JAG stymied by allegations
Three more members issue complaint of harassment
By Steve MacInnis, Cape Breton Post, January 16, 1999
It appears harassment complaints within the ranks of the Joint Action Group (JAG) is not restricted to just paid staff members.
Three JAG members - Brenda Tattrie, Rob Jessome and Mike McGrath - all say they've been subject to harassment by other members who feel the trio should not be involved in the process.
All three work for Sydney Environmental Resources Ltd. (SERL) - a provincial Crown corporation responsible for a twin fluidized bed incineration system which sits idle in downtown Sydney.
Since the creation of JAG in August, 1996, members of SERL - formerly known as Sydney Tar Ponds Clean Up Inc. - say they have been exposed to some vicious attacks by other JAG members who feel anyone from the company comes to the process only to secure an incineration contract.
But McGrath, Tattrie and Jessome have all signed on to the JAG process as private citizens and routinely declare a conflict of interest when discussions turn to incineration and abstain from voting.
Earlier this week at a committee meeting, JAG's program coordinator and public information officer said they too are being harrassed by member Mark Ferris who continues to raise objections to their salaries.
JAG is mandated to develop a community-based remediation plan for the which includes the famed tar ponds. The group's efforts are being funded by all three levels of government.
The process has been tedious at times since many members do not have a technical background and are not familiar with the multitude of remediation options.
The issue of having SERL members at the table now sits before JAG's ethics committee which has yet to render a decision despite several meetings on the topic.
JAG chairperson Carl (Bucky) Buchanan has repeatedly stated that JAG process is open to one and all.
"I've argued from day one that anyone can be a member and I would hope that we wouldn't lose anyone of those three," said Buchanan.
Other members have also voiced similar views but there remains no resolve to the question.
The three SERL workers have had enough and in a letter to Buchanan have urged the issue be put to rest at the next JAG roundtable meeting slatd for Jan.27.
Buchanan said he'll have no difficulty placing the issue on the agenda for discussion.McGrath said infighting is slowly killing the JAG process and the time has come for everyone to get along.
"We share the conviction that if JAG is to succeed in the near term with its important mission, stakeholders must make a concerted effort to eliminate distraction, minimize tension and reduce conflict, perceived or real," said McGrath.
Coke ovens cleanup group awaits word on next step
Return to Main Page
This page hosted by 
Get your own Free Home Page