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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1994-01-26, Page 4PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26,1994. Citizen &The North Huron CNA P.O. Box 429, BLYTH, Ont. N0M1H0 Phone 523-47S FAX 523-9140 P.O. Box 152, BRUSSELS, Ont. NOG 1H0 Phone 887-9114 FAX 887-9021 Publisher, Keith Roulston Editor, Bonnie Gropp Sales Representatives, Jeannette McNeil and Julie Mitchell The Citizen is published weekly in Brussels, Ontario by North Huron Publishing Company Inc. Subscriptions are payable in advance at a rate of $20.50/year ($19.16 plus $1.34 G.S.T.) for local; $31.03/year ($29.00 plus $2.03 G.S.T.) for local letter carrier in Goderich, Hanover, Listowel, etc. and out-of-area (40 miles from Brussels); $60.00/year for U.S.A, and Foreign. Advertising is accepted on the condition that in the event of a typographical error, only that portion of the advertisement will be credited. Advertising Deadlines: Monday, 2 p.m. - Brussels; Monday, 4 p.m. - Blyth. We are not responsible for unsolicited newscripts or photographs. Contents of The Citizen are © Copyright. Publications Mail Registration No. 6968 E ditorial i i What a difference It was interesting to note during last week's storm, of all the highway closings across Huron County, the highway that used to be closed most often, was now among the few that stayed open. Long-time residents can remember when it was almost automatic that the stretch of Highway 4 between Blyth and Wingham was closed whenever the wind blew or snowflakes fell. People feared travelling on the highway. The road was narrow, the banks rivaled the Rockies and the prevailing westerly winds made visibility impossible. Today's highway is just the opposite. The new highway is wider, the road has been built up so much that there are few snowbanks of consequence. Even when the wind is blowing the visibility remains good in all but the worst weather. The changes wouldn't have happened without a fight. Ministry of Transportation officials denied there was any safety problem with the highway, saying the accident rate wasn't any higher than other highways in the area. Local politicians, led by Albert Wasson who was then Blyth's reeve, refused to give in. With the help of Jack Riddell, then Huron's MPP, a trip over the highway was arranged for the Minister of Transportation. The priorities of Ministry officials were changed and improvements were promised. There were many delays but the highway is finally finished except for the main street of Blyth and the new bridge over Blyth Brook. All those who travel over the stretch of road owe a thank you for the tenacity of the local politicians who made sure the highway was finally improved. — KR We are our brother's protectors The debate over whether or not Canada should review its commitment to United Nations Peacekeeping operations like that in Bosnia needs to take the larger, rather than the smaller, view of things. It's easy to react emotionally to the fact that Canadians are endangered by the happenings in Bosnia. Why should Canadian youth be killed in a place half-way around the world that many of us had never heard of until the civil war broke out? Why should we put up with our soldiers being terrorized as they were in the incident when Serb soldiers lined them up against the wall in a mock execution? Is it really our business to be do-gooders to the world? On the other hand we must look at the hardship innocent people are suffering every day in Bosnia and must realize their lives would be more miserable but for the efforts of troops from Canada and other nations serving with the UN. They may be few in number, they may be frustrated in their efforts to bring lasting peace in Bosnia, but our troops still are performing a valuable function, saving lives and preventing the horrors of the ethnic war being even worse. It is our responsibility as world citizens to help those who need help. It is in the best interests of peace in the world to demonstrate through the UN that violence and terrorism won't be rewarded. If countries like Canada aren't willing to stand up for peace, what hope is there to ever have a better world. It's also a matter of pride for the country. One of the things that makes Canadians feel good about themselves is the way that Canada has always been in the forefront of peacekeeping, dating from the days when Lester Pearson proposed the first peacekeeping operation in Middle East in the 1950s. Yes there are times, when young Canadians are hurt or injured, when the price of peacekeeping seems too high. Yes there are times when we have to question if the results are worth the frustrations. Still it’s a job that must be done and Canada has been a world leader in doing it. We must remain in the forefront. A common sense decision The federal government's decision to give refugee claimants temporary work permits is one of those decisions that isn't perfect, but it does show common sense. In the past refugees have not been allowed to work while they awaited a decision on whether or not they would be allowed to stay in Canada. They have been kept, at taxpayers' expense, in enforced idleness. The government's solution is to allow them to work for up to nine months, hopefully saving taxpayers' money and allowing them to contribute instead of taking. The move won't solve the refugee backlog but it makes sense. —KR Photo by Bonnie Gropp Victims lash out You talkin’ to me? Letters THE EDITOR, This letter is an open letter to parents. Do you know where your child was on Wednesday, Jan. 12 during the daylight hours? Well, we believe that someone's child was not where they were supposed to be because they were in our house between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. You see, we were the victims of a break and enter. The outside steel door was kicked in and every drawer was gone through. Not a thing was broken; so considerate under the circumstances! Now, you ask yourself: How do we figure the criminals are youth aged? The only items stolen were CDs, nintendo games, a bottle of wine, a bottle of champagne and some change. Sound like young stuff to you? The break-in was reported to the OPP. Their job dealing with this type of incident is as frustrating as our job of putting our house back together. Now you have to realize that we live in the country on a main highway not in town. Why do we have the right to author this letter? Because our privacy has been invaded. If you have ever been the victim of a break and enter you can relate to that eerie feeling you get when you enter your home after it's been robbed. We are a relatively young couple with a family, although this past week has served to age us! We have young children that have been upset by this event. What do we hope to gain by this letter? Maybe it will sufficiently bother someone, their friends or parents to do something about it. We realize we got off relatively easy considering what could have happened. Someone, somewhere knows something. There is no need to publish names, they know where they left their mark. Hope you had a great laugh and are enjoying your treasures. Forever Changed. Paul’s Perspective Gov’t, attacks gov’t. By Paul Klopp, MPP Huron The government of Ontario has begun a two pronged attack on duplication in government. In December, the Minister of Municipal Affairs wrote to all municipalities asking them to submit ideas on how to deliver goods and services more effi­ ciently, and enhance revenues or realize savings. A task force has been appointed by the Minister Allan Pilkey to look at these suggestions and suggest action on the workable ones. The membership is made up of several former mayors and currently serving municipal leaders who have been appointed by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. Exeter Reeve Bill Mickle is serving on this task force. The task force is focusing on a set of smaller specific solutions that will make changes in some day-to- day operations of municipalities. These solutions will be delivered in the short-term. The task force begins next week and will deliver its report by March 31. In Huron County several municipalities have gotten together to make tendering more effective. The county has asked munici­ palities to consider joint purchasing of certain materials to make it more efficient. These are ways in which our smaller municipalities can achieve economies of scale in purchasing supplies and services. The provincial task force will point out ways in which the day-to- day operations of the province and the municipalities can be made more effective. It is another example of the province asking for suggestions to reduce costs and reduce duplication. All the small savings can add up to big savings.