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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday January 27, 2007 - 7 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Taxes should not be used to save tree The new mayor of Oakville, Rob Burton, has started his new mandate in a most disappointing manner, to say the least. As I understand reported matters around this tree, the folks who wanted to keep it were told the cost as well as the date by which that cost must be realized. They accepted the challenge of trying to meet those variables. Good for them! As it now transpires, they have failed to meet the challenge notwithstanding their best efforts. There is a $75,000 shortfall. For Mr. Burton as mayor, or anyone else for that matter, to offer up taxpayer dollars to close the gap is totally unacceptable. The 'deal' was adequately described, that 'deal' was accepted by those who wished to try and save the tree, and the outcome of that effort was that they could not find enough people to support their preference. End of story! To renege on the agreed deal and decide to intervene, to the disadvantage of the taxpayer and without reference to/discussion with sitting council, suggests to this resident that Mr. Burton intends to try and run the town as if he was running his own private company. This is terrible! As my representative on Council I expect you to strongly object to his actions. Furthermore, as I understand the mayor's own reported thoughts on this matter, you appear to hold the belief that this shortfall in funds to save this tree "will be forthcoming (from the fundraisers is understood, but not said)". If this report accurately conveys his views, may I suggest that this is not the time to hope that the $75,000 gap can be closed. The opportunity to save this tree has been provided. That opportunity was not met. This taxpayer most certainly does not and will not support the use of taxpayer resources to 'rescue' this tree. The very idea is, now, outrageous! J. WESLEY REES January No PST No GST on all furniture orders FINAL WEEK Where were the good Samaritans? I am writing this letter on behalf of a friend in hopes of drawing an ounce of compassion, good Samaritanism and human decency out of the residents of Oakville. Recently, as my friend was crossing Trafalgar in broad daylight in the downtown area, she was struck by a taxi. It was more than just a slight tap as she was knocked to the ground with the force of impact causing her to roll several times and the contents of her bag being strewn across the street. The taxi, after hitting her, did not stop and continued driving. Several cars had witnessed the accident as my friend described hearing screams and gasps from on-lookers. As my friend picked herself up and gathered her belongings, not a single person stopped to see if she was okay, nor did anyone go to the police station to report having witnessed a hitand-run incident. As she told me this story, I was shocked and utterly disgusted by the complete lack of human decency displayed not only by the driver that hit her, but by the other individuals who clearly saw a girl rolling on the street after being struck by a car. I would hope that this is not an everyday occurrence for the people in Oakville such that hitand-run incidents can be shrugged off and considered unworthy of two minutes of precious time to ensure the wellbeing and safety of a person. I am hoping this letter will encourage the residents of Oakville to open their eyes, break out of their little bubbles, and never let this happen again. SAMANTHA YEUNG Fine Children's Furniture Linen and Decor For all your children's furniture needs from infant to adult. 2111 Dunwin Dr., Mississauga 905.828.2525 facing Dundas Street West (2 blocks west of Erin Mills Pkwy) www.aroomofmyown.net Halton Women's Place says thanks for the help On behalf of Halton Women's Place, I would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the community for your generous support of our 2006 Holiday Program. Every day we are inspired by the incredible strength demonstrated by women who desperately want to make changes in their lives. Women come to Halton Women's Place with their children to start a new life free of violence. Women who make this choice are faced with many new challenges, including lower income, affordable housing, custody issues and the loss of family traditions. Overcoming all of these obstacles takes a great deal of courage. We were once again overwhelmed by the generous response of the community. Our dedicated staff and volunteers began taking calls from eager sponsors in September who wanted to create some holiday magic for our families. The magic continued with the filling out of wish lists, hamper creation, wrapping and distribution of hampers. Thank you to the staff and volunteers who remained cheerful and smiling throughout the hard work. This year your support allowed us to assist over 250 families, creating much needed hope and happiness for the women and children who accessed our services in 2006. Through your generosity, mothers were able to provide their children with a holiday that would have otherwise been unattainable. On behalf of the women, children, employees and volunteers at Halton Women's Place, thank you once again for your spirit of giving. Your kindness has provided hope for the New Year, and has shown the women and children who use our services that their community supports them. KARYN RACHER DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT $10 Skirts, pants & tops Reg. $260 Now $10 $20 Tanks, Long Skirts & Pants Reg. $150 Now $20 Tops & Pants Now Reg. $295 $40 $40 $60 Tops & Sweaters Reg. $350 Now $60 Skirts Reg. $300 Pud By Steve Nease snease@haltonsearch.com $80 Now $80 $100 Jackets Reg. $495 Now $100 DOWNTOWN OAKVILLE ·166 Lakeshore Rd. E. 905-337-3155