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July 14, 2:55 p.m. - Sunday shopping I have just recently returned after six weeks from the U.S. and Upper Canada. In all that time I did not have to worry which day I went shopping because the stores were open every day. Yes all year round not just at Christmas time. I would like to hear each leader’s views on Sunday shopping for all us voters that want it all year round. - Mark Burnett
July 14, 3:00 p.m. - The zombie response of our government to water preservation and species extinction Right now, few informed people would bet on the survival of our
species for another 100 years.Leaders undertake wars that hasten
even the otherwise perilous situation. We hear even of the inappropriate mining of peat moss in the Coldbrook area. And it is still not certain that our government has finally vetoed the idea of a basalt quarry for Digby Neck. This latter is such a complete offence to the community and to many Nova Scotians elsewhere that it should certainly be a promise of any party hoping for election. - Eric Cleveland M.D.
July 14, 3:42 p.m. - Let's look at the candidates "Political science" can be studied at universities. As this science has progressed so the political parties have changed their ways.They all fight for the middle ground, knowing that this is their only hope for power. In the meantime, the news media have also tended to simplify the choices by reducing politics to little more than the personalities of the party leaders and one major issue. In Canada, electors don't have the luxury of proportional representation in any of its several forms. This further limits the richness of political debate that should occur as elections near. The best way we can respond to this situation is to come to know the candidates in our ridings. They will strive to persuade us of the rightness of the policies of their parties, but "political science" has assured us that these will not be very different. On the other hand, the values held by the individuals will be different. In an attempt to draw these values out, the Nova Scotia chapter of the Canadian Parks & Wilderness Society has assigned a "species in trouble" to each riding.Some candidates have treated this as a joke; others have been concerned to know about the species and what might be done to improve their future fate.This reveals their values; it tells us who cares and who doesn't.I will be voting for the candidate who cares the most. - Martin Willison, Halifax July 14, 9:43 a.m. - NS election Issues It is time all political parties considered long-term implications of their non-action on environmental issues. Clear cutting of forests reduces biodiversity not just for birds and mammals but also decreases fish spawning habitat. A lack of clear policy leads to inappropriate development of islands. Over the past six years, many islands in Mahone Bay have seen developments that may threaten bird life and the continued existence of some islands. Trees have been removed, increasing the potential for erosion on fragile glacial deposits. The islands, lands and forests of Nova Scotia are an ecological resource. The parties need to explain more fully how they intend to ensure sustainability rather than development for short-term gain. The forest industry has brought the wood production capacity of the land close to the ocean capacity to produce cod. Land developers are starting to make the shores and islands of this province look more like gated communities than a vibrant example for a sustainable future. - Richard Leckenby, Mahone Bay
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