Fluke Transport supports truck route changes

RE: City truck route review

As the longest serving trucking company in Hamilton, Fluke Transport will mark 100 years in March 1, 2020. So our support for revamping the city's designated truck routes may be a surprise. We also sat on the committee to take transports off Airport Road (except for delivery) when I was chair of the airport.

It is now time to take transport trucks away from downtown, away from Cannon Street, and away from the Queen-King Street right turn.

The city advised us about two years ago that the LRT would prohibit right turns from Queen to King and then to Highway 403. Instead, we take Burlington Street eastward to the QEW then over the Skyway when our trucks head to Brantford (which is often).

Does it cost more money? Yes. However, we won't compromise when it comes to safety. One tragic loss of life, like the loss of cyclist Herman Ohrt, is one life too many. Safety always comes first.

We applaud Coun. Wilson and Coun. Farr for their leadership on revamping designated truck routes and taking transports away from downtown and residential streets.

Ron Foxcroft, CEO, Fluke Transport Ltd.

Don't fix what isn't broken in schools

RE: Education changes

There are many things to oppose in the educational changes announced on March 15. I will focus on issues affecting the most vulnerable secondary school students.

Working online is already unpopular with students. Compulsory online classes, one in each of the four years of high school, will be challenging for those students whose parents cannot afford Wi-Fi in the home, putting them at a disadvantage when it comes to homework. Just as serious will be the effect of the increase in average class size. The present average of 22 allows for needed small classes for English as a second language, alternative and special education, as well as academic classes of up to 30 students. If average class sizes increase to 28, academic classes will increase well above 30 and subject choices will diminish. Small classes under 15 students will still be required for newcomer students and others who need extra support to be successful in school, but will be very difficult to provide.

The present staffing ratios have provided the supports needed to see graduation rates increase in the last decade. Let's not tamper with them.

Judith Bishop, Hamilton

Shall I stack students on students?

RE: New class sizes

My current high school class sizes this semester: 28, 32, 29. New proposed sizes: 36, 40, and 37.

Pray tell: in my classroom that is 25 feet by 25 feet - where exactly shall I place the extra desks? In the hallway? On top of the other students' desks?

This classroom needs more resources and support - not cuts.

Dina Read, Hamilton

No cruising in the left lane please

RE: Photo radar needed on Red Hill (March 18)

Reading this, I agree that reckless drivers need to be punished!

The bigger issue in this letter is the fact that the reader says she drives in the left lane as long as possible. This is the reason why the drivers behind you are so upset and frustrated. If you had taken a driving course within your 50+ years of driving, you would have learned that the left lane is the fast lane or passing lane. You're causing more problems by cruising in the left lane to avoid the exits. (And I'm sure you do the same thing on the QEW, etc.) It's not up to you to be the pace car in the left lane who sets the speed limit for everyone else. Move out of the way please!

Marco Marchionda, Hamilton

We are fortunate to have McMaster

RE: Lifelong learning

I am a 77 year-old retiree. I am currently finishing up a course in American Literature which I have been auditing at McMaster University. As a senior I did not have to pay tuition and do not write essays or exams.

Throughout the winter I have enjoyed the lectures and tutorials. This enjoyment stems from many factors. Firstly, it takes me away from the unfortunate news of world current events. Secondly, it keeps me mobile as I travel around the campus and use public transportation to travel to the university. Finally it puts me in the company of young people. I can assure readers we have nothing to fear. This next generation of students I meet on campus are caring and helpful, (I use a walker). They have engaged me in many friendly conversations.

I look forward to the spring term course offerings. I will visit the campus bookstore to review the texts being studied in humanities courses. After making my selection, I will visit the humanities office, and a welcoming counsellor will give me the information I need to register.

As Hamiltonians we are extremely blessed to have McMaster as part of our community. Oh yes, one more thing. The server in the coffee shop in the student centre, when handing me my coffee, will on occasion say, "It's on the house."

Richard Simpson, Hamilton

Will taxpayers be on the LRT hook?

RE: LRT back on track (March 29)

I didn't get past the second paragraph! The city should look elsewhere for extra cash for budget overages.

You know there will be overages, it's a government project. Are the citizens of Hamilton going to be paying for the overages? Who else could it be? Ask the mayor or council.