All the dignitaries looked very happy at the the sod turning today. You would think that they had this whole deal wrapped up and the community behind them.

In the past week both the City and RM have cancelled several special meetings to approve tenders.

While apparently their lawyer is out of town, another Daily Graphic report mentions the project manager had some concerns about what was in the tender.

Unconfirmed reports have the tender amount well above the budget, so is that what the project manager had to change?

What was the rush to begin tearing down fences last week which caused disruptions to the Potato festival? Especially since there is no legal agreement in place yet with the Fair Board?

What about the Harness Races scheduled at the end of the month?

Did they have to show some progress to keep up the impression that things are going ahead?  With a Daily Graphic survey showing 93% of respondents will not donate any money to fundraising efforts, what does that tell you about community support?

Businesses that signed up for naming rights and other donations have already had angry customers refuse to continue doing business with them and moved their accounts or have chosen to take their shopping elsewhere. Once again, what does that tell you about community support?

Let’s not forget the many Portage residents who offered up donations of 10,000$ each, but only on the condition that the facility was moved to the Republic Park where every public survey and consultant reports have indicated it should go. That would have raised more money from local citizens than the Portage Recreation Committee has raised from private individuals in 3 years

If Premier Gary Doer thinks the NDP will garner enough votes in Portage with this pitiful handout, he is sadly mistaken. When 1400 people sign a petition in 4 days to Save the Island, I can’t imagine them voting for any provincial politician that helped the City/ RM pull off this scheme.

With the impending legal challenge and upcoming votes in City and RM councils, wouldn’t it be the prudent course to have everything in place before spending any more money? It would especially be the fiscally responsible way to do things

What is the rush?