The record, 6 septembre 2001, jeudi 6 septembre 2001

145th Richmond Fair Sept.6-7-8-9 See Supplement and program inside The Record Sept.6 THE The voice of the Eastern Townships since 1897 niwurioMALi 7:00 p m Bread & Roses ¦TTTT'ji'ii1 n & Frida/.September 14 7:00 p m.In the Shadows of the City W w W C INfMA.NEt RE V O l U T I O N C û V INFO-FESTIVAL (819) 821.1908 65 CENTS WWW.SHERBROOKERECORD.COM Thursday, September 6, 2001 Charest praises smooth merger for Sherbrooke But remains opposed to forced fusions By Daniel Huot Sherbrooke Opposition Leader and Sherbrooke MNA Jean Charest said the Quebec Liberal Party is not opposed to municipal mergers during an editorial meeting with Record reporters yesterday.“But it has to be from the bottom up, not a forced merger,” warned Charest, who emphasized citizens have been deprived of their right to choose whether they want to create new cities.“A citizen who pays taxes has the right to decide the future of his or her community.” He praised Sherbrooke’s smooth transition towards the new city, saying there has been little opposition compared with the Saguenay and Longueuil mergers.“People here are more on top of the issue in dealing with it,” he noted.“The culture is different here.People are generally good in handling their own affairs instead of letting the government handle it for them.There’s less conflict than in Val d’Or, where I was the other week.” Charest also indicated the transition committees face two costly challenges in the process of creating new cities and he predicted a shortfall in funding.“They have to merge the information systems of cities and they will have to pay the retirement packages for existing employees.” Charest said he hopes the mistakes made when handing out retirement packages to the province’s nurses in the late 1990s aren’t repeated when disposing of town workers.“They would be wise to make sure they have everybody they need before sending them home,” he explained.Charest reiterated his wish to see studies on the mergers’ impact made Please see Charest Page 4 mamawmaBaawn Liberal leader Jean Charest warns of cash shortfall following mergers.Danville-Asbestos merger talk on hold By Stephen McDougall Special to The Record Asbestos Any talk of a possible merger between Danville and its municipal neighbour Asbestos has been put off and may not be discussed for a few years, according to Asbestos mayor Louise Moisan-Coulombe.“I don’t think we are ready for another merger, we’re still working on the merger we did with Three Lakes last year," she said after the monthly town council meeting.“We’re spending a lot of money to integrate Three Lakes, and a lot more has been spent on development because of the Magnola project.We don’t want to bite off more than we can chew.” According to past accounts made public at the meeting, the town borrowed over $4 million in the last two years to finance housing development projects and new equipment for the fire department in anticipation of the Magnola magnesium plant start up earlier this year.The idea of merging Danville and Asbestos was made public this spring after Moisan-Coulombe and Danville mayor Charles Noble revealed both administrations had held informal talks on the subject.Please see Asbestos Page 3 Sutton Town, Township merger must benefit alliHill Public hearings in Sutton on Oct 12 By Maurice Crossfield T|he Town of Sutton is in favor of merging with neighboring Sutton Township, but only if it’s a win-win situation, says mayor Kenneth Hill.“The Town has been in favor of a merger with the Township for going on 20 years,” Hill said during the monthly council meeting’s question period Tuesday night.“This is my fourth time back at the table in 16 years.” “But it has to benefit all of the community of Sutton, the Town and the Township,” he added.The merger issue last raised its head in the Suttons in 1997, when both municipal councils sat down to discuss the terms of an eventual merger.Commissions were studied and public meetings were held.But rural residents of the Township were firmly against the plan, which would have seen their taxes rise.Dominant Issue In November 1997 Sutton Township’s general election was dominated by the merger issue.Running on a platform to keep the Township as it is, former mayor Winston Bresee was returned to power, ousting incumbent mayor Peter Stastny.Seventy-three per cent of Please see Sutton Page 4 (free mattress cover and 1 pillows) iBafSWSgP*” & GALERIE S LAMPKON mfttress m 819 30 DEMOS • Spring mattresses • Therapedic mattresses • Electric beds • Large selection of futons • Accessories ALWAYS THE BEST PRICES Free same day delivers 34 Jacques-Cartier Blvd.South, Sherbrooke (access on Marchant Street) page 2 Thursday, September 6, 2001 RECORD Everything in life is a trade-off.We used to have small owner/operator retail stores where we probably paid top dollar most of the time and didn’t have a huge selection.Now we have the big box chain stores that have a little bit of everything, and all of it at the best possible prices.The small store didn’t have so much stuff, but it also didn’t have so many customers, so you became more important on a per capita basis.You won’t find that in a big box store.The reason it has a thousand toilets is because it has 10,000 customers.You and your needs are somewhat dwarfed by the marketing strategy.It’s like being in a huge democracy.Every vote counts, but not so much.Yes, they have the best prices, but the quality of advice you get from the high school student who has seven other customers waiting may be somewhat less useful than what you used to get from the store owner who saw his future closely linked to your satisfaction.We formerly paid top dollar for the exact product we needed; now we pay bargain prices for the wrong thing.I’m a little embarrassed by the number of big box items The new economy I’ve purchased that don’t do the job I bought them for.But, hey, look at all the money I saved.The pet peeve Most people like pets - and who can blame them?A living thing that accepts you for what you are and doesn’t have the ability to speak is a godsend to any middle-aged man.But before you choose a pet, you really need to do some serious self-evaluation.You don’t have the patience or tolerance to introduce an entirely new life form into your world.What you really want is a pet that is, in many ways, just like you.Don’t assume a pet is going to change you.If you don’t go on long walks now, a pet is not going to change that.You’ll just have a very unhappy dog and a really big mess in the kitchen.So instead of picking a pet by its looks or the recommendations of friends, do an honest evaluation of yourself as a human being - your eating habits, your sleeping patterns, your various personality disorders - and then hand that de- North of Forty Red Green scription to the manager of your local pet store.He or she will have a pet suggestion that will save you a lot of time and aggravation.And whatever is suggested, try not to take it personally.Even if it’s a plant.Even if it’s a cactus.Strong enough to say no As any experienced cardiologist will tell you, there are several opportunities for a show of strength in a man’s life.You need to be aware of these and avoid them at all costs: • Moving a hide-a-bed sofa up a flight of stairs.• Pushing your own car out of somewhere that you put it.• Lifting a size 20 bride over a size 12 threshold.• Carrying a large mortgage with a small income.• Lifting your head after your wife has realized that it’s your fault.• Carrying the conversation as your boss struggles to remember your name.Elevating the family name after everything you’ve done.The freedom of a less consuming LOVE When you’ve been married to the same person for a long time, there’s a great liberation that can come only after years of passionate love.I’m talking about a level of satisfaction where the other person wants to be with you forever, but not all the time.I’m talking about “Yes, I love you, but let’s give it a rest.” That’s what golf, fishing and poker are all about.They’re no fun if guilt is involved.That’s the beauty of a long marriage.It removes the guilt.Not only does your wife not mind your spending time on your own, she insists on it.She wants you to come home.But first you have to leave.It’s the closest to heaven most of us will ever get.Quote of the day: “Smiling is never completely wrong.” - Red Green Red Green is the star of “The Red Green Show,” a television series seen in THE U.S.ON PBS AND IN CANADA ON THE CBC Network, and the author of “The Red Green Book” and “Red Green Talks Cars: A Love Story.” Job Opportunities VOFFR: 2746268 Title: Trailer truck driver Place of work: Quebec, U.S.Salary: Salary to be disc.Permanent, full-time Driver’s licence class 1/ Min.1 yr exp./Bilingual/Legally entitled to operate in U.S.VOFFR: 2713484 Title: Chemist Place of work: Fleurimont Salary: To be discussed Permanent, full-time M.Sc or Ph.D.in computational chemistry, medicinal, biophysics, structural biology/Min.1 to 3 yrs of exp.with small molecule VOFFR: 2701545 Title: Boat mechanic Place of work: Omerville Salary: To be discussed acc.exp.Permanent, full-time Experienced/Work in repair, service Mechanical aptitude VOFFR: 2739440 Title: Bartender Place of work: Magog Salary: $6.25 hr plus tips Permanent, variable hours Day shift/Experienced/Mature person VOFFR: 2743245 Title: Teller, financial services Place of work: Windsor and region Salary: To be discussed Temporary, part-time, 20 to 25 hrs wk College Diploma/Exp.in service to clientele and handling money/ Communication skills VOFFR:2742533 Title: Merchandiser Place of work: Estrie Salary: $9 to $12 hr Part-time, on call Exp.in marketing or sale in retail store, in alimentation field/Dexterity to recognize marketing opportuni-ties/Own a car VOFFR: 2743671 Title: Assistant-manager, convenience store Place of work: Sherbrooke Salary: To be discussed Permanent, full-time/Own vehicle/leadership Exp.in a convenience store an asset VOFFR: 2745009 Title: English teacher, Sec.language Place of work: Magog Salary: To be disc.dep.on exp.Permanent, part-time Good command of English/Communication skills Training and exp.in teaching/Work in business Teach English as a second language - ESL For more information on the jobs listed above, please contact your nearest Canada Employment Centre AND QUOTE THE JOB NUMBER .Weather Today: Sunny with cloudy periods.High near 22.Ultraviolet index 5 or moderate.Friday: Sunny with cloudy periods.Warm.Low near 10.High near 27.Saturday.Variable cloudiness.Chance of showers.Low near 14.High near 27.Probability of precipitation 30 percent.Sunday: Mostly cloudy with a few showers.Low near 15.High near 24.Probability of precipitation 60 percent./ Ben by Daniel Shelton aMa^Hhh www.b»n«Kwc«Wp com c ü WHAT S WRONG, MOM 7 SwnT ? — THE Thursday, September 6, 2001 page 3 Gov’t to appeal rule that forces taxpayers to defend Côté Lawyer will call for a stay of proceedings that would free man accused of raping daughter By Nelson Afonso Sherbrooke The provincial Justice Ministry is appealing a ruling that forces taxpayers to fund in its entirety accused rapist Renald Côté’s defence.And in the meantime, Côté’s lawyer says he will demand a stay of proceedings that could clear Côté of all charges.In an August 27 ruling, Justice Paul-Marcel Bellavance came to the conclusion that Côté could not afford the cost of a fair and adequate defence and that he did not have the intellectual abilities required to defend himself.He issued an order for the Justice Ministry to pay a competent lawyer to represent Côté for his bail hearing, preliminary inquiry and trial.But on Wednesday, Chief Crown prosecutor Michel Ayotte presented the judge with a letter from the Justice Ministry stating that the government would stop paying Côté’s lawyer if the Supreme Court reverses Bellavance’s decision.That could leave Côté without a lawyer part way through legal proceedings.Unhappy with the government’s decision to appeal, Côté’s current lawyer Jacques Blanchette said he will ask Que- FILE PHOTO Lawyer Jacques Blanchette said lawyers are interested in taking Côté’s case but want assurances they will be paid.bee Superior Court for a stay of proceedings as early as today.Blanchette said he will base his petition on the argument that the case has dragged on and the image of justice has been tarnished.“If it continues, this situation may bring people to discredit the image we have of justice,” Blanchette told reporters outside the courtroom.Justice Bellavance commented that by not fully complying with his ruling, and possibly delaying the proceedings and leaving Côté in jail, the Justice Min- istry may be interfering with Côté’s rights.Bellavance’s ruling said Côté had been unable to find a lawyer because criminal attorneys were unwilling to take on such a lengthy and complicated case without the guarantee of getting paid.Blanchette told the judge he has been contacted by at least three other lawyers interested in taking the case, but believes that without a guarantee of payment, the offers will disappear.“They are asking us to take on a project like defending Mr.Côté without offering any guarantees,” said Blanchette.But Ayotte maintains the Crown acted in accordance with Bellavance’s ruling.“We’ve demonstrated that procedures that should have already begun can now go ahead,” he told the judge.Blanchette disagreed.“He is saying that we comply with your judgment, but we are putting (time) conditions on it,” Ayotte said that a decision involving lawyer fees may still be made by the sitting judge once the trial begins.“If the appeal is decided in the middle of the trial, then the sitting judge would have power and latitude to make the case fair for new lawyers if necessary,” said Ayotte.“Those who want this to continue must help it along or else they are putting Côté right back where he started,” said Blanchette.“The government does not want to send a message; it does not want to open the flood gates.” Côté and his two sons, Donald, 26, FILE PHOTO Renald Côté will reappear in court today.and Serge, 23, will be in court this morning to set a date for a bail hearing.The three were arrested on June 28 and charged with more than five dozen counts of assault, sexual assault, sexual assault with a weapon, aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault causing bodily harm, sodomy and forcible confinement.The charges stem from an alleged 17-year reign or terror and abuse that began when the victim was little more than a toddler.Asbestos: Cont’d from Page 1 But on Tuesday night, Moisan-Coulombe said no other meetings have been held since then to discuss the merger and none are planned for the time being.“It could be a few years before we ever get around to such a merger, probably new administrations will be elected before we get around to any talks,” she said.“When we talked with the provincial minister of municipal affairs, there didn’t seem to be any urgency on their part either.They’re more concerned with mergers in larger cities such as Sherbrooke and Montreal.” The merger idea originated with mayor Noble after his town council brought in an unpopular budget last December which included a $250,000 revenue shortfall and an 11 cent mill rate tax hike.Noble and Danville councillor Paul-Emile Couture admitted a chief reason for the merger would be to tap into the estimated $1 million per year that Asbestos receives in taxes from the Magnola plant.Last year, Danville property evalua- tions increased by 12 percent, which along with the 11 cent mill rate hike, caused tax bills to jump by 30 to 50 percent.Many Danville residents charged the evaluation increases were caused by the presence of Magnola, which raised property values in town.But because the plant is located on Asbestos land, almost all the municipal taxes the company pays goes to Asbestos coffers.According to one Asbestos councillor who did not want to be named, the fact that Danville is eyeing the Magnola tax revenue has been a turn-off for many Asbestos residents.“They resent the fact that Danville council wants a larger share of that tax money, so they have no desire to merge with Danville,” said the councillor.On another matter, Coulombe said she and the Asbestos council have still not fixed a date to announce a decision on the future of the Asbestos police force.The Quebec government has given municipalities with their own forces until Oct.1 to decide whether they keep their police officers, or let them be merged with the nearest Quebec provincial police unit.“We still have to meet with the council over the matter, then discuss the issue with the provincial police in our area,” she said.“We should be ready to say yes or no by Oct.1 or Oct.2.” The Quebec government wants municipal and provincial police forces restructured in order to meet higher police service standards it imposed earlier this year.If Asbestos can afford to improve its force’s services and meet the new provincial standards, it will be allowed to keep its force.Since August, the town has been sitting on a report by the consulting firm Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton, which has studied what the cost will be for Asbestos to meet the new standards.Moisan-Coulombe said the study will be made public at the same time as the decision on the police force is announced.She said the town has opted not to hold public hearings on the matter given the complexity of the issue.Other townships municipalities such as Richmond, Wind- sor, Farnham and Cowansville have already decided they cannot afford the new standards and have opted to integrate their force with the provincial police.In another resolution passed by the Asbestos council, two streets in the Three Lakes area, those of Larochelle and Dusseault, will have their speed limits re duced.In the case of Larochelle, the speed limit will go from 50 to 30 kilometers per hour.For Dusseault, the limit will gc from 70 to 50 kilometers per hour.Director General Serge Charland said the speed limit reductions were made be cause of complaints by area residents that cars were going too fast on the narrow, winding streets.Yves Robert Advertising Consultant Tel.: 819-569-9525 Fax: 619-621-3179 email: sherbrookerecord@Videotron.ca page 4 Thursday, September 6, 2001 THEi Liberals would Charest allow citizens to reverse merger PERRY BEATON/SPECIAL There are instances where people will decide it’s too complicated to undo what’s been done.' Liberal leader Jean Charest infill .mmfM WÊm ¦ijMi CONT’D FROM PAGE 1 public.Municipal Affairs Minister Louise Harel has refused to release the studies claiming she “suffered” from the way figures were used in the past.She said it’s up to the transition committee to circulate the reports.“She names the transition committee members,” reminded Charest.Even though the new city’s constitution and the law state municipal taxes can only increase five per cent annually, Charest said he doesn’t know whether that’s the exact figure.“It’s five per cent of what?” he asked.“It could be on anything.You really have to read the fine print.This will become a puzzle for the transition committees.” “In life there are three guarantees -birth, death and taxes.Citizens are sure to get all three.” Charest also took time to explain how towns that are merged can be unmerged.“Where there has been a forced merger, we will allow citizens of the former communities to have access to a full registry,” he said.The next step will involve a cost-benefit analysis of unmerging before residents have the opportunity to vote on the issue in a referendum.“There are instances where people will decide it’s too complicated to undo what’s been done.” The unmerging stance was adopted by the Quebec Liberals during their October 2000 convention.The Liberal position hasn’t attracted much notice in Sherbrooke, where most towns are brac- ing for the Jan.1 merger.In Lennoxville, some town councillors acknowledged they spoke about taking advantage of the Liberal position during a work committee meeting, but the idea died there.Charest pointed out that the new Sherbrooke will have to distribute services to Lennoxville borough’s population in accordance with provincial laws and the language charter.He said borough residents should receive a bilingual tax bill.“We’ll find out from the merger if Lennoxville’s residents are comfortable,” he said.“It’s important Lennoxville maintain its identity.It already has a strong sense of its own identity.” Finally, Charest said he’s not opposed to a compensation package for councillors and mayors whose mandates have been shortened because of the merger process.He pointed out those people entered into a form of contract which has been interrupted because of external influences.MRCS AND POLICE FORCES Charest said Municipal Regional Councils should play a role in regional issues, especially in waste and territorial management.The Liberal Party is still awaiting the findings of Francine Ruest- Jutras and Roger Nicolet, who are cochairing a work group on the province’s 28 urban and rural MRCs.“It’s difficult to juxtapose the role of the MRCs and municipal mergers,” acknowledged Charest.“It’s a whole jigsaw puzzle at this point in time.” On the issue of police protection, Charest said his party will have to examine whether municipalities that have abandoned their local police forces and replaced them with the Quebec Police Force can reinstate their municipal detachments.Current government policy makes it impossible for towns that have switched forces to revert to their prior police department.Hearings will allow public to voice opinions Sutton: Cont’d from Page 1 Township residents voted to remain separate from the town, continuing to live as they have since 1911.ikmst Building o better Web ¦¦ .one site at a time With ewer half of Canadians surfing the Internet every day, can you ai 1.819.829.5772 www.nortnerncrown.ca nfggi ¦ .W' « Æ, .¦¦ .¦¦¦¦¦-¦ m§ 'ommumc “The spring after it (the merger) failed, our council voted that if it ever came back we would be in favor of studying it.” said Hill.“The Township didn’t respond.” This summer Municipal Affairs Minister Louise Harel raised the issue once again, making a request to the Quebec Municipal Commission to study the pros and cons of a merger.“The request for the study by the commission came from Minister Harel, it didn’t come from us,” Hill said.During the question period several people asked about the potential merger.However the meeting lacked the emotional tone of an earlier meeting held by Sutton Township to discuss the issue.That meeting had to be moved to the fire hall to accommodate the crowd.Bilingual Status One resident asked about guarantees of bilingual status in a merged Sutton.Hill said that since Sutton Township also has bilingual status the new municipality would be officially bilingual.“That was told to me directly by the minister,” Hill said.He also made it clear that without a promise of maintained bilingual status he would not support any merger proposal.The next step in the process will be public hearings held by the municipal commission on Oct.12.Concerned citizens have until then to submit written briefs outlining their arguments for or against a merger.At the hearings the public will also \ be able to step up to the mike and voice their opinions.Hill said the issue is a complicated one that includes a number of financial issues, administration, and how to best position the town to face the future.Hill said the commission will compile its information and submit its report to Harel, in either December or January.“By January we still might not know what the minister’s intentions are,” he said.He said Harel could take up to six months before she makes a recommendation to cabinet.In the meantime a number of steps in the process have yet to be clarified, including when or if the Town and the Township are to sit down at the negotiating table.“The process is in its infancy, and we will have to meet several more times with the commissioner,” Hill said.Hill said every effort will be made to keep residents informed. Thursday, September 6, 2001 page 5 -¦¦THEM Record PQhas suddenly rediscovered rural regions: Charest Next election will be decided in the regions By Rita Legault Sherbrooke The clear battleground for the next provincial election will be Quebec’s regions as Liberal opposition leader Jean Charest and Parti Québécois Premier Bernard Landry put an emphasis on wooing rural Quebecers.But in an editorial board meeting with the Record on Wednesday, the Liberal leader accused the Parti Québécois of suddenly rediscovering regions which have been ignored by the PQfor more than a decade in power.“It’s all very cynical on their part, but there is nothing new on the horizon,” charged Charest, who has spent the last three years crisscrossing the province to gain support among rural francophone voters whom he needs to pull off an election win.While Charest won more votes than the PQthe last time around, the Liberals won fewer seats because much of the party’s support was concentrated in predominately anglophone Montreal-area ridings.Over the next few months, the Liberals and the Parti Québécois will have to win over rural Quebecers.But while Charest must woo them with promises, the governing PQcan court voters in the traditional way - by buying votes.In its last budget, PQ Finance Minister Pauline Marois announced $800 million in new spending over the next three years in so-called “resource regions”.But Charest implied the measures are simply an effort to hold onto seats in traditional Parti Québécois strongholds.Charest points out the PQhas been promising a policy on rural issues for three years, but so far has failed to delivered it.And while the PQ contends it is helping the regions develop, Charest points out that its recent health care bill removes the power of locals to appoint directors to regional health boards.“The people in the regions of Quebec are going to take a very harsh view of this government’s record,” he predicted, adding that the Liberals have an alternative plan to revive Quebec’s regions.Charest said the Liberals would give regions a greater share of forestry and mining exploitation fees and allow them to invest in development according to local priorities.The Liberal leader said Quebec’s isolated regions also need to develop better service infrastructures - especially in areas like health care and education to prevent the declining population.He said greater access to college in Quebec’s regions would allow them to better train and re tain youths by providing them with rele vant skills and employment opportunities closer to home.Charest points out that per-capita Liberal leader Jean Charest visited Record.:¦/ y•• funding in health care and education lead to regional disparities and that a formula is needed to ensure regions get enough financing to maintain viable institutions.He adds that the decentralization of power and decision-making would also allow regions to develop according to regional strengths and priorities."The Parti Québécois has talked a lot about decentralization in the last 10 years, but haven’t done a lot about it,” he charged.As the Liberals prepare for their return to the National Assembly this fall, Charest commented the upcoming by-elections will set the tone for the next legislative session and the next election.Charest noted the byelections are all in Parti Québécois strongholds where the Liberals have never won a seat against their sovereigntist rivals.Premier Landry has predicted his party will go 4-for-4 in the votes.But Charest said he’s not discouraged.The Liberal leader recalls the party’s recent win in the PQ fortress of Mercier in Montreal which the Liberals have not held since 1973.Charest said that because there is no provincial election campaign, local issues tend to weigh in more heavily in by elections.He also said that local and that local candidate are a significant factor.Charest said byelections are a barometer of public opinion and they present an opportunity for disgruntled voters to send a message to the powers that be.Charest also points out that two of the byelections, including the one in former Premier Lucien Bouchard’s riding of Jon-quière, are in areas where there is strong opposition to forced mergers.They are also in regions Charest has visited frequently since he lost the last election.Charest also commented that Premier Landry, who stepped in after Lucien Bouchard’s sudden departure, doesn’t have a clear mandate to govern.“He has passed the PQ’s mid-mandate point and he has not been elected by the people of Quebec,” Charest said.“His mandate is wearing thin.” “The only thing we can conclude is that he is preparing for a referendum in 2005,” he said.Charest predicts a general election could come in the spring.He suggests Landry may venture forth with a new budget and base his reelection bid on it.Once an election call comes, Charest said the Liberals will focus their campaign mainly on health care and the economy.Charest said the economy has not picked up as quickly as the rest of Canada and North America and is critical of the PQ health care planning after the massive layoff of nurses and doctors that has created a chronic shortage.Charest said poor planning is to blame for health care problems.But he said many issues could be resolved by a reorganization of services and better allocation of resources.“We also need to take a look at under-funding,” he said, commenting on the deficit announced by the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke (CHUS).He commented that Bill 107 that prevents hospitals from declaring a deficit is ridiculous since, unlike the private sector, hospital cannot decide how many patients will show up on their doorstep.He said Quebec now ranks 9th among Canadian provinces for health care spending compared to 1994 when the province was second.He pointed out the Parti Québécois government received an additional $1.3 billion in federal transfer payments earmarked for health care this year, but the Liberals could only find $720 million of added spending in the budget and spending estimates.In the meantime, Charest said he is opposed to a suggestion by the Estates General on the French Language to create a Quebec citizenship.“I think that is a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist,” he said While Charest said he was not displeased with many of the recommendations in the Larose report, he defended the Liberal’s decision to boycott the hearings.He recalled the hearings were simply a move by ex-premier Lucien Bouchard to appease language hardliners in his party.Nevertheless, Charest said he is pleased with some aspects of the report including the tone and outlook towards the relationship between the anglophone and francophone communities.He also supported a recommendation to merge language bodies into a single board.“We should let bureaucrats do their work without a political edge to it.” Communication - Québec FDR AU GOVERNMENTAL INFORMATION GUIDES YOU CAN’T DO WITHOUT.AND THEY’RE FREE Communication-Québec publishes a series of guides which make it easy for people undergoing important moments in their lives to follow the various steps required by government departments.Here is a list of free guides, available in either English or French : • Baby is on the Way • Change of Address • Starting a Business • For People 55 and Over • What to Do in the Event of a Death • Separation and Divorce To obtain any of these guides, simply phone or visit Communication-Québec, or visit our Web site at « www.comm-qc.gouv.qc.ca».REGIE DES RENTES IN YOUR AREA In order to meet people seeking information about retirement or planning to apply for retirement, a representative from the Régie des rentes will be in Asbestos on September 5, in Victoriaville on September 5 and 19, in Cowansville on September 12, in Granby on September 11 and 25, in Lac-Mégantic on September 18 and in Plessisville on September 20.To make an appointment in Victoriaville and Plessisville, telephone 1 800 567-3872.For other locations, call 1 800 567-3590.LOSING YOUR CARDS : WHAT A HEADACHE ! The Memo Card, published by Communication-Québec serves two purposes: it allows you to identify all the cards you currently have in your possession, and it makes it easier to replace them- in case they are lost.One of a kind and easy to use, this helpful aid to memory contains a list of 15 cards, permits and certificates issued by governments, as well as the steps to follow to renew them.Spaces are also provided to enter other cards such as credit and ATM cards.You may obtain The Memo Card free for yourself and for members of your family at Communication-Québec.Communication- Québec Sherbrooke: 820-3000 Granby: 776-7100 Elsewhere, toll free: 1 800 363-1363 www.comm-qc.gouv.qc.ca QuébecSS Ministère des Relations avec les citoyens et de l'Immigration page 6 Thursday, September 6, 2001 ¦ THE—.Record Community Forum Letters to the editor Preparing now to unmerge Dear Editor The Town of Lennoxville is going to disappear.No big demonstration, no referendum, no political graffiti, without bothering anybody.Why?Mayor Doug MacAulay has explained several times that the provincial government has passed the merger law and there is nothing we can do about it.We know that we will be merged with Sherbrooke whether we go kicking and screaming like a hooked fish or as docile as some aristocrat on his way to the gallows.We also know that this government is willing to enforce stupid laws.Do not forget that these are the people who pay “language police” to measure the height of English lettering on a bilingual sign and then fine a lawbreaker to the point of closing down his business if the letters remain the wrong size.We will end up as part of Sherbrooke with one councillor to look after our interests.We will be a minority without much power of decision.(If you are an Anglophone, this may be a familiar feeling).The arguments for and against mergers have been debated.I have made up my mind and 1 am against the merger.I like my town as it is.It isn’t broken and it doesn’t need mending.If the Liberals win the next election I would like us to “unmerge” (1 hate to use the word “separate”).I would like to put my name on a list of citizens of Lennoxville who are against the merger so that we can say to a future Liberal government that we never wanted this.If the list is small, so be it, if it is very big then we may have an impact.I would even be willing to add a few dollars to help pay for “unmerging” if necessary.How do I do this?Is there already such a list?Is there an organizer out there who knows how to run a door-to-door campaign so that even the “non Record-reading public” can be informed and participate if they want to?Brian Talbot Lennoxville Locally controlled force is best option Dear Editor, Re Henry Keyserlingk’s series on the TBL policing decision.Few of Mr.Keyserlingk’s arguments resonated with me.If I was on a jury I’d say he simply hasn’t made his case.It is clear to me and the vast majority of people I have discussed this issue with that giving up control of the budget and the service at this point is unwise.All arguments point to a much better quality service being possible with a locally controlled force.All arguments point to the short term fiscal pain of financing a new police station as being a worthwhile investment in our security and quality of life.It is also clear we are going to be responsible for a larger, more important local police force and we should take this opportunity to reflect on how we want to manage this expanded service.It may be time to once again rely on direct citizen participation by forming a standing security committee.This committee would help the council ensure our money is well spent and that all the security needs of the entire community are met in the best way possible.This aspect of our community, like others will work best with citizen participation, accountability and transparency.Chris Severs Knowlton THE P.0.Box 1200 SherbrookeJlH 5L6 or 1195 Galt E, Sherbrooke JIG 1Y7 Fax:819-569-3945 e-mail: newsroom@sherbrookerecord.com Website: wwwsherbrookerecoid.com Randy Kimnear Publisher .(819) 569-9511 Sharon McCully Editor .(819) 5696345 Jamie Zachary Correse Editor .(819) 5696345 Richard Lessard Prod.Mcr.(819) 5699931 Serge Gagnon Chief Pressman .(819) 5699931 Francine Thibault Prod.Superv.(819) 569-4856 DEPARTMENTS Accounting .(819)5699511 Advertising .(819)5699525 Circulation.'.(819) 5699528 Newsroom .(819)5696345 Knowlton office 88 Lakeside.Knowlton, Quebec, JOE 1V0 Tel: (450) 242-1188 Fax: (450) 243-5155 MAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS GST PST TOTAL Canada: l year 114.40 8.01 9.18 $131.59 6 MONTHS 59.00 4.13 4.73 S67.86 3 MONTHS 30.00 2.10 2.41 $34.51 Out of Quebec residents do not include PST.Rotes for other services available on request.The Record is published daily Monday to Friday.Back copies of The Record are available.The Record was founded on February 7,1897, and acquired the Sherbrooke Examiner (est.1879) in 1905 and the Sherbrooke Gazette (est.1837) in 1908.The Record is published by Hollinger Canadian Newspapers L.P.Canadian Publications Mail Service Product Agreement No.0479675.Member ABC, CARD, CNA, QCNA S (^officers have been caring and friendly TO CONCERNED CITIZENS OF TBL I have been following the comments in The Record on the pros and cons of SQ protection.It seems only yesterday, that my concerns for Waterloo Police being disbanded were so strong, so I can sympathize with the citizens of TBL who are opposed.Now as a citizen who is living in Waterloo, with SQprotection, I have changed my opinion.First of all, our insurance rates certainly DID NOT increase, as voiced by a concerned TBL resident, in an editorial last week.As I was in the midst of reading that editorial, I glanced up and spotted an SQ cruiser passing by our house.Granted, Waterloo has the SQ headquarters office at our city hall, so it is not unusual to see patrol cars in the area.Secondly, on the subject of friendliness and caring, I would like to tell you about an encounter the Waterloo Cemetery Company had, involving the SQ.Two accidents within a year happened at the corner of St.Joseph and Court St„ and the vehicle smashed the cemetery fence.It was very reassuring to have the SQ take the time and trou- ble to ask who to contact and notify us of the damage.( Our old local police would have known.) Not only did Agent Desrochers ask to meet with me, as Secretary-Treasurer of the cemetery company, but the SQ.administrator, Marielle Langevin, called me twice to make sure that the Waterloo Cemetery proceeded with proper information, to be reimbursed for damages, by the insurance company.Naturally when one calls the SQ it is time consuming to try to explain a problem in either language.After hearing what I was sure were gun shots a few weeks ago, I called the SQ to report the incident, but apologized for disturbing them, should I be wrong.Politely, and in poor but comprehensible English, the officer told me he would check immediately.Within twenty minutes, the officer called back “ to relieve your mind Someone was having a fireworks display! Everything isn’t always perfect in our world ( or town ), but a positive and cooperative attitude by everyone from administrators to each and every resident is a great start a happy community.Whatever TBL chooses - we all care.Your neighbour, Shirley Maynes Beakes Waterloo wm CWTffiA acttooi© OK I’M VJEGEMD OMm.WE TOED WSIT THEY TUT NUL TUEMTOTOB OfîGUMt Timm.www doiighon com Sût: Thursday, September 6, 2001 page 7 Mayor Dupuis recalls highlights of 17-year tenure By Daniel Huot Ayer’s Cliff Briefs 'Councillor Vincent Gérin told The Record he intends to run for mayor.If successful, he will be the first newly elected person to that position in 17 years.Outgoing mayor Roland Dupuis already announced he’s not seeking another mandate, but intends to remain close to dty politics.Mayor Dupuis said he’s pleased with what’s been accomplished over his 17 years at Ayer’s QifFs town hall.“I’d like to thank fellow residents for putting up with me for all this time,” he quipped in his usual frank maimer.“I did my best and hope that I helped my community.We’ve always had good managers and councillors.It’s been a pleasure working with them.” Among his greatest personal accomplishments, he lists a road stop with an elevated view of Lake Massawippi.‘The entire project cost $40,000,” he said.“I got funding for labour.The final cost to Ayer's OifFs taxpayers was $18,000.Today, it’s one of the town’s main attractions.People even stop to have their wedding pictures taken there.” Another one of his favourite accomplishments is saving taxpayers $32,000 by working to gather funds for the baseball field’s fighting system.The one project he would like to see pull through is the paving of a 2.5-kilometre stretch on the cycling trail from Westmount Road to downtown.One of the goals is to make wheelchair access to the town’s centre core easier for disabled children staying at the Mackay Center Camp.rnmmmm.DANIEL HUOT Mayor Roland Dupuis with pictures of the 1995 council.He began his mayoral career in the 1980s.“Because the path is made of gravel, they have to travel on the sidewalk on the edge of Highway 141.It’s not very safe,” explained Dupuis, who added that the paving job will also encourage other children to roller blade in that zone instead of on the border of the fast lane.Finally, he pointed out the town still has a surplus of approximately $1 million.That’s little, he said, considering the cost of meeting new Environment Ministry water quality norms."Mayor Dupuis is asking the public to donate any used computer they might have which could be used at Ayer’s Cliff Elementary, which also serves as the town library.“ People have asked us for Internet access,” he said.The town recently set $1,500 aside to purchase new computer software.The computer already given to the library doesn’t meet the demand.Those who wish to make a donation can contact town hall at (819) 838-5006.'Ayer’s Cliff has renewed the garbage removal contract of Arlie C.Fearson for $29,425 and the recycling contract of Inter-san for $12,297 for 2002.Contractor Patrick Moloney has been awarded a three-year snow removal contract for $36,580 in 2002; $37,380 in 2003; and $38,180 in 2004.*The town is still considering having its lawyers ask representatives of the Concerned Citizens of Ayer’s Cliff Committee (CCA) to reimburse legal fees the municipality incurred during an un-successftil injunction against a housing parts project.So far, the town’s total amounts to $19,815.Mayor Dupuis said the total still needs to be finalized.“There are people who are responsible for this.They should take their responsibilities,” said Dupuis.“There’s no way I’m paying that as a taxpayer.” Females fuss over fuzzy factor wm The girls prefer the curls And the curly top controversy continues.Talk around the office water cooler as Liberal opposition leader Jean Charest visited the Record for an editorial board meeting was more about his recent haircut than his policies “I prefer the curls,” said one staffer as the female contingent gathered to discuss the merits of Charest’s hairdo.After years of being coiffed by a head of undisciplined curls, Charest shocked many of his admirers a few years back when he shed the unruly locks for a more clean-cut look.Charest, who said he prefers short hair, confides that it would be nice to get a haircut without creating a fuss.THE 2001 CANADA POST LITERACY AWARDS Canada Post is proud to recognize the following winners of the 2001 Canada Post Literacy Awards.INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT CATEGORY Winners Larry loyie Sharron Szott Carey Rigby Donna Arce-Black Ed Thomas Gail Purcell Simone Leduc Robin LaPointe Claudette Audet Anne Christopher Léona Bernard Paul DuLong Richard Miller Province BC AB SK MB ON QC QC NB NB PE PE NS NF COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP CATEGORY Winners Province Rainbow Literacy Society AB Victoria READ Society BC Literacy Partners of Manitoba MB New Brunswick Coalition for Literacy NB Battle Harbour Literacy Council NF Cobequid Neighbourhood Work Activity Program NS Inuvik Centennial Library NT ABC Canada Literacy Foundation ON Learning & Reading Partners Adult Learning Systems PE Alpha Haute-Yamaska QC Weyburn and Area Supportive Employment Services Inc.SK EDUCATOR CATEGORY Mabel English Ponsawan McDiarmid NT YK Winners Ida Tober Elma Gerwin Province AB MB BUSINESS LEADERSHIP CATEGORY Michael Maloney - Esther Chassé ON YK Boeing Canada Technology MB Mario Raymond QC SPONSORS: Health Santé ¦ ^ B Canada Canada Scotiabank Group NATIONAL the Lowe Martin POST KVilWPOS ¦ ?¦ Human Hescurces l^jhTlIWIlM ¦ ” 1 OeveloprtHint Canada Développement des ressources humaines Canada CANADA POST WISHES TO THANK AUTOSKILL INTERNATIONAL, THE CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS ASSOCIATION AND LES HEBDOS DU QUÉBEC FOR THEIR SUPPORT.THIS MESSAGE IS PUBLISHED COURTESY OF RECORD X’S page 8 Thursday, September 6, 2001 - THf i Record Attendance up, but rain came down on Art Symposium STEPHEN M< IHH'GAI.l,SPECIAL >:Ç.>cav.' •