WEST VANCOUVER Open government policy questioned See 087-7171 CAP WEEK .,, Cheral Wheel Chair Accessible 250 Pemberton Avenue North Vancouver fon Dear Editor: "We, the citizens of West Van- couver, have often been toid that we have ‘‘open government.’’ However, we are watching a gov- ernment that determines its policies with as much secrecy as it can sur- round itself. Public discussion is invited, but in the words of Mayor Lanskail, “We decided not to take their ad- vice,” referring to the opinions of local citizens and. ratepayers groups that were consulted and were all against a $1.2 million land purchase. This purchase was brought for- ward into open council apparently as a matter agreed upon at the usual Monday evening meeting held behind closed doors before the council public meeting. Once council policy has been set, council is mobilized to push it through, using all of the ap- paratus, resources and funds of the district regardless of public will, opponents or logic. A good example is the 320 Taylor Way probiem, with the ini- tial decision taken hastily and almost in secret, followed by a ref- erendum result which council totally disregarded, even though the questions were loaded, and a failure to appeal an adverse Supreme Court ruling. Between elections, no opposition is brooked, and information becomes propaganda, to be used when convenient and disregarded when it is not. So much for ‘‘open government’? and the will of the West Vancouver electors who elected council. Liozel Lewis West Vancouver Government should not pay lip service to public Dear Editor: . The daily assaults on the princi- ples of parliamentary democracy and a relentless defence of covert government by its practitioners and supporters was never more ev- ident than in the July 7 letter to the editor by P.. Nigel Grant, chairman of the West Vancouver Advisory Planning Commission. In his short letter, Mr. Grant betrayed a deplorable misunder- standing of his role when he said that he and his commission were mot the servants of the council which appointed them. He went on to say that if one alderman can at- tend his meetings, then so may all, and that is when the political and advisory processes become confus- ‘What he fails to recognize is that when advisory commissions are employed by government they become an inextricably involved part of the governing process. In Canada, that means or should mean, public discussion of public business, no secrecy, an absolute minimum of behind-closed-door, in camera, covert activities. It means participatory government exclusive of no one. It is alarming that so many peo- ple in government at all levels, pay lip service to “‘open government,” parliamentary democracy and freedom of expression under the law, but by their actions and other statements reveal a contempt for government of the people, by the people and for the people, ap- parently believing instead that they hold their positions by divine right and the people be damned. Kenneth Foster North Vancouver APPRECIATION OF WNU SITUATION Jet pass a public service Dear Editor: The day CF118 pilot Capt. Parente did his low-level pass over the North Shore, my wife and I were strolling in Ambleside Park. I recognized the sound of 2 nearby jet plane, and even though we were not directly under its path and didn’t see it, the sudden crashing roar it made startled everyone with gasps of ‘‘What’s that? What’s happening?”’ That evening’s TV news reports gave residents’ reactions. At one of the schools, the children took emergency actions by diving under their desks. Personally, I think Capt. Parente did us all a great public service by illustrating so frighten- ingly what a low-level fighter plane pass sounds and feels like in its Rikki says. . .please recycie, it helps everyone. Thanks. sudden deafening blast. We can have a much greater appreciation of what the Innu people of Labrador are upsct about, with terrified children, livestock and game animals harassed daily. Low-level flights over Innu homelands increased from 274 in 1979 te 8,500 this year. If a new NATC base is opened there, as proposed by the federal govern- - ment, the number of flights would increase to 40,000 per year. To what purpose? Jim Williams Victoria store for a good alternative! EALTH DYNAMICS Foot and Back Care Accessories es “For sports or daily activities” . — Don't lat minor pain ruin your day... Visit our North Shore looking, comfortable CUSTOM DRAPERIES AND VALANCES Labour $6.50 per panel unlined, $7.50 lined. CUSTOM BEDSPREADS AND COVERS Low, low prices on blinds and tracks For FREE Estimates Call 987-2966 Serving the North Shore for 18 years. Robert Bateman’ S latest print “THE CHALLENGE - BULL MOOSE” 23°x344” $150 deposit A time limited edition print. Early orders will get pre-Christmas delivery $500 0 off framing (of this print when purchased at Osterson’s) 6 month return option for full credit applicable to next purchase. _ SEE $485 NORTH VANCOUVER VANCOUVER 1324 Lonsdale Ave. North Vancouver YW7M 2H8 : 988-8102 OPEN 7 DAYS/WEEK Vancouver V7X 1M3 684-4585 1829 Lonsdale Avenue North Vancouver, B.C. V7M 2J8 INTERNATIONAL INC, 13 Beneall 1 (over Mal) 505 Burrard St. [3 * Harmonies Capilano College’s new Community Choir will be getting inte the swing of things soon. Come exercise your lungs on a wide variety of music under the direction of Lars Kaario. No audition required. Credit or non- credit. Wednesday evenings from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Call 984-4951 for further information. There are still a few spaces left in the Food Service Workers program, Working with the Mentally Fragile Elderly, and the Long Term Care Aide Program. Call 984-4957 for further information. The Adult Basic Education Program is now offering a Physical Science evening class in addition to its regular English and Math classes. Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m. Call 984-4971 for further information. Communication Courses Space is still available in the following evening Communications courses: CMNS 150 (Basic Communications) offered Thursdays; CMNS 152 (Report Writing) offered Mondays; CMNS 190 (Magazine Article Writing) on Wednesdays; and CMNS 280 (Marketing Commercial Fiction} Tuesdays. Call 986-1911, local 2585 for more information. ; Po. Registration a information ’ Registration continues until Friday this week. New applicants for Academic Studies can apply on Friday. Returning students and those who have already been admitted should refer to their ‘‘permission to register”’ letter for their registration time. Call 984-4913 or 984-4973 for further information. CAPILANO COLLEGE 2055 Purcell Way North Vancouver British Columbia