Wednesday, December 23, 1992 @ z i OurWiEWS AdrianRAESIDE PAGE 6 = = = Op Dave McCullough Publisher Scott David Harrison Editor Bob Proctor Marketing Manager Mickey Read Composing Room Foreman Warren Chernoff Accountant Mary Ann Fullerton Circulation Manager Christmas in Castlegar ( ‘year for is a special time of year for all of us — a time of sharing and caring, a time of giving and receiving. But what about those who can’t experience Christmas — the neighbor who struggles to make ends meet, the single-mother who can’t afford to make Christmas brighter for the ones she loves? We shouldn’t kid ourselves about our community — there are those in Castlegar that can’t afford to laugh Christmas morning, staring at things that most of us take for granted. It.is these people that need our support. There are two days left until Christmas and, in those 48 hours, Castlegar can make a difference for those who desperately need it. _ The Legion Hamper Drive is one way this community can show it cares. So, too, are donations to the Salvation Army and the Castlegar Volunteer Fire Department’s Toy Drive. The things that can be done to make someone’s Christmas brighter are too numerous to list, but we must do something. Wealth abounds in this community and in this spirit of giving, we must share our good fortunes with those less fortunate. Christmas may come but once a year, but it doesn’t have to. The joy we get from giving can be an everyday experience if we want it to. This is a caring community and in the final day before Christmas we can show those in need just how lucky we all are to call Castlegar our home. a Ni. REINDEER -a>. ~— PAANURE, av the nigh ’Twas the night before Christmas, and all through The News, not a working, another blown fuse. computer was Hung by the darkroom, were the negatives with care, in the hopes that a front- page photo, would someday be there. A photo of Audrey, the mayor of our town, happy or sad, you won't see her frown We've had differences, in 1992, I’ve taken some shots, she’s given them, too our And then there is Kirk, the spiked hair and all. Has stayed ’till the end, Harrison s.D.HARRISON co) The year’s been a good ne, : he’s had a ball. Price Waterhouse and budgets, have all come his way. Happy to respond, each and everyday. Even Doreen, straight with the answers, she'll never pretend. RDCK appointment did not go her way. Out for a moment, back another day? |. And then there is Jim, |; his ball cap in hand. | A straight-shooting Comparison | fellow, a man in demand. He tackles tough questions, taking on those lights, And if it’s not that, he demands equal rights. How about old Bob, a good-natured boy. The cowboy of council, There is no ploy. please see HARRISON page 7 Street TALK Burt Camp! Publisher Emeritus L.V. Campbell . 7, 1947- Feb. 15, 1973 Question: What did you ask Santa Claus to bring you for Christmas this year? Pennie Lane Castlegar “Lots of things — puppy surprise and a phone...” Addie Milewski Prince George “A new back!” Darren Pilla Castlegar “Pve got everything I want because I’m Stephan Lich Castlegar with my family.” “A new watch and a new computer game.” Amanda Lamb Robson “A toy Santa and a toy reindeer.” ™@ Wednesday, December 23, 1992 OtherVIEWS | Please address all letters to: Letters to the Editor Castlegar News P.O. Box 3007 Castlegar, B.C. V1N 3H4 or deliver them to 197 Columbia Ave. Letters should be typewritten, double-spaced and not longer than 300 words. Letters MUST be signed and include the writer's first and last names, address anda telephone number at which the writer can be reached between 9a.m. and 5 p.m. The writer's name and city or town of residence only will be published. Only in exceptional cases will letters be published anonymously. Even in those cases, the name, address and phone number of the writer MUST be disclosed to the editor. The News reserves the right to edit letters for brevity, clarity, legality, grammar and taste. Letters ‘oWHE EDITOR Area RDCK directors take exce For some considerable time we have witnessed your reporting degenerate towards what could be referred to as “LPR” journalism - “leaks and press releases”. Evidently, this formula has been found more convenient and cost-effective than actually attending at RDCK meetings and, thereafter, presenting an informed and balanced editorial opinion. Your investigative reporting has apparently become a process of attracting a couple of controversial spokespersons, deeming them to be champions of the downtrodden and, thereafter, giving them license to speak their personal opinions as though they are matters of fact. On the other hand, you seem to avoid inviting any response from ourselves as regional directors, which seems surprising as we, together with the city, share responsibility for four major functions. Your may wish to consider the following: * While Doreen Smecher’s “loss” may have shocked some RDCK directors, we are not among them; ¢ Your recent headlines announcing Smecher’s appointment as an RDCK representative to the Commission on Resources and Environment (CORE) process was premature and proved untrue; * Your perception of Smecher’s record of representation on the RDCK is distorted; for example, her departure as chair of the Resources Committee has left a wake of confusion and contradiction particularly in regard to the issue. of clear cut logging. By ignoring this issue, the historical board policy opposing such logging practices has been cast to the winds of public controversy, further magnified by your lopsided reporting methods. ¢ Had Mrs. Smecher been appointed to the CORE process there would likely have been a formal notice of nonconfidence opposing such appointment. ¢ Mr. Cady’s perception or desire to pursue the “representation and direction of the past two years” is not one which we share. Mr. Cady’s direct interference and apparent attempt to manipulate municipal appointments is contrary to the process of local democracy. * Your licence to Mike O’Connor to blast his anger and indignation by heaping abuse ption to coverage upon the city further distorts certain issues out of context. We suggest that it is neither your mandate nor that of your various appointed spokespersons to pronounce their personal opinions as representing the whole story. Perhaps you might reflect upon your bold assertions which sometimes’ are misinformed. These practices produce unbelievable journalism, in every sense of the word. Your negative versions of many local government issues only make more difficult the task of working together in a united community effort. John Voykin Director Area “I” Ken Wyllie Director Area “J” Editor’s note: In the past year, The News has never run a press release as a story and it never will. This is a disservice to our readers and the community we serve. Furthermore, investigative journalism is something we pride ourselves on and * something we shall continue. In addition, if it must be restated, the truth is neither negative nor positive, it is merely the truth. Castlegar continues to forge towards bright future The following is an edited version of Mayor Audrey Moore’s year-end address to council on Dec. 8: The year of 1992 was a year of a very high level of activity for our city. Whenever a small city such as Castlegar experiences rapid change, it becomes a challenge for everyone to stay informed and then accept the changes. Having said that, let me give you some of the highlights of our activities in 1992 — to name only some of the significant accomplishments: 1) Completed a new public works yard — and the city is now in a position to sell some of its downtown land for redevelopment to a commercial use. This relocation of the sand piles from downtown Castlegar has been discussed for years and this council and staff have seen the completion of this project; 2) Began our long anticipated downtown revitalization project — what a positive change it will make when our overhead lines are underground and landscaping, facade improvements, lamp standards and benches are in-place. We will all be truly proud of our downtown; 3) The long-awaited bridge will begin in early 1993; 4) A completed comprehensive development plan is now in place — a guide for further upgrading of water, sewer, storm drainage and street improvements; 5) The Official Community Plan Update has been worked on for most of 1992 — we plan to have it adopted in early 1993; 6) The Parks Master Plan, including the Twin Rivers Park Plan, has been completed for the guidance of council and the citizens; 7) The RCMP building project is going forward in 1993 thanks to the overwhelming support that the referendum received in October; 8) The strategic financial plan steering committee has been structured and is now working with Semmens and Adams, the consultants. All of this committee’s meetings will be open to the media and the public so the process can be clearly understood by everyone; 9) A citizen’s review select committee was named on Dec. 8. The purpose of this committee is to inquire into and make recommendations concerning council’s indemnities for 1992, 93, 94 and ’95; 10) And, as you know, we have been working toward a central fire hall and an upgrade of city hall. Early in 1993, all of the information concerning these two projects will be shared with the public by way of meetings and information sessions. A very impressive list of work and accomplishments — the council and our staff have worked very diligently on your behalf throughout the year. With all these various projects we committed to lowering the residential tax rate in 1992 and we did! In our provisional budget for 1993 — because of our growing assessment base — council is committed to lowering the rate on residential and industrial properties again this year and we hope to give a reduction to the commercial class of property as well. The public meeting on the 1993 provisional budget is scheduled for Jan. 18 in the new year. In closing, let me say thank you for all the help and dedication and hard work of all who are associated with the city’s many operations. Harrison continued from page 6 He sits in his chair, listening to the debate, speaking to the issues, as the citizens mate. And then there is Larry, Lawrence, if you’d like. Could one day be mayor, running against Mike? et Poised to take over, he’s been there awhile, learning the ropes, tell. and refining his style. Speaking of stories, here’s one for you, About man name George Cady, aman who is true. Don’t forget the rookie, a man named Doug Green. The CURB-backed candidate, has arrived on the scene, Serving his last term, as the RDCK chair, George is committed, Ole’ Doug has been quiet, since taking the chair, saying very little, perfecting his glare. And what about CURB, our citizens group today. At 100-plus members, They’re here to stay. Popular, CURB is not. Digging for answers are Mike al But ask away people, there are plenty of stories to honest and fair. And what about Ed, Enter the bridge, What about Lyle, he’s on the way out. Kootenay-West Revelstoke? Is it time for Jim Gouk? What lies ahead, in our city of joy, is uncertain, to this little boy. I'll be here, though, B.C. coughed up the dough. typing away. Another story to tell, another nerve-wracking day. it’s the first-term for him. Fighting for Castlegar, he’s gone out on a limb. He’s taken on the ferry, a losing battle, though. And while the political scene, may be confusing to most, the New Year is coming, a new year to boast. On Audrey, on Lawrence, and Doreen and Bob. On Kirk, on Jim, and don’t forget Doug. To the top of the agenda, to the top of the list, work away, talk away, plan away all. And I say with a smile, as I turn out the light — a Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good Night.