COUNCILLOR ABEL'S POSITION

Councillor Abel has been a consistent supporter of the Jazz Festival 
When staff recommended a grant of $3,000. in 2011, Susan Morton-Leonard came to Council and said it wasn't enough. 
Council increased it  to $5,000. 
I  would never support giving them a thin red dime of town money.
Until now, my experience  with these people has been  different to  other Councillors.
Experience can't be shared.
It has to be experienced. 
Last week. a comment  reminded readers of the spate of scurrilous abuse  the St Kitts  woman hurled during a Council meeting in 2009, courtesy of the former Mayor. 
It was  a consequence of  questions  about funds raised at a fund- raiser, held under the auspices of the town  by a sub committee of an advisory committee, for the  2009 July 1st Parade. Despite prizes for a silent auction ebing donated, no funds  were reported raised. 
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John Abel  left a new comment on my post "There Is Work To Be Done":

How many of us have heard from our children at one time or another, the rationale " If you don't buy me, or let me ....... (fill in the blank), then you don't love me "

Councillors Gaertner and Ballard often say, and I'll paraphrase " if you believe in Accessibility and Transparency, then you'll support our point of view"

I tire of hearing; if you don't support the Jazzfest and their request for funding, then you do not support Arts and Culture in your community.

What started in 2009 as a single day of music in the Town Park has morphed into 3 days, with 3 performing stages, and 60 vendors. A compound, encompassing not just the Bandshell, but also the Park and the baseball diamond, It is completely secured by fences, for 3 full days on the August long weekend and cost the residents $5 each day to enter.

Councillor Buck is absolutely right when she states that is not what a public park is to be used for. It is free for the public to use at their leisure.

Suppose I am a promoter, selling water bottles, when purchased and utilized, can save the environment from harm. Could I not rent the bandshell, fence the park and ball diamond, fill the area with vendors of all sorts, like energy saving windows, photo electric technology, chiropractic services, kids toys and some food vendors. If you do not waive my permit fees, then obviously you are not an environmentalist, and thereby are advocating for the destruction of the earth. Don't you care about our grandchildren?

Let's throw in that this Promotion organization has a political agenda as well. They will not partner with the Town, the Mayor or several of the Councillors. They are political and they are disrespectful.

I was excluded from volunteering at the Jazzfest in 2010. I supported and voted in favour of a $5,000 grant last year in 2011. I participated in their fundraiser this year at Jonathans. We have demonstrated support. We have attempted to collaborate with these people. It's possible we could have worked out issues. They have chosen not to include us.

The jazzfest have stated that they have developed and promoted this event. They have worked hard, with volunteer help. They have branded themselves as a top 100 festival. They have branded the event on the August Long Weekend.

I agree.

However, they would be wrong to assume that they are automatically entitled to the use of our Town Park as part of the branding for their event.

It is not a Town initiative like the Ribfest or Concerts in the Park.

And if you exclude members of our community based on your political agenda, then take it to private property.

Council has voted in favour, to entertain bids from other parties in our community, on what they may have in mind to provide local entertainment in our Town Park. I've got no problem with that. It is in the best interest of our community. Especially if it partners with the Town's 150th.

I read now, that the organizers, a Clowncillor and Councillor Ballard are accusing the Mayor, Councillor Pirri and myself of destroying the Jazzfest.

I say to them; Look in the mirror, that's who's responsible.