Letter to the Editor -
Dear Editor: The following letter has been sent to Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs.
Dear Minister:
Please accept this letter as my vote against amalgamation. After attending a public meeting in Daniel's Harbour on Aug. 11, 2009, I came to the conclusion that Ken Kelly would most likely recommend amalgamation of the towns of Daniel's Harbour, Parsons Pond and St. Paul's. After reading Mr. Kelly's preliminary report, I do not see any benefits in this process for us as a town.
I do not speak as a town representative, but after a show of hands on a vote against amalgamation at a meeting (where approximately 100 people attended) I feel my concerns are those of the people. To me, as an individual, I only see this as costing me extra dollars and no extra benefits. In fact, possibly even fewer than we now have as a town.
One example is snowclearing. Right now, each town has its own snowclearing. If we get a storm during the night, by noon the next day, most roads are passable and usually all are pretty well cleared by evening. Or, if it snows during the day, the plows can get started right away. Will we, as an amalgamated town, still have this service, or will we have one contract for the three towns? If so, it will not be possible to clear the roads in one day, so who's going to be left behind and possibly be a couple of days before their roads are cleared? Up to this time, our Main Street was cleared as part of Route 430. However, that is not the case now, since that was also taken from us and a new road imposed on us.
What will this do to our ambulance service, fire service, postal service, as well as freight delivery? These are essential services to the people.
I have read and heard stories of other communities who have amalgamated and have not heard anything good about it.
Will we, as a people, get a chance to have a final vote on this, or are we at the mercy of our town council.
If I had wanted to be a part of Parsons Pond or St. Paul's, I would have chosen to move there on my own. You would not have to make the decision for me.
Sheila House
Daniel's Harbour
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