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The Huron Expositor, 1995-05-10, Page 5News and Views Does Steckle represent majority? Dear Editor, Huron -Bruce MP, Paul Steckle, believes he represents the views of the majority of his constituents with his' stand against the government's pro- posed gun control legislation. Several questions about this stand demand answering. 1. Does he represent the true majority position, or is it the opinion of the vocal minority who care enough to phone his office? 2. Who are these people who support Mr. Steckle today? 3. How might Mr. Steckle vote in the Commons when he opposes government legislation that his constituents support? To whom would he be loyal? This letter will deal only with the first two questions. The remainder will be answered in the near future. I cannot answer the first question with statistics. The data coming from Mr. Steckle's office reflects only the tabu- lated results of those who call there. However, 1, and many other long-standing Liberals, meet people every week who express their disappointment with having voted for a "Lib- eral" candidate who cares Iiule for the party policies respon- sible for his election. These disgruntled constituents don't waste their time com- plaining to Mr. Steckle. They express a strong preference to voice their displeasure with our MP's gun control activities at the ballot box. Perhaps the silent majority will speak in 1997. The second question is what finally provoked me to openly challenge Mr. Steckle on this issue. On page 38 of the May issue of Bruce Marketplace Mr. Guy Anderson's column out- lines why he thinks gun owners should stand behind Mr. Steckle. His article is based on his belief that Mr. Steckle was treated in a non -democratic fashion by the Liberal Party. Mr. Anderson than states..."An effective democracy is when the civilian population, as a last resort, physically overthrows a corrupt government."!!! An effective democracy does what? Is he promoting an eventual open rebellion, with guns, as a means of solving problems in Canada? Does he represent the beliefs of the majority of gun owners - that having a firearm is protection against govern- ment, the military or the police? Are these the kind of people that Mr. Steckle so strongly defends? Mr. Anderson also predicts that..."Firearm owners, for whatever reasons, will register only a small fraction of. the firearms in Canada." Is he `Minority' view on Steckle Dear Editor, Well I certainly seem to be of the minority, perhaps even singular would best describe my feelings towards the actions of Mr. Paul Steckle in the House of Commons. According to a poll conducted by the Focus Magazine, Mr. Steckle is applauded for 'sticking to his guns' in a 'free vote,' by 100 per cent. Although I feel his intentions may have been sincere from his perspective, I'm concerned Paul may have • just taken his first steps towards political oblivion. If he wasn't a gun owner himself, I may have been more impressed with his attempts to take a stand and speak on behalf of his constituents. Unfortunately, I have a problem with a 'hero' benefiting by opposing a particular proposal introduced by his own party. Isn't it usually customary for the opposition in the House to oppose a bill? I was under the impression that according to political protocol, that if a member of the Party introducing the proposal was opposed, ' they wold excuse themselves from the 'free vote' in protest, giving their Party Tess support in the House of Commons to get the proposal passed into legislation? Paul has taken an entirely different approach and may have defeated his purpose as a result. Example: One constituent writes to the Focus and states, "the Liberal Party may find this out in the next election." Meaning what? Has this voter decided to cast his ballot in the next federal election against the Liberals? Isn't that your party, Mr. Steckle? If the Liberals Formal supported Dear Editor, It's encouraging to see how receptive a small community is when approached by the local secondary school. The Seaforth District High School Formal Committee presented its third annual Spring Fashion Show on Wednesday, April 26, 1995. In preparation for the event, local merchants were approached by the committee to provide fashions, decorations, make-up and hair styling. Several student models showed both formal and casual fashions from Cardno's Mens Wear and Anna's Dress Shoppe to students, teachers, parents and other guests. The girls had their hair professionally styled and make- up done at All Styles, Futures, and Boussey's Beauty Boutique. Flowers and decorations for the gymnasium were provided by Hildebrand's Flowers and Gifts grid Flower Magic by Jean. Other assistance was provided by the drama club, custodial staff, and formal committee members. The high school is very appreciative of every one in the community who offers their time, support and property for our benefit. This assistance would be much more difficult to obtain in a larger, Tess friendly community. A big thank -you to everyone who helped out to make our fashion show such a success. Thanks also to these guests who came to watch. The formal committee hopes to maintain the important link between school and community for future fashion shows and events. Sincerely S.D.H.S. Formal Committee don't take office next term where will that leave you, considering the fact you represent this party? You've presented a conflict within a political party and your own objectives. Does unity mean anything to the Liberal Party who currently represents Canada in the House? People now assume our federal government is guilty of dictating the behaviour of their members. Ares you representing a Party of dictators Mr. Steckle? Maybe you should tell us a little bit about this Liberal Party before we cast out ballots in the upcoming provincial election? Anything we should know that you're not telling us? Do you plan on becoming an independent now because many of your constituents are furious with the treatment you've received from your own party? May. I ask what other Liberal proposals of the Liberal mandate you plan to oppose in the House? I used to vote according to the political agenda of the party, I now realize I'm going to have to change my approach. I feel it would have been more productive if you had simply excused yourself from the 'free vote' in protest. Your point would have been taken and all you constituents would have been respected, both majority and minority alike. There's always a price when one chooses to stand alone. If their concerns are then mainly of being 'short-changed' as a result, then they have clearly stood for the wrong reasons. Yours truly, Debra Scherle proposing that gun owners will, in our democracy, have the right to choose which laws they will obey and which laws they will ignore? Will non -gun owners soon have the right to select which law they wish to disobey? Mr. Anderson is promoting anarchy of the worst kind - armed and defiant self-interest. I fear for my safety in a coun- try where politicians openly align themselves and defend the rights of people with beliefs such as these. Mr. Anderson's fear of "future confiscation" can't happen soon enough. John Gates Past -president, Huron -Bruce Federal Liberal Association Kincardine TIM INMON EXPOSITOR, May 10, 10011-0 COUNSELLING • Marriage • Family • Personal Growth • Learning Disabilities BRIAN O'REILLY, o.s.w. 1 Huron St 482-9249 CLINTONI MOTHER'S DAY SPECIALS , .- Thurs., May 11 - Mon., May 15 't' .• ',`'' TAYLOR'S MARKET. r�i )' WHOLESALE AND RETAIL OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 9 inch CHERRY PIE 3.99 NOW IN STOCK Bedding Plants Seed Onions and potatoes 212 Victoria St. HANGING BASKETS '11.99 POTTED PLANTS Local HOT HOUSE TOMATOES 1.591b. Ontario Asparagus 2.49 lb. 482-3413 Florida Rad of Whit* Ray 99c b NEW POTATOES .79b. 9 Inch STRAWBERRY RHUBARB PIE 3.991b. Hams Baked White a Broom BREAD.990 loaf Clinton A New Cub Cadet 12 HP Lawn Tractor for Under $2000 519-527-0120 11/4 Miles North of Seaforth ELECTION • PROCLAMATION Of which all persons are asked to take notice and to govern themselves accordingly. In obedience to Her Majesty's writs of election,. directed by me to the Returning Officer in each electoral district, for the purpose of electing persons to represent the voters in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, public notice is hereby given of the following in each electoral district. CAN YOU VOTE? Those persons who on Election Day are 18 years of age or older, are Canadian citizens, and have resided in Ontario for the 6 months preceding Election Day are eligible to vote. To vote, their names must be on the NEW LIST of VOTERS or on CERTIFICATES TO VOTE issued by the Electoral District Returning Officer. In rural areas, they may be vouched for on Election Day. Door to door enumeration begins May llth, 1995. OFFICIAL NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES CLOSES in the Returning Office of each Electoral District Thursday, May 25th, 2 p.m. ADDITIONS TO THE NEW LIST OF VOTERS must be made before 8 p.m. of Wednesday, June 7th Eligible voters missed during the Enumeration who wish to make sure of their vote must visit their Electoral District Returning Office to obtain a Certificate to Vote. Monday to Saturday inclusive 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. beginning May 18th The phone numbers for Electoral District Retumdug Offices are available front Directory Assistance. If you require information specific to your Electoral District, ask for "Et*edwa Ontario" and then the Electoral District by uaase. If you have friends or relatives who have difficulty reading, please make them aware of the information in this notice. GOD SAVE THE QUEEN Given under my hand, at Toronto, Ontario Warren R. 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