8 - Friday, August 28, 1998 — North Shore News

RCMP actions deserve appiaus

Dear Editor:

On Saturday morning, Aug. 8, 1 wit- nessed a situation at Lonsdale Quay that demonstrated the professionalism of the RCMP in general, and Const. Brian Fedirchuk of the North Vancouver detachment in particular.

A middie-aged lady was sitting on the cement wall surrounding the outdoor fountain and spread out on a blanket in front of her was an assortment of items including bracelets, necklaces, masks, and numerous other trinkets. Handmade signs in front and on cither side of her conveyed the general message that she was claiming that spot, and questioned the right of anyone te deny it to her. Apparently she had been offering goods for sale without a business licence and the necessary approval from Lonsdale Quay management. She had been asked both the day before and carlicr that morning to leave.

When approached by Const. Fedirchuk, the lady refused to leave, identify herself, or otherwise cooperate. She also aggressively shouted at him to go away and leave her alone. This was repeated several times as he patiently tried to explain over a period of at Icast 20 minutes that all the other vendors had the necessary permits and approvals, and it was not only unfair to them, but against

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the law tor her to continue. It was a sunny morning. A crowd began to gath- cr.

It soon becaine apparent that there was np viable opdon but to arrest her. Wich the assistance of a female officer who stood by during the discussions, this was accomplished efliciently and as gently as possible and she was ied to a waiting patrol car, Dur cing this entire episode Const. Fedirchuk remained calm despite the fady’s verbal onslaught. He treated her with respece and did not raise his voice once. He then returned and under the watchful eye of the crowd spent about 10 minutes picking up all the items

on display, protectively wrapping or pack- ing them carefully in boxes, and then stowing them in her farge backpack. ‘The pack and her folding stool were then strapped on to the back of his motorcycle and he left

I know from the comments of the other bystanders that Iam not the only person impressed by this performance. This was a situation that could easily have resulted in the appearance of an uncaring, heasy-handed police action but tor the professional conduct of Const. Fedirchuk. He is to be commended. Lew Edwardson North Vancouver

Overtime plot shois off-target

Dear Editor:

Mrs. Sproule is putting words in my mouth (Aug. 5). F never mentioned “occa- sional unavoidable ferry delays as an overtime plot” -- that would be nonsense. My remarks were about ferries on regular schedules, running consistently late every day, year after year, and a reason I had heard suggested thar crew disembarking late received at least one hour’s pay at overtime rates.

Just like Mrs. Sproule, | have always found ferry employees courteous and consid-

erate, as they should be.

But I doubt she would feel as kindly towards that wildcat crew last year, if she were one of the hundreds they left stranded on the dock.

Denis Mason West Vancouver

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citizens are all gone

Dear Editor:

Ico, Leo (Knight)!

The question in your Aug. 12 North Shore News col- umn “How to explain that the protection of citizens of B.C, doesn’t. seein to matter?” must have been asked as a joke.

You must) know that almost all the available citizen protection the B.C. govern- Ment justice system is going to do is already committed to the citizens charged in the Nanaimo bingo funds diver- sions; and to those citizens {perhaps in) government) involved in the apparently ille- gal diversion of millions of dollars to the NDP govern- ment.

Ir is hard work changing

the laws retroactively to get out of giving back stolen moncy without being called thieves.

Any smali remainder of cit- izen protection is being used to make sure the Freedom of Information Act is not used to allow citizens to be upset by being able to learn how our B.C. government actually works.

High blood pressure could increase medical casts, you understand.

There is no more budget left tor real protection against such things as robbery, mur- der, rape or child molestation.

If you do not believe me, just watch the news.

Earl Campbell North Vancouver

Listen to WV, Larco

Dear Editor:

Ic seems that words of wis- dom have not been heard by the Larco officials. Apparently Larco, with the backing for their financial prowess, believe that they can proceed with their development of the big box stores.

Let me give them some neighborly advice. Larco should not go ahead with this expansion project, because if they disregard the West Vancouverises’ will, there is a possibiliry of a fierce backlash. such as a complete mall boy- cott.

Perhaps Larco people are well aware that if he West Vancouver public gets angry,

then all store flyers, scratch : and save gimmicks and rerail- ers” prizes cannot bring West Vancouver's shopping doliars Park Royal South. That is the area that will hurt Larco the mest. The ultimate result can be that Larco will eventu- ally end up with. lots.of rerail space for lease, but no taker i in signet. in But if Larco listens to’rea-

son and respects the: -all- important public opinion, and stops the big box projej

time, there would be a good: -. reconciliation |

chance of atic between the West: Vanco er public and Larco. Massoud Mir-

West Vancouver

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