VOCM's top story and question of the day deals with an increase in power rates. Well done editors! The top story in
How can I say that, what about innocent until proven guilty? True I am willing to wait until the investigation is completed by the police before I say these individuals are guilty of specific crimes. HOWEVER...The Auditor General has produced expense claims, cheque stubs, cheque numbers, and cancelled cheques having processed through Ed Byrnes personal account. Further the Auditor General presented proof that reports to the House of Assembly did not represent the actual amounts claimed and spent by MHA's.
Perhaps Mr. Byrne has a reason for over claiming and overspending by 1000% his approved constituency allowance which would render him not guilty. Even if he was so ignorant of the laws or just didn't notice that he was depositing 1000% more than was approved for him, there is no question he is not capable of being a Cabinet Minister or a MHA.
Please resign your seat!
The Auditor General said there had to be collusion for this to occur. He did not say there might be! The Auditor General said there is no way a member would not find something wrong under these circumstances.
More importantly I am going to use the yardstick established by Ed Byrne when he presided over the unceremonious dissection of Fraser March respecting cell phone bills and a travel claim. Fraser has not been charged; he in fact, never went to court at all. So here was Ed Byrne ranting in the House of Assembly that the House had obtained independent legal advice which advised that what our Citizens Rep. did was inappropriate.
Here's something else I want. As a citizen of Newfoundland and Labrador I want a judicial enquiry into the whole matter and if Mr. Byrne is guilty of any criminal wrong doing I want an investigation into his Ministerial dealings with oil companies, hydro companies, and mining companies to make sure our position has not been compromised respecting these important resources and negotiations.
So Voice of the Common Man, the fact the Public Utilities Board has granted a predictable increase due to the price of oil is NOT the top story today nor should it be the question of the day, unless you are trying to get the common man's mind off the disaster, that is the financial mess the Auditor General has exposed.
As for the MHA's that are worried about being tarred with the same brush. Here it is! The Auditor General has stated that he has spoken with all those potentially involved. He stated there was Ed Byrne, one sitting New Democrat, one sitting Liberal, and one former Liberal member. Jack Harris has stated publicly it is not him. Gerry Reid has said it is not him. So if you are worried about being tarnished come out and tell us it is not you. Then those involved will be exposed by elimination.
If I were an MHA I would state my position and disgust and promise the people that I would be part of the process to clean up the mess.
