[StBernard] Murphy Oil Letter - Oct 31, 2005

[Westley Annis]

Westley:
 
I know that many of us are concerned as to the extent of damage to our homes
and soil, as well as the accuracy of the information provided by Murphy.
During my drive back to Chattanooga this past Sunday I received a telephone
call informing me that Murphy had set a deadline of October 30th to contact
those individuals that had telephoned their claim and completed and returned
the information sheet provided.   Since I had not heard of this deadline I
went to Murphy's web-site and found the telephone number for Mr. Hulse.  I
telephoned him at 2am Monday morning, hoping to get his voice mail and leave
a message.  To my surprise he answered the phone. I was caught off-guard,
especially to learn that he had forwarded his office phone to his cell
phone.  I apologized and he said that no apologies were needed, and that he
knew what he was doing when he forwarded his phone, and that he was
genuinely interested in seeing that his company resolved the issues
associated with the oil spill.  He went on to tell me that it was their plan
to contact everyone by October 30th, but that they were not able to meet
their deadline, but I could expect a call this week.  
 
By virtue of the fact that a person in his position would be personally
involved, I believe that he will make sure that St. Bernard and the
residents impacted will see a satisfactory resolution.
 
The lawsuits have been filed and that is a personal choice.  I hope that
everyone remembers that both Murphy and Exxon/Mobil pay significant taxes to
St. Bernard Parish, while providing jobs to many of our friends and
neighbors.  Based on Mr. Hulse's actions, I believe that he will follow
through with his commitment. 
 
This is my personal opinion, but I felt that it was important to share my
experience. 
 
Thanks for providing the community with timely information through your
web-site.

John Richardson