PAGE 4, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1980, WHITBY FREE PRESS whitby Voice of the County Town Michael lan Burgess, Publisher - Managing Editor ITe only Whitby newspaper independently owned and operated by Whitby residents for Whitby residents. Published ever, Wednesda by M.B.M. Publishing and Photography inc. Phone 668-61Il The Free Press Building. 131 Brock Street North. P.O. Box 206, Whitby, Ont. Michael J. Knell Community Editor Marjorie A. Burgess Production Manager Karen Thompson Advertising Manager Mailing Permit No. 460 Member of the Whitby Chamber of Commerce Bus and downtown improvement vital concern for local candidates With only East Ward councillor Joe Drumm left to announce his intentions in the upcoming November 10 municipal election, It might be a good time to take alook at the issues to be dealt with. Of all the people tiat sit on Whitby Town Coun- cil, the four members that represent the local war- ds are probably the least visible, yet they make up a majority of council and probably have more in- fluence In the creation of town policy than is recognized. It is earnestly hoped that the resident and tax- payer will begin to take more notice of them. As polling day draws nearer, issues are cqming to light, but perhaps none more immediate thanthat of the fate of the newly established Whitby Transit System. This publication has alway been of the opinion that Whitby has needed and does need a public transportation system. It is also held that the need for this service will Increase over the next few years. What is not needed is a battle cry to abolish the service. What is needed are reasoned and reasonable ways of improving the system so that it serves the people of the Town of Whitby at the highest possible level. Another Issue, that concerns all candidates not just those running in the centre ward, is the redevelopment and revitalîzation of the downtown core. By ail accounts, the Downtown Improvement Area Board, chaired by Free Press publisher Michael Burgess, has been doing a great job in promotingthe downtown sector. But there is much more to be done. A community needs a strong downtown area, a place where the residents can go to shop, bank, meet friends, be entertained and learn more about the place in which they live. The downtown area of any community gives that community character and a sense of belonging. It is the life-giving heart beat of the town. Many people, both in and out of public life haye- said that one thing that Whitby needs is a strong downtown area. Our local government, Whitby Town Council, must take a greater leadership role in the rejuven- tation of the downtown. This is not to say that the present council has not given this leadership, but to say that there is more work still to be done. Any candidate who comes forward with solid proposais for giving the downtown new blood and for improving the Whitby Tránsit system is deser- ving of support on election day. Local councillors have a big role to play in the day-to-day operation of our community. A good candidate should demonstrate a good knowledge of the town as a whole, not Just of his ward, and be able to bring forward new ideas to improve the standard of living and character of our community. As of press time only Centre Ward Councillor Barry Evans, West Ward Councillor Joe Bugelli and North Ward Councillor Bob Carson have announ- ced that they Intend to seek re-election. The only person left to be heard from tne East Ward Is Councillor Joe Drumm, although it is un- derstood that he will run again. However, no other person has declared, publicly ariy intention to run against any of these gen- tlemen. While no criticism is implied of any of the in- cumbent candidates, it would be unfortunate in- deed if no one ran against them. If no one ran~ against the, it would either show apathy or com- placency on the part of many people concerning municipal affairs. Any person seeking election to any office in the upcoming election is invited to contact the Whitby Free Press at.668-6111 so that we may adhere, as closely as possible, to the principle of equal coverage for all candidates. All candidates are also reminded that the Whitby Free Press does not endorse candidates for office except under extremely exceptional circumstan- ces. Buses too expensive: student Dear Sir: The reason I am writing this letter is to tell you of a huge problem that many students at Anderson are trying to solve. How are we supposed to get to school in the mornings? Since the Whitby transit has come to town, it has created many problems. One thing I know for a fact is that one of the bus routes is So crowded that students are sitting on top of each other and on the floor, Just so they can get to school. Another problem is the expense. Some people just can't afford to pay approximately $10 a month for buses as well as taxes. Over a nine month period that is $90 for each child and there are two in our family attending high school. We also have books and many ac- tivity expenses. To say that education is free is a myth. It runs into a lot of money. It is ridiculous. Many of my friends have their drivers' licence, but I don't and my parents aren't always home to drive me. In the winter it will be much too cold to walk. After these statements, I have a few questions to ask. What happened to our old bus drivers? I hope they are enjoying their retirement. Why do public school students have a bus and we don't? From our place, the high school Is far- ther away than the public school. It just doesn't make sense to me. To sum up my point, i can only say one thing: "we want our school buses back!" Sincerely, Susan Kornic, 225 Powell Road Whitby. Reader says buses are great Dear Sir: i have read several letters in your paper criticizing the new Whitby Bus Service. I have used it several tlImes and it gave me excellent service. .1 in- tend to use it more of- ten in the future. Dorothy MacNaughton Hilicrest Dr. Whitby.