Dear Editor,
Just recently the Public Utilities Board released its feasibility report to the provincial government and essentially had nothing to say other than “the dog ate my homework.”
The PUB was given a deadline to research and make its report based on their expertise, however, it failed to do so. I am not sure how serious Andy Wells takes his position as Chairman and CEO of the PUB, but given a deadline with plenty of advance notice, there is no reason why the PUB could not report back with a valid report either in favour or not in favour of the Muskrat Falls project.
Andy Wells’ submission of a report on a 6.2 Billion dollar project is absolutely ludicrous and shameful to the province.
But does this report really surprise anyone? Really? Just think back to the days of Andy Wells’ time as Mayor of the City of St. John’s. His childish antics, games and bullying made headline news almost every night...not that it was newsworthy but it was laughable! The City of St. Johns under his direction was an absolute farce and a farce is what Andy Wells has turned the quasi-judicial body of the PUB into.
Even former Premier Danny Williams said “it is unacceptable that the PUB could not reach a decision after nine months and millions of dollars in spending.”
So what is the problem? Do Andy Wells and the PUB have the knowledge to make an informed and unbiased decision on the future of Muskrat Falls or has the PUB become bullied into taking such a ridiculous position on Muskrat Falls?
If it is either of these two problems, the board should do the honourable thing and dismiss itself and move onto whatever else they do best in their lives.
I can’t see either of the board members removing themselves from such lucrative political appointments until their mandates are up, but maybe its time for the province to call on real professional people to study the Muskrat Falls project and make a decision.
Who would be decent, respectable and knowledgeable to take on such a project? In Newfoundland and Labrador I’m sure there are thousands of people up for the challenge, but think beyond our beautiful province. How about, former U.S Vice President Al Gore? Gore has been an advocate for a cleaner environment all of his adult life and since his retirement from politics, he has dedicated his time to ensuring our world is cleaner and greener. He was even awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 for his environmental activism.
Maybe someone of this stature would be a little more credible of making a decision on a 6.2 Billion dollar project! In addition to making a decision, I’m sure he could also be of benefit for selling this project internationally.
I’m thinking that Dean Macdonald was absolutely right in saying that “the PUB process was flawed from the start, with board chairman Andy Wells publicly making critical comments about provincial crown energy company Nalcor.”
Kathy, pick up the phone and call someone with a little more credibility and respect to study Muskrat Falls. Call Al Gore.
Rodney Mercer
Grand Falls-Windsor
