Dear Editor,

Community volunteer organizations can do wonders when they work cooperatively with politicians. It is the philosophy of the Citizens of the Pontiac (CoP) that citizens shouldn’t rely only on busy elected officials to initiate every program that could improve the health and security of the Pontiac. 

I founded this group on the philosophy that there is much that can be done between election cycles that doesn’t have to cost local councils money. After the incinerator issue was resolved, we turned to new initiatives. In response to elevated cancer rates in our MRC we focused on raising awareness about radon, including about test kits, digital devices, mitigation and subsidies. We found an awareness champion in Warden Jane Toller, who helped us encourage our mayors to take action on radon. 

Several municipalities created digital monitor lending programs. All our mayors inserted information bookmarks into last year’s tax bills (mayors Quaile and Lariviere’s initiative). Warden Toller spoke at a national conference on radon in Apr. 2024 where she reported on our MRC’s accomplishments in just six months. 

Mayors Bill McCleary and Colleen Lariviere’s municipalities applied and won their bids to be included in the 100 Homes Radon Challenge happening this November which is radon awareness month. 

CoP’s volunteers then turned to the 1 Million Hearts Challenge. After consultation with and support from Warden Toller, CoP won this initiative for our MRC. 

There are some amazing programs within reach when community groups work cooperatively with elected officials and are willing to do the legwork. 

CoP welcomes new volunteers and supporters. Join via our Facebook page and let us know if you have ideas for initiatives that could help make the Pontiac a healthier, safer and more prosperous place to live.  

Judith Spence, Clarendon