10 ~ Nozth Shore News — Wednesday, January 26, 2000 Dear Editor: Thanks for printing Shane Collins’ (Jan 12) column supporting the previn- cial tobacco ban. We live in an age where freedom, choice and individualism seem to be paramount values, as opposed to a con- cern for the good of the community. If someone is bound and determined to risk a premature and/or an agonizing death oy smoking, [ really don"t want to take that away from them. But just as insurance companies often have higher rates for smokers, 30 should people who burden the health care system after years of self-abuse shoulder the costs for smoking-related treatment. In addition, why should anyone who does not smoke, workers or customers, in any public establishment have to suf- fer the polluted air and health risks that result from allowing anyone to light up? Smoking on the premises says to me: go somewhere else. Of course, we all have rights. But if something one claims as a personal iree- dom infringes on the rights of others or does more narm than good to the com- _5 YEAR FINANCIAL PLAN - PUBLIC PROCESS The Mayor and Council of the City of North Vancouver are embarking upon a broad public consultation process for the Five Year Financial Plan in 2000 - 2004. In so doing the City is seeking to attain the following objectives: ith you munity as a whole, one needs to make sacrifices for that community. The title of Shane’s column, “Fit for Life,” is very appropriate. Both of my Parents died of smoking-related causes, one quite prematurely, after 50 years of cigarettes. | wish they had understood and taken to heart the value of caring properly for the first gift of God to cach of us: our body. We probably would have had many more happy years together. R. Faro North Vancouver +, Obtaining the best public input and consultation from as broad a range of the residents as possible to assist with development of sound, longer term financial plans; "© Providing relevant and understandable information to the public and Council about the City's financial future; * waking the process simple; -_* Keeping data high ievel in order to allow easier discussion of strategic issues; ~ © Completion of the process by April 10, 2000. Sravo to street editorial Dear Editor: Re: Jan. 14 Mean streets editorial. A big) bravo for this straightforward and long over duc assessment of the igno- rance, hypocrisy and legal stu- pidity surrounding car-acci- dent victims in our society. When, in a not-too-distant- furure, cars will be viewed the Did you know Barenaked Ladies’ bass player Jim Creeggan and his brother Andy have 2 band of their own caited the Brothers Creeggan? The brothers ring their unique style of jazz and wacky antics ta Vancouver on Sunday, Jan. 30 ior 3 performance at Sonar (66 Water St.) For a chance ta win two Sckeis to the show in a random draw same way as we look now at tobacco smoking (a “normal” thing just a few vears ago), our descendants will shake their heads in disbelief over the great loss of life and the ridicu- Jous court verdicts for the sake of'a mere convenience. Mariusz T. Wesolowski North Vancouver, BC rapicr@direct.ca send in your name and phone sumber to Brothers Creeggan Contesi, North Shore Hews, 1135 Lunsdaie Avenue, North Vancouver, BC V7M 214, Atin: John Goodman. ‘You can fax entries to 985-2104 or e-mail to . Deadline tor the contest is Friday, Jan. 28,9 a.m. Winners will be telephoned. With these objectives in mind, the following process has been adopted: Presentation by Outside Agencies (ABC) Overview presentation, public question period Request for input from the public informal Workshop session with Finance Committee Discussion ofTax rate options _ Financial Pian, Capital Pian and Tax Rates bylaws introduced Financial Plan, Capital Plan and Tax Rates bylaws 4° reading February 21» February 28 March'I] March 20 - April 2rd April 10th . vAll service by Govt. registered technicians Cu & Fnren F Check battery, test antifreeze, tires & brakes, visual inspection report” The target date for distribution of preliminary Financial Plan data is February 14,2000. This data will be available for pick up at City Hall and the City Library at 14! West [4th Street at the Reception desks. «Al above wih writen BCAA. nspecin 6 Please cali 985-761 and 980-058! to ensure the material is ready before coming to City Hall or the Library. 5 check” “hrc, cil, fter. top [onl The above presentations will focus on the strategic issues and will provide high level summary information | “jn the form of schedules, charts and graphs on total expenditures, total revenues, significant items, big picture “analyses of differences between years and directional trend information. - TECH * One