Hot off

My computer would not accede to my commands yesterday.
I wrote the post below on office writer.
All my posts would be improved by a hold  overnight and morning re-write.
But something else always  comes up  I need to tell you.
A pattern has speed- ed up that has been developing for several years.To the point of acceptability.
When the town started giving away huge chunks of money to groups without accountability  was when it started. 
The Arboretum invited Council members to meet with them  individually to explain their program and answer any questions they might  have Councillors did and the funds were granted. .
The next outfit to use the technique was the Corporate Board of Church Street School.
2012 was the second budget struck by this Council. The Board 
received even more public funding this year than last. A hundred thousand dollars of program revenues and "donations" was theirs to spend as well.
During a recent meeting on budget-making ,the town treasurer related the practice of Barrie Council and how they expedite their budget process.
Councillors meet individually or in pairs so that it can't be construed as a meeting,  with staff  and have all  questions asked, answered and  a thorough understanding gained of why they should approve the budget as presented.
Then they approve the  budget in a single day..
Wham Bang Thank you Ma'am.
Councillors recently received an invitation from  President of the Historical Society to meet privately with executive members to discuss a project they have in mind that has some sensitivity.It's a real estate deal.
This morning, a new invitation was received from the Aurora Tennis Club  for a private, individual  discussion about a proposed  initiative..
I have accepted none of the invitations.Others have.
I consider the process inappropriate
But the one that concerns  most is the one from staff. There  has  been an open invitation to  members of Council since the day the term began. 
It reminds me of an old nursery rhyme. 

"Will you walk into my parlor "said the spider to the fly.
"It's the cutest,sweetest little pa-a-a-rlor that ever you did spy". 

"Not today thanks, Mr. Long Shanks.
I have other fish to fry "

I understand  a number of  innocent colleagues may be  spending  a great deal of time cosseted  in various parlors within the  town hall  and out, being assisted in their decision- making  having little understanding of  the purpose of the exercise.
No-one more so  than the Mayor himself.
All of it, out of sight and sound of the people entitled to hear the questions asked and answers given.
And thus, Councillors are duly prepped  in private, to understand completely and agree with  staff recommendations. No harm intended  I'm sure . Nothing more than a neatening and tidying of  the process.
At the same time, legal requirement for public business to be done  publicly is entirely circumvented.
However messy and untidy that  process may be.
Oh Look Ma!! No hands.