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OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, April 8, 2009 · 6 OPINION & LETTERS The Oakville Beaver 467 Speers Rd., Oakville Ont. L6K 3S4 (905) 845-3824 Fax: 337-5571 Classified Advertising: 845-3824, ext. 224 Circulation: 845-9742 Editorial and advertising content of the Oakville Beaver is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. THE OAKVILLE BEAVER IS PROUD OFFICIAL MEDIA SPONSOR FOR: NEIL OLIVER Vice ­ President and Group Publisher of Metroland West The Oakville Beaver is a division of Media Group Ltd. DAVID HARVEY General Manager JILL DAVIS Editor in Chief ROD JERRED Managing Editor DANIEL BAIRD Advertising Director RIZIERO VERTOLLI Photography Director SANDY PARE Business Manager MARK DILLS Director of Production MANUEL GARCIA Production Manager CHARLENE HALL Director of Distribution SARAH MCSWEENEY Circ. Manager Curb growth of sunshine list At a time when so many people are struggling to survive financially, the release last week of the province's "sunshine list" brought a thunderous clap of disbelief. In a bid for transparency and accountability, the Public Sector Salary Disclosure Act requires the annual release of names, positions and total salaries of employees who earn $100,000 more each year working for organizations funded by the Province of Ontario. An extra 11,000 people climbed their way onto this list in 2008, marking a 26 per cent increase over last year's numbers. More than 53,500 public sector workers, their salaries funded by Ontario taxpayers, are now part of this distinct club. Yes, inflation is to blame for much of the list's growth, but $100,000 in 1996 dollars (when the list first was published) is comparable to more than $128,000 today. Using that benchmark, only 16,000 people would be on the list -- but still nearly four times as many who made it in 1996. With today's average annual Ontario salary rate sitting at around $46,000, the yearly dose of disclosure "sunshine" can burn at the best of times. Add this angst to a year defined by job losses, personal and corporate bankruptcies and an imploding economy, it's no wonder storm clouds are gathering over the heads of fed-up and stressed-out Ontarians. Ontario citizens can't control what happens in the private sector, but they should expect and demand more from their government. Premier Dalton McGuinty's pledge to shrink the size of the public sector by five per cent isn't good enough. His government should be taking a hard look at ways and means to ensure the "sunshine club" doesn't continue to grow at a rate that many would call "alarming." The Oakville Beaver welcomes letters from its readers. Letters will be edited for clarity, length, legal considerations and grammar. In order to be published all letters must contain the name, address and phone number of the author. Letters should be addressed to The Editor, Oakville Beaver, 467 Speers Rd., Oakville, ON, L6K 3S4, or via e-mail to editor@oakvillebeaver.com. The Beaver reserves the right to refuse to publish a letter. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Rabbits aren't good Easter presents This Easter, thousands of local adults will be tempted to buy an Easter rabbit for a beloved child, godchild, grandchild, niece or nephew. A few months from now, our local animal shelters will be inundated by a flood of cast-off bunnies. I would ask that everyone who is considering buying a rabbit this year stop and think about three important facts: · First, although rabbits can make wonderful pets, they are naturally fragile and timid. An active child who expects a cuddly pet can easily terrify or even injure a rabbit. · Second, a well cared for rabbit should live as long as a large dog (10 years or more) and will require just as much love, attention and veterinary care (often very expensive) as a dog or cat would. So don't give an Easter rabbit to a child, unless you know that the child's parents will be happy to take on a decade-long commitment. · If you have decided that a rabbit is right for your household, consider adopting one from your local humane society. Many rabbits are currently in shelters waiting for their forever homes. If you want to make a child's Easter happy, don't give a live rabbit unless you know it will be loved and cared for throughout its natural life. If there's any doubt, give a stuffed or chocolate bunny instead. CAROLINE TARASO, OWNER OF THREE RESCUED RABBITS Remembering Drew I watched his Dad, his whole body shaking, sobbing saying to no one in particular how a father should never have to watch his son die. His Nana has aged years since this horrific event, never sleeps a full night and misses her grandson with a depth she never knew existed. His aunt, who is so very, very sad, remembers giving Drew her old car when he got his licence and how happy and excited and thankful he was. His younger cousins who were very close to him are overwhelmed with grief. His stepsiblings and stepmother trying to make sense of Drew being lost to them forever. His innumerable friends who filed by his bed in intensive care at the hospital a year ago to say goodbye to their trusted friend and buddy, to pay their last respects. Friends who have since honoured him with tattoos, poetry, songs, planting trees, making spiritual mementos by the hundreds for his funeral. There are too many accolades to name and these busy young people, who are off to university and college, have never ever stopped paying tribute to Drew. His brother Warren, who touched everyone's heart by deeply writing a song and singing it at the funeral as a tribute to his younger brother Drew, whose passion was music. This week's poll This week's question is: In the recent Ontario budget, the McGuinty government announced plans to harmonize the PST and GST into a harmonized tax (HST). Is this a good idea? · Yes · No To vote, visit oakvillebeaver.com Last week's poll: Mayor Rob Burton recently told the Oakville Chamber of Commerce the economy was showing signs of recovery. Do you agree? · Yes 33.33% · No 66.67% Total votes: 51 votes The Oakville Beaver is a member of the Ontario Press Council. The council is located at 80 Gould St., Suite 206, Toronto, Ont., M5B 2M7. Phone 416-340-1981. Advertising is accepted on the condition that, in the event of a typographical error, that portion of advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with a reasonable allowance for signature, will not be charged for, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the applicable rate. The publisher reserves the right to categorize advertisements or decline. See Honouring page 9