Not to mention many low profile anecdotes of assistance to individual Islanders
To the Expositor:
In his letter to the Expositor of January 13, 2016 Joseph Gold of Kagawong states, “But though I have lived here for only 11 years, I can think of nothing the NDP has done in that time at least for the people or the economy or the habitat or the environment of this place.”
Evidently Mr. Gold is aware enough of The Expositor to have written a letter to the editor but one has cause to wonder if in the past 11 years he has actually read either The Expositor or the Recorder. Had he done so he would be aware of a remarkably long list of significant contributions that our MP Carol Hughes and MPP Michael Mantha have made to the Island and Islanders. Though Mr. Gold is evidently not currently well informed, he may still bring himself into the real world by checking The Expositor and Recorder archives for the numerous reports on what Michael and Carol have accomplished for Manitoulin. And he might talk to the people in his community to learn of the help they have provided without fanfare.
I have done some checking myself and have collected a list so long that it would fill an entire page in this newspaper. If Mr. Gold happens to be reading this letter I will offer just a few examples. The list includes together the work of both Ms. Hughes and Mr. Mantha as representatives of all Islanders regardless of political inclination.
Services and Infrastructure: Upgrades to ferry dock when low water levels threatened to prevent ferry operation. Reversal of the decision recently announced to move Driver Testing from Gore Bay. Advocate for crosswalk at Hwy. 540 in M’Chigeeng. Funds for municipalities, service clubs, Community Living Manitoulin, Manitoulin Family Resources; upgrades to marinas, Gore Bay airport; AOK multi-purpose centre. Oppose cuts to government services.
Health: Funding for Noojmowin Teg Health Centre expansion, Mindemoya Hospital Family Clinic, Healthy Kids Community Challenge. Advocating for injured workers, better health care funding and long term care services.
Tourism and Arts: Funding for Manitoulin Hotel and Conference Centre, Great Spirit Circle Trail, Manitoulin Island Country Club, Harbour Centre Gore Bay, bike lanes, various marina infrastructure installations and upgrades, funding for 4Elements Land Art projects.
Farming/Local Food: A variety of funding and support for farm upgrades, infrastructure, advocating for local food.
Environment: Bringing International Joint Commission meeting on low Great Lakes levels to Little Current; support/funding Manitoulin Streams; work on invasive species.
Low Profile: Many Island residents have stories of what great support and assistance Michael and Carol and their staffs provided on an individual basis.
I could go on and on with many more examples, but I think most readers already know about the things I’ve mentioned. It seems Mr. Gold does not. This information is not hiding from you, Mr. Gold; you can read about the work of our two fine NDP representatives nearly every week in our newspapers. You may find it enlightening.
Chuc Willson
Ice Lake
