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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1986-10-08, Page 4PAGE 4 —GODERICH SIGNAL -STAR, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1986 oorishbehaviour of parents will not win' day care suppott Some individuals and groups make ifs ex- ceedingly difficult to support their worthy causes. What happened at last week's town council meeting is an example. I expressed my support on the side of a municipal day care centre, but I do not con- done or wish to be associated with the subse- quent behavior of the group of parents and their friends who subjected council to out- bursts of verbal abuse of the kind not ex- perienced in the local municipal chambers before. Being disappointed 'does not excuse boorish behavior. Lack of control does not further one's cause. Emotional scenes do not open minds, doors or municipal treasuries. Besides, the ill-tempered display appears to have a repetition of an earlier bad scene in another location. Was nothing positive learned in the meantime? ELSA ,HAYDON Last week the vote on day care was split in the middle, among the council members present, and thus the motion was defeated. Whether voting for or against, all council members pleased some ratepayers and an- noyed others. If we want our opinion to count in the mix- ture of different reactions, we ought to let the council members know in clear terms where we stand on an issue. Having done that, it is in our own interest to accept the reality that all council members have the right to cast their votes entirely in accordance with their own judg- ment, without harassment or intimidation of any degree,. Naturally, we like some deci- sions better than others. Some decisions are also easier to make than others. It is wasting the remaining goodwill to speak of seeking the help of greater authorities, offices and media, in order to "force" the leeal council to reverse its deci- sion. I hoped that the day care vote would be favorable, but even in my disappointment I feel safe and satisfied in the knowledge that neither the Queen nor the Pope, to use ex- tremes, has any right, power or authority whatever to tell our municipal represen- tatives how to vote. I would not have it otherwise. Another version you might have heard is the alleged intention to bring the same mo- tion back to the council table next time when all council members are present. Presumably the council member who was absent ,last week is counted on by some to reverse the council's decision. Technicallx, this is possible. However, is one to jisume that the time after that when the one member might be ill again, the vote will be overturned once more, if the heels are dug in that deeply? This could go on and on. Surely our system means more than such ridiculous manipulation. About six or seven years ago the town in- vestigated municipal day care possibilities, but dropped the idea, because at that time there were not enough parents seriously in- terested in making use of the service. I men- tion it here, because on that occasion there was no big fuss one w,ay br another. Nowadays the subject is approached with swords of emotions drawn while only reasonable and thoroughly informed preparations could win convincing support. The town has successfully operated a day nursery for years. The hours and the accom- panying costs are different, but the basic premises of the two services are alike in . substance. Day care proposals attract op- position because of a lot of misplaced em- phasis on currently fashionable rhetoric which obscures rather than enlightens. Even those of us who are sympathetic to the idea have been put off by some methods. Last week there were parts missing. When the investigation into all areas of federal -provincial support and local costs has been exhausted and if there is new infor- mation for the council, the matter ought to have a final hearing, but only in a calm and businesslike manner. The outcome, whatever it is, deserves a decent acceptance. Traditionally, our town has not shied away from new ideas, practices and ser- vices. It has usually turned changes into ad- vantages and 'opportunities. However, to receive a positive answer, it is necessary to present a good case. Opinion THE NEWS PORT FOR GODERICH & DISTRICT SINCE 1848 �he � EBT ALL POUND COMMUNITY oaericI SIGNAL -STAR P.O. BOX' 'EO HUCKINS ST. INDUSTRIAL PARK GODERICH, ONT. N7A 4B6 NEWSPAPER IN CANADA �rMuon ICnCuss 3500 45001C C N A Be tter Newspaper Cien1pe11Ilen 1994 PUBLISHED BY SIGNAL -STAR PUBLISHING LIMITED Founded in 9848 and published every Wednesday et Ooderich, Ontario. Member of the CCNA and OCNA. Subscriptions payable In advance 822.00, [Senior Citizens 819.00 privilege nerd number required] In Caneda, 860.00 to IJ,S.A., 860.00 to all other countries, Single copies 6OC. Display, National and Cleselfled advertising rates amenable on request. Please ask far Rete Card No. '18 effective October 1, 1988. Advertising is accepted on the condition Chet In the event of a typographical error, the advertising epece occupied by the erroneous Item, together with the reeeonable allowance for signature, . Inthe evenwill not o4 be e charged for but that balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the app licebis typogrephicel error edvertlsing goods or eervicoa at a wrong price, goods or services may not be sold. Advertising 1e merely en offer to sell, and may be withdrawn et eny time. The Signal -Star Is not responsible for the loss or damage of uneollolted manuscripts, photos or other materiels used for reproducing purposes. General Manager Editor SHIRLEY J. KELLER DAVE SYKES Advertising Manager DON HUBICK FOR BUSINESS OR EDITORIAL OFFICES...pleeee phone [519)524-2E14 Second class mail registration number 0716 i'Vlember: eN A CCNA Rain could spell ruin . . Local farmers are looking at the prospect of losing close to half their white bean crop and receiving less than expected for the remainder. And that's if the rain holds off and they can ' get into the fields within the next couple of weeks to harvest. Record rainfalls have caused damage which could spell ruin for some farmers and will undoubtedly leave others in a precarious situation. As Ashfield Township farmer Ray ' Hogan put it, "If we had had a profit for the last five years, we could live with it." But as anyone who knows farming understands, farmers have not had profits for the last five years • and the damage to this year's bean crop is a disaster. This year's wheat crop was mouldy so prices were low and the corn while it is a good crop so far, will not bring much of a return because the price is too low. The bumper bean crop was the only thing that looked like a cash crop, says OMAF representative Don Pullen. And it looked like a beautiful bean harvest until it started to rain. Farmers who toured the county with Jack Riddell, the provincial agriculture minister on Friday, were waiting for their colleague to promise relief. Riddell, a white bean farmer himself, understands the crisis and he had come to assess the damage. But he told the farmers, the type of emergency relief they are seeking is a federal jurisdiction. As the farmers suggested; there is something immediate, Riddell could do. He could enhance the existing interest rate relief program which would help ease the short term ten- sion. He can also look at other ways existing programs will help or he and the cabinet may, have to commit new money to a new program because of the crisis at hand. • But the responsibility lies with the federal government as well as their provincial counterparts. • Ottawa is quick to respond when the oil industry looks for assistance and the Mulroney government bailed out two banks which collapsed. Federal minister John Wise should db as local farmers suggest. Come to southern Ontario, assess the damage and then respond as the government has to offset the damage caused by poor wheat prices for the prairie farmers and the beleaguered oil industry in Alberta. Local farmers have been bruised and beaten by low commodity prices, high input costs and high interest rates. Many cannot tolerate the loss of this year's bean crop and erisis management at this point could determine how many of them will still be on their farms to plant next spring. Everyone in the local community also has a responsibility to tell government that some type of aid for the farmers is expected. The local economy is very dependent on agriculture. If the farmers have a bad year, local businesses and industries are affected. Agriculture is the backbone of our economy. Support the local farmers' efforts to persuade the provincial and federal governments that immediate relief is essential for the viability of our farming community and additional programs are necessary to bring long term stability to the agricultural industry. Phone your member of the legislature, who just happens to be the provincial agriculture minister, Jack Riddell and phone Murray Cardiff, MP. It's time the farmers saw action. Urge restricted licence Up a tree By Susan Hundertmark Need for day care is only too apparent Dear editor, LETTERS Speaking as a member of the Parents for pay Care Committee, 'a user of the existing „ K Day Care Centre and as a taxpayer, I was dismayed at council's decision: Although it was not by a sweeping majori- ty that the day care motion was defeated, nevertheless the four negative votes were enough. I am also a m4nber of the income group that was accused of expecting the town to care for my children when I am financially capable of paying myself. I don't feel I should have to apologize for that. I chose my career over 12 years ago, worked very hard to achieve my goal and continue to work hard in my chosen field. I repay the government handsomely each year for membership in this' income bracket! Putting aside all the financial considera- tions the majority of which appeared to have, been dealt with to the satis action of council, and looking at day care from a moral and educational standpoint, 'I am even more disillusioned at the outcome of A coroner's jury looking into the deaths of four Hanover area teenagers in a high-speed the Sept. 29 vote. crash has recommended Ontario bring in a graduated driver's licence to restrict the times . As Ms. Hollingworth so accurately novice drivers are allowed to drive. pointed out "women will continue to work The accident was typical of teenage traffic tragedies. It involved alcohol, a crowded car even beithoutvint g less thanbut their adequate car. and failure to negotiate a curve. Survivors of the accident testified the group met at a friend's house earlier that evening where they drank beer and listened to music. They decid- ed about 11 p.m. to "tour around" in the car. Herb Simpson, executive director of the Traffic Injury Research Foundation of Canada in Ottawa, anexpert on traffic accidents, urged the jurors to push for a graduated driver's licence that would restrict new drivers' privileges until they gain road experience. It is a lack of drivingexperience coupled with the use of alcohol which often leads to tragedies involving teenagers. The jury recommended novice drivers be able to carry only a limited number bf passengers and travel during certain times of the day and on specified types of roads until they earn full privileges. The jury also urged school boards to create a task force to examine drinking arid driving problems. It also wants reflectors nr chevron signs at all highway curves. Sucfi'recommendations, if implemented, would go a long way towards reducing the death and injury of young people in traffic accidents where lack of driving eltperierlce and alcohol are contributing factors. Touring around back roads at night in a crowded car on a joy ride leads to tragedyanrd this type of scenerio wottld be discouraged if the graduated licence were implements Unfortunately teenagers assume that because they have passed them drivers licence ly • theyare fully equipped to drive safely. Many"don't realize they do not have the experience �., or the Maturity to handle this new respohsibihty. ad d kende Would serve>' O ro`t7clifid't em they, d 'e still learning to dfive. Huron County has the highest child abuse rate in all of Ontario. If the establishment of a day care centre could prevent even one child from abuse or neglect, does this alone not justify its existance? Dr. Pearce stressed the importance of the family unit. In today's society a secure stable family unit is becoming harder and harder to maintain. If the town can help in any way, are our taxpayers not deserving of that aid? From an educational standpoint, these lit- tle ones attending day care enter elemen- tary school with so many advantages. They are taught the importance of sharing, respect for others, and the property of others, they learn respect for authority and the consequences of not conforming to rules and routines. All of this is presented to the children in a loving and learning •environment. These social and academic skills can be a big plus in dealing with beginning elementary school and can make the transition easier for the child. The town of Goderich has always sup- ported, either financially or in principle, " any programs that would benefit its youth. The recreational programs are terrific - baseball, T -ball, hockey, skating, swimm- ing, soccer, the list goes on. The financial support of these programs has never been questioned or objected to by either council' or the taxpayers. I am therefore, even more puzzled at the , reluctance to support a day care centre ih Goderich. The monetary contribution each year either by the town or per taxpaying household is ' nominal and the : benefits for our children are-nutnerous and far; reaching. The grant money available from the government'must be spoken for in the very near future. It is my sincere, hope that those in council who are still not*conVinced that day care in" Goderich is a viable and valuable opportunity, have .time to rethink and reconsider their decision. It is startling to think that the decision of four council members will affect the pre- school future of probably more than 100 children in the next four years. I trust that our council members will listen to the people and reconsider the day care issue carefully if another vote is taken! Sincerely Barb Allen Day care shouldnot be tossed aside on technicalities, says. reader Dear editor, ' The decision of council to defeat a motion - on, establishing ,a day, care • centre in Goderich-last Monday evening was appalling. so did not appear Their reasons for doing to be based on'any genuine concern for the icant issue at hand, but rather on insignif details which have no bearing on the decision. Attempis to have .the motion ruled out of order because of supposed lack offfollbw of information were beneath the dignity couneiller's. Ail the information was there - the councillors were just not. listening 6 and/or reading their reports\ many other community services tor u r Comments were made by several coon- greater -amounts, and not all citizens cillors regarding the number of calls they these services either. had received by taxpayers against day care. Wake up to the 1910's, councillors - day - There has yet to a one letter in this paper care is a real need for many of today's work - supporting that statement since the issue ing parents. Our concern for quality care for was brought up before council over three our children should be commended, not toss- monthsago. - ed aside on technicalities. The Mayorherself has not received any Wingham and Vanastra have, had calls against it, and surely she Would be one municipally -supported `day carp centrea for . of the first to be contacted. • 10 years. Their councils support the issue1 f It is a sad commentary to realize that for day care, both in principle and finan a y less than $8,000, the children of Goderich Our children deserve the same. • •may lose this • Yourssincerely, ,gild surrounding townshipsGebbe Selkirk. badly needed service, Council subsidizes