The year 2011 was a year of many good and not-so-good things combined.
Beginning with the good things. New Brunswick adopted driver distraction legislation (despite being one of the last Canadian provinces to do so). This legislation, which prohibits the use of cellular phones and global positioning devices while driving, is long overdue. The use of hand-held devices such as cell phones is becoming more common by the year, but is more trouble than it is worth in the long run. The penalty for being "technologically under the influence" is a fine of $172.50 and a deduction of three demerit points from one's license.
On an even more local scale, Woodstock saw the installation of a set of traffic lights at the intersection of Connell Park Road and Connell Street. This is a step in the right direction for making Woodstock's streets safer.
Woodstock's Deakin Drive, King Street, Connell Street and Main Street received new blacktops. The Town of Woodstock makes great effort to maintain the streets within our lovely municipality year round. Keep up the good work!
On the flip side, several European nations and the United States were plagued by economic (and in Europe - civil) crises throughout 2011. Many key players in the European union are carrying massive debt loads, and angry citizens have been displaying their anger with the governments in the streets. Here's hoping that these nations and any other nation with economic and/or fiscal woes can resolve their complications before they end up on my doorstep.
The Shiretown Blogger would like to wish everyone a happy new year. May the year 2012 bring you nothing but the best.
Beginning with the good things. New Brunswick adopted driver distraction legislation (despite being one of the last Canadian provinces to do so). This legislation, which prohibits the use of cellular phones and global positioning devices while driving, is long overdue. The use of hand-held devices such as cell phones is becoming more common by the year, but is more trouble than it is worth in the long run. The penalty for being "technologically under the influence" is a fine of $172.50 and a deduction of three demerit points from one's license.
On an even more local scale, Woodstock saw the installation of a set of traffic lights at the intersection of Connell Park Road and Connell Street. This is a step in the right direction for making Woodstock's streets safer.
Woodstock's Deakin Drive, King Street, Connell Street and Main Street received new blacktops. The Town of Woodstock makes great effort to maintain the streets within our lovely municipality year round. Keep up the good work!
On the flip side, several European nations and the United States were plagued by economic (and in Europe - civil) crises throughout 2011. Many key players in the European union are carrying massive debt loads, and angry citizens have been displaying their anger with the governments in the streets. Here's hoping that these nations and any other nation with economic and/or fiscal woes can resolve their complications before they end up on my doorstep.
The Shiretown Blogger would like to wish everyone a happy new year. May the year 2012 bring you nothing but the best.
