12 - Sunday, June 5, 1994 - North Shore News re, PORTER IN LIPTLE more than a week's time, North Vancouver will make history with “tele-democracy” -— the first electronic ref- erendum on the North Shore. Organized hy Reform MP Ted White, the three-question opinion poll will address changes to the Young Offenders Act and the results will be used to support a private members bill introduced by White. While the conve- nience of this vote-by-phone method is commendable, unfortu- nately, like all modern conveniences, the technology comes with a price tag — 95 cents per minute, to be exact. Ata time when some people are having trouble just paying their phone bill, it is likely that the $1.95 (average) service charge will deter some constituents from participating. [t's akin to putting user-fees ou democracy — when people have to pay to let their MP know how they feel about any issue, access becomes clitist and exclu- sionary. However, it must also be noted that White has made it quite clear that this referendum is “an experiment in direct democracy.” And we must remember that it is just that — an experiment. An idea. Something to learn from. Would paying a service charge deter you from participating in a referendum? fh piled 2 Sarah Craigen George Wiedmann Bea Brown Jerry Duvat Garry Dawson North Vancouver Yes. Why should we be charged? | think we should just have a regular polling booth where people can go to vote and not have to pay, North Vancouver Yes. f figure the cost should be incorporated into it. Bither thal or people should be able to write in, We get free postage, so it would be North Vancouver Well, it would depend on the referendum. I'm not happy about paying, but iit was important enough, | would pay. North Vancouver Yes it would deter me from participating. 1 don’t believe we should have to pay. Surrey Yes. 1 think we pay enough laxes that we should be able to vote in a referendum without additional charges. But if the referendum is a cheaper way of doing it. important enough | would VERS Mahe Eat Mise SURVEY TEAM THE NORTH Shore News survey:team telephoned 420 North and West Vancouver residents to find outawhether having to pay a ser- vice charge would inhibit you from partaking ina referendum. The following is a complete breakdown of survey results: DON'T KNOW 23% 30% 16% YES NO 30% 31% 23% 30% 28% 54% 28% 51% NO OPINION 29% 12% 37% 2% GIG see 56% sees 51% 5% 16% 29% 4% IN% AM T% 22% 37% 2% 10'% 35% 51% 1% 13% vs 34.7% . 43.6%, 3.6% 18.1% 7 rome SINR NIA Mirae yt en EITHER 3 ‘aria Ue re Horseshoe Bay Dundarave/Ambleside British Properties Norgate/Pemberton Heights Capilano/Delbrook Highlands Lower Lonsdale Central and Upper Lonsdale __Lymn Valley Blucridge/Deep Cove TOTAL . live Don't Be Caugh Naked | Buy existing BBQ's now at the same low prices. effective until June 30, ‘94 Genesis 1000 Series All Genesis Series feature the unique atented Flavourizer System, patented anging LP fuel scale, weather- resistant wood side & swing-up tables, warm-up basket, spider stopper guards, crossover ignition system, steel bottom rack, locking casters, wood side and swing-up table, dual-purpose thermometer, and a rust-resistant porcelain-on-steel - hood. All NG models include a 12 ft. hose with quick disconnect. , . IF YOU'VE EVER WANTED — Ae EA TIES ANY Hogs SVT TD a ARE YOUR WINDOWS SCREAMING FOR COVER? A WEBER, NOW'S THE TIME TO BUY! ot Une (0 cover up, Beemise our Window Dressiig Sale gives you special . : wht thronah the month of Sines 45% off all Contour Seleet custom i and mini tilinds, Aud there's nothing shy about our service - our professionally tained stuf come cight ie your home to yoru a free personal consultation, Ask about our Full House Deal far extra savings on eight of nore windows. Call or visit yeur nearest Contour store soon, We're what the bestdressed windows are wert. Hurry in - these special discounts end June 25. CONTOUR BLINDS + DRAPERIES It's the pe discounts ci NORTH VANCOUVER 1226 Marine Drive 984-4407 WEST VANCOUVER 925-3655