More on Marinagate

RE: MarinaGate (News, August 27) and Chaos in Picton Harbour (Editorial, August 27). I try my best to keep up with what is occurring in the County by reading the local newspapers and speaking with my County friends about different situations, such as Wellington Water Works, The Terminals, housing in the County and what Town Council is doing/not doing, or how they do seem to disrespect the taxpayer.  Everyone seems to have an opinion.

I read the editorial and article by Karen Valihora regarding the Bay docking facilities and the dispute between CJ Thompson, Megan Thompson and the County.  I understand CJ Is a County person and a businessman who is well-known and respected.  I do not know either CJ or  Megan personally.  I do however think they deserve a meeting with Council members and staff to attempt to resolve the issues in question. I do not believe the County should be expending funds on a frivolous quest.  

To CJ and Megan, I wish you a fair and equitable resolution.

Keith Shannon, Cressy and Ottawa

The Public has a Right to Know 

Re: MarinaGate (News, August 27). I would like to thank the Picton Gazette for its investigative reporting into the legal battle over Picton Harbour, involving the municipality and its former Marina operators. No, not the Picton Terminals – the harbour where new docks have been installed and for the first time in many years “almost” turned a profit. This is due to the new young couple who took over the operation two years ago – with Council’s approval.

The Picton Harbour operation has complied with all the needed permits and paperwork, and has Council’s written approval — the compete opposite is the case with Picton Terminals. Yet who does our Council want to sue and put out of business? Nope, not the Terminals – but rather, the young couple who have followed the rules! 

Why? Supposedly, the new owners have not paid the municipality a share of the profits. The question that needs to be asked is, “what profits?” Every year when Council ran its Marina operations it lost big money – this is why they wanted to pass it on to a private operator. This past year the Marina lost only $5000 – a much better showing than the municipality ever had. It appears that the municipality is knowingly making an unfair and unrealistic demand. The public needs to know why.

Complicating matters is that members of town staff appear on a security video at the Marina, discussing the demise of the Thompson’s business and the $1.5 million they invested in new docks and slips. The employees apparently made comments about becoming the next Harbour Master. This should make us wonder how Shire Hall conducts business. Who is making the decisions? 

The comment about one of them becoming our Harbour Master is concerning. The municipality has hired a law firm in an attempt to retrieve the videotape. Council here appears heavy-handed, even fabricating an excuse to force this young couple out of business. As a member of the public, and a taxpayer, I don’t like to see my government or staff abusing or cheating anyone. The public needs answers!

If there are legitimate reasons for Council’s actions, they must be explained to the public. Council can not claim legal confidentiality as a reason to remain silent; the story has already been reported. Let’s be frank, it is a damning story about Council and for the municipal staff involved. Before any more legal fees are paid, the public deserves the truth about this matter.

Anyone who follows Council knows that it has not been smooth sailing for a long time – from the Picton Terminals to the Wellington Water issues, road closures, a mayoral non-confidence vote, the sudden resignation of the CAO and now Picton Harbour Marina. Perhaps the time has come for the province to carry out an investigation into Council’s actions? If not them, then perhaps the police need to get involved by carrying out a forensic audit.

The public need to be given assurances that their community is being properly run and that people are being fairly treated.

Dennis Fox, Northport 

Tourists Should be Appreciated 

It was very disheartening to see a young Bylaw Officer placing tickets on cars parked on the far border in the free parking lot at Mary Street this past week. 

I asked why and he politely explained that this row of cars were not parked in painted designated areas and therefore parked illegally. I felt badly for the owners of all of these cars as they were most likely tourists and would be unaware of this rule. 

As I don’t recall seeing any signage on the free lot, how would anyone know? They are not impeding other cars from driving in or out of this full parking lot. If tickets are going to be given for parking in this area, it is only fair to have proper signage. 

We need and appreciate tourists coming downtown to shop and they shouldn’t be surprised to see a ticket on their window upon leaving. It is not much of a welcome to them.

Diane Cooper, Wellington