March 2, 2010

The night we made the fifth decision to spend more money on a futile attempt to change the law. Almost two years exactly since the first decision was made to embark on this extravagant folly.

A special Council Meeting was scheduled last Tuesday. Councillor Granger was in the chair for the CinC.

We rose to recess into closed session. Where we listened as always, mostly to the Mayor. We emerged into public session to listen to Sue Walmer, the Mayor's friend and campaign manager. We received five e-mails for the record . Went back into closed session to consider them and the comments of the delegate . Only we didn't. Then emerged once more..

We adopted a resolution giving the solicitor direction to argue against paying any part of Westhill's legal costs. A second resolution was passed which couldn't be stated . It was confidential, don't you know.

Then the Mayor, from the Chair, called for a recorded vote on the confirming bylaw.

Susan Walmer coming to Council was like old times.

When Ms Morris needed assistance for Council to be beaten into line, Ms Walmer came forward with followers.

Once again Ms Walmer was on hand to severely admonish Council to keep the fight going for a Joint Board Hearing against the Westhill Development. Though Councillor MacEachern has denied it in the past, her comments left no doubt the object was to stop the development.

The rallying call had gone out. Five e-mails were received. Three, from neighbours who had already decided further effort was futile and not worth spending more of their money

Three or four people accompanied Ms Walmer to the meeting. They had nothing to say.

Roger Clowater. candidate for Mayor, who supports the Mayor, was there.

The Mayor's husband and best friend were in attendance. When the Mayor feels it will be a high point ,they are there to witness her triumph.

Councillor Bob McRoberts had the floor to speak against continuing the legal action. He referred to legal costs as part of his logic.

On a point of order,Councillor MacEachern interrupted to state his comments were "misleading and inappropriate" Twice. The Mayor supported the points of order and added her argument,

Councillor McRoberts had spoken directly to the issue.

According to the rules; "When a member has the floor, he shall be allowed to speak without interruption"

Councillor MacEachern and the Mayor were resolved the cost of the fifth attempt to obtain a Joint Board Hearing would not be public.

They were both out of order both times.

The problem is...with four sycophants on the council ...who don't know an ankle from a hole in the ground when it comes to order, any attempt to obtain order is destined to failure. Like batting in a room full of cotton batting.

It had proved difficult to obtain figures from Mr. Beaman during the closed door session.. The Mayor intervenes continually during his answers.

Councillor McRoberts however stayed focused, made notes and became quite clear in his understanding .

It wasn't a good night for Ms. Walmer either. In the past, her organising skills have been quite exceptional. The poor response to her rallying cry for e-mails in support and attendance at the meeting was explained by a " lack of time".

Pity! the Mayor had a speech ready. It turned out to be a bit of a fizzle.

However, Councillor Granger created his own drama in the Town Hall Lobby after the meeting. It must have been a sight.

The Councillor, is a large man in many but not every way. The new and very competent reporter for the Auroran is not at all dense or immense

Seems Granger provided a perfect illustration of his true personality . Mr. Morris joined in the fray with verbal abuse for The Auroran, for "bringing down" the Council.

The Mayor rushed out from the Council Chamber and wrapped an arm around the reporter.to protect him from the bad guys.

I'm so glad I missed that.