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4 The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanvillc, Wednesday, December 18. 1996 Ilje Canabian 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., Bowmanvillc, Ontario L1C 3K9 905-623-3303 lnternet-statesman@ocna.org Fax 905-623-6161 ^^^^^^^^^^^^10URS^Monda^^Frida^9j0^um^mti^jOOpan^^^^^^^^^^ 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 Kaldevvay, 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 ^--1^-- D urham Region and the other suburban regions of Metro Toronto have escaped the axe -- for now. Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister A1 Leach has outlined sweeping plans to alter local government in the City of Toronto. He is planning to fold the six existing Metro cities into one, creating a "Super-City" of 2.3 million. The move is expected to reduce the number of local politicians politicians in Toronto from 103 to 44. It will also trim the number of municipal employees on the payroll, reducing costs by S865 million over three years. One estimate says up to 4,500 municipal municipal employees could lose their jobs as a result of the restructuring. restructuring. The new megacity is to be established as of January 1,1998. For Durham Region, the good news is that the provincial government will be so tied up with rc-invcnling local government government in Toronto that it will have little time to reform Durham Region government or the governments of neighbouring, regional municipalities. But, that doesn't mean the status quo will prevail. It only means, refonns might move a little more slowly here than in Toronto. In fact, in a press release outlining the changes, Minister Leach states the elimination of the Regions of Halton, Peel, York, and Durham "will happen eventually, but not right away." Essentially, Durham, York, Halton and Peel will be allowed to introduce their own restructuring program, with the new GTA boss, Milt Farrell, advising the regions on how governments governments and services can best be amalgamated. We understand the Durham Region will be selling up its own Who Docs What Panel in the new year to review all the options for restructuring municipal government and the services services it provides. The panel might look, for example, at whether there should be both local planning departments and regional planning departments or whether there should be separate separate jurisdictions for regional and local roads. But, judging by the Municipal Affairs Minister's actions to date, restructuring could go much deeper than that. It's possible, for example, that the four regional municipalities municipalities encircling Metro Toronto could join together to form a mega-suburb around the new mcgacily. Or, perhaps the two- tiered government would be eliminated entirely -- just as it is to be eliminated in Toronto. Durham's eight municipalities, including Clarington, could be united into a single level of government. Clarington, Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Uxbridge, Scugog and Brock could become mere wards in a mega-suburb. The fate of tire rural communities of Durham is an interesting interesting topic. They don't really fit into the concept of the GTA. Perhaps northern areas of Durham and possibly parts of Clarington could be left outside the boundaries of the GTA altogether. They could be annexed to neighbouring counties or become a county of their own. Of course, all of this is highly speculative. But, if our understanding of the situation is correct, Durham voters won't see huge changes when they cast their ballots in next fall's municipal elections. All the changes will be occurring in Toronto. The announcement by the Minister of Municipal Affairs has bought the regions a little time to implement their own government government reforms, perhaps with more input from the public. Moreover, the regions will have the added advantage of seeing how the reforms worked or did not work in Metro Toronto. In short, Durham has received a reprieve. It must use the available time wisely. John O'Toole Durham East MRP Report from Queen's Park No to Super-City David Crombie, the chairman of 'Who Docs What Panel', has made his report with respect respect to the GTA. It would appear appear that the Metro Toronto 'Super City' is on. I have spoken spoken to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Hon. A1 Leach, and he has assured me that the idea of a Durham Super City is not on. 1 made it clear to the minister that Durham Durham docs not want to be part of the Super City proposal. I recognize that there will be the need to have inter regional coordination coordination in some areas. Furthermore, Furthermore, I feel that the number number of regional councillors could be reduced. I have spoken spoken with most of the mayors in my riding as well as the regional regional chair and am advised that they will proceed with their own 'Who Docs What' exercise, exercise, The impression I gel from listening to people is, yes we know we need to make changes, changes, but let's get on with it. People People are sick and tired of the uncertainty. uncertainty. The changes to education governance and funding will be introduced in January 1997. 1 have met with all the boards and directors to understand the position. 1 can assure you that to this point, I am in favour of allowing the Clarington por tion of the Northumberland Clarington Board as well as the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Northumberland Clarington Catholic Board to share the same geographical geographical areas. Educational funding must be equitable and everyone should expect the highest quality education possible. possible. I will continue to keep you informed and I appreciate your calls and opinions. At the end of all these discussions, we must ensure that funding starts in the classroom not at the board offices. Most people that call, want an educational system system that is of the highest quality quality and is accountable and affordable affordable to the taxpayer. This year, as is the tradition, I am sending our Christmas Cards. The Durham East riding association has generously bought and paid for the cards. Local artists have allowed me to reproduce their art. Leslie A. Park's sketch of the Town Hall 1873 in Port Perry and Maureen Maureen Remington's watercolor of Bowmanvillc Town Hall and Opera House are cards that are memorable and worth framing. I thank both artists for allowing me to share their work. I always try to keep expenses expenses down and I know I have not mailed out as many cards To pago 5 TASTY TREE TRIMMINGS -- Alan Mulder and his kindergarten classmates at Enniskillen Enniskillen Public School created edible Christmas trees by trimming upside down ice cream cones with green frosting and colored candy. Many of their parents turned up to help make the delicious decorations. Child Disorder an Unknown Outlook Laura J. Richards Statesman Staff Thoughts on Workfare Workfare -- is it really fair to all? Everyone is talking about workfare. Some people would like to sec workfare -- mandatory voluntccrism -- happen. Frankly, if someone forced me to be a volunteer for a cause I didn't believe in, it would be dreadful. Can you imagine what it would be like to be forced to do type letters requesting donations donations for programs you don't believe in, nor care about? Folks who dislike where they arc placed won't feel passionate about the causes. It would be a horrible reflection reflection on any organization if they did not have committed volunteers. It is as simple as that. If those on social assistance wanted to be volunteers, they would be doing it already...and already...and they would be doing it with passion. When you work with passion passion everything is done to, or as close as possible to, perfection. perfection. If you really don't want to be there, it shows. So, what is needed? Incentives. Incentives. 1 If workfare's voluntccrism is forced on people, is it really really doing any good? Will it give passionate volunteers volunteers something to complain complain about? Will it make all volunteers look bad? It looks like we'll all find out soon enough now that the Durham Regional Council has decided to go ahead with Ontario Works. Topless or Cover-up? Toplcssncss is one of those issues lots of folks arc discussing these days. The fact is, how many guys actually doff their shirts during a really warm spell...not loo many. So, what is the big deal about women doing the same thing? It has been almost a century since women were finally finally able to uncover their ankles ankles without creating a scandal...what's scandal...what's a nipple or two? Sure, it may take a while to get used to the idea that women have the choice to doff the blouse if they want to. But they always had the choice. It wasn't until Gwen Jacobs decided to take off her Dear Editor: We live in an age where we've learned to celebrate the uniqueness of our children, regardless regardless of their differences and disabilities. Despite this, there remains a surprising number of children who strug gle on a daily basis with a hidden hidden disorder, medically identified identified as ADD/ADHD (Attention Deficit/Auenlion Deficit Hyperactivity Hyperactivity Disorder). These children arc frequently labelled as trouble makers, disruptive, disruptive, defiant and uncontrol- Benefits are Taxable Dear Sir: Mr. Shepherd wrote a glowing glowing report re: how most seniors will be better off with the proposed proposed tax free benefit that combines O.A.S. and supplement. supplement. He did not mention that this proposal calls for the elimination elimination of the SI000 pension and the up to $3482 age credits. credits. He did not mention that people who are now age 60 can elect to stay on the present system system which pays $399.91 (Taxable) (Taxable) per month if it is to their advantage. Seniors who do elect to stay on the present system system will pay up to $1226.73 extra federal and provincial income income tax (1995 rates) as a result result of the elimination of their credits. The benefits will still be taxable. Mr. Shepherd condemns the previous government's 32 personal personal income tax increases. Has his government eliminated any of these increases? Can he justify collecting a reported reported $6 billion more than they arc paying out of the U.I. (sorry employment fund) from workers and their employers and putting this money into general revenue? Russell Branch Bowmanvillc. Ontario tabic. Although they present as "normal", these kids struggle daily with issues such as poor impulse control, distractibility, verbal outbursts and anger. These inappropriate behaviors arc often most noticeable in the classroom environment. Despite the fact that as many as one out of seven children may be affected by this disorder, disorder, neither the Ministry of Education Education nor the Northumberland Northumberland Clarington Board of Education officially recognize it as a remediable disability. As a result, resources that would allow these children to function function within a normal classroom setting are practically nonexistent. nonexistent. They need our help. If you suspect your child may have ADD, contact your family physician. physician. If you know your child has ADD/ADHD, contact your local school trustee and express express your concern about the lack of help that is available for these kids. Sincerely, Mary Mercer sily one is always told that if you do something voluntarily "it will look good on your resume." resume." But I was always told to only do volunteer work if I felt an interest in it. shirt and walk around Guelph that it became an issue. I must also note that while I agree with the judgement, I won't be participating in the casting off of my blouses this summer. P.M. Caught in "Lie" About GST Dear Editor: Not everyone watches TV all the time. Those who were not watching the Town Hall Meeting Meeting with Peter Mansbridge and our Prime Minister on Tuesday last, missed graphic evidence, beautifully researched and displayed displayed by the C.B.C. of the Prime Minister's ability to lie his way out of embarrassing questions. First you try to evade the question; then, if that doesn't work, you attack the questioner. If the questioner still persists, you lie your way out of the situation. This time however, the C.B.C. was ready for him, and showed clips of him saying exactly what he was professing not to have said. If Sheila Copps was forced to resign over this same situation, why should not the member from Shawinigan? If ever there was proof needed of the duplicity duplicity of the present administration, administration, there it was. How can such a bunch remain so popular popular in the minds of voters after such a display? Yours truly, Jim Kinnear R.R.2 Cavan. Christmas Stories from Students at Knox Christmas Stories from Knox School C is for Christ who was born so long ago H is for hark the herald angels sing what the angels sang to the shepherds R is for reading the Bible to tell the story of Christ's birth I is for Immanuel, Christ is King S is for stable where Mary, Joseph and Jesus stayed T is for telling the Christmas story M is for Messiah, the promised one A if for all who come to sec the King S is for Saviour who did so many things. By: Adrian Jolmn Zwart Gr.4 The first Christmas One day long, long ago, there was a lady named Mary and a man named Joseph. One day when Mary was in her house suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared to her. His name was Gabriel. He said, "Your husband will be Joseph." Joseph." Mary was so surprised. A person telling her who she will be married to. And then the angel angel said, "You will have a son and you will name him Jesus." And the angel disappeared. A couple of days later, there was a decree that every person must go to their home town. Joseph went to Bethlehem and Mary went with him. It was a very long walk for someone who was pregnant. When they got there, it was time for Mary to have her baby. So Mary and Joseph walked from inn to inn. All of them were full. Almost at the last inn, Joseph knocked and a kind man opened the door. Joseph Joseph asked if there was any more room. And the man said, "No." Mary and Joseph started to walk away. Then the man said, "1 do have a stable in the back." Mary and Joseph were glad. There were some shepherds nearby, watching their flock. And a host of angels appeared to them and said, "Do not lx; afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. In the town of David, David, a Saviour has been bom to you. He is Christ the Lord, This will be a sign to you. You will find the baby wrapped in cloth and lying in a manger." Suddenly, u company of heavenly heavenly hosts came and sang, "Glory, glory, glory lo God in the Highest and on earth peace to men on whom favour rests. The shepherds were amazed at the sight. They were so amazed that they left their flock to go and see Christ Jesus. Jesus. As they were gelling up, they saw a bright star. So, they thought for a while and someone someone said, "Let's go follow the star." And so, they went and followed the star. When they arrived, they bowed and worshipped Jesus for Jesus is the king and the only king. So the shepherds left. A year later, some kings came and bowed and worshipped worshipped him. Jesus grow up like a normal boy. By Justin Corvers Gr.4 Christ is born C = is for Christmas when the saviour was born. I I - is for holiness on that special night. R = is for the Redeemer as he grew up. 1 = is for Immanuel as the angels sang. S = is for the Saviour that saved us from sin, T = is for tithing, the offerings we bring. M = is for Mary, Jesus Christ's mother. A = is for Angels who led the shepherds and kings to the manger. S = is for the star that guided the kings to their saviour. By: Nathan Fctltlenm Gr. 4 What Christmas really means Christmas is not about getting presents. Christmas is about giving to other people. To the people on the sides of the streets. The people who need food and clothing and shelter. I think that brings great joy to them and to you. The name Christmas comes from the name Christ. He was bom into a very poor family. He didn't have money or any home to live in. It's the most memorable moment moment in the year. Telling about Jesus bom in a manger as Christ the King. By Matthew DeJagcr Gr.4 Poetry for my cousin I hate when you are leaving lo go to Florida on my favorite month. 1 don't want you to move anyway. I would like to move to Florida with you. 1 wish you have a nice Christmas, Christmas, By Robert Pinheiro Gr.4 Christmas Acrostic Poem C - is for Christ who was born on that special night. I I - is for the happy new mother, Mary, and Joseph who will soon marry her. R - is for the rejoicing of the angels on that night. I - is for Immanuel, God with us. S - is for the stable old, smelly and bare. T - is for the kings who travelled travelled from afar lo sec the special special baby. M - if for the manger that was used for a crib. A - is for the company of angels angels that sang on that night. S - if for the shepherds who were the first to see the baby. By Andrea Oudyk Gr.4 A story about Christmas One day is was Christmas. There was a big boy and his two brothers, a sister and family family who had a Christmas parly with their aunt, uncle and cousins. cousins. They had come to open presents and play with their cousins. Before eating supper they prayed. The supper time was great. They had hotdogs and soup. After finishing supper they went down the hill on their toboggan. toboggan. Late that night they went home. All were ready for a good night's sleep. Richard VanDyk Gr.4