Following the threat of a defamation lawsuit, Kevin Jakubec, spokesperson for Water Wells First, apologized to Wallaceburg Coun. Jeff Wesley in an email.
However, Wesley’s lawyer is questioning the sincerity of Jakubec’s apology.
Jakubec apologizes
In an email sent to Wesley this morning, and copied to members of the local media, Jakubec says the issuing of the ‘Shame Award’ to Wesley was never meant as a personal attack.
Jakubec referenced a statement issued by Water Wells First on February 27, which reads: “To be clear. Water Wells First issued the Shame Award to Mr. Wesley and not as Mr. Wesley bitterly complains was it given by the spokesperson as a personal attack.”
“I apologize if you have taken this as a personal slur,” Jakubec wrote this morning.
“That was not my intent. Nor was that the intent of Water Wells First. I hope you can accept my apology and work with Water Wells First in investigating the ongoing well interference in Dover and work with us in protecting our community’s families health, property interests and our most precious Natural Resource – groundwater.
Jakubec added: “I hope you can accept this was done in jest as was intended to raise public awareness to prevent a serious Environmental Water Crisis from spreading.”
Jakubec’s apology comes a day after Water Wells First posted a questionnaire about Wesley on their website.
Among the questions is one asking whether or not Wesley should step down and resign.
The group posted similar questionnaires about Mayor Randy Hope and Chatham-Kent council overall today as well.
Wesley’s lawyer responds
Michael Lerner, of Lerners LLP, told the Sydenham Current the notice of intended civil action letter he sent to Jakubec this week was clear as to what his expectations were and what was required.
“I find it somewhat ironic that he takes the position that he’s apologized, at the same time as all of the defamatory material remains on the website and he conducts a poll to determine whether or not Mr. Wesley ought to resign,” Lerner said.
“I find there being some conflict and one would reasonably question whether or not the apology that has been drafted is genuine.”
Lerner said this afternoon he does not have a next step at this point.
“I wrote to Mr. Jakubec, and what I want and need from him is clearly set out,” Wesley’s lawyer said.
“He’ll have to determine whether or not what he has provided is sufficient and if he believes it is, then he will do nothing. If he believes there is something more that he needs to do, then he will do it and I’ll have to re-consider my position at that time, but I have no intention of contacting him.”
Communication back-and-forth
Both Wesley and Jakubec have emailed back-and-forth throughout the day on Friday, and many of the messages were copied to the local media.
Jakubec offered a second apology to Wesley in one of the notes.
“I offer my apologies to you and your family,” Jakubec wrote to Wesley.
“No one was meant to be hurt. We are trying to prevent an Environmental (disaster) from spreading. Please come to the meeting next week. Lets get past this and roll up our sleeves together and take on this task before us.”
Wesley said he wants to see the poll taken down on the Water Wells First website, all “offending materials” deleted from their website and Facebook page, confirmation of the ‘Shame Award’ retraction, assurance of no more ‘Shame Awards’ and the results of this shared in a positive and public manner.
Wesley said pending the outcome of his requests, he would attend a scheduled Water Wells First meeting on Tuesday, March 7.
“I still believe I am much more valuable to you as an advocate and resource and not an adversary,” Wesley wrote.
Here is our coverage up to this point on this issue:
– Water Wells First hands out ‘Shame Award’
– ‘Shame Award’ given to Wallaceburg councillor
– Letter: Wesley responds to WWF ‘Shame Award’
– Wesley, Water Wells First saga continues
– Wesley threatens lawsuit against WWF spokesperson
Watch for more on the Sydenham Current.
– Photo credit: Aaron Hall
Okay Gentleman, let’s move on and address the turbine problem with every accurate resource we can find. We need to halt their construction plans now.
Hard to believe this apology was ” not meant to be a personal attack”. I have been in similar circumstances with the media in my hometown in Kentucky when the issue was incorrectly published on the front page as a personal one and not a business problem. My daughter suffered many derogatory comments from classmates at school and I lost customers from my business as a result. I am still considering a lawsuit for the damages resulting from tabloid fodder reporting. When information is published without thorough investigation of the facts for the sake of selling newspapers, the press needs to be held accountable as much as Mr. Jakubec. Jeff should consider following through with the lawsuit and include the press along with Mr. Jakubec. It’s time for fair and equal reporting! It will be interesting to see if this reply will be published. I’m not holding my breath.