8 ~ Wednesday, September 4, 1996 — North Shore News Embarrassed in La La Land Dear Editor: I disagree with your recent chim that you support free- dom of speech. While you readily publish the often hate-filled ramblings of Doug Collins, your “news- paper” (1 use the term loosely), the Province and the Vancorver Sun appear to reject all letters that contain any self criticism of this province (a.k.a. La La Land) or especially of this country. Furthermore, I doubt very much that many people on the North Shore have the same malevolent opinion on most matters as Doug Collins. If this was uruc, 1 would be very embarrassed to tell any- one that I lived here. Joe Robozo West Vancouver PIAILBOX POLICY LETTERS to the editor must be legible (preferably type- written) and include your name, full address and tele- phone number. - Petiestrians beware of dog area .-L amtconcerned about the tension building between reg- Dear Editor: ~ular pedestrians, children, and | ‘runners with the dogs and their owners at the Ambleside Dog Park... -¢When walking my canine » friend, 1 witnessed a near acci- - dent between an elderly lady and” two. young but large v Need second look at ihe real transit issues Dear Editor: For the record, I have not — so far — “blasted” the Lions Gate Bridge process (Aug. 25). Your reporter was canvassing the propo- nents of a new crossing — including HARBOURLink — for evidence of other recent negotiations with the Ministry of Transportation and Highways. Finding none, he seems to have concluded that I should be outraged at being left out. Most proponents have too much expe- rience with the ministry deliberately overlooking important issues to take offense at yet another slight. Nor did I express any belief, or lack of, about the fairness of MOTH tactics. His histrionics were obviously meant to be a back drop for the better researched editorial (Broken Promises). But complaining about devious practices by using twisted ones is not helpful to the exercise. A more startling headline would have been “Life found in MOTH despite freeze.” For too long, the ministry has been relying on the buses-are-good-cnough-for-the-North Shore logic from BC Transit and the GVRD. It would be immensely reassuring to discover that the ministry is capable of taking a second look at the real issues. Which raises the most important concern. There isn’t a definitive program. The ministry has not made any commitment to community development, rapid transit nor environmental sensibility for the new crossing. Since none of these can be accomplished at First Narrows, maybe it isn’t surprising thar the MoTH is stuck in that location. Also missing is a statement of principle about rail transit from two of the three North Shore councils, And the four focal MLAs might also want to contribute. i The public, through their stakeholders at the many forums, have already stated that only a rail-based public transit will get them out of their cars. For any clear position to be heard on this issue, there needs to be a chorus of support for a comprehensive, long-range solution rather than a noisy demand for any old crossing. Then there would be something substantive to report. \ Barry Griblin West Vancouver dogs. The lady almost fell and then demanded that the dogs be leashed and removed from the park. Refusing to do so on the grounds that this area is a designated dog area, a heated discussion broke out. I feel that this was a result ans should beware of active dogs in the area, Or for dog owners to only allow their dogs to behave in a specific. manner. For both pedestrians and dog owners, both are needed tor this area to contin- uc to bea pleasant experience Conlin giving wrong Signats Dear Editor: Re: Shaun Conlin’s cal- umn, Aug, 23. I generally respect Shaun Conlin’s advice in his Signals column, and have on more than one occasion clipped his articles to keep and share with others. Even this week, he had some valid points. Unfor- tunately, these were eclipsed by the unnecessary and unfair tirade against those who are “parking challenged.” There are many times that parking spots are at a premi- um, whether in a parking lot or on a street. On such occa- sions, there will invariably be lincups behind the lucky dri- ver who finds a spot. It’s rather ludicrous to advise anyone to simply “drive around the block and find a different spot... (or) park a few more spaces away from the mall and walk a bit.” Remember the drivers of all ages and apparent abilities who would find the extra walk a hardship. Not all of those who endure physical disabilities are eligible for a “handicapped” parking spot. Remember, too; those afraid of parking away from spots in the Tot org yarkade which are close to HM etter lighted and/or less- lonely entrances. ; We inhabit a world fraught f with intolerance, in-patience “ It’s rather ludicrous to advise anyone to simply ‘drive around the block . and find a different spot’...”: and parking spots shrinking both in number and size. | Those of us able to drive and park with grace and agi ty should have compassion for those less fortunate than our- selves. ae W. J. Matsubuchi. ° North Vancouver = MERCEDES BENZ OWNERS: If you wish to sell your vehicle directly to Mercedes Beriz or if you would like 4 current ‘or signs stating that pedestri- of ignorance on both parts. 1 for all. have never seen any clear rules Ellen Amundsen West Vancouver Mos: THE-PEACE-ARCH-AND-DELTA Bag HOSPITAL-FOURDATIONS-199 A f wv Top Grand Prize - $725,000 me Bonus 3rd Prize - $50,000 — With $25,000 Early Bird Golf Course Show Home at 3218 Can Morgan Creek rive, winte Roce am 2nd Grand Prize - $300,000 _ Beachfront Condo iris Waite rock Wearing a bicycle helmet is a really good idea for kids and adults alike. In fact, this September it’s also the law. So make sure your kids are wearing a properly fitted helmet when they pedal their way back to school. And with safe cycling skills, they can learn to steer clear of trouble before it _ happens. Kids aren’t born with helmets. But gpmmcpag sea SOFT. " good judgement can become second nature. 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