= wer te ete Sete hese we SO. eter me ee aoa: im Met Saturday, January 9, 1993 * CITY SILENCE ENDS Editor’s Note: The following is reprinted from the Aug. 8 edition of The News eee Neil Rachynski NEWS REPORTER The veil of silence has been pulled away. Castlegar city council decided Wednesday to take steps towards the release of a two-year-old study that examines the city’s overall operations. After an ‘in camera’ meeting, the city decided to hand the whole matter over to Victoria lawyer Murray Rankin. Rankin, an advisor on the re- cently passed Provincial Freedom of Information and Privacy Act, will decide what can and cannot be published. The move comes compliments of Councillor News Stories of the Year Kirk Duff who urged the city to reconsider its po- sition on the document. Until this week, council had said the contents of the report were too sensitive for public con- sumption. Mayor Audrey Moore has earlier said the con- tents of the $24,000 study would not be made pub- lic “because it dealt with a lot of personalities.” Although he wouldn’t give details of the special meeting, Duff said he “received council's full sup- port. “I’m real happy,” Duff said. “It works well for everybody. The government gets to test its new legislation and we get a report we know we can re- lease.” Bill 50 is the province’s new Information and Privacy Act. The government passed legislation for it in June but the Act has yet to be tested. Duff says an important element of council’s de- cision is that, they have agreed to be bound by Rankin’s recommendations. “Without that we wouldn’t have the full credi- bility (the report) deserves,” Duff said. Coun. Doreen Smecher says Rankin was asked to step in “because there are personnel and items that are identifiable who have a right to privacy.” She says the announcement was made imme- diately because “it was important that council’s actions be communicated. “You'll know you'll have every piece of informa- tion we can possibly give,” Smecher said. Duff says it was just a matter of time before the report was made public. “It’s something that was inevitable. I had lots of people comment on it but I don’t know if you’d call that pressure. The (Castlegar News) certainly sped up (the process) a little, especially when it ran names on the front page like that.” | Citizens pull no punches | Editor’s Note: The following is reprinted from the Jan. 8 edition of The News . eee Scott David Harrison | EDITOR The citizens of Castlegar have spoken. Taking the city up on its offer to attend Tues- day’s council session, citizens had some simple words of warning for their elected representatives: | smarten up. Angry residents pulled no punches with a sometimes discouraged council, demanding an- swers on everything from the failed road referen- dum to Mayor Audrey Moore’s salary. What began as an information meeting de- signed to answer 17 questions published in a local newspaper, quickly turned into a shouting match as Moore tried to control a room of some 100 con- cerned citizens. Dissatisfied with council responses, the over- flow crowd began to jeer. The sparks flew from the first moment when Moore was quizzed about the failure of the road referendum. Despite claiming that all financial figures were properly presented, Moore found her- self at odds with Mike O’Connor. The spokesperson for the recently-assembled Concerned Citizens Coalition said the city failed to inform the public of all costs. “You can’t get a straight answer from anyone,” O’Connor said, referring to an open house held prior to the Dec. 14 referendum. “All you got was aslap on the back and someone saying ‘Don’t wor- ry, it won't cost much. In fact, with Celgar, it might cost you nothing at all.” Angered by the criticism, Moore accused O’Con- nor of lowering the level of debate. “I was hoping that we could have an exchange of information in a civilized manner,” Moore said. That comment prompted other citizens to be- come involved in what was supposed to be an one hour information meeting. “She asks him to respond to a question and then she won’t let him speak,” mumbled one per- son in the crowd. One after one, residents focused on Castlegar’s spending habits. They accused the city of being short-sighted by not budgeting for proposals like a new RCMP building, city works site or central fire hall. Despite claims from (Coun.) Marilyn Math- ieson that the city had been guarding the citizens from the recession by maintaining low tax levels, people said the city is out of touch. “One thing I seem to always be seeing with this council is that it is eating tomorrow’s supper to- day,” Bill Warner said. “We can’t do that.” Citizens grilled council on the proposed RCMP building, saying the $1.2 million price tag was too much, the location was wrong and the timing was bad. (Coun.) Jim Chapman said the current build- ing is outdated, saying the Castlegar RCMP has needed a new facility since 1980. While citizens didn’t agree that a new site was needed, they did say council had 12 years to plan it. The proposed city work site didn’t escape the scrutiny of the citizens either. They demanded an- swers on where the $892,000 needed to build the site would ¢ome from. Continued attempts by Moore to move the meeting along were greeted with anger from citi- zens. “(The Castlegar News) said show up or shut up,” O'Connor said. “Well we've shown up and we want answers.” Citizens also expressed concern over council’s willingness to rely on the Celgar expansion and Westar’s return to pave the way for future pro- jects. : “You can’t bank on them forever,” the Con- cerned Citizens Walter Flux said. Why don’t we have a reserve of a.couple million dollars like oth- er municipalities do?” (Coun.) Kirk Duff agreed that the city is relying on Celgar and Westar, but he said that is a dilem- ma shared by most industry towns. He said Castlegar has little choice but to plan its affairs around industry and hope that those industries remain afloat. Other concerns raised by the Concerned Citi- zens included the hiring and wages of city staff, the costs of sewer work, a senior citizen complex, an arts centre city hall renovations, the pay out to former city employee and the price of Twin Rivers Park. Scott David Harrison EDITOR Without question there were a lot of names in the news during 1992... far too many to list. But week in and week out, one person stood head and shoulders above the rest as Castlegar’s most talked about person in 1992 — Mike O’Connor. Founder and president of the Coalition Unaccepting Rash Bureaucracy, O’Connor p made his feelings known on al- > ee? | most every subject. . Like him or not, O’Connor ealialiiatlscail helped change the face of Castlegar’s civic scene like never before. Rounding up fellow rebels, O’Connor and CURB became the thorns in city hall’s side as or- dinary citizens suddenly began taking notice of each and every council decision. For that and more, O’Connor is clearly Castle- gar’s Newsmaker of the Year. Newsmakers of the Year The distinction of being named Councillor of the Year may be considered a dubious honor in Castlegar, but it’s not if your Kirk Duff. Duff’s no nonsense approach to civic politics was a breath of fresh air during a sometimes- troublesome year. His accomplishments must not be overlooked. Without internal pressure from Duff, Castle- gar would have never known just how much the city paid in settlements to former employees — “slightly less than $100,000.” Furthermore, Castlegar would have never seen the Price Waterhouse report had Duff not had the courage to stand up and call for its re- lease. Duff may be quite silent these days, but his past actions speak volumes for his credibility. Honorable mention: Doreen Smecher. eee Another man that deserves special recogni- tion for his contributions to this city is Castlegar and District Heritage Society president John Coyle. In the past year, Coyle has helped bring the heritage society to the forefront, taking on heavyweights like B.C. Hydro without batting an eye. Coyle, with the help of a strong support- ing cast, has given heritage a new meaning in Castlegar — respect. Elma Maund can’t be overlooked, either. The co-ordinator of the Seniors Action Com- mittee has worked tirelessly to promote the needs of our seniors and there is little doubt that her unselfish efforts will pay dividends for years to come. Bruce and Nancy Ketchum must also be ac- knowledged. The couple did their part to pro- mote national unity and Castlegar during an ex- tensive cross-Canada tour. Last, but certainly not least, recognition must also be paid to John Charters. His brilliant writings continue to put Castle- gar on the map. Charters did it again in 1992, telling Castlegar’s story to an entire province in Beautiful British Columbia Magazine. @ Saturday, JahUary'9, 1993 YourHOROSCOPE ARIES (Mar. 21-Apr. 19) Make arrangements to spend an invigorating day with your emotional partner. Get in- volved in competitive projects on the 10th and 11th or start those plans you had to change your living quarters around. Try to keep busy on the 12th and 13th. What ever you do, refrain from taking your frus- trations out on others. You will be able to meet new and inter- esting individuals on the 14th and 15th if you get out and so- cialize. You can win the hearts of others if you use your intel- ligent charm‘on the 16th. TAURUS (Apr. 20-May 20) Romantic opportunities will be yours on the 10th and 11th if you get out and social- ize. You may find it hard to cope with incompetence on the 12th and 13th. Today, try to ig- nore what others are doing and concentrate on your own projects. You can enhance your reputation on the 14th and 15th if you bend a little. Be careful not to.divulge personal information on the 16th. GEMINI (May 21-June 21) You may want to go out with friends on the 10th and 11th, however, watch your spending habits. You may have trouble separating your personal and professional re- sponsibilities on the 12th and 13th. Social activities on the 14th and 15th will not only bring you in contact with new mates but give you creative in- spiration. You may find it hard to be loyal to your mate on the 16th, especially if you go to functions alone. CANCER (June 22-July 22) Your partnerships may be going through some changes on the 10th and 11th. Don’t fret, just go with the flow. So- cial events on the 12th and 13th will prove to be most en- ticing not to mention create ro- mantic opportunities. You must be careful not to start disagreements with loved ones on the 14th and 15th. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Your emotions will be up and down on the 10th and 11th. Be careful that you don’t give your partner the wrong im- pression. Limitations with your relationship will surface on the 12th and 13th if you’ve been spending to much time with other people. You can ex- pect to be the main topic of conversation on the 14th and 15th. Your ability to get into the swing of thing will be your saving grace on the 16th. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) You can do things on the 10th and 121th that will improve your image or make you have a better understanding of yourself. Put your best foot for- ward on the 12th and 13th. Money making ideas will work if your present them to the right people on the 14th and 15th. Don’t be afraid to speak out about your beliefs on the 16th. Your ability to find prac- tical solutions will not go un- noticed. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23)You will meet interesting new people on the 10th and 11th if you get out and mingle. New partnerships .can_ be formed however don’t move too quickly. You will have good ideas for making your living quarters more comfortable on the 12th and 13th. Keep your thoughts to yourself on the 14th and 15th, especially per- taining to your personal life. Be extra careful with your valuables on the 16th, loss and theft are evident. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Limitations due to older family members or problems concerning your residence are likely on the 10th and 11th. You should get involved in worthwhile causes on the 12th and 13th. Calculated moves will put you in a key position. You can ask for favors on the 14th and 15th. Someone you least expect is admiring you. Try to be honest with the one you love on the 16th if you want to estrangement. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23- Dec. 21) Your ability to attract new lovers on the 10th and 11th may get you into trouble. You’re best not to confide in others on the 12th and 13th. Your involvement in gossip or other peoples affairs will back- fire leaving you in a very pre- carious position. Don’t be too harsh on the 14th and 15th when dealing with those close to your heart. Don’t bang your head against the wall on the 16th. You can’t make others listen if they don’t want to. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22- Jan. 19) You should probably take some time to yourself on the 10th and 11th in order to sort out your true feelings. You will be able to pick up knowl- edge and important informa- tion on the 12th and 13th if you talk to people in your field. Don’t initiate any alterations on the 14th and 15th, however be willing to accept the in- evitable. Romance will find you on the 16th. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20- Feb. 19) Don’t put your cash on the table on the 10th and 11th. Investment deals may not be as solid as they appear. Unusual circumstances ap- pear to be surrounding legal documents. Don’t let your low- ered vitality get the better of you on the 12th and 13th. Your ability to follow through on your ideas will prove your ability and certainly show your talents on the 14th and 15th. Travel on the 16th will lead to romantic encounters. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Get rid of those bad habits on the 10th and 11th. You will have to pay closer attention to your diet. Opportunities for partnerships are evident on the 12th and 13th. Channel your energy into love on the 14th and 15th. Past partners may try to come back into your life. Don’t make promises you can’t keep on the 16th. 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GZEEHE kK KNL EK Answers, page 31 LIH GTEL cCZo, QHE CRQO IKYH Today’s Cryptoquip clue: U equals C GORDON WALL FLOOR COVERINGS "Home Improvement Specialists" 01 Victoria St., Trail © 364-2537 « Castlegar ¢ 365-0422 DAVE WILLIAMSON SALES MANAGER Chrysier * Plymouth Dodge » Dodge Trucks Waneta Junction, Trail - 368-8295