7 - Friday, December 29, 1989 ~ North Shore News Shorter, faster route to North Shore is better than ‘spreading the megalopolis’ Dear Editor: Gary Bannerman’s shameless confession of Nov. 12 that he and he alone was responsible for killing the 20-year-old Swan Wooster crossing of Burrard Inlet wiil not put that duplicitous act (after all he was a Tory selling an act of sabotage to a Grit) to rest. He can be forgiven because he was barely out of Bunny School at the time. Today, while he tools around in Lis humongous Cadillac befouling the atmosphere between here and Chilliwack, we more modest folk must grind about in our small im- port vehicles trying to save our cit- izens from that traumatic day when the Si-year-old Lions Gate Bridge succumbs to old age. Fortunately there are a_ large number of ecologically-sound people who believe a. shorter, faster route to the North Shore is more efficacious than spreading the megalopolis through valuable farmland to the far reaches of the Fraser Valley. One such person even helped us design a ‘‘Third Crossing Now’’ bumper sticker, and investigative reporter Bannerman might like to know that she is ar- tist/photographer Patricia Ban- nerman, wife of you-know-who. In this instance the third cross- ing is made up of the one he’s now Reader not convinced that MP Cook understands GST Dear Editor: I am the founder of the Save Canada Campaign and would like to comment on the misleading Statements made by the North Vancouver Conservative MP Chuck Cook in your recent article regarding our anti-Goods and Ser- vices Tax campaign. According to Finance Minister Michael Wilson, the GST is reve- nue neutral and is a replacement for the outdated 13.5 per cent Federal Sales Tax. It is supposed fo generate revenue of approxi- mately $24 billion in 1991, which leaves $5.5 billion after taking into consideration that FST in the same period would have raised $18.5 billion. : After factoring in the cost of administering the program, I wonder how much of the GST, if any, will find its way to reducing the deficit. I believe we should ask Mr. Cook to publish in your newspaper exact details of the rev- enue and disposition of the GST so thar all your readers are kept fully informed on this important maiter. The second point relates to the small business sector with sales of less than $30,000 who will not pay GST but of course will have to charge it to consumers. I would like Mr. Cook to clarify for the readers how this will be ad- ministered, i.e. what records will the small business person be forced to keep? Will they pay the tax first and then apply for a refund? What percentage of the total small business population has sales less than $30,000? The third point relates to Cana- dians earning between $40,000 and $50,000 annually who will have their tax reduced to 25 per cent. This is awfully difficult to under- stand as no current tax bracket is in this range. What does he mean? What happens to the person who earns $39,500 or $51,000? I trust perhaps Mr. Cook was quoted out of context, but in any event, an explanation to the teaders would be most enlighten- ing. Finally, the point Canadian manufacturers concerning being more competitive in world markets because of GST is a total red herr- ing as currently goods for export do not have FST charged on them. Nevertheless, Mr. Cook believes more jobs will be created in the manufacturing sector. Perhaps we should ask him how many and in what particular line of manufac- turing they will be created. Mr. Cook is right in stating that the government has not done a good job of selling or explaining GST, but then neither has he. In- deed, I am not convinced Mr. Cook understands the tax at all. As a result of the article, I have had many phone calls from con- cerned citizens who are somewhat mystified by Mr. Cook’s com- ments. I trust you will be able to publish this letter in order to give Mr. Cook an opportunity to clari- fy his comments for your readers. ! would like to thank your newspaper, and in particular Mr. Renshaw, who had the conviction necessary to write such an article. | believe that through communica- tion channels such as this, the public will become much more aware of the negative impact this proposed tax will have on our lifestyles and economy. John R. Bunch North Vancouver Ar exotic safari into the heart of fine East African Indian Cuisine JOIN US ON NEW YEAR’S EVE * * Recommended “Where to eat in Canada” —~ ‘89 1344 LONSDALE AVE. NORTH VANCOUVER Bioliday Deadlines deadlines will be as follows: Wed., Dec. 27, 4 p.m. for Sun THE VOICE OF NORTH AND WEST VANCOUVER ‘north’ sh SUNDAY + WEDNESDAY > FRIDAY ‘ADVERTISERS - With the holiday season upon us, the North Shore News advertising Display Advertising: Wed., Dec. 20, 3 p.m. for Sun., Dec. 24 edition Thurs., Dec. 21, 11 a.m. for Wed., Dec. 27 edition Fri., Dec. 22, 4 p.m. for Fri., Dec. 29 edition Fri., Dec. 29, noon for Wed., Jan. 3 edition Classified Advertising Fri., Dec. 22, 10 a.m. for Sun., Fri., Dec. 22, 1 p.m. for Wed., Thurs., Dec. 28, 12 noon for Fri., Dec. 29 edition Fri., Dec. 29, 12 noon for Sun. The North Shore News will be closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. To book advertising, cail Display—980-0511 Classified—986-6222 1139 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver, B.C. FAX 985-3227 RESERVATIONS 984-2775 ., Dec. 31 edition Dec. 24 edition Dec. 27 edition , Dec. 31 edition. getting and the double-crossing he gave to us native folk two decades ago. He is totally wrong when he writes, ‘It may be well into the next century before we are served by rapid transit."" We started the Downtown Van- couver Association campaign in 1989 because we reasoned that so many groups will have to approve of any crossing proposal that if all agreed tndav it would be at least the vear 2000 before it would be a fait, accompli. Unless an_ earth- quake, explosion or sabotage ad- vance the construction schedule, we're now aiming for the year 3000. Our position is not one of tilting at windmills; it's one of loooooong range vision. E.A. 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