inquiring reporter Elizabeth Collings 10 - Sunday, January 14, 1990 - North Shore News Cathy Friestadt North Vancouver I agree with what they did there. I figure they had no choice after the Panamanians killed the American soldier. It was the only thing they could lo. pay. Do you support U.S. ONCE THE drama of the U.S. invasion of Panama had calmed down, the public’s attention turned to consider the ethical and legal questions about the U.S. action. Al- though the U.S. eventually achieved its stated objective of bringing General Manuel Noriega to the U.S. for trial on drug charges, many people argue the end didn’t justify Philip Lemmers West Vancouver I think it was justified — somebody had to do it and stop business Panama and Columbia. It’s the toll you have to Surrey the U.S. 1 the drug going on in slowly. Jan McArthur I support the actions of believe the drugs should be stopped, and this should slow it down or put a plug in it Peggy Galbraith North Vancouver Treaty, which better way. Legally, thing to do. If it was a matter of pro- tecting the Panama Canal they are hinting at, then perhaps it was justified, but it could have been handled in a it was probably the wrong invasion of Panama? the means. During the Dec. 20 invasion, an estimated 616 people died, including 300 civilians and 26 Americans. In addition, the cost of the invasion will run in the millions. But others defend the invasion, saying the capture of Noriega, a deposed dictator and alleged drug lord, was well worth it. J.W. Dobson West Vancouver I think that the Ameri- cans did the right thing, and they should go fur- ther. They’ve got to pro- tect that canal so that: ships can get through. NVD Council approves 83% funding hike for GVRD AN 83 PER CENT increase in funding for the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) has been approved for 1990 by North Van- couver District Council. Contributing Writer The municipality agreed to pay $95,996, as opposed to $52,581 in 1989, when it approved the GVRD 1990 provisional budget. This support, however, was countered with strong concern from council members over the amount of the increase. Council stated that the increase has been accepted as a one-time, one-year increase. The bulk of the increase will fund Choosing Our Future, a pro- gram aimed at developing a long- term liveability plan for the Lower Mainland, according to North Ardagh Barristers 986-4366 Personal Injury Hunter #300-1401 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver Free Initial Consultation Vancouver District GVRD repre- sentative Mayor Marilyn Baker. Baker called GVRD payments money well spent, saying that the “‘aggressive program’’ to be un- dertaken in 1990 will ‘lead us into the next century.”’ But she did ex- press concern over the size of the 1990 funding increase. Ald. Joan Gadsby called the in- crease ‘‘astronomical’’ anu iaid the response to a Nov. 27 request for information on how the GVRD is benefitting North Vancouver District was met with a report which was too general. Gadsby said her concern was that if the district is going to be paying 83 per cent more, she would like concrete evidence that the money is well spent in terms of the direct usefulness to this municipality. The program is reported to be “fan extensive public discussion Turner & Solicitors '4-RUNNER SPECIAL LEASE OR PURCHASE 4 door, demo, automatic, fully loaded, white, V6, 4 WD 6,000 kms .... SAVINGS 28,700 CALL STEVE COLES LEASE AND FLEET MANAGER 985 11 51 Marine Dr., N.Van. wt process,”’ in order to complete a Liveable Region Strategy for the 1990s for endorsement by municipalities and the GVRD, ac- cording toa GVRD report. The report also states that the GVRD wil! “monitor and research regional development trends in- cluding population and household characteristics, commercial and industrial construction, and land use.”’ But Gadsby said a previous transportation study from the GVRD was virtually useless for the district and was ‘‘not money well spent.”’ The GVRD currently provides services, information economic famous for. development services and trans- portation planning, for its member municipalities. At requests from council, Baker promised more information on GVRD spending as it directly relates to the district as well as a cost break down for the Liveable Regional Strategy report. Ald. Ernie Crist pointed out that he supported approval of the GVRD budget simply because regional planning is ‘‘absolutely necessary’’ when so many municipalities live in such proximity. But Crist added that he believed Baker should be more outspoken at the GVRD level, especially re- STEAK. Any SEAFOOD 7 Corts We’re Closing Our Doors But Just For A While! On January 28, 1990, after 18 years and more than 1.7 million happy North Shore guests, we're tearing down the North Vancouver Keg and starting again. We'll be back in the Fall of 1990 with a brand new building, outdoor dining, our great view of the city, legendary steaks and the ‘““Good Times’’ we're We would like to take this opportunity to thank you, our guest, for all the good times! We’ll be here to serve you until the 28th Then, while we're gone, come down and join us at the Coal Harbour Keg, 566 Cardero Street, Vancouver (next to the Bayshore). Call for reservations — 682-5608 garding the need for a rapid transit extension to the North Shore. Crist proposed a motion stating that the GVRD be asked to make a North Vancouver rapid transit ex- tension part of its transportation recommendations in the regional! transportation plan. The motion was seconded for discussion only, and was deferred until a draft North Shore transportation plan is brought to council Jan. 22. Crist later said: ‘‘There is no way we can maintain our liveabili- ty here in North Van; there is no way that we can solve the traffic problems, unless we have rapid transit.’”