CITY COUNCIL APPEARANCE A PUBLIC RELATIONS VICTORY FOR TAG (Trent Action Group)
Trent alumna Jane Davidson, who spoke first in last night's delegation to Peterborough City Council, said in an interview that the group's presentations amounted to a public relations victory for Trent Action Group.
"It was the first time council heard our case, and we gave them a lot to think about" said Davidson. "We were aired on Cable three times, and many many people in Peterborough watch the council proceedings. "Prof. Nader destroyed the deficit myth. He also demonstrated how the council did not have to feel they were making a choice between the future of the university and whether or not to keep the colleges open. Both Ray McGregor and Mike Izzo gave powerful presentations. "We've launched our public fight for the hearts and minds of the downtown," Davidson concluded.
TRENT SUPPORT UP IN THE AIR - PETERBOROUGH EXAMINER, TUESDAY,
DECEMBER 14, 1999
by John Driscoll
City council is not going to take any stand on a Trent University proposal to close its downtown campuses - at least not until they hear from Trent president Bonnie Patterson.
A Trent professor, alumnus and student as well as a downtown businessman all urged council last night to make a strong statement in favour of keeping Peter Robinson and Catharaine Parr Traill colleges open. Closing the campuses will destroy the character of at least two areas of the city and hurt downtown businesses, said Ray McGregor, former operator of the Red Dog Tavern on Hunter Street. He presented Mayor Sylvia Sutherland with 70 letters from downtown businessses expressing concerns about the economic damage if the campuses are closed.
Patterson will be coming to council to make a presentation early in 2000, said Mayor Sylvia Sutherland.
Coun. Bob Hall urged council to throw its full support to the preservation of the downtown which he described as "an integral part of the coimmunity" but did not get support for his motion.