I just got off the phone with Senator Chris Johnson who had just spoken with Jerry Reid, head of the Natural Resources Division of the office of the Attorney General- the division that typically provides legal services to the Department of Environmental Protection. Chris called to tell me that according to Mr. Reed, the office of the Attorney General has not been and is not at this time engaged in reviewing issues surrounding the Clary Lake water level petition or the motion to dismiss it. He did say that he understands that a decision by the DEP is pending, possibly within the next couple of weeks and he expects his Division will be asked to review it. He also told Senator Johnson that his Division would get right on it and he encouraged the Senator to get back in touch with him if we have not heard anything from the Department in a couple of weeks. Chris said he would.
If you recall, Senator Johnson spoke at the public hearing last August, questioning Paul Kelley several times on his testimony. I have spoken with Chris several times over the past couple of months about this delay in processing the petition and he’s been concerned and responsive. I am extremely grateful for his attention to this. Stay tuned!
Wise move on your part to contact Chris Johnson. Maybe, just maybe we will be able to put a boat in this coming summer!
Thanks- I’ve been in touch with Chris off and on since the public hearing. Deb Sanderson had taken an interest in this matter but I haven’t heard from her in quite a while.
While there is no telling what DEP will come up with for a decision, there’s nothing really substantive in the motion to dismiss so I can’t imagine the Department will rule in favor of the motion. Nonetheless I will be sitting on pins and needles for the next few weeks 🙂
We are waiting, and luckily not holding our breath, up here in the Northeast corner of the marsh. At least the news of today is encouraging. Good job on keeping up the pressure – we’re not going away.
I want to add my thanks for the efforts of Senator Chris Johnson. He has taken his public service role most notably and seriously where the Clary Lake petition is concerned. During this ‘silent’, seemingly unproductive and frustrating period, he continues to pay attention and ask for accountability.
It goes without saying, though I’ll say it anyway, that George Fergusson is to be commended for his un-relenting, if not long-suffering efforts where our beloved lake is concerned. It’s these local acts of nobleness and steadfastness that can give us heart for the even larger work that we are called to do in our lives.
A couple of great guys!!