I have read with great interest on the Journal’s Opinions & Letters page suggestions that Innisfil amalgamate with Barrie.    

As part of the Torstar group, the Journal is pushing a political agenda that is not acceptable. One only has to look at Torstar’s support in electing David Miller in Toronto. Now look what they have. Innisfil council has many shortfalls, however, if we look at Barrie’s history, we would be better to stay as Innisfil, for the following reasons:

• Innisfil has and will expand its water and sewer program.  Over the last 15 years Barrie has contributed much more to the pollution of Lake Simcoe. 

• Barrie has failed to plan and attract major industry. They have lost more than they gained. They continue to focus on big retail centers and fast food centers offering low paying wages. I would venture to say they are close to being the fast food capital of Ontario.

• Barrie in its infinite wisdom lost Georgian Downs and has regretted it since. Now they want to try and hijack it with the help of the Liberal provincial government.

• As far as roads and sidewalks, Barrie’s no better and amalgamation would not improve this situation. 

The Ontario government planners have the same mentality as the Simcoe county planners — none.

The best place for industry and commerce is the Hwy. 400 corridor. It is easily accessible, yet these mandarins want factories in the community where people live. That does not work.

We the residents of Innisfil will badger and push our council until we get what is reasonable and fair. In observing what happens in Barrie, the negatives are far in access of the positives for amalgamation.