A "Green" Warning

I like this letter sent out by the Public Advisory Council (PAC) of the Detroit River Canadian Cleanup to the Mayor and Council. So polite but with a strong undertone for the November 13 election.

The Mayor really put his foot into it with his remark didn't he. He better not cross the environmentalists now.

But I am confused. Was it even necessary for PAC to send the letter in the first place?

In their press release, it was said that "The Project Ice Track Team has sent a letter to Mayor Francis clarifying that the Tom Joy Woods lands were never requested for the footprint of the new arena. The letter also reconfirms that the land necessary to accommodate the Project Ice Track arena utilizes existing Windsor Raceway land."

But then the Mayor replied that "Francis said the Toldo-Rosati group initially asked for the city to throw in 50 acres for the arena, but withdrew the request after the city refused to agree to it."

Which party is telling the truth? It should be easy to determine that if the relevant documents are produced! It is important for us to know the answer before decisions are made on the Arena.

I challenge both the Mayor and the Toldo-Rosati Group to make available to the public the documents so we can judge.

• Mayor Eddie Francis
  City of Windsor
  
  Dear Mr Mayor:
  
  Regarding a proposed arena at Windsor Raceway you were quoted in the Windsor Star, July 15 2006.
  
  "Francis noted that in a proposal submitted by the Toldo and Rosati group on July 3, they indicated the city would have to contribute 50 acres of the Tom Joy Woods for the footprint of the new arena. "At which point in time we said to them that's absolutely unacceptable."
  
  On behalf of the Council I thank you for your strong stand on protection of the environment. In addition to animal habitat, the Tom Joy Woods are covered with trees, which help fight air pollution, a major source of contamination in the Detroit River.
  
  The Tom Joy Woods represent one of many natural and irreplaceable treasures in the City of Windsor. They must be preserved in their entirety.
  
  Yours for a better environment,
  
  Public Advisory Council of the Detroit River
  Canadian Cleanup