The Voice: October 31 2018

Junkin ready to roll page 3 Beamer voice for community page 7 Fonthill Rotary's Gail Levay page 8 EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

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Column Six

More than fuss and feathers School board caution over a classic may not be a bad thing

BY COLIN BREZICKI

Special to the VOICE

I

N THE SAME WEEK THAT Peel Board of Education placed To Kill A Mockingbird on its endangered species list, Americans overwhelmingly chose the book as their best-loved novel of all time. The apparent contradiction merits something more than a Tweet.

A hue and cry has risen over Peel Board’s directive.

It hasn’t actually banned the book, but is advising teachers that they teach it at their own risk. Should a parent of a black student— or any student, really—take issue with this book on the syllabus, the board will leave it to teachers to defend their choice.

Inevitably, the spectre of another literary classic, Orwell’s 1984, is raised by rights activists defending the freedom to teach

TO A FRESH START Pelham's Regional Councillor-Elect Diana Huson and Mayor-Elect Marvin Junkin toasted their respective victories last week—Huson with a cranberry-splashed soda, Junkin with "one of the few craft beers" he likes. Huson's story on page 6, Junkin on page 3.

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The Voice of Pelham, October 31 2018

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IN THE NEWS

PUBLISHER’S CORNER

by Dave Burket

Prince over Dief

Right day, wrong place: The line of voters last Monday in the new community centre was at least 50-deep when I arrived, and steadily grew as we inched, slowly, forward. The irony was hard to miss. As results proved a few hours later, nearly three out of every four voters patiently waiting in the Accursi Multipurpose Community Room were patiently waiting to vote for anyone other than Gary Accursi. Ward 2, home to the new centre and those patient electors, returned Accursi’s worst result, in which he escaped placing third in the three-way race by just six-tenths of 1 percent. As I handed over my voter information card, a look of consternation crossed the poll clerk’s face. It turned out that because I’m an idiot I had waited well over half an hour to vote at the wrong polling station. (In my defense, not one but two poll workers —the first at the community centre entrance, the second at the Accursi Multipurpose Community Room threshold—had already inspected the card and ushered me along.) A very nice Town employee offered to call my actual polling station to tell them that since I’d already waited once I shouldn’t have to wait again, but I declined. It was my dumb mistake…

Speaking of encouraging numbers: It turns out that our tracking polls were pretty darned accurate after all. We were, as the saying goes, cautiously optimistic that this would be the case—not because of who was or wasn’t ahead, but because we didn’t want to be completely wrong.

A comparison between poll results and actual results is on page 10.

Back in the summer we considered engaging a professional pollster, but the $1200-$1500 per-poll price tag was a non-starter. We did learn that a scientifically acceptable sample number for a town of our size was 150 respondents. We exceeded that number of responses on all but one survey date, and the last response count on October 15 was 253. The larger issue, of course, was whether those Voice readers who were motivated to participate in the poll would be reflective of the town as a whole. Yes, it turned out, and that’s reassuring…The nail-biter: As our last poll showed, challenger Diana Huson had risen nearly even with incumbent Regional Councillor Brian Baty. Huson’s campaign did everything right. She knocked on as many doors as she could. Her advertising was excellent. She took every advantage of free and paid marketing opportunities in the Voice. Huson also benefited of course from the sweep-them-out sentiment that turfed every Pelham incumbent, and Baty was hampered by a lingering bug that kept him out of action for the better part of three crucial campaign weeks… Right street, wrong block: Word is that right up to election day, by the way, Accursi supporters were convinced that he would win big, so much so that on election night a reporter for one of the Niagara dailies was on hand in the Fonthill pub where Accursi was holding his wrap-up party, ready to interview the presumptive winner. After a while, the proprietor approached and offered some wise counsel. “You want to be up the street, man. Junkin headquarters, not here”...Service before self: Fonthill Rotary charter member Gail Levay tells her story this week (page 8); we hear from the winners of all municipal races, plus new DSBN Trustee Nancy Beamer; and regular contributor Colin Brezicki (Column Six) takes us away from politics to ponder how even classic novels can arguably reach the end of their teachable shelf lives. Happy Halloween!

cur. During the work, Station Street will be closed to all but local traffic between Pelham Town Square and Highway 20.

Peter Dief took Pelham with 633 votes, but it wasn’t enough to secure him a seat on the Niagara Catholic District School Board, as Leanne Prince won in a race that also included voters in Grimsby, Lincoln, and West Lincoln.

Motorcycle pioneer

Don Tait, a well known fixture in Niagara motorcycling, died at 94 on October 17 in Welland. He was a founding member and past president of the Welland County Motorcycle Club, a member of the Sports Car Club of St. Catharines and twice competed and finished the Cross Canada Rally. The Welland County Motorcycle Club was established in 1946 as the Welland County Sky Hawks.

Tait became president in 1949 and again in 1954. His first motorcycle was a 1930 single-cylinder Harley. Tait ran a business on South Worth Street in Welland called Welland Radio until he retired. Both brother Bob and nephew Geoff were also past presidents of the motorcycle club. After services in Welland, the funeral procession made its way to Fonthill Cemetery last Monday, October 22.

Arena sales agreement

A tentative agreement has apparently been reached to sell the old Pelham Arena on Haist Street. A notice sign went up last week to this effect above the facility’s front entrance. Asked

Voice on vacation!

Break Enter and Theft

for details, Town Public Relations and Marketing Specialist Marc MacDonald responded, “I can tell you that

there will be a report at the next Council meeting, Nov. 5. I don’t have any other information at the moment.”

Station Street water main work

Starting this Monday and extending to December 7, the water main under Station Street will be replaced.

Contractors will periodically shut down the water supply to nearby residences for testing. According to a Town statement, affected residents will be notified prior to such shutdowns, though adds that unexpected shutdowns may also oc-

Police report that a garage and residence in the 1000 block of Cream Street was broken into on October 15 between 8 AM and 2 PM. A video camera and scrap copper were stolen.

Pickup stolen

Police say that overnight on October 4, in the 2000 block of Effingham Road, a 2006 GMC Sierra dual axle pickup, grey in colour and in excellent condition with many expensive upgrades, was stolen. Numerous valuable tools stored in the vehicle were also taken.

Vehicle entries

Police say that overnight on October 4 on Willson Crossing a vehicle was entered, ransacked, with See IN THE NEWS Page 13

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Column Six The Comfort Maple myth

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In addition to being charged, these individuals are also bound by a Ministry of Transportation 90-Day Administrative Driver’s License Suspension and are prohibited from operating a motor vehicle on a roadway. The public is encouraged to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service Traffic Safety Hotline or Crime Stoppers to report those who are driving in contravention of the suspension.

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Column Six Growing up British Part 2 of 2: Coronation to embarkation

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Column Six It doesn’t get better than Autumn

BY JOHN SWART

VOICE Correspondent

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice of Pelham, October 31 2018

Page 3

The Conversation

Junkin: Let's get going The man at the head of the largest changeover in Pelham politics in recent memory is ready to roll

I hope that staff are as anxious to meet us as we are to meet them

BY DAVE BURKET

The VOICE

M

ARVIN JUNKIN HAS LIVED IN PELHAM his entire life, operating a dairy farm of 100 cows in North Pelham before selling them in 2012 and continuing to cultivate cash crops. His four children grown, Junkin, 65, lives on his Roland Road farm with his wife, Candace. A brother lives across the way. Junkin was elected to Pelham Town Council in 2014, representing Ward 1. He resigned late last year, citing an unwillingness to cooperate in what he asserted was an active cover-up of the Town’s true financial status.

What a difference a year makes.

On December 3, Junkin will assume the office of mayor. An entirely new Town Council will takes its oath of office. A more thorough mandate from the electorate cannot be imagined.

The Voice caught up with Junkin late last week as he worked through his to-do list ahead of taking office.

The following has been edited for brevity.

We're speaking on Thursday, three days after the election. How are you feeling?

Very humble. When I think about the victory that the voters of Pelham gave me, especially the margin they gave me over two worthy opponents. It shows that they definitely wanted change and I believe that by voting for me and an allnew council we will be more than capable of giving them change. Change in the government, a more open—I'm not going to use that word “transparent”—so let's just say a more open way of doing business. We will be keeping people informed about where the money is going, and I can't wait to get started.

Why not use the word transparent?

I don't think it worked very well last three or four years. Maybe it was a question of who was saying it.

But no, I think the word we'll be using will be openness.

How confident were you that you would win? Was there a point at which you thought, "I've got this in the bag?"

For the last three weeks, I was cautiously optimistic. I was very happy to see the response that we got from the people in Fonthill. I knew I had to do well in Fonthill to clinch it, and while we were handing out my fliers we were absolutely overwhelmed by the reaction we got, everyone telling us that I had their vote.

It was just overwhelming how the people—everyone wanted change.

So you felt pretty confi-

dent about North Pelham and Ward 1. It was the more suburban wards that you had concerns about.

That's right. The people, and no disrespect, but the people out in the boonies, which includes me, I think that they identified with me right from the get-go. The people in town, I can understand why maybe they had questions of whether or not I was capable or not. I obviously think I'm very capable of the job. I thought that it was the people in Fonthill that I had to win over. But as it was, they were already won over from just by realizing that I'd be the one guy that would open the books, and I think they responded to my honesty and my integrity.

During the campaign, we heard that another candidate was suggesting that because you're a farmer— and you’re more of a retired farmer than a working farmer at this point— but the candidate was saying that during the summer you wouldn't be available because you'd be out working on the farm, and this was somehow going to be to the detriment of the town. Did you hear this?

Yes. When we were handing out flyers in certain parts of Fonthill, we had various people ask that question of either myself or my people that were helping me. And I would just like to say that it’s totally untrue.

I expect that I will give whatever it takes to run this town efficiently. My farm, unfortunately, is going to have to become second fiddle, but I've got enough help from family, friends, even numerous neighbours who have also offered to help. So I see absolutely no conflict at all there. I think it'll be very smooth transition.

What's the reaction, if any, that you've heard from the rank and file. Not so much management in Town Hall but Town workers.

The Town workers I have a very good rapport with. I see them all the time on the roads, working in the parks.

They're happy to see that I'm now in the office. I think they're looking for some

Mayor-elect Marvin Junkin. How better to be welcomed home after a day of soy harvesting than by a princess, in this case granddaughter Charlotte.

VOICE FILE PHOTO changes from the top down.

What are your immediate goals, say the first topthree priorities once you're sworn in?

Well, obviously, I've got to talk with council on a third-party audit, it will be interesting to see how we can set that up. I've had numerous chartered accountants come to me and say that they will volunteer their time if we were to form some kind of a committee—they would love to be on it and work with the Town Treasurer going back to whatever council gives them, the terms of reference, and do this audit at a very, very low cost.

If you were to do an audit back to 2014, some of the estimates being thrown around—and I think these were somewhat alarmist by the current council—were $100,000, $150,000 dollars, something like that. So this would be a way to avoid that expense, or most of that expense.

Yes, exactly. And again, these accountants that I've talked to, they’re involved in municipal finances, so they know exactly what they would have to look for.

I don't think it would take them very long to do an indepth audit. And because they're who they are in the community, I believe that when they gave their report, it would be well-received and everyone would trust what was in that report.

When you were campaigning, going door-todoor, what were the top two or three issues that people mentioned?

The one thing, of course, and they achieved this on election night, the major-

ity of people that I talked to wanted a clean sweep of council. They thought that we needed all new ideas, a new, fresh outlook on where this town is headed. They want development slowed down and, yeah, just get away from this us-againstthem mentality. Earn the people's trust again. Make going into the Town office a more friendly experience.

You're the only one with any municipal government experience coming in. How long do you think it's going to take for council to become accustomed to the routines and duties and demands of council meetings?

I was thinking about this a couple of days ago because I remembered [former Mayor] Ralph Beamer’s advice when I was elected in 2014. His advice to me was that for the first four or five months on council just sit there and take it as a learning experience. Keep your mouth shut and your ears open, and then after about three or four months you're used to it. Then start to speak your mind. Obviously, if that happens this time around, it's going to be pretty quiet around the council chamber. But I think that this group of people that we've got coming on, honestly, I think they're going to get into it within the first month, I'm sure they'll pick up the routine, and I am going to give them the benefit of my experience and just tell them to make sure they go over the agendas, take notes. If they have any questions, phone staff Monday morning to get a better idea of what the agenda is.

I'm sure that within the first month or two they'll all

be up to speed.

We have sort of a situation here where staff is a permanent bureaucracy.

And on the one hand that's good—there's the institutional memory that incoming councillors will benefit from. On the other hand, they do wield quite a bit of authority and control. Are you concerned about that relationship being problematic?

No, I don't think that'll be the case at all. I've got a feeling that maybe the staff that are there, I think they'll welcome new ideas.

New people to come in, talk to, new discussions. I hope that staff are as anxious to meet us as we are to meet them and just to get on with running the Town at peak performance.

We sent out a survey to all council and mayoral candidates a couple weeks before the election. We printed the results in our last issue before Election Day. It was headlined, “Change Versus the Status Quo.” Interestingly, for someone who campaigned on a platform of change, as did Carla Baxter, your ranking in that survey was right smack in the middle, as was Baxter’s.

[NOTE: Gary Accursi, the third candidate in the race, declined to answer the survey.] What did that tell you, when you saw the results?

Well, I'm not as radical as people thought I would be.

Let's look at your answers to some of these questions that might have been surprising. Let's see. Public input at council meetings.

You were neutral on that.

Yeah. Again, my own idea, my own feelings on that are, I would love to see the

last five minutes of council dedicated to members of the public who want to bring something to council, I have nothing against that, and if the rest of council agreed with me on that, yes, I would enjoy that.

Five minutes?

That's pretty tightfisted.

Well, by the time they get up and talk, I mean, five, maybe ten minutes, but I'm afraid that if you make it unlimited, I know that there's a lot of talkers in the town that can stretch out 30-second conversations into five minutes.

I don't think anyone wants to see an unlimited— No. Five or ten minutes.

You mean per person, or total?

The total thing would be 15 minutes. And then if they didn't get on, well, come back in two weeks and we'll do it again.

I think part of the objection to the current policy is that you need to submit your questions in advance, which seems a little bit authoritarian.

Well, I talked to [Town Clerk Nancy Bozzato] about that and she was afraid that there would be questions asked at the end of a meeting that we weren't prepared for, and it could make council and possibly staff look bad if we had to say, "We don't know." But I don't have a problem with that. If somebody asks a question and if nobody in the room knows the answer, that's fine. We'll do the digging and we'll get back to you.

Just be honest.

Yes. Exactly. Exactly.

Maintaining the arches.

You were neutral on that as well, and that's even after Mark Shoalts, the engineer who was involved in constructing them, sent in a statement both to the Town and to the paper that trying to salvage them in their current form would basically be a fool's errand.

What's your feeling about that?

Oh, after reading his report, I definitely would not spend any more money on them. If they can stand for See THE CONVERSATION Page 11

Page 4

The Voice of Pelham, October 31 2018

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

OPINION

The opinions expressed in submitted commentary and letters to the editor are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Voice of Pelham.

The Voice of Pelham is a 1211858 Ontario Limited publication David Burket, Publisher 2-1428 Pelham St., P.O. Box 1489, Fonthill, ON L0S1E0

As We See It Among many upsets, one election outcome most instructive

O

F LAST MONDAY night’s election r e su lt s—p erh aps the most lopsided wipe-out of incumbents in Pelham’s, if not Ontario’s, history—one among them should stick in the mind for a long time, with important lessons to be learned for residents and politicians alike.

While Marvin Junkin’s comfortable win, David Augustyn’s convincing loss, and current council’s pitiful performance were all telling, no race was more of a landslide, or more instructive for observers of politics, than that for public school board trustee.

Nancy Beamer won that position, which serves both Pelham and Thorold, against two-term incumbent and DSBN board chair Dale Ann Robinson.

The vote tally in Pelham?

4019 to 756. A third candidate received 434 votes. Robinson and Beamer roughly tied in Robinson’s home town of Thorold, though even there Beamer beat the incumbent.

Robinson’s drubbing, surely, can be attributed to one main issue: the re-naming of E.W. Farr Public School in Fenwick.

When it was announced a few years ago that declining enrolment would mean the shuttering of Pelham Centre and the merging of its students with E.W. Farr in one super-school, few residents were upset. The practical arguments made sense.

But when the DSBN decreed that the new school would be called “Wellington Heights,” people were justifiably dismayed.

The DSBN embarked on a renaming process and invited submissions. Once the results were scored, the board claimed that just 37 percent of respondents wanted the E.W. Farr name to stay. In fact, this figure was really 45 percent. Using this 37 percent claim, the board asserted that 63 percent wanted a new name.

But, in truth, just six percent of of those asked wanted the Wellington Heights name.

“Wellington Heights” refers to Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington, who lived in the 19th century. Not only is Wellesley’s connection with Pelham virtually non-existent, he expressed anti-Semitic sentiments in the British House of Lords.

That virtually no one in Pelham wanted this name

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for the school seemed not to register with Robinson or the DSBN. An organized resident group, in which Beamer was a driving force, was ignored by the school board.

Even during this past election campaign, Robinson made the tone-deaf claim that she “honestly felt” that the name change was the wish of the majority of the community.

One hopes that as chair she read DSBN financial statements more accurately than she did these survey results. Monday’s election numbers were so unambiguously against her that there can be no misunderstanding their meaning.

Let all institutions learn from this. For reasons unknown, the DSBN wanted to change the name of E.W. Farr school. Then, when Pelham residents were obviously upset about it, the DSBN doubled down and refused to make a simple accommodation—one that would have made no difference to them. This lesson on listening comes too late to save Robinson’s political career. But, we hope, it will be noted by those to come. ♦

Letters Movin' on Up! Before we all move on, in the wake of MARVEGEDDON I’d like to ask everyone to spend a few minutes comparing the results from our last election to the poll predictions carried in the October 17 edition of the Voice.

As the spouse of a council candidate who personally visited 1500 doors or mailboxes in Pelham while on the campaign trail, I was pretty excited (and stressed) to read the polling results that were collected by our Little Paper That Could.

As I chewed on the numbers presented, I kept warning myself that 300 survey responses weren’t a representative sample of what might happen at the ballot box, especially if those who read the Voice are part of

a fringe group critical of our (now outgoing) Town Council.

The morning after the votes were tallied, I took the time to do a little math, and what I found interested me.

In most of our municipal and Regional races, the results of the Voice’s October 17 poll provided an excellent prediction of not only who would win, but how much they would win by.

As I skipped from ward to ward, I realized that the Voice is not read by just a fringe group eager to stir up trouble, as has been suggested in the past. Instead, it showed the same See MOVIN' next page

CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS Member of Federal Parliament

Electoral District: Niagara West

Dean Allison, MP 4994 King Street Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 Dean.Allison@parl.gc.ca 877-563-7900

Mayor of Pelham David Augustyn mayordave@pelham.ca 905-892-2607 Ext 317 Members of Pelham Town Council

Member of Provincial Parliament

Ward 1 Councillor Richard Rybiak rrybiak@pelham.ca 905-892-2105

Sam Oosterhoff, MPP 4961 King St. East, Unit M1 Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 sam.oosterhoffco@pc.ola.org 905-563-1755

Councillor James Lane jlane@pelham.ca 905-892-8974

Electoral District: Niagara West-Glanbrook

Members of Niagara Regional Council Councillor David Augustyn mayordave@pelham.ca 905-892-2607 Ext 317 Councillor Brian Baty brian.baty@niagararegion.ca 905-892-5317 Town of Pelham 20 Pelham Town Square P.O. Box 400 Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 905-892-2607

The man who stops advertising to save money is like the man who stops the clock to save time.

Ward 2 Councillor Catherine King cking@pelham.ca 905-658-8599

Thomas Jefferson

Councillor Gary Accursi gaccursi@pelham.ca 905-892-5528 Ward 3 Councillor John Durley jdurley@pelham.ca 905-892-5388 Councillor Peter Papp ppapp@pelham.ca 905-328-6008

Jill C. Anthony Law Office

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The Voice of Pelham, October 31 2018

Page 5

OPINION Not pleased at guest appearance by Foreign Minister Another Wednesday and like clockwork, the latest edition of the Voice lands in my mailbox. Time to read about what's happening in our little slice of paradise. Start with a quick run though the pages, scanning the headlines for an inter-

esting article that I should read first. But my scanning came to a screeching halt on page 5 with the Opinion headline “A Good Deal For Canadians," authored by Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs. I wasn't aware that she was a Pelham res-

ident, or a subscriber to the Voice. Neither one is the most likely answer. Odds are that she has never heard of Pelham. But here she is taking up valuable print real estate in the newspaper.

Are we are all to believe that she actually wrote it.

More likely it was a team of spin doctors, burning the midnight oil, labouring for days to make this deal sound like the second coming of the Magna Carta. They could have written it before the negotiations even started and it would

New carbon tax plan a good first step Thank you for your coverage of our recent municipal elections. The Voice continues to be very pertinent and is a must-read for Pelham residents.

However a much bigger issue weighs on my mind and it is climate change. Just recently we learned of the International Panel on Climate Change, IPCC, report. There is an urgent need to limit the earth’s global warming since pre-industrial revolution times to 1.5 C degrees by 2030. It took earth about 250 years to warm up by 1 C degree to where we are today, but the past few decades have seen ever increasing rates of warming. If we go over a .5 C degree increase in the next 12 years we are in deep trouble.

There is much to be done, but if enough nations and its citizens act now it can be done. The two winners of the 2018 Nobel Prize for economics, William Nordhaus of Yale University and Paul Romer of New York University both agree: Nordhaus has developed models as to how this can be achieved by a universal tax on carbon; Romer has research that shows how governments can advance innovation.

Canadians are an integral part of the solution! The Union of Concerned Scientists has published data on line which shows the top 20 CO2 emitters. The top five are China—9040 million metric tonnes, United States at 4997, India at 2066, Rus-

sia at 1468, and Japan at 1141.

Canada is in 9th place with 549 million metric tonnes.

(You can Google “UCS share of CO2 emissions by country” to get the table. Note: The UCS has its detractors but for a comparison of countries appears legitimate.)

Although Canada is responsible for only about 2% of the planet’s emissions, its per capita share number is 4th from the top after Saudi Arabia—16.85 metric tonnes; Australia—15.83: USA—15.53 and Canada—15.32 metric tonnes. So Canada, there is every need for us to stand up!

At the writing of this missive Prime Minister Trudeau has just released the new carbon tax plan, which may be called the Federal Backstop on Climate Change that now applies to the four provinces of Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick, without a plan to deal with climate change. It comes in two parts: Part 1— A regulatory charge on fuel, effective April 1, 2019 which will see a cost increase of about 4.42 cents/L for gasoline, 3.91 cents per cubic metre for natural gas and 3.1 cents/L for propane. The fuel and distribution providers will be paying this tax directly to Ottawa and will in turn pass the cost to the customer. To offset these extra costs a sizeable majority of about

MOVIN'

were not happy with our current council and wanted change badly enough to sweep the board clean.

Dale Smith Fonthill

continued from previous page reality over and over, which suggested that most people

See CLIMATE Page 10

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have come close to the final version—“the deal's great, we're great, we worked hard for you." Once done, it was no doubt sent to every daily, weekly, magazine, gazette, podcast and blog, hoping that someone will need a filler.

This commentary was nothing but a self-congratulatory, pat on the back to herself. It is not an opinion, rather it is a rambling commercial for the federal Liberal party. As I read the See COMMENTARY Page 10

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NEWSFLASH Tell us your story!

Column Six presents tales of personal triumph, adventure, strange-but-true stories, life-changing events, and looks-back at our past.

Did you conquer Everest or kick a bad habit?

Did you meet your spouse-to-be in jail or on an African safari?

Do you know where Hoffa’s buried?

Write it down, send it in: publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca (You won’t get rich, but you will get paid.)

Page 6

The Voice of Pelham, October 31 2018

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Election sweep sees all-new Regional reps for Pelham With Diana Huson's victory over incumbent Brian Baty, she and Marvin Junkin go to Niagara Regional Council as newbies

Huson credited timing, a positive campaign, traditional person-to-person networking, and digital marketing for a strong, successful campaign.

BY JENNIFER CHORNLEY

I feel I was able to really connect with voters and learned so much about Pelham's passions

The VOICE

Coming on strong at the end, political newcomer Diana Huson prevailed over incumbent Brian Baty to win Pelham’s single directly elected Regional Council seat last Monday.

Describing the last fours years as being “incredibly divisive and detrimental to Niagara's credibility and reputation,” Huson said what Niagara really needed was new people and different attitudes towards how things should be done.

Of 18 directly elected Regional councillors, only eight were returned.

“Most of the elected candidates ran on having a more honest, open and transparent approach to Regional governance, including myself,” Huson said.

“I think we have a great opportunity to make that happen.”

With a majority of the council being new, Huson said there are upcoming challenges to overcome, such as overcoming learning curves, instilling good leadership and rebuilding the Region’s reputation.

“We need to learn the ropes as quickly as possible in order to make things happen. I think engaging with our Regional staff will be pivotal to make this transition happen quickly and

efficiently.”

Realigning Niagara’s priorities needs to return to the agenda.

“Building our economy will be dependent on attracting new business, industry and talented people to our Region,” Huson said. “We need to refocus our Regional governance on building upon, encouraging and promoting the great things that are happening in Niagara.”

With numerous investigations and the Region painted as being mismanaged and corrupt, Huson says many things can change through policy revisions.

For the Region to move forward on policy issues, Huson says it’s important to have a strong leader in the Regional Chair position.

Councillor expenses is another campaign issue Huson wants to address.

“It's something I've been campaigning on and it really resonated with voters. We need to have rules on what can and can't be expensed,” Huson said.

“Although this may not be one of the more controversial issues, it sends an important message about responsible spending and accountability around taxpayer dollars.”

She said she also believes the

Regional Councillor-Elect Diana Huson.

CAO hiring issue will “take precedence,” as it should. “But will be dependent on what we hear from the Ombudsman’s investi-

Congratulations Congratulations to those elected and appreciation to those who presented themselves for public service. I offer my services to our new mayor and regional councillor in this transition period. Sufficient funds remained in my personal election expense account to make a significant donation to our new community centre. This is in appreciation for the privilege of serving our community for the last fifteen years.

Best wishes to all.

BRIAN BATY Regional Councillor PAID FOR BY THE RE-ELECT BRIAN BATY CAMPAIGN

SUPPLIED PHOTO

gation. If possible, I would like to see us move more swiftly on this issue to come to a resolution.”

“It was a very long and onerous few months, but throughout this time I met some amazing people, including most of the other candidates,” Huson said.

“But, it’s also very rewarding. I feel I was able to really connect with voters and learned so much about Pelham’s passions.

“When I knocked on doors, people were very vocal about desiring change.”

Huson said regarding Pelham’s completely new Town Council, “It’s clear that Pelham was unhappy with the status quo.”

She extends a “thank you” to family, friends, supporters and, most importantly, voters during the campaign.

“I am truly honoured that I have the opportunity to represent Pelham at the Region.

I want to assure you that I am committed to representing you to the best of my ability.”

Thank you for electing me as one of your councillors in Ward 2. I appreciate all of your support, and I look forward to working with the Mayor and my fellow councillors for the next four years!

RON KORE COUNCILLOR-ELECT, WARD 2

Applekore1@bell.net PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE TO ELECT RON KORE FOR WARD 2

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice of Pelham, October 31 2018

Page 7

Beamer promises to be a voice for the community Retired teacher's margin of victory over DSBN incumbent largest in Pelham

BY SARAH WHITAKER

Special to the VOICE

“I will be a very loud voice.”

That’s the promise Nancy Beamer makes as the new school board trustee for Pelham and Thorold after her victory in the 2018 Municipal Election on October 22.

The retired teacher defeated incumbent, and District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) Board chair, Dale Robinson by 3,431 votes, winning by more than 3,300 in Pelham and winning, albeit in a tighter race, in Robinson’s hometown of Thorold by almost 100 votes.

Beamer watched the early results come in at the new Pelham community centre and, after stopping by several other Pelham candidates’ parties, was with Mayor-Elect Marv Junkin as the final results came in showing she had taken the seat easily.

“Relief” is how she described the feeling on election night as the results came in.

“Relief knowing that I accomplished what I set out to do.”

During the campaign Beamer said she had a great deal of positive responses from Pelham and felt confident the voters in this community would support her. Thorold, where both other candidates live, she wasn’t so sure about, although she did a lot of campaigning in that city with many positive reactions there as well.

In the end, Pelham voters had

given Beamer “overwhelming support.”

“The people of Pelham trusted me,” she said. “The voice of the community showed they would not be ignored and disrespected.”Beamer believes it was the way the DSBN board handled the renaming of E.W. Farr Memorial Public School to Wellington Heights that was behind that overwhelming support. While the community didn’t like the name change at all, Beamer said it was the combination of the name chosen, the secrecy of the process and the disrespect of not listening to a petition carrying hundreds of signatures that had Pelham voters passionate about the school board trustee position and voting to replace the incumbent in this area.

When asked if changing the name of Wellington Heights Public School is on her agenda as the new board trustee, Beamer explained individual trustees don’t have much power and it is not something that she can bring to the board.

The request to change the name of the school has to come from the school community—parents, students and teachers—with support from the greater community, and go through the superintendent.

If the superintendent brings the name change to the board, they can reconsider it, says Beamer,

DSBN Trustee-Elect Nancy Beamer. and if that happens she’ll be the "staunchest supporter" of a second name change.

If not, Beamer looks forward to an opportunity to name another school building in town after E.W. Farr if projected growth in Fenwick is correct and a new school in the community is required. On her agenda when she attends the first board meeting in early December is establishing open communication with the communities she serves.

Beamer hopes to create a blog or regular column to keep community members abreast of what’s

Thank You

SARAH WHITAKER PHOTO

happening with local schools and hopes to attend a school advisory council meeting at each school she serves to introduce herself, explain her role as trustee, and be available to help with issues.

She looks at the work currently happening in the athletic field in front of E. L. Crossley as an example, noting no one in town knew what was happening when that work started and it would have been very easy to communicate the plans to the greater community.

While Beamer is not sure what will actually be on the agenda at

her first meeting, she promises to keep the well-being and achievement of all students at top of mind as she makes decisions, noting that what’s best for the students, safe schools they enjoy going to (most of the time) and good teachers should be the top priority for all trustees.

In reference to good teachers, Beamer says she needs more detailed information about the provincial government's recent announcement that all teachers will need to pass a math test before being licensed to teach in the province.

“What level of math test is it?” she asks.

Will all teachers need to pass the same test? Will kindergarten and Grade 1 teachers need trigonometry?

The better option, Beamer says, is professional development supporting teachers at the level they are teaching math and moving to a balance of basic math and the new math being taught now. Memorization of the multiplication table gives students a strong base as they learn higher levels of math but it also teaches the brain to retain information, to sort data and use information productively, she says in support of going back to basics.

Beamer will have an orientation meeting in November and plans to attend the last board meeting before the new trustees step in to their roles in December so she will be fully prepared for her first meeting.

“Hopefully I’ll do a good job,”she says, before sneaking in a second, but brief, happy dance to show her excitement at winning the election and taking on the new role on behalf of her community.

THANK YOU! FOR YOUR SUPPORT

I would like to thank all those residents who voted for me on October 22 to be your Mayor.

To win by such a large majority over two worthy opponents was a very humbling experience.

Rest assured that I, along with the new Council, will work diligently on your behalf to restore your trust in Town Hall and staff, and to ensure that decisions are made based on community consultation and consensus.

I look forward to the challenges ahead, and see nothing but solutions.

Sincerely, Marv

Marvin

JUNKIN

MarvinJunkin.com Paid for by the Committee to Elect Marvin Junkin for Mayor

Pelham, thank you for your support and vote on October 22nd. It is both an honour and a privilege to represent Pelham at the Niagara Region.

I am committed to listening to Pelham’s taxpayers and representing you to the best of my ability.

I look forward to working collaboratively with our new Town Council.

Congratulations to our newly elected representatives!

Paid for by the Diana Huson Campaign.

DIANA HUSON, REGIONAL COUNCILLOR-ELECT

Page 8

The Voice of Pelham, October 31 2018

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Charter member a "keeper of history" for Fonthill Rotary Gail Levay is the club's archivist and "go-to person"

BY JENNIFER CHORNLEY

The VOICE

Gail Levay has put “Service Above Self” with the Rotary Club of Fonthill and the community for the past 27 years.

As one of the original charter members, Levay’s founding roots have grown for her be recognized within as the club’s “archivist” and “go-to person.” Of the 25 members who planted the Fonthill organization’s seeds, Levay is the only remaining founding member.

With her extensive experience with the organization’s structure and mandates, Levay is described as being a “consistent” factor by club president Mel Groom. “We have an executive changeover annually and someone like Gail is a constant through these changes.”

Groom says Levay’s longevity with the organization makes her a “keeper” of history as she has 27 years of archived photos and documents.

“She has a memory like a steel trap.”

Maintaining the club’s history is a task Levay says she enjoys doing.

She has about 18 scrapbooks compiling 27 years of the club’s history containing photos, news articles, brochures, documents and prominent pieces of club lore.

Past club president Paul Snack considers Gail to be a “great resource for the history of the Font-

hill Rotary Club and how it has evolved over the years.”

When Levay joined as a charter member with Rotary International, the organization was looking to expand and chose Fonthill as its new community. It took six months to gather 25 members, but on September 21, 1991, the Rotary Club of Fonthill was officially chartered under the sponsorship of the Rotary Club of Welland.

“I like the fact that not only does it contribute to the immediate community but also makes an impact internationally,” she says.

“I look forward to the Wednesday morning meetings, especially when we have speakers they are very interesting and insightful.”

The speakers come from a variety of backgrounds, including business, education, professionals, individual volunteers and community-based organizations and facilities.

Levay enjoys being with club and is happy that it has a family-sized membership total, as this allows for the members to get to know one another on a more personable level compared to clubs that may be three or four times the size.

Another aspect Levay likes is that it allows members to expand networking opportunities beyond the immediate community.

Rotary charter member Gail Levay.

“Because meetings are weekly, we can do make-up meetings when we travel by visiting other clubs.” Worldwide, Rotary International has 30,000 active clubs comprised of over a million members in 163 countries.

“It gives the members an opportunity to gain insight, ideas and inspiration on how other clubs do things, such as fundraising initiatives,” Levay says.

She is the first point of contact and welcome at the club’s weekly meeting, looking after registration and attendance.

Saturday afternoon it’s ROGER WYATT @ 2 PM Saturday night @ 8 PM it’s

Name This Tune with Shawn Daily Dining Specials $5 Burger Mondays $6/lb Mussels Tuesdays $7/lb Wings Wednesdays $5 Beef on Weck Thursdays $10 Haddock Fish Fry Fridays ON SUNDAYS THE WEEKENDER! All specials on one day!

Because she has fulfilled all positions except presidency, Levay’s experience allows her to mentor new general and board members, educating them on the organization’s mandates and routines.

Past president and current District Governor Frank Adamson says, “Gail probably has the best attendance record of any member of the club.”

Paul Snack agrees that Levay is the “go-to person” for understanding all the Rotary rules and regulations.

Levay also enjoys interacting

VOICE PHOTO

with the community, especially being involved in a number of community initiatives.

One of her favourite memories is the tree planting campaign the club initiated at Peace Park in 1991.

Levay says a recent trip to the park brought back memories. Another community initiative Levay enjoys assisting with is the Summer Bandshell Series, on which board she sits.

Over the years, the Fonthill Rotary Club has undertaken many See LEVAY next page

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice of Pelham, October 31 2018

Page 9

Halloween horror, haunting on Haist

BY JENNIFER CHORNLEY

The VOICE

Jim and Rosemary Dougan have decked out their home on Haist Street with a spooktacular flair for the past eight years.

Dougan says it has gradually grown over the years.

Her daughter-in-law Ashley describes the house as being the Griswolds of Halloween. Not only does Halloween get the royal treatment, but other holidays also.

“Jim and I enjoy the reactions from the kids from the time the decorations go up until Halloween night,” said Rosemary. “Many families will just walk by the house before Halloween night and look at the display.”

Not only are there many passersby on foot, vehicles also slow down to get a view, Rosemary said.

This year’s display has gotten so big it has spread one yard over into the neighbour’s.

“They are wonderful neighbours and have also gotSee HAUNTING Page 12

LEVAY

continued from previous page community events, including Canada Day celebrations, Christmas parades, the first phase of the Steve Bauer Trail development, Summer Bandshell concerts, Mayoral debates, and the Riehl Skate Park Day. One of the club’s greatest fundraising efforts was for the E. L. Crossley Marching Band’s new uniforms, which took two years to complete with a $100,000 goal.

Another significant initiative spearheaded between the club and community was Pelham Cares.

Throughout the year, there are

many fundraising efforts organized by the club to support a variety of local non-profit organizations that incorporate health and wellness, social, cultural, historical and humanitarian related causes. The club is currently working on ideas for new fundraising initiatives to help support its main annual event, the Rotary TV Auction that happens at the end of November and beginning of December.

Over the years, an aspect of the organization that Levay has seen evolved is increased participation of the youth programs. Rotary International has programs at all levels beginning in elementary

Thank you

school up to post-secondary.

The Rotary Club of Fonthill was the first club in Canada to sponsor an Early Act program at A.K. Wigg Public School, she says.

It also offers a one-year international youth exchange program, Rotary Youth Leadership Award program, Adventures in Leadership, and “Student Leadership Award Program for Students High on Training,” also known SLAPSHOT. Levay says this is of great benefit to the organization as it prepares community youth towards becoming future community leaders and Rotarians.

“Local service clubs and other

volunteer community organizations are the base of the town’s social foundation,” Levay says.

“Gratitude is extended to all the members who dedicate their time and resources to the community and to the businesses and individuals who donate to various causes.”

“Rotary’s motto is “Service Above Self” and I think to have a member like Gail serving our club since inception is really special,” Groom says of Levay’s dedication to the club.

Levay is a lifelong Pelham resident and business owner, which to Snack says is a benefit.

“She is plugged in to the com-

LISA HAUN

for your support

munity and knows most of the ‘who’s who’ of Fonthill. Gail grew up here, so, when we hear her stories it sounds like she has known absolutely everyone or is at least related to half of them.”

When Levay is not serving the community, she enjoys gardening and acrylic painting, which she has been doing for the past 15 years.

With her extensive contributions, the club has honoured Levay with the Paul Harris Fellowship and Rotarian of the Year awards.

Describing her role as the Club’s dedicated archivist, Adamson says, “We would be lost without her.”

Thank You m o r f COUNCILLOR-ELECT, WARD 3

A sincere thank you to my supporters in Ward 3 for choosing me to be your voice at Council.

I appreciate your vote of confidence and will work hard to offer strong leadership. Thanks also to my amazing campaign team who tirelessly

JOHN WINK Councillor-Elect, Ward 2

worked to support me.

Lisa.Haun.Pelham@outlook.com Paid for by the Campaign to Elect Lisa Haun

I would like to thank everyone for their support in my campaign.

Those who helped with donations, signs, promoting me, and most especially to the ladies who contributed their time and talents to make the pie sale fundraisers such successful events. I look forward to serving as your councillor.

PAID FOR BY THE WINK FOR WARD 2 CAMPAIGN

Thank you, Pelham voters! Nancy

You made sure that your community voice mattered. Together, we have shown the DSBN that our voice will not be ignored. The education of our children matters, and while it will always be my top priority during my time as trustee, I will continue to ensure that the voices of Pelham and Thorold and all other communities are heard loud and clear. Once again, thank you for having confidence in my ability to represent you in a fair and professional manner.

BEAMER Public School Trustee-Elect

Page 10

The Voice of Pelham, October 31 2018

Tracking poll vs. actual election results

COMMENTARY

continued from Page 5 "opinion," I could hear her boss, in front of a microphone: “The deal is ... ah .... a good deal ... ah... for Canadians.” (Smile for camera. Try to look like you know what the big words mean).

Your subscribers expect better from the Voice. When you become a messenger for a political party, you are telling your readers that you have lost your way, and that's when your readers start to look elsewhere .

T. Cole Pelham

CLIMATE

continued from Page 5 70% will receive climate rebate payments through the income tax system which will cover their extra costs.

The more wealthy, perhaps 30% of taxpayers, will in many cases pay more in increased costs than they will receive in rebate payments due to heating larger homes or driving larger vehicles.

Part 2—The new carbon tax plan also includes a separate fuel charge for large industry polluters which takes effect on January 1, 2019. The proceeds of the large industry tax won’t be returned to Canadians through payments but will be used to support climate change actions in the jurisdictions where the revenue is raised.

I am optimistic that people and industries will seek out ways to reduce their carbon footprint so that some future history book can make a Churchillian claim that, “this was the finest hour of the people of the earth.” Nordhaus and Romer, the recent Nobel prize winners believe the USA will “come around.” It’s time we in Canada did our bit!

Keith Rae Fonthill

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice tabulated its first mayoral and Regional Councillor poll on August 5, waited a month to do so again on September 3, and then conducted weekly polls from then on.

The graphs at right show comparisons between predicted and actual results.

■ Marvin Junkin was always the heavy favourite for mayor. In the end he drew more than double the votes of his two challengers combined.

■ For Regional Council, Jim Hagar and David Augustyn polled last and second to last from the start. Interestingly, if the election had been determined only by early polling, which concluded on October 15, before the last issue of the Voice prior to the election was printed, Baty would have won by 5% over Huson.

Augustyn would still have come third.

■ For Town Council, the poll accurately identified the tree top finishers in each ward, and in 5 out of 6 races also correctly predicted their relative rankings.

■ Mayoral preference by ward fell along arguably predictable lines. Farmer Marvin Junkin overwhelmingly dominated Pelham's largest and most rural ward, Ward 1, taking 7 of every 10 votes. In rural-suburban-mixed Ward 2, Junkin still held on for an absolute majority. But by Ward 3, Pelham's most densely populated by area, Gary Accursi took nearly a third of

REGIONAL COUNCIL

MAYOR'S RACE

Last Voice poll

Election Day

Last Voice poll

■ Accursi ■ Baxter ■ Junkin ■ Undecided

Election Day

■ Augustyn ■ Baty ■ Hagar ■ Huson

All results in all charts are percentages, rounded to nearest whole number.

WARD 2 COUNCILLORS

WARD 1 COUNCILLORS

Last Voice poll Election Day ■ Bay ■ Beamer ■ Ciolfi ■ Lane ■ Rybiak ■ Stewart

Last Voice poll

■ Braun ■ Crozier ■ Cuthbertson ■ Fletcher ■ Kore ■ Rybiak ■ Wink

WARD 3 COUNCILLORS

Last Voice poll

MAYORAL VOTE BY WARD

Election Day

■ Brand ■ Della-Marca ■ Durley ■ Haun ■ Hildebrandt ■ Papp ■ Spehar the vote while Carla Baxter nabbed a quarter. Junkin was still on top, however, at 46%.

■ Pelham's voter turnout

Election Day

was 50.44%, the highest in at least 30 years, and the second-highest in the Region after Niagara-on-the-Lake's 58.74%.

■ All candidates who won on election day were also leading at the end of early voting on October 15—except Regional Councillor

Ward 1

Ward 2

Ward 3

■ Accursi ■ Baxter ■ Junkin Brian Baty.

■ Approximately 25% of votes came in early polling.

■ In raw numbers, the most votes went to Nancy Beamer

(4019), Marvin Junkin (3975), and Diana Huson (2817).

On council it was Ron Kore (1947), Lisa Haun (1560) and Bob Hildebrandt (1213).

Thank You Pelham

Ward 1 Thank you Pelham Ward 1 for having given me the opportunity to serve you as Councillor during the past 2 terms, and I am particularly grateful to those who wanted me to return in the next term.

It was my honour and privilege to represent you during the most active period of growth and investment in the history of our town.

IN SEARCH OF BALANCE: Understanding Stress and Making a Better Life

I congratulate Councillors-elect Stewart and Ciolfi on their successful campaigns. Our new Council can count on my support in moving Pelham forward, and on my assistance in any way they might require it.

I look forward to a happy retirement in what I believe is the greatest small town in the best part of Canada in which to live.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Richard Rybiak (Outgoing) Councillor, Pelham, Ward 1

905-892-2105 • vote4rybiak@outlook.com

100th Birthday Celebration

A workshop led by Dr. Ed Gray Professor of Counselor Education Harding University Graduate School, Memphis

Come celebrate with

NOVEMBER 9 & 10 7:00 PM – 9:15 PM

and her family at the Canadian Legion in Fonthill on Highway 20, on Sunday, November 4, from 2 PM to 4 PM.

OLD PELHAM TOWN HALL 491 CANBORO ROAD, RIDGEVILLE

Evelyn McArthur, of Ridgeville,

Best Wishes only

Sponsored by Fenwick Church of Christ

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

THE CONVERSATION continued from Page 3

another year or two years safely, I would have nothing against that. But as soon as they're deemed a public hazard, they have to go.

Summerfest.

Moving Summerfest from Pelham Street, where a fair number of businesses, if not the majority of businesses, have said that it's disruptive, and some local residents aren't all that keen on it either. You were neutral on that.

Yes. And I still am. It’s something that definitely has to be talked about again with everyone concerned, and if the downtown merchants continue to be against it or the majority think it should be moved, then I think council will have to listen to their voices. It's definitely become a big event, but would it be the same atmosphere if we took it someplace else? I don't know. Maybe it’s a case of tweaking it and making it more acceptable to the people where it is.

Another question is whether it's genuinely a revenue-raiser for the Town or whether it's an expense.

The Town has maintained that it brings in big dollars to local businesses, a claim that we didn't find credible. Does it cost more to the taxpayer to put this event on than it brings in to the town?

I've always questioned when they bring in the final figures for Summerfest, I've always questioned just the dollar value that does come in. Obviously, if the merchants were making the money that the Town staff says they're making, I'm sure they would be happy to have it where it is.

Allowing Town ex-employees to speak. This was related to the nondisclosure agreements that virtually every high-level Town staffer signs on their way out the door. You were neutral on whether you would support the voluntary rescinding of these agreements. In other words, you wouldn't be forcing these people to speak. It would be a voluntary thing on their behalf if they had something to say about their experience working in the Town.

If someone came to us and said, "Listen, I would like to tell my story, but I'm held down. I'm held back by this agreement." And they wanted us to rescind that, then that is one thing. I think that if council agreed to it, I would have no trouble if that person had a story that everyone could gain from. I would definitely say, "Yes. If you want us to take this agreement and cancel it, I would be for canceling that."

RON’S

Bathroom

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25 yrs exp.

Reliable, Honest, Prompt

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The Voice of Pelham, October 31 2018 Have you had any former employees come and provide some information during the campaign?

Yes. I obviously won't name any, but I've had many emails from former employees and other forms of contact with other employees. Yes, former employees.

Yes. There's a 10-storey apartment building proposal—I'm not sure how far along in the approval process it's gone but it's a residential building that's planned for East Fonthill.

This came as a surprise to a lot of voters in Ward 2 I think, as Wally Braun, one of the candidates there, made it an issue in his campaign. He said that many residents had no idea that something so huge was approved for East Fonthill. In our survey, you said that you would be open to rescinding that approval. Is that still the case?

Yes. As soon as I'm in office, I want to sit down with the Town planner and see how this happened, because I remember when they brought forward the proposal. It was nowhere near 10 storeys, and I was surprised as everyone else that all of a sudden it’s that tall.

I'm also worried about the safety factor as far as our present firefighting equipment goes.

Apparently it's not adequate. We've heard that it's at least a million dollars to buy a new truck that can reach a 10-storey height, or is legally certified to fight a 10-storey fire.

There's something about putting standpipes in the last two storeys. And I don't know how safe that is, using these standpipes for fire suppression as opposed to actually having a ladder truck that can up that high and firing the water in windows if need be.

What do you think's going to be the biggest challenge you're going to face in the next year or two years?

That's an interesting question. I don't know. I

don't see any challenge that's going to stand out above the rest—one thing that definitely needs to be addressed are the drainage issues in this town. The

The main thing is to treat the residents with respect

new East Fenwick development, they've got a stormwater pond there that after a moderate rainfall floods over the road and floods the landowners on the south side of Welland Road. That has got to be readdressed, re-calibrated. Also, over in the Singer's Drain in East Fonthill there was some discussion there a year ago and they haven't resolved that to some people's satisfaction. Drainage might even be the hidden dark horse in this town.

And you have a situation out in Fenwick, on Canboro Road there, where the property owners put up a sign criticizing the current mayor for what they describe as his inaction on a drainage issue, which, in fairness, predates his taking office, dates back to the '90s. Is there a solution there?

That family has been battling the town for whatever, 15, 20 years, and I think that whole situation—if it had been tackled as a oneon-one a long time ago—I think it could have been quite easily resolved. We're quite a ways down the road now. I think we have to sit down with them and instruct Town staff to take a fresh approach and come to a resolution with those people fairly quickly.

THANK YOU! Congratulations and Best Wishes for Every Success to Councillor-Elect Kore and Councillor-Elect Wink for Ward 2 as they join Mayor-Elect Junkin and the new Pelham Council!

Thank you to my dear neighbours and residents of Ward 2 Pelham who took the time to read my “Positive Change“ campaign literature, who listened carefully and objectively to my ideas and who welcomed my team as we canvassed door to door during this Municipal Election 2018.

I am so very grateful to the many wonderful people who supported me in countless ways.

To those who believed in me to vote for me, thank you!

I am humbled by the experience.

Let’s ALL continue to make PELHAM an AWESOME place to live - for EVERYONE!

Barb

RYBIAK

Paid by the Campaign to Elect Barb Rybiak Ward 2 Pelham

The Town has placed pretty much all its eggs in the community centre basket at this point, leaving little cash for anything else.

Even so, are there any projects that you might have in mind that wouldn't cost an arm and a leg? Something that would, as you were saying, bring people together for a change?

I was talking to Gayle Baltjes. Of course, she's on the Bandshell Committee, and she got thinking how nice it would be if we could make terraces for where people put their chairs out at the Bandshell, because a lot of the people have— This is for the concert series in the summer?

Yeah, in the summertime.

You can see a lot of the seniors have two by fours at the front of their chairs to level them out. And of course the Bandshell was built all on community volunteer help. So I'm wondering if we can't have some plans drawn up for terracing that whole hillside, and do it on a couple of weekends. People come out with wheelbarrows, little backhoes, and maybe do half of it, do it in sections. Try to get so many Saturdays in, and then have it all done. I can't see drawing up the plans as a big issue. As far as the actual work of hauling the dirt away and hauling in stone, I think it's mostly going to be—we could do that manually. I think that would be a heck of a community project, to be honest with you.

Would this be maybe something that a citizen committee could undertake?

I’ll throw this idea at council. If people want it to happen, then we will form a committee, and we'll see just how much traction it

Page 11 gets with the community. If it goes really good, maybe we can do this in the spring.

The only statement in our survey that had virtually 100% agreement among all candidates related to Town communications. The statement was, "I support a comprehensive review and overhaul of the Town’s communication strategy with residents." How important is that to you, and what do you anticipate that looking like?

It's very important to me.

I think we've done a lousy job of communicating, either with people that walk into the office or as far as disseminating information from the Town to the population. We have to re-engage the Voice with the Town again, with Town staff, and get a working relationship

with the Voice, council, staff members, and get the information out that way. Also, Town Hall meetings, I think that if we could have one of them maybe every four months— This would be like general informational sessions, "Come on out. Ask us questions."

Yes. Exactly. Exactly. The people could tell us either what we've done wrong or where we should be. Certain issues that perhaps council should be addressing. Yeah.

Just meetings like that, giving people the opportunity to be heard I think is something that they haven't had a lot of in the last three or four years.

The main thing is to treat the residents with respect, and not treat them like a bunch of 10-year olds. I think that's the main thing. ♦

Thank you, Ward 3 voters Pelham Town Councillor-Elect

BOB HILDEBRANDT

Page 12

The Voice of Pelham, October 31 2018

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

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graveyard.

Dougan says she jokes with people whenever she gives out her address.

“I’m like, ‘You know that house with all the stuff in front?’ and they say ‘Yes.’ I say that’s where we live.”

Not only do the Dougans have an extensive display leading up to Halloween, they also set up a mini haunted house in their driveway that

night for the trick-or-treaters.

Dougan said 364 kids visited the house last year.

“They come from all over the Niagara Region.”

When they do their yearly decorating, Dougan says they ensure it’s family-friendly and all safety precautions are taken to secure displays and lights.

Dougan says she is hope-

HAUNTING

continued from Page 9 ten involved over the last few years by matching their decorations and themes with ours,” says Dougan.

She adds that each year the displays grow, which regular passersby notice. The displays range from traditional Halloween to mainstream characters and includes a

ful the spirit of Halloween decorations will extend out to neighbouring houses over the next few years.

“To see the delight and excitement from the kids as the walk by makes it all worthwhile.”

Pictured on page 9: Rosemar y Dougan, her son Christopher and daughter-in-law Ashley stand in front of their fully decorated yard.

Folks, the good news is that we're definitely holding the line on prices. The bad news is that it was a clean sweep. We have an all-new kitchen staff that needs to get up to speed.

Your dinner will be coming in...March.

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice of Pelham, October 31 2018

Page 13

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guitar, bouzouki and a number of other instruments, our three virtuosos blend boundless with the unmistakable joie de vivre found only in FOUND: energy HEADPHONES traditional Quebec music. Show runs from 7-9 p.m. FRUIT FARM/GENERAL Head phones at the Fonthill Post Office. Please come in to the Fonthill Post Office to identify and claim.

FARM LABOURER

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Haddock, fruit. No Experience Lady's religions medal. Please contact Fonthill Post Office at 905-892-6951. required. No Education french fries and much more. Runs Sept. 9 from 4-7 p.m. required, Must have own transportation. Min FOUND: WALLET wage $14.00/hour.

PELHAM MINOR HOCKEY EQUIPMENT SALE Wallet found on Berkwood in Fonthill, call 905-892-0988 to Please drop resume identify and equipment claim. off at 825 Canboro Rd, Buy, sell or trade used at the Pelham Arena.

Aimed to provide Fenwick Ontario L0S cheaper options for players in this upcoming season.

1C0Runs Sept. 6 from

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Then it isn’t being seen. held at Bissil’s Hideaway.

October 29

The Voice Posted October 25 NIAGARA REGIONAL EXHIBITION

OLD PAPERS second year is Do you run have on old the issues of the Voice published from 1997 to 2007? How about the Pelham Herald (any year). We'd love to add them to our archive. Contact: publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca

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Rodeo, games and live entertainment headline this years exciting event. It Central runs from Sept. 11-14 at theRegion Welland AdsFairgrounds. included FARM WORKERS NEEDED

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Fruit farm seeking farm workers, $14/hour, 40 – 60 hours/ BIG MOVE CANCER RIDE week, must have own transportation, This ad is to be printed by all participating Ontario papersmust be able to handle 892-8690 50 lbs. comfortably, working The Big Move(905) Cancer Ride is a non-competitive ride taking place on Sept.in rural area outdoors, all weather conditions, planting, cultivating, irrigating crops and hoeing 7. Proceeds for the Big Move stay in Niagara and support the Walker Fam-No education, no experience strawberries and apples. advertising@thevoiceofpelham.ca required. Apply in person 1367 Balfour Street, Fenwick ON ily Cancer Centre.

L0S 1C0 from 10 – 5 Monday – Friday.

WALKING CLUB

heard there were several vehicles region to all residents living Join in them 22.7 kg (50 lbs.) at the Pelham Arena • During the weeks of fall branch Interested in walking in Pelham?

Tuesdays entered in the Spruceside area but single-family homes and apart• Maximum size of bundle = 1.5 collection, branches are often colfrom 9-10 amwith and six Thursdays Fonthillm Bandshell for 9-10:30 am. no other incidents were reported ments units or at fewer.

(5 ft.) in length and 0.5 m (1.6There lected in a separate collection to police.

When out branches for information, ft.) in diameterplease contact jcook@ truck than Green Bin material is no fee for setting this program.

For more collection, the Region advises res• Individual branches inside of In addition to curbside collec​ pelham.ca or call 905 892-2607, ext 329. idents that it is important to re- the bundle must not exceed 7 cm tion, branches and yard waste can Branch collection underway member: (2.8 in.) in diameter also be dropped off by residents Fall branch collection started ​ • Branches must be tied in bun• Branches must be at the curb one of the Region’s Waste and on Monday and continues until HAMPER DAY FOR PELHAM CARESby 7 a.m. on your regular collec- at dles Recycling Drop-off Depots yearNovember 23. Curbside branch fresh fruitweight and vegetables or bring a non-perishable • Maximum of bundle =at the tionMarket day round, free of charge. collection is available acrossPurchase the

food item to fill the hampers at the Pelham Farmers Market on Sept. 4.

CELEBRATING OUR 20TH YEAR

ST

“T VI

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PL

GA

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AD

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905

Page 14

The Voice of Pelham, October 31 2018

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Council chambers will see six fresh faces starting December 3 Incoming Pelham councillors-elect on their campaigns, and what happens next With a "need for change" the dominating factor this election, the Pelham electorate did just that by electing an entirely new council and mayor.

The mayoral race saw a landslide victory for former Councillor Marvin Junkin, who prevailed over retired federal worker Carla Baxter and Town Councillor Gary Accursi.

In Ward 1, Mike Ciolfi and Marianne Stewart swept away Councillors James Lane and Richard Rybiak.

Ward 2 brought in Ron Kore and John Wink, replacing Councillors Gary Accrusi and Catherine King.

These seats were guaranteed available as Accursi vied for the mayor’s chair and King did not seek re-election.

Lisa Haun and Rob Hildebrant were victorious in

F O

BY JENNIFER CHORNLEY

The VOICE

Ward 3, replacing longtime incumbents Peter Papp and John Durley.

Ward 1

In Ward 1, Mike Ciolfi says his top priorities are to get a clear picture of the Town’s financial situation, an expenditures review, address concerns related to cannabis operations and short-term rentals.

“We also need to gain the trust of the residents to move forward in a positive way by being open and transparent,” he said.

In the early stages of the new council, challenges Ciolfi cited include quickly and efficiently learning municipal policy and procedures, and ensuring that Town services, programs,

O INFINITELY MORE THE BEAUTY OF THE ONE

Inspiring Original Songs, Favourite Hymns, & Uplifting Stories Currently nominated for 5 GMA Covenant Awards 2015 ECMA Nominee Friday, November 16, 7:00pm Pelham Community Church 461 Canboro Road., Fenwick Tickets: $10 Available at the door

www.InfinitelyMore.ca

SNOW BLOWER

TUNE-UP TIME

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Councillor-elect Mike Ciolfi and facilities continue to meet the needs of the residents without a “burden” to them.

He would also like to see a complete review of all Town expenditures to ensure council spends responsibly, and focus on long-term priorities to keep municipal taxes affordable.

Ciolfi credits running a clean positive campaign, the willingness to move forward and to listen to the concerns of the residents as keys to his success.

“The residents of Pelham clearly sent out a message that they signified their desire for wanting change, given the total sweep of all incumbents from office,” he said. “We need to work diligently to overcome the challenges ahead. Reduce the debt and build the reserves.

Be honest, true and fair with the constituents.”

For Marianne Stewart, having a completely new council offers a fresh perspective on issues. “Sometimes over time we tend to follow the same path, but with a new council we will be having to consciously choose the paths we will take, making sure we are keeping the best interests of the town as

Councillor-elect Marianne Stewart

Councillor-elect John Wink

the focus.”

She said it’s a “huge change” to have a whole new council.

“Now that it's what the electorate wanted, it's up to us to work together, plan together to implement the work that needs to be done and work as a cohesive group to help guide our town into a positive future.”

Stewart said not only do financial matters need to be clarified, but infrastructure issues need to be addressed, citing Poth Street as an example. She would also like to see a heritage committee restored.

The election pretty much went the way she “expected” and she is “very satisfied” with the result.

“The election four years ago is the one that surprised me. There had seemed to be such discontent in the Town but it wasn't reflected in the polls,” Stewart said. “[This time] the electorate has chosen to turf the old and bring in the new.”

Stewart is “hopeful” residents will be patient with the new council at the beginning, as it will face a learning curve.

“We all have different backgrounds and strengths, and as a group drawing on that we should be an effective council.”

Stewart says her campaign was successful due to the outpouring of community campaign supporters, especially since they knew she had been concerned with Town issues for a long time.

address within the first few months include removing the chicane on Haist Street, amending the current bylaw so that future buildings cannot exceed five storeys, and resolving the shortterm rental issues.

One of the biggest issues Wink is concerned with is the “perceived lack of openness” between residents and Town council and staff.

“I would like to see regular Town Hall sessions where council can update residents as to what is happening in Town as well as listen to comments and concerns of our residents.”

Wink also says that the new council will face a steep learning curve over its first year, especially since it takes a year, he says, to be familiarized with local government policies and procedures, and availability of mentors is “limited.”

“For the most part, the councillors are new to each other and we will have to learn how to work with each other for the betterment of Pelham.”

Wink says the upheaval was “not surprising. When I went to the doors, people were saying that they wanted a fresh council and the results beared that out.”

Wink says he is concerned with the upcoming council’s inexperience and the “huge expectation that is bestowed upon us.”

“There are numerous issues to be dealt with going forward and they all cannot be resolved immediately. Council has to ensure that we are well informed on each decision that we make.”

Another issue Wink says must be addressed is the

Ward 2

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cannabis industry, especially since the provincial and federal governments downloaded responsibility to the local governments, including policing.

“The operations are currently allowed in agricultural areas, but these operations are becoming commercial ventures, not agricultural operations,” Wink says. “We need to work with other municipalities to solve some of the issues and lobby support from the provincial government.”

With his upcoming retirement, Wink says this will give him the time needed to be dedicated to his new position. He also says that his strong business background working in the financial services industry was one of the key factors to a successful campaign.

Councillor-elect Ron Kore Ron Kore says that the new council will have more of a “business approach” related to growth and development.

“With this new council, we need to determine the level of growth and how aggressive we want to develop our community,” he says.

“If we can’t afford it, then we won’t do it. We only have one chance of doing this right and we cannot afford to let the developers dictate to us what their visions are.”

Kore says that council is going to need a timeout to understand what effect and impact existing growth and development has on the See NEW COUNCIL next page

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NEW COUNCIL

continued from previous page community, especially with traffic flow and building heights.

Regarding Towns financials, Kore says the council is going to be challenged by the current debt load.

He would like to see a “line-by-line deep dive” into each department’s expenditures to see what can be eliminated, wage and hiring freezes, and explore government grant availability for projects to reduce the financial impact on Town operations and incurring any more debt.

“We definitely do not want to carry this debt for a long period. Especially if there is a recession, we are going to be in a deeper hole. There will be hard decisions to make moving forward.”

During the campaign, Kore connected with the community by knocking on doors and providing truthful answers, he says, to questions. He maintained his strong platform and “did not change [it] because I thought it would get more votes.”

Kore says that the election’s total sweep proves why democracy is “so great.”

“When politicians stop listening to the citizens and also pushing ahead with their own personal agendas, that’s when we need a change,” he says. “Every four years we can change the people that govern us if we don’t like the direction they are taking us.”

The Voice of Pelham, October 31 2018

Page 15

Ward 3

In Ward 3, Lisa Haun says learning from the past will allow the new council to bring fresh ideas to the table and inject positive energy into the Town overall, especially with the “evident” air of mistrust and questionable accountability with the current council.

Changes that need to be made must be done efficiently, sustainably Councillor-elect Bob Hildebrandt garding short-term rentals and the creation of bylaws.

Haun says she highlighted strengths and priorities including financial accountability, strong leadership and collaborative decision-making, which “resonated” with many residents throughout her campaign.

Bob Hildebrandt says that with the new councillors listening to residents’ issues, it has given them a fresh perspective on how to move forward with the Town’s future growth, development and sustainability.

“The new council has the responsibility to fulfill the change role,” Hildebrandt says. “Changes that need to be made must be done efficiently, sustainably and meet residents’ expectations.”

As with his fellow councillors-elect, he said within the first year the Town’s finances will be a challenge, along with taxes and successful operation of the community centre.

Hildebrandt says that once the new council eval-

Councillor-elect Lisa Haun “This will require critical thinking, accountability and strong leadership to prioritize goals,” she says. “Voters have chosen a strong council that will work hard to represent them over the next four years.”

Before addressing major issues, Haun says she would like to have an independent audit done to see where the Town is financially.

“The Town of Pelham desperately needs an effective plan to ensure twoway communication with residents,” she says.

Haun says she is supportive of preserving the Haist Street arena property, and engaging stakeholders re-

uates the Town’s financial position on all accounts, establishing a realistic short and long-term plan will be essential.

He says he also wants to see improved communications and there should not be a “communications strategy.”

“If anyone asks for information at the Town or of their councillor it should not have to be routed around and possibly end up [requiring] a Freedom of Information request at the Clerk’s office,” he says.

Because Hildebrandt has called Pelham home for 44 years, his built his campaign foundation on wanting to see his grandkids grow up, be successful and establish roots in the community.

He wanted people to know he cared and did so by canvassing Ward 3 at least twice. The canvassing gave Hildebrandt the opportunity to listen and talk about resident concerns, with an obviously positive result on Election Day.

Annual Poppy Campaign starts The Fonthill Royal Canadian Legion launched its local poppy campaign last Friday, with a ceremonial poppy pinning of Mayor-Elect Marvin Junkin and Mayor Dave Augustyn.

Poppy Chair and 3rd Vice President Jim Garner extended a thank you to Frank Sicoli of Shoppers Drug Mart for his long-term contributions made on behalf of the store and its staff.

About a dozen volunteers from the Legion deliver the poppy boxes to 150 locations throughout Pelham, including schools, community facilities and businesses.

Between $10,000 to $15,000 is raised annually by the Fonthill Legion Poppy Campaign. Donations collected during the Campaign are held in trust to directly support community veterans and their families and also to help ensure Canadians “never forget.”

The Royal Canadian Legion will host four Remembrance services on Sunday, November 4.

In Fenwick, it will be held at Centennial Park starting at 8 AM. In Ridgeville, it will be held at the Ridgeville Cenotaph and begins at 9 AM. The church service will be held at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church beginning at 10:30 AM, and in Fonthill at Peace Park, the service begins at 12:30 PM. A second Remembrance Day service will be held on Sunday, November 11 at the Talbot Trail Branch in Veterans Park. The service begins at 10:45 AM. This year, Legions across Canada will distribute almost 20 million poppies within their communities.

Above, Mayor-Elect Marvin Junkin and Mayor Dave Augustyn receive the first poppies to launch the two week national Poppy Campaign at the Fonthill Royal Canadian Legion Branch 613 on Friday, October 26. From left, Sergeant-at-Arms Bill Ashby, Mayor Elect Marvin Junkin, Poppy Campaign Legionnaire Clyde McCombs, Mayor Dave Augustyn, and Legion President Toni McElvie.

VOICE PHOTO

Record dough raised in cookie campaign Wellspring Niagara to receive $7664 from annual Tim Horton's Smile Cookie drive There were plenty of smiles in Pelham during this year’s Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign. The simple act of buying a chocolate chunk cookie decorated with blue eyes and a cheerful pink smile raised $7,664 for Wellspring Niagara as part of a record-breaking national campaign.

The money we raise makes a real difference in our community

campaign, which ran September 17-23, supported some 500 charities in Canada, and raised a record- breaking $7.8 million nationally.

“It’s amazing that the small act of buying a cookie can make such a big impact,” says Caprice Aiello, of Wellspring Niagara. “Thank you to Tim Hortons for the continued partnership. We are so

happy that our local community came out in support of Wellspring, and we can’t wait to make a difference with the dollars raised.”

Visit www.timhortons. com/smilecookie for a complete list and to learn more about the charities that will benefit from the Smile Cookies sold as part of this year’s campaign.

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Page 16

COLUMN SIX

continued from Page 1 all great books, and even not so great books, as one wishes. They believe that Peel Board is taking a giant step down the wrong path, one that will lead to the dystopian society of Fahrenheit 451 (the temperature at which books spontaneously combust).

A sidebar here. Technology skeptics have suggested that our addiction to the internet through a myriad of electronic devices has all but eliminated books, especially ones that don’t have any pictures and take too long to read. But of course, that’s just silly.

The real threat to books, it’s claimed, are education boards.

Nothing new there, of course. As far back as the late ‘50s, Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye was banned from public schools in Toronto. I still managed to find a copy and read it, and then I became an English teacher so I could share it, and books like it, with other generations of kids. And I never had a problem explaining to any dubious parents what the book had to offer.

I taught To Kill a Mockingbird for many years to Grade 10 classes that just happened to be all white. The novel challenged them on several levels: its language and complex narrative require focused reading; its moral spectrum is nuanced (even the racists are mostly hard-working, church-going, law-abiding citizens); and its underlying premise, that we can never understand someone without walking around in their shoes for a time, lies at the heart of all great fiction. Finally, it exposed my students to the stinking, festering carcass of racial hatred. If it made some of them uncomfortable, well, that was a good thing.

It’s hardly surprising that the novel is now the darling of, I would guess, mostly white people of “privilege,” in the same way that Sidney Poitier was once embraced as the black actor who took on compliant roles that made tolerant people feel good about themselves.

I suspect that To Kill a Mockingbird addresses the same need in readers who believe in equality as long as it happens on their terms.

But I wouldn’t teach this book today because now it makes me

The Voice of Pelham, October 31 2018

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

uncomfortable, for very not believing it. That’s different reasons. something different alI could never again read together. out the n-word if it was inDoesn’t matter, they cluded in a chosen passage, said, it’s confusing our and I'd feel for any student son and we don’t want who had to quote that pashim in your class while sage to support an idea. I you’re teaching this book. couldn't presume now to I tried to explain that celebrate the heroism of the play did not discredit Atticus Finch in taking on the Bible in the way that the white supremacists of the creationists demonMaycomb County, albeit ized evolution. That rein a losing cause, because ally the intent of the play today it's unthinkable that was to defend the fundaany decent lawyer wouldn't. mental right of people to And in the end, Harper think for themselves, to Lee looks after her own. consider opposing viewThe white Finches return points—like creationism to their privileged lives, and evolution—and deand the black Robinsons to termine their own positheir broken ones, in what tion. I hoped they would seemed to satisfy their ausee for themselves that thor as a comfortable resomaybe this was somelution. thing they were denying Today, with a black stutheir son, but they didn’t. dent in my class, someone Instead they quoted me whose family might still be a line the boy had given in the cross-hairs of racial them, when the lawyer, hatred, I would feel a fraud, Drummond, declares a teacher with nothing to that he doesn’t believe tell that student that he in right and wrong. What hadn’t already lived. Inkind of book teaches that stead, I'd re-read Laurence immoral thinking, they Hill and Austin Clarke, and asked. absorb what I didn't know I explained that the before trying to share it lawyer was only saying with a class. that notions of right and Mind you, I might be wrong can change overticketed for cultural appronight. That it was once priation by the more virturight for black people to ous, teaching black litersit at the back of a bus, ature, but I believe I could and not use white-onhandle that one. ly bathrooms or drink I was once challenged by from white-only waa parent for teaching Inter fountains or attend herit the Wind, a play about white-only schools, but the famous Monkey Trial now that’s wrong. What in Tennessee in the early Drummond believes Poster for the 1962 film version.

BIGSTOCK PHOTO ‘20s. Staying very close to in is truth that doesn’t the facts of the case and its change with the times. historical context, the play I would have quotas the literal word of their Christian puts the creationism and science God. Why was I teaching this here- ed Martin Luther King (himself at loggerheads. The creationists, quoting nineteenth century absy, they demanded to know. playing with a stacked deck, win olitionist, Theodore Parker) that I would have liked for the boy to the day, but the play mocks the "the arc of the moral universe is share his concerns with me first, proceedings of the kangaroo court long but it bends towards truth," but it was too late for that now. I while awarding the moral victory and that we’ll never get there if asked his parents if they had read (and all the best lines) to the evo- the play. No, they hadn’t, but their we don’t examine both sides of an lutionist lawyer, Henry Drummond argument to find the truth someson had told them that it made fun (aka Clarence Darrow). where in between. I wanted also to of those who believe God made the One boy in the class was made mention that Inherit the Wind was world in six days. uncomfortable enough to go home actually written in the early ‘50s Actually, I said, the play only and tell his parents that the play as an attack on McCarthyism, anmakes fun of those who would confused him. They were an ortho- shame and even imprison people for other movement that sought to dox family and believed in the Bible suppress free thought.

RENOVATE

But, sadly, they didn’t hang around long enough for me to explain these things, and I duly gave their son a different book to read.

But there are no two sides to racial hatred. It has only one side and, unlike many students, I’ve never been a victim of it. I can teach a play that encourages us to think for ourselves, but what do I have to say about a novel whose message, while self-explanatory, doesn’t go far enough or cut deeply enough in our day?

I don’t mean the book should be banned. I don’t know of any book that should be banned. Even Mein Kampf shouldn’t be banned. It’s almost become required reading now, given the changes going on in our political climate, though I would hesitate to teach it to a class with Jewish students in it.

I would suggest that for all its dashed hopes and good intentions To Kill A Mockingbird was always a comfort zone, and now a celebrated one, a safe place to withdraw to when we need to reassure ourselves that we are good and decent human beings, certainly not racist thank you very much, and wasn’t it an outrage that Atticus didn’t win.

But that’s Confederates for you.

I don’t believe the book should be banned, only that it’s passed its shelf life.

Peel Board is not telling teachers to avoid Mockingbird; it’s simply alerting them to a truth—that times have changed and the book now comes with added “baggage,” especially in a multi-racial classroom. What was once a comfort zone for well-meaning teachers has become a minefield that they should traverse at their own risk.

I expect that any teacher who wants a student to know how to think rather than what to think, would choose texts that facilitated rather than impeded this objective.

To that end, I believe teachers’ own “rights” are superseded by their “responsibilities” to their students. If no one takes responsibility for another’s rights then no one has the right to anything. Our right to cross safely at a green light is entirely dependent on others’ responsibility to stop at a red one.

I’d give To Kill a Mockingbird, if not a red light, at the very least a red flag.

Exactly what Peel Board is doing. ♦

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