" 6 ~ Friday, September 20, 1996 ~ North Shore News ann ther exampie of gov't meddling Dear Editor: Re: the new bicycling helmet law. The other day while standing in line at my local ‘grocer, a Ministry of Health notice caught my cye:. Warning smoking will kill 5,000 people in B.C. this year — don’t let it kill you. Below, was an array of multicolored boxes, further extolling the benefits of cig- arettes — smoking can- kill ou — tobacco smoke can arm your children, - Which got me to think- ing: how can thousands’ of peovle, each: year, take their ives into their own hands, . literally, and a few. cyclists can’t go out the door, with- _out strapping on Snell B-90- approved head-gear for fear of breaking, the law. ‘The way you’d read it, there must be.an epidemic of. acute or fatal head = injuries. amongst. : people -with turbanless, ‘standerd- sized craniums. We know that's nov. true. In. fact, -according ‘to’ ICBC there “\was.a decrease: in cycling fatalities with’ ‘increases: in _ pedestrian’ deaths (six) and vehicle deaths'(25). -. "A news release from the Ministry of Transportation states that there were 1,926: veyclists “injured and five killed. ‘Of ‘the -five deaths four were. not! wearing hel- mets. Unfortunately the » ministry could not com- ment on their head size. Based on these figures then, less than 1% of cyclists will die this year, compared with the number of robacco tokers. So why the hype? It’s simple: just another example of ‘hypocritical, bureaucratic meddling. On one hand, it allows people to choose their own form of suicide, ie: smoking, and on the other, takes it away, ie: helmet: laws. As an avid cycling enthu- siast, P’'ve had my share of bandages and cold packs and know the value of safe- ty. But while there is defi- nitely something to be said about wearing head protec- tion, there is also. something to be said about freedoms, rights and fair play. If safety and rising med- ical costs are the ‘concerns, then {et us get our priorities straight. 4 First, outlaw smoking and second, force: pedestri- -ans and drivers to wear hel- mets. Sounds 2, bit. ridicu- lous. It is. Just as ridiculous as forcing helract [aws on. adult riders. And ‘if you don’t believe me, just ask Cycling BC for a copy of its Nov./Dec. °93 newsletter. So I have a solution: fet - the manufacturer print a dis- claimer on cach bike — warning, biking can kill you. Then it will be our choice. Dennis Creighton — North Vancouver _- Tickets at the Queer Elizabeth Theatre Box Gifice “ARID ALL SSaNGauEaY OUTLETS : CHARGE-BY-PHONE: 604-280-4444 BE PRESENTED BY a ul Dear Editor: Sue Cook's Sept. 15 letter, “Teachers Get More, Kids Get Less” flaunts an array of statistical data, reminiscent of the David Schreck College of Creative School Board Accounting. I seriously question the purpose of this public flogging of our education partners. Closer examination of — teacher’s salaries illustrates that the North Vancouver teacher salary average of $52,301 is slightly lower than the provin- cial average of $52,323. (KPMG Consultants, January 1996), and now salary levels for teachers are set at the provincial, rather than the local level. All other contract provisions, original- ly negotiated in better financial condi- tions, have been extended by the provin- cial government until a new provincial Get plugged contract is in place for all teachers. The option to call for change is non- existent, despite our financial crisis, and therefore makes her criticism essentially pointless. 1 take particular exception to Ms, Cook's righteous indignation with our principals. In 1993, Descharnais and Associates conducted a comprehensive analysis of district administrative levels in the North Vancouver School District, comparing them with a variety of other school districts and public sector employ- ees. North Vancouver was found to be considerably below the average in admin- istrative expenditures, with operating expenditures of 3.3%, compared with 4% provincially. Since that study was completed, severe financial constraints have resulted in fur- ther administrative cutbacks, causing in, Noel, the alarming increases in workloads for’ oug principals, Salary levels quoted by’ Ms Cook were both grossly inflated and inac curate, Rather than unwarranted‘ criti4 cism, principals of North’ Vancouves deserve our admiration and enthusiastid support. eee Ue With the difficult and frustra backs our school district is experiencing it is incumbent upon all our educatio artners, including ’ potential oard candidates, to work: together, that we many find creative’and ccst effec tive methods of delivering qualityieduc tion to our children. ane Before Ms. Cook throws her-hat:inta the election ring, she may wish to, recon sider some of the opinions cmanatin, from her brain. ° ; ) Cathy Abraham ‘North Vancouver Net is a positive world force | Dear Editor: I have been using the Internet since 1985 — so I can remember when it was just me and 2,000,000 close friends :-). - By my reckoning that makes my “exposure” more than 10 years. Noel Wright, to the contrary, I have not required psychiatric treatment for Internet addiction, nor have I abandoned all recreation- al and social involvement. I can even write let- ters to the press using old-fashioned toois like fountain pens! His rather naive view, that the Intemet gives instant access to “all knowledge and ” experience,” suggests that he has never actual-;- ly used the net. If he had, he might’ have’ tool, like any other. world. ; Andy Dwelly North Vancouver reached the conclusion that it is just another I suggest that any technelogy that gives the” : heavy-handed government of Singapore pause; for thought is really a force for good in ‘the..:-]: ‘THE CORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF NORTH VANCOUVE 1996 TAX SALE - PURSUANT TO Section 459 (1) of the Municipal Act, the District of North Vancouver i publish the legal description and street address, if any, of properties subject to Tax Sale. NORTH VANCOCTRR __ The 1996 Annual Tax Sale will be held in the C at 355 West Queens Road at 10:00am on Monday, be included in the sale unless th ‘LEGAL DESCRIPTION ‘DL. |: Block _ 204 44 LE PTA71. B 543 26 579°—~°~SOY _ 580 7 580 - 15 54 i(‘