And The Beat Goes On

	E. I suspect you are getting some heat about comments being made about staff and Councillors on your Blog. May I point out that from what I have seen everyone is being very careful to deal with available information. *********** No, I am not getting heat  about comments on the blog but I understand why you might think so. The fact is the system sets Councillors and staff on a head-long collision course.  Recommendations  from the Executive Leadership Team are placed directly before Council and signed by  department director and  chief administrative officer.  Council's role is to examine  recommendations from every angle, issue  challenges if there  are any, and let the chips fall where they may. If it  is not our role, we have none. We have a CAO,Clerk,Solicitor, Directors of Public Works, Finance,Recreation,Building and Planning. All  are on the sunshine list  representing in excess of a million million dollars a year expenditure . That kind of money means  real wealth from public coffers.  Appointments are made by bylaw, within authority of Council. Although that has not always happened. Councillors are elected  with individual accountability.  Onus is upon each member to give an account of themselves and stand up to  challenges present.  Councillor Pirri and Mayor Dawe, supported by a majority are of the opinion that, despite significant  obstacles, Council and staff should , with all our accoutrements, be schlepped to two high schools one in September and one in October for  enlightenment of youth. To stimulate interest in public affairs.  I fear the opposite.  I have dubbed the idea  nonsensical, idiotic, ridiculous. and one other  derogatory adjective that escapes me  at the moment. Rhythm required a fourth. I did not refer to either  member in those terms. The same process applies to staff. Recommendations  are subject to Council scrutiny. If reason and common sense fail, it is not my place to pretend to be  satisfied.  Or to beat around  the bush It' s not about tip-toeing through the tulips. . It's about looking after the public interest as I am sworn to do. I like doing it. I 'm good at it. But I'll tell you what I don't like; When I take a strong and certain  position, I do not appreciate being  hastily followed  by another Councillor with unctuous words about the wonderful job staff are doing and how well  they are appreciated. Like nothing I have said has any merit whatsoever.   By Jove, at that point, I am  severely  tempted.