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a EEL TRV TN I 6 - PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, January 26, 1993 The Port Perry Star 188 MARY STREET - PORT PERRY, ONTARIO - FAX 985-3708 The Port Perry Star is authorized as second class mail by the Post Office Department, Ottawa, for cash payment of postage. Second Class Mail Registration Number 0265 PHONE (416) 985-7383 Subscription Rate: 6Months-$12.72 indudes $1.22GST 1Year-$32.10 includes $2.10GST Forelgn-$90.95 includes $5.95GST EDITORIAL BLUE ai1s121ely LoL 187 AWARD 1992 ADVERTISING Publisher - J. Peter Hvidsten News Editor - Scott Anderson Features Editor - Julia Dempsey Sports Editor - Kelly Lown Advertising Manager - AnnaJackman Advertising Sales - Jackie McDonell Production - Pamela Hickey, Barbara Bell BUSINESS OFFICE Accounting - Judy Ashby PRODUCTION Annabell Harrison, Trudy Empringham Office Manager - Gayle Stapley Retail Sales - Kathy Dudley, Marlene Moore Robert Taylor, Barbara Lachapelle Canadian Community Newspaper Association Ontario Community Newspaper Association Published every Tuesday by the Port Perry Star Co. Ltd. Port Perry, Ontario * GST included in price Editorial Comment 'Americanizing Politics As much as we despise things Ameri- can and cringe at the thought of Canadi- ans being compared to our American | counterparts, we must admit that when it comes to electing their political leadars, they have a good thing going. Tens of millions of Americans watched as Bill Clinton, the 42nd president, was sworn in last week. Millions more watched in fascination in Canada. The smooth transformation of powers in Washington was afforded a party-like atmosphere in huge proportions. This party gave the Americans not only an op- portunity to welcome in the new, but also a chance to feel good and come together as one country with a feeling of renewed hope. Every four years the American people are given this opportunity and they know exactly when this celebration will take place. With much anticipation and clock work precision an election is called. The people, as well as the politicians, know exactly when there's going to be an elec- tion, therefore are able to prepare for the event. The Canadian political system does not afford us the same luxury. Under terms only favorable to the party in power, an election is called whenever the govern- ment of the day chooses. This antiquated system of politics pro- vokes a great number of questions con- cerning not only ethics, but also fair play. While the ruling party can choose the most opportune time for them -- most of- ten when the popularity polls are in their favor -- the opposition parties are left in the dark, constantly waiting for an elec- tion to be called. The government of the day can also time its economic agenda to suit its elec- tion plans. A few well timed spending pro- grams helps an election campaign enor- mously. It is now time the Canadian election system is changed to match the Ameri- can system. Canadians deserve the right to know when an election will be called. By going to the polls on prescribed in- tervals Canada could benefit in many ways. The politicians would be more ac- countable to the people and would pro- vide much more consistent timeframes for the introduction of programs. But it would give us a chance to celebrate poli- tics and the people like the Americans do. A party-like atmosphere around an election might put some life and interest back in choosing our leaders. MRE 1T% Time 10 STEP DOWN - OR MAYBE Thursday, January 22, 1948 The Agricultural Society met in the Public Library. President Fred Christie brought forward the matter of building a new skating rink for Port Perry, suggesting it might be built at the fairgrounds. The following officers were elected at the annual meeting of the Port Perry Lawn Bowling Club: President A. C. Heayn; Vice-president F. Denure; Secretary-Treasurer Jos. Allen. 35 YEARS AGO Thursday, January 23, 1958 A service club meeting was held at the United Church during which Mrs. Elmer Lee presented Mrs. Bruce Beare with a life membership. Mr. Ray Cook, employed at the J. J. Gibson Poultry plant, was involved in an accident while working on a discarded refrigeration unit. Ammonia gas in one of the valves exploded in his face. 30 YEARS AGO Thursday, January 24, 1963 Members of the Port Perry Curling Club took part in the Muskoka International Mixed Bonspiel. Those participating included Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kenny and Mr. and Mrs. Stan : Bruton. More than 1,000 fans turned out for Minor Hockey Night at the arena to see Maurice (The Rocket) Richard who | officiated at the game. a 25 YEARS AGO Thursday, January 25, 1968 The total circulation of books in the adult section of the public library shows an increase over 1,967 with a total this year of 12,986. There were 614 registered adult borrowers, including 61 non-residents. The old town shed on Mary Street collapsed under the heavy weight of snow. The shed was used for storing a town tractor and other maintenance items. Construction of Burns Presbyterian Church in Ashburn is progressing well. Rev. Wm Black, minister of the church, anticipated an Easter opening and dedication service if construction managed to stay on schedule. Lefter to the editor tags. Support group for ex-gay persons To the Editor: Exodus - is for ex-gays. There is a way out of homosexuality. Also another won- derful organization, New Direction For Life, P.O. Box 1078, Station F., Toronto, Ontario M4Y 217 or Phone 416-921- 6557 and they have group meetings like AA in several cities - Toronto, Hamilton, Kitchener, Barrie and also a group for grieving parents and spouses of homo- gexuals. I hear the word homophobia, compas- sion and understanding for gays - but I never hear that the gays a are pro- moting their lifestyle to others as being natural and safe have a great responsi- bility to get treatment and help. When The AIDS Committee of Oshawa were asking for signatures to help get more money I offered them a booklet on Exo- dus and New Directions to keep in their office and the lesbian I gave it to was trashing it when I asked for it back. Are they in denial? I was deeply saddened and disturbed to read in ho Star Jan. 23/93 that the militant left on the powerful Board of Health ousted a morally upright dedicat- ed Korwin-Kuczynski as head chairper- son. He was actually persecuted for ex- posing gay sex pamphlets (using Turnto Page 13 Random Jottings by J. Peter Hvidsten ~ RETURNING TO THE SLOPES . Decided last year, it was time to s some quality time "male-bond- ing" with my son, sowe | agreed to take up down- hill skiing . It had beenabout15 ~ ears since the last time I strapped on my skis but I was able to locate them hiding in a dark corner of the basement where they've been collecting dust all this time. The boots and poles were there too, all covered with dust, grime and a heavy coating of drywall guck. But armed with a damp cloth and plenty of elbow , it didn't take long to bring them back to life. Next, we had to outfit Matt. Since he's never skied before we had to start from scratch, which as anyone who skis can attest, - can be an expensive proposition. We started off by attending a ski swap at Lakeridge Ski Resort early in the fall, where we were able to pick up some good skis, a pair of boots and poles for about $100. Then, scanning the for sale ads in the Star, we found him an excellent skiing outfit for another $100. So, for a total of $200 we had Matt all set to hit the slopes. Of course that's not counting the 10 lessons, which I felt were essential if he was to learn pro rly. So a couple of weeks ago we eagerly head- ed off to Lakeridge Ski Resort for our first les- - sons. Yes, I'm taking them too! It was pure bedlam when we arrived, with hundreds of new and experienced skiers lin- ing up for registrations and identification alf an hour after arriving, we finally had our ID armbands, and we headed out to find our instructors. I'm sure it was pure coincidence that Matt's teacher's name is Nancy, (the same as his mother's), and my instructor, Norm, had a head which looked a lot like my own. In fact, Norm said he's considered the weather barometer at Lakeridge 'cause there's a saying among the instructors "when Norm closes the dome (puts on his touque), you know it's really a cold day." So with the temperature only registering -8 C Saturday, Norm was content to let the bright sun bounce off his dome. Meanwhile the rest in our group were wrapped in touques, turtlenecks and goggles, to keep the cold from making our tecih Shatter I think we were all surprised our first les- son started with a chairlift ride to the upper slopes. At the top, Norm pointed to a position part way down the hill and instructed us to ski to that point and stop. Easy for him, but for many in our up, who had not skied in years, it seemed like sheer lunacy. We looked at each other as if to say, "is he crazy?" but then like the followers Sob Jones who drank poison when instructed, we cautiously started down the slope. It really wasn't as bad as I expected, in fact after the first couple of turns, I found my skills coming back rather nicely. And if suc- cess is measured in falls, I guess Saturday was a success as I was able to progress through the lesson without performing cartwheels down the slope or breaking any bones. Following the lessons, Matt and I skied together for a couple of hours before packing it in until the next lesson. I can hardly wait! LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Port Perry Star encourages our readers to make use of the letters to the editor column to express their opinions and viewpoints on just about any subject, as we feel a lively letters column helps make us a better community newspaper. We insist, however, that all letter writers sign their name and include a phone number for verification. Sorry, no anonymous letters will be published. The Port Perry Star also reserves the right to edit with respect to libelous comments or length of letter.