Good Morning

My post about Mr Whitehurst still being involved in town affairs was in response to a comment suggesting he is not.

There is probably a tidier way to respond to comments. I don't know it.

Whatever a moderator is, I am it. Other than comments received by e-mail
and one on Facebook, no other person has anything to do with this blog.

I've been reading comments to Toronto Star stories, particularly to Giambrone matters
and the Toronto Mayoralty contest. I think we are fairly well-behaved .

It's like a conversation. People reading it are interested in what I have to tell. Some want to talk about it. Others just want to know what's going on.

Except that it's in writing and has a wider circle, it's not much different to what has always been except that anonymity gives people more freedom.

Politicians always know what's being said about them Often it's said to their faces. If there's enough anger, it can get rough .One might even say abusive.

Whatever a politician might feel, nobody worth their salt whines about it. It's part of the territory.

No-one is compelled to run for office. Being there means actions and conduct are judged Why would anything else be expected.

Being a Councillor means nothing public should be expected to be secret.

It behooves a Councillor and particularly a Mayor, to conduct oneself at all times as if the planet is watching.

We are not Kings or Emperors or Chiefs or Witch Doctors nor do we possess any of the mythical powers believed to be imbued with majesty or magic.

We are just people. Like the people who elected us. No worse and no better.

Wording of the Code of Conduct notwithstanding, getting elected does not suddenly prove or bestow superior judgement or saintly character, no matter how one might strive to prove the opposite.A bunch of words on a page doesn't make it happen.A majority vote does not remove individual freedom or responsibility.

If a candidate isn't sensible, honest and straightforward before, attaining public office is not likely to turn him or her from a toad to a prince or princess.

Abracadabra is kid's stuff.