Letters to the editor

A10

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Speak Up

In times like these, every dollar saved helps. So, when we have the chance to put money towards something valuable like our children's education, it's never a wasted opportunity.

Enlarge Photo

This is the case with the recently frozen Innovative Learning Fund, a program that somehow survived $24 million in cuts to this year's education budget.

The frozen money in the ILF is currently valued at about $3.4 million. Although this money will not fully reinstate the cuts made, it should reverse a good portion of those made to school support staff, and maybe leave some for other education related resources.

However, while new Education Minister, Roland Haché, has frozen the fund, there's no guarantee that the Graham government will reverse the cuts to any school support staff.

I encourage the minister do what's right and redirect these funds.

Much work has to be done at the local level to reverse the damage these cuts have caused before school resumes in a few short weeks.

As Leader of the Opposition, I promise the people of New Brunswick my caucus and I will continue to work with all stakeholders.

I would like to thank the unions, organizations, parents, school support staff, and individuals who expressed their concern over this issue and brought it to the attention of both the opposition and government.

Redirecting the frozen funds in the ILF has the potential to save hundreds of jobs that are so important to the education of tomorrow's leaders.

What could really be more valuable?

DAVID ALWARD

Leader of the Opposition

Photographer did nothing illegal

I witnessed an altercation between a mother of two children and a young female who photographed them having their faces painted, in King's Square on Canada Day.

The mother demanded the photographer delete the photos. After the apologetic photographer did so, the upset mother attempted to seize the camera stating she wanted to turn it over to the police. I stepped in at this point to try and prevent this foolishness from getting worse. The mother gathered her children and stormed off.

As a professional photographer, I'm well versed in the law as it applies to photographing people in public places. Any person who gathers in a public place, gives up their right to privacy. The photograph becomes the property of the photographer and no one has the legal right to order the deletion of the photo(s) or to seize the camera, not even the police (unless they have a court warrant).

The trouble arises from the use of the photograph and this becomes a civil matter. You may sue a photographer who publishes or makes use of the photo in a manner that causes you financial or personal harm. The onus is on you to prove you've been harmed.

If the published photo(s) of you and/or your loved ones is considered newsworthy, a work of art or part of a series of photos documenting a public event, you'll have a hard time getting your case into court.

The young photographer did nothing illegal while photographing uptown on Canada Day.

THANE McRAE

Saint John

Voters won't forget previous damage

With the summer break here for our elected New Brunswick government, I am amazed at how trivial things get passed and any major changes have to wait until next session.

Removing the minister of health and the minister of education comes after a few months of demanding their resignations.

It's very interesting with an election coming up in little over a year that the two ministers are now replaced and the new replacement ministers are acting like all is OK now.

Let's not forget the damage the Graham government has caused us.

DANY CURRY

Saint John

FredRock concert was great for city

While we all have a right to our opinions, there are a few Frederictonians whose minor grievances are causing major damage to our city's reputation.

It needs to stop.

I attended the FredRock festival recently, and I have no complaints whatsoever. I was thrilled to see such amazing talent here in my hometown, but disheartened to hear that a few locals were complaining about the noise. It is disrespectful to everyone involved in the event. A lot of time and effort went into making the event a success.

The promoters shouldered a big risk, showed professionalism, held public consultations prior to the event and respected city bylaws. Let's commend them for their entrepreneurial spirit and a job well done. If you enjoyed the festival, let the promoters and artists know.

If you were unable to attend, make plans to go next year. The performances were great and the ticket prices were very reasonable. If you were bothered by the noise, please keep in mind that it is only a weekend-long event and there are economic spinoffs at stake.

As a city, let's show the world that we are open for business, that we embrace the arts, and that we know how to put on a good show.

Lastly, I would like to thank Symphony of Sound, all the bands, the crews, the volunteers, the Fredericton Police Force and Fredericton Transit.

LAURA SEHEULT

Fredericton

Tabusintac requires its own school

Tabusintac is a vibrant, living village with a river that is beautiful from the bay to the head of the tide, a fascinating library and museum, a nursing home and seniors apartments, a learning center and community market, a golf course and so many well supported local organizations.

But Tabusintac does not have a school in its own community, after years of negotiating in good faith with both the Conservative and Liberal governments. After many promises, still no school.

It is imperative that this village have its own school in order to keep the younger generation of parents and attract new residents which will keep the community self-sufficient and growing. We have always had a school; we must have a school.

I challenge the new minister of education to make it happen.

LIMA BRANCH

Tabusintac

Atcon loan brings Bricklin memories

I've been following the affairs of governments in this province since J.B. McNair was premier and there has been a lot of water under the bridge since then.

In my opinion one of the most foolish things done in this province was when Richard Hatfield handed over buckets of taxpayers' money to Malcolm Bricklin to build a flashy sportscar here.

Bricklin obviously was a slick man who came here to Canada to find a partner for his foolish scheme. However, since it wasn't Hatfield's money he was handing over to this guy, why would Hatfield care when this scheme failed?

Now we have what I will call "The Atcon Affair," where millions of taxpayers money is being handed over to a scheme that could end up like the Bricklin scheme did.

However, since these millions aren't Shawn Graham's, why should he care if this money goes down the drain?

For us taxpayers I dearly hope my assumption is wrong.

In my opinion, the present government has mismanaged the affairs of this province the worst of any government since way back when.

We have witnessed this government make large cuts to the budget for public education, then claim it doesn't have the money it agreed to pay the doctors but can come up with millions to hand to a private business. It's outrageous.

When the next election rolls around, this government deserves to be shut out the way the Hatfield government was shut out in the 1987 election.

DONALD COPP

Moncton

Lights make crossing dangerous

I am writing about the crosswalk lights at Donlyn Drive in Quispamsis. I have been writing to the town of Quispamsis about this crosswalk and lights. They are supposed to be changed because right now you get the walk light while vehicles have the green light which means you have people trying to cross the road with vehicles coming at you at the same time.

I have been fighting now for almost three years to have these lights changed so the people can get across the road safely without being hit by a vehicle.

I have received letters from the town of Quispamsis saying the new lights would be installed, but I am still waiting.

JANET WADDELL

Quispamsis