Smith missing fuli set of trustee tools

Dear Editor:

North Vancouver School District 44 trustee Boh Smith has demonstrated ability in health care man- agement and administra- tion, Consulting firms like KPMG have solid manage- ment and accounting cre- dentials that can help bal- ance a budget. That's an important goal. But it isn't the only goal. And I'm not convinced that trustee Smith and the consultants are qualified to deal with the niultiple goals that students, parents and voters care about.

Cutting back “frills” like performing arts programs,

r “capping” the number of courses for high school stu- dents are both easy to justi- fy if the budget is al! that matters. Unfortunately, not all outcomes are easy to

measure in educition, And some can’t be measured in dollars.

The elected District. 44 trustees had their human filings, But they also had an impressive array of avad- emic training, community service and business experi-

ence, That's the kind of

broad-minded overview the district, needs. So don't blame Bob Smith or KPMG if some of their recommen- dations are nutty. For no fault of their own, they never had a full set of loals to work with. Moreover, the process was hasty, and we have been short-funded by the province for years. Meanwhile, our premier says he’s committed to edu- cation. I must be missing something. Len Henriksson North Vancouver

Dear Editor:

itis always with pleasure and amusement that Tread Trevor Lavtens’ columns. He has a witty turn of phrase and an interesting sense of irony, however, there were a couple of zingers in his March 15 column that must not go unchallenged.

The first is the closest to my heart — the Centennial Theatre. As its manager for the last nine years. [ can assure Mr. Lautens that the Centennial is not under-uti- lized,

A quick look at the the- atre’s March-April calendar will dispel any doubts. [n the 1995 season 90,212 people moved through this ouilding.

{ would say Mr. Lautens lost his bet.’

The Centennial Theatre is “seriously” busy. | ain tempt- ed to brag about the coming events but instead folks can phone the theatre to be put on our mailing list.

The second is Mr.

Lautens’ peculiar jump in logic. He equates the theatre facility with a theatre produc- ing organization.

Then he pits local theatre productions against the com- petition from mega-musicals, quality TV programs and the alleged struggle of theatre production in New York and London. That is like saying a community ice arena is not worth having because the Canucks are in town,

Community arts or theatre facilities. are just that — facilities ~- like swimming pools, gymnasiums, ice rinks, tennis courts, ete. They are no more costly to build and oper- ate than their counterparts in sports and recreation.

Producing theatrical per- formances is a different mat- ter. The public attend “brave litle local productions” exactly because they are excellent. They can compete quite easily if they have an appropriately sized, purpose- built facility in which to strut

Our buyers have returned with a massive shipment of premium South American and Columbian Emeralds. Now you can take advantage of importer direct pricing on one of the largest selections of emeralds ever seen in Vancouver.

$695

Pendant from $195.

Earring Studs from $35

Sale On Now!

$895

$249

their stuff

The success of Deep Cove Stage and First: impressions Theatre ut the Deep Cove Cultural Centre are perfect examples.

i applaud West Vancouver, the mayor, Coun. Pat Boname and district staff for looking for creative ways to meet the need for a small 200 seat the- atre. Obviously so does Mr. Lautens since he felt a twitch of disappointment in his own “old gnaried heart.”

I, for one, hope that those committed to this idea do not

stop trying.

One can only continue to dream that West Vancouver's “angel” is joined by a heaven- ly host of politicians and phil- anthropists to add this “pearl” to the string of arts facilities across the North Shore. Oksana Dexter, Cultural Services Coordinator, Centennial Theatre Centre, North Vancouver

MAILBOX POLICY

LETTERS TO the editor must be legible (preferably typewritten) and include your name, full address and tele- phone number.

Your All-Line Insurance Agency Open 7 Days a Week.

Homeowner Discounts for Seniors ... Mature ... New Home ... Claims-free... Monitor-Alarmed | Mortgage Free 12 markets available to give you the best coverzge

Richmond Tel: 279-9828

Vancouver Tel: 688-2323

Tel: 421-7275

Ignore this ad and you could get it im the chops.

$30g°9

REGAL 2

oemeed

Expensive cuts of meat can be ruined on a cheap gas grill. So before butchering anything this summer, consider this: Broi! King is an impressive barbecue engineered to help you cook better. Because ta enjoy a great barbecue you need to own a great barbecue,

evel Kisnes.

Great Barbecues Every T Time