On November 5, 2007 Minister Dave Denine wrote me in response to earlier correspondence and
stated: "If you have further questions regarding the (Ken Kelly) report please contact Eastern Regional
Manager Dan Noseworthy at 729-7390. On November 21, 2007, I wrote Mr. Noseworthy and outlined ten
(10) questions re the Ken Kelly Report. On December 19, Mr. Noseworthy replied but did not answer the
questions. I again wrote Mr. Noseworthy and later wrote the Premier and Minister Denine with copies to Mr.
Noseworthy, to all Cabinet Ministers and eventually to all PC Caucus members. Of all that group the only
ones who acknowledged my correspondence were Elizabeth Marshall, MHA, Topsail, Ed Buckingham, MHA,
St. John's East, and Steve Kent, MHA, Mount Pearl North. There has been more response among
backbenchers than from cabinet ministers. It makes me wonder if Steve Kent, a former Mount Pearl Mayor,
had been appointed Minister of Municipal Affairs, if information would have been more forthcoming?
The credibility of any government can be measured by the respect it shows for people. As an MHA,
Dave Denine represents the people of Mount Pearl South; as a cabinet minister, Mr. Denine represents the
people of the province. When he writes a resident to direct questions to a civil servant, then he should
ensure that the questions are answered. Since they were not answered, then it brings into question who is
running the Department of Municipal Affairs? I raised 10 questions about the Ken Kelly report which had
been commissioned by former Minister, Jack Byrne, to investigate matters in the town of Portugal Cove-St.
Philip's. The people of Portugal Cove-St. Philip's were charged $12,000.00 for this report. There has been
negative feedback regarding this report, and one councilor has done a critical analysis of the portion of the
report on Working Relations. One of my questions to Mr. Noseworthy was who influenced the writing of the
report? It is important that my questions be answered.
But where do I go to get them answered? Mr. Denine, the Minister passes me off to a civil servant
and he does not answer. That makes me think he has more power than the Minister! My letters to the
Premier, Cabinet Ministers do not make any difference. This not only raises the question of who is running
the Department of Municipal Affairs, but how arrogant the Government is, in terms of not responding to
residents.
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