Start with traffic

August 15, 2005

Dear Sir,

I reading the opinion piece in today?s (August 15) , I agree with Craig Simmons? idea of simplifying the task that is before the Sustainable Development team. While I support the work they are doing the questionnaire which was sent to households struck me as too big a bite which could lead to unmanageability. It would be simpler to target a few areas as Mr. Simmons suggests that are clearly unsustainable.

I would go further and tackle one issue only to start with ? traffic congestion. In doing one we might see more easily what is at the foundation of our common consumptive habits or mindset. It is my opinion that as a people we are out of contact with our needs as opposed to our wants. At a more fundamental level we are disconnected from nature and consequently what is best for ?the common good?. We need desperately to re-connect sooner than later. Save mother?s car

August 16, 2005

Dear Sir,

We need to find better solutions than discriminating against one or another section of the population to cure our rush hour traffic problems.

If we force singles to give up their cars, then people like my mother would lose her car. My mother is not part of the rush hour traffic problem. She catches the bus to and from work and on the occasion when she does drive into the rush hour traffic, it is because she is bringing someone else into Hamilton (car-pooling). The other things she needs her car for are things like grocery shopping and taking her dog to the vet.

More importantly she uses it to help people. She picks up and takes her grandchildren, and sometimes their friends, to church on Sundays. She drives for the Red Cross to help the elderly get to their doctor appointments. She also helps with taking family and friends? places like the airport. Just think, if you take away her car how many other people will be affected.