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Orono Weekly Times. Wednesday, April 14,1976--9 Queen's Park Report DOUG MOFFATT, MPP DURHAM EAST At the end of February I mailed out a newsletter to the riding which contained a questionnaire. Most responses responses to this are now in, and you might be interested to know the results - I may say that quality rather than quantity tends to be the watchword! I have studied 750 responses, many of them including long letters with stimulating and provocative views. I feel I learned quite a bit. Reactions to the first question question surprised me. This read: "Are you in favour of the federal government's wage control program? The figures' are: Yes: 303, No: 213, Undecided 54. There is obviously obviously substantial support for a national program of wage and price controls : the crux is whether that's what we have in the present Anti-Inflation Program. Many Many of those who were in favour indicated 1 that the AIB must monitor and control prices successfully as well as wages. A sample of comments: comments: "Yes, but with no f mptions", "Yes, if ac- panied by price control", "I would be in favour if we had price control", "Only if it affects everyone equally", "idea's good - should be fairer evaluation". Several people noted that government must also show restraint, obviously bearing in mind extensive press coverage of the growth of government spending. A story in the Star of November 8, 1975, for example: "How government spending rose 300 per cent in lOyears", which showed, that z oublie debt for the federal go vernment was $3.2 billion in. 1940, whereas it was $18.1 billion in 1974. Some respondents felt that this was a federal rather than a provincial question; but the role of Ontario cannot be ignored. The provincial government government placed 52,000 civil servants under the Anti-Inflation Anti-Inflation legislation by signing an agreement with the federal government last December. Further, this step was not debated in the Legislature nut taken by Cabinet alone -- a step open to challenge on the ground of unconstitutionality. The second question on whether further legislation to protect prime agricultural lapd was désirable drew a strong affirmative. Yes: 448, No: 98, Undecided 24. Some new policy suggestions have just been tabled on this which I shall be reporting on later. I regard such opinion as strong encouragement to pursue new legislation. The verdict on Special .Occasion Liquor Permits re- ! flee ted the fact that this was df great concern to those immediately affected, while others did not hear much about it. Those in favour of the sliding price scale : 122, Not in favour: 214, Undecided 234. The final settlement of the question depends on the plebiscite to be held in the Town of Newcastle May 18. The.benefit of an independent independent survey on the environmental environmental impact of Darlington Generating Station also seem ed agreed upon by respondents, respondents, though many linked it to the issue of restraint in government spending and said it might be a wàste of money. Those in favour: 313, Not in favour: 176, Undecided 81. Comments included: "Please, "Please, no more costly studies", "No, more waste of tax money'*', "Too much moneÿ wasted on commissions". I have a good deal of sympathy for this view, but feel it is possible to turn down, say, the LaMarsh Commission, while * GANARASKA REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY Summer Employment /he Conservation Authority has the following technical positions available as* part ' of the Experience *76 summer employment program. The time period is approximately 14 weeks and applicants must have been enrolled at a University or College during the 1975-76 school 4 - Biologists 1 - Cartographer 4 - Foresters 2 - Physical Geographers DUTIES: To form a study team to undertake detailed detailed resource inventories* on Conservation Conservation Authority lands. The study includes consideration of recreation, forestry, forestry, fish, wildlife, soil and water resources. resources. QUALIFICATIONS: Background in one or more of the above fields normally acquired through 3 or 4 years of University education OR completion of an accredited accredited "technician's course". -ability to function as part of a team. - ability to conduct field research. - related experience preferred. * Please submit applications along with a detailed resume to: D. H. Palmer, Secretary-Treasurer, Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority, Box 328, Port Hope, Ontario, by April 20,1976. Ask amendment for bus stop at Enterprise making room for informationgathering informationgathering where it has not previously been attempted and might be vital. Where respondents had definite definite opinions on the sales tax, they were pretty polarised. polarised. The question read, "Are. you in fvavour of rolling back the sales tax to 5 per cent or 3 per cent" and comments ran the gamut from "No, should be main source of revenue," to "Yes, take it away" and "Alberta has 0 per cent sales tax". Overall, the figures are: Roll back to 5 per cent: 265, Roll back to 3 per cent: 198, To Nil : 23, No, Do not roll back : 55, and Undecided 29. Finally, on the success of regional government in Durham, Durham, the answer was an absolutely resounding negative. negative. The question read, "Do you feel that regional government government has been successful in the Region of Durham". Yes: 64, No.: 391, Undecided 115! Needless to say, I regard this as a strong incentive to keep criticising the government on this front. Comments on the issue reveal a deep disenchantment disenchantment and frustration : Regional Regional government is a mess", "Too much duplication", and "It is not as responsive as the old town council, it reduces the sense of community and costs more ; people desperately desperately need smallness, not social service programs." I might mention here that the NDP Caucus will shortly be introducing introducing a Bill which would make regional government more workable in Durham. Generally, however, things are at a stage where it would be extremely costly to dismantle dismantle regional government completely. I would like to thank all who took the time and trouble to participate in this exchange; | feel it has been very valuable. In fact, I am including another questionnaire questionnaire in a newsletter which will reach you in June, and would urge you to help your representative once again in The Transportation committee committee for the Northumberland Northumberland and Newcastle Board of Education has met with Mr. Evans parliamentary assistant assistant to the Hon. James W. Snow, Minister of Transportation Transportation and Communication regarding the bus stop on the west side of Enterprise Hill. The committee, including committee member G. W. Cameron, and Mr. D. Moffatt requested that the Ministry consider the construction of a pull-off zone on Highway 35-115 at Enterprise. The Minstry was oppposed to the construction of the pull-off zone as it was considered that mis would set a precedent. The Ministry did suggest that an amendment to the school bus passing law would be the best approach to the problem. It is understood that an amendment will be presented presented to the legislature within the next month for their consideration. This amendment would allow allow the bits to pull off onto the shoulder of the road in a hazardous area and not be required to activate their flashers. The local committee is of the opinion that a bus pulling off the road with flashers on would be dangerous with traffic coming down the hill and possibly having difficulty stopping. ru all Taping-Spray Ceilings Plaster Repair Painting Wally Lucyk 983-5518 ORONO this way. Also, remember that at any time I welcome your views on issues of concern. ' JAN'S FLOWER & GIFT SHOPPE SERVING ORONO, NEWCASTLE BOWMANVILLE and OSHAWA WE DELIVER MAIN STREET, ORONO, PHONE 983-9500 EASTER TIME! Remember those times FILMS ACCESSORIES Candy & Confectionary! apmaeg 983-5009 i. H. STUTT ,r. J. STUTT THIS WEEKS FORD MENU at MACDONALDS. NOT THE BURGER CHAIN, THE FORD CHAIN. TORONTO, OSHAWA, BOWMANVILLE. *3,994. Plus: Preparation & DeliverV inspection freight tax & license. 623-4481 219 King St E. Bowmanville