The Goderich Signal-Star, 1979-09-06, Page 6PAGE 6 -LGO4R ICH SIGNAL -STAR, THURSDAy, SEPTEMBER 6, 1979
Letter to the Editor
Says PUC blacklisting is distasteful to her
Dear Editor:
Recently an unex-
pected succession of
events has put some
temporary pressure on
the time I have been able
to give to public matters
not related to Council
work, but involving
situations one cannot be
expected to pass without
comment.
This letter is long
overdue. Although there
have been press
reference's and
statements about a
certain P.U.C. practice to
which 1 object, perhaps it
is just as well to look at
the subject as and why it
concerns me as an in-
dividual.
A few weeks ago, on
separate occasions, I
received telephone calls
from two persons about to
move to Goderich, one to
an East Street, the other
to a West Street apart-
ment.
These people were
dismayed to find that the
Goderich P.U.C. office
has a blacklist of ad-
dresses where some
previous tenants had a
poor record of paying the
P.U.C. bills. The two
apartments were on the
blacklist and the new
tenants were asked to pay
a $100. deposit
instead of the officially
known $40, - one.
Both persons found it
not onlymost difficult
financially, but they
considered the practice
unfair, a view with which
I agree, actively.
I had lengthy telephone
conversations with the
P.U.C. Office Manager
who in a friendly fashion
explained what he con-
sidered a good
justification for the
double standard, and
with a Commissioner who
was first unfamiliar with
the practice, but politely
defended it when he
called me back,.
I noticed that 'the
P.U.C. Chairman was
quoted in the press as
saying that the
discriminatory blacklist
exists because it is
thought to be financially
beneficial.
find such
discrimination
distasteful. If the Act
allows it, perhaps this
chapter has become
outdated.
People who are better
off can rent at the "good"
addresses and pay a $40. -
deposit. The single
person or perhaps the
less affluent family who
rents the not quite first
class flat has to pay a
$100., - depoOt.
What makes it so in-
credible is the fact that
P.U.C. can hold one
person responsible for
what another person, a
complete stranger, has
done or failed, to do at a
given address.
Carrying the attitude
into other areas, it would
follow that if a previous
tenant had a criminal
record, all new tenants at
the address would be
automatically criminally
suspect.
Or if a business goes
bankrupt, the owner of a
new business opening at
the same location would
have the bankruptcy
against his credit rating.
Nobody would put up
with it. •The practice is
neither fair nor decent
and I am herewith
publicly., asking the
P.U.C. to reconsider this
policy. It is decidedly of
concern to you and me,
because if we accept
casually discrimination
against others, it may be
only a short time before a
form of discrimination
hits us where it hurts.
No, I am not speaking
as a Council member, as
this is not a Council
matter. My words are
those of a private citizen
and ratepayer. If there
are persons who find
difficult to accept this
very real difference, I
should like to mention
that being on the Town
Council is a part time and
certainly temporary
position, whilst I am Mrs.
Haydon all the time. Any
deliberate and calculated
discrimination is a
subject about whichI
have always felt strongly.
Furthermore, I have
never shared a certain
reticence in having a
public matter come
under public scrutiny.
Yours sincerely,
Elsa Haydn.
istrict
news
First tourney for Port
On Sunday, September
2, the first annual Port
Albert golf tournament
was held at the Sunset
course. The trophy this
year went to
Professional Earl", but'
that will be challenged
next year. Practice pays
boys.
SOCIAL NEWS
Mr, and Mrs. Glen
Weaver left Tuesday for a
trip to points down East.
On Sunday, Mr. and
Mrs. Gordon George (nee
Margaret Tigert) were
treated to dinner at the
Benmiller Inn on the
occasionof their 25th
wedding anniversary.
Present were: Jack and
Rita Tig_ert, Gerry and
Grace Moore, Ray and
Dorothy Barker and Bill
and Aileen Tigert.
Port Albert
folks meet
A large rowd gathered
in the C rist Anglican
Church b sement in Port
Albert Friday night to
discuss with council the
secondary plan as to the
Port Albert concerns.
It was agreed that at
least one more meeting
be held to discuss a
condensed version of
Friday night's talks. All
of the Ashfield council
was present as was the
county planning director.
CHURCH NEWS
Next Sunday, Sep-
tember 9 Christ Church
services continue at the
regular hour of 2 p.m.
Immediately after ser-
vices, everyone is invited
to Mr. and Mrs. Tom
Livingstone's home for a
church picnic. Bring
along a pot luck lunch
please.
-.4-40,entookwomaTURITIS
— Is a major health problem in Canada.
— Is responsible for an annual loss of
employment amounting to millions
of days and millions of dollars.
WATCH FOR THE WARNING SIGNS:
• Persistent pain and stiffness on arising.
• Pain or tenderness in at least one joint.
• Swelling in at least one joint.
If these symptoms recur see your doctor at once!
House to House Canvass in Goderich
SEPT. 9 to 17
(RURAL CANVASS BY LETTER)
If we should miss
contacting your
donations can be
mailed to
11 Cambria Rd. N.
Goderich Branch
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The
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Goderich Chapter
The
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