Feature Article - October 19, 2006

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Feature Article - October 19, 2006

Free clothes give-away

by Sonja Alcock

For the last 18 years, the Pineview Free Methodist Church in Cloyne has been hosting a bi-yearly event in order to provide clothing for those in need in our area. The Free Clothes Give-away is held in the spring and fall each year, and approximately 200 people manage to pick up clothing for their families at each event; so over 18 years, approximately 7200 people have gathered free clothes for their families! Now if you take those 7200 people and think of a mother picking up something for her husband, and children.....say a family of four....it would bring the numbers up to 28,800 people! But I for one know that the number is much higher than that. And everything is FREE.

We depend upon people in the community to give their previously loved and gently worn clothing so that others may benefit...and so far we have been blessed beyond our imagination.The clothing that is left behind at the end of our two day event is boxed up and given to the March of Dimes, Salvation Army and Goodwill. The March of Dimes usually sends clothing that will not be used here in Canada overseas to war-torn countries...so all the clothing given benefits not only those in our area, but beyond!

The upcoming Free Clothes Give-away event will be held on Friday and Saturday, October 27 and 28 at the Cloyne recreation hall. On Friday the hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Clean clothing and linens may be dropped off at the hall on Thursday at 6 p.m. and all day Friday.

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Feature Article - October 5, 2006

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Feature Article - October 5, 2006

Cloyne Historical Society Heritage tour

by Carolyn McCulloch

The Fourth Annual Heritage Tour, sponsored by the Cloyne and District Historical Society traveled through magnificent autumn scenery recently to unearth places, recall people and relive events of the past.

On the Bridgewater Road that crosses the Skootamatta River there is a Faustian legend that states that a “Scotchwoman” bargained with two inhabitants of the area, and in exchange for a bag of gold, had them sell their souls to the devil. The local parish priest intervened, she died and is buried on her farm under a broken crock, but her ghost still trolls under the bridge.

That same road leads to Actinolite, named for the silicate mineral found there. Actinolite was called Troy until 1821 and then Bridgewater until 1858. It was founded (as Flinton was) by Billa Flint. With a population of eight hundred, it once rivaled Tweed . The Garrett Stove was manufactured there, and it boasted factories, blacksmiths, gristmills, weavers, stores, and a large hotel with the unusual name of “The Temperance Hotel”. Actinolite was the home of the only church made of marble in Canada , an original Wesleyan Methodist structure. This beautiful one hundred and sixty-four year old church is now officially for sale. Most of the village was destroyed by fire in 1889, with a loss of twenty-four stores and most of the surrounding buildings. The stately Roberts House still stands on the northwest corner of the village.

The scarcely used Pottery Settlement Road led the tour to Sulphide, named for sulphuric acid made from local Pyrite and manufactured by The Nichol Chemical Company (later Allied Chemical) for use in WWII. The village was once a bustling one, as one hundred and twenty local people worked there and took part in the lively activities of the company town. All vestiges of this period have disappeared. There was an awesome moment when the group viewed the ruins of the stairs from a building of the past, now overgrown with forest.

The CPR came through Kaladar in 1884, and there were both saw and lumber mills there. The village really came into being with the building of Highways #7 and #41. It was a heavily transported route before the 401 was built, and was originally known as Kaladar Station. There were three hotels in Kaladar. The well known landmark, the Kaladar Hotel was actually situated south of Highway #7 and was moved down the hill to its present location while a patron was still sitting in the tavern.

The tour detoured to Tweed to lunch together. The reminiscences and camaraderie of those on the tour made it a special day in this unique area on the Canadian Shield that is so steeped in history.

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Feature Article - November 30, 2006

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Feature Article - November 30, 2006

Cheese factory demolition goes awry

by Jeff Green

Five months after it ceased operations, crews were preparing the Harrowsmith Cheese Factory for demolition on Monday morning November 27, when a torch accidentally ignited the building. Some insulation caught fire, sending flames shooting through the building.

Crews arrived within minutes of receiving the call at 11:30 am, and within a couple of hours the fire was out. Several homes in the vicinity were evacuated during the firefighting efforts, but the people were allowed back home later in the afternoon.

The Kingston Frontenac Lennox and Addington Health Unit investigated the residual smoke in the village and at 7:30 pm the health unit and the Ministry of the Environment asked that the fire department go door to door in the village to inform residents that any residual smell on or around their properties could be hazardous to their health. They were given the option of going to a hotel for the night.

It is unclear how many people left their homes, although Fire Chief Rick Cheseborough said that many of the residents remained at home. The next morning the health unit issued a memo saying there was no longer any danger and people were free to return to their homes.

Demolition will continue at the cheese factory, which employed 89 people until it closed, and was the largest industrial facility in Frontenac County.

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Feature Article - November 16, 2006

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Feature Article - November 16, 2006

New DVD and CDcollections at the library

Re: E-Waste centre closing

Dear Leona Dombrowsky, MPP

It is with great sadness, disappointment and even anger that I read in the recent edition of the Frontenac News (November 9, 2006. Vol 6. No. 45) that the Sharbot Lake electronic waste and computer recovery centre must close its doors on December 31 due to lack of funding. It seems that the federal and provincial governments have each fumbled this political football in what appears to be a politically insignificant area.

Under the direction and strongly committed leadership of Jim MacPherson and Mark Elliott, this program has provided educational opportunities for young people and assistance to schools worldwide through refurbishing and distributing 20,000 computers to third world countries, along with providing the technical training and support required by these countries. As well, thousands of tons of electronics have been diverted from landfill sites through the e-waste recovery system that has been established.

The Frontenac News reports that FEWR has won several government sponsored awards (of apparently insufficient cash value), including a provincial award from the Ontario Community Futures Development Corporation and an Innovation Award from the City of Kingston.

This local initiative had the potential of employing many enthusiastic young people in an economically challenged area. I think that it is a crime that such an opportunity has been overlooked for apparent lack of federal or provincial funding and support.

- Doug Boulter

Election fraud would be easy

Election fraud in South Frontenac could be perpetrated effortlessly due to the call-in voting system.

In our household we received six ballots. Four of the ballots were for members of our family who no longer reside here, one whose address has not been here for seven years. It would be very simple to call in a vote with all six of those ballots and no one would be the wiser.

I am sure the good citizens of this area will vote properly; however, this method could easily be manipulated. I think we need to authenticate the voters list and re-examine the current methods of voting.

- Angela Watson

Re:Bah Humbug Again

My name is Candice Bovard, and I am writing this letter in regards to the November 9th edition of the Frontenac News. For the last four years I have worked at the Kaladar Community Centre (KCC) with the kid’s day camp, and have been coordinator of the camp for the last two years. The "Addington Highlands Council" article, subtitled Bah Humbug Again, expressed that the KCC had been denied funding, once again, from Addington Highlands. I am confused. Should the members of the KCC not have been the first to find out that they had not received the funding that they had requested? Why was it advertised to the readers as something that you would read in a tabloid magazine? I don’t know whether this information was volunteered by the Addington Highlands Council, or the article was crafted solely by Jeff Green, or if it was a combination of the two, but it makes a mockery of non-profit organizations. This is a community, and the Santa Clause Parade is an event that gives back to that community. The KCC does not financially benefit from this event, nor does it aim to take anything away from surrounding businesses. For the last 42 years, leaders like Glenda Bence, community members and local businesses have worked together to make sure the parade happens, by entering floats, making monetary donations, and volunteering their time - something that the article seemed to overlook.

Is there no such thing as business etiquette anymore? Since 1945, the Kaladar Community Club has been working together for a better community, yet November 9th’s article shows such little respect for people helping people. Was there a need to tell the readers that the KCC had been declined for funding, as it has in previous years? What was this meant to accomplish? Was it meant to sell papers? Perhaps ifarticles focused more on giving back to the community and less on exploiting failure, I wouldn’t have to write this letter. I am ashamed that I’ve spent four years supporting a cause that receives this much disregard. Variouscommunity members are disappointed in the judgment ofthe Frontenac News and Addington Highlands regarding this matter.On Saturday, November 25th, the Kaladar Community Club will celebrate its 42nd annual parade - a parade that will continue, because of a community that wants to replay, freeze, and advertise stories that exploit success.

- Candice Bovard

Taxpayer

As a tax payer of Olden Township for years, I am interested in the election campaigns of the prospective persons.

I have learned that Norman Guntensperger is a highly qualified teacher and has special training to be a fire fighter and is asking to be elected as a councilor in this township.

Is a qualified teacher called to teach his class when he is called out at a moment’s notice to a fire?

Norman is collecting a salary from the Limestone School Board, also payment from the Olden Firefighters for fire calls, and, if elected, as a councillor, would receive a salary from Central Frontenac Township .

It would seem that the above person is triple-dipping from three organizations, all being funded by tax payers. Is this fair to all concerned?

- Mrs. Ada MacDonald

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Feature Article - November 16, 2006

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Feature Article - November 16, 2006

Lanark County CommunityJustice AGM

Lanark County Community Justice is a program that conducts and facilitates forums that involve the community in repairing the harm that results from crime.

A Forum brings together the people directly involved and affected by an incident with the help of trained facilitators, to discuss what happened, listen to what others have to say, and to reach a decision about how to make things right.

Victims get a chance to voice their concerns, ask questions, and obtain insight about the incident, which often is helpful in obtaining closure. Accused persons benefit from accepting responsibility for their actions and having an opportunity to repair the harm caused by their actions.

The community as a whole benefits when problems are resolved by the people most affected. Not all crimes are suited to the CJF process, but following are a few success stories taken from the RCMP’s CJF Canadian Resource Guide.

Four young offenders were accused of damaging headstones in the local cemetery. Many were quite old and some were damaged beyond repair. The young offenders met with their parents, the local minister, the priest, town council representatives and a CJF facilitator. The teens admitted to the crime with varied reactions. Some were remorseful, one was defiant and another owned up to the responsibility for what he had done. The community members explained how the vandalism affected them, how shocked and upset they were, and how they felt the sanctity of the cemetery had been violated. The offenders apologized for their actions and told the group they now understood the magnitude of what they had done. With the help of their parents, they agreed to pay for the damages, perform 10 hours of community work each and plant flowers in the cemetery. They also agreed to research the history of some of the people whose graves they damaged and write brief essays about them, explaining their contributions to the community. Everyone left on good terms.

At school, Billy punched Mike twice, giving him a black eye and a bloody nose in an apparently unprovoked attack. The school principal called the police to report the crime and suspended Billy for three days. Knowing that Billy had been recently experiencing problems with his anger after being bullied and teased himself, and that it was out of character for him to behave this way, it was decided to try a CJF before formal charges were laid. At the forum, Billy was withdrawn and obviously embarrassed by his actions. He had to be prompted to speak and said very little. Mike also said little, but his mother spoke for 15 minutes about how her son had become sullen and withdrawn after the attack. She was near tears when she finished and her words had an obvious impact on everyone in the room.After listening to Mike’s mom, Billy spontaneously apologized to Mike and agreed to start anger management counselling. Mike perked up and smiled and everyone started talking together. The healing process had begun.

Lanark County Community Justice Program is a Restorative Justice Initiative that offers Community Justice Forum services to youth and adults, receiving referrals from the Courts, police services, community agencies and community members.

November 12th to the 18th is Restorative Justice Week. In the spirit of Restorative Justice Week’s theme of ‘Creative Partnerships, Collaborative Action”, LCCJP has invited the drama students from PDCI to join us in presenting a Mock Community Justice Forum.

Please join us for this event, and stay for refreshments and our Annual General Meeting on Thursday, November 16th between 7 and 9 pm at the Perth and District Collegiate Institute (PDCI) located on Victoria Street in Perth .

-30-

Contact:

Louise Stevenson/Nancy Browman

Lanark County Community Justice Program, Inc.

Tel: (613) 264-1558

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Feature Article - November 16, 2006

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Feature Article - November 16, 2006

Sharbot Lake Red Hats scene stealers at CanadaAM

by Pamela Giroux

Thursday Sept. 21st arrived early for me as it did for six other Red Hat Ladies from Sharbot Lake and environs. Our Queen had arranged that we should "rise and shine" early for the possibility of being seen on Canada

A.M. in Perth . Car pooling had been arranged and we arrived at the designated meeting place in the cool misty pre-dawn darkness. I think after all the trouble we went to in order to dress up in our Red Hat finery at that

ungodly hour we should all be mentioned by name. First there is our Queen, Rose Mary Deachman, who organized us for this event and then Mary Howes, Therese Lombart, Marlene Beattie, Pamela Giroux, Kay Hopper, and Sonja Mclean.

We arrived in Perth just as dawn was breaking over the horizon to a town bustling with excitement. The crowd was assembled at the Tay Basin , and the host of the Canada A.M. show, Jeff Hutcheson, was staging his grand entry to Perth via canoe on the Tay River . All the people in costume were herded over to the front so that we could be caught in the camera's eye. It was quite interesting to be part of a live show and see all the things that happen behind the scenes. If any of you were up at 6:30 a.m. (like my husband, who taped the show) you would have seen Kay, Pamela, and Rose

Mary right in the one of the opening shots when Jeff is conversing with the Town Crier.

Later on in the show Rose Mary negotiated to get us in camera range again so those Sharbot Lake Red Hatters were visible. At one point I heard a Perth lady behind me who was dressed in pioneer costume

grumble that she thought the people dressed as Scottish ancestors should have been in the front. Ah well, she should have had a leader like Rose Mary if she wanted to be in front. In spite of cold feet and the early hour we all had fun and it was nice to hear how great we looked from our admirers back home.

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Feature Article - November 16, 2006

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Feature Article - November 16, 2006

The old order changes

by Wilma Kenny

This year, no one in South Frontenac drew an X on a ballot. Under the direction of CAO Gord Burns, council introduced a new system of electronic voting that allowed electors to cast their votes by computer or telephone.

There were several advantages to this system: it allowed people to vote at any time, and voting could be done at home, an advantage for out-of-township residents and shut-ins.

Electronic results were available within minutes of the polls closing, and there were no questionable or spoiled ballots.

What of those without computer or telephone? They had the option of coming in to the township hall during work hours the week before Election Day, or to a polling station in their district the day of the election, where voter assistance was available.

The biggest disadvantage may have been voters’ discomfort with change, particularly if they weren’t familiar with computers. Some feared that their vote would not be confidential. Burns said that the votes were not connected to the voters: although the township office had a running record of who had voted, no one knew what the results were until after the polls closed. Several constituents made a point of calling the township office to report their surprise and relief at how quick and easy the process of voting had been. A few individuals received more than one ‘ballot’ with PIN-number. However, the voter information clearly stated that it is against the law to vote more than once in the same municipality, and the township received a daily list of names of people who had voted.

Cost? Gord Burns reported that the cost was comparable to or less than the mail-in, and much cheaper than the traditional ballot-box system.

Some things were lost. Traditionally, supporters ‘drew’ for candidates: provided an election-day taxi service for electors who were likely to vote for ‘their man’. No longer need one get time off from work to vote. And there was none of the drama of waiting for hours, watching as each poll came in, and candidates’ positions shifted on the tally-boards.

The new system functioned well, much to the relief of Gord Burns.

However, one of the hopes for the new system was that it would increase voter turnout, but this did not take place. Voter numbers were down in all districts of South Frontenac save Portland : the greatest drop being in Loughborough district, which recorded 858 fewer voters than three years ago.

(Editor’s note: the drop in turnout in South Frontenac mirrored a drop in two other townships that used the same electronic voting system. In Tay Valley , there was a 40% turnout this time around, as opposed to 47% in 2003 with a mail-in system. In Addington Highlands, there was a 32% turnout this year, as opposed to 38% in 2003 with mail in. So, South Frontenac, with a 43% turnout as compared to 50% in 2003, was not alone.)

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Legalese - November 2, 2006

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Legalese - November 2, 2006 It’s That Time AgainBy: Susan Irwin,Lawyer

“No”, I assured a recent newcomer to our community, “the gunfire you heard this morning was not the sound of the municipal election getting really ugly. The barrage you heard was merely the opening of duck and goose season.”

I went on to explain that people recently transplanted from the city are often temporarily confused by their first exposure to hunting season, usually at dawn on a crisp Autumn day. Still to come however, is the loud crack of gunfire that heralds the start of deer season. Sounds and sights that can be startling indeed to somebody who expected to enjoy the bucolic fall existence in their country retirement home.

While visions of venison may be foremost in hunters’ heads, from a lawyer’s perspective, the issues that arise from the start of hunting season are far more serious, if no less tantilizing. The use and misuse of firearms is once again a key story in the media and a major “talking point” for our politicians just as our neighbours begin taking their guns out of their lockups and prepare to head for the hunt camp. They should be forewarned that, despite the much publicized talk about changes to the registry laws, the rules concerning the possession and use of firearms have not changed.

Hunters must have their firearms licence with them when they are in possession of their rifles or shotguns. Conservation Officers and the police may ask you to produce the licence. If you do not have a valid Possession and Acquisition Licence (“PAL”) or Possession Only Licence (“POL”), you can expect to have your firearms seized and to be charged.

While in possession of a rifle or shotgun, you may also be asked to produce proof of registration. Although there is a further amnesty until May 2007 to permit the registration of rifles and shotguns without penalty, it is less clear whether the amnesty provisions will allow their use during the amnesty period. Consequently hunters should be in possession of proof of registration of their firearms before heading out to the field or else be prepared for some legal “fireworks”. Questions on gun registration should be directed to the Canadian Firearms Centre at 1-800-731-4000.

Hunters, in addition to having proof of registration and a firearms licence on their person while in possession of a firearm, must also be able to produce a valid hunting licence or Outdoors Card. Although having the wrong licence or an expired Outdoors Card does not result in a criminal record (the breach of hunting regulations is a Provincial Offence), the consequences of the breach in terms of fines, loss of hunting privileges and even imprisonment, can still be serious. Hunters should be aware that firearms violations that contravene the federal Firearms Act or the Criminal Code of Canada will result in a criminal record and that such record can have negative implications for employment and even travel to the United States.

Hunting, shooting, and the ownership of firearms is an increasingly serious business, and people engaged in these pastimes must keep up-to-date with the rules. Both the Provincial and Federal governments go to great lengths to provide information on hunting and the rules about firearms ownership, so ignorance of the law will certainly be no excuse.

Responsible hunters also know that trespassing is probably one of the most common sources of complaints to the authorities during the hunting seasons. If it’s not Crown Land, and you don’t have clear (preferably written) permission to hunt on land that is not your own, STAY OFF THE PROPETY. Property does not have to be “posted” – the onus is on the hunter not to wander where he or she is not welcome.

We would also advise those hunters who use All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) that they must check in advance to find out the rules for each township they intend to hunt in before they use their ATV on the roads. They should also remember that an ATV is a motor vehicle under the hunting regulations.

Yes, it is that time of year again. Many people look forward to it, and some endure it. Whatever your perspective on the season, let’s all hope that it’s a safe one and one that passes without the need for legal advice.

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Feature Article - December, 2006

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December 2006

Direct Democracy?by Jeff Green------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Conservative MP Scott Reid is one of the few Conservative politicians in Ontario with roots in the old Reform Party, and he sometimes expresses that populist touch with exercises in direct democracy, through constituency plebiscites.

He conducted a plebiscite last year, committing to follow the dictates of the people in Lanark Frontenac Lennox and Addington in a vote on Liberal-sponsored legislation that legalized same-sex marriage.

He received an endorsement for the position he himself had taken, opposing same sex marriage, receiving the support of 80% of respondents. He then voted against the legislation, which nonetheless passed.

This week a vote is being held in the House of Commons on same-sex marriage. If a majority of House members oppose the current legislation, the Conservative government will move to repeal it.

Some constituents received a newsletter from Scott Reid last week, which said he intends to support the move to repeal the legislation, but that he wants to know what constituents think, and is asking them to fill in a new survey.

The survey is short. Under a banner that says “Do you support traditional marriage”, there is a box next to “Yes! I believe in the traditional definition of marriage”, and under that there is a box that says “No! I’m in favour of same-sex marriage”. Presumably, respondents are supposed to fill in only one box.

To me, this survey is not neutral. The entire survey is framed around the assertion that same sex marriage is a rejection of the traditional definition of marriage, whereas proponents of same sex marriage argue they are extending the definition rather than rejecting it. This, in actuality, is the real debate.

Not only that; pollsters all say that making “Yes” the answer you seek is always an advantage. This is indeed the answer that Reid wants and expects.

If Scott Reid really wanted to know, in an unbiased way, where people stand on this contentious matter, he would have asked “Do you support the recent legislation which legalized same sex marriage, yes or no.”

I expect that if Reid had phrased the question in this way, he would still have received majority support for his position. A lot of people in this riding take the view that same sex marriage defies the traditional definition of marriage, and that is why they oppose same sex marriage.

I don’t intend to argue that point here.

I don’t think this survey was even necessary. Scott Reid said he opposed same sex marriage during two election campaigns and he was easily elected, and in the most recent election he received over 50% of the vote.

Whether all of us like it or not, Scott Reid could legitimately say he is expressing the will of the majority of his constituents in voting to repeal the current legislation without resorting to this biased survey.

Scott Reid is not through with surveys; this week, he circulated a new one. It asks constituents to rank which policy matters are most important to them. We are asked to rank the following matters from 1 to 6: Supporting our seniors; cracking down on crime; reducing the tax burden; scrapping the gun registry; restoring traditional marriage; and fulfilling our military mission in Afghanistan.

One problem with this survey is that Reid is deciding what the top 6 policy items are. There is no option for other items on the survey. These six items might be the top six for Conservative Party supporters, but the 50% of people who did not support the Conservatives deserve a say as well

Secondly, the survey presumes a specific position as regards all of the policy items. While this is not problematic in some cases (there are few people who don’t want to support seniors), there are those who oppose the war in Afghanistan; don’t exactly like the image of “cracking down” on crime; don’t want to scrap the gun registry; and don’t think traditional marriage needs restoration.

If Scott Reid wants to know what our six priority items are, he could simply ask. At the very least he could list 12 or 15 policy matters, and let us choose our 6 priorities. Some of us are more concerned about education, jobs, healthcare and the environment than the six priority items Reid lists.

Surveying constituents is a good idea, but these surveys do more telling than asking. The traditional definition of direct democracy is to let constituents have a say on all the issues at hand.

Scott Reid should have stuck to that tradition.

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Feature Article - November 30, 2006

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December 2006

Letters

Re: “More meetings at PineLake”

Your report of a deal regarding the AAFNA’s usage of the boat launch on PineLake is troubling. The residents and cottagers of PineLake were the first stakeholders to raise issue about the proposed development at a public meeting August 12, 2006 a meeting attended by Mayor Maguire - in Ompah. At that meeting, which was reported by your newspaper, many valid concerns were aired. These included safety concerns over the proposal to have pedestrians cross Ardoch Road to access the site, environmental concerns due to lack of planning and space for proper septic systems, lack of planning for fire suppression and rescue, and lack of commitment to follow building code processes and set back rules. It was also emphasized at that meeting that AAFNA seemed more interested in making press headlines than with consulting with us as stakeholders at PineLake. To make matters even worse, AAFNA’s current occupation of the boat launch at PineLake has already required environmental remediation. It is not off to a good start.

It now appears that a deal has been struck without consultation with the individuals who will take office on December 14, 2006. In the recent municipal election, Ward 2 (which includes PineLake) elected 2 new councilors, Messrs Cole and Watkins. Any deal struck on November 23, 2006 could not have included a vote at council including our newly elected representatives. Needless to say, neither the Mayor, nor MNR, nor AAFNA, saw fit to advise anyone from PineLake that a deal was even in the works. AAFNA was invited to speak to the Pine Lake Owners Association Executive on Thanksgiving weekend at Ompah to address the concerns we have raised with them. They did not even reply to the invitation. We can only conclude that AAFNA has no interest in meeting the people of PineLake. The proposed deal answers none of the rational, obvious concerns raised about the development. To make matters worse, Mayor Maguire was questioned at successive council meetings in the lead up to the election and then stated, again reported in the Frontenac News, that there will be no development at PineLake without a building permit. That was then. This is now.

Lastly, AAFNA will not publicly denounce any intention to take the rest of the undeveloped shore of PineLake. This shoreline is over several thousand feet of pristine forest, and is currently titled to the Crown. When will AAFNA publicly denounce any intention to take the rest of PineLake in similar fashion?

I ask Mayor Maguire, the Ministry of Natural Resources, and AAFNA, when will the people of PineLake get a say in your deal?

David Rose PineLake Association

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An open letter to Deborah Defoe, Chief Librarian and CEO of the Kingston Frontenac Public Library.

As a long-time supporter and user of the Kingston Frontenac Public Library, I was dismayed to read of the petty dealings regarding Ruth Pearce's "Happy retirement". Is it not the dominant idea of the library system to provide good quality information to the public? With the actual changes being made that remove the requirement of mandatory retirement of employees, I would think that you, Ms. Defoe, would capitalize on the opportunity to keep someone of Mrs. Pearce's training in your service.

If it is not your intention to appear inflexible and irrational, you might wish to justify your actions more fully to the reading public of the SharbotLake area. - Edith Cairns

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Re: Ruth Pearce

I enjoyed Jeff Green's articleconcerning Ruth Pearce and the actions of the Kingston Frontenac Public Library.

It is disappointing that the union representing Ruth seems willing to accept the argument that it is up to the employee to know she is expected to retire at sixty-five. Was the employer not expected to know when employees reached the age of mandatory retirement? It is interesting to note that had Ruth not inadvertentlybrought it to their attention, they might not yet have realizedtheir oversight.

It makes one wonder whether this over-reaction on the part of the chief librarian might not be an effort to punish Ruth for making library management appear negligent in the performance of their job.

I think it is absurd and insulting to try and rectify the library's oversight in view of thefact that mandatory retirement will no longer be applicable as of December 12th and the fact that Ruth has, since, been invited to re-apply for her job.

Barb Driscoll

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Open letter to Mr. Scott Reid, MP

December 7, 2006

If you were interested in your constituent's opinion, why did you send out your mini referendum flyers on same sex marriage too late for us to respond in time for the vote in the legislature? I received mine in the mail this afternoon and the vote was to take place today in parliament.

If you really want to make a difference to the community at large, you may want to look at the big picture regarding the issue of same-sex marriage. In the words of the teens I have spoken to about this topic,

"What's the big deal? Two people love each other and want to be together. So what's wrong with gay people getting married?" These are the voices of the future voters and politicians. Many of the citizens in the up and coming generation do not understand why we are making such a big deal out of this. They see it as a waste of time. If they only knew how much money it is costing the Canadian taxpayers to keep debating an issue that in time will not even be given a second thought.

My question to you, Mr. Reid, is “What is more important, fighting against people who care enough about each other to make a formal, public commitment or taking action on something such as climate change?”

Let us spend our limited time on this planet wisely and focus on the issues that truly need our urgent attention - Lynn Daniluk

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North Frontenac - It’s Ward 3’s turn

Ward 3 of North Frontenac Township encompasses all of the former townships of Palmerston, North and South Canonto. Ward 3 ratepayers are looking forward to the inauguration of the new council because there will be four new representatives and there is a promise for improved representation for the ward.

You might say that there are some petty ward jealousies going on in North Frontenac Township, but let’s look at the facts. Ward 1 has its new fire truck, new fire hall, an extension on the life of the Cloyne dump that was supposed to be closed and a promise of a waste transfer station, plus comparatively good resurfaced roads. Ward 2 has its new fire hall, new fire tanker truck, miles of recent road resurfacing, and its own $200,000 excavator to play with.

From a Ward 3 ratepayer’s perspective, there has been no positive representation on council for six years. This was evident at the pre-election meeting of candidates when the main debate was over which of the ward roads were the worst in the county. The dump has been closed for more than a year and the promised waste transfer station remains just a promise. Council insisted on Ompah firefighters having three written bids for wild fire equipment purchased with $7,000 of donated volunteer funds and yet our two council reps voted for more than $250,000 tax dollars on road equipment purchases that were not tendered and did not follow the procurement by-laws. Our ward reps have never had the courtesy to meet with the firefighters or EFR team, to see the conditions in the fire hall and to assure them that council cares and will advocate for more and safer space and working conditions.

Finally, after the election of course, word leaked out that council has been working on a plan to close the Ompah helipad and open one at Tomvale Airport some 35 minutes away from Ompah. At a meeting in November all township council members (both current and newly elected) met with 125 angry ratepayers and heard that this was the last straw for Ward 3. The two previous councilors from Ward 3 who have been discussing this issue did not attend, however. That’s what I mean by questionable representation.

Wards 1 and 2 may have needed all the goodies they have been getting, but now it’s Ward 3’s turn. Councilors Jim Beam and Bob Olmstead have already shown they are prepared to dig beyond the smoke and mirrors, get the real facts and do the work to see Ward 3 taxpayers finally get township services they have deserved and have been paying for for years.

- Leo L. Ladouceur

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Re: E-waste recovery

Leona Dombrowsky’s latest letter to the News regarding the Frontenac Electronic Waste Recovery Centre once again illustrates her continuing disconnect with the people whom she was elected to represent. When asked about funding, she talks about inadequate money from Ottawa, yet fails to mention what the provincial contribution to this worthwhile project is. On the Centre’s literature, one finds mention of CentralFrontenacTownship, SharbotLakeHigh School, and more than one federal agency, but no arm of the Government of Ontario the very level of government that sets standards in waste management and reduction.

Recently, the finishing touches were put on the resurfacing of Highway #38. Given that the cost of the project was the equivalent of over 100 percent of CentralFrontenacTownship’s annual budget, the approval of COMRIF funding was crucial. Yet, it took more than one attempt to secure funding for this vitally important work each involving consulting reports and submissions that cost thousands of dollars. Dombrowsky, as the provincial minister responsible for COMRIF could only say ‘better luck next time’ each time the people of Central Frontenac were rebuffed.

Indeed, Dombrowsky’s understanding of COMRIF was best summed up in this very paper on November 17, 2005 when she said to North Frontenac Mayor Ron Maguire “You would like to see social service costs for the smallest municipalities subsidized entirely by taxpayers from throughout the province but in that case, would you no longer need programs like COMRIF to help with infrastructure costs?”

During her tenure as Environment Minister, the people of Sydenham were burdened with a water treatment system that is costing them upwards of $20,000 per home, while the people of Napanee had to mount their own grassroots lobbying of Queen’s Park to prevent an expansion of the Richmond Landfill.

A couple of weeks ago, I formally announced my decision to contest the Progressive Conservative nomination in Lanark-Frontenac-Lennox and Addington. Leona Dombrowsky may not be running here this October, but her legacy of neglect and indifference must be answered for.

No township, community organization, or farm group in this riding should be treated disrespectfully when the cause they represent is just, and the need they address is so painfully obvious.

- Brent Cameron

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Re: Direct Democracy?

Is Jeff Green serious? So early on in this post-Liberal dictatorship Canada, do any of us actually remember what democracy is? Maybe defining democracy should be the first order of business for our new conservative government. I will not attempt to define democracy myself but I believe the true definition (in practice) would include some measure of fairness and objectivity; therefore Mr. Green is obviously not up to the task either. Virtually all of the statements included in Mr. Green’s editorial are dishonest, misleading, irrational, illogical and defy reason, thus defining the left wing rhetoric we have come to expect from the Frontenac News. The most blatant example of this would be the suggestion that some level of linguistic trickery was used in phrasing the survey question. The most obvious denouncement of this fallacy is the absence of a third box on the survey answer sheet allowing for an undetermined or unsure vote. Those who filled out and returned the survey forms had predetermined opinions or beliefs and checked their boxes accordingly. They were well aware of the traditional definition of marriage and the current definition, as the two cannot be easily confused. Mr. Green, the pseudo altruist, then proceeds to speak for not only all Canadian constituents, but also all political parties by explaining “in actuality the real debate.” Mr. Green claims that proponents of same sex marriage do not wish to reject the traditional definition of marriage, instead simply wish to extend it. This statement is almost as absurd as the suggestion that some of Scott Reid’s constituents may have checked “yes” believing that a “no” could possibly induce a new definition excluding heterosexual marriage. By extending the definition of marriage to include same-sex unions, you must first unequivocally reject the traditional definition. Conversely, to extend the definition to include polygamy would in the same way presuppose the abolition of the traditional definition. Of course all of this feeble left-wing rhetoric with regard to this survey is simply a fiendish attempt to ignore the fact that same-sex marriage was frantically pushed through the House of Commons without a free (democratic) vote. Quite the opposite, in fact. Paul Martin (Liberal Dictator at the time) ordered his cabinet, regardless of their conscience or constituents’ beliefs, to vote in favour of same-sex marriage. I would also like to quickly address Mr. Green’s concern regarding the six issues Scott Reid presented to his constituents in his latest survey--Mr. Green’s suggestion that 12-15 options may have been more appropriate. My response to this would be two-fold: first; how many options were Canadians given by our previous liberal government? Second, with our brave young men and women currently overseas surviving unimaginable hardship and living in a constant state of extreme danger, I could not possibly conceive of nine issues our country is currently facing that any conscientious Canadian could find more important regardless of which side of the debate you may be on.

- Sincerely, your often irritated but always amused reader, Francis MacDonald

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Crack down on crime & scrap the gun registry:

My wife and I arrived home from the Liberal Leadership Convention in Montreal last week to an empty fridge and a full mailbox. I flipped through the Heritage to catch up on local events; the police report highlighted the theft of a "Collection of rifles stolen from home in Verona" (complete with their serial numbers).

I would describe myself as a "bred and in-bred, back-woods Frontenac guy". As such I can certainly appreciate having a shotgun (or two) around, 22 cal. (always handy), and 303s (November means hunting season). However, I really have to question the necessity of my neighbour owning a “NAGANT serial # K811106, Russian military firearm with bayonet".

To the best of my knowledge no one in my family ever used a weapon with a bayonet, unless issued by the Government of Canada. We all know what a weapon with a bayonet is used for, so why would my neighbour have one? Imminent invasion by the Germans, Japanese, N. Koreans? Correction - my neighbour doesn't have one anymore; it was stolen. It's "out there" somewhere.

The next piece of mail was my M.P. Scott Reid's "policy ranking exercise". Of course "Cracking down on crime" and "Scrapping the gun registry" are listed prominently. Given that Russian military weapon floating out there, I'm having a problem connecting the two policies. Perhaps Mr. Reid can explain it to me?

In the meanwhile, should you come across a great deal on any of the following: MAUSER Rifle serial # 626936; NAGANT Firearm with bayonet #K811106; MOSSEBERG 22 cal. Rifle, no serial #; POINTER Shot gun #Y48059; WINCHESTER WOODMASTER Rifle #125964; COOEY Single Shot rifles; EL FRAISIAN Shot gun #148; BAY STATE Shot gun; COOEY single shot 12 ga, #23043; LELAND Rifles #10B8105, #76L4053; ENFIELD Rifle #882, please contact the OPP.

If you want to eliminate the personal use of automatic, and semi-automatic weapons, vote Liberal.

- John McEwen ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Re: Direct Democracy

I am questioning your editorial on direct democracy, issued on December 7, 2006. Personally, I have no problem with Scott Reid’s survey on same-sex marriage.

I hope it was not your intention - failing to mention the comment part of the survey. You also stated you did not think this survey was necessary; granted, but others (myself included) were sure glad you are not thinking for all of us.

You also stated “50% of people who did not support the conservatives deserve a say as well”. I think you got that right! Anyone that wants a say can call the MP’s office; there’s even a toll free number. The conservative office staff is working for all of us Canadians, without prejudice; nor is our political affiliation a concern.

Now looking at my 2nd survey: I may choose box one, I may rank all six. I may even add a comment in the comment section, or I could even throw it away! As a Canadian, I should have that choice. What is important is that we have a say and that to me is direct democracy!

- Rita Staniforth

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Re: It's ward 3's turn

In response to the letter in the December 14 Frontenac News by Leo L. Ladouceur, I would like to dispute his view of the facts.

His representation of the facts is wrong and gives a false impression of events and council decisions. He criticizes the efforts of three ex-councillors from Ward 3 and ignores the many years of dedicated work performed by these individuals.

He continues by stating that Ward 1 has a new fire hall, which it does, but this structure existed and was in use, prior to amalgamation and was paid for entirely by the former Barrie Township Council, with the ratepayers’ approval. Ward 3 has a recent addition to its fire hall, constructed after amalgamation, which was paid for in part by the township. Ward 2 has a new fire hall, constructed post-amalgamation, paid for by township monies and contribution from the Fire Ladies.

Both Wards 2 and 3 have emergency vehicles paid for by the township. All were equipped using township monies and public donations. Two years in a row both wards received $10,000 donations from council over and above their respective budgets for equipment. These donations were not extended to Ward 1. The new fire truck that he states Ward 1 received was paid for in part by Addington-HighlandsTownship (50% of costs). Both townships also equally share the costs incurred in maintaining the Cloyne dumpsite and the site is operated jointly.

In regards to the helipad referred to in his letter, council has invested both time and money on this in recent years and I agree the helipad should be kept serviceable if at all possible.

In regards to road equipment, Ward 3 has received much more funding than Ward 1 over the past several years. The records speak for themselves and Ward 3 residents should be grateful that Ward 1 generates the tax dollars necessary to provide the extra revenue the township requires to meet budget expenses. Instead of trying to stir up dissention among the wards, individuals such as Mr. Ladouceur would be more beneficial to their neighbours by promoting unity throughout the township.

- Dick Hook, past councillor, Ward 1

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Re: Direct Democracy

I would like to commend Jeff Green for his editorial on Scott Reid’s survey. While I appreciate Scott’s desire to communicate with the voters, this type of slanted survey does nothing to foster such communication. For example, I was able to check off only one, support for seniors. But what does this support mean? Does it mean that seniors would receive free dental care, free hearing aids and glasses, and walkers or canes if they need them? I would support this. Assuming that Scott really wants to know what the voters are concerned about, let me share some of the things that I am distressed about.

1. I try to buy Canadian-made goods for myself and to give away as gifts. This is like looking for a needle in a hay stack. So much of our industries have closed down and taken their jobs to low-paying countries where human rights abuses are paramount. Could the Canadian government offer interest-free loans to workers whose plants may be closing so that they may buy the plant themselves and keep it running?

2. I am concerned that NATO is dictated to by the United States administration. Our soldiers are in Afghanistan because the US government dragged us into it through lies and manipulation to support the oil companies having a pipe line from the Caspian Sea through the country and who want a government friendly to their desires. The CIA created the Taliban and paid and armed Osama Bin Laden to fight the Soviets. Our troops are told that they are fighting to protect the women from the atrocities of the Taliban. Yet they are in alliance with a group who will do the same to women once they are in power. What does it mean when our troops attack a Taliban stronghold? Who are the hundreds of people killed in a raid by our forces? Are they ordinary citizens of Afghanistan? Who are we liberating? Let us support our troops by restoring them to the role of protecting people rather than forcing them to murder women, children, and young boys who have no other source of employment. I grieve for the widows of our soldiers and for the soldiers themselves for whom the scars of this war will remain for the rest of their lives.

3. I am concerned about the control of the media by big corporations and the US administration, people who stand to gain big bucks in the sale of armaments and related items in Iraq and other war zones. Let’s report the lies around 9/11. There was an independent truth commission held in Toronto. Have the results of this been able to counter all the lies so faithfully reported by radio, TV, and national newspapers? Why was building #7 demolished and not reported on much since? Why are 7 of the supposed hijackers still alive? What happened to flight #77 which could not have struck the pentagon since the hole is the size of a missile? There are enough questions about the whole situation to make one suspect that the CIA and US administration planned the whole thing as an excuse to drag the country into a war with Iraq to gain billions for the weapons manufacturers. What all is our government being dragged into over the threat of terrorism when the real terrorists may be the people in the White House?

- Sylvia Powers

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Pine Lake

On December 16 there was an article in the Whig Standard "Native Centre on Track" concerning the building of an office for a 700 member band and a museum at the PineLake boat launch. Randy Cota said that they will do this regardless of MNR requesting that there beenvironmental studies on the project beforehand. Natives have always declared their love and respect for the land (and have often protested clear cutting and other environmentally damaging actions).

This group maintains that they own this Crown property. If you own something, that makes you responsible for it. This seems like irresponsible behaviour to me.

- Barbara Kenney

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To: Irritated but always amused reader Francis MacDonald

You have failed miserably in your attempt to present a valid rebuttal to Jeff Green’s editorial “Direct Democracy” (December 7).

Your tangled web of words presents the reader with ambiguous statements which lack sense, coherence and clarity. (Talk about madly off in all directions!)

Clarity is the issue that Mr. Green was bringing to our attention concerning Scott Reid’s style of communicating with his constituents. Your assertion that Mr. Green’s statements were “dishonest, misleading, illogical, irrational and defied reason” is totally ridiculous and definitely not substantiated by any of the arguments you tried to put forth in your letter.

I suggest you read Mr. Green’s editorial again with an open and unbiased mind.

- Pam Giroux

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RE: Festival of Trees

Upon reading Dale Ham’s wonderful article on the Festival of Trees, I noticed that “elf” Bill Bowick was not given credit for his hard work. Bill is totally responsible for all of the computer work for the Festival such as the design of the Appreciation Certificates, the schedules, the list of all contributors to the Festival and all of the preparation for the judging of the event as well as acting as our Master of Ceremonies. Thank you so much, Bill.

- Elinore Baily, Chair

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Re “Direct Democracy” ( Editorial - December 07)

In his fine editorial Mr. Green overlooks the paramount truth! Mr. Reid has been relegated to nothing more then a seat filler, an impotent elective statistic, a powerless presence, a number, a P.C. parliamentary vote, an afterthought-in-waiting, a dispenser of smoke and polisher of mirrors willing to be completely controlled by the PUDGY PARANOIC Steven Harper Bush T.T. (tyrant in training) and his Trolls from circle of silent secrecy and nasty surprises! Apparently Mr. Reid is satisfied being the mindless servant of a control freak.

Eventually, he may be thrown a bone, perhaps even with some meat on it. In the meantime, his directive is to ensure that his constituents only consider as relevant the propaganda scripted directly to the puppets of the caucus from the OMP for dispersion: any other point of view is to be ignored. These recent “surveys” are certainly not crafted by Mr. Scott as past plebiscites are imagined to have been.

Harper Bush, you say? Yes, Harper Bush! For anyone interested enough, an analysis of the moronic path taken by G.W.Bush and that being charted by Steven Harper are frighteningly similar. Look into it, should you be in doubt, wishing to exercise your mind or have any concern for your future.

Included in the manifesto delivered under Mr. Reid’s name were such topics as workings for seniors, defending Canadians from terrorism, tax relief, and cracking down on criminals, among others.

The Minister of Finance, either because of a horrific panic attack or because he is totally insane, wiped out of 30 BILLION dollars invested in Income Trusts, a completely legal and above board investment vehicle in two days (60 BILLION dollars is the expected final total), mostly retirement savings, the nest eggs of the aging, the components of pension plans, RRSPs, RRIFs, LIRAs and the hopes for more than the scrapes gotten from a doubtfully secure government pension system. Can this action rationally be titled “WORKING FOR SENIORS”?

Is the breaking of an election promise contained on page 32 of the Blue Book under the heading “Security for Seniors” acceptable?

The extolled age tax credit will amount to a whole $152.50 this year and in 2007, a $2.50 increase of this amount is in the works--takes your breath away! The “income splitting” proviso is equally meaningless since its application is selectively applied only to a small percentage of the population; CPP has always allowed income splitting.

All the mumbo jumbo aside, the supposed “Tax Relief” is fiction! The average family, whatever that might be, will “save” $1.26 per day in taxes at the optimum level. The billions stolen from Income Trust holders will pay for these wonders, while leaving a nice surplus for the frauds in Ottawa to squander off the books.

Anyone who believes that Canadians dying in Afghanistan in a US-inspired conflict, from which they all but have withdrawn, will protect “the safety of our citizens” is severely thought-impaired. NATO, who has no real idea why they are there, and its Canadian member, have found their Vietnam. The Afghans have never lost a war and no foreigner has ever won an Afghan war. The last person standing in Afghanistan will be an Afghan belonging to whatever faction happens to be in vogue. What arrogance we possess to believe that we have the right or the knowledge to decide what type of government these people or any peoples are to live under! We are assisting in building the US Empire of “Divine Right”, not helping the Afghans. You don’t help people by killing them and imposing your values upon the survivors.

We already have more laws than are needed in addressing crime. What has to be found is the will to enforce what is already on the books. This all recycled b……t. And, with present budding dictatorship empowered, I for one am not sure that additional enforcement would not manifest itself as the Beaver Gestapo.

We think it is about time that Mr Reid acknowledges that his only loyalty and duty is to the constituents of his riding, not the egg salad that is the Conservative Party. We further believe that he should act accordingly instead of being another panting Harper puppy waiting for career crumbs to fall and fulfill his dreams.

- Paul M. Wicher & Georgina M. Bailey-Wicher, Tichborne

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Re: Direct Democracy

Jeff is right when he says that Scott did not need to ask the "same-sex marriage" question at all.I believe that this is a feel-good exercise for the people. Not only does it give people an opportunity to voice an opinion, it reminds us that we do have an avenue of communication that is seldom used.

Jeff's comment on the second survey stating that there was "no option for other items on the survey" is not quite accurate. On both surveys there was a space for comments. If I had other priorities I would have listed them. So for the 50% of the people who did not support the Conservative party, list your top six policy items in the comment section.If there is not enough room there, mail to Scott does not require postage, so voice your opinion on as many pages as required and send them to him. Jeff's suggestion to list 12 to 15 policy matters is a bit on the light side, why not list 30 or 40 or at least a couple of pages worth. Where would the list end? You are right, Jeff, surveying constituents is a good idea. As far as the comment on letting the constituents have a say on all the issues at hand, the opportunity was there: a comments section on both surveys.

- Gerry Dunham

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