Whistler’s Answers: February 7, 1985Whistler’s Answers: February 7, 1985
Another year, another year of questions and answers!
In the 1980s the Whistler Question began posing a question to three to six people and publishing their responses under “Whistler’s Answers” (not to be confused with the Whistler Answer). Each week, we’ll be sharing one question and the answers given back in 1985. Please note, all names/answers/occupations/neighbourhoods represent information given to the Question at the time of publishing and do not necessarily reflect the person today.
Some context for this week’s question: At a January 1985 council meeting, Whistler council voted 3-1 in favour of a resolution stating “We are concerned about proliferation of nuclear weapons and we would rather that Canada is not part of it.” Though the resolution passed, it led to a debate about nuclear weapons and Whistler’s and Canada’s place in the larger, international debate. The issue came to council as a result of work on Whistler’s Emergency Plan.
Question: Do you think the nuclear proliferation issue is a municipal one?
Max Wing – Skier – Club Cabins
I think Whistler should be very concerned – this would probably be a high attack zone and we should be fully prepared. In fact we should have an emergency alert as soon as possible, and maybe another bomb shelter at Pika’s. There should be a massive bell system so everyone goes directly to the shelter – and I can go around to all the places immediately and drink up the leftover beers.
Delmar Page – Bartender – Function Junction
No, I suppose it’s good we have a shelter (underground parking) but I don’t think we should get involved otherwise. We’re out of our field – council shouldn’t get involved. I imagine there’s a lot of warheads but it’s not something I think about a lot.
Terry Rodgers – Mayor – White Gold
Inasmuch as dripping water will wear away the hardest stone, I think eventually junior levels of government can wear down the bigger one. But what we don’t want to do is have democratic governments induced to unilaterally disarm – if in Japan could drop a bomb on Los Angeles, would the US have bombed Hiroshima? There’s nothing wrong with expressing thought on this matter.