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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2003-01-22, Page 6PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2003. Letter to the editor Apology not good enough THE EDITOR, To err is human; to drive impaired is criminal. It is difficult not to have some sympathy for the situation that Mr. Campbell has created for himself, given the impact that alcohol has had in his immediate family. However, his public apology and promise to exercise better judgement in the future, no matter how sincere, do not justify his decision to remain as premier. While the law does not require Mr. Campbell to resign, we would urge him to do so, out of respect for the leadership position he occupies and in recognition of the seriousness of his conduct. Mr. Campbell should step down as premier until he has dealt with all of the sanctions that will result from his impending impaired driving conviction in Hawaii. We are deeply troubled by the attempts to portray Mr. Campbell’s conduct as a private transgression He not only committed what woulu be a federal Criminal Code offence in Canada, he put at risk every other user of the road who was unlucky enough to be in his path. His conduct was very much public. Nor is it appropriate to suggest that this incident resulted from a minor miscalculation in social drinking. Contrary to what has been suggested, Mr. Campbell would have had to consume a very large quantity of alcohol to have a blood- alcohol concentration above the criminal limit. Despite 20 years of legislative reforms and public education campaigns, millions of Canadians continue to drink and drive. The latest survey suggests that an average of over 23,000 trips are made by impaired drivers each day in Canada. By remaining in office, Mr. Campbell reinforces the all too prevalent attitude that impaired driving is not a criminal offence, but rather is just a transgression of personal standards of proper behaviour. These attitudes and the drinking and driving patterns that they generate are not benign. Impaired driving remains the number one criminal cause of death in Canada, claiming approximately three times as many lives per year as homicide. Moreover, the situation appears to be getting worse, not better. In both 2000 and 2001, the percentage of alcohol-related crash deaths increased in Canada. It is all too ironic that Mr. Campbell's own government has failed to enact recommended safety measures that research indicates would reduce impaired driving. His government’s inaction stands in sharp contrast to the positive reforms that many provinces and territories have introduced in the past two years. In addition, despite the opposition of provincial health and addictions agencies, Mr. Campbell's government has pushed ahead on proposals to increase the availability of alcohol in British Columbia and decrease regulatory controls. Saying that he is sorry and remaining in office is simply not good enough. Only by resigning can Mr. Campbell demonstrate that he truly understands the gravity of his conduct, that he takes responsibility for his actions and that he is committed to the standards that he has demanded of his predec­ essors. He should lead by example and send an unambiguous message that, regardless of the person behind the wheel, impaired driving is criminal, dangerous and unacceptable. Mr. Campbell's resignation would be an essential first step in earning the forgiveness that he has said he is seeking. Professor R. Solomon Faculty of Law, UWO; and National Director of Legal Policy, MADD Canada A. Murie National Executive Director, MADD Canada. Efforts recognized When members of the Brussels Agricultural Society presented the annual awards earned from the fall fair, Grey Central Public School student Yvonne DeWit received the Jeanne Ireland Award. The award, presented by Bev Palmer, goes to the student with the highest points in the SChOOl Section. (Vicky Bremnerphoto) Real estate values climbing Continued from page 1 $381,500. The bulk of (hat construction took place in Seaforth. As more activity takes place in the rural wards the real estate values have continued to climb. According to Huron East Treasurer Brad Knight this has caused the tax burden to shift from the urban to rural wards in the municipality. In a recent report to council Knight pointed out that Grey, McKillop and Tuckersmith wards have seen increases in farmland assessment from 15 to as much as 28 per cent. The increases in farmland assessment mean that Grey ward has overtaken Seaforth in the amount of general taxation that it generates. Residential assessment has gone up by 11 per cent in Brussels although the overall general tax rate decreased. The general tax rate does not apply to such items as streetlights, water and sewers, and waste management, which are area rated to the areas that benefit. The Municipal Property assessment Corporation is currently working on an annual assessment cycle which it hopes will eliminate sudden large sifts in a property's assessed value. Country Fare By Patricia Ham, Auburn School House cup mark. Mix it very well and pour over flour and lard mixture. Combine quickly. Either use right away, or divide into three portions and freeze. Hoping you will enjoy and use some of the recipes I will be giving each month. They have all been tested by me in m\ home, and will come from many sources. They are easy family food that teenagers and parents will enjoy. 1 have used this pie crust recipe for years and truly have never been unhappy with it. I like to put half the flour and half the lard in the cuisinart and blend until it looks like meal. Don’t work it too long or it will be tough. When all the flour and large are blended, put in a big bowl. Put the egg, salt and vinegar in a cup. Add very cold water to the 1- NEVER FAIL PIE PASTRY 7 (1.75L) cups pastry flour 1 lb. (500 g) lard 1 large egg 1 tsp. (5 mL) salt 1 tbsp. (15 mL) vinegar CINNAMON TOAST 6 slices of toast, buttered 1/2 cup confectioners sugar 2 tsp. cinnamon Combine dry ingredients. Sprinkle and spread on toast. Encourage young ones to try this. They will love it! The Citizen 2003 PHONE BOOK Serving Auburn Blyth Brussels Clinton Goderich Gorrie Listowel Wingham The Citizen's New 2003 Telephone Directory Will Be Available Soon! It will have the newest listings in a convenient large type format. In one book you have the listings that you would need three Bell Canada books to find. Here is your chance to advertise in a product that stays around 365 days. Reserve your space today call Alan or Cindy at 523-4792 or 887-9114 or fax us at 523-9140 or 887-9021. Deadline: Feb. 1, 2003. If you have a new phone number, or if you have just moved into this area, and your phone number is not included in the new Bell phone book, please call 523-4792 or 887-9114 and we'll be sure to include your listing.