After Dr. Jack Kitts' introduction to Niagara residents, via a press conference last week, questions immediately popped up about an apparent bias.

Understandable, as nearly the first words out of Kitts' mouth were that while he had not yet made any decisions on the Niagara Health System's restructuring plan, he said he supports the type of consolidation being proposed.

A mediator who praises one side's stance when he first meets the press is not making a good impression on those in opposition.

Kitts, president and CEO of The Ottawa Hospital, is spending the month reviewing the NHS's restructuring plan, a controversial document which outlines how the guardians of most of the hospitals in Niagara want to close the emergency rooms in Fort Erie and Port Colborne, move all maternity service to a new hospital to be built in west St. Catharines, and consolidate most services at its three largest hospitals, with St. Catharines getting the bulk of them.

At least we're hoping he is reviewing the proposal and not just planning to rubber stamp it.

"I'd like to believe he is open-minded, but we will be watching," said Niagara Falls councillor Jim Diodati. "I'd be extremely disappointed to learn if in his mind it's a done deal."

Many people are of the same mind. They also wonder why the so-called expert advisor was brought in while the NHS ignores the opinions of physicians who have lived and breathed the system.

"Dr. Kitts, I'm sure, is a fine person and he came all the way to Niagara. So what?" said Welland MPP Peter Kormos. "For every Dr. Kitts there is a local doctor ... who knows far better who doesn't agree with the plan."

But it's not all Kitts' fault. He was chosen by the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Local Hospital Integration Network, which at this point seems like little more than a body planning to rubber stamp the NHS's restructuring proposal.

How do we determine this? Because we are nearly two months on from the release of the NHS's controversial plan and there is still no hint of public meetings in the works.

Plus -- and it is truly scary this still has not changed, as noted last week by Niagara Falls MPP Kim Craitor -- the LHIN is only accepting comment gathered by the NHS.

It's akin to a judge not wanting to hear from a defence attorney, relying instead on the "facts" as filtered down and handed over by the Crown.

In light of Kitt's outlook and the LHIN's refusal to listen to the direct appeal of residents, anyone in opposition of the NHS's plan has to be sure to keep the pressure on their political representation, right up to Health Minister David Caplan himself, to fight on their behalf.

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SCHOOL'S BACK IN, DRIVE RESPONSIBLY

The Niagara Regional Police's All Hands on Deck enforcement blitz Tuesday, was a wakeup call to the imminence of a fatality that potentially lies around every corner as children head to school.

With thoughts of homework, lunch and their friends top priorities, we can't expect them to be aware of potential traffic safety concerns 100 per cent of the time. So, the message is slow down. You don't want to be the motorist responsible for a fatality in our community.

The region wide statistics from the All Hands on Deck project, gathered over just a few short hours, indicated drivers from all over the region have heavy feet.

Niagara west, however, according to stats provided by the NRP, appears to have had a higher proportion of tickets issued. Either 8 District officers were extra vigilant in their duties, or drivers in Niagara west really need to check their speedometers.

Region wide, officers stopped a total of 468 vehicles, of which 248 drivers were issued provincial offence notices for aggressive driving violations including speeding, four drivers were issues with notices for seatbelt/child safety restraint violations, 57 received warnings for traffic violations and three drivers were arrested for driving offences.

Niagara West drivers accounted for a quarter of those -- with 62 tickets issued -- and received numerous warnings on top of that.

It may have been a one-day project, but NRP officers will continue to conduct traffic safety programs in school zones for the entire school year.

NRP officers remind all drivers to be alert, drive with caution and be aware of their surroundings, especially in the areas of schools and other educational facilities.

It's not just about slowing down. It's about personal safety, too.

Police suggest motorists exercise caution and patience when approaching intersections and crosswalks with busy foot and bicycle traffic as some students take more time crossing the streets than others. Remember that crossing guards have all authority to direct traffic.

When a school bus is stopped and the red lights are flashing, all vehicles must stop. Motorists may proceed when lights are clear. Passing a school bus can lead to a hefty fine and six demerit points.

The first day of school may have been an expensive lesson for some, but the cost could be much higher. 8 District Det. Sgt. Richard Frayne said the project was very effective and a number of motorists thanked the local officers for being out there.