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1 PAGE 4 THE CANADIAN STATESMAN, APRIL 30,2003 www.durhamregion.com Tim Whittaker Publisher Joanne Burghardt Editor-in-Chief Chris Bovie Managing Editor à Judi Bobbitt Regional Editor I Fred Eismont Director of Advertising I Eddie Kolodziejcak Classified Advertising Manager I Kirk Bailey Distribution Manager V Lillian Hook Office Manager ' Barb Harrison Composing Manager Clarington's Award-Winning Newspaper Since 1854 Œfje Canadian Statesman i > April 30,2003 Metroland Printing, Publishing & Distributing Ltd. Phone 905-579-4400 Classifieds 905-576-9335 Distribution 905-579-440/ General Fax 905-579-2238 Newsroom Fax 905-579-1800 E-Mail newsroom@durhamregion.corr, \ 865 Farewell St., OsliawaON L1H7L5 Publications Mail Registration No. 07637 infodurhamregiort.com EDITORIAL e-mail letters to newsroom® (lurhamrcgion.com OPC restart at Pickering costly but needed A s Ontario Power Generation Generation officials continue the job of getting the four reactors reactors at Pickering A up and running running by 2005, the Province must move ahead with an inquiry into cost over-runs and time delays. The Province, taxpayers and OPG itself all deserve reassurance reassurance that the valuable lessons learned from the retrofitting of Pickering A will be put to good use in future. Since Pickering A was put into temporary mothballs in the hope it would emerge new and improved, OPG managers have three times revised the cost of getting the plant going again from an initial estimate of $900 million in August 1999, to $1.5 billion in August 2001, to $2 billion billion in April 2002, to $2.5 billion in October 2002. Costs aren't the only problem. problem. It was originally believed the job of having all four units up and running again would be complete by 2001. Instead, the first unit won't be back up until later this year and it's now believed believed the final unit won't be back on until 2005. To be fair, officials were caught off guard by the massive amount of work required, and when the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission ordered the project undergo a 28-month environmental environmental assessment. The unprecedented unprecedented step certainly slowed down the effort. But errors and delays made in the nuclear power industry are time consuming and incredibly expensive. OPG experts admit the project was 'underplanned' and 'underevaluated' from the start, involved work of such tech nical complexity and unforeseeable unforeseeable complications that they could only be understood once the work was stalled, and involved involved lower than expected levels levels of productivity and a miscalculation miscalculation of time required to complete complete the project. It all sounds like poor management. There is a positive aspect to it all' in spite of the negatives associated associated with the work. When the job is finished, the lifespan of Pickering A is expected to be extended extended for another 20 years. In addition, the improvements which come as a result of the vvork will, in the words of OPG executive vice-president Richard Dicerni, make Pickering A a "healthy, robust unit," one that employs 21st century technology and environmental and safety features to a reactor that was, after all, constructed during the 1960s and early 1970s. The most important aspect is they learned from their mistakes and have been doing preventative preventative maintenance and work with Pickering B and Darlington. Still, the long-promised public public inquiry by Premier Ernie Eves into the Pickering A situation situation must go ahead no matter which political party wins the next provincial election. Taxpayers, Taxpayers, who are footing the multi- billion-dollar costs for the restart process, deserve clear answers for why things,di.dn't,gq according according to the original ^plan's. The in-'- quiiy should add to the files OPG has accumulated so that any future nuclear plant work will be much more efficient, cheaper and quicker. Such moves will deliver power to the people. OPINION c-mail letters to 11ewsroom@durhamregion.eon1 A/IP delivers slap in Durham's face D azed and confused. That is how Durham MP Alex Shepherd left his audience audience at an emergency meeting called to tty to save Canada's ITER facility proposal from dying at the federal government's government's hand before it ever gets a chance to compete at the international international level. The meeting was called as an 11 th-hour proactive move by Clarington Mayor John Mutton to try to bring all Durham's representatives representatives of government, labour and business together. The hope was to find a way to convince convince the feds to make a financial commitment to the proposed research research project so Canada can win the opportunity to host the facility- facility- Europe, the United States, China, Russia and Japan arc already committed to this investment investment in technology and research for a future future energy source regardless regardless where the facility facility is located. They care about the technology, technology, the future energy source and the economic economic benefits even non-host countries will enjoy. The Ontario government has said it will pay half of the hosting costs to make Clarington the choice sile. It will even pay the lesser cost of partnership on the research if Ihe facility is located elsewhere in the world because it recognizes the opportunities. Our local MPPs have seen to it their counterparts at Queen's Park understand understand this, Municipal leaders too have pulled out all stops. The hope was our local MPs would come willing to help facilitate facilitate a meeting with the federal cabinet and bring on board MPs from across Canada. Three of them did. Mr. Shepherd showed up with insults and a reprimand we should all be thankful for his efforts efforts on our behalf. If his lobbying at Parliament Hill has as many mixed messages messages as his presentation Friday, it is clear why we are having so much trouble getting a positive response from his counterparts across Canada. It is hard to know which side of the fence he is on. Mr. Shepherd said his office has heard from almost no one who cares about hosting ITER. Where has he been? Ironically, lie told this to a standing-room- only crowd of political, business and labour representatives - some representing members across Canada - who support the project. Does Mr. Shepherd suggest they don't know what is important important to the people they represent? Is this the message of apathy he takes to Ottawa? Mr. Shepherd said he recognizes the economic and scientific scientific benefits of the project, project, yet he said he takes exception to any federal funding although although every other national government government is funding their country's country's participation, What Durham needs is a representative representative with a strong, clear voice at the federal level who can explain this complicated project, its significance and the return on investment for all of Canada. There are only a lew weeks left to ensure this project doesn't become another 'could have been' in Canadian history, It's lime to stand together. It's time for Mr. Shepherd to represent Ihe interests of those who elected him. Jacquie Mclnnes Staff Writer CLICK AND SA^ Today's question: Are Durham Region and municipal municipal officials doing enough to prepare for the return of West Nile virus this summer? □ Yes □ No Cast your vote online at infodurhamregioR.com Last week's question: Have our health officials done enough in the prevention and containing of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)? □ No 55.2% □ Yes 44.8% Votes cast: 87 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR c-nmil letters to ncwsrooin@<lurhamrcgion.c<>m Goodyear charges defended To the editor: I would like to respond to your article of April 6, 'Goodyear facing charge.' As a Goodyear employee, I have grave concerns about your paper printing the "fine of up to $10 million after local residents complained of black soot emanating from the Goodyear Bowmanville plant." To put matters into perspective, perspective, a $10 million fine would be the equivalent of a first-degree murder charge. Ministiy of Envi- company had been fined a total of $375,000 for three sulphur dioxide releases under section 14 (1) of the. Environmental Protection Protection Act (EPA) for discharging a contaminant that caused adverse effects, causing health concerns amongst the residents of Gatchell. This company is at the top of the list of polluters listed in the 'Taking Stock report - North America Pollutant Releases.' As an employee in the depart- O ntario's Liberals have dominated in the polls for four years - so why should anyone doubt they can win an election? The Liberals have held substantial leads in polls over the governing Progressive Conservatives Conservatives since soon after they lost the 1999 election election and the most recent gave them 48 per cent compared to Premier Ernie Evcs's Tories' 31 per cent. But doubt still exists they can win even among Liberals. Their MPPs, when asked jokingly jokingly whether they have measured the cabinet offices to check if their furniture will fit, tend to counter nervously whether the questioner really believes believes they have a chance. One cause of the uncertainty is the Tories' ability to bounce back, because they have won 15 of the last 17 elections, although in one of these they obtained a minority government that was quickly bounced out. But the main reason is the Liberals' remarkable record of leading in polls up to an election and still failing to win. The most recent example was when two major pollsters hgd the Liberals led by Dalton McGuinly up to 12 per cent ahead just before Ihen- Tory premier Mike Harris called an election in 1999. But Mr. Harris campaigned on his tried and successful themes of culling taxes and keeping keeping law and order and won by 45 per cent to Ihe Liberals' 40 per ment which manufacturers the primary. stages of rubber, I can speak on this subject which is going before the courts. This black soot or carbon black is a component of our robber making process. In simplest tenus, think of mixing a cake. According to a recipe, ingredients go into a bowl and are mixed, a process similar to making rubber whereby compounds compounds are loaded into a mixer and mixed according to specified mixing or rotor speed, heat and time. Carbon black is a filler agent, which is used in a similar fashion that flour is used to thicken gravy. When pouring flour, it is not uncommon to get flour dust. The same with carbon black, accredited waste disposal company. company. The operation of these dust collectors are checked every shift by management. Goodyear complied complied with both directives issued by the MOE and were well below all emission discharge regulations. regulations. All workers are given WHIMS training and have access to the hazards of-compounds that are used. Personal protective equip- cent. The Liberals under Lyn McLeod had 51 per cent support in a poll when a New Democrat government called an election in 1995. Mr. Harris, little-known and leading a small opposition party, was not seen as a threat with 25 per cent and the New Democrats had no chance of holding holding on with only 21 per cent. But this was the campaign campaign Mr. Harris unveiled unveiled his creed of slashing taxes and government; government; he explained it simply and proved in tunc with voters' aspirations. aspirations. The Liberal vole fell 20 per cent from the poll and Mr. Harris won easily. Liberal premier David Peterson Peterson had 50 per cent in a poll in 1990 and this encouraged him to call an election, but he attracted only 32 per cent of votes and it ended his political career. Mr. Peterson was hurt particularly particularly because he called the election election after only three years instead of the normal four and was seen as an opportunist. The Liberals arc not the only party dial threw away huge leads in polls going into an election. Tory premier Frank Miller was given 50 per cent in a poll in 1985 and promptly called an election, hut won only 37 per cent of the votes and led the minority minority government that was forced out. Any lead Mr. Miller had disappeared disappeared after he refused to debate debate with the opposition parly ment is provided. A Joint Health and Safety Committee exists comprising of management and union representatives. In the event that an employee is not satisfied satisfied with their work environment environment concerns being addressed, they always have the option of going directly to the Ministiy of Labour or MOE themselves, none of which has taken place. Goodyear has been part of the history of Bowmanville for over 93 years and has been a good community and corporate partner. partner. Goodyear and its employees were an integral part of the war effort during the Second World War. Goodyear is in the top five employers in Clarington and most of our employees live in Clarington. The economy benefits benefits by the taxes and servicespaid' for, notwithstanding what the employees plow back in locally. No Goodyear cheques have ever bounced. Local service and sport organizations are continually supported. I feel that the recent publicity is unwarranted along with the charges. Goodyear will have its day in court. There is no Erin Brockovich story here. Willie Woo Newcastle leaders on TV, which implied he feared the comparison. There has to be some question, question, however, whether the two parties really had the leads they arc accused.of blowing. Polls before and early in election election campaigns ask voters' opinions opinions when they arc not thinking much about an election and have not heard all the issues and seen the leaders perform. The preelection preelection poll that showed Mr. Peterson Peterson well in the lead, as an example, example, could not take into account account lie would call an election prematurely and the poll that showed Mr. Miller far in front could not recognize he later would refuse to debate oppo- ncnls.Thc Liberals also have done their share of botching campaigns. campaigns. In 1995, for instance, they delayed announcing their policies until after the campaign started, to avoid opponents sniping, sniping, and then found voters already already lined up behind Mr. Harris. Mr. McGuinly was tongue- tied in the 1999 TV debate between between leaders when accused of nepotism for once briefly employing employing a brother in his legislature legislature office and failed to demolish the questioner by naming three Tory ministers with family in long-term government jobs. Some of the leads in polls the Liberals are seen as squandering were not all that real - but they still have a capacity lor tripping on the last lap. • I'or decades, Eric Dowtl has been covering provincial politics as a freelance columnist based ont of Queen's Park. HAVE YOUR SAY Question Does Bowmanville Bowmanville need a big-box mall? Do you think it will affect the downtown? Bob Morrison "I'd shop at a Wal-Mart or Home Depot if it was in Bowmanville. Bowmanville. The smaller .store downtown downtown are quite unique and will survive." Jill Hyson "Bring it on. I welcome any new ret tail. Bowmanville Bowmanville is expanding. It keeps oui- shopping dollars local and still be able to support our own local businesses." Barbara Smith "I don't like it. It takes away from the feel of the community. community. I'd prefer prefer the downtown downtown shops the way they are. It's like a family; you get to know thé owners and everyone who works there." Bill Holroyd "I think it's good for the area. 1 don't think it will affect affect the downtown, they have a very good, loyal customer base." ülIjc Cmmbinit Statesman j is one of the Metroland Print- i ing, Publishing and Distributing Distributing group of newspapers. The ■ Statesman is a member of the; Bowmanville Clarington Board; of Trade, the Greater Oshawa ; Chamber of Commerce, On- - tario Community Newspaper ' Assoc., Canadian Community j Newspaper Assoc., Canadian! Circulations Audit Board and ! the Ontario Press Council. The publisher reserves the right to ; classify or refuse any advertisement. advertisement. Credit for advertisement advertisement limited to space price error occupies. Editorial and Advertising,content of the Canadian Statesman is copyrighted. copyrighted. Unauthorized reproduction reproduction Is prohibited. A ocna ronment (MOE) news release of hçvyever, vacuum; units draw up February 2003 announced that a 1 "tffe^Ûusf arid contain it in duSt bagswhich are disposed of by an OPINION e-mail letters to ncwsrooni@durliamrcgion.com Liberals have led polls but still failed to win election Eric Dowd Queen's Park