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PPHS campus should be cleaner, greener, safer To the Editor: As September approaches and the fall municipal election nears there are concerns I would like addressed. In this democracy I don't believe I will burn in hell for this hypothesis. Few could argue that the secondary school's location in the centre of Port Perry presents a poor appearance to the public and offers few amenities to safety, open 'space, gardens or walkways of a pleasing environment in which to work or live near. The present conditions are far below acceptable standards. What kind of an image is this institution presenting to our students and young children? With the elementary school a block away, children used to walk this route. Many students are forbidden by their parents to walk this route for safety reasons. For students, staff and children walking the strip and many taxpayers living and visiting in the are, an accident would have an impact in a way never seen before. It could be someone in your family or my family or friends. We need changes and we need them now that would see the creation of a pedestrian-oriented area. Changes will not occur overnight. Those using this facility as well as we as citizens ought to gain a sense of pride in this institution. VIEWPOINT by John B. McClelland SUMMER BLUES AND FALL ELECTIONS How do you know when summer is drawing to a close? Blackstock Fair is coming up on Saturday and the following weekend (Labour Day) it's the Port Perry Fair. If that's not énough to convince you that the summer of '94 has almost run its course, check the ads on the sports page of the Citizen for Hockey and Ringette registrations. And of course, in about two weeks time the kids will be heading back to school. My own three kids are already grumpy about the prospect. I know how they feel. I didn't exactly turn cartwheels the Tuesday after Labour Day when I was a kid. But that's another story. What about this summer of '94? Aside from the weather, it's been the pits, from my perspective, anyway. The O.J. Simpson saga has been one of the high points of the summer and just wait til his trial starts September 19. Did you like the anniversaries of the first man on the moon and Woodstock? Great stuff, eh? Or how about the Quebec provincial election. For most of the summer we've had a couple of guys running around that province telling people how they plan to break up the country. And finally, we get a strike by major league baseball players on August 11-- a strike that darkened the parks and deprived countless fans of their fix, including this one. Like most fans I don't understand this strike between the millionaire players and the billionaire owners. It bothers me no end. And 1 hate to admit it, but |] miss the baseball, already. 1 tuned in a CFL game last week. It wasn't a desperation move. I enjoy football on the tube, especially the three-down version. The score before the half was Winnipeg 26 Ottawa 1. So much for that. Tennig™s not my cup of tea. My wife could see | was a bit on the grumpy side so she went out for a video movie--appropriately Grumpy Old Men. I found it just marginally funny and mostly boring. I would have much preferred to watch the Jays lose, again. And I would have given up my first-born (almost) for a chance to see Expos and Braves on the tube. Alas. It won't happen. On the plus side, the golf has been interesting, if you like Nick Price, our local Merchant fastball team won the all-Ontario Juvenile C title a week ago, and I have managed to get in three rounds of golf so far--a 200 per cent increase over last year. I should be happy. Speaking of golf I was witness a couple of weeks ago to one of the finest Eagle threes I will ever see. On the 5th at Sunnybrae (about 520 yards) my partner smoked a drive all of 300 yards, then hit a seven iron (that's right a seven) to within three feet of the pin for a tap-in Eagle that came close to being a very rare double-eagle. No, it was not John Daly, but Tim Thompson who was hitting the ball a country mile that particular day. Two finer golf shots your will not, see. Well, that pretty well brings me up to date for the summer of '94--not much to write home about. Can't wait for September--the Quebec election, back to school, another hockey season, the leaves on the trees, the first frost, the first snowfall, shovelling the driveway............ get the picture? IN CLOSING.......Voters in Scugog Township will go to the polls for municipal elections in mid- November. That's about three months away, but already there are some interesting races shaping up. Over the next couple of weeks, watch for more candidates to throw their hats into the ring. There is an old saying around this Township that serious candidates use the two fairs in Blackstock and Port Perry as the "unofficial" launch of their campaigns. The two fairs are a great place to do some politicking. More than one hopeful has had his (or her) political aspirations dashed by failure to properly "work" the fall fairs. The two fairs are such a strong thread in the fabric of the community. The people, especially the "old-timers" who never miss a fair tend to have strong political views and they never miss casting their ballots on election day. By about September 15, voters in Scugog should have a very clear picture of who's running for what. We ought to begin by getting rid of trustees and our dependence on them. They only become visible at election time. I personally would prefer to chart my own path and I believe strongly we ought to receive vouchers and choose the location and courses we wish to acquire. I began at genesis and experience and knowledge have taught me that if I contribute to the flow of the gravy train it seems reasonable that I ought to get a slice of the pie. While parents and students scramble for their special interests from the education tax, a very significant group is being told it's "none of our business." Ms. Bobbie Drew (Scugog trustee) has indicated this many times and both Ms. Drew and Ms. Joyce Kelly (Scugog trustee) seem to be of the thought that their responsibilities do not venture past the brick wall or imaginary lines of student/parent. Criticizing ought to be accompanied by an alternative solution. Mine is as follows. As a concerned taxpayer I would like to see a cleaner, greener and much safer campus area at the secondary school and surrounding area. It is my belief that a master plan is needed with an open eye on review and implementation. Mission statements usually remain in stagnation. A blue print and a master plan review would be a good managerial tool. Gathering places for students ought to be developed along with some intimate court-yards. The secondary school's apparent need for a green law - ..a co-developed agreement, quality service, reliability and responsiveness. Several surface parking lots ought to disappear; disabled parking ought to remain in a close proximity to an entrance. Extra parking in step out of your car proximity should be auctioned to the highest bidder--student or teacher. Other parking should be established elsewhere keeping the streets clear and safe for minimal use. Ottawa Street north has resembled sleeze alley with the buses, portables, cars parked on both shoulders and snake path for citizens. 1 believe the Fairgrounds could be free parking but this is a challenge for council, trustees and the public. If an area is established the taxpayers ought not to succumb to being taxed for the cost. There should be a user fee, and anyone not authorized to park would have his vehicle towed away. This would eliminate the cost of an attendant. The most urgent change, however, is for a firm transportation and parking policy for buses and vehicles. This would greatly reduce the number of private autos as a main means of transportation and teach students more respect and responsibility. There should be more community use of schools, after hour, weekends and holidays. A gateway could be constructed with a new street lamp as a symbol of extended learning. Adult learning should be encouraged and welcomed. Too much discrimination is directed towards the senior population. Many older residents have made great contributions to these public institutions which are enjoyed. A strong community can only flourish with a strong communications plan in place. These suggestions are just my opinions but I believe every takpayer living near the school would argue that we can no longer tolerate the present situation. It is my understanding that both Scugog council and the not-publicized Durham Board of Education received sizable grants for the betterment of the community. Neither has mentioned the parking problems as a solution. I have certainly brought it to the attention of both council and the trustees. While I can't fault the Durham Board of Education for their structure on Anderson Rd., Whitby, Sinclair School will house about 500 students in September. I can only fault Scugog trustees for not taking care of our needs and for not getting our share of that money. 1 urge parents to be more responsible for the education of their children and the accompanying responsibility for a greater share of the economics of that education. This is your educational centre for your children. I am not sure of the impact of the coming Information Highway now in the building process, or why we are not streamlining the existing facilities using modern technology. We must feel welcome in all our public Tudi and areas i our main street and sidewalks. BR am unaware of any historical tation of pri ion of schools, oy hospitals, main street, sidewalks, parklands, etc. Many businesses exploit both the educational and health services in communities and should be paying a greater share towards our institutions. In Mr. Ken Gadsden's (Ward 3 councillor for Scugog Island) and company's slated sanctuary, we should be embracing Mr. Gary Edgar and his new enterprise with open arms. Buyer beware in a public institution might only be experienced at election time with the choice of a service for the repr Sincerely, Ruth Mark, Port Perry. Scugog. Trevor Chandler and Ken Gadsden. over to Easter Seal Kids. again next summer. for their help in organizing the event. Aquarama '94 nets $3550 for the Kids Port Perry Rotary Club raised $3650 with Aquarama August 16 on Lake There were six teams and 30 riders on personalized water crafts and the fastest time around the course was turned in by Dave Mann in 1:26 minutes. Top team time of 10:06 minutes was by Ken Fraser, Paul Ranieri, Joe Coyle, The "most interesting" ride was by Yvonne Spofford and Judy Anderson had the most Pledges ($660) with the average pledge per rider $130. All this splashing around was for a great cause as the money will be turned Organizer Frank Tielmans of the Rotary Club said Aquarama will be held The Club extends thanks to Port Perry Marina for the water craft, IGA for trophies, Irwin Smith for the sound system and members of Easter Seal families "