Dear Editor,

I am responding to the article “Not in your backyard” (TN-January 1999), which deals with the truck parking problem.

I am concerned because this is a very sensitive issue with me. Because in the town of Leamington, Ont., I was the person who tried to initiate a resolution.

You somehow researched the information from our town, Cindy Prince and the Ontario Municipal Board report, but failed to contact me.

There is another side to this issue, one you could not have gotten from James Ferrans, who only recently got involved.

I and a few other drivers started attending council meetings as early as 1993. And you are correct in that the decisions like the one the OMB made with regards to the parking issue in the Town of Leamington could affect future similar situations in other communities.

With that in mind, I believe that steps need to be taken to change this decision by getting all the correct facts that deal with the health and safety concerns.

Cindy Prince was not as concerned about the truckers’ situation as her quote implied. The fact is, she was against any permits or thoughts about working out this issue. Her recommendations were always against truck parking.

I’m sure you are aware that the public perception in general towards the trucking industry is quite negative, and it is usually misinformation and lack of education that stimulates the negativity.

I’m sure if most people knew how little, if any, effects the trucks would have on health and safety in their neighbourhoods, they may not be so quick to jump to a negative conclusion.

Ron Saris

Leamington, Ont.