Volume 80 Issue No. 28 TheReview . Big Brother CRD: Infringing On our freedom Protests against the Capital Regional District’s involve- ment in policing citizen’s behavior on health issues are mounting. The regional government is getting itself involved in many facets of people’s personal lives, laying down the law regarding smoking in public and private places, encouraging bicycle riders to wear helmets, and slapping regulations on products sold in country markets and outdoor stands. For many, the introduction of new laws is the last thing that is needed. But for others, some of the new rules are welcome. There are people who are sick of having to deal with second-hand smoke while enjoying a meal in a restaurant. Doctors and nurses are tired of having to deal with severe head injuries to young cyclists, in the prime of their lives, with the knowledge that simply wearing a helmet could limit the damage. New regulations requiring that CRD-inspected kitchens be used by. those preparing homemade products for sale in outdoor markets don’t seem to be a result of food poisoning complaints. But CRD regional health officer Dr. Shaun Peck makes a good point when he says consumers have an expectation that products purchased commercially will be safe. At a North Saanich council meeting Monday, Coun. Ross Imrie spoke for many when he said:*‘I think the tentacles of the CRD are starting to erode individual nights. We have to give people credit for making informed decisions for their own families.” Perhaps the regional government is becoming overzealous in its mandate. It is true that residents on the Saanich Peninsula are over-govemmed. Decisions affecting our resi- dents directly or indirectly can be made by one of three municipalities, one regional government, a school board, various commissions, the provincial government or the federal government. In an average ride to work, most citizens can experience the result of government decisions by any one, or a combination, of these levels of government. These new regulations go beyond outside experiences, however. The result of this legislation enters the home and could create an entirely new breed of lawbreakers. A seven-year-old could break the law twice before reaching school — once while eating illegal jam and bread for breakfast, and again while cycling to school without a helmet. Those who believe George Orwell’s prediction of Big Brother’s arrival will come true have more evidence. Saving health care dollars and lives with preventative education is necessary and commendable. But we see a growing backlash against legislated social change. Let’s give people some credit. We all deserve the responsibility to make our own choices regarding personal behavior. We all deserve our fundamental freedom to live. Letters to the editor on issues of concern to our readers are welcomed by The Review. All letters must be addressed to the editor and bear an original signature of the letter writer. Letters must contain the letter writer's street address and telephone number for verification purposes and not for publication. Letter should not exceed 300 words in length and may be edited for clarity, legality, brevity and taste. ** Review Serving the Saanich Peninsula Since 1912 9726 - First St. P.O. Box 2070 Sidney, B.C. V8L3C9 Sidney, B.C. V8L3S5 656-1151 Publisher: Rory McGrath Editor: Glenn Werkman Reporters: Valorie Lennox Advertising: Corrie Morozoft John Gelder Production Manager: Tamie Sargeant Office Manager: Lori Fitzpatrick Circulation Manager: Wendy Denison AN ISLAND PUBLISHERS NEWSPAPER PRIZE Wing - .92* LTR EE on is Mu nT . GMA Irs \O6 FA eens 45500 eS _ vel Sy CIRCULATIDN CONTROLLED : | SOME SUGGESTED Sym@ole FOR THE C Proud of Sidney Editor: It was 10 p.m. Tuesday and I was just relaxing from a full and satis- fying day then I heard the fire- works, and remembered! I packed my puppies into the car and we drove down Fifth Street towards Tulista Park. As I got closer to Tulista Park, I saw people standing on the side- walks along Fifth with their faces uplifted — and spirits, too — I’m sure. As I got even closer, I noticed no one parked in front of driveways, or by fire hydrants or along yellow curbs. There were hundreds of cars parked — no where to park. Everyone seemed to have remembered before I did, yet, no one parked illegally. They might have been excused, but they respected their neighbors and the rules and parked only where it was allowed. And there were no police in sight to monitor — perhaps they knew it was unnecessary. I couldn’t stay to watch — no (allowed) parking space ... but I returned home happy, proud, and honored that I lived in the finest place in Canada; the place we call “Sidney By The Sea.” Small Town feeling with progressive thinking. Jeanette Evans Sidney Play up positive of Parkland grad Editor: Re: Parkland School’s Grad °92. After 12 long years the day has come in which our children enter the adult world, their graduation. On June 23rd, Parkland’s recog- nition ceremonies were held at the Royal Theatre. You, as students, deserve it and as a parent of one of the graduates I’m speaking on behalf of all parents — we are proud of you all. Then their dinner and dance was held the following - evening at the Victoria Conference Centre. : Each year we as parents hope to learn what can be done to improve the celebrations. Therefore we are suill trying and learning through experiences in which to minimize the fear of grad getting out of control now and in years to come. Instead of wasting energy on criticism, we should use the energy to try to improve the future events. You as readers only seem to hear the negative sides of an event. As a parent of a Parkland grad I person- ally feel each of you grads deserve a pat on the back for the adult conduct on these important nights. Yes, there always seems to be problems. But I believe praise should be given to those who tried to make this graduation a better event that would be remembered in years to come. Parkland’s grads of 92, with the Cadillac taste, should be proud of your graduation, as your parents are too. Congratulations and good luck! G. Keller Sidney Food bank can use more help Editor: This letter is to let you know that the Sidney Lions/Review Food Bank is still in operation. We are very pleased to let you all know that the less fortunate people are being well looked after. I must Say, it is only possible through your very generous partic- ipation with donations and food. The number of requests for assistance is increasing every week, but we are managing so far. We could, at this time, use some assistance in the supply of non- perishable items. Also if there is anyone out there who would like to volunteer to work at the Food Bank, please phone me at 656-1283 and ask for Andy. The Food Bank is open on Wednesday and Friday 10 a.m. to 12 noon. To all the people and all the organizations who help us, we wish to extend our very sincere thanks. Donations will be accepted at The Review and receipts will be issued. Andy Andrew | President | Sidney Lions/Review | Food Bank : Spirit renewed — for family farm — Editor: A On behalf of our business, 44 Hazelmere Farm, we would like to * thank the members of the Associa- | tion for the Protection of Rural Central Saanich for all their hard work in helping to keep local farms financially viable, by spon- soring farmer’s markets on the old Saanichton fairgrounds. A special mention to both John Smith and Jan Garnett. There is a renewed spirit and hope in trying to keep the family farm from disappearing. We appreciate the local support we have received and applaud your efforts. Robin and Maureen Herlinyeaux Deep Cove CRD bureaucracy J shown inaction — Editor: This latest nonsense from the CRD — te: marketing of home- made goods — only confirms it. We no longer enjoy responsible, democratic government for local affairs. Instead, we have a govern- ment of bureaucrats, by bureau- crats and for bureaucrats — to paraphrase “Honest” Abe Lin- coln: : Gordon Ewan Saanichton sidney Town hall bursting seams Editor: # We have been told that the only things we can’t escape in this ; Continued on Page A8__ 4 2