Berkowitz – Response South End News Editorial
South End News
July 5, 2007
It may not have been satisfying to read Susan Ryan-Vollmar’s editorial (see “B.U. Needs To Be More Forthright In Answering Questions About BioLab,” June 28), but I didn’t take issue with much of what she wrote.
Our first of seven planned Educational Forums held on June 25 focused on “Why Now; Why Here”?, and covered fundamental questions including “Why does America need another BioLab Level 4 research facility?”, and “Why does a BioLab need to be located on Albany Street?”
I agree that the “Why Here?” portion of the forum unfortunately shed little new light on such an emotionally charged topic of intense interest to so many. I, too, understand precious little more about specifically why a BioLab has to be built and operated just 1400 feet from my house, from my life savings. As the principal organizer for the forums, to use the editorial’s words: “I don’t make that statement lightly.”
However, I do think there’s a difference between someone giving an answer that doesn’t sit well with someone who is “less than forthright.” For example, Kevin Touhey, Executive Director of Operations and Public Safety for Boston Medical Center, may have honestly and sincerely tried to answer the questions related to “Why Here”? For those who will be working in or around BioLab, as Mr. Touhey explained, having it located near a qualified emergency response facility and redundant utilities may be dispositive, end of story. That didn’t satisfy my thirst as to how the tradeoff was made between a benefit to medical researchers compared to the risk to health and property (both public and private) by locating the BioLab in our dense neighborhood. But I don’t agree any such dissatisfaction with Mr. Touhey’s answers must equate to a conclusion that he was “less than forthright.” The editorial accuses and convicts both speakers (including Jack Murphy, BioLab co-principal investigator) of being “not straightforward and not honest” (the definition of forthright). I’m not sure the evidence to convict was so clear and convincing.
I also agree that the answers regarding last year’s tularemia notification delay did not appear to target the question of B.U.’s desire and ability to talk straight. Previously, I’ve heard both speakers say mistakes were made. I don’t know why they didn’t simply state so at our forum, and describe operational and other changes that were subsequently implemented.
I’ve had the experience of getting to know both speakers this past year. They are good people, who sincerely wish to help repair the trust between Boston Medical Center and its neighbors. I bet they’d be glad to rectify things raised by the editorial at our second forum entitled “Is the Building Safe?” on Monday, July 9, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Cathedral High School’s new Gymnasium, 1336 Washington Street.
“The community has legitimate questions and concerns about the project. Honestly, what is so difficult about answering them forthrightly?”, the editorial wondered. Simple to ask, clearly not easy to accomplish, going back several years now. I still believe that the answer, in part, lies in our citizen-sponsored Educational Forum series.
Glen A. Berkowitz
Chair
Community Liaison Committee of the BioLab