To the editor:
As president of the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition I am writing to clarify the situation in response to the recent innuendo regarding board activities.
1. Regrettably, due to a situation which the board was compelled to address because of legal implications Ms. Linda Gambee was democratically removed at a properly notified general meeting by a vote of 56-22.
2. Allegations ensued after the decision of the membership so I am now confirming that at no time has there been access to alcohol during, or at any board meetings, nor has anyone appeared at Board or committee meetings in any state of impairment.
These allegations are a divergent smokescreen for the real reasons for the removal. Every board member understands the need to be personally responsible for their actions.
3. Like many volunteer organizations we like to socialize after meetings. Our practice is to be responsible in keeping with the duties and expectations of elected Directors.
4. The personal attacks on our city council representatives and other board members are completely unwarranted.
5. Steve Clearwater and Kathy Thompson who have made these allegations still have their bar keys. Linda Gambee has returned her second bar key. As accusers should they not have returned their personal keys if they believed something was amiss?
6. The question remains that after more than 20 years on the board, why has Mr. Clearwater never brought this concern to the board if he truly believed there was an issue?
7. The CLE board takes its community role very seriously and will be discussing the councillors’ suggestions in the near future. We appreciate the advice and counsel that both Councillor Virdiramo and Boshcoff bring to our meetings.
8. The public should be aware that the Board has attempted to deal, as most other organizations would, with personality conflicts within their meeting structures. In clarifying this issue I want people to understand that we are an unpaid volunteer group who are thoroughly dedicated to ensuring that the C.L.E. remains a viable facility to serve all the people of our District. Like most groups we believe internal concerns are best dealt with internally.
9. Our committees meet almost daily. Our volunteers help willingly on numerous programs that help improve our community. We will continue to assist with such great organizations as the Christmas Cheer Fund, as we have for the past 23 years! We look forward to working with their new chairwoman, Joleene Kemp.
10. A recent review of our insurance policies was very helpful to the board in understanding new types of coverages, limits, and deductibles. The board has already acted prudently on the advice of our Insurer and implemented many of his recommendations.
Trusting this helps set the record straight we look forward to continuing our positive relationship with the people of the District of Thunder Bay.
Reta Stoger,
President,
C.L.E.
