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4 The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville, Wednesday, December 11, 1996 She Canadian Statesman Former Publishers and Partners Rev. John M. Climie and W. R. Climie 1854 -1878 M. A. James, 1878 -1935 • Norman S. B. James, 1919 -1929 G. Elena James, 1929 -1947 • Dr. George W. James, 1919 -1957 Produced weekly by James Publishing Company Limited P.O. Box 190,62 King St. W., Bowmanville, Ontario L1C 3K9 905-623-3303 lnternet-statesman@ocna.org Fax 905-623-6161 HOURS: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. For 142 Years, Our First Concern Has Been Our Community Publisher - John M. James Assoc. Publisher - Rick James Plant Manager - Rick Patterson Ad. Manager - Brian G. Purdy Editor - Peter Parrott Production Supervisor - Ralph Rozema, Suzanne Bennett, Sharon Cole, Laurens Kaldeway, Doug Lugtenburg, Barb Patterson, Jim Snoek, Vance Sutherland, Jim Tuuramo Advertising Editorial Laverne Morrison Brad Kelly, Lorraine Manfredo, Laura J. Richards Office Supervisor - Angela Luscher, Junia Hodge, Grace McGregor, Nancy Pleasance-Sturman, Marilyn Rutherford, Sharilyn Carnegie ' Waiting Game N ow that David Crombie and his "Who Docs What Panel" has delivered its report on municipal government re-structuring, Ontario communities face a waiting game. The report by the former Toronto Mayor, former federal cabinet minister, commissioner of the Waterfront Regeneration and all-round troubleshooter is a little little on the vague side. The most significant feature of the report is the fact that it doesn't support the status quo. And that clears the way for the provincial government to do just about whatever it wants.Mr. Crombie and his panel have recommended the disbanding of the regional municipalities around Toronto, in favor of some kind of GTA "super-city" complex. The regions could be replaced by a single entity or by four Metro cities rather than six. Exactly how the super-city or cities will work remains a mystery. Where would be the exact boundaries of the metropolis? Would all or part of Clarington be in or out of it? We don't know. Would the GTA metropolis be a fully-functioning level of government with elected representatives or would it be strictly an advisory and co-ordinating body? We don't know. If the new GTA were to be governed by some form of elected elected council, how would that group be selected and from what geographical areas? We don't know. We also don't know whether responsibilities like major roads, water and sewer facilities, planning, social services, and police would be the responsibility of the super-city or whether these tasks would be down-loaded onto local municipalities. We don't know if the new super-city would have the right to levy taxes. We also don't know whether the jobs of people currently currently employed at the regional government or its agencies would disappear or be re-allocated. We don't know how or when a new super-city concept would be implemented. We don't even know whether the next municipal elections in 1997 will reflect these changes or whether the re-structuring of municipal government will be a longer and slower process. The Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister says the provincial government expects to make recommendations on the future of municipal government within the next few weeks. In fact, he describes the Crombie Panel's report as "the last piece of the puzzle required before we make that decision." The Minister adds that in the process of considering local government reform, it has received not only the report of the panel but also the Golden Task Force recommendations, the Burnham Report, the report of the Four Mayors, the report of the Six Mayors, Peter Robertson's Seven Point Plan and the three proposals that have come forward from Metro Toronto. Arid that doesn't include other studies, both "internal and external to government." When the Ministry finally hands down its recommendations, recommendations, the matter will hardly be ended. In fact, if the provincial government recommends drastic changes in local government and the slashing of the number of politicians representing GTA communities, we can expect a long and hard battle to be fought against the idea. Look for more public hearings and -- you guessed it -- more reports. The really big question will likely focus on the subject of local accountability and community representation. Can a mega-government serving the entire GTA area have any sensitivity sensitivity to local issues? Will such a government overwhelm local municipalities? How will rural communities in the GTA fit into this scheme if, indeed, the provincial government opts for the super-city concept? The questions are many. The answers are few. And that's just the beginning. No Advantage To Becoming a HEAVENLY METAL - A chorus of bell-ringers from the Seventh Day Adventist Church entertains at the four comers in Bowmanville on Friday, December 6th, while an estimated crowd of 2,000 arrives in the downtown for the annual tree lighting ceremony. ceremony. After a carol sing and a Christmas message, Mayor Diane Hamre flipped the switch to officially light up the town square. Folks stuck around for the Moonlight Magic hospitality of downtown merchants, horse-drawn wagon rides and a stroll with Santa Claus. Readers in Favour of Keeping Old Newcastle School Standing Dear Editor: Reference is made to Cathy Abraham's letter appearing in a recent Statesman edition regarding regarding the demolition of the Old Newcastle Public School. May.I deal with the issues raised by her; point by point. (a) The old school was built for a village of less than 1,000 and the area population is now many times that number. The new building was not only needed but essential. The School Board are to be commended for getting us this fine new school. Just because we now have a new school it docs not justify the demolition of the old. When Toronto built its new city hall, they did not automatically automatically tear down the old one. (b) What groups were offered the old school building? There is a great lack of objective facts regarding this matter. You seem to have facts that the rest of us do not. The board gives vague assurances assurances but very few hard facts. Why do they not produce any correspondence and reports that they may have at a Public meeting in Newcastle? We have had difficulty in getting the information you allude to in your letter. (c) Historical designation can only be made, under the present rules, with the written consent of the owner. I am sure die local Historical Society would have approved such a request had it been made. (d) Very few buildings arc used every day and night. The Community, Hall has its uses and so would a renovated school. The Massey house is privately privately owned and is part of an industrial industrial complex being offered for sale for development. (e) The vacant land next to the school was owned by Harry Harry Jose, and a portion of this was sold to the school at a reasonable reasonable price as he was a public public spirited citizen. If there is presently a shortage of land, then there was some poor planning planning involved. I believe the present site of approximately 15 acres could accommodate the necessary play areas without without demolishing the old school. (1) The school trustees were elected to do a specific job. There is no legislative onus on them to provide other community community services. Maybe you could explain where future portables will be located. In the middle of your proposed soccer field? (g) Demolition of the old building might be the simplest and quickest solution for the Board. The qupstion we ask is this: Is there a larger community community interest that could be served? Our conclusions: Why the hurry to demolish a historical building? Is an intelligent inquiry by members of the public that arc just asking to be given the facts and not ignored loo much to ask? The taxpayers need to know the cost of demolition, the cost of preparing the site for additional play areas, and the cost of refurbishing or replacing replacing the portables, with their many shortfalls. We feel that none of the above have been properly answered to our satisfaction. Are the members of the public seeking too much to ask for the facts and cost figures? figures? Our first choice would be to keep the old school instead of resorting to portables in the near future. We arc making a request for this information so that all interested interested lax payers can form an intelligent opinion on the schools future. Which is the democratic way of doing things. Thank you, Pauline Storks and E.R. Lovekin, On behalf of the Newcastle Ad lloc Taxpayer Committee Outlook Laura J. Richards Statesman Staff The Who Does What Report? So, who really cares who does what? Everyone and their consultant consultant is trying to figure out exactly exactly what it is that the provincial provincial government wants to accomplish. There's been the report on school boards and boundaries, boundaries, the Golden Report, the regions report, the four mayors' mayors' report and now -- to top off the pile of dead bees -- the Who Does What Report. David Crombie, a former mayor of Toronto, and the man who brought the lake- shore communities in the GTA the Waterfront Walk has dug down deep within the philosophical roots of Metro- dom to tell the world "the five regional governments in the GTA should be replaced by a Greater Toronto Services Services Board." The panel, which Crombie chaired, also recommended the appointment of an implementation implementation commissioner, who could also act as the interim interim chair of the GTA Services Services Board. Will the chair of the 'Who Does What' panel be first in line? The chair would establish a board, develop and implement implement the municipal consolidations consolidations and develop a system of municipal representation by population for the board which would include the mayors of the consolidated municipalities. Focusing on service coordination, coordination, the municipalities would then take on more responsibility responsibility for service delivery. delivery. At least that is what is intended intended for southern Ontario. But what about our neighbours neighbours in the more northerly sections? It looks like Crombie Crombie didn't forget them! Those particular communities communities are to be strengthened by consolidations and annexations annexations and reflect the communities communities and service areas. These districts would be part of a modified county arrangement arrangement which would al low for area-wide services like policing, social services, planning and development. The county system (ie. Northumberland County) will remain if the Crombie Commissioners Commissioners have their way. It too, is a two-tiered system, like the regional system. However, if there are compelling compelling reasons, and a change is wanted at the local level, then a single-tiered option is available. available. Back when this reporter was a 13-ycar old (1971 or so) the village where I grew up was engulfed by Fredericton, Fredericton, New Brunswick. A number number of other communities which had their own hard and soft services were also amalgamated. amalgamated. Amalgamation was supposed supposed to bring new and better services to Silverwood. The roads were paved with real asphalt. We got what looked to be 'seconds' in street light fixtures, and fireplugs. The amalgamated villages were promised outdoor swimming swimming pools for all ages, updated updated playground equipment, and heated buildings next to the outdoor skating rinks. Some were also promised tennis courts, and better water water servicing. All die villages just got the basics. Silverwood already already had water and sanitary sewers. The kids in the former former village were disappointed. disappointed. Instead of having a mayor and council, we had one representative representative on council and one school board trustee. Gee, thanks! And then the taxes went up -- all over Fredericton. So much for amalgamation amalgamation actually making the load easier to carry. As the politicians (and that's what Crombie is) look at ways to make changes, people need to cither stand up to the government or say, 'okay.' What arc you going to do? Member of GTA Dear Editor: Watching T.V. this evening, I paid close attention to a news item about the formation of the new 'Mega G.T.A.', and how it is progressing, and the various various feelings about it in the various various municipalities. From what I could gather from some of the comments, it is Mike Harris Harris who is pushing for this in order to save provincial dollars so he can give us the tax break he promised. If Clarington ever decides to go with this Mega G.T.A., I think there will be a shock to someone. Save dollars? I don't think so, Mike. Oh, sure, we'll save the wages of our councillors, councillors, our CAO and our municipal municipal staff, but we will surely be brought up to parity with our. Toronto neighbours - and that's a big step! Just think, we'll have full GO service - seven days a week, with a station every two miles or so along the track! We'll have full time firefighters at all our stations; 24 hour policing at our police station with a full complement of officers, as well as a station in each of our other major centres - Courticc, Newcastle and Orono! We'll get a full transit service throughout Clarington, a network network of bus routes that will service every neighbourhood, both urban and rural, with an efficient 30 minute service! Our hospital, too, will have the upgrades it needs to compete with its Toronto neighbours. And let's not forget the upgrades upgrades in the form of sidewalks, sidewalks, sewer and water, and street lighting along each and every street and road in Clarington! Clarington! And that's just the stuff Mike will spend money on for us! There's all that free stuff that comes with it like the stuff that will go to the 'Millionaire's Row' at either end of town (and later to the other subdivisions subdivisions and residential areas in the whole of Clarington) - a couple of strip plazas, a few smelly gas stations and dozens of fast food outlets! WOW! All that expenditure, and all that free stuff, and a tax cut to boot, just for joining the new bigger, belter, more efficient, cheaper MEGA G.T.A.? We should have been offered this years ago! Thanks, Mike! In exchange, it will be our pleasure - everyone in Clnring- ton - to spend our very own money on postage stamps for letters that we will be eager to write to your 'ministers' to make sure none of what you want us to have is forgotten or lost in the shuffle. Oil, no, no need to thank us - it's the least we can do for such generosity I Slier Lcctooze Thoughts Unlimited by Rick James Car Plant Remembers A Friend Friends of the late Grant Flintoff will be interested interested to know what his colleagues at General Motors completed recently. In an internal G.M. publication entitled "Autolife," a story and photo appear about a memorial for Grant that is placed near the plant's body shop office. In speaking with other employees employees at G.M., they can't remember this ever being done in the past, demonstrating how much inllu cncc the soft spoken Grant Flintoff had on his fellow fellow workers. Portions of the story read... Tlw car plant is a sadder place when one of its better know -- better loved -- employees dies. For those who knew him well, the name Grant Flintoff produced a striny; of laudatory adjectives: easy going, sociable, discreet, loyal, a man of sound judgment. For his friends and family, the shock of his death at 53 last month was amplified because it came suddenly, without warning. Grant knew what was important in his life. Ilis family, job and friends were mingled with his love of hockey and golf. For this reason, something special was undertaken undertaken for a special person. A simple wooden display display case, crafted by the carpenter shop, houses photos oj Grant, a feu golf clubs and trophies. lie brought a spi t ml bli nd oj mb i personal skills to his work that did not go unnoticed. "Grant was loyal to his union roots and did the job he had to do for management," remembers coimnittceperson, Steve Flynn. "/ have to admire the man for taking his position because he never seemed to compromize himself either way." Body-in-wliite business manager, Bruce Mtinro, echoes the sentiment, adding that Grant demonstrated demonstrated sound judgment, remaining impartial and objective. I couldn't have said it better myself. To Name or Not to Name... I'vc mentioned this item a number of times in previous months but. it's come up once again. It has to do with us including the full names of children in stories and photos appearing in our newspapers. We'd prefer to include the full names so that family and friends can identify the people in the photos. For example, if you keep a scrapbook, scrapbook, it doesn't make a lot of sense when you look back 25 years to a photo with no names. Unfortunately, we're not always able to include the names without permission from either parents or organizations. For example, many school boards and youth organizations prohibit the publication publication of full names. I was reminded of this recently recently when we registered our eldest daughter in Sparks. I had to sign a document staling that, should her picture be taken by a newspaper, either a: her name would not appear, or b: only her first name could appear. The reason organizations are moving to this strict policy is because there have been isolated problems in the past of people pluming schools and stalking homes looking for the children whose photo appeared in newspapers. I can recall a picture picture being taken years ago of a BUS student modeling modeling a bathing suit in a fund-raising fashion show. That student received a number of obscene phone calls following the publication of the photo and her name. So, there you have it. We don't like it, but unfortunately, there are still enough bizarre individuals individuals out there to justify not publishing full names. Wc Will Remember Them While on the subject of bizarre and violent acts individuals will commit, you probably saw the media coverage surrounding Friday's memorial services for the victims of the Montreal Massacre. In 1991, Marc Lcpinc killed 14 women during a shooting spree at École Polytechnique. I don't have a problem with the annual service reminding us of the tragedy, but I am concerned about the importance it is being given at the expense of other memorial services. During Remembrance Day services this year, a teacher from Vancouver called for the end of the November lltli ceremonies, slating it had little relevance anymore. You may have also seen that General Motors elected to drop the tradition of stopping production production lines at 11:00 a.m. on Remembrance Day to pay respect to those killed in action. G.M. did, however, observe 60 seconds of downtime last Friday at 11:00 to remember the Montreal Massacre. Although the Montreal tragedy should be remembered, in no way should it take priority over honoring those who made the supreme sacrifice to ensure our freedom. Contrary to the views of the teacher from Vancouver, without our basic freedoms, freedoms, nothing else is relevant.