Another promised date missed in the Tar Ponds Saga...A very sad day...

 Posted on Facebook on August 24 at 7:27pm

I sent the following message to Gary Campbell on August 20...

"Hello Gary. I was wondering if you could give me some indication as to when you will have the answers to the questions from the residents of the North End. Most of these questions are in regards to work that is beginning in October or is presently happening. The sooner we receive the responses the better. Could you please provide me with an approximate date for when we will receive the answers? It has been almost 1 month now since the questions were submitted so the responses should be back to us soon, I hope. These residents are very concerned about their health and have lost faith in the government and tar ponds agency after the meeting which you failed to attend. Getting them the answers in a timely manner will go a long way to restoring their faith. I must remind you again that you and the STPA are accountable to these residents. It is our tax money that pays for this project. You work for us and need to ensure that we are included in a meaningful way in the process."

The same day, I received this response...

"I had hoped the response would be back to you early this week. However, preparing for the open houses this week has our folks fully occupied. I just spoke to them, and they will have the response to you on Monday."

It is now Monday at 7:18 pm and I have not received any answers to any questions yet. I am saddened by this fact. I was hopeful that Gary Campbell and the Sydney Tar Ponds Agency had gotten the point that they need to be more accountable and I took him at his word that the answers would be here today. Also, I received no emails or phone calls telling me that they would be late. Again, the message sent is that the concerns of these residents are not important. This has been re-enforced by the missed meeting and now the missed date for the written responses. It's getting more difficult to trust the word of the government officials and the agency. And this is very sad. The psychological health of these residents is being negatively impacted by this because they are left to believe that the agency doesn't care about them or their health and it is increasingly more difficult for them to feel safe in their homes and community. How can they trust the project if the people involved can't keep their word?

Hopefully, the answers will come tomorrow. Hopefully, the agency will start to take steps to restore the faith of residents. All we are asking for is open and transparent communication about issues that are directly impacting the health of the community. It isn't too much to ask.

Please give me your thoughts...the more we communicate, the better. As always, I welcome the opinions of those who disagree with me. The discussion is important and that is what these residents want!