News Leader News
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - July 5, 2005
Dear Editor;
I refer to the article "My Turn - Let's Claim It Back!" June 14th edition of the News Leader.
As a mere outsider (but regular visitor) to this area, may I first of all congratulate everyone on the pristine appearance of the town. I've never seen Princeton, formerly Vermilion Forks, looking so good, which brings me to the main reason for my letter.
As was pointed out in the June 14th article, why not take the approach of 2010 as an opportunity to revert to the historical, original name of this great little town? Whenever I mention Princeton back in the UK, people assume I mean Princeton in the US (you know, the one with the university). Do we really want to get confused with them when this region has so much unique history in its own right?
My father (Thomas Jackson's) pithy comment on the subject is "Why should we put up with a constant reminder of a very dead, very distant Prince, who never set foot here - or are we waiting another 150 years for another Prince to NOT set foot here? That'll be way too late for me and I'd like an address I can be proud of before I die." (Thomas P. Jackson is 93 1/2 - is it too much to make an old man happy?)
Furthermore, I'm sure it's common knowledge that there are around seventeen Princetons in North America, but there would only be ONE place named after the unique vermilion earth/rock and the meeting place of the beautiful Tulameen and Similkameen Rivers.
So come on sensible townspeople - it would be one small step for Princeton but a giant leap forward for proud, gloriously named Vermilion Forks!
- Valerie Tarlo (visitor)
- Thomas Jackson (resident)
Dear Editor;
The final election result in Vancouver-Burrard probably will have little bearing on the BC Provincial Legislature. The increase/decrease of one seat on the right or left will likely have no impact on anything other than the respective combatant's egos.
What does matter is the political process that left this riding's true representative in doubt. How is it possible that in Canada we let seventy-one votes go uncounted because of an election official's failure to sign the sealed ballot envelopes? (shades of the US presidential election of 2000). These seventy-one votes have the very real possibility of changing the eleven-vote winning margin.
Has it come to this? Mayencourt wins because of Elections BC's error. Can he, in good conscience take a seat in the legislature? In his media-reported response he simply discounts his opponent as a sore loser, and shows no apparent concern for the seventy-one disfranchised voters. Another George Dubya Bush?
The most important point in this debate is not who wins or loses. In a country that is steadily losing voters because of the belief that "it doesn't matter who wins, nothing changes," count seventy-one more voters down the 'voter apathy' tube.
Please let your MLA, regardless of political stripe, know how you feel about this. For your MLA's toll-free number, phone Enquiry BC at 1-800-663-7867.
Sincerely, HP Toews
The Editor:
As an almost senior citizen (age 64) I want to say loud and clear that Don Coyle, Georgina Tarswell and Eric Jacobson do not speak for me or my husband - and I sincerely hope, not for the majority of seniors.
I refer to their objections to the splash pool in Rotary Park, aired in last week's Similkameen News Leader - talk about age
discrimination!
When I read the front page story in the News Leader of June 1, announcing the opening of a splash pool in Rotary Park I said to myself "wow" how wonderful "something new and fun for our youngsters" healthy exercise in a relatively safe environment - and even more remarkably - brought about substantially by the efforts of a group of John Allison Elementary School students and their teacher. Together they have carried the ball for this project since June 2004. They will, at last, see it become a reality in August 2005.
What a wonderful lesson in Civics this has been for these children. They have learned that they make a difference and that, when properly approached, city hall does listen. They can be justly proud of their part in this group achievement. Congratulations to all of you!
Congratulations also to town council for coming up with the necessary funds. I really don't care if you passed the project "in camera", as long as you passed it! And - if it really comes down to a choice between weed control and additional maintenance for Rotary Park, as Eric Jacobson appears to fear, in my book the kids and the park win every time.
Public squares are ornaments. Parks are not! Public parks should be active places, designed for the enjoyment of ALL, young and old alike. For me, what sound can be more cheerful than children at play - what better use for a park - especially a park sponsored by the Rotary Club, champions of the young?
I do not frequent Rotary Park but I drive by it often. It is a generous area along the river just east of the Brown Bridge. It is difficult to see how the loss of 56 x 33 foot patch of grass would "spoil" the park.
I rarely see anyone of any age in this park, hence I also question the "too many unsupervised children playing in the park" - and since when do children playing in their neighborhood park have to be supervised, unless they are very young and in need of parental care?
I also want to note that many of the tourists seeking a respite in the park actually have children. Children who would probably love time in a splash park after a long, hot ride!
Further, while Princeton does indeed seem to have a relatively high population of seniors, Princeton, and with it Lime Street, is not an age restricted community. Young folk with little ankle biters are free to live among us - in fact, I welcome them because it is they who bring life and vitality to the community.
Unless we live in an age restricted complex, we seniors can expect the same respect and consideration due every member of the community, no less, but no more.
It can not be claimed that the splash pool was a surprise sprung on an unsuspecting citizenry. It has been well publicized and it has been a year in the making!
Mayor and council - please stick to your guns and keep your promise to the kids.
Respectfully, Karin Green
