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Beautification work needs a kick-start

The Editor,This letter is regarding the recent article "This is why we can't have nice things" by Chad Saxon. While stating his frustration over the parking habits of big trucks in town, he overlooked the bigger problem.

The Editor,This letter is regarding the recent article "This is why we can't have nice things" by Chad Saxon. While stating his frustration over the parking habits of big trucks in town, he overlooked the bigger problem. People feel invincible, unidentifiable and inconspicuous inside their vehicles. Why is it that when we drive, we can lose our manners, respect and inhibitions? This is a social problem. It's not limited to local oil companies, young men in big trucks or people with a sense of entitlement. And there is no quick fix.Estevan's beautification program needs a lift from the public. It's off to a great start and we need the rest of the city to get involved. I propose that we have a city project where we build a great big gazebo or outdoor theatre with entirely volunteer efforts and donated materials.Call it the annual Estevan establishment or something. Even if it were a clean-up day, it would help to get everyone involved. It's easy to point a finger at the oil companies. Since it's a dirty industry, it's easy to sling mud, but it's harder to find a solution. People want to be part of the solution, not the problem, but they need an avenue. We already have Estevan-pride and province-pride and Rider-pride. It shouldn't be a stretch for us to band together and boost the beautification project. Get some local companies to donate materials and labourers for time for a trade to put their name on it and it could be a "The Week the Women Went" type of project. Maybe the CBC would even come down and document it.Devin Brown,Estevan, Sask