How much is it going to cost us? It's an unanswered question right now in the aftermath of the shutdown of the Bowater Mersey paper mill in Brooklyn, just outside of Liverpool. But we are told it will not cost us anything in the short term. Nova Scotia Power has already indicated it will not have an impact on its recently requested 3% rate hikes in each of the next two years, but after that, look out. NS Power's Rob Bennett says by 2015 we will see the effects of the mill's shutdown on our power bills. Can't wait.
How many more people are going to be hurt, maimed or killed before this city gets smart with crosswalk safety? There was another incident Sunday evening around 7 at a crosswalk residents say is dangerous no matter what the time of day. A 68 year old man was on the crosswalk at Albro Lake and Victoria Roads when he was hit and sent to hospital with life-threatening injuries. Residents blame speeding cars but the city also has a responsibility to consider other measures as crosswalk warnings including red lights.
A tip of the ball cap today to Dartmouth resident Danny Church for speaking out about his run-in with a group of thugs. He was walking back from the store Saturday evening when he was swarmed and then beaten. "You couldn't even see my face," Church told CTV's news. "You couldn't even tell I had a face." His face was actually fractured in 3 places and he underwent 9 hours of facial reconstruction surgery. Police believe it was a random act of violence. And the mean streak we see on the streets of our city this spring continues.
"I can do dying, but I can't do major suffering to get there." Those words from Gloria Taylor of BC who last week was given permission by the courts to end her life when she so chooses. Gloria has Lou Gehrig's disease and it has taken a toll on her body. Her life is ending and with the court decision she can do so gracefully and bring an end to what she describes as a "life that's been full of so many good things and challenges." She's not ready yet telling reporters she's still "here for the living, and I hope for a long time." But her courageous fight has opened the door to Canada allowing doctor-assisted suicides.
Have a great day. Get involved. And if you're not outraged, you're not paying attention.
Rick Howe
