Anyone familiar with St. John's Mayor and likely Dan-didate wannabe Andy Wells, left, [Photo cbc.ca]understands that one result of his presence anywhere is that a functional entity like a board or a municipal council quickly becomes dysfunctional.It quickly becomes distracted by the Wellsian bluster, sheer bullsh** and his trademark: vicious personal attacks against those who resist his boorish ways.
Premier Danny Williams is more than passing familiar both with Andy Wells and his ways.
The Telegram rightly notes the current situation at the offshore regulatory board, although the editorial seems to suggest dysfunction is merely a coincidence rather than a direct consequence of Wells' presence.
Ok.
Maybe it is.
But it isn't like there isn't a bit more than a coincidence.
Andy Wells shows up.
Positive stuff tends not to happen, except in spite of Wells' efforts.
Tons of histrionics.
Not much else.
Public Utilities Board.
St. John's City Council.
Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Regulatory Board.
So the questions that we should consider are these:
1. Given the obvious pattern, why would anyone - especially Premier Danny Williams - appoint Andy Wells to a board whose proper functioning has such a profound influence on the province's future well being?
The answer to that one might actually be easier if you consider first:
2. Whose interest is served by turning the offshore board from a functioning one (without Andy Wells) into the dysfunctional one described by the Telegram?
Frankly, your humble e-scribbler wouldn't suggest the offshore board is dysfunctional yet.
The board itself is perfectly capable of carrying out its crucial role. It has highly competent, board members with knowledge of the oil industry, with the obvious exception of Andy Wells.
Just how little Andy Wells knows must be painfully obvious at every board meeting with the likes of Hal Stanley at the table. It must be personally mortifying for Wells - a crushing blow to the considerable and distended ego - to be so painfully, so obviously out of his depth.
Maybe that's why he has resorted to the public grandstanding seen in recent days. He doesn't have anything of substance to offer.
Of course, the board's professional staff is second to none when it comes to the job of regulating offshore oil and gas development.
But given all that anyone knows about Wells' behaviour, whose interest is served by having him be the monkey-wrench in the offshore board works?
It certainly isn't in the interest of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.
-srbp-