Inflation

Another article for the benefit of seniors 65 and over that was not printed.

Statistics Canada just released the latest inflation rate. For the month of October it rose 0.5% from 1.9% the month before. I must draw one's attention to Canada's Consumer Price Index and their report it rose to 2.4% last month indicating it's the highest its been in two years. That is rather interesting to a senior who never received an increase in their Old Age Security cheques over that two year period. The Consumer's Price Index indicated on 7 of 8 components checked prices were up including property taxes and electricity that pushed shelter costs up 2.8%. Higher prices for meat, fresh vegetables, and restaurant meals increased food prices by 2.2%, and rising gas, automobiles, and insurance costs pushed transportation costs up 4.6%.

It should be noted the 7 components checked are of vital concern to seniors 65 and over who now should expect a decent Old Age Security increase BUT don't count on it as the system used is not right for seniors.

Charter of rights

I am a staunch supporter of the Charter of Rights that gives every Canadian the freedom of speech, opinion, and

expression in public and if one wishes, through the newspaper media. For some unknown reason newspapers seem to exercise a right where they do not have to print one's article or letter other than if it contains libel and defamation with out having to give a reason. That is called CENSORSHIP and it should not be allowed.

The following articles, sent in to a newspaper, were based on the former mayor of Welland Damian Goulborne's decision to enter his name as a candidate for the Region of Niagara Chairman. The people of Welland were upset with his decision because of the fact he was soundly beaten at the polls when he was running for a Regional Council seat and during his campaign he announced he wanted the council seat so he could go after the Regional Chairman's position clearly indicating to the people of Welland they did not want him.. These articles were not printed nor any reason given as to why as they certainly contained no libel or defamation.

Perhaps the local paper should realize former mayor Goulborne is no longer mayor, he no longer has a seat and he does not need the PR protection:

" After reading Goulborne's announcement of his intentions to enter his name for Regional Chair it sounds to me as if he was the only person responsible for all of the changes in Welland. I guess those 12 people sitting in front and around him had nothing to do with those changes.

Do not be at least surprised if he is unsuccessful in obtaining the Chair position he will start looking at the provincial or federal field of politics If he does you don't suppose his platform will be centered around his wanting a premier or prime minister job?

" I don't believe any one could have described Former Mayor Goulborne any better than Ivey Riddell a former city councilor and regional councilor and I quote " What is the point of going to the polls to vote? We voted him ( Goulborne ) out of office, we didn't want him. We vote him out of office and the Regional council elect him as chair. Riddell went on to say allowing Goulborne to run for this position the regional council is essentially casting the decisions of the voters aside. After people have voted people in those are the people we want down at the Region----not some one who lost and still wants to make a go of it" A very intelligent lady.

Are those who are supporting Goulborne including some of the regional councilors so blind they can't see the voters of Welland did not want him on the council? Why would they even consider a person not wanted in his own community?

If Goulborne was so deserving and experienced the voters would have put him in------obvious by the results the people of Welland thought he wasn't

Goulborne shake your head and do the honorable thing---back out