From The Central Plains Herald May 2 2009

It was with mixed emotions that I read the Central Plains Herald-Leader’s editorial on April 25 (“Time to stop and think”) about the Rural Municipality of Portage public budget meeting. The editor seemed to be attacking the rural council just like the group of people that are opposed to the PCU Centre. At the budget meeting, there were just as many supporters as those opposed, who asked the same questions of the council at this meeting and most other meetings the council held previously. There was no new information brought up which would have given the councillors a reason to vote any differently.

She made a comment that one opposed person thought there should have been money put into the budget for agriculture. It is not the RM’s mandate to put money into government programs the federal and provincial governments provide. They do provide services to the agricultural community by means of fire and police protection, roads, drainage and water service, etc. to rural farms.

She says the RM council is not listening to concerned citizens; I say these concerned citizens needed to have been involved 2 to 2 1/2 years ago when decisions were being made and before binding legal agreements were signed. The bullying tactics and threats of pulling their business from local business owners who have been supporting this project has not helped the situation, but only created animosity within the Portage region. This comment comes only after talking with rural and city business providers.

The councilors’ vote at this meeting means we have a share in this complex. If the opposed group had their way we still would have to pay $8 million to the city, but would then not own any shares or have any say in the operation or usage of this facility.

It is interesting two RM councillors who have at times voted against the funding of the complex, gave a vote in favour of the total financial budget. Wondering if I was alone in how I felt, I talked with many rural citizens and everyone has agreed with my comments.

Talking with Lorne Henry, him and I both feel the PCU Centre cannot be stopped and that all people in the rural municipality should come together and put our differences aside, so we can make sure this complex will be able to be used to the fullest enjoyment of all rural residents. We need to remember that the rural municipality and the city are the larger community, and we both need each other.

Doug Connery

Lorne Henry