& - Friday, August 8, 1986 - North Store News Mailbox PARENTS ‘COUGH UP’ DOUGH W. Vancouver school budget clarified | Dear Editor: I have read with concern the ar- ticles and letters in your newspaper dealing with West Vancouver’s school budget. Although everyone is entitled to their own opinion, many of the statements have been erroneous or misleading. Regarding Mr. Sykes’ letter (Ju- ly 4). Yes, Mr. Sykes, the budget passed was, indeed, $900,000 more than last year’s budget. What hasn't been mentioned is that Bowen Island school has been added to our district. Parents wel- come Bowen Island, but we recognize that the operation of this small island school is costly and a very large portion of the $900,000 had to be earmarked for this ex- pense. Inflation accounts for a good portion of the rest. That left us pretty well 2t the same level as the ycar before — yct another year of restraint. During these years of restraint, maintenance and cquipment replacement have been either ig- nored or done on an ‘‘emergency only’ basis while services have been curtailed. This is not always the most economical way to do things, and it is the taxpayer who will pay in the long run. Regarding Doug Collins’ column (July 6). Mr. Collins is under the impression that half as many stu- dents means half the cost. Perhaps Mr. Wright could ex- plain to Mr. Collins what it costs to produce a 72 page newspaper and what it costs to print 36 pages and why it isn’t only half as much. The application would be quite similar in the education field. Regarding Mr. Lewis’ letter (Ju- ly 11). It is fudicrous to compare the costs of municipal services to the cost of the intensive services provided in giving our children an education. Each child is receiving over 1,200 hours per year of service. The implication that we don’t all benefit from this is naive and short-sighted. Just as the police department functions to rid our community of crime, the education system func- tions to rid our community of ig- norance. It might be elucidating to learn what Mr. Lewis considers “‘unwarranted costs’’. Regarding Taxing Toll (June 20). The article’s author is under the impression that the provincial budget included monies for extra- curricular activities. Virtually all extra-curricular activities have been funded by parents for years. Furthermore, hundreds of thou- sands of dollars are put directly in- to the schools from parent fund raisers and in the form of trans- portation cost, workbooks, student fees, art fees, plus thousands of hours of volunteer time. 1 would like to state categori- cally that parents have been “coughing up"’ for years. Sharon Coffman, president West Vancouver Parents’ Associa- tion UPHOLSTERY 25% SALE OFF ALL FABRICS OFFER GOOD UNTIL AUGUST 31st t “UPHOLSTERY LTD. 481 Mountain Highway | 980-2813 North Vancouver in business since 1955 980-2813 Owned and operated by the Nuttall Family FREE IN-HOME ESTIMATES "“SMOKESCREEN OF DECEIT’ Ald. accuses Socreds of co-op housing fies Dear Editor: After successfully wrecking B.C.'s forests aad turn- ing them into deserts, the Socreds are now turning their attention to non-profit housing. “.. their news- paper ads state, a special Commission has been set up to look into the effectiveness of ihe delivery of social housing options. But, for weeks now, long Vefore the hearings begin and evidence is presented by interested parties, the Socred propaganda machine has been churning out reams of statements and press releases with the big developer and landlord oriented press giving gencrous space to statements made by Socred “‘experts’’ on housing. These are the same people who refused to intervene when senior citizens in the downtown eastside hotels were being evicted to make room for Expo visitors. The idea of mixed income housing was introduced by the Liberals to prevent poor people from being forced into ghettos and to make non-profit housing, with its usual stigma, acceptable to community neighborhoods. Middle income families in these development schemes, such as co-op housing, have to pay close to market and higher rates than lower income families for the same accommodation. Without middle income families, such forms of non-profit housing would not be financially viable. For middle income families, who are willing to five in such housing, there is an initial advantage inasmuch as the down payment is much lower than on the open market. However, this advantage is completely offset by the lack of equity being built up over the years plus not being abie to sell their units for a profit. 5 : ‘ Dear Editor: iNurse lumps\ ¥ «:kateboards, jwith pride / Here is a poem I have written entitled Satire on Skateboards: % Sidewalks are cool for As any fool can see; No hazard to the skatelords Who strut their things with glee. They squirm with hula-power The whole idea of co-op housing is to provide de- cent housing in a mixed income atmosphere as oppos- ed to the crippling effect of ghetto living. Under this arrangement, such organizations as the Seymour Lions Club and others have been able to build decent housing in the District of North Vancouver, including accommodation for the handicapped. it is this concept that the Socreds are now attacking with half truths and outright lies. Non-profit housing, such as co-ops, has long been a thorn in the side of the big developers and slum landlords. They simply abhor it. Whai these types have proposed is that the gov- ernment give them the money to build cheap housing affordable even to the poor, i.e. slums, or give sub- sidies directly to the ‘‘needy’’ so that the landlords can raise the rents accordingly. Under this scheme, it is the developers and landlords who would be the recipients of government subsidies. A parallel can perhaps be shown by the fact that every time the old age pension is increased, rents go up accordingly. This is the game plan but, in order to bring it about,the Socreds first. have to put up a smokescreen of deceit. The new scheme, as proposed by the landlords, etc. does not make sense to either the ordinary taxpayer, who would have to pay for it, nor to most com- munities who would turn such schemes down. But it would certainly make sense from the Socreds’ view. After all, what makes more sense than to reward your friends. Ernie Crist Alderman District of North Vancouver Behind old ladies back, And should they flip one over, She whispers: ‘‘Thank you Mac’’. For accidents will happen, Some skate artists confide, So please folks do not rap ‘em, But nurse your lumps with pride. Heddy Andersen North Vancouver if you're moving, please let us know the details about a month in advance. This will help us plan the disconnection of your present telephone service and the connection of your new one. Since September is a busy month for moving, the earlier the information regarding your move is received, the better we can serve you. Please direct all your telephone moving information to either our B.C. Tel PhoneMart or to our Service Office. B.C. Tel PhoneMart Capilano Mall 935 Marine Drive North Vancouver BC. Tel Service Office 643-4242 BC TEL A member of Telecom Canada Hours: Hours: Mon., Tues., Wed., & Sat. 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thurs. & Fri. 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Mon. to Fri. 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.