Dear Editor: At the recent Ambleside and Dundarave Ratepayers” Association (ADRA) annual general meeting an interesting exercise in democracy took place regarding the elec- tion of officers and directors. The meeting was chaired by association vice-president Mr. Lionel Lewis, well known and widely respected for his activi- ties in keeping West Vancouver’s Council on their toes. The chair announced that nominations for the offices of president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer (one for cach) had been received by him in advance of the mecring, together with several nominations for director positions. He asked whether there were additional nominations from the floor for additional director vacancies. A member stated that there might also be nominations from the floor for the pres- ident, vice-president, Secretary and Treasurer positions. The chair announced that he would accept no such nominations. Several members challenged the ruling of the chair on this and demanded a vote on whether the chair’s decision should be sus- tained.In an out-of-character move for one who values democracy highly, the chair refused to permit such a vote. north shore news MAIL BOX Democracy gone missing Stop spot rezoning in NV City A member moved that the issue should be tabled. The chair refused to permit such a vote. Several members including a former mayor and several former councillors chal- lenged the ruling of the chair. The chair again refused to permit a vote. One former councillor stated that he and his family had fled Eastern Europe to escape from a government which behaved the wav the chair was currently behaving, and then left the meeting. Others stated that ADRA holds Council toa high standard of democratic procedure and should set an example in its own meet- ings. The majority of the members present then lett the meeting. This leaves the question of who are now the directors and officers of ADRA, Was the election by acclamation valid in view of the refusal of nominations from the floor? If it was nor valid, how is the issue to be resolved? One thing is clear, ADRA — already the second largest ratepayer associa - tion on the North Shore — must be seen as a very significant player in West Vancouver olitics if its leadership positions are so highly prized. Ed Guy Ed_Guy@compuserve.com Our justice system in disrepair Dear Editor: The following thoughts within this letter have been on my mind for some time and J feel compelled to share them with you. Having just celebrated my 36th year in Canada and 31 years of that as a Canadian citizen, my fears and frustra- tions about the serious dete- foration of our justice sys- tem that has taken place in the last 25 years are caused, in my opinion, by our politi- cians, th federal and provincial. By not preserving what Canada once was, is very frightening to me because our judicial system has reached a level where it no longer protects the inno- cent and adequately punishes the guilty. This is most evident in the recent Guess/Gill Supreme Court case, where, in my opinion, the aston‘shing fact was revealed that in the orig- inal trial six known criminals cha ed with first degree ler, not only ate their lunch at a public restaurant adjacent to the court house where the jury also dined, but, also at the same time! And, at the conclusion of the daily court procedures, they all went home. Charged with first degree murder, but free as a bird during a seven-month trial? Although this case draws a lot of attention, no one to my knowledge, has asked publicly “why those accused could walk about freely and mingle with the jurors?” How could our system allow this to happen? It is high time for all Canadians to contact their respective representatives in the House of Parliament and demand immediate changes to our judicial system to eliminate flaws that are cor- rupting its intended task. Hans A. Kummer North Vancouver @ Roses @ Hydrangeas @ Potentilla @ All bedding plants and annuals including hanging baskets, HAWOOD AVENUE wananta Dear Editor: Re: June 10: News article. ‘The church on East 23rd is proposing to quadruple in size and is requesting rezoning, of an area already designed for single-family dwellings in the official community plans. As neighbors of the church, we are gravely upset thar council is considering this expansion and rezoning. At least three previous rezoning increased density developments have been opposed by the neighborhood. Imagine if Friday, July 10, 1998 — North Shore News - 9 this type of spot rezoning occurred in your neighbourhood Would you fike council to approve a school or apartment comples next to vour house? If the quality of this North Vancouver City community is to be main- tained, then we must stop this ongoing increased density development. | hope that the councillors will support their community by rejecting this proposal. Dr. P. Segato North Vancouver Seized & Unpaid Cargo Handknotted Persian carpets. Many pure silk, wool from fran, Pakistan, india, China, Turkey. Runners, Kilims etc... 100's of pieces Gold, diamonds, Burmese rubies, sapphires, jade, pearls, tanzanite, Columbia emeralds. LOCATION: Masonic Hall, “Many mall and large zizes” 1763 Believue, West Vancouver DATE: Sunc.cy July 12, 1998 TIME: t pm sharp, Viewing from 12 noon Terms: cash, visa, ni/c, certified cheques. 15% handling added. Nealers, s. tax exempt upon proper :d with certificate only. Deposiis required. Admission rights reserved. Some reserves apply. lee | I/D /MRAPIDLUBE DRIVE-THRU Oil. CHANGE PROFESSIONALS ®