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NEWS

By DESMOND DEVOY

desmond.devoy@metroland.com

KKaell Morris M i needs d a bone b marrow transplant. Help the fundraising cause Oct. 11 in Toledo. — Page 3

COMMUNITY Photo by DESMOND DEVOY

Come on Bossie Events – John Duncan tries to get his Angus heifer to move along during the cow competition at the 160th edition of the McDonalds Corners Agricultural Fair in Lanark Highlands Township on Saturday, Sept. 28. In the background is John’s brother Nathan Duncan, and his equally stubborn cow. More photos inside this week.

Banner necessary in ‘50 Shades’ world: Fenik By DESMOND DEVOY desmond.devoy@metroland.com

Perth cartoonist, Gerry Capelle seeks funding for kids books. — Page P6

SPORTS

The Perth Blue Wings shot back in the third period to beat the Clarence Beavers in EOJHL play. — Page P16

News – What’s the difference between porn and pornography? It depends on who you ask sitting around the Perth town council table. “Porn and pornography are the same thing,” said Coun. Jim Boldt during the Sept. 24 meeting during which the wording for the White Ribbon Campaign banner was debated. But he conceded that “there was some concern… that the word porn was not as acceptable as pornography.” For Coun. Beth Peterkin, however, the very word porn carried such a negative connotation that she could not support its use on the banner. “I have absolutely no problem with the campaign,” Peterkin said. “I totally support it. I will not support that wording. I do not think it is appropriate.” The issue had come before full council after a previous, vigorous debate on Sept. 10, following a

presentation by the Perth InterChurch Committee, to seek council’s support to once again fly the White Ribbon Campaign Against Pornography banner on Foster Street from Oct. 21 to 25. Coun. Judy Brown pointed out that, normally, when it comes to banners being strung across Foster Street, the community services director, Shellee Evans, makes the decision if the banner is in keeping with town policy. However, “people have the option of coming to committeeof-the-whole, and committeeof-the-whole makes the decision if it (the banner) is appropriate and that is what happened here,” Brown said. The banner will read, “Be Aware, Porn Harms,” and “that’s what’s generated a lot of discussion, the wording of that banner,” said Mayor John Fenik. The banner used last year will not be used, partially because some of the lettering has faded. Fenik agreed with Peterkin

that “this word (porn) is provocative. It will get people talking.” But while society has become more tolerant of sexual diversity and orientation, “it is becoming very blurred. We are living in a 50 Shades of Grey world… if it (the banner) prompts a discussion of healthy sexuality, that is OK. Maybe some provocation and discussion is not bad.” Pornography is no longer just a Playboy magazine stashed away under a teenage boy’s bed, but now often degrading, sometimes violent sexual images that can normalize crimes like rape to youngsters, many of whom stumble across such content online by accident. “I am not comfortable with the word porn,” said Boldt. “But with what I hear coming out of the mouths of children these days, I don’t think it will matter.” Boldt added that, if the committee makes a similar banner request in 2014, “maybe they could put a little bit more thought” into

the wording. Coun. Jim Graff agreed with Boldt that technology is changing how society accesses pornography, and how it is distributed, sometimes unwillingly. “The word porn has more shock value,” said Graff. “(But) we have kids taking pictures of themselves with their iPhones,” in compromising positions, “and it is getting in the wrong hands.” Earlier this year, the old Perth Police Service visited area high schools to present seminars on sexting, following complaints from students about the practice. “If it stimulates one conversation, and helps one kid, all the better,” said Graff. “It’s a tough world out there and we need to make a stand,” said Brown. In the end, Peterkin stood as the only councillor to vote against allowing the banner in a recorded vote. Fenik, Gemmell, Graff, Brown and Boldt voted in favour.

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News – Never underestimate the power of a tweet. Perth Mayor John Fenik used the power of social media to get some long-delayed action on getting a provincial appointment to the Perth Police Services Board. Fenik attended the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference in Ottawa this past August, and he told Perth council on Tuesday, Sept. 24 that he was blown away by Canadian astronaut Chris Hatfield’s keynote speech on the first day. Fenik noted just how Hatfield was able to use social media, like answering questions on Twitter and uploading videos of his exploits on the International Space Station, where he served as commander, to YouTube. Little did he realize that, following a bearpit session with members of Premier Kathleen Wynne’s cabinet later that week that he too would use Twitter to get long-awaited action. He asked Community Safety and Correctional Services Minister Madeleine Meilleur about the delay. “We’ve been waiting a long time for an appointment,” said Fenik, after Lana March’s term expired last year. “What gives? What’s taking so long? Can you speed things along?” Meilleur’s answer was, essentially, as Fenik recounted, that all Perth had to do was “just send in three names and we will take care of it.” The only problem with this was that Perth had already done just that. “Things needed to move quicker,” said Fenik. So, he took to Twitter outside of the session and vented his frustrations. About 10 minutes later, back in his hotel room, he received a phone call from Meilleur’s staff – they wanted to see him right away. Since then, “appointments have been approved, they just haven’t been announced publicly,” said Fenik.

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