July 11, 4:00 p.m. - Election Issue

I think that the main issue in the current election campaign should be protection of the natural environment. In particular, off-road vehicles (ORV) have become a big problem. Recreational riders of ORVs do a lot of damage to plants, cause erosion and siltation of streams, and produce much noise pollution. They also cause many injuries and ruin the outdoor enjoyment of others.

We need much tougher regulation and enforcement, including raising the age of eligibility to operate ORVs, higher liability insurance rates, and limiting recreational riding to only designated trails.

   - Graham Smith

July 11, 4:05 p.m. - Issues

Besides health and education, I think that the burning issue in Nova Scotia is preservation of land, especially land along our coasts.

No coastal areas areincluded in the 31 protected areas because (according to one government spokesperson) coastal Crown land is in very small chunks.That doesn't matter. Any and allCrown coastal land (including islands) should be preserved for the people of Nova Scotia and the fish and animals that depend upon undisturbed shores (and even the tourists). And it won't cost a penny -- we already own it. Our shores are disappearing todevelopers, extractors andwealthy locals and foreignersso fast that soon most of uswon't have access to ourown "Ocean Playground."

I would vote for any party that would take this on as a priority.

   - Wendy Scott

July 11, 11:42 p.m. – Think about it

I see nothing of value in any of the platforms that are offered. The true value comes from responsible management of natural, human, and economic resources. This means LISTENING TO THE PEOPLE and understanding the limits of a resource. The promises of a government that can not see beyond the need to use resources in a sustainable manner is ultimately of no use to the people who must live with the reality of a deteriorated environment in a degrading economy. The fishery, the forest industry, agriculture, and natural resource protection are the true backbone of our cultural and economic heritage. I see not much mention of these in any platform.

They all want us to believe that insurance rates will not increase when the only way that we can have any true answer is to implement NO FAULT INSURANCE. Here is a reality check -- if you are involved in a car accident and it is not your fault YOUR RATES WILL GO UP TOO!! The only way around it is no fault unsurance. If you want an even greater safeguard then it should be regulated by a government body. REMEMBER HOW RATES WENT UP FOR POWER AFTER PRIVATIZATION OF NOVA SCOTIA POWER. In addition there is no incentive to use less environmentally destructive technologies such as gas electric cars, solar power, wind generators, etc. Come on people, let’s think on our own!

The original communities are never truly consulted when planning new developments. All is done in terms of the tax base that can be generated. In Halifax this means destruction of vast wilderness areas for poorly constructed housing. There are no regulations regarding materials used in construction. Case in point: THE USE OF PARTICLE BOARD FOR ROOFS. We live in an environment of extremes. Do you really think that a particle board rooftop will withstand the effects of intense moisture, frost heave, and baking sun? In 10 years do you really want to re-mortgage your 25-year mortgage for a new roof ?

Let’s look beyond our walls at the water coming into our homes. The province is experiencing an extended period of new housing developments. The methods applied include clearcutting of old growth stands and blasting of bedrock for basements. Excellent groundwater resources are being destroyed. Between 1998 and 2002 as many as 2,564 subdivision approvals have been granted -- this is just for Halifax County. How many more in the rest of the province? The primary answer is to centralize water supplies in order to 'maximize use of the resource.’ However, the lakes will only give us what they have -- no more, and no less. We really need to look at preserving all potable water and that includes our groundwater resources.

I could go on about how our waste water is not being treated and flowing into Halifax harbour in violation of the Fisheries Act (deleterious substances that destroy fish habitat). However, it must be stated that the true bottom line is conservation of natural resources and preservation of wilderness -- even in urban and residential areas. I am sure that everyone can think further on this as well.

We need real solutions not insincere election/vote-getting appeasement.

   - Christine Anne Smith

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