ALWAYS GIVING WOOLWICH COUNCIL ANOTHER CHANCE - FOREVER HOPEFUL

The following letter/e-mail was sent earlier this morning to all six Woolwich Council members and cc'd to three local media outlets.




Woolwich Council: History is a bitch. Yes it is often written by the "winners' although not always. This past Wednesday morning I sent on to half of you an "aide memoire" written on November 19, 2007 by Dr. Henry Regier. Many other words and statements exist from Henry and other honest, informed local citizens via newspaper stories over the last thirty years. These include the K-W Record, Elmira Independent and the Woolwich Observer. "National" newspapers, magazines and videos are also part of the history. None are perfect and without error anymore than the best intentioned human beings are perfect and without error. That said the true history is documented and on record. It does not solely exist in the reports and words of consultants, government agencies or municipal, regional, provincial or federal governments. Some of the documented words of citizens both honest and less so include those of Bob Verdun, Ron Ormson, Gerry Heidubuurt, Fred Hager, Susan Bryant, Pat Mclean, Wilf Ruland, Sylvia Berg, Esther Thur, John Lojek, Susan Rupert (Gow), Richard Clausi, Ken Driedger, Shannon Purves-Smith, Art Fletcher, the current nine CPAC (Citizens Public Advisory Committee) members, Dr. Gail Krantzberg, David Marks, Peter Gray, Gail Martin, Steve Kannon, Jeff Outhit, Paige Desmond, John Roe, Ken Reger, Ken Bradley, Dave Belanger, Jaimie Connolly, Steve Martindale and so many more. I actually have a list of well over 85 involved individuals including Uniroyal, CRA, M&B, and M.O.E.. personnel .

Just over three years ago a book was published concerning the Elmira Water Crisis. I characterize the book as a five minute wonder on a strict time deadline. The deadline was to get it published prior to the October 2014 municipal election and that goal was achieved. The rushed extent of the book was obvious to those in the know. The title of the book could well have been "Ode to Susan" as Mr. Burtt's infatuation with her has been obvious, literally for decades. While it lacks objectivity it does rise above personal animosity and bias and several chapters are actually a worthwhile read. The timing of course was unfortunate in hindsight with the reliance on personal attacks by both Ministry of Environment personnel and most sadly by the soon to be former mayor, Todd Cowan. That I am criticized by M.O.E. personnel is a badge of honour. Those complimented by them are usually people of low morals, ethics or intellect or in the converse corporate people of very high power, authority and financial means. Todd's criticism of me is hilarious as first of all he is a pathological liar, hence reliance on his testimony is an indication of extraordinarily weak or lazy journalism. Secondly immediately after the publication of Bob's book, Todd publicly imploded partly due to his stupidity and partly due to his penchant for lying about almost everything.

My book is a very long ways off. That said I have been researching and documenting over the last six months. The data is being compiled regularly and sent off to trusted individuals, just in case. I do have professional literary help and am in no hurry or rush whatsoever. I want a book that will withstand much more than five minutes serious scrutiny. While after only three days I don't expect comments, questions or apologies regarding Dr. Regier's "aide memoire", I do think that you need to be cognizant of history. Bluntly put there are very few Woolwich Council members past or present who have much to be proud of, except those perhaps who have perversely supported and protected the biggest Woolwich polluters over the decades. Right now there are factors at play that could push both the Ministry of Environment and Lanxess into more significant cleanups including DNAPLS on and off site, east side (Stroh & Martin) property and lastly the downstream Canagagigue Creek. Woolwich history would indicate that the guiltiest of parties, with support from their friends, will as always find a way to avoid spending many millions of dollars remediating their past disgraces. This Council can be part of their avoidance or you can be part of their much greater cleanup. You will be judged. Little different when you're on the receiving end of judgement isn't it? Be on the right side of history.

Sincerely Alan Marshall