10 — Wednesday, February 24, 1999 —- North Shore News north shore news MAIL B OX More ideas about what to do with B.C.’s fast ferries Dear Editor: There might even be a2 practical compromise solution to the “Glendoggle” fast terry catastrophe. Machinery, regardless of power or purpose responds to stress and strain and, as has been reported, when stressed to the linut even on trial runs, the Pacificat motors are no exception. The cost of repairs are exorbitant. The solution, then, is to torect the high speed perfor- mance. Let them operate at a comortable cruising speed. No doubt they would even be able to maintain existing terry schedules with reasonable economy and far less hazard to small cratt in the area. With the ferry budget run into the ground as is reported, and the aging fleet in its state of disrepair this, in fact, might be the only practical solution. Gurdon Wilson in his statement indicates that there could be at least one extra ves- sel in service during the sum- mer months. P. Seeley ‘West Vancouver Dear Editor: Re: Viewpoint, Ferry pro- posal, North Shore News, Feb, 5. Asa daily commuter from Vancouver to West Van I object to and take offence at your proposal to replace the Seven Seas restaurant with the Pacifieat. I believe I have a much better solution. During the rebuilding of the Lions Gare Bridge, com- mung to West Van will be a nightmare. Why not build a temporary terminal on Ambleside Beach and use the fast ferry as a “Scabus” from downtown to West Van? Indeed, this deluxe service could prove so popular that rebuilding the bridge might be put off te help pay tor the fase-lerry system. As well, the deluxe new ferry terminal could double as an art centre freeing up the soccer field at Ambleside Park. Surely, Gien, Gordo and the wizards on council in West Van will endorse a multi-mil- lion dollar feasibility study op this mast important issue. Derek Bell Vancouver Dear Editor: Open letter to Gordon Wilson, Minister responsi- ble for BC Ferries: Few things stink worse than a dead “cat.” Now thar you are the “Ferry Godmother” it’s time to bury ic. I'm not referring to the one that we thought was dead in the water. Seems like it’s been resuscitated for the time being. Neither is it the second cat chat is having birthing troubles from labour pains. 1 understand we need nwo puss- iffy-cats anyway. Gord, it's the third cat which you should dispose of quickly. It’s already got the added smell of “endypee,” which mest folks on the North Shore know is as aro- matic as, well, a dead cat. T hear the odour has been detected as far away as [reland (they just bought an Aussic breed), Norway and Finland; so a quick burial with the associated expense will be sure to get you a seat at the next election, albeit on the losing side. Russell C. Shelton West Vancouver Dear Editor: Re: Viewpoint, Feb. 10. Don’t despair. Indeed, the fast ferry adventure may make the Guinness Book of Records as the “fastest.” They have spent more sea time fast to the dock, ala Noahs Ark. Alan Gray North Vancouver Dear Editor: Open letter to Premier Gisn Clark: During the past couple of weeks our Grade 7 class has been discussing the fast-ferry controversy. It has come to our atten: tion that the plan co build the aluminum ferries has run into increasing problems. Pothink thar the govern ment should place a moratori- um oon the fast-ferry project and redirect the funds towards education. Think of how many books, desks and other educational aids could be pur- chased for B.C. schools. A great many T think and I would suggest thar these items are more important than fast ferries. While in the short term saving 10 to 15 minutes on the ferry ip to Nanaimo may be important to some people, I believe in the long term it is more important to educate today’s youth. I do not want to grow up saving that | could not learn to my full potential because Glen Clark only cared about his fase ferries. TE use at least nvo textbooks in school that need to be replaced, and there are many other books, desks and other items that should be upgrad- ed. Perhaps you could review this issue with a view to redi- recting funds to our educa- tion. Perhaps you may even take time from your busy schedule to visit our school to wet a first hand look art the situation. J.J. 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