Editor’s note: These letters were written to Transportation and Works Minister Tom Hedderson. Minister Hedderson responded to the first letter, to which the letter-writer then responded.
Dear Decision Makers and Leaders,
I am disappointed with the report that I watched on CBC News on the Placentia Bridge on February 29th, 2012. The people of Placentia have been waiting for a new bridge for many years already. Now we'll have to wait another four years. And it will be ugly! What kind of deal is that? The Placentia Bridge is a landmark and it is vital to day to day life in Placentia. Think of our tourism market. Think of encouraging Vale workers to live in Placentia. Think of the pride of a community that is struggling. Don't cheap out on this important project. Getting rid of the "prettiness" did not impress me. In fact it made me even more disappointed with my local and provincial leaders.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Counsel
Placentia
Dear Mr. Hedderson,
I do not think I am alone in my anger and disappointment with the bridge issues in Placentia. I am angry that we've already waited years for a bridge replacement. I am angry because the government has taken years and countless dollars to study the issues with the bridge yet never came up with a Plan B on what to do if the bridge became unusable. Seriously, no one could see this coming? I am bitterly disappointed with your attitude about the architectural details of the bridge. That lack of vision and attitude has left Newfoundland scarred with ugly, cheap eyesore buildings and wasted opportunities to do something amazing. This bridge has to be functional. Everyone in Placentia wants a functional and safe bridge. But I think the people of Placentia deserve something amazing too. A bridge to be proud of. A landmark to attract visitors and impress those who are considering moving to the area. This is a project that is years in the making and it is an opportunity to do something historic. Your attitude that architecture doesn't matter is insulting and small-minded. I am disgusted by it and I am disgusted with the whole debacle.
Elizabeth Counsel
Placentia
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