Persuasive Writing

50 Barkton Lane, apt. 302
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3M 4H8

January 14th, 2006

Recourse Directorate
25 Nicholas Street, 20th Floor
Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0L5

Case reference # CS – 40679(/2160-05-0023)

Attention: Holly Drabyk

I have read the correspondence letter and the statements of the two officers concerning my case of "running the port" with 4 American potatoes. 

There are a few things contained in the letter that are most inaccurate. In the statement by the officer(s), it says that during the time I was asked to enter the office, an officer stated that I became argumentative, stating that I said they were "only potatoes" and that it was a "stupid law". This is completely false. I most certainly did not say the latter of those two statements. On the contrary, I remember saying the words, "are you serious? Wow, they are only potatoes" This was said, not in an argumentative tone, but in a surprised tone. I guess I was taken back somewhat; again the potatoes seemed fine and I had no idea about this law or the PMTV virus at the time. In no way though was I argumentative.

Also, I believe there was a misperception or a misunderstanding of particular events. When I came back with my car and picked up the potatoes, I still had full intentions of disposing of the potatoes (more specifically, the potato peels) on the American side. Officer 10539 had explained to me that if potato peels were put in a landfill on the Canadian side, and contained the Mop Top Virus, it could potentially do harm and become a problem in New Brunswick. However, if potato peels were disposed of across the river on the American side, it would be okay. As I later entered the building, the two officers appeared busy (I was not informed I had to report to them at this time; I believed that, at this time, my agreement to dispose of the potatoes was still well understood). I did not feel I was endangering the lives of any citizens by taking the potatoes into Canada. I felt I was being practical by cooking my potatoes and keeping the peels to dispose of them at a later time. 

In hindsight, I would have done things differently. I would have simply walked back over to the American side to dispose of these potatoes. Perhaps I did exercise bad judgment here. For that I apologize. Please understand that I was trying to exercise common sense. Again, I have the utmost respect of Canadian law and enforcement.

The facts remain, that I did dispose of the potato peels on the American side (both officers 10539 & 18713 watched me do so). As I said before, I feel that the context and circumstances surrounding this issue are disproportionate with the offence of "running the port"; surely such an offence assumes a more serious situation. The fact that there were only 4 potatoes, I feel that $200.00 is totally uncalled-for.

Again, please understand my situation. I am a student at the University of Maine in Fort Kent. I am now doing my practice teaching, paying for school, not earning income, and paying bills and loans I have accrued from school. I cannot afford this fine. Please overrule this action.

Again, thank you for your time.

Sincerely,


Scott Sullivan