to convey to the public is `intimidation' as it can be seen by seniors, the disabled, the visually impaired, and the very young when it comes to crossing the street due to the median impediment. It doesn't look like much to us, but to them, it's a lot. Equal access and freedom of movement should be for all. It is good to be reminded that in Canada, we can still petition governments and freely talk to people on Main St. To Elizabeth McNeilly, Christine Monteath and Kimm Falls: Let me respond to your letter which was critical of my actions seeking to have a petition signed (by 200 people) to get rid of the median. No doubt it was unusual to see me talking to people about the Main St. reconstruction and getting a petition signed. Democracy comes to Main St., Georgetown, yes, that would that be unusual? Is it unusual that someone would disagree with you or council? I think that I was annoying only to you for the fact that I went to the people and asked them what they wanted. The majority don't want the median. See the petition. However, don't fret, council will be putting the median in anyway just so that our "local" farmers won't be put out at the market next year. God forbid that they should have to make a little sacrifce, compared to what the merchants are going to have to endure. It seems to hell with how the electorate and the majority want the $1.2 million project to turn out. So it may not be democracy working at its best (or at all) for the majority of us here in Georgetown (Halton Hills) but I am sure that you, my good merchants, will be happy in your little stores as look out at your aesthetically-pleasing little median that few people want or see as functional or practical. And don't forget to thank your council. Now let's see where my tax dollars went this year. Dave Harley, Georgetown