8 ~— Wednesday, January 7, 1998 - North Shore News north shore news MAIL Box good for H. Sound Dear Editor: Re: B.C. Gas Southern Crossing Hearing It is distressing for our association to read the comments of the mayor of Lions Bay in our local media which, in our opinion, grossly misrepresent the West Coast LNG storage facility proposed for McNab Creek and the conduct of the Sunshine Coast Regional District. Itis our understanding that Lions Bay has made similar representations to the com- mission at the above hearing. Tr is equally distressing to learn that this hearing has become, not just an evaluation of the Southern Crossing proposal, but rather an evaluation of all proposals to supply natural gas to the Lower Mainland. Had our association been aware of the real- ity of this situation, we would have participat- ed as an intervenor in the process and made a signiticant presentation. Perhaps it is our inex- perience with regard to the B.C. Utilities Commission that is to blame. West Coast Gas has recently made a major presentation on their project to our associa- tion. They have answered every one of our questions in a forthright and honest manner. They have provided detailed technical infor- mation with respect to earthquakes attribured to the proposed site which has revealed that none of the recent quakes were remotely near the proposed site. West Coast Gas needs approvals and zon- ing changes from the Sunshine Coast Regional District. Even though this is at a very prelimi- nary stage, West Coast Gas has demonstrated that it wishes to become a responsible partner in our community. None of the other compet- ing, projects, or indeed the original applicant itself, B.C. Gas, has even bothered to contact our association, let alone provide us with any information or background on their proposal. Our firm position on this hearing can be summed up thus: if the commission is to allow the evidence or representations of Lions Bay to remain on the record, then we should be allowed to make a presentation, and that we should be given the time and funding neces- sary to properly prepare this presentauion. he West Coast Gas LNG storage propos- al will generate immediate construction jobs for the community, long-term, good-paying, operating jobs, and most importantly provide signiticant new tax revenues to our local governments. To have the decision-making process taint- ed by the ranting of Lions Bay's mayor i fe and in our opinion, indefensib: he issue of the pudlic only real concern is that her view may change is a matter that site will be publicly held accountable for. We have not interfered in Lions Bay affairs ; the vrossest of all pub- ible tram the Sunshine h significantly destroys the spectac- ular scenic beauty of Howe Sound because we realize this is a very significant part of their community’s flood protection infrastructure. Regrettably the mayor of Lions Bay has not taken the tin the project. If she had bothered to do so she would discover that while there are concerns with regards to the project, the long-term financial benefits and related positive commu- nity impact far ourweigh those concerns, and thus the project should be allowed to proceed through the neat level of the regulatory processes. We would respectfully suggest that the commission has two alternatives: either declare a mistrial, and hold a new hearing properly informing the public what 1s to be discussed and what is at stake; or suspend the current hearing and allow us, and indeed I suspect, many other groups, the opportunity to prop- erly participate in the hearing. We would respectfully ask that the commis- sion rule on our request forthwith. Bob Jones Elphinstone Community Association Gibsons Confounded by fantastic reference Dear Editor: Your Dec. 2) issue “Ticket Fixing” reports West Vancouver Mayor _ Pat Boname as thinking of Grant Police Chief) tastic job. SAVING! PILIS P aieed Churchill (West Vancouver One wonders to which definition of fantastic she was referring: quaint, grotesque or extremely fanciful? Bernard Moore West Vancouver bmoore28@smartt.com as doing a fan- TAXES: ate a limited number of s we have, co learn the facts of rie ide Clearance © with incredible savings nartiinmee @ How to br ng back our law and order Dear Editor: Re: A.D. (Andy) Danyliu’s column “No com- mon sense in judicial system™ (North Shore News, Dec. 21, 1997): It really doesn’t take an Einstein to see that the Canadian justice system has long ago gone into a schizo- phrenic spin propelied by i ed liberalism and political correctness. We live in a country with the highest number of laws and regulations per capita in the free world, vet a legion of criminals and perverts roams our streets and invades our homes with almost total impunity. Solutions? Here’s a few rather obvious ideas: ® Demand that judges be elected, and not appointed. This will make them more responsive toward the needs of the community instead of those of their political mas- ters; @ Treat the offenders according to the seriousness of their deeds, not just their age. Make prison time mandatory for violent home invaders, child abusers, as well as all repeat offenders; @ Bring back the death enalty for — particularly feinous criminals (serial killers, sex murderers, et al) — not as a penalty, but with the full understanding that it is a socicty-protecting and ciety-cleansing, measure; Make punishment mean- ingful. Get rid of all the perks and frills jailbirds now joy. Put them to work. prison security Cancel Clifford Ols cable and magazine subscrip- tions; & Refuse to listen: to the spu- rious argument that j criminals is too expensive. The moral and economic losses from letting them onakele jurmiliine gullay 1375 Kingsway at Knight, Vancouver 876-2201 Mon. - Sat. 9-5, Sunday 12-5 « Parking at Rear roam free are much more substantial and far-reaching. Also, see the previous para- graph for how to cut down Incarceration costs; @ Vote against any political Party that's arrogant or cor- rupt cnough not to recog- nize the necessity of these changes. Do not pay atten- tion to what individual politicians promise you dur- ing election dme, but fully consider the off party polic @ Finally, do sot give up when people call you a reac- tionary redneck. Do what right. for vour column, u. Mariusz T. Wesolowski North Vancouver Spccm 1172949 W. 3rd St N. Van’ oo ‘ (behind Cap Melt) “The vale of yo Annual ’~ 7 Sale fie v ; : Tye World's finest footwear for mer at rnetuced prices, - . ~ smet ids a * ‘Sheppards 852 W HASUNGS Al HOREBY. -, a, VANCOUVER . - 2 saad P q Part of the Provincial Road Safety Program. ag unowindow Covennas for ond Way ars + 984-4101. ai . / « = ur-dénations is * “measured in.more than just dollars. af n utie, NG ._ Children’s Hospital." °