The Renfrew Mercury - July 15, 2010
8
OPINION EDITORIAL
LETTER
Knock, knock. Who’s there?
Property stolen from scout camp To the editor: Camp Legewade is on Hurd’s Lake and is used by the youth from all the Scouting groups in our region. This camp survives on generous donations and help from the public and businesses in and around Renfrew and Arnprior area. Recently someone came in and stole the whipper-snipper which was generously donated to us as well as a 12’ x 26’ garage tent that we use for our week long Cub camp from July 3 to 9. The only income that the camp has coming in, is from rentals and Scouts Canada has cut us down to only Scouting and “like” groups. As a result that income barely covers the insurance, fuel and propane and there isn’t much left over for repairs and upkeep. There is definitely nothing left for replacing stolen items. I hope the people who did this are real happy with themselves and realize what they have done to Camp Legewade and all the youth who depend on the camp for their camping and learning experience. Robert E. Debeau Property Manager Camp Legewade
B
eing a voter is a big responsibility. Perhaps that’s why so many people bow out. They just don’t feel qualified. Scratch that excuse off your list. Here’s what you need to know. First of all, like it or not, you will be taxed. Every time a tax bill lands on your doorstep it is a direct reflection of your inaction, or inaction. Municipal elections are often viewed as less than federal and provincial where millions are invested in rock ‘em, sock ‘em television attack ads and rabid, screaming partisanship. When you vote in a municipal election you are basically hiring people to take care of your business for you. Almost every decision affects you directly, from whether or not your street is snowplowed to what you will pay for water. And we’re not talking peanuts. Renfrew’s elected officials oversee a $15 million corporation, and you’re a part owner. Every single dollar is yours. So how do you want it spent? A mayor, reeve and five councillors will decide that. So before you choose your members of council, read their resumes (promotional brochures and advertising) closely. If a candidate knocks on your door, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and expect answers. Ask what uniquely qualifies them to represent you. Ask for their top-three priorities, and ask them their interests outside of politics. It will tell you a lot about the way they will lean on certain issues. And remember that councillors are more than policy makers. They are also expected to be ombudsmen, representing and giving voice to your concerns. Whom would you have speak for you?
LETTERS
Stand up for future rights To the editor: I was very disappointed and sad to see Cheryl Gallant justifying the abuses of power and money that took place during the G20 summit in Toronto. Cheryl, please do your homework. The evidence is there, if you look beyond the mainstream media, which focused solely and obsessively on a relatively small number of violent incidents. Having viewed evidence in private footage, I believe at least some of these incidents were staged, in order to justify the expenditure and to allow the abuses of police power which were to follow, denying citizens freedom of peaceful expression (signs, speeches,
music, poetry, etc.). Mainstream media coverage of the majority, who were promoting peace, was absent, and many, including innocent bystanders, people coming home from work etc., had their civil, charter, and human rights seriously abused. They were arrested and incarcerated, without legal procedure, and under conditions that violated human rights. All levels of government have the power to call public inquiries. Please, Cheryl, stand up and speak out for ensuring the future rights of you, your family, and your constituents. Sincerely, Leslie Rivers-Garrett Killaloe
Mercury Mercur y The Renfrew
Conservatives set another record To the editor: The Conservative government under Stephen Harper has set another record. After having established record budget deficits during a recession that they said would never happen, they have now spent more money on the hosting the G8 and G20 summits than any other country in history. Courtesy of Stephen Harper, the Canadian taxpayers will pay $1.1 billion for an event lasting precisely three days and two nights. The magnitude of this sum of money is easily put into perspective by last year’s figures: The G20 summit in Pittsburgh cost $18 million; the G20 meeting in London cost $30 million. Given the scale of this waste of public funds, one would expect some form of acknowledgment of wrongdoing by Harper and his government. Not in the least. As a result,
Canadians are understandably furious. They clearly know something the Harper government is not the least concerned about. With $1.1 billion spent on three days of summit, there will be a lot less health care for needy people; there will be a lot less support for the unemployed; there will be a lot less investment in economic development and public infrastructure. In short, Canadians will have a lot less of their own taxpayer’s money. Perhaps they’ll be relieved by Stephen Harper’s claim that the fake lake installed for the benefit of journalists visiting for two nights was not at all expensive. It “only” cost $57,000, not the $2 million claimed by everyone except the government. With a government like this, cry me a river. Sincerely, Elizabeth Stewart Waba
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