Tobacco Growers Groan at no-show Joe

Source from:  stthomastimesjournal.com By Patrick Brennan, TIMES-JOURNAL STAFF 07/14/2008

Elgin-Middlesex-London Tory MP Joe Preston was taking the heat from tobacco growers in Elgin and surrounding areas Friday after failing to appear at the annual meeting of the Ontario Flue-cured Tobacco Growers' Marketing Board. Preston sent a letter of regret stating he was unable to attend the AGM because he is recovering from knee surgery. But using crutches, he was able to attend a seniors picnic the day before in St. Thomas. Those at the meeting where Preston's letter was read Thursday night heard growers groan in disappointment, especially at the time when the growers are facing a crisis with losses mounting daily and do not have exit plan from the federal government. "It's getting dire out here," said Linda Vandendriessche, chairman of the board, said Friday. "We need to get the stakeholders back to the meeting." Elgin-Middlesex-London Liberal MPP Steve Peters was at the AGM. Vandendriessche was shocked when she hear about Preston being at the seniors picnic. "No way!" she said. Preston, who is chairman of the Economic Development Task Force, has stated helping tobacco farmers is a priority for his committee. Preston could not be reached for comment Friday. Enditem