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I refer to "Future looks bright for Ministers Island" (Nov. 8) which outlined the New Brunswick government's support for the Van Horne Estates on Ministers Island Inc. by signing a 25-year lease (at $1 per year) with this not-for-profit group. The lease allows their control of the 500 acre island which features a large barn, 50-room summerhouse, windmill and bathhouse built by Mr. Van Horne. The provincial government owns the property.

The Cherry Brook Zoo is situated within the bounds of Rockwood Park and the real estate is thus owned by the City of Saint John. The Cherry Brook Zoo has no legal ownership or lease of the land. As with Ministers Island, such a situation raises difficulties with ongoing accreditation and the ability to raise money. I understand the Board of the Zoo has previously approached both city council and city management to either transfer title or lease the land to Cherry Brook Zoo Inc., to no avail.

A substantial number of citizens, and their children, have benefited from the presence of the Cherry Brook Zoo during the past 30 years. These people have shown support financially by stepping in when council and management withdrew. A significant budgetary gap remains which one hopes will be repaired after deliberations at city hall are completed.

Of equal importance would be to cede or lease the land on which the zoo sits to this not-for-profit organization. Such an act would contribute to the ongoing accreditation and prosperity of this much-loved institution.

JOANNE CADEAU

Darlings Island

May wasn't ready for federal election

A confidential post-mortem report in which Elizabeth May reveals she felt like she was "flying by the seat of my pants" couldn't be truer.

Elizabeth May scribed, "No campaign discussions or strategy calls took place during the lead-up to the election."

The fundamental basic principle this party failed to fathom, was that you require something dubbed strategy, which evolves commencing with the leader, which at no time occurred.

Elizabeth May neglected to assess her job description and arrive at a realization about who is in charge. Leadership 101 is the name of the game, and she committed a cardinal sin, which points to dereliction of her fundamental duties.

You have to confess that running in Central Nova was a daft concept from the get-go. For all those citizens who were teeming with outrage when this unelected, self-aggrandizing, and (still unelected) individual wasn't going to be sanctioned in the debates for the most consequential profession in the country... do you get it now?

This same woman waved her finger in the face of the PM of Canada and called him and his policies a fraud.

Her not securing a seat is a non-starter, as there are never any guarantees in an election. The Greens won no seats in a political system originating at Confederation, which has functioned extremely well in excess of 100-something years.

If it is not broken, we do not need to fix it!

RONALD J. YASCHUK

Quispamsis

Women ministers backlash misleading

I have to respond to the most recent backlash of the lack of women in Shawn Graham's cabinet.

This is another example of opportunists including the CBC trying to get sound bites without telling the whole story. There is one woman in cabinet, and yes there should be more. But there are four Liberal MLAs in New Brunswick, none of whom have any health, education or legal background. Don't women have to be MLAs first? Can't we talk about something more important than misleading facts?

RODNEY CHIASSON

Rothesay

Board should use own money in suit

We hear daily about the pension board suit. The board talks of integrity and how they've been offended.

But I ask, how can you possibly have integrity when you use other peoples money to further your own ends? Would any of these people have launched a lawsuit in this matter if they had to use their own money?

I think we know the answer to that question. It's time to put an end to this. Fire the entire board and let them resume their actions on their own. How can any civic-minded person continue to rack up bills in the thousands of dollars because they want an apology?

These members of the board should all wake up to the real world - they have no integrity using our money. Publish all their names so we can make sure we don't vote for them if they run. Blacklist them from any appointed position in civic government. We can't afford good citizens like this.

They've stated their positions and maybe they're right, but if they are, then use their funds to prove it, not yours and mine.

And Mr. Ferguson, maybe some sort of apology phrased the right way could save us money. Most of us just want the funds to stop flowing and the money used for our benefit, not some whining adult children.

GEORGE SMITH

Saint John

All can help end domestic violence

We read with horror the article with the headline "Man admits savagely beating woman."

It was extremely distressing to us to read the details and our thoughts go to the victim of this vicious assault. Equally disturbing was the mention of a witness at the scene who intervened at one point, but it is not clear if police were ever contacted.

However, going by what was printed, we are appalled to think there may have been people who were present at this attack who never contacted the police.

Making this tragic situation even more poignant is the fact November is Domestic Violence Awareness month. We don't want to put the blame on the witness, as the blame falls entirely on the abuser. However, we would like to take this opportunity to point out how, as community members, we can respond to witnessed situations of domestic violence. Many women are abused behind closed doors, and we can only imagine how many times this woman suffered behind closed doors. But this situation was very public. If community members are faced with a similar situation, call 911 immediately at the very first sign - even verbal abuse can often escalate into physical violence. If possible, escort the victim to a safe place; draw attention to what is happening; ask others to call 911.

We all have to take responsibility for addressing domestic violence and for intervening when we witness abuse or violence. Incidents like this should personalize domestic violence for everyone.

KIM GILLCRIST

SHELLEY GAUTREAU

BRENDA MURPHY

Saint John

Skateboarders must encourage safety

Years before any bicycle helmet bylaws came into effect, serious cyclists would have an unwritten rule that if you did not show up with a helmet, you simply did not ride with the group. Very rarely do you see anyone on an expensive road racing or mountain bike without a helmet.

It all comes down to what the social norm is. If Mr. MacLean and others lead by example, then the younger kids will follow. Quite simply, if there is an unfortunate string of head injuries occurring at the skatepark, I would say there would be pressure to close the skatepark down.

Users have to get it together and encourage safety.

STEPHEN MORRIS

Rothesay

A good news event to remember

As I was watching Barak Obama win the presidential election last week I heard a reporter say "You will remember where you were when Obama was elected president." Seems to be a pretty generic association with big news. Then I got to thinking about my 25 years on earth and what other events were so monumental in media that they were categorized under, "you will remember where you were when..."

Sadly enough, the first events that came to mind were 911 and the Tsunami. Then I thought a little harder and came up with Okalahoma City, Columbine, Princess Diana, Hurricane Katrina, TWA flight 800, SARS, and the Olympic bombing. What do all of these news stories have in common?

First, they were impact enough to gain massive media attention to the point of the catch phrase, "you will remember where you were when." But secondly, they are all bad news, showcasing the pure evil side of our world or documenting disaster. Finally something with a positive portrayal is sweeping the world's media waves. Way to go, Barack. There is hope.

STEPHEN CRABBE II

St. Andrews