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Vol. 128 No. 27 PORT PERRY, ONTARIO - WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1994 Copy 65¢ ©1¢ + 4¢ GSD 44 Pages a ford $i SCOTT ANDERSON / PORT PERRY STAR "Radio K.I.D.S. "hit the airwaves last Thursday night as students from Prince Albert Public School performed the play depicting life at a struggling radio stations. Pictured are DJs Jill Pashley as "Dud," and Greg Langford as "Jimmy Staxwax." Gord Mills predicts same-sex benefits bill will be defeated By Scott Anderson Port Perry Star A bill offering benefits to same-sex couples will be defeat- ed, alocal says. The controversial bill narrow- ly passed first reading in a 57-62 vote at Queen's Park last week . Durham East MPP Gord Mills, along with party mem- bers Allan Pilkey (Oshawa) and Drummond White (Durham Centre), stood in opposition to the bill, refusing to bow to pres- sure from party members. "The bill will die in June," Mr. Mills said, noting a second read- ing and subsequent vote would be held at that point. More than 20 MPPs were ab- sent for the vote, including a number who oppose Bill 167. Mr. Mills said these members would shoot it down in the next vote. The MPP maintained his op- position to the controversial bill despite "unbelievable pressure put on us" by party officials in- cluding Premier Bob Rae and Culture Minister Anne Swar- brick. Mr. Mills has steadfastly op- posed the bill, citing the wishes of his constituency. He has re- ceived a number of petitions and many letters and phone calls from constituents express- ing opposition to the bill. 'I can't ignore the wishes of the constituency, even if it's in direct opposition to what the government thinks," he said. "People always have so much cynicism with politicians. 1 thought with this issue which touches on so many things, in- cluding emotions, that I had to listen to the people that sent me to Queen's Park." Police resolve to destroy 600 guns By Scott Anderson Port Perry Star A change in firepower has left Durham Police officials with an ethical problem. The Durham force has begun the tender process for the pur- chase of the more powerful 40 calibre semi-automatic hand- guns. Police officials are expect- ed to make a decision later this summer. Approximately 600 guns are needed for the officers. Ammu- nition and holster requirements will also be addressed. But what to do with the un- wanted sidearmsis a problem. The police force can sell the 600 guns and make a small prof- it on the sale or destroy the un- wanted weapons taking them off the streets. "There is a safety issue of what to do with the pistols," Chief Trevor MacCagherty told - members; of- Durham's Police Services Board on Friday. The chief pointed to a number of communities which opted to destroy the weapons including Peel, Ottawa, Halton and Met- ropolitan Toronto. Only York Region sold the guns after mak- ing the switch. The increased call to get weapons off the streets, coupled with the start of its own gun am- nesty, convinced board mem- bers there was no choice but to destroy the guns. However, with the opportuni- ty to recoup $80 to $100 per weapon, board chairman Jim Witty urged its members to con- sider all options. "We must debate whether the board swallows some money or pays attention to the bottom- line," he said. "I'm more comfortable with us taking the decision of de- stroying the guns," the chief said, noting he didn't want to see the 600 guns back on the street. Pointing to the recent gun amnesty in Durham, board member Bruce McArthur called on the force to "practice what it preaches" and destroy the weapons. "I would hate think any of our police revolvers are out there and could be stolen. I'm in sup- port of destroying them." The board voted in favor of de- stroying the firearms. Gaming meeting planned A meeting will be held Friday to discuss a charitable gaming facility on Scugog Island. Officials from the three levels of government, Durham Police and Mississaugas of Scugog Is- land First Nation will meet to discuss a proposed charitable gaming facility planned for the First Nation. Turnto Page 11 19. morning. Durham Regional Po hair. Mac's Milk employee held up at knifepoint By Kelly Lown Port Perry Star Durham Regional Police are asking for the public's help af- ter an armed robbery netted a thief a quantity of money from the local Mac's Milk store in the early morning hours of May According to police, a lone white male entered the store, brandishing a 10-inch knife, and demanded the clerk empty the three cash registers into Mac's Milk bags he was carrying. The suspect left the store, with the bags and proceeded southbound on Simcoe Street just before 2 a.m. Th The suspect is described as a white male,with lots of freck- les, 65'10" with a stocky build. He was wearing a black balacla- va and hood and purple overalls. Police are following up several leads including one which in- volves two people who had entered the store half an hour earli- er requesting plastic bags, to which the clerk obliged. i ce are also looking for a black male with a flat-top haircut and a white female, with long blonde Sergeant Ken Hudson said these two people may or may not have been involved in the theft, but they want to talk to them. Anyone who may have seen any of the three people, or any- thing suspicious is asked to contact Durham Regional Police. ursday Summer Recreation Program Registration this Saturday --------_ EE Si a - aa I TR -- --