Our good mayor, Andy Wells, is making waves yet again. His views on global warming are being brought into the debate about his appointment to the PUB. Wells has stated "I think there's a lot of junk science out there that's masquerading as true science,'' the Mayor told CanWest News Service, "and I think as a consequence public agencies and organizations such as municipal councils are making stupid decisions."
But on the other hand when the city rolled out their new hybrid vehicles the Mayor stated "While the initial purchase price of each vehicle may range from $5,000 to $8,000 more than a comparably equipped conventional gas vehicle, the returns from the fuel savings over the life of the vehicle should provide a cost neutral impact and, of course, we will be using a more environmentally friendly vehicle."
I guess if a photo opportunity is a photo opportunity!
Now last night on the evening news when Premier Williams was asked about Mayor Wells views on global warming he replied that he hadn't talked to Andy about his personal views on the subject. Whaaaa...????? One would think that would have come up in the interview process. Wait...was there an interview process? I think this is where the U.S. has it right (something they don't do often) and there should be a a review process for appointed officials.
The mission statement of the PUB states "Through our skilled staff and an investigative and monitoring process that invites full public participation, we ensure that the public of Newfoundland and Labrador are well served in a changing environment by achieving an equitable balance between the interests of consumers and service providers in the electric utility, automobile insurance and motor carrier industries". Seems to me appointing Andy Wells to the PUB is akin to appointing Charlton Heston to the Coalition for Gun Control.
