A2 - The Terrace Standard, Wednesday, September 18, 1996 Parents demand more democracy By CRIS LEVKAUF THE MESSAGE WAS pretty clear at Manday night's meeting on the amalgamation of the Terrace and Kitimat school boards. Terrace parents and teachers want more say than they've had in the past. And Kitimat parents and teachers, who have amore democratic decision making process right now, want to keep it at any cost. ; The Monday night meeting was arranged by Terrace par- ents who felt they weren't having a-substantial role in the amalgamation of the two districts. Kitimat parent Brenda Feldhoff described the more demo- cratic Kitimat model. It’s only. been in-place a short while, and replaced a more hierarchical, top-down model such as she said Terrace has now. ; She and another parent sit:on a budget committee and an advisory committee which make recommendations to the Kitimat school board. Both committees have representatives from Canadian Union of Public Employees workers, teach- ers, administration and trustees. “It's not a perfect model, but it has been working in Kitimat and I would hate to see it gone,” she said, Frank Rowe, president of the Terrace teacher’s union, also asked for more for teacher participation. “The teachers [ represent have been excluded from con- sultation,” he said. He said the more democratic Kitimat model was translat- able to the new unified district.- ; Although the Coast Mountain district would be much larger than Kitimat, he felt committees could be formed in every community to give more voice to parents and teachers. If the new district weren't more democratic, Rowe warned of “an antagonistic and hostile relationship” between Terrace and Kitimat, Kitimat teacher Rick Sutherland said he had come to the meeting because he didn’t want to lose the democratic pro- cess that had been established in Kitimat. When the Kitimat board changed, it didn’t lose any authority or accountability, said Sutherland. But real author- ity was given to the stakeholders. “It made a real difference to me as an employee. If you have employees who are happier and more content, they do a better job,” said Sutherland. “Then who wins then? Those kids.” Cathy Lambright, past president of the Terrace teacher’s union, criticized the Terrace board for not being responsive. She said in the past teachers were asked for their opinions into the budget just three days before the document was drawn up, and questioned what value that could have at such alate date. Laurie Mitchell, a trustee for Terrace, defended the Terrace board, saying that the district did listen to outside groups. Feldhoff replied that valuing parental views was different from having parents sit on advisory boards as equal partners. Terrace teacher Sandra Audet criticized Terrace board meetings as well. “Board meetings are very frustrating,” she said. She complained that there was no discussion on any substantive issues at the meetings, and said she had the feel- ing that everything important had already been decided beforehand, From there the meeting moved onto questions about. the progress the transition committee has made, in determining how to join the two districts... - mee, Peter King, a Kitimat trustee and member of the transition commitiee, reported that since initial decisions on the size of the amalgamated board, and name of the new district, “all meetings have come to disagreement on anything discussed.” The key point of contention is how to select the senior administration for the new district. Terrace trustees have said they want to keep their senior administrators, and that they value them. The administrators also have very expensive contracts to buy out and should that happen, the money would have to come from the district, Feldhoff said both Terrace and Kitimat parents had spo- ken to her, concerned about who the new superintendent of the district would be, “Terrace and Kitimat parents want an unbiased, fresh new view,” she said. “People are very afraid of the status quo.” Feldhoff said parents in both towns had said they were worried about inheriting Terrace’s current superintendent. The meeting closed with a call for the minutes of last night’s transition commiltee meeting to be made public, wal. EEE ene STOP Press Reformer stepping down Provincial Reform party leader Jack Weisgerber is stepping down, The Peace River area MLA made the announcement Monday. First elected as a Socred in the 1980s, Weisgerber was named native atfairs minister by Premier Bill Vander Zalm and hung onto his seat in 1991 when the Socreds were defeated by the NDP. He left the Socred party with other MLAs to become a Reformer, becoming that party’s leader for this spring's election. Weisgerber was just one of two Reformers elected to the pro- vincial legislature this spring and his announcement was just a niatter of time. Claims group heads here A LEGISLATIVE committee luoking into land claims is coming to the northwest in two weeks. It’s scheduled to be in the Nass Valley Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. Oct, 2 in Kitimat and in Terrace and Oct. 3in Prince Rupert. The all-party select standing committee on aboriginal affairs is touring around the province ta hear about land claims based on issues raised in the Nisga‘a agreement in principle. It's to report to the provincial government next year on key issues such as land, resources and self government surrounding Jand claims. The provincial government has said it will use whatever is brought up by the cammittee in the many land claims negotia- tions now taking place across the province. For those not able to attend the northwest sessions, Channel 10 is planning to carry the ones held in Kitimat and in Terrace. Channel 10 co-ordinator Maria McGowan said there's a possibility of braadcasting the Terrace session live, Hazelton, Smithers, Burns Lake and Vanderhoof are also an the committee’s stup list between Oct. 28 and Oct, 30, The committee held its first meeting yesterday in Vancouver featuring a briefing on land claims history by UBC professor Paul Tennant followed by a session on the tentative Nisga'a deal by Nisga’a, federal and provincial negotiators. Te meets again in Vancouver Sept. 27 before heading up north. The committee is made up of 12 members of the provin- cial legislature and NDP MLA Ian Waddell of Vancouver is the chair. Also on the committee is NDP MLA Bill Goodacre from Smithers, Reform party leader Jack Weisgerber and Liberal MLA Geoif Plant. Getting tough with violence BC’S POLICY on violence against women in relationships has been updated by the province in an effort to better pro- tect women and children. ; '*The extent of violence against women in relationships is alarming,”’ says Attorney General Ujjal Dosanjh, ‘‘and ‘ol povVernment is commilted to stopping it.”’ The policy directs police, crown counsel and other mem- bers of the justice system to emphasize the criminal aspect of violence in relationships, The update includes new in- formation on firearms and on the role of family court counselors. The government has also established a central registry of protection orders to ensure police have access to accurate and current information on peace bonds and civil restrain- Ing orders. New legislation has been written providing improved tights and services for victims. And money has been handed out to transition houses, counselling and assaultive men’s treatment Programs, as well as violence prevention and public education pro- grams. CRIVETA STOPPERS 635-TIPS YOU BE THE JUDGE by Claire Bernstein ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS MY FOUR FRONT TEETH “Tl have to see the dentiat right away. I'm in terrible pain.” The receptionist looked up. “Mrs. Wilson, You must be in great prin to burat in here like this,” Mrs. Wilson practically stamped her feet. “If your top four front teeth were racked with pain, you wouldn't be sweet and calm either, Now are you going to let me see the dentist or do Ijust go directly in.” The receptionist rushed to the dentists chair where he was drilling a patient's teoth. She told him of the woman's plight. The dentist excused himself and hurried into the waiting room. “Mra, Wilson, I’m sa sorry you're in pain. Please come with me into my other chair and we'll take a-look at the problem.” ‘The dentist examined Mra. Wilson, and gave her his diagnosis. “You've gat four crowns on the top front four teeth. These crowns are splinted together. I think that one of the teeth underneath ita crown ia damaged. We're going to have to take off the crowns. And if that tooth is damaged, then all four teeth are going to have to come aut.” Mra. Wilson was desperate. “Do what you have to do. I can’t live with the pain.” The dentist was cautious. “Mrs. Wilson, have you heard me? J said four teeth. There are other options. Why don’t you get a second opinion?” Mrs. Wilson was adamant. “I heard you. Now you hear me. Do it.” The dentist froze Mrs. Wilson's mouth, returned to finish the drilling on his oth- er patient and then returned to Mrs. Wilson and removed the teeth. “It’s over, Mrs, Wilson. No more pain.” Mrs.: Wilson grabbed a mirror. She almost fainted, “My teeth. My wonderful front teeth. Look at me. I’m a woman of 55, but it’s an old hag that’s staring back at me. You've ruined me. You're an incompetent dentist and a monster of a man, I'm going to sue you for all that you're worth.” “But Mrs, Wilson, I told you to get another opinion, but you said you wanted your teeth out,” “Yes, and you should have never lis- tened to me, I was hysterical.” Mrs. Wilson stomped out of the office and laid a complaint with the Royal College of Dental Surgeons. They threw out her complaint so she went to court. “Your honor, this man is not a dentist. He's a butcher, My four front teeth are gone, His work is unprofessional and sloppy. He should not be allowed to tar- ture people like me. Make him pay.” “Your honor, this waman is obsessed with her toothlessness. There is not one scintilla of evidence that I behaved negli- gently, All of the risks and options were explained. She consented. Make her go away.” Should the dentist he liable? YOU! BE THE JUDGE, Then look below for the court's decision. SPONSORED BY “Helping People Cope with the Legal System” #2 4623 Lakelse Ave., Terrace, B.C. * Criminal Law Divorce & Family Law Child Custody Personal Injury Adoptions Impaired Driving clmmigration 0 woe Wrongful Dismissal. . Wills Smail Claims 638-1764 Fax 638-7249 YOU BE THE JUDGE - DECISION “Mr. Dentist, you don't have lo pay one cent. You did not behave negligently. There was no professional misconduct. Mra. Wilson was aware of the risks and she consent: ed. The case is without merit, “ Today’s decision is based on the facts of the case and the law of Ontario. If you have a similar problem, consult a lawyer in your province. Claire Bernstein is a lawyer and syndicated columnist. Copyright 1996 Haike Enterprises, PUBLIC NOTICE TERRACE & DISTRICT COMMUNITY SERVICES SOCIETY aS =a ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING To be held on Monday, September 23rd, 1996 at 7:30 pm in our TDCSS Boardroom, Downstairs in City Hall (3215 Eby St.). If you are interested in finding out more about our organization and what programs we offer to the community, we hope that you will attend. “Your Complete Autometive Supply Store” 4736 Lazelle Ave. (Just behind McDonalds) TERRACE, B.C. © Supply Lid. “R.V.” Supplies & Acces. | “Raybestos” Brakes = “Fram” Filters “Blue Streak”: Ignition “Walker” Exhaust “Monroe” Shocks “Champion”, “NGK” & “Autolite” Spark Plugs We carry one of the largest selections of Automotive tools in the area! “Turtle Wax polishes “Moog” front end parts “Armor All” cleaners “Magna charge” Batteries For all your Spring Tune-Up Needs Come in for a coffee and browse Mon. - Fri... seed am - 6 PM 1ST: Ce B8am-5Spm * Open 6 days a Week « Had PRESENTS Karaoke Contest Saturday, Sept. 21 9 pm - 1 am Hostess: Betty Schiemann Come and join the fun! Members & Bondafide Guests emcee =, “New Record ROAD CONDITIONS & Summer is here with It's increase traffic, Please be on the lookout for our crews undertaking works such as patching, mowing and brushing, bridgework and crack sealing. Obey all signs and flagpersons and have a safe summer, TO REPORT ROAD HAZARDS, CALL 1-800-665-5051. - ae 5s ot why aan : : BROUGHT TO YOU NECHAKO a POOR STRBUGTION SERVICES a i Your Raad Maintenance Contractor For the latest Terrace forecast and up to date weather conditions an _ and the marine weather in the Douglas Channel call 635-4192 NORTHCOAST