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This week's letters

This letter was addressed to Paul Shakotko, manger of transportation for the RMOW Re: Turning Nancy Greene Drive bridge into one lane I am a long-time White Gold resident.

This letter was addressed to Paul Shakotko, manger of transportation for the RMOW

Re: Turning Nancy Greene Drive bridge into one lane

I am a long-time White Gold resident. Since I will be away from Whistler on June 16 I won't be able to express my opinion at the open house but would like to present my views for consideration.

First, to those residents concerned about traffic safety and speeds in the neighbourhood I would point out that the speeders and those who routinely ignore stop signs are unlikely to suddenly become considerate drivers who will politely wait their turn to cross the bridge. They are more likely to create "Mexican stand-offs". Both sides of the bridge are very close to intersections so it is possible that back-ups could occur that would affect traffic approaching Nancy Greene Drive from Fitzsimmons Drive North and South as well as from Blackcomb Way.

Second, if, as you state in your letter, your analysis shows that the volume of traffic could easily be accommodated in a single lane, it follows that pedestrians and cyclists can easily cross the bridge safely by simply paying attention to normal traffic.

Third, please stop searching for more and more ways to spend our money. We don't want or need your suggested modifications to the White Gold Bridge. When it needs to be replaced, you could consider making it wider to accommodate a pedestrian lane; until then it's just fine as it is. "If it ain’t broke, don't fix it!"

Sheila Dixon

Whistler

 

Re: Private health care a reality for Whistler Medical Clinic (Pique, June 4)

Maybe overly enthusiastic to achieve a proper fit with the storyline, Adam Daff misquoted me on two accounts in last week's article regarding the next election's implications for health care.

"Health care is not a political issue"? I stated that I don't have a consuming interest in the matter. That doesn't mean that I deny government's impact on medicine. Anything funded by the public is automatically political. If I'm not inclined to follow the issues too closely, it's probably because I'm relatively satisfied with the current system. I hope my patients are, too.

More disappointing was the quote alleging that "private health care is the most important". What I said was "Why do Canadians enjoy the privilege of spending their own money on anything they want, except that which is most important – their health?"

Thomas DeMarco

Whistler

 

This letter is in response to an article written on John Reynolds’ travel costs.

The article quotes Mr. Reynolds as stating that it is unfair for me to request the Auditor General Sheila Fraser to review Mr. Reynolds’ high travel costs and compare them to those of B.C. MP Keith Martin. Mr. Reynolds also states in press reports that I am involved in "political mudslinging" and a "smear" against him.

As a constituent of Mr. Reynolds’ I take profound exception to his provocative public remarks.

I would advise that I have recently received a written response to my letter from the Auditor General of Canada, Sheila Fraser. Ms. Fraser indicates that the role of her office is to conduct independent audits of the programs and activities of federal government departments and agencies, Crown corporations and other entities that report to Parliament. It is not within the Auditor Generals’ mandate to audit Parliament or the expenses of Members of Parliament. However, she may do so upon invitation by Parliament or its component parts, such as the House of Commons or the Senate.

Accordingly, this is to advise that constituents of Mr. Reynolds’, pursuant to the Parliament of Canada Act, are petitioning the Chairperson of the Board of Internal Economy for the House of Commons as follows:

To request Parliament to invite the Auditor General to evaluate and make recommendations on Members of Parliament's sessional indemnities, expense allowances, travel and communications costs. The evaluation would also include an audit of the travel costs of a representative group of Members of Parliament from all national political parties who had the highest travel costs. To ensure this is a non-partisan approach the following individuals were selected for audit for the period November 2000 to March 31, 2004:

Conservative MP John Reynolds ($193,184 in fiscal March 2003)

NDP MP Svend Robinson ($224,399 in fiscal March 2003)

Liberal MP Lawrence O'Brian ($265,397 in fiscal March 2003)

Liberal MP Rick Laliberte ($310,212 in fiscal March 2003)

The audits performed will determine whether travel costs are entitled to be reimbursed under the provisions of Section 34 (1) of the Financial Administration Act and are in compliance with Government of Canada Treasury Board Guidelines.

Also, the Auditor General would perform a "value for money" audit of the travel costs of Mr. John Reynolds to explain why they are materially higher than those of Dr. Keith Martin. ($193,184 versus $58,368 in fiscal March 2003).

Dr. Martin was selected for an audit in that he has had one of the highest outputs of any MP in Canada with the lowest travel costs. By purchasing seat sale tickets for his travel between his riding and Ottawa for 10 years he has saved the taxpayer approximately $800,000. Mr. Reynolds was selected as he has the second highest travel costs in B.C., after MP Svend Robinson.

I am confident that Ms. Fraser and the Office of the Auditor General will demonstrate the required professional independence and diligence required for such a challenging engagement.

In conclusion, I would like to address the issue of Mr. Reynolds’ penchant for describing those who have differing views from his as either "mudslingers" or "traitors". During the week of April 26, 2004 it was reported Mr. Reynolds called Joe Clark a traitor for encouraging Canadians to vote for Paul Martin rather than Stephen Harper.

Mr. Reynolds’ comments are inconsistent with the values of respect and tolerance that Canadians hold dear. Mr. Reynolds offends Canadians when persons of good will and integrity like Mr. Clark are demonized as traitors.

I respectfully disagree with Mr. Reynolds when he publicly condemns a constituent who seeks public accountability from his elected official. As expressed in the words of Mr. Reynolds’ campaign poster, Canadians "demand better".

Elbert K. Paul

Bowen Island

 

Re: Ashlu River and Sigurd Creek Power Projects

We as a group are encouraged by David Suzuki's words yesterday: "I just hope you can marshall the local support to have our concerns seriously considered. Good luck. David Suzuki."

We'll have our next community meeting on Sunday, June 13 th at 2 p.m., at 20 Mile Ranch. Bring your own chair.

We are encouraged that all levels or government will see the need for an independent environmental review of the water projects slated for the Squamish River Valley, and most immediately the Ashlu River and Sigurd Creek (Crooked Falls).

There are several water licenses being considered for the Ashlu area. This incredibly beautiful area with truly breathtaking natural beauty is threatened. Let's not break something which is not broken.

Grizzly bears hunt in the Ashlu canyon. Thirty-year residents like Dietrich Jordan of the upper Squamish know them well. Long time residents speak respectfully of the spirit and the wildlife and natural environment. This is the area where the eagles live in the fall and winter. Fish spawn here. There are environmental issues in this ecosystem.

The licensing process is not yet concluded and departments of our governments have yet to voice their final opinions. Long-time residents know of the unique beauty of the area, which begins on the eastern shores of the Squamish River Estuary at 20 Mile.

The Ashlu River, a world-class whitewater river, and many of its feeder waterways are about to be changed forever.

Everyone is welcome at our community meetings at 20 Mile Ranch.

Tom Rankin

Squamish

 

Many thanks Wellness Fair participants, volunteers, and visitors!

It was great to have so many people interested in health and healing under one roof. Thank you to Little Mountain Bakery and the gals at RMOW for your help with the rooms and tables.

The money raised will go to Pearl's Transition House, Zero Ceiling and to the Spring Creek School PAC. We're definitely doing this again next year, so see you then!

Roxanne Chappell

Dalcy Den Duyf

 

We live in a beautiful town – but the beauty runs much deeper than the surroundings. On June 2, 2004 we were treated to an incredible day in the village and we’d like to say thank you.

Thank you to the staff of Wallace Construction and the Crystal Lodge for inviting us to add our artistic flare to the construction boarding around their hotel. You went above and beyond to ensure the children had the time of their lives.

Thank you to Mountain Paint and Mountain Building Supply for your generous donation of painting supplies. Thank you to Marlis and her staff at The Spaghetti Factory for treating us to a fabulous lunch. And finally, thank you to Whistler Transit (especially Don) for sending us our own bus when we all couldn’t fit on the scheduled run.

If you are out for a stroll in the village, and you want to see the spirit of Whistler through the eyes of children, take a walk through "The Tunnel of Fun" It truly displays the energy and beauty of our community.

Thank you.

The children from Mrs. Epplett and Mrs. Friend’s Classes

At Spring Creek Community School

Whistler

P.S. Little Bear wanted to say "Thanks for the ride!"

 

On May 28 th Myrtle Philip Community School and Spring Creek Community School were reunited for their annual Fun Day. The torrential rains subsided and the skies cleared for the day. The kids were excited to be with their friends again, and the day was filled with fun activities, popsicles and hot dog lunch.

Fun Day was a great success due to the support and generosity from the Whistler community. Many, many thanks to Jerry and Sana at Creekside Market, Bruce at Nesters, McDonald's, Market Catering, Blackcomb Snowmobile, Whistler Fire Department, Whistler Golf Club, Nicklaus North Golf Club, Mountain FM, Save-On-Foods, Ron Albertin, Linda Watson and the many parent volunteers (especially the hot dog moms!). We look forward to bringing the schools together again next year.

Jenny Roote

Colleen Warner

Fun Day Co-ordinators