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X Pace 4 The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanvillc, February 25, I9 ( JS Site Canabtan Statesman m 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 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 Bowers, Kevin Britton, Sharon Cole, Laurens Kaldeway, Barb Patterson, Tyler Scllick, Jim Snoek, James Stephenson, Vance Sutherland, Jim Tuuramo Advertising Editorial 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 Freedom to Read I The majority of Clarington Council has balked at the 'notion of declaring the Municipality of Clarington a rFrccdom to Read Zone." ! Consequently, Council rejected a request from the 'Clarington Public Library to formally declare "Freedom [to Read Week" February 22 to March 1st. | Municipal councillors were grappling with the kind of question that gets kicked around first year philosophy jcourscs to foster a spirit of critical thinking among stu- .dents. The right to read whatever we want looks, on the surface, like a statement about motherhood and apple Ipie. Who can really argue against freedom to read? | But, as was mentioned at Monday's meeting of [Clarington Council, docs the freedom to read extend to [child pornography? And we might add racist literature to [the list of publications that most of us would be more •than Willing to censor. If freedom to read includes material material such as this, then the majority of councillors were [unwilling to give the concept any kind of public [approval. And, no doubt, most of their constituents [would share that view. ; Frankly, we can't imagine that the library's intention ;was to display anything racist or pornographic. [Moreover, there arc laws which specifically prohibit [pornography or the publishing of material which would [incite racial hatred. Rather, the purpose of "Freedom to [Read Week" is to encourage freedom of thought, freedom freedom of inquiry and freedom to pursue the truth. Some of •the books the library displays as examples of materials [which were banned in years gone by have become [required reading in schools. And, at one time, just about [all books -- including the Bible -- have been banned [by someone somewhere. It seems to us that the reason why this kind of debate never gets settled in first year philosophy classes or anywhere anywhere else is because there's no right answer that we can look up in the back of a textbook. Instead, there is the [need to find a delicate balance between freedom of [thought and commonly accepted community standards. The unrestricted right to read anything -- no matter how offensive to general standards in the community -- •- is not the answer. Nor docs the answer lie in censorship of every book or magazine with which one citizen might [disagree. [ Instead, the solution lies in the sometimes murky [middle ground. : Which is where Clarington Council found itself in •Monday night's debate. Senate Takes Attendance i' ' It seems to us that Senator Andrew Thompson's [famous absences from Canada's house of sober second thought may eventually accomplish something that has- ;n't been achieved in the past 100 years. ; We are referring, of course, to senate reform. Official senate reforms may take another century. •But, unofficially at least, there is greater emphasis on accountability in the upper chamber now. And, no doubt, this will continue. In voting last week to take away Senator Thompson's annual salary and other benefits, senators are showing that the senate is to be taken seriously and that it's not a lifetime reward for political appointees, with optional participation in all proceedings. It is interesting to note that the senate silting in which Senator Thompson was stripped of his salary was attended attended by about one-half of those eligible to be there. • The vote to suspend Senator Thompson was 52-1 with one abstention. [ One senator, in commenting on the latest decision, 'stated that he regretted not being more vigilant in questioning questioning the poor attendance of certain members. Senator [Lowell Murray was quoted in the debate as saying: "We were negligent in our duly. I've been here for 19 years and I could have called to attention this flagrant absenteeism." absenteeism." [ He made the comments in a senate chamber with only [about one-third of the members present. ; This makes us wonder how many businesses would survive with only one-third to one-half of their employees employees on the job. Similarly, schools couldn't function if only one-third of the students were present at any time. Nor could sports teams win many games with only a one-third turn-out. Senator Thompson's attendance record is by no means the only poor showing among the senators. Perhaps attention will now turn to those who have posted posted the ncxl-to-worst attendance record. It is a fact that is so basic it may have been overlooked overlooked in discussions about senate reform. But, if the senate is to be a useful organization, its members at least have to show up for work. Once all of the absentees take their scats, the Senate's role may become more meaningful. Doing the Math So far, reassessment doesn't seem to have become a controversial topic in the Municipality of Clarington. There may be two reasons for this. Perhaps, the changes arc not fully understood. Or, Claringlon's decision to implement market value assessment assessment about a decade ago may mean that the latest changes don't bring any surprises. It seems to us that it's the municipalities whose assessments arc based on numbers numbers from the 1940s that will be hardest hit by the reassessment of properties based upon June 30th, 1996 values. The process through which properties arc assessed and taxes arc levied is something like the Theory of Relativity for most ratepayers. In other words, those who think they understand it probably have missed something. something. We couldn't explain the details here, even if we did believe we understood them. However, all ratepayers should read their assessment notice carefully and take appropriate action. Assessment can be appealed, for example, but you must register an appeal before June of this year. MPP John O'Toole advises us that assessments for educational purposes are relatively easy to calculate now that the provincial government government has taken over school funding. To find your education taxes, multiply the assessment by ,46. For example, if your properly is worth $100,000, then the educational portion of the tax bill would be $460. Remaining taxes will depend on rales to be set by the local and regional municipalities, Industries Have a Place Beside Agriculture Editor's Letter This is a copy of a letter sent to Clarington Council for consideration in connection connection with the Lishman proposal. Dear Mayor and Council: I have noted with interest, interest, the recent press regarding the proposal by Bill and Paula Lishman, to establish a facility in Clarington and I would like to offer my perspective. perspective. It would appear that the majority of public concern relates to two issues: 1. Environmental sensitivity sensitivity of the site and of the surrounding properties. 2. The impact on Agriculture. With regard to the environmental environmental issue, I believe that all reasonable efforts should be taken to demonstrate demonstrate how the proposal will minimize any adverse effects on the natural environment. environment. However, I hope that in considering this proposal, you recognize that decisions made 100 years ago to clear cut the virgin timber, strip topsoil and remove aggregate have had a long term effect. I have visited the site and it is clear to me that it is not a "natural" site and that in many ways, "the cake cannot be unbaked". Given that aggregate operators in the past have not been noted for their environmental consciousness in closing worked out sites, I believe that a well designed, properly properly engineered proposal could only improve the situation. situation. With regard to agriculture, agriculture, anyone with any experience in agriculture Continued on page 5 Letter to The Editor Many Senators Have Poor Attendance Dear Editor, Canadians arc angry over Senator Andrew Thompson's absence from work. From January to October of last year, this senator attended Parliament for only two days out of 99 Senate sittings. sittings. The Senate has acted to punish Mr. Thompson, by stripping him of certain "perks" such as paid travel travel and having a secretary. The Senate will soon take away his salary. The trouble, however, is that Mr. Thompson has not been the only senator absent from work. Last year twenty-seven senators senators missed 40 percent or more of designated sittings. sittings. For example Senator John Buchanan -- a Brian Mulroncy appointee -- showed up only half the time last year. We ask readers: what would happen if we were absent half the time from our place of work? Unlike senators -- who arc appointed by the Prime Minister and whose jobs are guaranteed for life -- we would be fired. We at WatchDog Newsletter have a list of the 27 truant senators and their Senate mailing addresses. To receive our list of truant senators, please contact us at our address below (or e-mail us at dmurrell@unb.ca or fax us at 506-454-8245). Sincerely, David Murrell Editor WatchDog Newsletter Fredericton Shortfall Was M.5 Million Dear Editor: John O'Toole in his regular column in some local papers recently indicated what costs were incurred by local boards as a result of the government political decision decision to reimburse parents following the recent teachers' job action. Mr. O'Toole has inaccurately communicated with residents of this areai the true additional costs incurred incurred by our board. I note that Mr. O'Toole says "The Norlhumbcrland- Clarington Board has a shortfall of $233,356.00. What Mr. O'Toole should have addressed was English Language Public School District #14 since the old board no longer exists, although I realize not all of the board is in his riding. The actual shortfall for DSB#14 is $1,500,000.00 That's one and one-half million dollars. That's money that would have gone a long way to helping helping to build a new school so desperately needed in Bowmanvillc. The money saved by not paying teachers during this time should have been handled in a more appropriate manner. Many people got the $400 without even establishing a need. Politics obviously comes before sound fiscal policy. Yours truly, R.L. Willsher Trustee Municipality of Clarington Thoughts Unlimited Memories of Utah The flame's gone out and the Winter Olympics go into hibernation for another four years when the 2002 games open in Salt Lake City, Utah. Ah yes, I have fond memories of Utah. During my North American motorcycle tour in 1987, my trusty Gold Wing shredded a front tire in a tiny town called Richfield. Not a lot happens in Richfield, Utah. Besides a number of fast food joints and souvenir shops, the only motel in town boasted a lovely view of an auto wrecker's dump from our bathroom window. The curtains, made from the non-stained portion of an old tablecloth, did a fine job of masking the scenic view. Despite all the lovely tourist attractions, Richfield was home to a genuine Honda motorcycle shop. At first I thought it was a mirage, but sure enough, it was the real tiling. Brother John and I wheeled in to the showroom and received greetings from the staff who knew all too well that the sun-burned riders with the Ontario licence plates and the "eh" in their accent were in need of help. Even better, it was the kind of help that costs twice as much when you're stranded in the hills of Utaii. Why do I keep hearing duelling banjos? Guess what the mechanic's name was? "Skccter," what a surprise! Despite his absence of teeth and deodorant, Skccter did a line job of repairing my front wheel. That is, until I decided to give him a hand and test my brakes without the front wheel re-mounted. For those who don't know any belter, including myself, that's not a good idea. The brake calipers collapsed to the point of no return, requiring even more expensive Utah-sly le help. I hear those banjos again! After Skccter pointed to the sign that reminded customers to slay out of the service area, lie was able to rc-asscmblc my machine and we were on our way. At least, I thought we were. "Skccter" left a little little surprise for me. As John and I barreled out of Richfield with me in the lead, I hit 70 miles per hour, anxious to say good-bye to the tourism capital of Utah. Just as we hit the sign that thanked us for visiting Richfield, my hike did a nose dive that just about tossed me from my trusty steed. My brakes were slammed on light, and not because I was squeezing any levers or pedals. 1 went from cruising speed to snail's pace in about three seconds, John performed a great evasive manoeuvre to miss me, and I was hoping the fuel tanker truck behind him could do the same. It did, hut not without letting fly with that impressive air horn as it thundered by me. I have to admit it was the first time I'd ever heard "duelling banjos" come from the air horn of a tractor trailer. I was stuck on the edge of the highway and couldn't move. "Skeclcr" had adjusted my calipers too tightly and as the brake fluid warmed, my brakes got tighter. At more than 700 pounds, I wasn't going to move the bike myself, so the only option was full throttle and a delicate touch on the clutch. With a lot of blue smoke and noise, I was able to move it to the gravel shoulder, break out my toolkit toolkit and release the pressure. While I was attempting the repairs, John returned to the Honda dealership to retrieve "Skccter." Fortunately, I had the bike repaired before lie arrived on the scene with his kin and we were able to ride into the sunset, Good-bye "Skeclcr," good-bye Richfield, good-bye Utah, and good-bye duelling banjos. Thanks, but there's no need to save our room with the view for the 2002 Olympics. Why Not the Great One? Although hindsight is 20/20, I'm stunned that Wayne Gretzky was not selected as one of the five players in the shoot-out of the Olympic semi-final game against Czechoslovakia. Just as surprising, why was defenceman Ray Borquc selected to take one of the shots? The reason given by the coaches was that Gretzky is not very good on break-aways. But, Ray Borquc is? It would he interesting to know the last time Ray Borquc had a break-away. If they selected Borquc over Gretzky based on the shooting skills competition at the All-Star game, Team Canada's coaching staff needs to go back to the minor leagues. How can you possibly overlook Gretzky in the pressure-packed drama of a shoot-out? This scenario is suited perfectly for his game. He thrives on this type of pressure and would rise to the occasion. Based on his leadership skills, his role as the best player to ever play the game, and as a great Canadian sports figure, he should have been given the opportunity to shoot, lie can't be eliminated because somebody somebody thinks lie's not very good on break-aways! It would be interesting to ask goaltondcr Dominic Hasek whether he would lie more concerned about facing the lop goal scorer of all lime or a defenceman who knocked down some targets in an exhibition, exhibition, Based on reputation alone, I know who I'd rather face. In short, you cannot lake the slick out of Wayne Gretzky's hands. He's earned it.