Sound Off -- May 5, 2012

Taking a slap from the NDP

This government is running a record deficit and needs every “penny” scrutinized. They knowingly made promises they couldn’t keep during the last election and as a result slapped every Manitoban in the face with their recent budget. It is the NDP that have crossed the line and now taken politics to that “ugly place.” Keep up the good work, Reg.

Inappropriate allegations

The allegations made in the legislature by MLA Reg Helwer against MLA Drew Caldwell and Shandra MacNeill, volunteer chair of the BFMAS, are beyond inappropriate ... they are scandalous! Caldwell champions a wide variety of projects including the Strand, as he should do. So far all I have seen from Helwer is bashing. Can we ever expect him to work “with” Mr. Caldwell to get things done for Brandon? Not likely. Shame.

CBC cuts good, clean, family shows

Three cheers for CBC, as soon as they have cuts to their budget they cut the best shows they have such as “Heartland,” “Battle of the Blades,” which are nice family shows — which there aren’t many of anymore — with real people in them. A few years ago, there was a show called “Wildrose,” which just disappeared. Is it something to do with these being Canadian shows? Do away with some of the sports and keep the shows that have some meaning to them.

Get prepared for property taxes

Most people are expecting that little tax increase from the city soon. You know, the one they “worked so hard on” to keep it to a minimum. Well, the tax bills will soon be rolling out, and I hope you all are ready! Mayor, councillors, I hope you have some time to answer a “few” calls when the bills come out! And no matter what you say, there is no good explanation for it — the mill rate was not adjusted properly, and you know it. Don’t blame it on assessment — they are just a few people in the Provincial Building that are in charge of trying to fairly assess (appraise) tens of thousands of properties so that all taxpayers get treated fairly? The assessed values are so all over place that it is anything but fair. What a system!

Support for all women

I wish that people would stop thinking that The Women’s Resource Centre is simply a place for abused woman to go. Please note the key word of the organization’s title, Resource. The Women’s Resource Centre offers many resources, programs, services and support for all women. It is an upbeat, forward-thinking organization that cares about all women of all ages in various stages of their life.

I am not on your side

In response to the Sound Off in the April 27 paper about the women complaining about the cyclist on the bike path. I would like to point out that she says that she barely managed to move out of the way of somebody who she would see coming for half a kilometre, so that leads me to believe that it is another inattentive dog owner who is creating a hazard for cyclists by thinking she is entitled to block both lanes with her dog leash. So I would suggest that a dog walker who is planning on using the entire path and jeopardizing cyclists who are out on the bike path trying to get some exercise and fresh air, take your dog to the dog park. I don’t cycle in the dog park — perhaps you can be courteous and not create a hazard for me when I am cycling.

Get off my lawn!

To the people who walk their dogs on 10th Street with their leashes extended. I do not wish to have your dog traipsing through my flower garden. I also have a cat that is on a leash who spends time in my front yard. Keep your dogs under control and the lead likewise.

Money should be for research only

Reply to the Sound Off “Still Willing To Donate,” from April 28. It was reported that “almost 43 per cent” of that huge amount of revenue goes to “fundraising and administration costs.” It galls me that so little goes to actual research. This was written by The Canadian Press from Toronto. The info was derived from analysis of the charity’s financial reports by a reputable fact finding group. My opinion is the Canadian Cancer Society should be non-profit and be renamed “The Canadian Cancer Research Society,” where the majority of money goes to research. My apologies for “assuming” anything.

Come on, we just want to play

Seriously ... is this how the city runs the golf course? Twice this has happened, beautiful evenings, no rain, no wind, no staff at the golf course. Everything locked up. Imagine if every business ran that way? No sales for couple of hours, hmmm might as well lock up and go home. Brilliant, just brilliant!

Disappointed in Helwer

It is interesting, but disappointing to see our MLA from Brandon West putting his political party’s efforts forward in advance of his concerns for Brandon as related in the recent articles in the paper about the Strand Theatre project.

Republished from the Brandon Sun print edition May 5, 2012