Get union transit facts first Dear Editor: Mr. Lantens characterization that Dohell and George Puil are “adrarabh: Ws corre However, comidering thar Mr Dobell has nor assumed his dunes as the CEO of the Greater Vancouver Transit Authority (GV TAG and wont until fan, F. E999, cogether with the fact Mr. Pail is very carly in his tenure as the GVTA'’s Chairman, its Peverd meas to why Mr Lautens would turn for comment en any transit issue to these wo, sclBadimitted)y, itex ‘periencedd admirable men, who clearly in their hick of Knowledge, offer comment surrounding a tuliy integrated “North Shore” service, The correct answer to: Mr, Laurens’ ques: tions is: Tt has absolutely nothing to do with the unions involved. We would never oppose a discussion oon the matter if we were approached. Ker men” As Dam sure spase is tar too dimited tor me to give vou, Mr Pautens, Mir. Purl) Mr. Dobell and most importantiy vour readership the his tory of the West Vancouver transit system, we, as stated) many mmies inthe past, would be pleased to sit: down with) Mosse. Puil and Dobell and work together on solving any prod lems of issues ansing from the GVEA rakeover, including a propesal on integrating the North Shore bus svstem, We would alse extend an insitation to vour edParial board teat down with us enabling us to give you an historical perspective of the West Vancouver system, complete with decumenta tion. Don't blame the unions, Mr. Lauiens, or atleast, don’t blame the unions andl you have the correct intormation, Wally Fawkes Chairman Joint Union Council Rethink recreation subsidies Dear Editor: There has to be a rethink as to how much the taxpaver has to pay to “subsidize” reere- ational facilities in) our municipalities. Unfortunately some people pay more tor their use (Le. of swimming pools) and others don't pay at all — the tennis players and joggers (using courts and tracks)! i most disagree with North Vancouver District, Councillor Ernie Crist: that: seniors should not pay tor these facilities. This is totally unacceptable when 75% of their property tax is subsidized by Victoria and most of them can attord to spend four months of the vear in Florida or Arizona or even take a $3,000 cruise every year because they no longer have a hefty mortgage to pay on their property. If we are going to provide free access to recreation facilities for one group in our soci- ety then it has to be for all. Ifthat is unacceptable ta North Vancouver taxpayers to subsidize recreation, then all users should pay a set user tee cither for one- time use or purchase a monthly /quarterly/annual pass that would give the purchaser access to all recreation facilities in North Vancouver, No recreation user should be able to use a facility for free (ic. tennis courts) while another user has to pay to use a swimming pool, as is the case now, This unacceptable practice has to stap! Bob Tarplett North Vancouver Wrong WV numbers Dear Editor: In response to Mr. Arthur MacDonald's erroncous letter in the Friday, Dec. 18, North Shore News, | would like to set the record straight. The total 1998/99 operating grant tron the province for West Vancouver's. School District 45 is $34,441,109 or $5,383.52 per pupil. This makes West Vancouver one of the low- est funded districts in the province. However, through its Gwa entrepreneurial efforts the school districr adds approximately $2.8 million to its budget. This enables West Vancouver to be one of the most cost-efficient, yer highest achieving districts in the province. David Stevenson Chairman West Vancouver District 45 Board of School Trustees The North Shore's Favorite Racquet & Footwear Specialists BUY $3C0 of regular priced items - Receive $89°5 Fleece Vest FREE! BUY $400 of regular priced items - Receive $114 Fleece Vest ‘A OAKLEY Full Metal Eye Jacket $i 99.99 ALL STARSPORTS 1480 Marine Drive North Vancouver tone block west of Mercedes showwroatn) PBone 980-8912 Brand New DUNLOP MAXPLY RACQUET . $149.95 * Stocking stuffers under $25 a Tennis bails, squash balls, thorlo socks, skipping ropes... Shop ‘til 9pm every day except Sunday & Chrisimas Zve (6prt) Sunday, December 20, 1998 — North Shore News ~ 9 Free press a winning subject fc Fram pase 7 would be complete without a terry tale: The tirst jab accion bv the BC Ferry and Marine Workers Union is the cur rent contract wrangle ato sure of Torry Caterer Services on the Horseshoe Bay to Nanamme run -- 1s bard to thom, The move might be welcomed by more passen gers than not. 344 A final yarn with a happy ending: Not all mentbers of the sounger generation are buy- ing the socialist bunkum that free expression is in need of Gift Certificates ' available by phone me yr NY student same government fine tin with a noble cause, political wg, correctness has virtually Conader, tor example, ruined the toundation of Kirsty Robertson, freedom of the press.” The North Vancouver Thank vou, Mbp. post-secondary student Robertson. Tvs encouraging ently won a BOO Press to know that the value of Council essay competitiog on expressing tdeas openiy has the subject of press freedom not been lost te younger and its responsibilities Henerations i, the spi cvcle In her essay, Rebertsan of public education. points out thar “freedom of — mrushawtialiiechen the press is one Gf the main: stays of demtocracy and should be seen as such... as soon as the rights of the press are limited. the scope of freedom is lessened.” And human rights com- mandas, this one’s for vou: “Abthough it started out “Christmas Gift fuguentione IMARI 2451 CHINA 1637 Lonsdate Ave. (1730 Manne fr. North Vancouver West Vaincouver EEE CHRISTMAS GIFTS of Relaxation, Becuty and Love Queen or King Package A full day of total pampering designed especially for your loved S4 6 4 Other Gift Specialty Facial Facial & Manicure Manicure/Pedicure Aromatherapy 1 Hour Massage Hair Cut & Blow Dry Prince or Princess Package Combination of Beauty& = $$ 89 Relaxation. 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