Site 41: County council must not ignore past mistakes

Letter to Midland Mirror February 14 2011

MIDLAND – Just recently, I read a letter from Warden Cal Patterson about the final disposition of Site 41. lt states that the site has been turned over to the county’s procurement, fleet and property department. As per council’s direction, this department is undertaking some process reviews.

I called Dawn Hipwell, director of property, fleet and purchasing, who confirmed that her department was planning to submit a confidential report to the performance management committee, hopefully in March, as to the best utilization of the properties.

I wonder how many county councillors are aware of how poorly Wayne Johnston, the original owner of Site 41, was treated from 1985-98?

Patterson continues to repeat, “lt is now time to move on.” Choosing to ignore the wrongs of the past does not bode well for our future.

County council’s final determination for the fate of Site 41 could be, I believe, a giant step forward in recreating the lost trust – if, indeed, the right decision is forthcoming.

Stephen Ogden, Midland