|
George Sweeney, Liberal MHA for the District of Carbonear
- Harbour Grace, says the decision by Premier Williams not to attend the
Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities Convention being held
in St. John’s this weekend is an insult to community leaders from around
this province. "It is my understanding that he
was given several months advance notice of when the convention would be held
and that he was invited to attend," said Sweeney. "It is a long standing
tradition that the Premier address this group and to be invited and decide
not to attend is quite a serious insult in my view."
The Liberal MHA says while he also understands the
need to balance work, family life and the demands of a political life, he
finds it hard to accept the Premiers reason of not attending due to family
commitments in this situation.
"Many of these municipal leaders have spent time away
from their families to serve the communities they live in and make them
better places. Most of these leaders serve their communities on a volunteer
basis and have also made significant sacrifices in terms of their family
life. I think it is important for him to be there on behalf of the people of
this Province and show appreciation of their dedication for their valuable
service to their local communities." |