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4 The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville, Wednesday, May 26,1993 For 139 Years, Our First Concern Has Been Our Community Publisher - John M. James Assoc. Publisher - Richard A, James Plant Manager-Donald J. Bishop Ad. Manager - Brian G. Purdy Editor - Peter Parrott Production Rick Patterson, Julie Cashin-Oster, Ross Fisher, Laurens Kaldeway, Doug Lugtenburg, Sharon McMulJen, Barb Patterson, Ralph Rozcma, Jim Snoek, Vance Sutherland, Jim Tuuramo Advertising Laveme Morrison Editorial ||=s|' Brad Kelly, Lorraine Manfredo, Laura J. Richards '--^ Former Publishers office Rev.. W. R. Climie, 1854-1878 • M.A. James, 1878-Ï935 • George W. James, 1935-1957 * Angela Luscher, Junia Hodge, Grace McGregor, Nancy Pleasance, Marilyn Rutherford Produced weekly by James Publishing Company Limited p.Q. Box 190,62 King St. W., Bowmanville, Ontario, L1C 3K9 416-623-3303 Fax 416-623-6161 Tax Grabbers If you listened carefully last week, following the latest Ontario budget, you might have heard thousands of wallets being zipped tightly shut. And, chances arc they will slay that way until the average taxpayer becomes convinced dial the recession is truly over. Therein lies the major flaw in the most recent financial blueprint from llte provincial government. The document, with its increase in. basic personal income lax, is not something which will inspire the general public to go out and spend money which would get the economy rolling again. Bob Rac and his cohorts have chosen to raise the funds they need for day-to-day government and debt reduction through taxation. The problem is that when you keep eating away at discretionary income, you are attaching an anchor to the economy. A middle class family forced to pay out another $500 in income tax is less likely to order a new car, purchase a new TV or plan a major trip for dicir next vacation. And so, die economy remains stagnant and there arc more layoffs and cutbacks. The provincial New Democrats may get the money dicy need through higher income taxes. But, they will find themselves taxing a shrinking pool of available income-earners. This will only force them to raise income taxes even higher in the future. A wiser choice would have been to attempt to stimulate the economy. Unfortunately, the New Democrats have tended to believe that stimulation of the economy means more government spending on employment-generating projects. Ontario's treasurer noted that to reduce the unemployment rate by just one per cent would require an expenditure of $4 billion by the government. He seems to have missed the point. The task of creating jobs should belong mainly to the private sector. The New Democrats would be belter off if tiiey were to stimulate die economy by simply leaving more money in the hands of the average citizen to spend as he or she secs fit. Under those conditions, die jobs would'bc created by businesses and industry, without costing die government a penny. When spending occurs, more products are sold, more sales tax is collected, entrepreneurs sec opportunities to start businesses, more employees arc hired and the economy begins an upward spiral. It is this kind of positive growth which the New Democrats need to foster. Rather than seeing wealth as an evil which must be punished by taxation, they might consider llic wealth as a creative, sustaining force which can not only pull us out of the recession but also pay down the deficit loo. But, to encourage people to spend their money, you have to resist the temptation to try and balance the books simply through taxation. Aside from the S2 billion lax grab dirough higher taxes and fees, diere is an ongoing attempt, dirough social contract talks, to trim an equal amount from the public service. Frankly, we will believe that when we sec it. It seems hard to believe dial the New Democrats will wring concessions from the very same union leaders who have traditionally been their allies. Remaining budget initiatives seem, to us, to be of minbr importance. The removal of the S5 tire tax, for example, is not enough to stimulate the economy. And, if the problem of lire disposal remains, it may have been a mistake to remove the tax altogether. Originally, the lax was supposed to have helped Ontario find ways to dispose of tires, however, the money had never been used for that purpose. So, it was decided that the lax should be withdrawn. Did the possibility of keeping the tax, and using it to start a program to dispose of the tires not cross anyone's mind? Finally, the taxpayers have been asked to lake some comfort in statements to the effect that die tax-grab announced last week is the last major lax increase planned by this provincial government. That's a promise. Anyone prepared to believe that promise should keep in mind the following fact: We arc governed by the same people who proclaimed, while in opposition, that they would implement public car insurance if elected. Now, as the provincial government, die same group has not only reversed its decision on government-run car insurance, but also slapped a 5 per cent tax on car insurance premiums. It makes you wonder, doesn't it? Jekyll & Hyde ^6oo r / os.2L.«13 Laura J. Richards Letter to the Editor Festivities Announced for Heritage Week Dear Editor: of the world? Be at the Bowmanville Heritage Week is just days away, Four Comers at one o'clock and get and I'm sure your readers are won- it off y° ur chest, dcring what is on the schedule for For the third year, the Newcastle this year. Y.f Jt Family Connection will be presenting We arc starting things off with), their Teddy Bear Clinic. On May opening ceremonies by the Cenotaph' at the Bowmanville Town Hall at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 29. This year marks the 5th anniversary of the Heritage Week event, and we hope to have an interesting opening for everyone. Following that, will be the parade, complete with costumes, old cars, floats, bands, and special guests from the Bowmanville Zoo. The Orange Lodge will be hosting a reception at the Legion right after the parade. Everyone is welcome to pop in and say 'hello'. At one o'clock on May 29th, come out and speak your mind at the Speaker's Comer, hosted by Bowmanville Bowmanville Toastmasters. The event will be complete with a 'soap box'. Got something to say about the way A by !Rick James After last week's provincial budget dashed any hopes of an economic recovery for Ontario, many readers assumed that I would devote an entire column to ripping apart the government's irresponsible approach to simple economics. But, I won't, since the rest of Ontario's media has already crucified Floyd Laughrin's budget since it was introduced last Wednesday. Rather, I'd like to focus on two related issues that should draw considerable attention in the coming weeks. My first concern is about the "social contract" negotiations and the public sector's reluctance to consider wage cuts, non-paid days, and layoffs layoffs in an attempt by the province to trim $2 billion billion from the government's payroll. The government has asked the public sector to reduce its numbers by 11,000 employees, from a total of 950,000. Union leaders have slammed their fists on the negotiation table in delianco, saying there will be no layoffs, period! Let's look at the numbers. When you consider consider that 11,000 layoffs only represents 1% ol the total provincial payroll, union loaders should not expect a lot ol sympathy from the private sector whore unemployment rates have hit double digit digit proportions. Another proposal from the government suggests suggests that public sector employees work 12 unpaid unpaid days per year. Again, the union loaders stand united and accuse the government ol being being unreasonable. One ol the largest public unions opposed to such a plan is the teachers' federation. Now, lot's remember this Is the group that doesn't work during the summer, Is granted professional professional development days at least once a month, lias bonollt packages and sick days that the private sector could never allord, and Is paid up to $75,000 lo work between 0:30 and 4:00 Including Including class preparation time. As a slarl, what If die loachors oven ollorod lo bo unpaid lor tholr professional development days? Or, how about giving up some paid sick days? There are more luxurious perks available to be cut here, than most private sector employees employees enjoy as part of their normal remuneration. My second concern involves a big, "what if?" What if the unions dig their heels In and vehemently vehemently oppose any proposals to cut wages or reduce payroll numbers? The government could then be forced to legislate such changes, oossibly causing a province-wide strike by nearly one million public servants. Technically, It would rfot be a general strike like Winnipeg's in 1919, because it would only involve public sector employees. But, because of the sheer numbers, Ontario would grind to a halt because of the spin-off effects of such a massive work stoppage. The government's immediate reaction would be to use managers and hire replacement workers workers to perform the work of striking union members. members. But, wait a minute, the N.D.P. made that practice illegal last year with changes to the Labour Relations Act. Now it's payback lime, and llte rod-faced government would bo forced to sit at a negotiation table that Is so tilled in labour's favour, the province would either bo forced to concede defeat, or legislate employees employees back to work. Both scenarios spell disaster lor Ontario. On a posllivo note, Bob Rno would finally realize why there was so much opposition opposition from the private sector to Ilio labour relations relations changes. At some point, labour loaders have to understand understand how much financial trouble Ontario Is really really lacing lor the government to bo making such demands ol Its long-time supporters. Romombor, this Is the N.D.P. asking, not the Tories or Liberals. Now that the government has destroyed any hope ol restoring consumer confidence with Its lax biting budget, It's high lime that union loaders loaders realize the public sector is not Immune to Ontario's massive financial problems. 29th, they will be set up at the Bowmanville Bowmanville Mall from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. They will be taking their 'clinic' on the road, and will be at the Environment Environment Fair on May 30th and at the Newcastle Village Community Hall on June 5th from 9 a.m. to noon. The Chicken Dinner on Sunday May 30th hosted by the Newcastle Lions is always a great event. Sec the advertisement in this paper for cost and seating times. Tickets for either sitting can be obtained by calling Ed Major 987-5255. Also on Sunday, May 30th, the Great Pincridgc Kinsmen will be hosting their annual Bikc-a-lhon and Roadco. What a great kid's day this is, with "tractor pulls", races, games, the Fire Department's Fire Safety House, a display from Ontario Hydro and hundreds of other things to sec and do. It takes place at Clarke High School from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. - get there early so you can find a place lo park (this is a popular event!). The event that everyone looks forward forward to - The Environment Fair - May 30th is at the Bowmanville Recreation Recreation Complex. This year there will be over 75 booths giving us some wonderful tips on how we can take care of our environment. There will be a great show, too, from what I hear. Jane and Dave will be presenting presenting 'An Awesome Environmental Adventure' at two shows, 12:15 and again at 3:15. There will be free child minding (I dislike the phrase "baby sitting!!!) and a 'hands-on' recycling craft table. Sounds like a great event! Monday evening, May 31st The Bowmanville Museum will host a reception. reception. Come and view our lovely old Museum and see how the Jury Family lived at the turn of the century. century. The Curator, Mr. Charles Taws, will be presenting an early 'home movie' made in 1934 by Dr. L. B. Williams, who lived in the house after after the Jurys. It's a wonderful old film showing how the area looked back in 1934 and many 'old timers' are featured. Come out and sec just what the local communities looked like then and sec if you can identify any of the folks. I was amazed to learn that not only were there movie cameras in 1934, but some of the film is in colour!! Seeing is believing! believing! Tuesday, June 1st, is going to be an interesting evening. There arc two very fine events being offered. The Purple Hill Orange Lodge is hosting an Historical Programme at the Memorial Memorial Park Clubhouse. The special guest will be Charles Taws, curator of the Bowmanville Museum, who will be showing us some of the early history of the area. He will no doubt have some interesting artifacts' to show. Their programme last year Continued on Page 5 Environment Fair Looking for something a little different different to give your friends for Christmas Christmas or birthdays this year? Why not try the Town of Newcastle Environment Environment Fair for some new ideas? 1 There are bound to be some interesting interesting products for sale at the Bowmanville Bowmanville Recreation Complex on Sunday, Sunday, May 30, from 11 a.m. and onwards onwards . Last year, my roommate and I picked up some water-saving devices for the shower-head, the toilet tank and the kitchen sink. I also picked up information on vegetarianism and lots of information on what I can personally do lo make the world a better place. The Environment Fair is one of my favorite events during the year. I make a conscious effort to attend, even when I am not working. It is a chance to make contact with, people and groups that I have yet to meet and get ideas for articles. But, that isn't the only reason I go -- I go because I care about this little old planet called Earth and home. The Provincial Budget: While some people arc going to bemoan the fact that the government is taking more money out of their wallets wallets each week, this writer is trying to find the silver lining. Let's face it. Every dark cloud has one, believe it or not. Take, for instance, the fact that there will be more funding available to women's shelters. That's a daÿ- brightencr if I ever heard one.. ' There will also be no more disposal disposal taxes on tires, and people can register register and licence their autos for two years at a time with a discount. However, the goody bag doesn't outweigh the take-aways this year. But, according to Bob Rae, this is the worst of it. He has promised that he won't hit us like this again. While all of you arc wailing, may I add this note of clarity. All governments hit you with'a so- called bad budget at least once during their tenure. So, just because you don't agree with what Floyd is calling for, that doesn't mean that they aren't trying their best. I believe in giving a new government government time to feel their way around. Let's face it, this is the first time for them. It's like driving a car. It's not always always a great ride around the parking lot the first time -- especially with someone disturbing your concentration concentration by shouting in your car: "watch out for that ." Budgets, like learning lo drive, can be hazardous to one's sanity, as Bobby Bobby and Floyd arc learning now. But, you have to give the NDP credit. They now know what it's like to be in government rather than just a opposition parly. After the next election, election, they will understand what it is like to be in the driver's scat. Farmer's Market Last spring, a fanner's market opened on Simcoc Street, just north of the four comers in Oshawa. At that time, it had just a few booths. By the end of the fall, the number of booths had grown so much that the site was actually crowded. The number of people who Continued on Pago 5 m s We Asked -- Do you think the laws on child pornography should be changed? ... And You Said Mike Colwell Bowmanville can't understand David Bate Bowmanville "A lot of the laws why a person would s i 10U ld be changed, want to buy child nn r nn iv that one" nnrnnornnhv. J rnn'l ' pornography. I can't see any purpose in It. I think the laws should be strict. As a model 1 always wonder where pictures pictures of myself are going to be shown." Phyllis Short Port Darlington Road "Yes, 1 do. The sentences sentences should be stricter." Debbie Allen Bowmanville "Sentences should he longeras it Isa serious offense. A child is pretty well mined once it happens and will need a lot of counselling counselling to get them back on to their feel to live a normal life." \v\l work's question I low will llte provint t.tl Inulgot allot t you?