SECTION TWO WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7. 1988 Etje Canadian Statesman 623-3303 Durham County's Great Family Journal Established 134 vears ago in 1BS4. Also Incorporating The Bowman ville News The Newcastle Independent The Orooo News Second class mall registration number 1561 Produced every Wednesday by THE JAMES PUBLISHING COMPANY LIMITED 62-66 King St. W., Bowman ville, Ontario L1C 3K9 JOHN M. JAMES Editor--Publisher GEO. P. MORRIS Business Mgr. RICHARD A. JAMES Assistant Publisher BRIAN PURDY Advertising Mgr. PETER PARROTT Associate Editor DONALD BISHOP Plant Mgr. 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Waste Seems Inevitable The opposition parties at Queen's Park received their yearly ammunition ammunition to fire at the Liberal government recently when Provincial Auditor General Douglas Archer reported on the government's record of financial management over the past year. The budget of the government, sadly, sadly, is nearly $35 billion. About one- third of that money is allocated for health care expenditures. No doubt about it, a lot of money is involved. Mr. Archer announced that the Liberals deserve a seven-out-of-ten rating for their performance but have left much room for improvement. Specifically, he cited the ten-year-old computer services program which was started by the Conservatives in the days when the PCs appeared unbeatable unbeatable and ready to rule well into the next century. According to the auditor's report, millions of dollars have been wasted primarily because such an extended program cannot keep pace with the rapidly changing technology of the computer world. The spectacle of computer technology technology outpacing the Ministry's vision of the future says much about government government in general and about the laborious laborious way in which it operates, specifically. specifically. Premier Peterson's reaction to the report is that in an organization as decentralized as the government, spending the amounts of money it does, some waste is necessarily going to occur. According to the Premier, the auditor has told.cabinet ministers eliminate completely the kina of waste which auditors perennially turn up in governments throughout the country. As depressing a thought as that may be, it likely is true. Our post-war ancestors created a Frankenstein- style monster known as big government, government, and we are living with it today. Of course, we are creating an evil twin to terrorize succeeding generations: generations: an enormous government debt. Each year when the auditor's report comes out, reporters rush to find the gems of ineptitude which are always there, somewhere. Newspaper readers readers learn of the wasted tax money and shake their heads. Government officials officials pledge to do better and wait, a week until people have forgotten about what the auditor had to say. For years we have been pummelled with the notion notion that government wastes money; we now accept it with nary a whimper. whimper. Because it takes an enormous bungle bungle costing billions of tax dollars to really get our attention, many people will consider the government's rating rating of 70% to be fairly respectable -- the best to be expected. Let us raise our sights and ask why we must accept a system in which waste and mismanagement are accepted accepted as normal and where we need an auditor and a staff of a whopping 91 people to watch over its every move, searching out misuse and wastefulness wastefulness that everyone acknowledges is there to be found. New Industrial Revolution Much as Sherman and his army marched to Atlanta, transforming the landscape along his way and ending the bloody American Civil War, so technology today is marching through our traditional world, destroying destroying much, and changing it in lasting ways. Volumes have been written about the Industrial Revolution, professing to explain it and its enormous impact on the world then and today. But we are living today in a time more revolutionary revolutionary than even nineteenth- century England. And one eight- letter word has spawned the enormous change we live amongst: computer. Whether it's the machine itself or the myriad of technological innovations innovations which are spinning outward from it, we are caught up in a world which has never been changing so quickly. The evidence surrounds arid pervades us. There are now more computers in existence than there are people, and the gap is widening. There are computers computers in everything today from toasters toasters and power drills to satellites and : automobiles. When you take a new ; car in for service now, the mechanic wheels out his computerized analysis machine which plugs into your car's computer and produces a printout explaining explaining the difficulty. When you withdraw money from the bank to pay for the repair, whether you use the bank machine or not, you are connected with z your savings by a series of bits and bytes on a computer screen. Cash is an increasingly rare commodity at the bank. Record stores sell fewer and fewer records now. The old vinyl discs (which most home stereos are set up to play) are being phased out to make room for infinitely superior compact discs-analog recording sacrificed for the digital variety. The sound is crisper and clearer; the music is more easily accessed on a disc.' But record collections around the world are becoming obsolete. Radio stations only five years ago wore boasting when they played a compact disc; now those which do not are scrambling to change over. People People who have spent a lifetime compiling compiling record collections are faced with the painful choice between switching to discs and starting over or fighting a losing battle against technology just as eight-track tape lovers did ten years ago. There will come a day when new cartridges and turntables no longer are available, and vinyl records will be as useful as their 78- speod grandfathers are today. The business world looks different today than it did only a decade ago. Cellular phones along with facsimile machines (the invention of the decade) decade) have combined to change business business practices forever. On the two election nights last month, radio reporters reporters did not need to dash to pay phones each time a poll result was an nounced at a candidate's headquar-. ters. They simply lifted the receiver on their cellular phone, dialled the station, and listed the results. It will not be long before Canadian courts acknowledge the precision of fax machines and proclaim that the copies they produce are legally equivalent equivalent to originals - thus radically altering altering the practice of law from coast to coast. Already, shelves of law books are disappearing onto microfiche and floppy discs. If stuffy old lawyers are turning to computers, who will be spared? Perhaps, though, we need not be spared. A wise person has said, the most unhappy people fear change the most. And long before Christ came (incidentally, to change the world forever) Heraclitus pointed out that there is nothing permanent except change. A legitimate question is: why should we he spared these discoveries discoveries and advances which increase the convenience and immediacy of our world? Change is with us and around us, and for many it brings an easier life, a more productive and happier existence. existence. But there is a dark side to the extreme rate of change in society today. today. Segments of society feel adrift. Crime is rampant. One of the newest types of lawbreakers is the computer criminal. Last month a pervasive electronic electronic "virus" infected computers all across the United States, thus alerting the public to the dangers of widespread computer crime. Medical advances are outstripping our ability to regulate and monitor them. The veil over our moral bankruptcy bankruptcy is torn away when we begin talking of breeding babies for tissue and viable "parts". There is no consensus consensus on invitro fertilization and a host of other profoundly important issues issues related to medical ethics. Many doctors want to slow down and reflect on the discoveries they are making. Some don't believe that what they are doing is correctly labelled progress. Given a choice between living now or living at some time in the past, most of us would choose now. We are happy with the ease of our lifestyle. We take electricity for granted and love eating in restaurants. We like having weekends off to relax, and we certainly wouldn't know how to build our own house. In many ways, our reaction reaction to technology and to the changes changes it brings is a moot point anyway given that change is constant and its throttle is wide open. Our grandchildren and their children children will look back with thanksgiving, thanksgiving, however, if we weigh our advances advances today with some of the broader questions of their long-range implications implications and effects. We should not accept accept an equation which pronounces that all change equals progress; it often often does not. We are living through a time of tumultuous change. We need to be acutely aware of that fact. Christmas Tree Lighting Marks Beginning of Festive Season In Editor's Mail Dear Sir/Madam: Christmas trees. Every December, millions of strong, healthy trees are needlessly chopped down for the sake of tradition. It is time traditions are reassessed, reassessed, re-evaluated and modified to suit the present situation. For example, 1. Thousands of acres of forest are constantly destroyed destroyed for industrial and residential development. These trees are not being replaced. replaced. 2. The rain forests, the lungs of the world, throughout throughout the world, are being wiped-out for monetary, farming and political reasons. reasons. 3. Increasing development development means more hydro lines. Each year, millions of trees are cut to provide an unobstructed path for these hydro lines. Trees are essential. They take in carbon monoxide and replace this with live-giving oxygen. With pollution on the uprise and the future of the planet in jeopardy, each one of us can make a difference. difference. Each tree left alive is a breath of life. This year, instead instead of cutting a tree down, buy a live, potted tree. Then, in the Spring, plant it outside. Hope for this planet lies in everyone's willingness to cooperate. cooperate. Think before you cut. Thank-you for your time. L. Adams & N. Brown Bowmanville celebrated the beginning of the Christmas season on Thursday night, December 1, by lighting the large Christmas tree beside the Cenotaph Cenotaph and the Bank of Montreal. Bands from the High School and the Senior Public school entertained, and Mayor Marie Hubbard flipped the switch to turn on the lights. Afterward, many downtown businesses served cider and snacks to dozens of people who started their shopping. We might naively assume assume that if all of the residents residents of the Town of Newcastle object to the building of a new waste disposal site here, then no dump site can go ahead. But, when you stop and think about it, you have to agree that this viewpoint is a little simplistic. That's because it's based on the idea that local local government - namely namely the town council - is the master in its own house. In fact, the issue gets a little more complicated complicated than that. Local and regional council generally are the final authority in matters matters such as building new streets, approving subdivisions, installing parks, and regulating parking or pets. In fact, 99 per cent of the time lo cal council carries on as if it is the final authority. authority. But there are a number of occasions when we see that the power is greatly limited - especially in times when very large issues are at stake. There are times when we realize that the truth of the matter is this: the responsibility of local government is farmed out to elected councils simply because of the fact that senior levels of government government don't really care to get involved in topics such as the size of roadside signs or the number of djgs allowed in one house. But in certain matters having provincial and federal importance, senior senior government takes over the reins of power and can drive the mu nicipalities anywhere. Everyone, it seems, has a doss. And in the case of the municipal governments, the boss is how many resolutions opposing the project were passed by the regional or local council. It's true that building a those higher echelons of 'dump in a municipality power in Queen's Park where over 30,000 citi- and Ottawa. Cities, towns and townships are not independent independent fiefdoms where the word of the local council is the final law. How does this relate to the question of garbage dumps being proposed for the Town of Newcastle by both the private and the public sector? Well, look at it this way: If a garbage disposal disposal facility could leap all the environmental hurdles and pass the scrutiny of the Ontario Municipal Board and the Ontario cabinet, that facility facility could go ahead. It wouldn't really matter zens opposed that dump would be a bit of a public relations nightmare for the provincial government government which could have the final authority to approve approve the project. But, from the perspective perspective of a provincial government, government, one community community of about 40,000 people is probably not a major consideration. In fact, it's not even an entire riding out of the total ridings ridings represented in the Legislature. The fact of the matter is that the opinion of the local residents may not be a major factor in deciding deciding the fate of the dumps in the Newcastle. This does not, however, however, mean that one or both of the sites will get a green light. It does mean that the issue must be decided on the technical merits alone and on the information information which will be placed before the environmental environmental agencies and the Ontario Municipal Board in the future. Of course, we might add that the residents of the community are not opposed to dump sites because because of some kind of hysteria not founded on facts. Rather, they are opposed for the valid reasons reasons such as interfer- of ground water Dear Sir: I was shocked to hear of the way the young skateboarders skateboarders were treated at a recent council meeting. Isn't the public gallery intended for use by any interested member of the public? The skateboarders were behaving quietly and properly properly but were shabbily tricked into leaving. They believed believed the councillors were to Town of be trusted and were telling the truth when they informed informed them that the issue would be tabled until a future future date. However, as soon as the young people had been "kicked out', the issue concerning concerning them was eagerly resumed. This was grossly unfair and would not be tolerated tolerated by any other segment of the public. However, the prejudice against teenagers and the branding of them all as a "bad lot" continues. This group of young people people will be of voting age quite soon. I think the members of council would be wise to start off the new session by showing equal respect to all citizens. Yours sincerely, V. Jones Dear Editor: pnep nt PTOunrl wntpr The Bowmanville Santa supplies, contamination Clous committee thanks , ou Police Seek Help in Pickering Murder Case Crime Stoppers and Durham Durham Regional Police are asking asking for the Public's help in solving the Murder of Pritan Singh Chohan whose body was found in Pickering on August 11th this year. On August 1st, at midnight, midnight, Chohan left his place of employment at the Central Central Bakery, Cawthra Avenue, Avenue, in the St. Clair/Keele area of Toronto and drove away in his car. The next day the family, received a phone call stating that Chohan was dead. At this time his father notified Police. On August 5th the deceased's deceased's black Buick Century was located in the parking lot of 1442 Lawrence Avenue Avenue West, which is at the intersection intersection of Lawrence and Keele Street. On August 11th his body was located on Side Line 34 about 1/2 km North of Concession Concession 8 in Pickering. The body which had been wrapped in plastic and set on fire, was Burned beyond recognition. A re-enactment of this Crime will be shown on CITY TV Channel 57, Cable 7 on Thursday, December 8th during the 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. News. It will also be shown on CHEX TV Peterborough Peterborough and CKVR TV Barrie Barrie on Friday, December 9 th, again during their News. Police have been investigating investigating this Homicide since the body was found and are asking for anyone with any information to call Crime Stoppers. Did you see him after he left the Bakery? Did you see who drove his car and parked it at 1442 Lawrence Lawrence Avenue West? Have you any idea who killed him and why? People are asked to call no matter how insignificant the information may be. Callers will never have to give their names or go to Court. In Durham Region the Crime Stoppers number is 436-8477. In the Toronto area 683- 9100 and ask for Crime Stoppers. Stoppers. Sergeant Sandy Ryrie of the Durham Regional Police Force writes this article to help combat crime. A Citizen Board administers the Crime ■ Stoppers Programs of which there are now over 800 in North America. The reward money is raised through Tax Deductible donations which may be sent to Toronto and Regional Crime Stoppers, P.O. Box 54, Oshawa, Ontario Ontario L1H 7K8. Letter to Editor Dear tiama: I love you and I have been a good boy. Are you still making toys? For Christmas I would like Micromachines. My brother Michael has been good too. He would like anything. We will leave you cookies and milk and carrots for your reindeer. Nicholas Vanderduim. R.R. 4, Bowmanville L1C3K5. of Lake Ontario, and much other information based on valid data. The strength of that data will be the deciding factor. In either case, however, the ultimate decision decision will be made at a level of government beyond beyond the scope of local elected officials. It may not be enough to say: "This dump should not be allowed here because all of the residents are against it." Perhaps such opposition opposition should be enough to quash the proposal. But our system of government government doesn't work that way. Nevertheless, the citizens citizens and the elected officials officials must remain diligent diligent players in the drama which is about to be enacted. and your staff for your cooperation cooperation in promoting and providing coverage of the parade this year. Despite coming in the midst of two elections the attendance would indicate many people still found time to participate or attend the paraae. Through your paper we would also thank the many people who assisted in the running of the parade. Button Button sales and the financial support of businesses and individuals individuals will ensure that the costs of the parade will once again be covered. This year the number of floats and fillers fillers did increase and we thank groups and individuals individuals for the time taken to ensure ensure a successful parade. As with everything it is recognized there are still some minor problems with the parade. Hopefully, with eveyone's co-operation, these problems can be eliminated eliminated in the future. Your truly, Don Welsh. CPF Talent Auction Attracts Large Audience of Buyers $730.52for United Way The employees at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in Newcastle Village raised $730.52 for the United Way campaign. Over half was earned with a cake auction. Manager Joe McLauchlan presents the cheque to Joy Woodcock, the Financial Institution Co-ordinator of the United Way campaign campaign in Newcastle. On Thursday, November 24, the Canadian Parents Parents for French held a talent auction at the Lions Centre in Bowmanville. The project raised over $2,000. Some of the Ontario Street Public School students students who will benefit from the funds raised at the auction are shown above with some of the items on the auction block. From left to right they are: (front) Fraser McArthur, Jason Barr, David Leppert, Matt James, (middle) Elli Bunton, Kimi Perkins, Melissa Melissa Alim, (back) Allison McArthur, Tonya Bunton,
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