Finding freedom Dear Editor: Re: Nassreen Filsoof's May 12 letter to the editor “Proud to be franian.” Of course you should be proud to be Iranian, as much as other persons are proud of their ethnic back- ground. {n your letter you state you had chosen this country for “its many vai- ues, of which democracy was one of them.” So be it! Now let it remain a democ- racy in which freedom of speech still exists. Because one person’s views do not agree with yours does not mean that person is a racist. Let freedom of speech pre- vail. Let us hold tight to our } democracy and cherish our freedom to express our own thoughts. Let us not tum our democratic coun- try into the dictatorship -from which you fled, Live and let live! R. Dubbins West Vancouver ney : . AA TOPSITE TREE ASR R EAT EN AN AICTE OL AT mismanaged Dear Editor: Re: Municipal Tax and Spend While our provincial political hopefuls accuse each other of mismanagement and overspending, our municipal councils are qui- etly getting away with the same. North Vancouver City has announced a 3% tax increase, Their unashamed reason is that they need it to cover frivolous spending done without taxpayers’ consent. Meanwhile North Vancouver District is planning a greater tax increase to do all sorts of nebulous goad things. West Van is a basketcase so no com- ment is necessary other than its citizens can also look forward to tax increases, The only cause of inflation in the past five years has been increases in taxation, some of which would be called gouging if they were done by private industry. There is no reason that there should not have been municipal tax reductions in the past several years other than the greed of the local politicians to enhance their own self-importance. Today's youth complain the older genera- tion has put them into debt. Perhaps it is time for them to make a visit to our municipal halls and curb the ald people on council. They cer- tainly do not heed their peers. John Edwards edwards@direct.ca Matters of economy, environment Dear Editor: The political rhetoric of this election would have us believe that the economy and the environment are separate issues. This thinking is not only untrue but it is also dan- gerous. We can't make choic- es for one and against the other. That would be foolish and self-destructive. And besides, we have another choice: we can choose to have both a vibrant economy and a Dr Tere] odio family dentistry is anuouncing new Summer Hours: Mon.-Tue:-Thurs. 8am-5pm; Wednesday 1lam-8pm 1108-160 E 14th. St. North Vancouver Ph. 987-7272 We are always happy to see new patients, Evening hours and free * parking available _A vote for your Jim MERCIER West Vancouver, GARIBALDI will not split the vote! healthy environment, Communities throughout British Columbia, Nelson for instance, are already proving that economic development that includes respect for envi- ronmental values has a posi- tive effect on the local econo- my. We have been hearing a lot about economic — values. Taxpayer plans, budgets, spreadsheets, bottom lines. All of that is important bui not more important than clean water, fresh air, livable cities, and pristine wilderness. In what's left of this election campaign, we'd like to hear more about these equally important environmental val- ues. We want both a viable economy and an abundant, Nourishing environment. We want that for ourselves and for our children. Rick and Sally White North Vancouver [il have mine with lots of . cushion extra support andno bulk, please. New Balance recognizes that developing a superior lightweight running shoe means putting advanced materials and technology in, not taking performance features out. new balance Es MODEL ¥_ wou ey 2A [8 yO] 4999 “HUNNIN HAKS60_ WATERPROOF — | NaKSEO WATERPROOF — aa wane — [wwe00 WALKING § WX756_ CROSSTRAINING BC North Shore candidates Ted SHANDRO West Vancouver CAPILANO Caroline MEREDITH North Vancouver | SEYMOUR Stanley DZUB A LONSDALE The N.D.P. are NOT a factor on the North Shore. North Shore voters have a unique opportunity to hold the balance of power in a minority government. Your North Shore Reform BC candidates can be the key to that balance of power, — Refoym BC ON TUESDAY - VOTE FOR THE TEAM THAT WILL GUARANTEE Pw "Ga HONEST, ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNMENT IN VICTORIA REFORM PARTY OF GASTISH COLUMBIA Authorized by Sharon Davis, Financial Agent of Caroline Meredith, 980- 4634