MAILBOX Crist refutes ‘men without vision’ on golf course issue Dear Editor: You can dismiss as ill informed (hogwash, if you like), the quote in the News that the District of North Vancouver will lose $50 million if we build a golf course in the Blair Rifle Range in Seymour. The first ‘‘fairy tale’’ is that the district has to make a choice between a golf course or housing. Wrong! The number of housing units with a golf course will be the same as without it. The only dif- ference is that, instead of single family residential, there will be more townhouses. This is more in keeping with demand, according to the experts. But, if this proves undesirable or unfeasible, the world will not come to an end. I don’t think the res- idents will be unduly upset if the projected popula- tion of Seymour will increase to only 52,000 instead of 55,000 from the present 20,000. If you ask me, anything higher than 35,000 is too high. The second ‘‘tale’’ is that construction of the golf course will jeopardize badly needed non-profit hous- ing as advocated by the Housing Task Force. Wrong again! The issue has no relevance. Non-profit hous- ing can be built just as easily on part of the land earmarked for townhouses or accommodated elsewhere if we are serious. The third ‘‘tale’’ is that the District will lose mil- lions of dollars if we build a golf course instead of selling the land for housing. The opposite is true. No municipality has ever made a red cent from the sale of land for development which did not have to be put right back to provide needed services, not just in the immediate area but also for fire halls, new water lines, widening of roads, bridges, recreation facilities, libraries, more traffic lights, etc. The best example is the new $8 million municipal hall required because of the increased demands on the municipality, not to mention new transportation systems, new water reservoirs (provided we find enough water and provided it is drinkable), new sewage treatment facilities and so forth. That does not mean that we should stop all devel- opment. There are important reasons why well plan- ned and balanced development in the community can be beneficial and desirable. But don’t be daft and sell the idea that i: should be done for money or to reduce taxes, A golf course, on the other hand, is a winner. Unlike land sold for housing, golf course land re- mains an asset whose value increases continuously. It earns money for the municipality and, most of all, it is a permanent and cost-free green haven and pro- ducer of precious oxygen. Ernie Crist, Alderman District of North Vancouver Schreck knows city better Dear Editor, Writing off New Democrat David Schreck’s chances of win- ning the new riding of North Vancouver Lonsdale as dead, just because of the popularity of Socred hopeful Mayor Marilyn Baker, is presumptuous and premature. Columnist Noel Wright's analy- sis that Mayor Baker’s knowledge and high community profile make her the obvious choice over Schreck couldn’t be farther from the truth. The majority of voters in North Vancouver Lonsdale are City residents and have never been - affected by anything the District mayor has accomplished in her term of office. To say that Mayor Baker has a better understanding of the prob- Jems facing City residents is total- ly inaccurate. The vast majority of residents in the riding are renters and therefore are the voters in the next provincial election who have suffered greatly at the hands of the present Social Credit govern- ment, through the Socreds’ callous inaction on issues such as tenants’ rights and affordable housing. New Democrat David Schreck’s knowledge and understanding of provincial solutions to local prob- lems was very evident in his nomination victory over me last March. I’m sure i: will become even more evident to the voters before the next provincial election. As someone who has had the priviledge of knowing both can- didates, the people of North Van- couver Lonsdale will be far better News Mailbox policy . WHEN SENDING a letter to the editor, be sure to include your name, written legibly, your full address and your telephone number. Due to space constraints we cannot publish all the letters we receive. Published letters may be edited for brevity, clarity, accura- cy, legality or taste. off with an MLA whose knowl- edge of community issues is mat- ched with a provincial party that is willing and able to do some- thing about them. The obvious choice is New Democrat David Schreck. In the final analysis, Mayor Marilyn Baker will still be running for a seat in Vander Zalm’s party. That by itself should tell the voters something about the deci- sion-making ability of the can- didate. Alderman Bill Bell City of North Vancouver OPEN 7 DAYS A'WEEK Friday. September 14, 1990 - North Shore News - 7 Now Featuring THE MALIBU 6 person Includes * hard cover * 220 or JOOV 94 iota jets «cedar skint » thermo insuiction SHOWROOM NORTH VANCOUVER Q8Q-2612 | {across from Dave Buck Ford and Cap Mall) IN CELEBRATION | OF 10 YEARS 5 OF YOUR PATRONAGE WE ARE HAVING OUR BIGGEST SALE EVER! - . SELECTION & PRICES BETTER THAN ANY WAREHOUSE SALE $ SAVE SAVE ECQND TIME 2 AROUND ANTIQUES \.. 4280 MAIN: ST. JaNcUvER, North Shore Winter Club Building upon 33 years of creating values your family can share You’re Invited To Our Open House Sunday, September 16 From 1 pm to 4 pm _Come, be a part of the Action! JOIN NOW Before initiation increases $500. October 1 It’s where you and your family belong Interested in purchasing your own home? Wondering what you can afford? Curious about legal issues? Answer all your questions at: FIKST TIME HOME-BUYERS SEMINAR September 19, 1990 7:00 p.m. Lonsdale Rec Centre - 123 East 23rd St. INFORMATIVE PANEL OF SPEAKERS: ¥ LISA RUSSELL DIANNA-LYNN SCAMMELL TERRY KENNEREY Notary Public RSVP. eae NOGTH aes LISA RUSSELL Faittbsngee Communi 984-9711 1325 E. Keith Rd., N.Vancouver, V75 13 “PUBLIT CU REGISTRAR FOR AEL LEAG Saturday; Sept Sunday { 985-4135