8 — Friday, July 30, 1999 ~ Norih Shore News north shore news MAIL BOX J Dear Editor: In response to avery frightening experience, 1 want to acknowledge some very important people. My son went missing while hiking in focal mountains and | learned tirst-hand the value of our focal search and rescue team. Althoug:: | was familiar with this team, on a peripheral, there when needed and taken for granted basis, this expesi- ence has changed my attitude. When | arrived at Lynn Headwaters at 5 a.m., having been up all night, 1 witnessed an amazing scene of people working methodically and cffi- cientiy to find my son and his friend, | gor the impression they were making it their per- sonal mission to sind: them, These peopie gave me every hope and encouragement that chey would find them, by keep- ing my friends and family updated on every course of action they took. Ours was a happy ending as is not always the case, We cannot thank everyone involved enough, both the RCMP and search and rescue. My family and friends will be making contributions to the completely volunteer search and rescue organization and will encourage everyone to do so. Education and funding are crucial elements in the area we live, God willing, you will never need their services. Margaret Gray North Vancouver Dear Editor: We are writing to thank all the volunteers from the search and rescue operation for the two missing hikers in’ Lyan St hikers thank rescuers Headwaters Regional Park on July 15 and 16. We would also like to thank the North Vancouver RCMP and every other individual thar was invelved. We cannot express enough heartfelt’ gratitude towards all of those who sacri- ficed their time and energy for us. We have both learned from this experience and hope to er again be caught in a sim- tuation. Your efforts will never be forgotten. Adam Gray Allan Dunnet North Vancouver investigaie ferry terminal alternatives Bear Editor: This is in response to your recent article “BC. Ferries boss defends usc of fast ferries” (July 21). Ac fast, a ferry ofticial who seems to grasp the real issues. f quote BC Ferries President and CEO Bob Lingwood on the traffic issues: “If it’s bad now, imagine how it would be “in five or 10 years — with the tight geographical constraints, constantly increasing, demand and continued commercial track traffic use.” Truck traffic will, of course, continue to grow on the Bowen fsland | and Langdale runs anyway. These are esacty the points local residents have been trying to make. So far, Mr. Lingwood and _ ferries minister Gordon Wilbon have largely ignored them. Surely it is time to call a halt co wasting more money (S12 million and probably a lot more before they are through) on terminal expansion until alternatives are fully explored? t would also fike te raise concerns about unsafe use of the Highway ) shoulder and the exits, The safety problems for highway and ferry use aot be ignored. My fear a serious accident is waiting to happen. Let's have an objective independent study, with com- munity participation, to take into account the long-term needs of the Nanaimo ferry users, taxpayers and commu: nit Can we trust BC Ferries to complete the study on its own? After everything BC Ferries has reluctantly admitted about the whole fast ferry fiasco and its huge cost overruns, T don’t think so. Oh, by the way, perhaps Mr, Wilson shoutd investigate a July 21 report in the Thanes of London newspaper. “There are now 60 warning signs around the resort and port of Felixstowe warning people of the danger, of “after-waves” from fast ferries, Recently a 33-foot boat was hit by a 15- foot “wall of water” which washed a 47-year-old fisher- man overboard. He drowned. Lyane Roberts West Vancouves Union attractive to some NSAMH workers Dear Editor: As an employee of eight years with the North Shore Association for the Mentally Handicapped (NSAMH), | feel compelled to respond to your, front-page article of - July..9: (Labour complaint laid) i which NSAMH exec- utive. director Rick Mowles claims.‘that the provincial government is coercing com- munity social services work- ers to unionize. I am disappointed that your reporter neglected to investigate the other sides of this issuc so as to be able to present a more valanced and accurate story. Please allow me the opportunity to addres: some thes w widerstand the paperwork and the evidence to be collected They have the ability “0 collect a fair settlement "THERE 1S ONIY ONE REASON TO. _ SEE A LAWYER... YOU NEED ONE - ARDAGH Hi UNTER TURNER 986-4366 AFTER HOURS 926-3181 Criminal matters only. | " #300-1401 LonspaLte Ave. NorTtH VAN. geal harryh@ahtlaw.com of its shortcomings. In the article, it is stated that several unions, including the Hospital Employee’s Union (HEU), had “set their sights” on. the NSAMH within days of the recent SCCEA settlement. In fact, a group of con- cerned (and frustrated) - NSAMH employees initially approached the HEU way back.in February, looking for help in addressing a number of pressing issues within the organization. These include: @ fair and consistent treat- ment of employees; a meaningful employee con- sultation and representation; @ and most importantly, decision-making that more honestly reflects the best interests of the individuals that we support. Wages and _ benefits, although always important, were not the driving force behind the decision to approach the HEU. As for Mr. Mowles’ con- tention thar a unionized workforce would be detri- mental to the. NSAMH, many of the association’s employees feel that this pos- sibility would be a significant improvement over the work- ing environment that cur- rently exists within the orga- nization. Alas, the only casualty would be Mr. Mowles’ heavy-handed management style and that is obviously the reason why he is working so desperately to undermine his employees’ aticmpts to empower themselves. Kevin Steiner North Vancouver Name: ‘Axel Whitton Nahance Age: 22 Offence: break and enter Name: Michael David Murphy Age: 3} Offences: thett, wo charges of filing ta go to court Name: Gary Tremblay Age: 39 Offence: possessing a con- trolled substance Wame: Morris John Bugler Age: 42 Offence: theft in Burnaby a a id Name: Heidi Michelle Reid Age: 26 Cffences: failing to go tw court, failing to comply with a court order Name: Gerald Kelly Creelman Age: 27 Offence: commit- ung an indecent act in public Name: Randolph P: aor Age: 35° Offences: assault, failing to comply with a court o7 order ' . Age: 2 ‘Ones 5