PAGE 12, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, 1982, WHITBY PREE PRESS Report from Queen's Park fw.p By The Hon. George Ashe, MPP ' (PC - Durham West) Oitario Minister of Revenue Sprmg returns The return of warmer weather and longer days herald the coming of spring. While this is the season when we feel like resting from the rigours of winter, there can be no relaxation of common sense and safety. After school many children take to the streets to play street-hockey or to take their first bicycle ride of the season and motorists must be particularly alert while driving in the residential areas* The longer days present another hazard for drivers from the glare which results when the sun is low in the sky. This glare sharply reduces vision and drivers must adjust their driving accordingly in order to have enough time to react in an emergency. At this time of the year children should be cau- tioned that ice is no longer safe - no matter how solid it looks. Playing near rivers and drainage canals in the spring is dangerous and each year un- wary people of all ages take an unnecessary tumble into the fast-running water. With children spending more time out of doors, it is important for parents to check that bicycles and tricycles are mechanically sound before they are allowed to be used. Ensure that the tires are properly inflated, the brakes are working effective- ly and that the seats and handlebars have been ad- justed to compensate for growth. It is also a good idea to review the rules of the road emphasizing the hand-signals and the import- ance of staying alert for all kinds of traffic. Children should also be reminded of the danger of power lines. They should be aware that Hydro poles are not erected for them to climb, and that kites should be flown in an open area, away from lines and towers. Every season of the year brings its own special joys and attractions - common sense ensures that these attractions pose no threat to the fanmily and home. Board taxes going up 13.5 per cent The Durham Board of Education will probably increase its property taxes on Town of Whitby residents by 13.31 per cent this year. In a report to the board Monday night, Trustee Pat Mattson (Pickering), chairman of the finance committ- ee, said that the board will spend just over $125 million to finance its operations this year. This represents. a 15.91 per cent increase in expenditures over 1981. The biggest slice of the budget will be for salaries, wages and benefits. This will cost Durham taxpayers $97.8 million in 1982,- a 14.35 per cent increase over last year. Operating supplies and services are esti- mated to cost $14.3 million which repre- sents a 25.32 per cent in- crease. However, the prelimi- nary budget estimates show provincial govern- ment grants and other revenues will pay $66 million of this year's budget. That means the Dur- ham taxpayer will be forced to fork out $59.1 million of the cost of education in the region. In his report to the board, Mattson said that the increase will mean the average taxpayer will pay $50 for educa- tion this year. He points out that Durham stands in good stead when compared to Metro Toronto whose taxpayers will have to pay $65 more in 1982 and York Region taxpayers who will pay $80 more. "The Durham board has consistently been among the lowest spend- ing boards of its size in Ontario," he said. "This fact is pointed out fre- quently by satisfied ratepayeri and some CONT'D ON PG. 22 Our draw winners Whitby Free Press circulation manager June Roberts is seen here congratulating the winners of our latest draw for subscribers and carriers. Winning the carriers' draw was Christopher Cooper of Brooklin as the best carrier for the months of December, January and February. He won a stereo as his prize. Beverley Bond of Calais Street, Whitby, won an AM/FM digital clock radio in our subscribers' draw. Congratulations to both. All of our readers are eligible to enter our next draw upon paying their 60 cent-a- month voluntary collection fee to their carrier. - Free Press Staff Photo