Dear sir:
It seems that it is such a large problem to the board of education to dispose of a piece of property that is becoming an eyesore to the community.
They keep saying there is no money to demolish old Fort High, but what happened to the money that apparently was available to tear it down when it was being closed—and the cost was considerably less?
If you read between the lines, it appears the board doesn’t want to spend the money, but they also don’t want to get rid of it without a considerable amount of money in their coffers.
The longer it stays there without being used, the more it will become a safety hazard—and the cost to demolish or renovate it for other uses will escalate.
What about the library and the museum going into the newest part, and the rest being removed for parking, etc. The last time I was in the museum, the building in general, inside and out, appeared to be in need of a lot of repair. If the museum was moved, the area it now occupies could be turned into a green area to enhance the downtown core.
The question also comes up, what is to happen to the other schools that are closing when the expanded one at J.W. Walker is built? Will they also become “white elephants” because there was no foresight as to money being allocated for demolition or other uses.
The aforementioned probably has been talked about before, but I would urge the parties concerned to make a decision in the very near future as old Fort High is not getting any younger, and neither are we.
Let’s cut our losses and do it in a timely fashion.
On another issue, in response to Mr. Bruce Symington’s letter, dated March 19, 2003. I know the police don’t need me to defend their actions, but I do not believe their intention in letting people be aware of “tainted drugs” was to create hysteria.
It would have been just as easy to say nothing and allow users to consume the product and let the chips fall where they may. Of course, then there would have been the accusations that law enforcement knew about the problem and did nothing.
You can’t have it both ways, sir.
I know there are many pros and cons for legalizing certain drugs. Whatever laws are passed in the future regarding the use of drugs, it should be illegal to operate a motorized vehicle, of any type, when under the influence.
Don’t fool yourself that lives would not be ruined by the “legal” use of drugs or that tainted drugs should not be a concern. People get records for use of alcohol and peoples lives have been ruined by bad alcohol.
Just ask a family who has an alcoholic relative, or has had a relative or close friend killed or maimed by a person under the influence. The same thing can happen to a person no matter what mind-altering substance is being used.
But, of course, we all know there are those that can handle it and it will never be a problem.
Signed,
Gordon Sisco
Fort Frances, Ont.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
