Wrong on both counts

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "It's about Accountability":

I think that you have just proved that the Town needs the new software.

You stated in previous posts that the Town staff uses Excel spreadsheets for the same purpose that the new system will do. If you do not have an asset inventory with the old system, perhaps it is ready to be changed.

Just to add my 2 cents 4:17. This is not a "new" council. It is the "current" council. However, we are far enough into this term that the excuse of being newbies is way past.



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The last point in this comment will be  decided by the electorate in the  judgement they exercise in the next election. 

People who pay attention to town  affairs identify with new Councillors. They don't expect expertise. They allow  time to learn.

Signs of growth are noted and appreciated.

There has been growth in this Council. There is most certainly good intention and civility towards one another.

My job has been the uphill climb. 

If I'm the only one putting forward a particular perspective and the administration another, I  understand why it  might be difficult  for Councillors to make a choice between the politician with background and experience and an administration with no institutional history whatsoever.

It shouldn't have to be like that. But that's what we inherited.    

Having to challenge a staff report with carefully chosen language 
is not easy. It takes the  difference between $33,000 and $300,000 to replace a lighting system, to drive a point home.

It would be different  if I occupied the Mayor's chair .. 

It' s the function of the Mayor to provide leadership and guidance to  Council. It's even spelled out in the Municipal Act.

If the Mayor chooses to lean on the administration for expertise,  not rely on personal judgement  or put  weight on  background and experience, that makes my job tougher. 

The point you make about the software is an example. 

Provincial edict required municipalities to create and maintain an inventory of assets. Accountants apparently noticed a conspicuous absence of assets in  municipal  book-keeping

It took five years for  staff to complete the inventory  on excel spread sheets. Software for  the inventory  to  be transferred to computer  would have cost $56,000. 

That's not what we bought.

We approved $440,000 for  a software program the Region had approved several years ago  and are  still struggling to make efficient.  . 

ITS  were not consulted for compatability.

We are still spending money an the system is not up and running. 
Much like  experience at the region.  

The original inventory, ready to be transferred was not. Staff are still working from Excel spread sheets.  

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