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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 2009-09-16, Page 6Page 6 - Goderich Signal -Star, Wednesday, September 16, 2009 Editorial www.goderichsjgnalstar.com Proprietor and published by Bowes Publishers, P.O. Box 220, 120 Huckins Street, Goderich, Ontario N7A 4B6 EDITORIAL Who needs another forgettable election? As our parliamentarians herded back into session in Ottawa on Monday, the opposition parties appeared to solidly back each other against the Conservative government and pose the distinct threat of another federal election. It would mark the fourth national election in just five years. And it seems that only the timing of a non -confidence vote is in doubt as it could come within the first week of the return of MPs or, perhaps, later in the month. And by the time of publication (Wednesday) the circumstances surrounding all of this could have changed dramatically. If any one of the three party lead- ers decides that discretion is the better part of valour and sides with the govern- ment on any of the upcoming votes in the House of Commons, the election is essentially off. So who is going to blink? Who has the most to lose and do Canadians really want or need another election? It also begs the question: why an election now? Poll results churned out ad nauseum indicate that an election this fall would only replicate the parliament that Canadians elected last fall. There seems little to be gained by the expensive exercise and indications are that the Conservatives would retain the most seats but short of a majority position. Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff is telling Canadians that the government has run its course and despite his assertion of "We can do better", he hasn't offered compelling reasons for an election or a return to a Liberal govern- ment. Prime Minister Stephen Harper is telling us that an election would only impede the recovery process that the country is experiencing right now while the Liberals hold up Harper's record deficit and the worst unemployment numbers seen in decades, as valid reasons to force the issue and call an elec- tion. NDP leader Jack Layton says he doesn't want an election but that Harper's indignation is leaving the other parties little choice. But we have listened to politicians telling us what we should think long enough. Keeping in mind the $300 million plus cost that an election brings to tax- payers, we have to ask if government is functioning efficiently and coopera- tively. Minority governments have to learn to compromise and play nice in the sandbox. They can work, but it takes effort and the belief that they all work for the common good of the country and its citizens. When politicians and parties are working for their own self interests; the system and long-term vision falls apart. Which simply leaves the justified concern that a fall election campaign would simply -be a negative experience in which the Liberals rip Harper as a mean-spirited individual with a hidden agenda while the Conservatives are already targeting Ignatieff as a selfish individual who is "just in it for him- self." Do we really need to pay millions for that exercise? Another campaign and election would only serve to turn Canadians further away from politics and the politicians who play the game. What we need is some shared common sense and co-operative government. Forget the nasty campaign and regrettable election. D.S. .••.•••• The Goderich Signal -Stan published every Wednesday at Goderich. Ontario is one of The Signal -Star Publishing Group of Community Newspapers, a division of Bowes Publishers. The Goderich Signal Star shall not be liable for failure to publish an ad for typographical errors in publication except to the extent of the cost of that portion of the ad in which the error occurred The Goderich Signal -Star reserves the right to refect or edit any advertisement. The Goderich Signal -Star is a proud member of the Canadian Community Newspapers Association (CCNA) and The Ontario Community Newspapers Association (OCNA). Editorial Deadlines... A11 Advertising Deadii Entertainment, Births, In Memoriams... Classifieds... Display Advertising... Telephone Fax.... Publisher... Reporters... You'RE GiviNG tie A HEADACHE... 1 F YOU Two CAtkiT GET ALONG !'M Go1NG TO MAKE Y00 EAT A PUCK . AND YOU`LL HAVE TO WEAR A SWeAT1l JERSEY ... ALL DA`! LONG JOE PuBLUC G.GcgOoPiol Lighthouse needs a makeover The the Editor; Recently, I've had family members visiting from Alberta. The lighthouse was one of the first stops on our scenic tour of things to see and do in the "Prettiest Town in Canada." However, we were more than a little bit em- barrassed to show off this fantastic building in its present state of neglect. I think most would agree we should show more pride in this histor- ic treasure. We don't want tourists going away with a bad impression, and I'm sure we want them back— this is a/tourist town. We should not forget to keep this grand old landmark in good repair for future generations to enjoy. We don't seem to forget a tax increase, 410 Friday at 2 pm nes... Deaths, Friday at 2 pm 519-524-2614 519-524-5145 . Dave Sykes Dominique Milburn Gerard Creces Denny Scott Letters opinion so let's not forget to take a little of that money and pick up some wire brushes and four or five cans of paint. Then, try to pencil in a couple of days when there are two or three workers not overly tied -up and make us all proud (as we should be) of what we have to offer tourists and locals right here in Goderich, now, and in the future. Don MacGillivray Goderich Classifieds & Subscription... Accounting... Office Manager... Display Sales... Advertising Manager... Judy Austin Rhonda Butt Mary Johnston Janet Shrier • Lisa McLaren Keith Moreland Steve Northey Kevin Shrier Email... gssnews@bowesnet..com,gsssports@bowesnet.com gssads@bowesnet.com, goderichads@bowesnet.com website... www.goderichsignalstar.com PueucAna+s MM. Aontmair No. 40064683 PAP RO3S'TRAT1ON No. 7602 RmAti U oaAsmE CANADIM Amasses To: arcuwtlon Dept., 120 Nuddns St., P.O. Box 120, ti000dch, ON, N7A 486 (519) 524.2614 We,acimowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Publications Assistance Program (PAP), toward our mailing costs. Canada