PAGE 6, WHITBY FREE PRESS, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987 fe w * * VOICE 0F THE COUNTY TOWN 'Ie ni~îi> 1i~ iprii(eei ( DM11 iiit 4ned iai,d qouvrlilt <il h-- %liii hN î l ntfor là 1, itil r*iu %iu Published every Wednesday By 677209 Ontarlo Inc. Phone: 668.6111 DOUG ANDERSON Publisher MAURICE PIFHER Editor PETER IRVINE Advertising Manager Standing room only Yet another~indication of the interest shown by Whitby homeowners in the continuing develop- ment of their growing community was evident Monday night when public meetings attracted a standing room only crowd. We call it 'interest' even though, as apparent from the rounds of applause that often saluted citizenspeak, a decided opposition was the governing force which lured homeowners from their living rooms to chambers. The opinions were many and varied in argument against development plans, the first for a gas bar and lube station at Canadian Tire, the second a 163-unit subdivision. But while the individuals spoke out they also made up a collective whole - the Corridor Area Ratepayers' Association against the gas bar, a group of about 280 petitioners op- posing the subdivision plan. One property owner even offered a new twist to the public planning process - she brought her own plan of subdivision as an alternative to the one af- fixed by professional planners on the display board. No, the colors weren't as richly imbued nor the lines as finely drawn, and the startled plan pros weren't scurrying for cover. But the drawing was good enough, and the resident's' earnest demeanor convincingly sufficient, to support.her view that there is always room for improvement, right down to the alignment of road anci residence. Concern over traffic safety, reduced property value, reduced quality of life - these are the com- mon complaints over new development. People fear change, new growth à round therr, and the overall growth that gradually transforms the once quiet community they grew up in or discovered years ago. More and more, residents want guarantees against the ills of development they have seen elsewhere or have envisioned as threats to their own well being. And more and more the planning process seeks to provide those checks against the incidental effects of growth - something just short of a written guarantee. As one councillor noted Monday, it's en- couraging to see so much public input into plan- ning. The residents have spoken, singly and in mass, and should be heeded. Reader favors law of restitution, not retaliation To the editor: Bill Swan's column of March 25, 1987, "When the state kills, we all kill," on the capital punishment vote pending in Parliament, hits the nail right on the head (pun in- tended). I am a Christian and agree com- pletely that those "professed Christians" who rely on the 'old law' (Exodus 21:23-24, Deuteronomy 19:16-21) to justify the return of capital punishment have neglected to read the new law of forgiveness (Matthew 5:17-4tf and especially vs 38-42), Matthew 6:14-15 and Mark 12:28-31 to name just a few passages). To the editor: The Oshawa & District Welsh Society would like to express many thanks to the residents of the "College Downs" area in Whitby for their generous support of the Christmas carolling on their I would suggest for your con- sideration in a follow-up article that what Christ was saying in Mathew 5:17 and 38-39 is that "by invoking the law of love, Jesus corrected the popular misunderstanding of the 'so-called law' of retaliation' (Niv Study Bible pg. 118). Rather than regressing to ancient 'civilization', why don't the leaders of our country put forward legislation to progress in the "Just Society. I would offer for their con- sideration - the law of restitution (rather than retaliation). Wrong doers who are committed of a crime should be required to work streets. About $200 was raised and donated to the Sick Children's Hospital in Toronto. Yours sincerely, Alvina Louise Hare Publicity Director 10-year-old have rights! To the editor: I felt I should write this letter to stand up for my rights as a 10-year- old citizen in Whitby. After receiving my allowance, I decided to buy two new batteries for my walkie-talkies recently. Upon entering the store (name withheld) I was made to feel like a burglar. The salesman's eyes were sure to fall out of his head as I tried to select the batteries I needed. I realize that shoplifting is a problem ana, to say so myself, most of it is because of kids. But couldn't they supervise in a more tactful way? The point I'm trying to make is: If every kid is watched like hawks, then who is responsible for shoplif- ting? I feel kids' rights to enter a store should be greatly appreciated and respected. Thank you M.L. Burrows Whitby. (not necessarily in prison) to restore to the victims/society what they have taken away by their crime. A thief must repay what has been stolen (Leviticus 6:1-7 and Numbers 5:5-8) - in our times the plus 5 per cent to the 'priest' would be to a charitable cause or social services. In the case of murder - the criminal may be required to make To the editor: I'm writing due to my opinion on public transit. Public transit is sometimes as unpredictable as a weather man. When I make an appointment I usually have to leave half an hour to an hour early so I will make it on time. Then once I'm there I have to wait half an hour before I'm due in SEWER REPAIR [IvI~RKS~ I restitution from earnings while continuing his/her previous em- ployment - in the case of 'domestic' killings. If the criminal must be confined to prison (for the safety of society) then ,he/she should be gainfully employed (at a fair wage - at least the prevailing minimum) and make restitution (through criminal victims compensation board) to those who have suf- my appointment. Also I think the bus hours should definitely be extended. Six o'clock is just the beginning of the evening. Most people don't finish work until then or later and are left taking more expensive transportation. Since we are taxpaying citizens I think we should have the public transit at our convenience not their's. There are also not enough ferçd/lost by the murder. For example, the cost to raise aid educate the children of an innocent father killed by a drunk driver would be at least, in part, the responsibility of the murder. You get the germ of the idea I'n sure. Maybe there is a story idea in it? If so, it's yours. Love your work. John Grady Whitby bus stops. I don't mind paying the 60 cents, actually it is a pretty reasonable price. But I would feel a lot better about it if buses were more depen- dable. I sincerely hope to find im- provements in the near future. Thank you Jo-Anne Colley Whitby ] ~I:~ (/~' 1 NS URAI Appreciation to community Public transit unpredictable INFO CENTRE LETTERS The Whitby Free Press welcomes letters to the Editor on any subject of concern to our readers. Letters should be brief and to the point - rarely more than 300 words. Al letters must be accompanied by the name, address and phone number of the writer; however, on request, your name may be withheld from publication if we agree that there is a valid reason. The paper reserves the right to reject or edit ail letters. Send to: The Editor, Whitby Free Press, Box 206, Whitby, Ontario LiN 551 or drop through our mailslot at 131 Brock St. N. rhe Free Press Building 131 Brock Street North P.O. Box 206, Whitby, Ont.