TORY MAILOUT FEAR MONGERS ON THE TAXPAYER'S DIME

Dear Editor:

I recently received the latest offering from our MP. The picture is
of a faceless hooded figure staring at an empty playground -- ominous
to say the least. The message is that the Conservatives are going to
do something about the drug dealers who fill our schoolyards and
threaten our children.

As a parent of two young children, I was shocked to learn that my
local school is being overrun by drug dealers. I always assumed the
people hanging around the schoolyard when I pick up my children were
other parents. Yet when I think about it, some of them couldn't
possibly be parents, they're too old. And the way these old people
are greeted by the kids, the hugging and laughing -- well, what
seven-year-old doesn't want to hug their drug dealer? Or maybe these
strangers are actually grandparents, like my mother who picks up the
kids on Mondays. (Thanks, Mom!)

I jest, but this is no laughing matter. The only text in this
pamphlet that rang true was the statement that "parents have enough
to worry about without fearing for their children's safety."

The fact is our schools are safe and vibrant parts of our community.
We have active parent advisory councils and many great teachers,
administrators and parent volunteers who are committed to educating
and protecting our children. Stoking the fears of parents by sending
out this misleading drivel is shameful. Using taxpayer money and MP
mailing privileges to fear monger is shameful. As a parent and
taxpayer consider me twice unimpressed. As an elected official, I
outright reject the suggestion that the children in our community are
in danger.

Roger Bassam, councillor District of North Vancouver