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PAGE 4 —GODERICH SIGNAL -STAR, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13,1982
DAVE
SYKES
T•
I—
Canada has a black eye this week, in-
flicted upon itself by a talented young
swimmer who took exception to a
disqualification during the Commonwealth
Games in Brisbane, Australia.
Last week, Victor Davis, an 18 year old
swimmer from Waterloo who cuts through
chlorinated pool water with grace, relative
ease and speed has tarnished the Canadian
image with a bad boy routine.
Davis was already a gold medal winner m
the games when he participated with the
Canadian team in the 4X100 metre medley
relay. In that race, however, Canada was
disqualified when officials ruled that one
member of the team left the starting blocks
before the other member touched the pool
wall.
Regardless of the circumstances, the
competency of the swimming officials or the
mechanical inabilities of the electronic
gadgetry that guages times and touches,
Davis did not do us proud.
Despite the fact that Queen Elizabeth had
graced the presence of poolside patrons, it
failed to impress Davis in the least. He
stormed about the pool area like an angry
bull, throwing chairs in his wake, cursing
and pulling plants from decorative pots at
will.
What irks me about such an irresponsible
display is that it not only reflected on the
Canadian team as a whole, but on Canadians
as well.
We have some fine athletes who made
impressive showings in their respective
sports but the ill-tempered antics of an
immature swimmer have, for the most part,
spoiled those performances. The press at
the Commonwealth Games has since had a
field day translating that one incident into a
inherent Canadian trait.
It may be unfair, but we're stuck with the
label now and timid Canadians may, from
this point on, be revered as a roughouse
gang.
Davis is a talented 18 year-old
caught up in the pressure of producing for
his country. He didn't get his medal and he
amply demonstrated his anger with an
unusual display of dexterity. Odds are he
will be on the chair -throwing team in the
next games.
That type of tanturm conjurs of visions
John McEnroe berating an official over a
close can. I find McEnroe's behaviour
loathsome because he's good, makes more
trips to the bank than I'll ever contemplate
and yet he acts like an idiot between the
white tennis lines.
But McEnroe is his own boss and since he
represents himself on the courts, rather
than an adoring nation, he is free to make an.
ass of himself. °
No doubt Davis regrets his actions at
poolside last week, but the fact remains that
he carries with him the image of a nation
f
and we are, by the way, paying the freight.
Davis was not a good investment.
The whole incident may seem trite and
while it may not affect or relflect on you
personally, it does have some significance in
terms of our collective image. The Canadian
swim team will be forever suspect because
of that display in Brisbane.
Generally I have difficulty accepting the
role of.,over-paid sports personalities.For
some reason, society has placed great
pressures on athletes to proudce, mostly
because the consumer pays a top en-
tertainment dollar and expects something in
return.
It creates a pressure than many of them
find difficulty coping with and it creates
some irresponsible situations. For now,
Canadian swimmers will be the bad guys
and athletes who sacrifice their energy for
this country will have Davis to thank for that
unfair label.
eNA
BLUE
RIBBON
AWARD
1979
Second class
mail registration
number -0716
SINCE 1848
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Powerful tool
There is a bill awaiting third reading in the legislature,
Bill 11, that deals with the licensing of businesses by
municipalities. '
Under the terms of the bill, councils of local
municipalities have the power, under bylaw, to licence,
regulate and govern any business within the municipality.
Also, within that legislation, council is empowered to
regulate the hours of operation for any business and to
reclaim' a:it'elnee'" p ji1ittri't'io liibltlit"to•ah a iabiii ttion to
d -deter rine iis"eompetenee to engage:in-a business. •-
A licence maybe revoked in the event an applicant fails
such an examination.
But should the applicant achieve the designated passi;ig
grade and subsequently be issued the licence, it must
be available on demand to a peace officer orthe bearer
faces arrest. The council will also have the authority to
regulate, govern and inspect the business preinises,
equipment, vehicles and other property used in con-
nection with the business. •
The Goderich town administrator has indicated that Bill
•
11. is not all that radical in nature and under the terms of
the Municipal Act, municipalities had the authority to
exercise such control.
While the provisions of Bill 11 may not be radically
different it is disturbing to note the power vested in the
,municipality. There can be no argument that a
municipality should have some authority in governingits
own affairs, including the commercial and business in-
terests of that community.
But, within the legislation, there exists the potential for
abuse and strict control by a group of elected officials
whose mandate is to serve the best interests of the tax-
paying public. Goderich town council has faced the
situation in the past, with some councillors suggesting it
was not council's mandate to pre -judge the success of a
potential business. •
The free enterprise system has a habit of regulating the
business and commercial needs ankk hopefully
municipalities won't over react to these powers but will
use them judiciously. D.S.
Contribute to process
Many people who regularly make up their own
household budgets and go to the bank to work out credit
• arangements often abdicate responsibility when it comes
to community housekeeping. ,
Statistics show average turnout figures for local govern-
ment elections are only 43 per cent, and in many elections,
only 30 percent or lower. ' •.
Casting a vote means contributing to the direction of
• local resources and the quality of life down the street and
in the community. Votes cast in localelections work on a
. day-to-day basis to keep basic services working - the traf-
fic flowing, the Water running, the police and fire services
prepared.
Elected members of councils, school boards and public
utilities supervise the planning and running of these ser-
vices. Starting this year, their tertn of office has been in-
creased from two years to three, to help increase the ef-
fectiveness of local government. So, in budget -conscious
times like the 80s, there is a need, as never before, for the
public to share this responsibility by making informed
. • decisions and casting their vote in the November elec-
tions.
. Although there is a general belief in the right to exercise
• one's franchise, many citizens are not discharging this
-responsibility and are indirecty weakening the public
mandate behind local government.
The effects of casting a vote are more visible at the local
municipal level than at any other level, and the public's
decisions made through the electoral process can be seen
in any municipality.
A recent study in the Waterloo. area Showed that only 24
per cent of the population could correctly answer ques-
tions about who is responsible for community services.
Only one resident in 25 knew who acts on his or her behalf
toprovide police protection.
Only 28 per cent of the respondents knew that school '
boards are responsible for education policy and taxes. Yet
school boards are democratically elected and often iden-
tified as decision makers in -the media.
Although many factors can influence voter turnout —
the size of the ward, the number of seats contested,
whether there is a lively contest for mayor, the issues of
municipal interest, in the community — a real key to
public participation is an awareness of the local issues in-
volved together with the role and responsibilities of local
municipal government. Here the media play a valuable
part.
\Where local issues are well coveredand well developed
in the media, voters become much more aware of the
roles and responsibilities of local municipal government
and the positions of the candidates on these issues and
responsibilities. More of this media coverage could go a
long way towards strengthening the' public mandate
behind local decision-making in hundreds of
municipalities across Ontario.
Spread the help more equitably
Last week Dome Petroleum, a shareholder -owned
private corporation Was bailed out of bankruptcy, from
the brink of a multi -billion dollar disaster by the little pip-
squeek, mortgage -paying people of Canada. Mind you,
we. the people who will have to pay the price, didn't have
-anything-whatsoever-to-say- about -°the --deal; -unless - we—
agree that a few top-level politicians have the unquestion-
ed right to spend our money as they see fit, for whatever
_project they choose.. ... _ . _
For starters, the Dome deal will cost every one of us ex-
tra money for .our purchases of gasoline and 4ating oil.
The bill will not be paid, in any great amount lig the Jack
Gellaghers or the Pierrefirudeaus of the land:
The experts, at least a few of them, believe that the
'Dome crisis was exceptional, in that its reuse has preserv-
ed Canada's potential for exploration in sub -polar waters
for new sources of natural gas and crude oil.
However, the larger question remains. Should any of
our governments be launching us into the chancey game
of business enterprise? Dome is not the first such move,
and probably not the last. We helped to rescue Chrysler,
we dipped into the buck t for Massey -Ferguson, for
Maislin Transport. At what Point does the dipping cease —
and if the government is to become a bottomless barrel of
rescue funding, how will it decide who deserves help and
who does not? Don't the employees of Canadian Manufac-
taring Company in Cambridge deserve the same con-
sideration as those of Massey -Ferguson?
. prudeau- and•Company -most-of--them-wealthy--risen-.in--_
their own right, have been blessed with family fortunes
which were gained under a system of free enterprise; a
system which stuck by the rule that if a business was got
ing bankrupt it should be left to die. Some other
businessman, with a keener sense of operating efficiency
would replace the man who didn't have money to keep the
wheels turning.
Our opinion that government has no place in business is
shared by a considerable number of the nation's top-notch
businessmen.
This country has seen business recessions before, many
of them. But this is the first time we have had to suffer so
bitterly because our own government led us into the mess.
Perhaps we have become a people who must ask for help
in every emergency. If so we had better find a -govern -
m ht that -at least knows how to spread the help evenly
and equitably.
Headin' home
DEAR READERS
SHIRLEY KELLER
This. weekend, I had a brief visit with a young
friend who has gone back to university. My
friend is attending law school and keeping up
with the best of them.
It hasn't been easy. On top of the demanqds of a
heavy legal course, my friend is commuting �.
more than 100 kilometers per day in all kinds of
weather; and managing a busy household con-
sisting of one very large dwelling, one spouse
who also went back to school a few years ago to
upgrade qualifications and just landed a job this
past September, and two young daughters who
are now (thankfully) in school every day. In any
spare time, my friend is . providing some
assistance in a social living program for mental-
ly retarded adults.
My friend is an independent, innovative, in
telligent, incredibly energetic Canadian with a
proven record of -achievement that would put
most students to shame. Still my friend is en-
countering a brick wall.
There aunply are very few opportunities for
my fr. iend to complete the necessary articling re- ,
quirements.
In our chat this weekend, my friend advised
that the younger students are getting the nod
from lawyers who do have jobs for those fledgl-
ing legal eagles who need on-the-job experience
to qualify. Maybe the young are more pliable
than my friend. Maybe maturity isn't that much
of an asset in this instance:
But horrors of horrors, my friend suggested
there may be yet another problem. You see, my
friend is a woman, a wife 'and a mother. And
she's beginning. to wonder if it isn't a case, of
three strikes and you're out?
She brought tales of one gruelling interview
she had with a lawyer whose final question was,
"Are you quick on your feet?".
My friend countered with, "I don't tap dance if
that's what you mean."
Another anxious lawyer, inquired, -Do -you
hink you might dissolve in tears in my office?"
End of another interview.
It's a changing world, and I admit I don't
always understand it. My mouth must have
gaped as my friend explained she is quite
prepared to go almost anywhere in Ontario for
this important period of her career. In my day,
that kind of separation from husband and
children would be unthinkable.
But I'm convinced that she would indeed nieet
and inount this period in her lifewith her usual
calm efficiency. Lid, at the same time, she
would be a bright light in any law office in the
province, at 'any task she•would be handed.
Someday, I know, my friend will be a brilliant
legal counsellor. . -
'I admire' this kind of determination in people
and I become disenchanted with a society that
doesn't reward this exemplary attitude with
some special benefits. Isn't that the way it is sup-
posed to be in a democracy? Isn't hard work and
effort supposed to pay off? Regardless of age,
dolour, creed, sex??
This country was nearly torn apart in 'recent
months as an all -Canadian constitution was ham-
mered out. It's a constitution that speaks of these
basic privileges for the titize'ns c.ho live in t1,.:,
vast nation. .
. But all too often. the huinan rightness contain-
ed in such documents is forgotten in the every-
day work and play habits of ordinary people. It
becomes just more high sounding rhetoric that
looks good on paper but. hasn't the teeth to hold in
the daily life situations where it really counts.
More -times than we like to admit, the plums go
to those who have an "in" rather than to those
who are best qualified for the post. And when it
comes to opportunities, one really must"compete
in a proper pecking order and learn to patiently
wait his turn.
There's a great uproar among the public,
employees for instance, concerning the proposed
six and five program. Thousands of those who
hold those excellent jobs are productive.
thousands are not. But they all expect to be
treated equally in a system that tends to reward
and protect the ability to land a job rather than
the ability, to do it well.
Getting back to my young friend who needs an
articling position somewhere in this province,
she's made of tough, stuff. She will persevere
despite the obstacles because she won't
quit.She's come too far already to give up now.
But what of the more timid souls - the hard-
working, loyal ones who reluctantly admit defeat
and settle for second best? Is the country losing
out because these, people have not acquired a
place in the system?
I think so. And what's more, I think the majori-
ty of Canadians agree with,ine - in principle.
But in a democracy, it is every man for himself
doesnand it 't reit.ally depends on whose ox is being gored
It's the survival of the fittest - and it's the ones
who have learned how to win in the clutches that
will have the greatest amount of success in the
long run.
Notice nothing was said about integrity or
ability or energy. Just survival of the fittest for
coping with the system. Depressing but true.
Let's get Goderich is a foolish game to play
fear -Editor,
To members of Huron
County Council:
In celebration of the once -
again -renewed "Let's • get
Goderich!" hysteria ap-
parently sweeping the Coun-
ty Council, my wife and I
decided to -pen -our reactions -
to the proposal to re=locate
the Pioneer Museum.
We're kind of lucky! We've
had a chanceto see that kind
of hysteria over the last 20
years from several points of
view. Although our roots are
in Goderich and Colborne
Township, our combined
work experience of 25 years
since marriage shows 20 of
these outside the County
LETTERS
Town - • in Seaforth,
Holmesvf le and the Dungan-
non area. Our residency is
almost equally split between
Goderich and Seaforth and,
while Seaforth ,is our home,
our orientation tends to be
'Huron County' rather than
one town or region in par-
ticular. In fact, our main
community service commit-
ment for the last\ six years
has been at the VanEgmond
site in Tuckersmith"
Township.
We both share the position
that the 'assets' of the Coun-
ty should be spread around.
As teachers, we vividly
recall the hassle when the
school board decided to
locate in Clinton rather than
Goderich.
In retrospect, very few
would question the validity
of that decision now. But,
twow! i- the ; i11 -feeling
generated at that time sure
echoes the sentiment
omen
t
building today about the
rrrusenth's 'home in
Goderich.
In the final analysis, a
decision about the museum
sniiiulcl largely ' depend err
what Huron County wants
for its historical' archives.
Does it want a dusty collec-
tion depot for gathering and
preserving artifacts? Does it
value the dollars dropped by
the multi -thousand visitors
enticed to stop in Huron by
the museum's similar
facilities? Does it want to
share and promote our
heritage or keen it for
privy e' .use?.
If it wants' a storage place,
then Vanastra is thelace to
go. If it wants to nurture a
tourist -flew. and derive the
related economic benefits,
then it better look elsewhere.
Surely, after 154 years of
squabbling; it's time to ac=
cept the realities of traffic
flow through Huron County.
The Bluewater highway and
. the old Huron Road aren't
about to change their routes
Vanastra? A great little
community! Great' potential
for Huron Countyif it ever
gets the support it deserves!
The site for the Pioneer
Turn to page 5