Documentation provided for discussion of publication of Councillors' expenses included the 2012 statement of the Mayor of Newmarket A budget of $12,000 was provided, $3096.19 was spent.
$2,791.37 was charged to the Region by the Mayor for conference expense.
I offer details not as criticism. Simply as relevant information.
The Mayor charged for :
Police Appreciation night. $150.00
Young Artists' Showcase $ 86.00
Mardi Gras Night $150.00
Community Living Dinner $125.00
Abuse Prevention Dinner $150.00
Arts Gala $250.00
Trinity UCW Dinner $ 55.00
TLC Pregnancy Centre $ 60.00
Newmarket Cof C $254.00
Canadian Crime V.Dinner $140.00
Big Brothers and Sisters $150.00
Pathways for Children $ 75.00
York Region Arts $ 55.00
An allowance is provided to pay for such items. Councillors decide whether or not to use it.
I don't.
I don't think that's virtuous.I just don't feel compelled to support every charity out
there just because I'm an elected representative and it's not costing me.
If I have resources to support charity, I will make a private choice.
I think taxpayers have the same right. It's about the only right we have left.
I don't believe taxes should be used to support charity.
It doesn't mean I believe other Councillors don't have the same right to make a different decision.
The Mayor of Newmarket gives a great deal of his time to support local charity. No doubt the commitment is much appreciated.
On the other hand, if his/her presence at an event is requested, I think complementary tickets
should be provided.
That's how it was before the blurring of lines between tax collecting and fundraising.
Fundraisers go to the community and ask for donations.
As we have seen,the community also pays for the Mayor's donations and no doubt other Councillors as well.
From taxpayers's perspective that's not voluntary and it's double dipping.
Do I think I would win that argument in debate. No, I do not.
Is it worth making an issue out of charitable donations. At this point,I don't think so.
I didn't win in three Councils when I argued against fee waivers for fund-raising events .
I have to pick my battles.
I am content to be able to discuss the issue here.
Two things could happen.
Fundraisers could recognize the logic and stop asking for waivers and start providing complementary tickets to Mayors.
Or taxpayers could stop contributing because the town is taking the responsibility.
I don't fault a Councillor's use of a policy decided in the past.
I have no interest in knowing how they decide.
And even less in making snide insinuations against them.
Friday, 5 April 2013
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7 comments:
It does make interesting reading. In Aurora, there is a council decision not to support the Food Pantry. I am fine with that if it applies across the board to other charities . Which it does not. But you are quite correct. Any change in policy would have to come from within or we just look petty for raising the contradictions.
The lines between ticket purchases & donations are quite fuzzy to a casual observer. That the mayors would get dimed for a ticket to Mardi Gras seems absurd. Just wearing those costumes & being willing participants seems more than adequate. The organizers should realize that the optics would be bad if the mayors still had to pay.
I can see why Councillor Ballard might consider such numbers to be his " Right to Dry " or " Anti-Tanning Bed "issue. But we all know how well that played out for his mentor. Along with the Gold Standard of Conduct. The other councillors will be able to use him and his anger while residents are constantly reminded that he is just a first-time councillor who hates the Mayor.
Let Ballard be the stalking horse.
Why is it that those holier-than-everyones are completely lacking a sense of humour.. ? I find their condescending anger exhausting. Surely there must be something positive about which they could comment. To date, all they have managed to do is alienate staff, their fellow councillors and a goodly # of residents.
We would hope the Mayor would use every last cent of his expence account on what ever he damn well feels like speding it on, He's the Mayor for !@$#@@ sake , and this time we actually have a Mayor who's ego isn't his strong point, all this chicken shit hokery pokery is such a waste of time and effort , Grow up and get with the program !!
3:54 PM
I think you are wasting time talking to the converted here. Your fight is with the sanctimonious trio. But your style is a hoot!
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