To the editor,
Thank you for your investigative reporting on the possible sale of the Ship Hector.
A town in financial trouble, selling a multi-million dollar investment for $9 sure speaks well for the management of the Town of Pictou and all the councillors who supported the sale. The town also had their CAO and legal representative's advice.
Now just imagine for $9 they even allowed the new buyers to set up a not-for-profit organization to be eligible for government funding for its operation.
The town will retain the debt currently on the ship – wow! They will grant the group $10,000 to assist them for the next year – wow! The town's legal adviser even recommended the town exempt them from taxes – wow!
If MGM wanted to used the ship in a movie, who would get the millions of dollars involved?
I am really sorry the new owners find it a frustrating process. If we all could be so lucky for just $9. It is no wonder town solicitor Craig Clarke is telling the partners and council to do due diligence and close the deal fast – before the public wakes up.
Where are the Hector Trust personnel? What about those who worked so hard to save the Hector? Why didn't they have the approval to open, especially at carnival time? Who stood in the way of opening? Were the buyers friends of council or did council just want to dump the Hector before all avenues were checked in the best interests of the town?"
Where were all the fine workers who originally worked to get the Hector to Pictou? Where are the legal members of the Hector Trust?
Why did the town not bring in consultants like New Glasgow does – then the councillors don't have to take the blame, they can blame the consultants. This is beyond a doubt the worst decision I have seen here in Pictou County.
As for our politicians, both provincial and federal, there is still time to put a stop to this travesty. Politicians will be judged by their lack of action.
The Pictou West MLA knows that Municipal Affairs must give their approval for the sale. This sale was done without any public involvement. Did we get a chance to bid on the Hector with conditions? Certainly that was not ethical to say the least. The town held the Hector as an asset and is selling it for $9. This sure does not look like sound business practice. it certainly is time the member for Pictou West acted on this travesty.
The interests of the taxpayers of Pictou have not been treated fairly and this should be checked by Municipal Affairs. The entire transaction must be checked by a third party, as it looks very suspicious. Perhaps Justice Minister Ross Landry would be the best one for advice from a legal point of view.
To the citizens of Pictou, you deserve much better and it is time you spoke up on this issue. If Municipal Affairs approves the sale it will be too late. Let's have the Hector Trust open it immediately and I for one would be glad to volunteer my time offering tours of the Hector. Enough is enough.
Lloyd P. MacKay
New Glasgow
