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"Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice" PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, July 25, 2000 - 9 Police board, union holding closed-door talks By Rik Davie Special to the Star The first step in attempts to deal with low morale and staffing issues on the Durham Regional Police Service was taken when representatives of the Durham Regional Police Association met behind closed doors with the Durham Regional Police Services Board last week. The private talks come after a year of strife on the force that climaxed in a call for the resignation of current chief Kevin McAlpine, and later a call by officers for the resignation of the services board members. On May 24, the Durham Regional Police Association released a poll, answered by 599 officers, that showed 80 per cent had no confidence in Chief McAlpine's ability to lead the force. Another 74 per cent indicated they had no confidence in the force's administra- tion. A statement calling for the chief's res- ignation was attached to copies of the poll and sent to the five-member police services board. The board oversees bud- getary and non-pperational police mat- ters in Durham Region. The board is responsible for hiring of new chiefs and making reports on their abilities. The most recent report by the board gave Chief McAlpine high marks. Association president Terry Ryan told The Star that some of the problems he hopes will be discussed at the meeting include mandatory transfers of officers to different jobs; manpower issues; pro- posed community policing plans, and a lack of confidence by officers in senior brass. "This is an opportunity to get direct feedback from the board on the concerns of the officers," Mr. Ryan said. "I only hope that there is real concem on these matters by them (the board), and that they have not distanced themselves so far from the rank-and-file that they cannot relate to our problems." Bob Boychen, chair of the services board, could not be reached for com- ment, but has said in a recent Star inter- view that he welcomes the airing of the officers' concerns. He has called for a "less confrontational" attitude in future talks. "We realize that the board is a political body and that they have their own agen- da in these matters," said Mr. Ryan. "I only hope that they realize that our agen- da is driven by the wishes of our mem- bership, and that their concerns about leadership are serious ones that need to be addressed." The Durham Regional Police Service has been rocked by a series of public rev- elations that have included the call for the chief's resignation; the investigation of Deputy Chief Jim Adams over allega- tions that he may have perjured himself during testimony at a labour board hear- ing; a call by service board member and Uxbridge Mayor Gerri-Lynn O'Connor for the board to deal with outstanding com- plaints, and unrest among the rank and file over the transfer of two senior homi- cide officers amid allegations of unpro- fessional conduct in the investigation of a cold case. Mayor O'Connor has publically called on services board members to act on a number of issues. Mayor O'Connor called the meetings with union reps "a step in the right direc- tion for both the board and the associa- tion". "It is too bad that it took this board so long to recognize the problems and the need for these talks," said Mayor O'Connor. Mr. Ryan said the force is "a police ser- vice in turmoil." 135th edition of fair is Aug. 26 Blackstock's fair is next Directory of month KTR XTIE The 135th annual Blackstock Fair is approaching on the last weekend of August. Festivities kick off on Friday night, the 25th, with the popular Demolition Derby. and games - all free. The expanded agriculture tent will feature goat milking, sheep shearing, displays and trivia. Throughout the day you can enjoy the many live- stock shows - dairy, beef achievement competitions, and Old MacDonald's Farm. Check out the various competitions in the build- ings - flowers to field crops to baking and crafts, the many concessions, displays United Church beef supper. And you can cap off your day by returning to the fair dance with DJ Jerry Archer, from KX96 FM. There's something here for everyone, and it all hap- Blackstock Women's Institute Aerobics Gentle - Mondays - 1 p.m. - Blackstock United Church; Tuesdays - Low Impact - 7:30 p.m. - Blackstock United Church; Thursdays - Low Impact - 7:30 p.m. Nestleton Hall. Call 986-4280. Gentle Aerobics Gentle Aerobics for older Aug. 3, 10, 17 Beginner Yoga - Port Perry, instructor Marg Smith - 9:30 - 11 a.m. Call 985-1655. July 25 Free Personal Development & Employability Workshop Series presented by ILD.E.A's/SM.AR.T. Inc, for all women aged 18 & over On Saturday, the 26th, the colourful parade will proceed to the grounds at 10:30 a.m., followed by the mighty horse pull. The theme for this year, "Celebrating The Centuries," will be experi- enced throughout the fair with vintage tractors, machinery, antiques and displays including the homecraft section. A spe- cial treat from centuries long ago will be the ROM Dinosaurmobile. You'll be entertained by a juggler/entertainer, vari- ous musicians, the dog obstacle course, the talent show and so much more. Our free corn on the cob is back by popular demand. Kids can enjoy their day at Kidsworld with a frog show and jumping contest, the crowd pleasing pedal pull and lots of other fun Sale for hospice North Durham Hospice is once again selling the Autumn Crocus, the national flo- ral emblem of hospice palliative care. The purple-orchid like flower is symbolic of the hospice palliative care movement. . To support NDH by purchasing the Autumn and three horse shows, 4-H and of course the midway. Don't forget the delicious YOUNG DRIVERS OF CANADA pens the same day - see you at Blackstock Fair. in Pickering Village. For info. call (905) 434-6789. July 29 Friday, Aug. 4 Greenbank United Church beef barbecue - 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. Adults $12, children under 12 - $4 and under 6 is free. Call 985-8298 for tickets. Durham West Junior Farmers 55th anniversary - Sunderland Community Centre. Info. 985-3595. July 31 - Aug. 12 Hoskin Stables Horsemanship Courses - 9 - adults, Mondays and/or Thursdays - 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Masonic Hall, Port Perry. New members welcome. Mary 655-5917. Weight Watchers Blackstock on Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. For more informa- tion call Janice at 986-5126. Every Thursday Heart to Heart - A spiritual & physical (Fae.Bo) workout for women - 10-11:15 a.m. Victory Christian Centre, 593 Alma St., Port Perry. 985-1346 noon. Call 986-5558;986- or 655-3407. 4558. Family Resource Centre Saturday, Aug. 12 Scugog Community Sunderland antique - craft Centre, 1655 Reach St., Port Perry - Mondays 9 am. - 1 p.m. & Wednesdays 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Info. 985-3976. Every Second Wednesday Louise Patterson Craft Guild meets every second Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the Presbyterian Church base- ment. Bring your lunch. New members welcome. Ruth 985- 3422. sale and vintage tractors show Sunderland Arena, Admission - $2.50 - children - free. Everyone welcome. Saturday, Aug. 12 Janetville United Church beef barbecue & auction sale - 4 p.m. - auction sale - 7:30 p.m. Call 878-5825. Aug. 14 - 17 Vacation Bible School - Port Perry U.C. - 9:30 a.m. - noon. Register by calling 985- 2801. Children JK to Grade 6. Sept. 9 Garden Tour - 5330. Sunday Evenings Concerts in the park - 7 p.m. sharp at Gazebo. Tuesday, July 25 Aug. 1, 8, 15 Thursday, July 20, 27 call 986- Coming Events sponsored by F---------- PORT PERRY auto glass & trim m1, f F i i | i I FREE MOBILE SERVICE | | I l FOR REPLACEMENT AUTOMOTIVE GLASS "om A Crocus corms, please call (905) 852-4461 or |- 800-903-6999 (long dis- tance only). |Check us out: portperrystar.com 985-8507 Rmremrrers | 1575 Hwy. 7A * Port Perry © <8 TAIGAES on | L Serving Port Perry, Undbridge and surrounding areas since 1981 1