Debate is always beneficial for drawing out and refining the issues. Active debate is, we believe, a much better alternative to lack of citizen involvement --- in all issues affecting one's community, but especially these two very important issues namely, education and the environment.

Very understandably, some letter writers have been somewhat emotional in their expression of support for the proposed school re-building program and likewise have the writers who want the environmental impact of the proposed ancillary facilities (parking lots, lights, traffic access) to be reviewed.

Hopefully, the result of this continuing expression of opinions will be the best possible win-win for both education and the environment -- how could we wish for any better outcome?

My wife and I are members of SCORA (South Central Oakville Residents Association), and although this letter does not speak for SCORA, we hope that it will encourage further reasoned discussion by all concerned.

We do, however, think it is very important that those involved try, first, to find common ground, i.e. what can we all agree with -- obviously better educational facilities and protection of the ambient environment. These should be mutually inclusive rather than divisive goals for the re-building project.

Doug and Sandy White