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Wednesday, May 2, 2007 · Page 6 LETTERS 5 CONTINUED FROM PAGE Arenas, pools and taxes A few years ago, a new Aquatic Centre (pool) was developed in Essex. Many of us were asked to donate to the project. After it was completed, it turned out that people who live anywhere in the world (except Essex) are entitled to use the pool for $2.75 per visit. Essex residents, on the other hand, pay $2.75 per visit, PLUS a mandatory annual dues/ membership/surcharge/levy (whatever you want to call it) added to our property tax bill. For a typical resident this probably works out to an additional $100 to $200 per year. The extra fee must entitle us to certain rights and privileges but I can't seem to find the words to describe them. Will the arena proposals bring us similar benefits? Eric Naylor Essex Re: User fees cause concern (Free Press, Apr. 18/07) Yes, we are concerned. All my senior friends and, I am sure, anyone on a fixed or low income is very worried. We are pleading to council to stay with their decision of March 19 and go with "user fees" on the arena and pool. It is not fair that we (seniors, etc.) should have to pay extra taxes when we do not use these facilities. Let the people who are working at good jobs and the ones who use them pay for them. In 2005 you tried to pull the wool over our eyes. On our tax notice we now had a new tax under "Aquatics Centre Resident." Many of us called and complained. On our next instalment, "Aquatics Centre Resident" was omitted but the tax amount remained the same. Do you think we are stupid? We are all paying for the Essex pool on our taxes. This will be the same for the new arena. This is not fair. A one-pad arena is sufficient and it should be funded and paid for by donations and "user fees" or not built at all. Our taxes are high enough. Seniors, please speak up. M. Market Essex Now this administration is at it again. We are being hit with a new charge but they are hiding it in our water bills. The public was not informed nor were pub- lic meetings held (another defiance of legislation). I urge the province to come in and clean up the mess. B. W. Kerr Lakeshore Sat. May 5th Real Estate Auction On Site Agriculture land in Lakeshore consisting of 2 parcels of the late Pearl Simpson Estate. Parcel #1 at 10 a.m. 13.52 acres at 877 Puce Rd., 1 1/2 storey home w/misc. out buildings, over 1800 ft. frontage and Puce River is at the back, great building site. Parcel #2 at 11 a.m. at 866 Conc. 6 - 85.51 acres, 1 1/2 storey home and out buildings. Both properties are untiled and have recent surveys. Terms: possession 30 days - $10,000 certified funds on auction day. Properties will be sold subject to trustee approval. For further info please call 519-735-3070. LAVIN AUCTIONS INC. RICHARD LAVIN AUCTIONS INC. ESTATE AUCTION A PUBLIC AUCTION FOR THE LIVING ESTATE OF ELEANOR SAUNDERS (Kingsville) & OTHERS WILL BE HELD AT 357 QUEEN ST. (Walker Rd.) HARROW SATURDAY, MAY 5TH AT 9:30 A.M. VERY PARTIAL LIST: ANT. & COLL.: Chest drawers w/mustache handles, Morris chair, library table, drop front desk, wash stand, D Phyffe drop leaf table & 4 chairs, 2 corner china cabs., 2 ice boxes, treadle sew mach., chest drawers, Gibbard coffee table, 1/2 moon table, 3 pc. waterfall bed suite, 4 pc. bed suite, R. Crown Derby dinnerware, Old Foley & more china, Cornflower stemware, crystal pitchers & tumblers, Paragon & more cups & saucers, 8 pl. set Community plate in chest, unique floor lamps, oil lamps, lg. cast school bell, cameras, masonry & primitive tools, General metal toy transport & Reliable carbine toy gun (orig. boxes), model A parts & much more. MODERN ETC.: Washer, dryer, stove fridge, freezer, micros, sofa & loveseat, sofa & chair, leather glider/rocker, swivel rocker, side chairs, 3 pc. bistro set, dbl. bed suite, captains single bed, TVs, VCRs, radio/CD player, computer, 2 china cab/hutches, drafting table, sm. kt. appliances, housewares, linens, 6 in 1 games table, golf clubs & cart, bench press, English pram, girls & boys 12V 4 wheelers w/batteries, kids pedal cars, kids bike, computer games & hockey equip., patio tables w/6 chairs & umbrellas, tool boxes, wood & alum. ext. ladders, lawnmowers, J Deere STX 14 hp. lawn tractor w/46" cut & much, much more. PREVIEW Fri. 3-7 p.m. or Sat. 8:30 a.m. TERMS: Cash - Approved Cheque - Visa & M/C. For pics. see theauctionadvertiser.com MARWOOD ANDREWS - AUCTIONEER - 519-738-3220 - email bidfive@jet2.net Lunch Available - NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ACCIDENTS AUCTION SALE At the home of Mrs. Eva Robins at 1705 Moore Line. 15 miles south of Sarnia, 15 miles north of Wallaceburg. Take Kimbell Side Road to Moore Line. SATURDAY, MAY 5TH AT 10 A.M. Hotpoint side by side fridge, Moffat 1 yr. old electric stove, Woods upright deep freezer, Maytag washer, Kimball electric organ, couch and chair, bunk beds. ANTIQUES: Walnut bonnet and chest, press back chairs, gate leg table, record cabinet, treddle sewing machine, Aladdin lamps, frames, bridge lamps, corner china cabinet, 3 pc. bedroom set, Gingerbread clock, cupboard, pine boxes, dressers, chest of drawers, organ stool w/clawfeet, crocks, large quantity of cup and saucers, blankets, depression glass, tools and many more items too numerous to mention. TERMS: Cash or cheque w/proper ID. Not responsible for accidents day of sale. Mrs. Eva Robins, Prop. Murray Knapp Auctioneer 519-687-3424 Province should intervene in Lakeshore I am fed up with Lakeshore. Residents are continually kept in the dark while the spending and stupid decisions continue to escalate. As was the case with the previous council, there is no leadership, and the administrator continues to sit at the helm. The CAO, Mike Phipps, resides in Chatham-Kent, as do several others in management. Do they care then, where or how they spend Lakeshore tax dollars? Since all of our reserve money is long spent and gone, they are levying a new hidden tax on us so they can continue on their spending spree. They do not follow the rules handed down by the province in the Municipal Act. The province directs municipalities to adopt and abide by hiring policies to guard against nepotism and favouritism. Lakeshore's administrator hired a full slate of new managers with no council involvement. None reside in Lakeshore. When citizens became aware of the breach of legislation and demanded answers from council, the CAO was caught. Council's reaction? Nothingness. Solid Hardwood, Laminate Flooring, Solid Granite & Porcelain Tiles 5" HANDSCRPED MAPLE RECLAIMED TOOLS 13400 Desro Dr., Tecumseh (Corner of E.C. Row Expressway and Manning Road) Hardwood Flooring Auction ACCELERATED MARKETING SPECIALISTS JOHN B. McKENZIE & Associates McKenzie's Associated Auctioneers in association with Richard Lavin Auctions has been instructed to sell an incredible inventory of Solid Hardwood Flooring including quality woods such as Oak, Maple, Kempas! Selection of Toilets, Wash Basins, Pedestal Sinks SAVE ON RETAIL PRICES! Monday May 7, 2007 6:00 P.M. Preview at 4:00 p.m. 15% Buyers Premium Cash, Visa, M/C, Debit Card or Certified Cheque Associated AuctioneersTM McKENZIE'S Web Site: www.mckenzieauction.com Phone (519) 453-7182 1-800-265-1906 Fax (519) 451-2443