Old Habits Are Hard To Break

Politicians are ready targets for criticism. It's par for the course. No politician of any skill, ignores what people have to say....good or bad.

It has to be considered, the merits determined and how the criticism may have been generated.

My long serving routine, when I come home from a council meeting, is to take refuge in favourite comedy shows. It used to be Archie Bunker, Mary Tyler Moore, Barney Miller and Mash. It put a little distance between the council meeting and sleep.

Nowadays, my respite is Becker and David Letterman.

Eventually, I retire thinking about Council. It's not a comforting thought.

The Mayor is usually taut but last night's agitation was to the point of incoherence.

Coals of fire were heaped on my head at every turn. Councillor MacEachern extolled the need for an Integrity Commissioner to deal with Breaches of the Code of Conduct..

I used to cite the Code's procedure to the Councillor;

A complaint must be in writing. It must be provided to the person complained about. There must be a response in writing. It's not a one-sided process. Results may turn out to be the opposite of your intention.

The Councillor is seldom of a mind to listen.

Another aspect of being a elected is self awareness Nothing said in public is entitled to confidentiality. Even without reporters or cameras present. If you don't want people to know you said it, don't say it.

People will hear and they are entitled. What a politician has to say is owned by the electorate. They will also hear things that aren't true. But when there are witnesses, there can be no denial.

Last night, I went to sleep thinking about the charge I am a carping critic of town staff . I reviewed events that might support that impression.

I wakened with a stark and clear recollection.

Councillor MacEachern's friend, Walter Mestrinaro recently returned repeatedly to Council, courtesy of the Mayor, to argue for a contract which he had failed to win.

He sent e-mails accusing treasury staff of impropriety. The mayor allowed him to repeat the charges in public.

Chief Administrative Officer Neil Garbe intervened and bluntly stated he was offended by the attack on staff.

Still Mestrinaro was allowed to continue.

Treasurer Dan Elliott started to speak. His microphone went suddenly silent. Mr. Garbe had switched it off . Mr. Elliott's outrage was about to spill over.

The Mestrinaro tape might constitute a valid complaint under the Code of Conduct. Last night's meeting probably would as well.

Toronto City Councillors are entitled to $20Ks for legal defense costs when a complaint is filed against them

But the idea really has no appeal:

Yes you did.

Did not.

Did so.

Oh My Lord!