"Dear Editor: _ -David Mitchell is right to praise Ken Haycock for his contribution as the chair of the West Vancouver schoo! board, but he is wrong to suggest that his proposal to integrate some school and rnunicipal services is being shunned by council ‘(An Ovation for Integration, August 1, 1997) Like many though columnists, Da . -destroyed a good story by ~ ignoring the facts.

“, Even brief enquiry would have disclosed that the sugges- tion by Ken Haycock is not of recent origin, has been favor- ably discussed at two mectings

. Of the council and board, and ‘is.the subject of continuing xamination by the joint coun- and board committee which -is: established to pursue such ‘ {matters and recommend action by the board and council. Unfortunately,: in. the absence of the facts, David _.* Mitchell has jumped to conclu- sions ,.and ~ left. . erroneous pressions: which. must be corrected ‘Jest the public be isled. 1 would note: ention is made of the relo- cation of the. board administra- n Offices to the munici hall sité. This is part of an idea

-advanced by “the board to |

Mr.. Krieger’ would be

g his own. "

while. Krieger's prod: : epicts shallow: cynicism. cial sarcasm.”

After more than 20 years in ©

field, he should re-examine " ‘his own “work and seriously _ ler resignin ition

with ‘the: the. Province, 30 we d all’ get break from his

‘Starts Moriday. Sept: 22nd- *

Sevekre

\Se

_be known that the

develop its property on 21st Street and parts of two school sites for high rise residential compléxes. The revenues trom such development would be used to enrich school pro- grams.

The idea is not without merit. For its part, the council is waiting for the board to pre- sent its plan to use the munici- pal hall site for the relocation of its administration offices and to disclose the scale of the real estate development; as to grass cutting, it should Parks Department cuts the grass on all school playgrounds, playi fields and round schoo baie ings. The department also inaintains all school ball dia- monds which the board makes available for scheduled com-

David Leahy | B.Sc., DSP

f Gavin’ "Physiotherapy jates are ‘pleased to ‘announce that. David Leahy, Ppiniserpt ara Pathologist,

‘Swallowing, David is offering a ‘much’ needed | service to the community. | -

The clinic! of Gunnel Gavin Physiotherapy Associates is par- ticularly well equipped for rehabilitation of strokes, MS and other neurological conditions. Combined, the 4 physiothera- pists on’ staff offer over 80 years of experience in this fietd.

For appointment call

north she

re ReWwS

MALL Box research

munity use. The board contributes about one third of the $100,000 annual cost and the Parks Department is allowed to use the playfields on weekends and school holidays;

@ as to joint use of other school facilities, the Recreation Department has requested the use of gymnasia and other rooms suitable for organized community prograns.

The board, properly, insists upon a separate joint use agreement for each school which gives first use to the school, second to community groups which the board has traditionally supported. Thereafter the department can use the space so long as it fits

the programs to the janitorial scheduie, pays all custodial costs and a rent which is nego- tiated with the board;

@ the integration of services such as purchasing, personnel, payroll, moncy management,and safety has been referred to the school superintendent and che munic- ipal manager for report and recommendation.

This is not “meekly defer- ring to government func: tionaries” and is not an excuse for inaction.

Even a cursory examination of the administrative organiza- tion and budget of the school district. and the municipality would show that careful study is necessary to identify the ben-

efits and design any workable and efficient pro; to inte- grate any part of the adminis- tration of these rwo bodies. To proceed otherwise would be irresponsible.

In conclusion, contrary to the unsupported opinions and errant nonsense advanced by David Mitchell, the people of West Vancouver can rest assured that the buard and the council are fulfilling their

nsibilitics without fear of er new ideas or the demands of leadership.

Neither are they afraid to do the research upon which Positive results — and good sto- ries — depend.

L. Allan Williams, Q.C. West Vancouver

Cuts hurt

Dear Editor:

Re: West Van library cuts.

Council can find $10,000 to demolish a few harmless mountain: cabins and funds for “necessities” of ‘that ilk, yet. finds it essential to cut the operat- - ing hours of our library to below anything in ‘the Lower Mainland?

- The most _ utilized” library in the country?

The most heavily. vol-. unteer and user-supported . facility in this municipali- ¥ When is. the: municipal election? Elisabeth Preddic West Vancouver...

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