HST referendum
I got my copy of the HST pamphlet the other day [“HST changes,” June 1]. For the sake of brevity let’s take it as a given that axing the HST will cost us money. The money isn’t what’s important. What is important is what kind of government we are willing to accept. Do we accept a government that has proven it lied to us? If we accept a government that lies to us and we know they lie to us and they know that we know they lie to us, but we’re too lazy to do anything about it, then we may as well take down the Maple Leaf and hoist the Stars and Stripes.
Henry Hill
Bowness Avenue
Letter carriers rock
Does anyone remember when their letter carrier wore sharp professional uniforms, unlike now as they look like giant box store employees [“Postal strike,” June 10]? Even the hats look like a Sunday afternoon pickup ball game. Would you like fries with your junk mail?
In fact, does anyone remember seeing their mailman or woman all the time, like on some sort of regular basis? Not like now when you never know who is going to deliver your mail from day to day. Ever wonder why?
It’s because they are now pack mules, and rarely do they live long enough to enjoy their pensions. No longer is it the nice walk in the park. Instead it is non-stop running all day to keep up with routes that are way too long, and flyers ad infinitum that weigh them down, and yes, slow them down.
The letter carrier is one of the few people who looks after the customer with a personal touch and service, especially for our seniors. A long-standing program called the Letter Carrier Alert program basically involves the letter carrier checking the mailbox on a regular basis, and reporting if mail is not getting picked up. It’s a life-saving program. I know, I helped institute it and get it up and running.
I was a letter carrier/MSC truck driver for 20 years in Ottawa. I was also the letter carrier national Spokesperson for the Children’s Wish Foundation and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars on behalf of the former Letter Carriers Union of Canada.
To all the suits at Canada Post who spend their days thinking of ways to save a few nickels, or harass employees for using negotiated sick leave, and all the other benefits you keep trying to take away...get your butts out of your cushioned chairs and try delivering the mail for a day in the sunny confines of Powell River. I’m betting you can’t finish the route.
Cleve Hamilton
Manson Avenue
Willow water issues
I am a member of the Townsite Ratepayers Association. We meet monthly.
For the past five years we have had many residents asking for help with Willow Avenue water problems [“Willow water woes,” January 26]. Judy Watts, the association’s chair, has met with City of Powell River councillors many times with no results.
It is sad to see these people coming every month with flooded gardens and basements. What is the problem? Is it lack of willingness to help them, or is it lack of money? It can’t be money as the city spent $34 million this year.
Doesn’t anyone in city hall care about these people on Willow Avenue?
Jack Dice
Butedale Street
