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Recall won't fix system

Let’s aim for real reform

Dear Sir:

The recall campaign being waged against our MLA fer Skeena, Helmut: Giesbrecht,-is- such-a waste of time and energy for those who want to see him removed from office and those who are fight- ing to keep him in.

There is liitle doubt there is a distinct difference in opinion between British Columbians on what the recall referendum means and what is its intent. Many, such as Lorne Sexton who is leading the campaign to oust Mr. Giesbrecht, are absolutely convinced it is intended as a means of removing an MLA from office who in the opinion of 40 per cent of the voters is not representing or listening to most of his constituents.

There are others such as myself, my family and most of the people who I associate with that voted in favour of the referendum did so because we believed it was intended as a way of removing an MLA who is clearly misrepresenting his office, is unethical, totally disregards the opinion and advice of the majority of his constituents or is clearly not acting on behalf of the majority of them.

Mr. Giesbrecht has done none of the above. What he has done for the most part is support his party and government position and policy, just like Mr. Parker did before him as an MLA in the previous Social Credit government.

Whether we disagree with an MLA toeing the government line is irrelevant in British Columbia because we have a pohtical system that dictates, regardless of what party is in power, that business will carry on in much the same way as the previous government carried it out.

The only way that we are going to change the manner in which governments function, such.as al- lowing MLAs to have free votes on important legis- lation, recognizing private members bills, parties not supporting a particular group such as the busi- ness or labour, but instead being more accountable to the public, requires a commitment by all political parties to restructuring the way We are govemed.

This is what we should be striving for, not fight- ing each other and disrupting the function of the MLA’s office fora minimum of six months. _

I understand the frustration of the recall group having to deal with a government in power that they do not like and do not support, because those of us who did nol like or support the policies of the former Social Credit governments had to endure them for almost 40 years.

It’s unfortunate that our democratic system is not perfect, forcing all of us to live through govern- ments we do not agree with and cannot support, the

: ~ only-way- we: can -make-them-more palatabie is if.

ISkeena Valley Snowmobile Association Calendar of | — levenirs

December 2, 1997-. Meeting — 2 met ~ Christmas Party at the Kin-Hut... © January 4, 1998- = Memorial Ride at Sterling 9 . [in memory of Pete Dobler & Perrie Turner}

It is now December and the 1997-98 snowmobile season is underway. The club has prepared a calendar of events for the next few months which will include the annual Christmas Parly for club members and guests, Avalanche awareness training, the annual Memoral ride, Snowarame and various Family rides throughout the season, For all racing enthusiasts we are also

planning a Hillclimb in the spring.

The SVSA is a registered society dedicated to the enhancement and development of snowmobile trails within the Terrace and surrounding areas, Membership is open to all snowmobilers and helps fund the annual maintenance of trails, trail grooming

and emergeny shelters.

The membership fee provides snowmobilers with additional benefits such as; membership to the B.C. Snowmobile Federation, a life insurance & club liabili co

opportunity to participate with other snowm

protecting and enjoyig your chosen winter adventure activity, In addition you can also receive snowmobiling information and participate in snowmobile safety and avalanche awareness

courses.

Memberships are available through your snowmobile dealer-

ship, at SVSA monthly meetings or by mail.

A10 - The Terrace Standard, Wednesday, December 3, 1997

CORRESPONDENCE FOR THE TERRACE STANDARD

The

they are more accountable. That accountability can not be achieved by finding trumped up reasons for recalling our MLAs otherwise the future ability to govern British Columbia will be severely com- proniised., - During the early 1980s 1 served for one term as the Director for Thornhill on the Kitimat Stikine tegional district board and at that time found Mr. Giesbrecht, then Terrace alderman, one of the fairest, honest and mosl ethical politicians around the regional district table, quite a contrast from the description that is being portrayed of him by the recall committee. Jim Culp Terrace, B.C.

NDP forces spew lies

Dear Sir:

I do not, along with a great many others I might add, support the stand and deliberate misleading statemeats of the so-called Skeena Taxpayers Asso- ciation.

Also just so you kiow and it can’t be construed that I have a hidden agenda, I am also a member of the B.C. Reform party and as such I am committed to accountability in government.

That is [ believe that not only should the govern- ment as a whole listen to the people but each indi- vidual member of the Legislature must listen to their constituents and govern accordingly.

Now J] am not so naive as to believe that our MLA must always vote as directed by his constituents or local board directors, or that be can please every- one. Nor do I believe he should vote only as party majority instructs (just so happens to be dawn south outside interests?),

To me what this recall campaign is all about is ac- countability, Make Helmut Giesbrecht and any politicians regardiess of party affiliation that follow him accountable to the people who pay his wages — the taxpayers of B.C.

I have just received a flyer in my mail box in spite of the mail strike from the Skcena Taxpayers Asso- ciation. While I hesitate to cail them outright lies, the only thing that I could find that wasn’t deliberately misleading, and I hope is true and have no cause to believe otherwise is down on the bot- tom right of the flyer statement: ‘“‘produced by volunteer labour.”

As to the issue of outside control of the recall, I truly believe this is a local initiative with supporters from all political parties which I know for a fact to include the NDP. And I assume some will continue their support of the NDP after the recall of Helmut.

IE you as citizens of Skeena feel the state of the

Mail

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ANTI-RECALL forces have made much of tha involvement of the Canadian Taxpayers Feder- ation In the pro-recall camp. The federation did Sponsor a training session two weekends ago conducted by Victoria lawyer Bruce Hallsor (eft). With him is federation executive director Troy Lanigan.

economy and your livelihood is secure and in good hands in Skeena, it is your democratic right not to support the recall, But on the other hand, if you feel that things aren’t so rosy and just maybe Helmut lied about the surplus and balanced budgets and 20 pensions, ctc,, then it is also your democratic right to hold him accountable by recall and go down in history as being part of changing politics in B.C, and possibly Canada forever. Gordon Anderson Terrace, B.C.

Lanigan’s in deep

Dear Sir:

Well the truth is finally out and the fact is that Troy Lanigan is up to his eyeballs in the recall campaign in our community.

Question is, where does this leave Mr. Rosenau and Mr. Sexton, who have been trying to convince us all along that recall is a local effort?

itis now clear from the comments made by Troy Lanigan, who lives in Victoria, that the Canadian Taxpayers Federation has and will continue to play a leading role in the recall campaign in Skeena, Lanigan said he even plans to spend thousands more on recall here!

], for one, have no intercst in furthering the hid- den agenda of an outside group. The real truth Is

December 14- ~~

Jonuary6- Meeting a The {1997-98} Board of Director

| January 11- °° Avalanche Awareness Course (TBA) President [Bos Schoatler :

¥ olicy and the January 25 - ~ Snowarama (location TBA} *. Vice-Pres.: Malcolm Fell ile enthusiasts in February 3 - -. Meeting , SP as Secretary: Bonnie Larson

February 15- == Family:dayat Sterling Treasurer: Carla MacDonald March 3- - Meeting. ET , . March 15:- Family day at Sterling. 7 Directors: | Mar : amily day ar orering: Alden Anderson, Trevor Gibson, John Clift April 7-. Meeting Royden MacDonald, Bobby Shauer,

April --

The largest lund raiser for the club since 1978 has

mabilers, Watch for the presentation on CBC. -

Saturday, Dec. 6, 1997 -

All snowmobilers are welcomed to join in the fua of the event. The ride is about 100 km in length and is a rélaxing tour through the countryside. This is not a race but a fun event for tha whole family, Prior to the event you will need a pledge sheet andcollect as many pledges as you can..On the event date bring the {completed form & funds) pledge sheet, your snowmobile and participate in the ride.

if you are unable fo ride then please show your support when asked to pledge, .

Pledge sheels are available at all snowmobile dealers and Keenlyside Insurance.

‘Snowarama

been Snowarama. Only thesa funds were not raised

for operating costs but had a special purpose in mind. These funds were earmarked to benefit disabled children and to give hese children abilities not dsabilities. in conjunction with the B.C. Lions Sociely, the BC Snowmobile Federation, the SVSA, snowmobilers and the community have helped raise over a $100,000 from this‘ area alone. There has been millions raised throughout the province towards this worhwhile cause. Each year the BCSF presents o cheque to Timmy's Christmas Telethan. This is the com- binad total from all Snowarama’s held by supporting snowmeabile clubs and the pride of all B.C. snow-

approx. 10:00 PM PST.

Hillclimb {Tentative TBA) : |

Skeena Valley Snowmobile Association Box 215, Terrace, B.C., V8G 4A4

For further information please contact:

Bonnie 635-5930 or Carla 635-6557

The club meets the 1st Tuesday of every month Oct. to April., 7:30 PM, downstairs at Denny's.

. Memberships purchased by Dec. 31, 1997 are eligible for the early-bird draw.

that recall has nothing to do with the wishes of

people of our communily. Don Philpott Terrace, B.C.

912 oppose gambling

Dear Sir:

I was very disappointed that your newspaper failed to report that a petition signed by 912 citizens of Terrace and Thomhill who oppose gambling ¢x- pansion was presented to cily council,

This petition was not widely distributed but 912 signatures were collected in about two weeks.

It shows that our local communities are strongly opposed to casinos, slot machines and video lottery terminals because they are socially destructive.

One would hope that your newspaper would be more careful about printing the valid.concerns of a . large number of people some of whom support your

business. Daryl Anaka Terrace, B.C. Misguided casino vote Dear Sir:

Our council of the day has decided to reject a casino within our city limits and not to allow the residents a referendum vote,

Itis my understanding that we elect these officials to act on our behalf and not entirely on personal views, We have given up the opportunity for jobs and to bring much needed funds to our city’s charitable organizations.

It is becoming more and more difficult to rely on the older established methods of fund-raising and more creative ways must be found.

There was, of course, a contingent of persons speaking out against a casino. But a far greater number of people who voted in this council don’! feel they have to show up with “‘yes’’ signs every time something positive is to be voted on.

This also happened when we were considering whether to have our stores open on a Sunday.

One only has to drive through town on a Sunday afternoon to know how much money this has brought our city from our neighbours to the north, south, east and west.

There is no doubt in my mind that there will be a casino in this area, be it in the regional district or on reserve land close to town. Terrace will reap no benefits as far as charities go from such an estab- lishment, bul wil] of course De saddled with all the social impact.

We are nat so naive to believe that city residents or regional district residents will not attend such an establishment because it is out of city limits.

Our retail merchants, particularly the hotel and food industry, would have benefitted greatly from such an establishment.

In my opinion a more democratic way for our councillors té have handled this would have been to do a phone poll of the residents and this, coupled with the Chamber of Commerce polling of their members, could have figured in their decision.

We need to see our city as one of immense popularity as a hub based on geographical location and not as a small town with sraall town beliefs.

Christine Olson Terrace, B.C,

Don't forget to check with your dealer about what - | your membership card entitles you.

Donna

BCSF Director: Ron Niesner... 635-9270

Bussiere, Adolf Lubke.

Ten Tips For Smart Sledding HERE ARE some common sense precautions 6. way in ensuring a safe, 7.

that can go a long enjoyable snowmobiling experience.

Join your local snowmobile club. 8.

2. Carry electronic transceiver when in high altitude areas.

3. Let others know your destination and: 9.

expected ime of return,

4. Have someone in your group who is __ familiar with the Irail system and don’t: travel alone.

5. Stay on marked trails until recreational ~The above information provided courtesy of the Skeena Valley Snowmobile Association.

areas are reached,

1G.

Walch for and obey all posted signs. Carry a good map, keep alert to your location and possible danger areas. Obtain current weother forecasts and undersiand the impact of bad weather an your activities.

Carry emergericy food, clothing and fuel in case an overnight stay is necessary. Remember, alcohol and snowmobiling don't mix. -

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