The biggest scam in the region

Dear Editor,

Many thanks for your excellent coverage regarding the garbage incinerator and the meetings closed to the public. While the public pays the salaries of Durham Region staff, councillors and ultimately Covanta (well into the millions of dollars), we are not entitled to any information (or limited info at the rule of Chair Anderson) about how our $300M+ is being spent.

After a recent investigation about closed meetings, it was shown that the closed (secret) meetings were not necessary; just more smoke and mirrors thanks to Chair. Roger Anderson and the past commissioner of works, Cliff Curtis. So much of the reports now provided by the reluctant region are so heavily redacted as to be redundant. Chair Anderson and some of his cohorts on council are to be congratulated on the biggest scam in Durham Region’s history.

Are there not enough people sitting on regional council (and being paid by us) willing to do their homework and put a stop to this sham? If not, perhaps it’s time to play musical chairs.

And by the way, where is the Ontario government, like Ontario’s Minister of the Environment? Are they not being paid (very well) to look after our best interests when it comes to air and water quality? Have we heard from our local MPP? (No!). Think about all of this in a few years when the rates of asthma and cancer take a spike in Durham Region and points east. (PS: “follow the money”).

Jim Richards