PAGE 4, WEDNESDAY MARCH 26, 1980, WHITBY FREE PRESS W h ifb y Published every WVednesday by- M.B.M, Publishing and Photography Inc. Phonte 668-6111 The Free Press Buildin Voice of the County Town Michael lan Burgess, Publisher - Managing Editor 13 1 Brock Street North, 'he only Whitby newspaper independently owned and operated by Whitby residents for Whîtby residents. P.O. Box 206. Whitby. O Communlty Editor mii. KnwI Production Manager Mail a es' Advertlsing Manager Karen Thompson g. nt. O.S.S.T.F. has gone too far! This time, the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation has gone just a little too far. In the March 18 edition of the Toronto Star, OSSTF vice-president David Judd sald that "maybe Its time for students to lose their credits and their school years to force the government to address the problem." Judd said that teachers may begin to fail those students who miss school because of a teachers' strike. "In the past, most boards have granted credits after a strike. It may be we're approaching the time when teachers refuse to grant credits because of time lost during a strike," Judd said. This is simply ludicrous. Firstly, how can the student absorb the required material when his teacher is not present to give the appropriate in- struction? Secondly, this is a drastic abuse of power. Teachers have always been highly respected professionals. With this action, they have proven that they have the responsibility and self-respect of three-year-old children, in fact these children may have more. The responsibility of the'education system is to teach our children the basic academic skills of life and to have respect for themselves, for others and for the society in which they live. How can teachers, especially those in the OSSTF, execute their responsibilities when they themselves do not have the respect for themselves or their soclety. Teachers should learn that their wages are paid by tax dollars and that if any group should have the final say over what happens in the school system it is the taxpayers, not the teachers. Education already costs the taxpayer 55 cents out of every $1 in property tax plus an ever in- creasing percentage of their income tax dollar. Teachers expect us to pay more, and if we don't, they threaten to use our own children against us. Reader asks: WIII EDITORS NOTE: The following is an open letter addressed to Whitby Clerk- Administrator, Bill Wallace from a Brooklin resident ex- pressing her concerns over the present situation in the town's northern hamlet. Dear Mr. Wallace: I attended the Com- mittee meeting with Brooklin residents on March 5th and found the proceeding to be most interesting. First of aIl I was astounded and dismayed to hear of the predicament of the residents of Meadowcrest subdiv- sion. It seems in- credible that in a thrIving and growing They may believe that they are attacking the school boards and the Ontario Government but they are really after the taxpayer. Every time a teacher gets a raise, our taxes go up. Considering that the average teacher in this province earns $20,000 a year, to give them any more concessions in their contracts is going to wind up costing us money. And for an actual working year of September to June, which is also deceiving because of ail the professional development days and holidays that they get, they are already costing us too much money. The rising costs of education do not justify the decreasing quality of education or the declining enrolment. The problem, however, also lies with another group of people, the taxpayers and their elected representatives known as the Boards of Education. The taxpayer has never seriously considered the cost of education, it has never been a serious elec- tion issue, people seem content with it. council accept offer of community such as Brooklin residents are amazing that the gen- the Whitby these con- in favour of the tlemen on Council villag ditions prevail, and ap- scheme. seem unable to arrive lookir parently have done so The Town of Whitby at a decision during great for some considerable has always been very that time. They are ability time. More especially supportive of any elected to make impor- acum since Mr. Rumm of school improvements, tant decisions for, and if t Consolidated Building and recreational on behalf of, the people satisi Corporation has facilities for the of the Town 0f Whitby plana publicly stated, on children and young and in this instance more than one oc- people of the whole their performance has casion, that his is community. May I been lamentable. prepared to bring suggest that their It is this very inept, sewers to Brooklin im- home environment is and political mediately if he is equally important and procratination which assured by the Whitby tnat living in homes has caused the people DearS Council, that he can with the possibility of 0f Canada to lose in- The start developing the sewage back-up can terest and faith in Socie area by April, 1982. So hardly be considered politicians at aIl levels. Muni< far, I have yet to hear healthy, especially Since these gentlemen is cuî one reasonable ex- when Mr. Rumm has of- will be seeking re- with planation from the fered a solution in the election later this year, Comn Councillors or Mayorof verynearfuture. they would be well ad- Servic Whitby as to why Mr. The proposed growth vised to corne ta a final Budge Rumm's offer is not of Brooklin has now conclusion on the dispul accepted, in view of the been under discussion proposed development the M fact that the majority of since 1974 and I find it of Brooklin Otherwise ton, Also, when their tax bilI comes in they blame the increases on their local or regional councils. It is not justifiable to hold these people responsible. The largest increases in municipal taxation traditionally comes from the school board. Because very few people take notice of them, scholl boards have tended to go their course irf- dependently without considering the overall con- sequences of their actions. This problem is so great, it may not go away. Something must be done. Parents should start putting pressure on the teachers and tell them that their position is unac- ceptable and they shall not support them. It is a good thing to have the right of collective bargaining, but for teachers to abuse their rights and authority it is not only unacceptable, but it is irresponsible. It is time that teachers learned that having their jobs is a responsiblity to the taxpayer not something to be abused in such a manner. sewers? people of this e will surely be ng for men with er foresight, y and business en. here is, in fact, a factory ex- tion, the courtesy of a reply would be very much appreciated. Sincerely yours, Mrs. Lawrence Simons 118 Way Road Brooklin $19,300 inocrease for CAS rejected Sir: Children's Aid ty of the Regional cipality of Durham rrently in dispute the Ministry of nunity and Social ces over its 1979 et. To help solve tes of this nature inister, Keith Nor- establishes a Review Committee to hear the arguments from both sides. The Durham Children's Aid Society had its Review Committee hearing on cont'd. on Page 6 1 1 M'i -4 N', .46,ý ý 8 &.09 Il m~~. %p1 W I1Q ,