Week of Nov. 24

A case of mistaken identity Sir: I would like to congratulate the Sarnia Journal for your good work covering local issues; your extensive readership and wish you continued success.

A case of mistaken identity

Sir: I would like to congratulate the Sarnia Journal for your good work covering local issues; your extensive readership and wish you continued success.

At this time, I feel it is necessary to inform the public that this is my first submission to the Journal.

I am very proud to live in the Village of Point Edward.

I continue to actively support positive business initiatives and community-building activities in Sarnia-Lambton and beyond.

Sincerely,

Mike P. Banovsky (age 60)

– Former Sarnia heavy industrial business owner and exporter

– Founding co-chair of the Sarnia-Lambton Industrial Alliance (SLIA)

– Former director – Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce

– Entrepreneur-In-Residence (EIR) – TechAlliance of Southwestern Ontario

– Global Business Opportunities Committee (GBOC) member – Sarnia Chamber of Commerce, etc.

Editor’s note: Mike P. Banovsky was not the author of an Oct. 27 letter written by Michael Banovsky, entitled: ‘If Chemical Valley moves, then good riddance’

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Kudos for the Sarnia at War edition

Sir: What a fine tribute The Sarnia Journal put together for Remembrance Day.

As years go by I get more emotional at the thought of all the (mostly) young men who fought in all the wars: the one that was to put an end to all wars, and the others that followed and keep going on.

Thank you for putting faces and names to the soldiers of our city in Sarnia at War, and for that special story of Emma Wood, the Sarnian Florence Nightingale! It was a good reminder that women also contributed their talents and courage.

Claudette Deshaies

Sarnia

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Soaring hydro rates sealing premier’s doom

Sir: I had a good chuckle all the way through the Nov. 10 article, ‘Hydro bills not above the provincial average.’

The problem is not Sarnia, but rather the whole province. Do they really think citizens here are that gullible?

Does the Independent Electricity System Operator have any record of the number of people in Ontario behind or who simply can’t make their payments? Absolutely not. In their little world, everything is warm and fuzzy and avoiding reality.

Citizens unable to pay their hydro bills are an epidemic. How can they justify a hydro rate increase on the 1st of May because usage was down!

We’re brainwashed 24/7 on conserving energy, whether in our cars or at home, and then punished for it. If this happened anywhere but Canada there would be massive protests and resignations.

This conserving-energy scam is all about maximizing corporate profits. I get really tired of hearing the old expression, “It is what it is,” from individuals. Perhaps we wouldn’t be in this mess if people started questioning the actions taken by our government, or lack of.

We were supposed to see yet another increase in our hydro rates on Nov. 1, but, miraculously it didn’t take place. Don’t worry; you’re not getting a break, people. The good premier’s job is on the line.

The hydro epidemic is finally being put out there through the media and if you have a look at the recent polls on Premiere Kathleen Wynne, the exit sign is well lit.

Her goals are more important than the concerns of the people. More than 70% of the people said a big ‘no’ to the sell-off of Hydro One, yet she marched on beating her own drum.

It’s up to the citizen’s to put an end to this.

William Shanessy

Sarnia

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New plaque honours Maud Hanna

Sir: Sarnia residents have enjoyed the small garden-park at 231 College Ave. for over 90 years.

Mrs. Maud Hanna organized Sarnia’s Horticultural Society in 1920, and she leased to it a plot of land for $1 a year that was kitty-corner to her home (on the north side of Central United Church and now part of its parking lot).

The land was to be an ‘experimental garden’ for the busy little city. Over the years, it has boasted a large fish pond, a greenhouse that provided plants to Sarnia parks, and, we are told, the ladies of the Society used to hold tea parties there.

When Mrs. Hanna died, she bequeathed the land to the Sarnia and District Horticultural Society. It was Sarnia’s first park and has been recognized as an Ontario historic landmark. Today, the garden is maintained by society members.

Mrs. Hanna was a very beneficial force in the city. She was a well-regarded philanthropist who was a major contributor to the establishment of Canatara Park.

The Horticultural Society has honoured Mrs. Hanna with a plaque that can now be seen in the College Avenue garden.

Heather Ashe

Sarnia and District Horticultural Society

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Royal Canadian Legion says thanks

Sir: It really is an honour to speak for the members of Sarnia’s Royal Canadian Legion Branch 62 as we express our sincere “thank you” to the citizens of Sarnia and Lambton County.

This has been a busy time but we were bolstered by the support of so many people who came out to our special events.

First, I’ll speak of the city’s newest memorial, the LAV III located in Veteran’s Park, which stands in remembrance of every Canadian soldier who served during the Afghanistan War.

The LAV III also holds memorial plaques for Brent Poland and William Cushley, who were from our county and killed in action.  The day we presented this very special dedication, citizens came out in numbers to stand with us. The attendance was very much appreciated by the families, the Legion, and the supporting military and band volunteers.

Next, we would like to thank everyone for their kind and respectful attendance in support of our Legion and local Army, Navy and Air Cadets as the cadets took the lead in the candle light vigil.

These young people volunteer countless hours throughout the year. However, November is a special time and the effort they put in during the vigil is made more special by the presence and cooperation of the people from Sarnia-Lambton. Thank you for stopping by.

Finally, we tell the people of Sarnia-Lambton “thank you” for once again for coming out in inclement weather on Nov. 11 to support and remember the veterans of war; to remember those who died in war; to stand with all of us as we pay tribute to every single person affected by war; and to unite in hopes of not having to engage in war again.

Thank you for supporting our November “Poppy Pinning” days.

The people of Sarnia-Lambton deserve a firm pat on the back, and we at the Legion extend our hand in friendship to deliver it. Thank you very much everyone.

Les Jones

Todd Monaghan

Royal Canadian Legion Br 62, Sarnia 

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In defence of Mayor Bradley

Sir: How much more does the Sarnia city council expect Mayor Bradley to endure?

I have concern for the mayor as he is going through cancer treatments also.

Mike was not found guilty by a judge or jury. He has apologized, and no one has a right to say he was not sincere.  Then this council docked him 90 days pay, took away his keys and when he tried to open the door for visitors to sign the guest book he could not.

Imagine what they had to say when returning to their country. Trying to move his office was vindictive. Mike did not physically hurt anyone nor would he.

Mike could not attend council meetings, as it was a “conflict of interest.” Otherwise he was banned.

Would the “wannabe mayors,” especially the proposed deputy mayor, be willing to work late at night and on weekends for his salary?

Employers today must be careful what they say or how they say it, and do not try to set a dress standard or you will be accused of harassment or bullying.

Thanks to David Boushy for standing up alone for what he feels is right or wrong.  Council, give Mike back his keys.

Councillors have put Sarnia on the map and should now get back to work and do what taxpayers pay them to do.

Sincerely,

Merial Loosemore,

Point Edward