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Le Sahai, BREE. Blatt 6 -- PORT PERRY STAR ~-- Tuesday, August 15; 1989 EDITORIAL The Dovf Perey Slav Elsewhere $60.00 per year, SingleCopy50¢ Publisher - J. Peter Hvidsten BUSINESS OFFICE Office Manager - Gayle Stapley Editor - John B. McClelland Accounting - Judy Ashby 235 QUEEN STREET - PORT PERRY, ONTARIO News/Features - Julia Ashton Billing Department - Louise Hope PHONE 985-7383 FAX 985-3708 News Reporter - Rob Streich Retail Sales - Kathy Dudley, Linda Ruhl, Tracy O'Neil The Port Per fs authorized as second class mail by the Post Office i t, Ottawa, for cash payment of bovis PRODUCTION AOVERTISING, or - Valerie Ellis Second Class Mail Registration Number 0265 Annabell Harrison Advertising Sales Representative: Subscription Rate: In Canada $20.00 per year Jricy Gipringham Anna Gouldourn Member of the Canadian Community Newspaper Association Ontario Community Newspaper Association Published every Tuesday by the Port Perry Star Co. Lid. Port Perry, Ontario Editorial Comment A FEW PEOPLE AREN'T GETTING THE MESSAGE Guest Editorial Courtesy John E. James Editor/Publisher of the Amherstburg Echo There are two very distinct classes of people living in Canada - and specifically - in Ontario. There are those who have it made (them), and also those who are 'privileged' to pay for their com- paratively comfortable standard of living (us). More on this subject later... Over the past few months several editorials in The Echo, along with many additional articles reprinted on these pages from outside sources, examined the precarious economic position of Canada and its citizens. The consensus of those opinions, AND the consensus of public opinion polls across the country is strikingly similar: a) the huge federal deficit must be eliminated, b) government spending increases must be eliminated, c) the tax payer (already contributing more than 50 percent of his earning power in taxes) cannot be expected to solve more of the finan- cial problems being created by government fiscal policies (many of which appear designed primarily to keep the government party in power). Theoretically, Canadian voters could be excused for thinking they already resolved this problem once, when they elected Brian Mulroney and the Progressive Conservatives by a huge landslide five years ago. The majority of Canadians were disgusted by the excesses of the Trudeau/Turner Liberals, and justifiably put the boots to them. End of problem? Nope. Since then, Canadians have witnessed even more irresponsible abuses of power. We should note that.this comment refers not only to federal politics... the current Ontario Liberal government is perfor- ming in similar bizarre fashion. Neither level of government shows any sign of reversing direction. At the rate Peterson's Grits and Mulroney's Tories are going, they may eventually obliterate the sins of Trudeau's Liberals. In fact, that point might already be moot. Not a pretty picture, and the problems facing Canadians con- tinue to get worse. Why is this happening? Is there some lemming-like compulsion driving us all toward the brink? Surely the country's political leaders cannot be oblivious to the dangers which lie directly in the path they are following. Rest assured, they know what they're doing. The Canadian public is being taken to the cleaners by the most immoral group of political animals ever assembled in the country's history... at both federal and provincial levels right across the country. The vast majority of these people don't give a damn about what happens to you..., as long as they stay in power. If some pressure group insists on 'such and such,' they've got it. If an attention-getting minority demands immediate action, they've got it. Anything, or anyone representing a significant number of votes in a crucial sector of the electorate gets whatever they're after. To- (Turn to page 10) Letters to the Editor ... our policy It has always been the policy of this newspaper to encourage our readers to make use of the letters to the editor column. Our readers have a right to freely express their opinions and view- points on just about any subject, and we feel that a lively letters col- umn helps make a better community newspaper. We insist, however, that a letter writer sign his or her name. On rare occasions, we will agree to with-hold publication of a letter writer's name, 'if we feel there are very good reasons to do so. . Under no circumstances will this paper print an anonymous let- ter to the editor. While we enjoy receiving letters from our readers, we must con- tinue to insist on knowing the identity of the writer. LOOKIN' GOOD - LOOKIN' BAD The Grand Opening of Water Street official- ly took place last week, and we're sure the mer- chants that operate retails stores and business- es along that stretch of road are breathing a sigh of relief. . Construction along commercial sections of town cause a lot of problems for merchants. Customers are hesitant to drive along rough, dusty roads, and as a rule, business drops off dramatically. - The re-construction, laying of water and sewer pipes, building curb, gutter and sidewalks took about four months, and there is no doubt some of the Water Street merchants were feel- ing the pinch. Unfortunately, the cost of the project was a little more than budgeted, so the interlocking brick, which was to be laid between the sidewalk: and curbs is going to have to wait for another year. Personally, | think council should have "bit the bullet", and taken the necessary funds out of a reserve account to finish the job. The loose gravel, and dust caused by having to fill the area between the sidewalk and roadway, will be a curse until next spring. And while Speaking of Water Street, have you noticed how busy it seems since the con- struction was finished. There are always cars buzzing this section of town, parked along both sides of the road dur- ing ball tournaments, and zipping in and out of the various businesses along the strip. If there is one curse along this beautiful new road it is the number of portable advertising signs cluttering the side of the road and side- walk. One trip along the street last week | count- ed no less than nine billboards advertising everything from bait to burgers. Aside from them giving the street an untidy appearance, they are a danger to motorists as some obstruct the vision of drivers either leaving or entering the roadway. Surely Scugog must have a bylaw prohibit- ing portable signs on the township property. In our neighbouring town of Uxbridge they have an very extensive bylaw regulating signs. The intent of the bylaw is to regulate signs in the Random Jottings by J. Peter Hvidsten Township for controlling community arance, safety and the impact upon certain significant his- torical areas. No person is allowed to erect, install, post, display, keep or maintain on a premises, any sign for which a permit has not been obtained. Maybe Scugog should look into this bylaw! Signs aside, Scugog council and roads su- Rolinis ont Ronn MacDonald deserve congratu- ations for a job well done along Water Street. It looks great! IMPRESSED Last Friday afternoon, Premier David Peter- son arrived in Durham Riding to take part in a party picnic, and feeling it was an important event, | attended to take a few photos. Not being affiliated to any party (although Liberals think we're Conservative, and the Tory's think we're Grits, and the N.D.P. think we're both), | was very surprised at how the Premier handled himself upon his arrival at Camp Samac. By the time he arrived, about 50 card carry- ing protesters were there to greet the Premier. As soon as he stepped from the car, he diffused any possible confrontation by walking into the middle of them with an outstretched hand, welcoming them to the picnic. He listened to some of the concerns of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union for a few minutes and then invited the protesters to join the picnic and enjoy some refreshments. The Premier then walked about 50 yards to where a group of Whitevale residents opposed to the location of a new giant garbage dump were gathered. Again, he took time to listen to their concerns, and once again invited them to join the picnic. Mr. Peterson then made his way through a throng of waiting supporters,shaking their hands, talking to party faithtul and joking with the young- sters. It appeared as if he made conscious effort not to miss anyone. In other words, he played the crowd perfect- ly. During his stay there was no shouting from the protesters, and there was plenty of hand clapping and cheering from party supporters. If this brief glimpse of Peterson is an indica- tion of his ability to deal with people, whether supporters or protesters, | must say | was im- pressed. But that doesn't mean I'm a Liberal! wt