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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1994-11-30, Page 7THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30,1994. PAGE 7. Drunk driving costs you more than money When a person gets behind the wheel of a vehicle, they are creating a circumstance which could result in much more than just a drunk driving charge. With National Safe Driving Week running from Dec. 1 to 7, it is important to be aware that the implications of being charged with a drunk driving infraction go farther than the fine and a few demerit points many drivers expect. The first shock will be in paying the average fine levied in such cases, $1,000 to $2,000 when convicted. If the driver decides to plead not guilty and requires the services of a lawyer, the cost could rise to $10,000 or more. On top of earning a criminal record for the conviction, the insurance company will increase the rates substantially, if they agree to continue to cover the driver. Once convicted, the insurance company will not cover any damages to the vehicle or injuries sustained. The financial burden increases. Along with a sizable fine, convictions often bring a license suspension for a minimum of three months. If personal transportation is required for employment, another problem arises. The job could be lost. Besides the material impact of driving drunk, personal injuries or those inflicted on others can take a terrible toll on the driver and the families involved. It is not just the driver's life that can be shattered. In 1991, 48 per cent of all fatally injured drivers had some alcohol in their system with 30 per cent of those having a blood alcohol concentration almost twice the legal limit. That year, there were 1,800 deaths and 60,000 injuries, costing $20 billion, which were attributed to drinking and driving. In this National Safe Driving Week, the Canada Safety Council says there are only two sensible options when dealing with drinking and driving. If you drink, don't drive and if you drive, don'.t drink. Peach tree, topic of discussion at Blyth council By Bonnie Gropp The Peach tree was a topic of dis­ cussion at Blyth council, Nov. 24. Geoff and Cheryl Peach of Drummond St. appeared before council regarding their disappoint­ ment over the way the village had seen to the 'pruning' of a tree on their property. Mr. Peach said that they had requested several times that the vil­ lage prune some of the maple trees as they were concerned about roof damage from overhanging branch­ es. He said that when "action was finally taken" what they had envi­ sioned as a fairly minor pruning, amounted to an estimate of 10 face cords of lumber. He showed pho­ tographs of the tree, which he said "portrayed the damage done to it." Mr. Peach said he spoke to the work crew to see why the cutting had been so extensive and was told the instruction came from the vil­ lage staff. He then contacted Vil­ lage Foreman John Rinn who "indicated his instructions came from his boss, the village clerk". Mr. Peach said he thought the vil­ lage foreman would be capable of determining what the job required, but whatever the rationalization he and his wife were disappointed with the results. "My wife and I come rom Lon­ don. Had this happened in London it wouldn't have been tolerated," he said, adding that it showed little sensitivity or caring with regards to residents' feelings. The issue, he said, was communi­ cation. The Peaches felt that a site meeting among all parties would Blyth council briefs Reeve delivers farewell speech Retiring Blyth Reeve Dave Lee gave a brief farewell speech prior to the Nov. 24 meeting of council. In acknowledging his six years working on behalf of the village, Reeve Lee said his only regret was missing his family growing up. He said he has enjoyed representing the village, one term as councillor and one as reeve, and believes that what has been done during those terms has been done in the best interest of the village. *** After discussion with Sharon Cox, facilitator of the Pay Equity committee, council made a recom­ mendation to the new council that the committee remain as is until the appeals process is over. *** Blyth Festival's General Manager Susan Moffatt informed council have circumvented any anger and disappointment. "What we had asked was clearly misinterpreted," he said adding that they felt it reflected poorly on the staff and the village. Mr. Peach said they intended to submit a list of recommendations to the new council that will provide constructive alternatives when issues like this come up. Reeve Dave Lee then asked Clerk-Administrator Helen Grubb and Mr. Rinn if they wanted to respond. Ms Grubb said when the Peaches first made a request a year ago it was to have a tree removed for a driveway. Council agreed at the time that it should be at full cost to the Peaches. Ms Grubb said that she later received a letter from Mr. and Mrs. Peach saving thev had contacted Harve Bernard, who does the vil­ lage trimming, and he said the tree would be dead in eight months. Council still had concerns that the ratepayers would be paying so the Peaches could have the driveway, Ms Grubb said, so again decided they would have to pay full cost to .have it removed. Then when they asked the village to trim the trees the road committee felt the village should stay away from the tree because it was dying and they were concerned about a lawsuit, Ms Grubb said. She said Mrs. Peach came into the office one day and said that if the branches over the house dam­ age the roof the village would be paying. When it was decided to trim to the tree, Mr. Rinn ques­ tioned whether the village or hydro that the theatre may be requesting an extension on the joint use agree- Continued on page 8 Prevention, Act’s intent Continued from page 4 tobacco products to anyone under 19 years of age and requires tobacco retailers to post signs with these new restrictions. The intention of the Tobacco Control Act is to prevent young people from starting to smoke and to protect the public from environmental tobacco smoke. If you would like an easy-to-read copy of the new legislation, please call the Huron County Health Unit (482-3416 or 1-800-265-5184). would pay for the work. Ms Grubb said she went with Mr. Rinn to look and they decided it would be split 50/50 between the two. Mr. Rinn chastised Mr. Peach for phoning him at home and harassing him, a claim that Mr. Peach disput­ ed, saying he simply asked Mr. Rinn who he got his instructions from. Mr. Rinn was not to be soothed however. "I can be reached in the office during the day. I do not appreciate that kind of harass­ ment at home and neither does my Knechtel CHEESE BARS Assorted Varieties 800 g 4.99 Pink or White GRAPEFRUIT Product of U.S.A. Florida Grown 12/1.99 | Maple Leaf COTTAGE ROLLS "Sweet Pickled" 3.95 kg 1.79. Boneless Outside Round STEAK ROAST Cut from Canada "A" Grades Beef Hip (Eye Removed) 5.49 kg 2.49 . Royal* BATHROOM TISSUE 12 Roll Pkg. 2.99 Olinda Pure APPLE JUICE 1.36 Litre Tin .79 Beatrice Classic ICE CREAM Assorted Varieties 2 Litre Tub 2.88 family." Reeve Lee said he appreciated the letter from the Peaches, but was disappointed that they had written one to the paper first. "We were tried in the free press. Do you think that's appropriate?" Mr. Peach said, "That's a free­ dom of speech issue and we have the right. We were upset." Reeve Lee said he felt that coun­ cil should have been approached first. Mrs. Peach said she didn't recall things in quite the same way as Ms Grubb, but that she and her hus­ band were civilized people who were simply stating things as they happened. Councillor Mason Bailey said he was surprised by the extent of cut­ ting. "I question why they did that to a tree. It's going to die. I'm amazed at them doing it that way." "It was unfortunate, but it hap­ pened," Mr. Peach said, adding that he hopes the new council will be open to hearing their suggestions.