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Page 4 The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanvillc. January 14, 1998 fie Canadian statesman Former Publishers and Partners Rev. John M. Clirnie 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 Tel: 905-623-3303 HOURS: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Fax: 905-623-6161 Internet - statesman ©ocna.org Publications Mail Registration No. 07637 For 144 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, Tim Bovvers, Kevin Britton, Sharon Cole, Laurens Kaldeway, Barb Patterson, Tyler Sellick, Jim Snoek, James Stephenson, Vance Sutherland, Jim Tuuramo Editorial Advertising Laverne Morrison, Wanda Partrick Brad Kelly, Lorraine Manfredo, Laura J. Richards Office Supervisor - Angela Luscher, Junia Hodge, Grace McGregor, Nancy Pleasance-Sturman, Marilyn Rutherford, Libby Smithson Editorial MPs Bill Would Guard Public Purse Strings The federal government's purchase of new search and rescue helicopters offers a perfect illustration why Alex Shepherd's private member's bill deserves to be passed in the Canadian Parliament. In fact, the Liberals might prefer to remove the, document document from the limbo of private members legislation and pass it as a full-fledged government bill. You may recall that the Durham MP, a chartered accountant by profession, has introduced legislation which would require major government programs to have an accurate cost assessment attached. It's an idea which makes a lot of sense. In fact, one would think that in the best of all possible worlds, the costing of government programs would be a matter of course. Unfortunately, many new government programs are revealed by press release. This means the figures related to the cost of the legislation are very rough estimates. In other words, they've never passed the scrutiny of a cost accountant and therefore may prove to be wildly optimistic, optimistic, once the actual program is pul into place. It is this lack of estimates which may very well cause government spending figures to grow so rapidly. A program program which is supposed to cost no more than $10 million can blossom to $20 million before the end of a fiscal year. To get back to the account of the helicopters, we note that different reports have pegged the cost of the new helicopters at just under $600 million or just under $800 million or even $1.5 billion. It all depends, for example, on whether you include in the estimates the cost of factors factors such as spare parts or training. Or whether you include the almost $500 million which the current government government spent to get out of the contract made between the helicopter company and the previous government. And, of course, none of the estimates concerning the search and rescue helicopters covers the cost which will be spent on replacing the aging ship-based helicopters which will be purchased some time in the future. As we understand it, if Alex Shepherd's private member's member's bill were in place today, everybody could refer to a neutral cost estimate which would accurately reflect what the machines are costing. The debates would continue. continue. But, at least there wouldn't be as many conflicting numbers thown around by different political parties, commentators, and assorted experts. The main thing is that whoever tallies up the expenses expenses of each new government program would have to be an independent civil servant -- someone like the Auditor- General. Although we are suggesting Alex Shepherd's Bill is a step in the right direction. We'd never say it's the perfect solution, because there is no such thing. It just might, however, give a more accurate picture of government spending and would serve to remind every lax-payer and legislator that government decisions have very clear costs attached. Calming the Traffic We'll be watching with interest to see if the traffic- calming proposals for Enniskillen really work. Elected officials aren't fussy about seeing more stop signs on Old Scugog Rd., in order to slow the speeders travelling through the village. But, they have suggested alternatives such as police radar, and a speed-watch program among citizens. But the most interesting idea of all is a sign which posts a digital read-out of the speed of passing cars. In other words, if you are irresponsible enough to travel through Enniskillen at 100 kilometres per hour, you'll see a sign clearly displaying your velocity. Will it work? Frankly, it reminds us about the old joke in which the farmer says the lock on the gate is enough to keep honest honest people out. The sign might remind responsible drivers drivers that their speed is excessive. But, isn't that what a speedometer is supposed to do? Anyhow, it's worth a try. And, perhaps the publicity over speeding on Old Scugog Rd. will, in itself, cause the motoring public to apply the brakes. So, how about it? Slow down. The life you save may be your own. Letter to the Editor Keep Lands as Permanent Agricultural Reserve Dear Mayor and Members of Council Re: PD-110-97 /DEV 97-058 As owners of an agricultural business and tourist attraction in the Orono area we felt it time to write to express our deep concern about the Lishman Proposal. We have an abundance of industrial land in this area already and we have seen too much of the best farming land in the world used for totally inappropriate development. development. We arc blessed to live in the richest agricultural region in the world where farmers have never heard of a crop failure. Never! We can think of no other region in the world where that can be said with assurance. Mr. Lishman has referred to the ambiance of the proposed proposed area. However, the farmers and those living in the region also have their right to that same quality and industry would not contribute to that one iota. We have several friends who live west of Toronto where it is hard to find land for agricultural purposes and who have been looking in this region. You must not discourage discourage those who would add to the farming community community by failing your first test of the plan in place for this area. This land is designated Permanent Agricultural Reserve. It doesn't say temporary agricultural reserve. Sincerely, Douglas Lycett and Henry Lorrain Letter to the Editor Cyclist Emerges from the Desert In this latest letter cyclist John Veldhuis reports that he has reached the Gulf of Mexico, en route to Florida. Galveston, oh Galveston It is amazing what and who you see on the roads of North America. Travelling along a lonely piece of highway here in Central Texas one would not expect to meet some one like Larry Gross. Yet, here he was! Larry was a drug dealer, armed robbery felon, -break-in artist, bank robber, etc. Ten years ago, he had a religious conversion and changed from his ways to Christianity. To do penance for the crimes and wrongs he had committed, committed, and as an opportunity to minister to other addicts, pushers and felons, he picked up a huge cross and walks the highways and bi-ways of North America. Larry has been doing this for 10 years. It was interesting to talk with him about his experiences on the road and to compare those with mine. There were, of course, many which were different but some were also similar. We both agreed that there were many kind and igenerous people along the way, Larry seeks out people in the worst parts of town, while I try to avoid those areas. I seek out opportunities to raise money for the Scholarship Program while Larry seeks out opportunities to talk to people on drugs and present present them with living proof that they too can 'kick the habit'. The next day I had to replace my front tube and tire. It had worn out and this was a good time for a change. I lost track of how many I have changed but that tire was first put on in Illinois, so it had done a good job. By now I am coming out of the desert and it is a joy to see trees again and streams with water actually actually flowing in them. My meeting in San Antonio went well and a cheque is being forwarded for the project. My meeting in Houston was not as productive. I waited for 3 hours to' meet an official who never showed. The city of Houston is a bit of an enigma. It must be the richest city in Texas yet you cannot ride your bicycle with any degree of comfort or safety within the boundaries. Sidewalks often have a 30 cm drop off at the curb! There are no bicycle routes or paths and motorists hold no love or respect for cyclists. Add to that the fact that everyone drives over the speed limit and the preponderance of broken glass on the sides of the roads and you have a very rough situation in this city. That night the temperature dropped down to below freezing and the last of my money was spent on a motel room. The next morning I had to replace my rear tire which had blown apart. That simple task took 6 hours! Remember this is Houston and getting a tire to fit a standard bike is no easy task in this town. Finally, all repairs were made and I was on my way again. I found the right highway and with the wind from behind was able to make Galveston Island before dark. The breeze carried the aroma of salty ocean air. In the boulevard, boulevard, there are palm trees growing and signs state 'public beach access', I have reached the Gulf of Mexico! My route, from here on, will be within a few miles of the Gulf of Mexico. Some people have been very kind and sent a cheque for my personal support and I wish to thank you for that kindness. Others have supported or continue to support the project and that too is appreciated. Thank you. John Veldhuis Thoughts Unlimited -- by Rick James A Blast from Mr. Freeze Once again, Mother Nature has reminded us she's still in charge after dumping a heavy blanket of ice over Eastern Canada. As you've seen on television, the devastation is incredible. Yet, it's difficult to comprehend the magnitude of the damage unless you're a victim. Our electricity system is so reliable, we take it for granted and rarely have backup systems in place. I travelled to Belleville on the week-end to visit my brother, John, and borrow his IBM computer. I still have not made the switch from Macintosh to the PC world and will probably will be one of the last to go down kicking and screaming with my beloved Mac. After seeing how clumsy Windows '95 is compared to the Mac, I still wonder how Microsoft ever got the upper hand on the far superior operating system system of the Macintosh. It's not unlike some of the first videotape recorders to be marketed. Beta was better, but VHS was cheaper. Now try and find a Beta machine or tape. Unfortunately, the "Talk to Me, Barbie" game Morgan received for Christmas only works on an IBM, so it was off to Belleville to configure configure Barbie. If you want to see something a little different, picture two grown men playing with Barbie trying to get her to talk! John even got up early on Saturday to try changing the six batteries in her legs and back. I would have loved to catch him on camera undressing Barbie. People have been put away for that type of behaviour, After re-dressing the newly verbose Barbie and packing her away, it was time to head home. I arrived in Belleville the night before and didn't sec the amount of ice that collected on the trees and wires. In daylight, you could tell the ice storm narrowly missed the area. Just 30 minutes to the cast, Kingston was paralyzed, As I headed home on 401, there was a convoy of military vehicles, hydro trucks, generators, clappers and emergency vehicles heading east. The response from the rest of Ontario was massive and obviously obviously desperately needed. At our own printing plant, we were able to help out our colleagues in Gananoquc by printing a number of newspapers from that area. The Gananoquc Reporter's plant was powerless and just like you've read here many limes before when we've had mechanical breakdowns, it's great to have friends in the industry who will pitch in to help. . And despite all the turmoil in Quebec, it's great to sec we arc still willing to help fellow Canadians without judging their political beliefs. There might he hope for us yet. Update on the Meter Bags Shortly after last week's column appeared, I received information from the Bowmanvillc BIA explaining the reason for the new canvas bags on the parking meters during the Christmas holidays. I had ques tioned the cost of the bags compared to the red plastic sleeves that were used in the past. The Bowmanvillc BIA requested The Municipality of Clarington to purchase the durable canvas bags after a number of problems with the red plastic sleeves. Despite the BIA negotiating with the town for free parking on week-ends and during the Christmas holidays, it seems some people were still determined to put money in the meter to the point they would rip the plastic bag off to get at the slots. There was also a significant problem with littering as vandals and high winds would tear the bags to shreds. In addition, while one side of the bag says "Free Parking," the inside of the reversible bag says "No Parking." The locks, of course, arc to ensure .the bags last for a long. The BIA also points out that other municipalities have used this type of bag for decades with great results. So, there you go. Simple economics isn't always so simple. Honey, Don't Forget the Milk After living in our old home for 10 years, we pretty much had a place for everything. For example, the empty milk jugs went on the bench in the garage. But, after moving to the new place in August, we're still struggling with where the garbage should be stored until collection day, and yes, where should the empty milk jugs go? Obviously, from the squirrel in the above photos who made off with my 250 deposit, the blue box on the back step is not the safest place. Stop thief!