ey AA Castlégar News April 8, 1990 Board's door should stay open. Every year at about this time the Castlegar school board huddles behind closed doors to hammer out its final budget for the coming yeor. \ We remain puzzled why the der it this out of the public's eye. Make no mistake, we think the Castlegar school board does an admirable job of soliciting advice and opinions from the community. — parents, teachers, ad 3 — on ed needs in the district which the then der in f lating the budget. What we can't understand is why they don't take this philosophy of open government one step further and debate the budget issues in front of the public whose money they are spending. ' Last Tuesday, the trustees emerged from a closed meeting to announce they will hold a referendum on April 28 to ask taxpayers for an additional $200,000 to help pay for the Ministry of Education's raw primary education program which.the board must implement this September. We've been told one of the reasons the trustees close the door is because they feel more comfortable debating the issues away from public and media scrutiny. The theory is the trustees can be more candid with each other in private. A private meeting also removes the temptation to posture for the voters. Nevertheless, the trustees — even though charged with the enormous responsibility of providing the best education system possible with the resources they are given — are still elected repr y todo ntatives of the people who we think have a right to see and hear the trustees debate such criticdl issues as budgets and referen- wa dums. By closing the door on the public, the trustees are denying voters a chance to see how well each of the trustees handles such sensitive issues, an observation which is valuable to voters at election time. And ther ’s nothing wrong with a politician being candid in front of the voters providing, of course, the limits of good taste are not ex- ceeded. In fact, more candidnéss and less batflegab from politicians would be refreshing. Controversy inevitable IT -suppose it was inevitable that a controversy should arise between the government and the local Green Party over_the-environmental aspects of the Celgar expansion. As your editorial of Feb. 11 in- dicated, there are questions to be an- also result in a slightly acidic fog in the valley on a fairly permanent basis. More research on the i " April 8, 1990 Cast 1égar News AS ——__——_————= SS Fepemar ENVieonMEN T~ Muni sTe® UN FOR” ) / Letters to the editor process may give us other alternatives. in time. The organoclorines produced by the mill must be filtered out before swered; One reason the public knows | the water is returned to the en- little about the government review process is because aspects of the -teview—process-itself-are— —government- under development. The Greens’ demagogic—direct- action approach assumes that because the government isnot seen to be ac- ting forecefully,it_is_doing nothing and doesn’t care. On the contrary, my vironment. Dioxins and furans in the food chain are deadly. Ideally, the -water—for—the— process could be recycled, or the input line would be below the output as requii in West Germany by law. The-concern about carbon: dioxide emissions causing global warming from the impact of this one plant are contact with g assures me intelligent and concerted action across the whole spectrum of our political, academic and industrial institutions is taking and will continue to take place. Local-round tables similar to the provincial round table will be com- missioned so that all aspects of society will be represented and all points of view will be applied to ing @ not at this time. U.S. President George Bush, with infor- mation available from NASA resear- ch, says science has not developed far enough to make conclusions about climatic change. At any rate, carbon. dioxide is a basic raw material of photosynthesis and the billion new trees planted since 1986 in this province will affect the rate of carbon consensus for action. The timeline for Celgar’s expansion is ahead of the establishment of the local round table, so local media reports and ssi to dioxide The warming effect of millions of internal combustion engines producing carbon dioxide is probably more serious than one industrial plant Celgar general manager Jim Browne and. the Ministry of Environment’s Dennis McDonald have taken its place. Now, down to some details. Sulphur dioxide emissions, according to Celgar, are produced by the mill as an alternative to another chemical that is insufferable in terms of its ef- fect on sight and smell. The sulphur transforms this chemical and is released at levels that will meet the province’s new standards for emissions. Some study is required on the contribution of this mill to acid rain. Some acidity is good for the soil and-new growth. The distance from the stack the sulphur dioxide travels and its impact on local lakes and rivers must be ascertained. An alkaline srubber will clean out most of the sulphur dioxide but will Pp pulp,-but-it will take @ global energy strategy to shift to elec- tricity driven transport. The Green Party’s belief that the planet is dying and that we are a society in decline does not fit the fac- ts. We are-in fact evolving towards higher and higher levels of’ social organization and technology. Our space program demonstrates our ability to create and sustain life- support systems for longer and longer durations. The fact-that the environ- ment has become the top issue on the agenda for parties of all political per- suasions _means_that_consensus on priorities has been achieved. What remains to be seen is which party is most qualified to manage the environment and the economy. Paul Johnston Trail A crying shame I think it’s a crying shame that so few people can really cripple a large corporation, probably only because they know they can. Don’t you realize that if you let this problem go any further, a lot of you will be out of jobs, lose your homes, incomes, perhaps families? My husband doesn’t work at Celgar so I really have nothing to lose, not even my job. You see, when you start losing your homes to the banks, my job is intact. I simply can’t believe that one or two or even a handful of these “‘do- gooders’’ can stop this expansion project. Since our arrival five years ago, the mill has smelled bad but we have learned to live with it. Now, when they are finally going to do something about it, the door is slam- med in their faces. Where are your minds? I feel very sorry for the lack of in- testinal fortitude that seems to be a bigger problem than the pulp mill it- self. Wake up and smell the coffee while you can still afford to buy it. Rosemary Bariey Castlegar — su : Castlégar News (MEMBER OF THE B.C. PRESS COUNCH ESTABLISHED AUGUST 7 WEEKLY MAY 4, 1980 INCORPORATING THE MID-WEEK Mi PUBLISHED SETPEMBER 12. 1978 AUGUST 27, 1980 PUBLISHER, AUGUST ?, 1947 FEBRUARY 15. 1973 PUBLISHER — Burt Compbell EDITOR — Simon Birch PLANT FOREMAN — Peter Harvey ADVERTISING MANAGER — Wayne Stolz OFFICE MANAGER — Linda Kositsin CIRCULATION MANAGER — Heather Hodley 1 am for quality education for my nephews, jildren and every child in Schoo! District No. 9. Having stated that unequivocally, let_me show the school board how it can_raisé $200,000 or more without costing the taxpayers @ penny. Firstly, quality education is basically dependent on two factors: the parents and teachers. ‘These teachers: need support from a strong, educationally minded principal of a School. Secondly, the bureaucracy (staff at the school board office) must be trimmed before the taxpayers are asked to support a_ specific educational area. What-has-happened in this school district, as in many other school districts I suspect, is that the top layer of the bureaucracy is highly cushioned. For example, since the restraint program of the early 1980s, we now have an assistant superintendent (with secretarial help), a director of special services (with secretarial help) and an assistant to the setretary-treasurer, It was natural-for the provincial government to put a cap on spending as it-is-obvious-as to-where-the money was being spent. Now that this fat layer is in place, we are asked to pay directly for the essentials of education. I suggest that we as taxpayers demand the elimination of three of District top-heavy the top five most high-paying jobs before we agree to support the current proposed referendum. ‘The elimination of these positions, which do not directly affect quality education, would save us taxpayers the necessary $200,000 which could be spent on the kindergarten classes. Ob yes, while we are in a tax-saving mood and for good education, would it not _be wise to roll the Castlegar, Nelson and Trail school districts into one? This would further save great amounts of money and put the money where it is needed — in the hands of school principals and teachers who are aware of the needs of children. Elmer Pellerine > Castlegar Clean-up needed It’s hard to believe. For years now, the people of Castlegar have been trying in every way possible to get Celgar to clean-up the air-and-water pollution in this valley, and trying to get the government to force the-com- pany into doing it. For years nothing has been done;—except extensions given from the government allowing Celgar to pollute at the same tremen- ‘dous rate it has always been doing. And_here-we—are,the people of Castlegar, who have to breathe the pollution, smell it, clean it off our cars, fish in it, swim in it, and just live in the thick of it, day after day. Finally though, Celgar, under its own initiative, is willing to spend $630 million, more money than has ever been spent in this area, to put in a brand new state-of-the-art pulp mill and get rid of the old antique one the company has now. Talk about a wish come true. Finally-we will get things cleaned up around here and have a state-of-the- art mill that will be able to adjust it- self to stiff pollution laws that the government is going to enforce. But no. Now we have to wait at least six months and maybe jeopar- dize the whole project, have more pollution to—tivein—and stop any economic activity we could have had. But do people think of that? It’s easy for people outside the Castlegar area to nit-pick at everything there is to nit-pick at and hold things up as much as possible. I'm sure if those people had to live in this smell day after day they would shut up and let the government exper- ts who are specialized in the intricate workings of a pulp mill make the decision, instead of the people in other electoral (provincial) regions, far away from Castlegar, who are not affected monetarily, or environmen- tally, and have little knowledge about pulp mills and their workings. It wouldn’t affect them much if this project doesn’t go through. But it sure would affect the people of the ‘Castlegar area and they should be heard. We want this pollution cleaned up now, not later. It’s been long enough. I will sure be signing the petition at the chamber of commerce which says yes to the mill expansion now! Peter Laurie Castlegar Policy disliked We are most fortunate to enjoy the democratic, constitutional ‘freedom of the -press’’ and ‘‘freedom of speech’’ in Canada. However, there is a moral or ethical ibility of our icati media. . I do not concur with your newspaper's policy of publishing names of individuals charged with offences before their cases have been disposed of in a court of law. In some instances, individuals. who plead not guilty to an offence may wait months for the court to adjudicate his or her case. It is not unreasonable to say that the person charged has been the “‘talk of the town,"’ and has been ‘“‘tried,"’ names of people charged with offen- ces until they had ‘‘their day in court.”* The editor’s note tagged to the let- ter Omission disturbs (CasNews, April 1) says, ‘‘It is precisely because we do have an ethical code and do not discriminate that we, along with all other newspapers who aspire to good journalism practices, do not publish in captions opinions as to the meaning of the event pictured.”” Why then don’t you aspire to good j ism practices by wi i names of people charged with offen- ces until they have had their charges disposed of in a court-of law? How do you repair the ical social damage that 4” by some readers before the facts are Presented. As a former editor in both the electronic and print media, I worked where it was the policy of the Newsroom not to broadcast or publish may occur to an innocent “victim” of the media? What about the damage to families, friends, i being of an innocent “* I sincerely trust that your “ethical More letters, page A5 code’’ will differentiate between those who have been charged, convicted and sentenced for an offence, and those who have only been charged with an offence. We are responsible for our actions. C. Paul G. Walker (Castlegar Remember when 40 YEARS AGO From the April 6, 1950 News Castle The classic problem of the ble fi the im- could not extend concessions and favors within the law, also a very noble moral point. ._ * 8 It is most reassuring and consoling, amidst the persistent talk of a horrible H (Hell) — Bomb and the external and domestic troubles which inevitably is engulfing nations and countries, to see the word Easter. above the number 9 on the April calendar of this current year. Robson residents south of the Arrow dam who presently draw their water supplies from the Columibia River or from creeks running into the river are to get a water system paid for entirely by B.C. Hydro. The system will have six-inch mains, better-quality_ water than is available from the river, an amount of water equal to that which they are presently using, and the water will be provided free of charge as long as the Columbia remains turbulent due to -dam construction: ._ ee 6 Castlegar's parking problems got an— informal half-hour airing on Tuesday night when village chairman W.H. Reed and Comm. Cec Gorse waited the statutory time for further commissioners to attend the regular meeting. 15 YEARS AGO From the April 10, 1975 Castlegar News The first—portion_of the sewer system to be put into the former Town of Kinnaird is just days from tender. This was revealed at Tuesday night’s council meeting when a delegation of residents from 6th Ave. South, between 8th and 12th Streets, appeared before council on the question of locating its main sewer line. a Fires have again dominated the local scene with the Castlegar Volun- teer Fire Department responding to two calls this week. ._ * «@ -Patrick—_Metge,- a _graduate of recreation administration from the University of Alberta, has been ap- pointed recreation director for Regional Recreation Commission No. 1. o 8 ‘Castlegar made a good showing at the B.C. Bantam Hockey Champion- ship held at Nelson’s Civic Centre, placing third in an eight-team round robin tournament. Tt was the first time a Castlegar Bantam team had represented this area in B.C. playoffs. The team was coached by John Bozek and Mike Lauriente. - 5 YEARS AGO From the April 7, 1985 Castlegar News There’s no doubt Castlegar will have to take part in the provincial government’s new municipal partner- ship program, says Mayor Audrey Moore. However, a final decision won't be made until after ‘various wrinkles and various questions”’ have been an- swered. * 8 1984 was another good year for Kootenay Savings Credit Uniog, despite the fact that the area is still, Plagued by persistently high unem- Please address all Letters to the Editor to: The Castlegar News, P.O. Box 3007, Castlegar, B.C. VIN 3H4, or deliver them to our office at 197 Columbia Avenue, Castlegar. Letters should be typewritten, double-spaced and not longer than 300 words Letters must be signed ond include the writer's full name and address. Only in very exceptional cases will letters be published without the writer's nome. Nevertheless, the fame ond address of the writer must be disclosed to the editor The Costlegor News reserves the right to edit letters tor brevity, clarity, legality and grammar- . «8 The time-worn adage ‘you scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours’’ tran- slated into a projected $400,000 saving this year for Westar Timber’s pulp mill in a Trucking firms, most of which used to haul goods into Castlegar and freturn empty to Vancouver, are now carrying blocks of air-dried pulp to shipping docks at a rate of about mare ‘metric tons per month. ' MORE LETTERS SCIENCE WORLD Area has much to lose Here we go again — another letter regarding the expansion of the pulp mill. Up until now, we have chosen to remain silent in our support of this project but since the future of our area is so dependent upon the out- come of this issue, we feel it is impor- tant for supporters to let their feelings be known as well. Understandably, one of the main issues is the effect the expansion will have on the environment. Previous letters by other members of the com- munity have discussed, at great length, the statistics regarding pollution and pollution control: Therefore, we will try to express our view from a different angle. True, the mill’s past record has not been terrific, but now is the time for change and improvements. When the mill was purchased by its new owhers, it was most likely that they under- stood a lot of changes had to take place to meet the new environmental standards. They have invested a lot of time and money to have plans drawn up which meet these guidelines. There is'a lot at stake if all their plans cannot even get off the drawing board. The biggest losers, if the project doesn’t go through, will be the many families and businesses in our town and surrounding area. Some will lose almost everything they’ve worked for — not a pleasant thought when you think of our children’s future. How do you provide for them — feed them, clothe them, or save for their education — when your home and your source of income has been taken from you? What type of future wilt Groups different Once again I Would like to remind the West Kootenay community that the Cancer Research Society that is now. soliciting funds throughout by means of a mail campaign is not the Canadian Cancer Society. The Cancer Research Society has its uarters in Montreal and should not be confused with the Canadian Cancer Society eneuofawhgse units has worked in our community for many years. Both organizations provide funds for cancer. research, but the Canadian Cancer Society also gives financial and emotional support to cancer patients in our community and undertakes educational projects such as the breast self-examination clinics held each year. It is unfortunate that the two groups have names so similar that confusion-between-the-two-is-almost inevitable and that both organizations conduct their fundraising operations during the spring. The Canadian Cancer Society, the group that has units operating in the Castlegar, Trail and Nelson areas, is conducting its annual door-to-door canvas during April. In the last week of Aptif, information and envelopes for donations — which generate tax credits — will be mailed to each household: for the convenience of thase the canvassers have been unable to reach. Please give generously. You may be helping a relative, friend or yourself. Ruby J. Marsh President, Castlegar Unit (Canadian Cancer Society CENTRAL FOODS SPRING SALM I cs cis CHICKEN BREASTS zxcer<..:3.73,.51.69 BULK WIENERS ===... SLICED BACON........ BEEF SALAMI exz=".=..... LIVER SAUSAGE................ SPECIALS 455.4909 2049 212.6209 119 =o 91.98 B.C. SUGAR......... DINNER ROLLS... CARROTS....... COKE or SPRITE ==... HOT CROSS BUNS... FRESH PRO APES vxxccasons: GREEN GRAPES zxxzxczzx=. POTATOES............. att 14 19° 202,52.99 our children have if they cannot af- ford the opportunity and benefit of a higher education? Sure, Castlegar will provide another set of numbers for Statistics Canada — maybe that will be the last thing it does. It is difficult not to let emotions get in the way of rational thinking since people on both sides of this issue probably feel that their views are the only rational ones. Let’s try and work together to find solutions which will benefit us all. Terry and Alison Jollimore Blueberry Creek Breathing fire ' Real “Estate WITH BARRY BROWN HANDYMAN SPECIAL fixed up, they often value than expensive houses. Because improvements are house, the investor is needed on able to buy it below market price and one ‘of a number of Science World demonstrations at Twin Rivers ‘elementary school last week. Costtews photo Our Action Ad Phone Number is 365-2212! upgrade for @ qu recelg. or for a long term rental in- vestrhent. Here are a few guidies to consider uch an investment 7 — Whether up work yourself or hire someone to do it, this kind of investment requires your daily attention. — Avoid houses that need major not add new root, new foundation, plumbing, wiring and dry-rot repairs. if you ore uw to evaluate such items, hire o professional. — When initially considering the house, there should be an tunity to substantially increase £ morket value with basic, ‘pensive improvements, such as/painting, carpeting, floor sandigig (whe needed), tiling, lo ping and ly ° te the ate bnewn te inerense buyer interest, such as modernizing the kit- chen and bathroom, and addking weeded or new utilities. Adding o qT jing a house from on duckling into a titul swan con i If there is anything | con do to help yeu in the field of real estate, please call or drop in at 3 NATIONAL REAL ESTATE SERVICE Mountainview Agencies Ltd. 1695 Columbie Ave., Phone 365-2111 of 365-2757 Castlegar: 365 -7454 Nelson: 354-3855 ) iil TOO | Mail | | it ) TT Te PROTECT IT, {PAINT IT? aS (GENERAL PAINT &pn CANADIAN DECORATING PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION: Trail: 368-3644 WULED UEUEUE aEDEDEGEOECE DEON yiqii4 ad ul Ss Your Home Decorating Centre PAINT & WALLCOVERINGS 613 Columbio Ave Castlegar, B.C. 365-6214 7229-5th Street Grond Forks, B.C. 442-2929