LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Women swept school board vote Re: “Revenue sharing? Not likely with $10B deficit,” Don Braid, Opinion, April 11.

I’m having more than a little difficulty understanding what Don Braid is upset about. On the one hand, he bemoans the apparent paucity of women in municipal government, at the same time stating it has not always been that way.

According to Braid’s lament, there are but two female members on Calgary’s city council, of 15 total (including the mayor), or 13.3 per cent.

What is perhaps a more telling statistic is that of 61 individuals seeking office in 2013, a mere seven, or 11.5 per cent, were women.

According to participation ratios, mathematically speaking, women are overrepresented on council.

But the results ignored by Braid are those for public school board.

Of 24 candidates for seven positions, 13, or 54 per cent, were women. But in this instance, all seven positions were taken by women. Eric Hindson, Calgary

Flames mean a lot to the city Re: “Flames hockey spurs economy,” Letter, April 5.

The letter writer eloquently stated exactly what I was preparing to say. May I add that thousands of diehard fans also gather at those same local bars and restaurants during the 40-plus away games and playoffs, loudly and proudly wearing Flames jerseys and caps, also purchased at local businesses.

Flames players, wives and alumni contribute and partner with various organizations to raise muchneeded money for important causes.

Big-name concerts also create employment and boost local businesses.

Unfortunately, Edmonton is reaping those economic benefits because the Saddledome is no longer adequate. Remember, the vast majority of Calgarians who pay for bike paths and pedestrian bridges will never set foot on them.

If Edmonton can support their Oilers, surely, Calgary can support our Flames.

There’s more to a vibrant city than carbon taxes, bike paths and green bins.

Go, Flames, go. Linda Coquet, Calgary

One bike lane is plenty enough Re: “New bike lanes planned as city steps up safety in northwest,” April 10.

Since Coun. Druh Farrell is promoting the addition of a bike lane along Northmount Drive N.W. (which incidentally is not a bad idea), I wonder if she would also suggest removal of the western bike lane on Northland Drive.

Currently, Northland Drive has bike lanes on each side of the street — a totally useless approach given that the bike lane on the east side is all that is really needed since it runs adjacent to two schools.

Let’s not keep adding bike lanes without assessing their real value and remove the ones that make no sense. Robert Dixon, Calgary

Parents of LGBTQ can share love best Re: “It’s up to young people to share info,” Letter, April 11.

If a child thinks they belong to LGBTQ, the main reason they haven’t told their parents is because they know they will be disappointed.

Despite this, the parents should be informed as soon as possible, because keeping it a secret can only foster alienation. The problem with socialist governments is that they have so little confidence in the basic family unit and its ability to solve its own problems without outside interference.

There are exceptions, but they only prove the rule.

Nobody is better equipped than a parent to make a LGBTQ child know that they are loved and respected, no matter what their sexual orientation. How dare some bureaucrat tell us that they can do better.

When are Albertans going to stand up and tell this meddlesome government to mind its own business? Peter Mannistu, Calgary

War tribute demands dignity Re: “Visit to Vimy not the time for selfies,” Letter, April 12.

We should be ashamed at the performance of our prime minister. At one of the most sombre events in history honouring the fallen, and Justin Trudeau is acting like he’s on the red carpet at the Oscars.

While all of the dignitaries, royalty, etc., have their heads bowed paying tribute, what do we see? Trudeau waving like he’s some kind of celebrity at a movie event.

Shame, shame, shame. Jack Foster, Calgary

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