What does a politician have to do to get fired these days
Author:
David Maclean
2003/02/16
Eldon Lautermilch, the architect, head-hauncho, and chief muckety-muck, the big cheese of one of the most disastrous public investments in Saskatchewan history is still comfortably ensconced in a Cabinet post (albeit in a smaller office). Strange world, eh
Imagine if you or I lost $28 million in a questionable business deal. Imagine further if our bosses found out we told a few lies along the way, deceived them about the details of the plan, resulting in them getting sued for millions. How long would we last in our jobs About as long as it takes for security to lock the door behind us.
But in the wacky world of Saskatchewan politics, a colossal guffaw of historical import resulting in financial injury to countless businesses and individuals yields the responsible Minister-a smaller office. Perhaps he'll be farther away from the coffeepot-or maybe the bathroom isn't quite as nice on the second floor. Wow, tough break.
If we weren't so darn mad, we'd be laughing.
Of course, Premier Calvert and Minister Lautermilch had to perform the absurd ritual dance of political scandal - where Lautermilch prostrates himself before the Premier, resignation in hand. But watch closely as the Premier, resplendent with remorse and consternation, refuses to accept the resignation. Thus, the cycle of life continues at the Saskatchewan Legislature - assuring the survival of future generations of Spudcos, ISCs, and meat packing plants.
Lost in the rumours of cabinet shuffles and rampant speculation about a looming election are the countless victims of the deal. There are the businesses that lost their shirts, the financial ruin, the communities still recovering, and each and every Saskatchewan taxpayer who is still picking up the tab for this blunder. You want more money in health care Sorry, we're going to spend millions on legal fees defending the government from lawsuits.
Eldon Lautermilch should be fired, if only as a sign of respect to all the people who were been harmed, directly or indirectly, by his lousy decisions. But nay, says the Premier, firing Lautermilch is too high a price to pay, given that he is otherwise a great Cabinet Minister.
Now that the Spudco healing begins, we should turn our attention to the other big deals Lautermilch et al have cooked up since Spudco went down like the Hindenburg. Lautermilch helped guide a $20 million investment into ethanol plants in Saskatchewan, despite the fact that, without direct government assistance, private industry won't touch ethanol with a ten-foot pole. Also of note is a study by Dr. David Pimentel of Cornell University saying "-ethanol production does not enhance energy security, is not a renewable energy source, is not an economical fuel, and does not ensure clean air-its production uses land suitable for crop production and causes environmental degradation."
Don't get cynical and tune out. Get mad. Call your MLA. Write letters to newspapers. Make them listen. Think of all the people who have suffered as a result of Spudco, including yourself. We're all paying the bill for Spudco, and paying Lautermilch's Cabinet salary. Lautermilch must go, and future government investment in business must be cancelled and forever banned. Let's not go down this road again.