Dear Editor: Re: Is North Vancouver the worst place to do business in Western Canada? (Dec. 12, 1997). After obtaining a copy of the survey “Small Business Report on West Municipal Governments” by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), and reading it carefully, 1 had to admit it is a ~ ‘very objective report. In B.C., business constituents in 23 municipalities ~ were interviewed, and gave rather low ratings of their _-local governments. CFIB applied the results to a rat- | ing scale between zero and 10. All western cities aver- - aged: 3.68 points, and in B.C., North Vancouver ‘ended at the very bottom scoring 0.90. “Behind this sobcring figure is a loud and clear message, 2 wake up call to the city bureaucrats — lack of ‘awareness of small business tssucs, unfaimess of north shore MAIL B bylaws and regulations, questionable distribution of property taxes and iocal spending .. . How do our elected officials react? They condemn the report and intend to send a “strongly worded letter to CFIB indicating North Vancouver City’s displeasure with the report.” They also voted unanimously to “conduct their own sur- vey” — meaning to interview those businessmen who (for unknown reasons) support them? So, we shall look forward to a new, “revised figure,” and every- thing will go back to “normal.” This is a tragedy we have to endure for being com- placent and not voting. If the majority of us did, we could not possibly end up with this incompetent gov- ermment for so long. It is unfortunate that there is no Canadian Federation of Residents of CNV conducting a survey Wednesday, January 14, 1998 ~ North Shore News - 9 news OX Some bad business in N orth Van on satisfaction with the city’s performance. In ail fair- ness, only those residents whe have got a taste of a gross incompetence and ignorance, negligent inspec- tions, lies, abuse of power ... Would be qualified to participate. The outcorme would be predictable, and the most the city could hope for to score is zero. But that — again — would not make any difference to them. Jolanda Waskito would probably write an. article reporting that the city council “condemn” the report. Borrowing the words from Timothy Renshaw in his article on “Redirecting democracy — Canadians for direct democracy”: “All those in favor, say ‘Aye’. All those opposed, go back to sleep.” Alex Jung North Vancouver Toque tip Dear Editor: Just a quick tip of the toque to those folks who dress the lions on cither side of the south approach to the Lions Gare Bridge and decorate the tree in the landscaped area of the vast cloverieaf on the south side of the bridge. Each year I find myself wondering if it will get done and cach year to my delight and I am sure to the amusement of many, they are festooned for the holidays. Frank D. May North Vancouver t 13 years and you cannot imagine my ieapinement when I perused page 22 of the Sunday, Jan. 4, 1998, edi- 1(1997, The year in sports). Nowhere to be found in the month of July was there ‘any mention of the U-19 Lynn Valley Faicons having won the B.C. Provincial Cup in Prince George on July 6. This the third year in a row that this team had reached the finals‘and the second year that they had placed first. 1997 was the only year that the accomplishments of these play- “4 ers. were acknowledged by your paper in spite of submis- “sions from the team. “You call yourselves a community newspaper, but | id like to know.what it takes to, have the efforts of 15 men recognized in print. These young gentlemen along with their parents and coaches have supported the ““soccer.community for the North Shore for 13 years and destrve recognition for their accomplishments especially in light of this Being the last year for these youths. look’ forward to seeing some belated recognition of am’s 1997 achievement. ‘Getting: 2 studenis. Offer expires Feb, 14, 1999; ee ww ne ee oe —— of you can train and get in shape together with our special 2- 1 offer for new students. : ‘Martial . arts fitness training is booming around the country because it’s perfect for today’s lifestyle, and everybody’s uoing it: “Business men and women, moms, dads, families, are all getting shape while learning to defend themselves in any situation. fou’ve ‘always wanted to leara martial arts, and now with our mT special offer,’ there’s no more excuses! Classes are forming now-call us and enroll today! : CLARKE’S FAMILY MARTIAL ARTS CENTERS : #626 2601 Westview Shopping Centre : Gi: 988 - 7997 CLARKE? 'S FAMILY MARTIAL ARTS CENTERS L. Valley team’s achievements overlooked Dear Editor: T was amazed and disappointed when upon reading “The Year in Sports 1997” in the Jan. 4 North Shore News I could find no mention of the Lynn Valley Falcons Soccer Team. It is beyond me how any discerning or fair-minded person could ignore or intentionally omit refer- ence to a group of (now) young men who through the years have dedicated their time to the sport of soccer. Most of these lads started in soccer at the age of six or seven years and have worked hard in learning the game. There has been very tough inter-city competition with only their coaches and some of the parents there to cheer them on. The press was noticeable in its absence! The group of 15 players who made such a record for themselves during the years are now mostly too old to partici- ate further but they have left a record chind that should be held up to encour- age the younger ones who are following. Mainly the B.C. Provincial Cup, second place in 1995, winner in 1996 and 1997, surely this is worth as much if not more mention than. an institutionalized field hockey or cricket group. I get the impression that you are less interested in sporting events as yuu are in cozying up to the school and club infor- mation media: if the team doesn’t fall in the selected hierarchy — tough! Bryn Stephens Czquitiam (A prejudiced grandfather of a soccer player) _ Just Dropped _ Dramatically About 20% to 70% off, to be exact, on selected merchandise throughout our second floor. It's the best deals of the new year during Lonsdale Quay Market's annual Winter Sidewalk Sale. This is your chance to shop ‘til you drop. And remember, theres free parking all day on weekends; 2 hours free with validation on weekdays. WINTER SIDEWALK sALp January 10th to 18th_