Rail service required now Dear Editor: Re “Rail Opin on Track’ Dec) LO News Mialbos Ttoo hehese that BC Rail should be part of dis solation te transit aad transport from the North Shore to Squamish and Whistler, butt obyiousis isnotin their plans Railways look for tong-distanee freaght with less banding at the ends and more miles to carry, and BC Raut does a good job of this, Carrying: lots ilers of freight to the Carnboo and beyond which would otherwise the highways. Local freight does net est and the dacdues to han dle itare targely dismantled. Just after bread Lorraine Fisher's fetter P saw a BC Rial track gronding up the Cutin rush hour carrying a toad of rastroad wheelsets Cr presunnibly bound for Squamish. There must be a metaphor for this, like “carrying coals to Newcastle” but TF cannot think of it. But this sort of toad could be the straw that br the camel's back of our roads. Plus. of course, all the one passenger cars whose drivers cannot manage to use public transport. Transportation policy needs to include rail not just highways and ferries BC Rail needs to remember that it is a provincial resource. and that aver the years it has been bailed out of debt more that once before it became profitable, and it may have to repay that debt with fess profitable services. Michael Stephenson West Vancouver Help us cut our costs Dear Editor: North Vancouver District Coun. Ernie Crist reminded us that we can all help prevent flooding during periods of y rainfall — by clearing away leaves and other debris from storm drains, and by keeping an eve on culvert: grates (North Shore News, Nov. 29). Twas amazed by a recent letter (Narth Shore News, I 19) downplaying this common sense idea. The author needs to be reminded there are many things we can do for ourselves in our neighborhoods. The more taxpayers who per: form simple tasks like clearing drains, maintaining boulevards. and collecting litter, the less staff we will require to do these things for us. Keep those ideas coming Ernie. If enough people pitch in, we might make a significant dent in the cost of running our community. A.R. Casselman North Vancouver Coverage applauded Dear Editor: On behalf of the Together Against Violence network, I would like to thank Michael Becker and the staff at North Shore News for the excellent coverage provided for this November's North Shore Together Against: Violence Month campaign. Your cave of aet- work activities and violenee pre- vention issues for the third year ina row has played an important role in the success of the campaign, The contribauions mide by Andress MeCredie. Terry Peters. | Christensen, Anna ’ PY Angelo, Martin Mtillerchip. tao ble. Robert Galster, Julie Crawford. Brad Ledwidge. Ann Hamutton. and all other staff mem Hers nvolsed. pared: awareness of Solon y por Dssttos Pop thats Noth Shore oitizens Franca Bertoncin Project Courdinater North Shore bogether Violence Network \gainst Keeping alert to cut crime Pear Editor: bwould tke tothagk my alert and Kind nerhbor whoo photied the police on Dew. 2 abour some one breaking into nes hone while Poa away Abso a big thank you to the two police offi: cers who came so promptly Ms yvrandson had got locked out and seemy at was) pourmny rant, decided to climb up to his bedroom window and get in Having been robbed twice before Dam happy tins was a false alarn, Keep up the good work neighbors and we will rid this area of crime Better a false alarm than not bothering to get involved KE. Gardner North Vancouver . + ° tog AN NEED A LIFT ? 4N 16.5 Vy TO 16.5 Vp RETURN ON R.R.S.P. SECURED THREE YEAR TERM GRANITE FINANCIAL 732 - 6776 Snowboard Mitts ae. starting at ‘60 ~~. Lots of Snowboards $ 3 0 starting at Snowboard Pants : & Jackets, ‘99 waterproof * breathable starting at Good quality second hand skis * boots © suits in your quality sporting equipment © Best percentage available g 7 tensdale Ave 986-9283 On best wishes go out to you for a sabe and happy kabiday season, — eo tugred by the owiles of fowily, Vt