I've already said, if all things are the same , I will be a candidate in the next election
I see no special advantage in rushing out to register early.
Besides , at every election, I like to entertain thoughts of making a bid for the Mayor's chair.
I can be tempted.
In my first bid for re-election to Council I learned two candidates for the office of Reeve were knocking on doors in my neighborhood and telling people tey should not vote for moi.
Well... I thought... being young and feisty and knowing vey little ...if those two sweet fellows, are campaigning against my re-election, I might as well run against them for the office they're after.
So I did.
I won more votes than the two together and became last Reeve and County Councillor in the last Council in the history of York County.
I ran for Mayor's office in the next election and didn't make it. n the next election, I ran again for Council and came in with a substantial lead over all other Councillors.
I wasn't afraid then . I am not afraid now.
I would like the current Mayor to contemplate the possibility of being defeated by an Octogenarian.
I know I could do the job better .
I think he does too which is what keeps him on edge.
My campaign would simply confirm the obvious .
Taxes are substantially higher than need be. We are not getting what we are paying for.
This Council's emphasis has been on spending rather than saving . And on pandering to every special interest group that reared its head.
No second thoughts.
It is not in the tradition of Aurora.
Parrot everything out of a lack of experience or learning and hope the voters are not listening.
Yes Yes... the idea is alluring as ever.
No I am not afraid.
I will enjoy it a few months more before I have to make a decision.
Friday, 28 February 2014
We've Done It Once.
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Let's Have The Facts":
I colleague of mine told me she went to one of those art classes at the cultural centre. She paid a couple of hundred $ for an 8 week course. She said that she was pleased with it until I actually told her what she actually paid for it through her taxes. Saying she was not happy is an understatement. She freaked. She had no idea how much of her taxes was going to the center, especially when she could have supported a small business in the area for less money. Unfortunately residents don’t know where their taxes are flowing to. Its election year hopefully the word will get out soon.
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 27 February 2014 21:12
****************
Participation is growing . I do not ask for more. The rules need to evolve still.
Comments that make me the issue to detract from the topic will not be published.
When the discussion closes I will choose a comment. It may be a cogent point.
It may throw a new and different light on the issue.
Like the one above.
The culture centre is competition to professional artists attempting to make a living from their
chosen career.
It's not fair competition.
The Centre has free space. Pays no maintenance. Receives hundreds of thousands of dollars from
tax resources.
The independent professional receives no support and ,insult to injury, contributes to the taxes that fund the competition.
The same point has had to be made about the club facility at Highlanf Field.
They cannot be allowed to compete with town restaurants. Who pay taxes. provide employment . provide their own facilities . Contribute as sponsors of minor sports teams and other charities.
They cannot speak to unfairness. The hospitality business depends entirely on goodwill.
It's the function of the elected to speak to fairness and equity.
It's a simple concept.
One everyone can understand .
Some choose to ignore it and agressively pursue their own interest at the expense of others.
Others have no sense of it at all.
Social media allows the principle to keep being repeated.
If judgement, fairness and equity cannot be compelled in our small corner of the world, at least we can require accountability.
We have done it once already.
I colleague of mine told me she went to one of those art classes at the cultural centre. She paid a couple of hundred $ for an 8 week course. She said that she was pleased with it until I actually told her what she actually paid for it through her taxes. Saying she was not happy is an understatement. She freaked. She had no idea how much of her taxes was going to the center, especially when she could have supported a small business in the area for less money. Unfortunately residents don’t know where their taxes are flowing to. Its election year hopefully the word will get out soon.
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 27 February 2014 21:12
****************
Participation is growing . I do not ask for more. The rules need to evolve still.
Comments that make me the issue to detract from the topic will not be published.
When the discussion closes I will choose a comment. It may be a cogent point.
It may throw a new and different light on the issue.
Like the one above.
The culture centre is competition to professional artists attempting to make a living from their
chosen career.
It's not fair competition.
The Centre has free space. Pays no maintenance. Receives hundreds of thousands of dollars from
tax resources.
The independent professional receives no support and ,insult to injury, contributes to the taxes that fund the competition.
The same point has had to be made about the club facility at Highlanf Field.
They cannot be allowed to compete with town restaurants. Who pay taxes. provide employment . provide their own facilities . Contribute as sponsors of minor sports teams and other charities.
They cannot speak to unfairness. The hospitality business depends entirely on goodwill.
It's the function of the elected to speak to fairness and equity.
It's a simple concept.
One everyone can understand .
Some choose to ignore it and agressively pursue their own interest at the expense of others.
Others have no sense of it at all.
Social media allows the principle to keep being repeated.
If judgement, fairness and equity cannot be compelled in our small corner of the world, at least we can require accountability.
We have done it once already.
Thursday, 27 February 2014
There are no two ways about it
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Let's Have The Facts":
This is an example of a new revenue stream for a non-profit organization which is tax receipt-eligible for the corporate sponsor (something the Town can't issue). You and yours want to lessen the reliance on Town funding, right?
You can't have it both ways
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 27 February 2014 13:
***********************
I don't want it either way.
I want the building to be used for the purpose intended when millions of dollars were spent on it.
The State of the Art Museum design , funded by the Historical Society at a cost of $300,000 turned into a totally futile extravagance by those entrusted with stewardship.
I too believed the town could not issue tax receipts.
I was wrong .
The Town can ...can... can .
The fact is ,the original recommendation to Council , from our then Chief Financial Officer, was that a board be incorpored for the pirpose of achieving financial independence from taxpayers.
Seed money would be provided initially and reduced annually on a short.tight calendar.
Instead, funding has increased each year. Board members select board members and conduct business in secret. Council knows nothing about those to whom we hand over a valuable asset,rent free ,with all maintenance provided plus almost $400,000 a year.
Now they trumpet a new corporate sponsor. to whom they have sold something they did not own,
and payment for same, they think they can keep secret . While they continue to suck from town teat, courtesy of the present Mayor and Council, resources to the tune of three-quarters of a million dollars a year.
I am here to say. as a taxpayer first, second and foremost and as an elected representative , I am not f--- ing satisfied with that deal.
I was not asked and I did not agree .
It is no more acceptable to-day than it was the day I found out about it.
I don't much care what mealy-muthed , milque-toast , excuse for a taxpayer's representative has to say about that.
They most certainly have not represented my interest in the matter.
This is an example of a new revenue stream for a non-profit organization which is tax receipt-eligible for the corporate sponsor (something the Town can't issue). You and yours want to lessen the reliance on Town funding, right?
You can't have it both ways
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 27 February 2014 13:
***********************
I don't want it either way.
I want the building to be used for the purpose intended when millions of dollars were spent on it.
The State of the Art Museum design , funded by the Historical Society at a cost of $300,000 turned into a totally futile extravagance by those entrusted with stewardship.
I too believed the town could not issue tax receipts.
I was wrong .
The Town can ...can... can .
The fact is ,the original recommendation to Council , from our then Chief Financial Officer, was that a board be incorpored for the pirpose of achieving financial independence from taxpayers.
Seed money would be provided initially and reduced annually on a short.tight calendar.
Instead, funding has increased each year. Board members select board members and conduct business in secret. Council knows nothing about those to whom we hand over a valuable asset,rent free ,with all maintenance provided plus almost $400,000 a year.
Now they trumpet a new corporate sponsor. to whom they have sold something they did not own,
and payment for same, they think they can keep secret . While they continue to suck from town teat, courtesy of the present Mayor and Council, resources to the tune of three-quarters of a million dollars a year.
I am here to say. as a taxpayer first, second and foremost and as an elected representative , I am not f--- ing satisfied with that deal.
I was not asked and I did not agree .
It is no more acceptable to-day than it was the day I found out about it.
I don't much care what mealy-muthed , milque-toast , excuse for a taxpayer's representative has to say about that.
They most certainly have not represented my interest in the matter.
Let's Have The Facts
Whereas Council has been informed by the Executive Director ,of a sale of naming rights of the Red Gallery in Church Street School, by the Board of the Culture Centre
Whereas, ownership of Church Street School has not been transferred from the municipality
and the question of authority to sell naming rights has not been established.
Now therefore be it hereby resolved that Mayor Dawe , the town's legal representative on Aurora Culture Centre Board be directed to report to Council how and when authority was
established to sell naming rights to rooms in a building owned by the town.
And be it further resolved the Town solicitor advise on ownership of funds derived from the sale
I just forwarded the above Mr. Warren Mar ,Town Solicitor and Acting clerk of the Municipality.
Council received an e-mail yesterday morning ,informing us joyfully of the "sponsership"
I understand the story had already appeared in the newspaper.
In the town's budget, still to be approved, an increase in funding is listed to the Board for 2014.
No reference in the e-mail,nor I gather in the news report , is made of funds derived from the sale of naming rights to a room in the building owned by the town.
Twice not referenced can hardly be an oversight.
It must therefore be a matter the Board perceives it has a right to keep secret.
The town has appointed two members to the Private Corporation Board; Mayor Dawe and Councillor Abel.
I have asked the Mayor . in a Council meeting, what change Council might anticipate
with representation on the board.
He responded that would be worked out with Recreation Director Downey and Town Solicitor.
Warren Mar.
It seems not yet.
Whereas, ownership of Church Street School has not been transferred from the municipality
and the question of authority to sell naming rights has not been established.
Now therefore be it hereby resolved that Mayor Dawe , the town's legal representative on Aurora Culture Centre Board be directed to report to Council how and when authority was
established to sell naming rights to rooms in a building owned by the town.
And be it further resolved the Town solicitor advise on ownership of funds derived from the sale
I just forwarded the above Mr. Warren Mar ,Town Solicitor and Acting clerk of the Municipality.
Council received an e-mail yesterday morning ,informing us joyfully of the "sponsership"
I understand the story had already appeared in the newspaper.
In the town's budget, still to be approved, an increase in funding is listed to the Board for 2014.
No reference in the e-mail,nor I gather in the news report , is made of funds derived from the sale of naming rights to a room in the building owned by the town.
Twice not referenced can hardly be an oversight.
It must therefore be a matter the Board perceives it has a right to keep secret.
The town has appointed two members to the Private Corporation Board; Mayor Dawe and Councillor Abel.
I have asked the Mayor . in a Council meeting, what change Council might anticipate
with representation on the board.
He responded that would be worked out with Recreation Director Downey and Town Solicitor.
Warren Mar.
It seems not yet.
Let's Get This Striaght
I have lived in Aurora more than half a century. That's a third of the Town's history.
I was a candidate first in 1963. Again in 1965. First elected in 1967.
I served four terms with Councillors whose families were founding members of the town.
Who were students at Chiurch Street School. Played hockey for the town when the League was all stops along the electric rail on Yonge Street.
They were volunteer fire-fighters .
Lived through the depression.
Recalled the tramp camp at the railway tracks and men begging for bread .
One recalled poachng rabbits with his Dad in Shephard's Bush to put a meal on the table.
I had some of the same memories.
Friday nights were re-called when farm families came into town to shop and gathered in large groups on Yonge Street sidewalk. Crowds so deep, a person had to step into the road to make headway.
They were of my own generation. Glad to share their history with the newcomer to Aurora and Council colleague.
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Untouchable ....Not":
I absorbed it and was always greedy for more
I lived through the changes and had a hand in some of them.
I do have a different perspective to the Mayor and other Councillors.
It's not skewed or distorted.
It's not different to the communnity I represent.
As long I am elected, knowing what people expect, I shall know that to be true.
Subservience within this blog may not be assumed.
It is what it is.
Facts are delivered by one in a position to know.
Deduction is made from facts , qualified by long expeience in town affairs.
Challenges made to facts represented are minimal
The Blog is an offering.
Take it or leave it.
Either way, I will not be offended.
I will not be offended.
Wednesday, 26 February 2014
By Their Actions Ye Shall Know Them
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Untouchable ....Not":
Speaking of physical, I noticed you were the only one who failed to applaud after Ms Schembri's presentation last night. Pettiness trumps common courtesy?
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 26 February 2014 12:30
************
Did you listen to the presentation. The Aurora Culture Centre was in a competition for awards with charitable organizations.
They received a plaque for being in a group of a hundred contestants.
The competition was for financial reporting.
The award winners were Covenant House in Toronto and Hospice King.
Covenant House takes in runaway and throwaway children off the streets of Toronto and gives them a second chance
Hospice King provides a nurturing ,caring place for terminally ill patients in the last days of their lives.
What is the "Charitable" Aurora Culture Centre doing in a competition with organizations like that.
Miss Chembri was not the only presentation giving praise to Mayor Dawe and Councillor Abel who accompanied her to the awards luncheon .
Residents of Mavrinac were there as well to express appreciation for Council's decision to
to spend tax resources on legal fees to compel a developer to sell land to the town for a fraction of its
appraised value.
The residents have created a web site and want to be kept informed of all developments.
They insist they were informed the site would either be a school site or a park.
There never was, nor is there now a plan for a park on that site.
There is no indication the dispute will be resolved before the next election.
Still Council's decision has the potential for winning a block of votes.
They may not outweigh the votes of taxpayers who do not appreciate shameless pandering at their expense.
It will not go unnoticed.
It didn't work last time around.
We are entering the first phase of an election campaign.
No doubt the first in a succession of presentations showering plaudits on the heads of the incumbents.
It's hardly subtle.
I am compelled to watch it.
I am not required to clap like a trained seal on cue
Speaking of physical, I noticed you were the only one who failed to applaud after Ms Schembri's presentation last night. Pettiness trumps common courtesy?
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 26 February 2014 12:30
************
Did you listen to the presentation. The Aurora Culture Centre was in a competition for awards with charitable organizations.
They received a plaque for being in a group of a hundred contestants.
The competition was for financial reporting.
The award winners were Covenant House in Toronto and Hospice King.
Covenant House takes in runaway and throwaway children off the streets of Toronto and gives them a second chance
Hospice King provides a nurturing ,caring place for terminally ill patients in the last days of their lives.
What is the "Charitable" Aurora Culture Centre doing in a competition with organizations like that.
Miss Chembri was not the only presentation giving praise to Mayor Dawe and Councillor Abel who accompanied her to the awards luncheon .
Residents of Mavrinac were there as well to express appreciation for Council's decision to
to spend tax resources on legal fees to compel a developer to sell land to the town for a fraction of its
appraised value.
The residents have created a web site and want to be kept informed of all developments.
They insist they were informed the site would either be a school site or a park.
There never was, nor is there now a plan for a park on that site.
There is no indication the dispute will be resolved before the next election.
Still Council's decision has the potential for winning a block of votes.
They may not outweigh the votes of taxpayers who do not appreciate shameless pandering at their expense.
It will not go unnoticed.
It didn't work last time around.
We are entering the first phase of an election campaign.
No doubt the first in a succession of presentations showering plaudits on the heads of the incumbents.
It's hardly subtle.
I am compelled to watch it.
I am not required to clap like a trained seal on cue
Goodness Gracious....Great Balls Of Fire
Last night, the decision was made to approve spending $26 mullion dollars on a Joint Facility for parks and public works.
It was the Mayor's decision.
Council was divided.
The Mayor cast the deciding vote
$26 million with only half in support and half opposed.
It started at $12 million
It's not likely to be the end of it.
That's not a comfortable position for a Mayor
A wiser man might have hesitated.
Fools rush in where angels fear to tread
It was the Mayor's decision.
Council was divided.
The Mayor cast the deciding vote
$26 million with only half in support and half opposed.
It started at $12 million
It's not likely to be the end of it.
That's not a comfortable position for a Mayor
A wiser man might have hesitated.
Fools rush in where angels fear to tread
Have a great day
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Colour me biased":
I have to say I used to enjoy this blog, but lately it is so very one sided
it seems a bit contrived ...
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 26 February 2014 08:29
*****************
Ouch,,,,that stings.
No Good Morning
Not as much as an Ow's yer Father
or Bob's yer Uncle.
Not much of anything
Just straight for the jugular
No finesse
No imagination
No rapier point
No word skill or good will
Just a heaping ,steaming pile of nasty
And of course,,,no name
I have to say I used to enjoy this blog, but lately it is so very one sided
it seems a bit contrived ...
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 26 February 2014 08:29
*****************
Ouch,,,,that stings.
No Good Morning
Not as much as an Ow's yer Father
or Bob's yer Uncle.
Not much of anything
Just straight for the jugular
No finesse
No imagination
No rapier point
No word skill or good will
Just a heaping ,steaming pile of nasty
And of course,,,no name
Tuesday, 25 February 2014
Colour me biased
We went to Richmond Hill and drove up and down the town centre on Yonge Street a couple of times.
I was looking for improvements.
Councillor Thompson indicated Richmond Hill had enacted a Community Improvement Plan.
That's where a municipality spends massive amounts on infrastructure improvements and offers to provide grants and loans to property owners to spruce up their properties at the expense of other property owners ,who may or may not be able to maintain their own property properly because of lack of resources.
Heavens to Betsy...whoever heard of such a thing in Aurora. Certainly not among the well-heeled crowd at the Council table.
Community Improvement is a planners scheme for revitalizing town centers against all the odds.
It's what you get when you believe there is no inevitability that can't be reversed if you just throw enough money at it.
Exchange excessive cash for excessive verbiage and you get the picture.
Change the audience from experience to eager neophytes , add an army of redundant civil servants heavily interspersed with graduates from programs taught at universities by those who cannot do and you have Australian sized flocks of sheep ready for shearing.
I noticed little improvement in Richmond Hill. Yonge Street is a higgledy-piggledy mess with an assortment of store fronts on modest , downright plain, frame structures.
Signage has no uniformity and less style.
There is certainly plenty of retail presence; not much in the way of pedestrians. Nothing to indicate business is flourishing.
Interlocking brick sidewalks ,the precursor of patterned concrete, are severely undulating and in need of replacement.
Spindly scabby,unhealthy replicas of trees are perched precariously at the edge of sidewalks. Deformed stems lean out to avoid structures in too close proximity.
I saw nothing in Richmond Hill yesterday to encourage me to accept a Community Improvement Plan as something we should follow.
It probably looks much better in Spring.
Everything does.
But the fact is,winter in Canada is at least a third of our reality.
Beautiful pristine snow on trees and fields is a breathtaking sight to behold.
In a down town traffic oriented area ,it's just a mucky mess to be avoided if at all possible.
One of my first experiences in Canada was to be drenched to the shoulders of my new camel- coat by a car driving through a puddle on a street north of Bloor.
It wasn't nice.
D'you know......I would rather find a way to protect store fronts and pedestrians from splashed up muck and slush on Yonge Street in the down town core of Aurora than all the airy-fairy heritage schemes in Christendom.
I am beginning to hate the word ...heritage.
Maybe we should label it unacceptable ,,,,as in biased against being.
It has occurred to me ...downtown Aurora is one helluva lot more tidy and attractive than anything Richmond Hill has to offer.
We haven't just kept talking about preserving what is best.
The private sector has just been quietly going about it for the last fifty years with a little encouragement from their friends and representatives at the town.
I was looking for improvements.
Councillor Thompson indicated Richmond Hill had enacted a Community Improvement Plan.
That's where a municipality spends massive amounts on infrastructure improvements and offers to provide grants and loans to property owners to spruce up their properties at the expense of other property owners ,who may or may not be able to maintain their own property properly because of lack of resources.
Heavens to Betsy...whoever heard of such a thing in Aurora. Certainly not among the well-heeled crowd at the Council table.
Community Improvement is a planners scheme for revitalizing town centers against all the odds.
It's what you get when you believe there is no inevitability that can't be reversed if you just throw enough money at it.
Exchange excessive cash for excessive verbiage and you get the picture.
Change the audience from experience to eager neophytes , add an army of redundant civil servants heavily interspersed with graduates from programs taught at universities by those who cannot do and you have Australian sized flocks of sheep ready for shearing.
I noticed little improvement in Richmond Hill. Yonge Street is a higgledy-piggledy mess with an assortment of store fronts on modest , downright plain, frame structures.
Signage has no uniformity and less style.
There is certainly plenty of retail presence; not much in the way of pedestrians. Nothing to indicate business is flourishing.
Interlocking brick sidewalks ,the precursor of patterned concrete, are severely undulating and in need of replacement.
Spindly scabby,unhealthy replicas of trees are perched precariously at the edge of sidewalks. Deformed stems lean out to avoid structures in too close proximity.
I saw nothing in Richmond Hill yesterday to encourage me to accept a Community Improvement Plan as something we should follow.
It probably looks much better in Spring.
Everything does.
But the fact is,winter in Canada is at least a third of our reality.
Beautiful pristine snow on trees and fields is a breathtaking sight to behold.
In a down town traffic oriented area ,it's just a mucky mess to be avoided if at all possible.
One of my first experiences in Canada was to be drenched to the shoulders of my new camel- coat by a car driving through a puddle on a street north of Bloor.
It wasn't nice.
D'you know......I would rather find a way to protect store fronts and pedestrians from splashed up muck and slush on Yonge Street in the down town core of Aurora than all the airy-fairy heritage schemes in Christendom.
I am beginning to hate the word ...heritage.
Maybe we should label it unacceptable ,,,,as in biased against being.
It has occurred to me ...downtown Aurora is one helluva lot more tidy and attractive than anything Richmond Hill has to offer.
We haven't just kept talking about preserving what is best.
The private sector has just been quietly going about it for the last fifty years with a little encouragement from their friends and representatives at the town.
Did I tell you this already
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "The Same Coin.":
Evelyn,
Thank you for posting my response. There was no intent of "emotional blackmail". My intent was to make sure that you and your followers understand who and what the QYR are.
Comments in your previous post like:
"I don't know how long they've had a bus bringing cadets down from Sutton ,Keswick and Sharon.
Of course it would depend on how many cadets there are up there.
Maybe all of them.
Maybe that's where QYR should be located.
By the way, it's not Aurora Armouries any more.
It's Colonel John Graves Simcoe Armouries.
I didn't see anything in the program to indicate why they needed to relocate from the drill shed at the corner of Mosely and Larmont.
They teach cadets to drill, shoot rifles , polish their boots and iron a shirt."
This indicates to me that you feel that the QYR is a Cadet organization. RCAC Cadets occupy the building one evening per week with some weekend events (usually off-site at another DND facility).
The "meat" of the QYR is the reserve force regiment that I mentioned the link to Afghanistan. I know full well who coing the "kiddies" comment, but no one here - you included - has done anything to set the record straight on that so the bulk of your followers somehow believe that the building is used as a some form of day-care centre.
I am not expecting you to consider the well-being of the QYR in anything, that is what the Minister of Defence and his Generals are for.
The DND negotiated a lease with the Town and it's leaders at the time - both elected and appointed.
You cannot hold the QYR to blame for "needless debt". The only ones guilty of that is the Town, as it is the Town that entered into that agreement.
Why do you blame the QYR and the DND for bad decisions made by Aurora? Seems to me that the blame is being misplaced
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 24 February 2014 12:06
*******************
If I published this before and I think I might have, I apologize.
It's all about budget, spending and not increasing the burden on hard-pressed home owners and small business,
I need to keep hammering away at it to stop another bad decision from being made.
It's my job to do everything within my perspective and my power for the best interest of town taxpayers.
The same who pay federal taxes.
I thank you for engaging and helping to draw attention and provide understanding to the issue.
I'm not blaming the Rangers for a bad deal made by the town.
But short of moving heaven and earth , I will use everything in my arsenal to stop another, more catastrophic than the last,
Have a great day
Evelyn,
Thank you for posting my response. There was no intent of "emotional blackmail". My intent was to make sure that you and your followers understand who and what the QYR are.
Comments in your previous post like:
"I don't know how long they've had a bus bringing cadets down from Sutton ,Keswick and Sharon.
Of course it would depend on how many cadets there are up there.
Maybe all of them.
Maybe that's where QYR should be located.
By the way, it's not Aurora Armouries any more.
It's Colonel John Graves Simcoe Armouries.
I didn't see anything in the program to indicate why they needed to relocate from the drill shed at the corner of Mosely and Larmont.
They teach cadets to drill, shoot rifles , polish their boots and iron a shirt."
This indicates to me that you feel that the QYR is a Cadet organization. RCAC Cadets occupy the building one evening per week with some weekend events (usually off-site at another DND facility).
The "meat" of the QYR is the reserve force regiment that I mentioned the link to Afghanistan. I know full well who coing the "kiddies" comment, but no one here - you included - has done anything to set the record straight on that so the bulk of your followers somehow believe that the building is used as a some form of day-care centre.
I am not expecting you to consider the well-being of the QYR in anything, that is what the Minister of Defence and his Generals are for.
The DND negotiated a lease with the Town and it's leaders at the time - both elected and appointed.
You cannot hold the QYR to blame for "needless debt". The only ones guilty of that is the Town, as it is the Town that entered into that agreement.
Why do you blame the QYR and the DND for bad decisions made by Aurora? Seems to me that the blame is being misplaced
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 24 February 2014 12:06
*******************
If I published this before and I think I might have, I apologize.
It's all about budget, spending and not increasing the burden on hard-pressed home owners and small business,
I need to keep hammering away at it to stop another bad decision from being made.
It's my job to do everything within my perspective and my power for the best interest of town taxpayers.
The same who pay federal taxes.
I thank you for engaging and helping to draw attention and provide understanding to the issue.
I'm not blaming the Rangers for a bad deal made by the town.
But short of moving heaven and earth , I will use everything in my arsenal to stop another, more catastrophic than the last,
Have a great day
Who Calls The Tune????
In my previous post, I also viewed hpuses on Irwin Ave down to Machell and behind the "jewels"
of HIllary. Spragg and McIntyre's property.
I re-called Spragg's property did not have enough frontage to provide access and egress from Yonge
Street . John McIntyre provided information of an agreement to share the Hillary House Driveway.
To-night I learned the Historical Society actually sold an easement to Spragg.
So it seems ownership by the Historical Society is firm. They can sell the property.
It's verrry interrrresting how much is learned when a conversation starts.
Now,,, before the town agreed to use funds for Church Street renovation, AHS had raised
$750,000 from the community to pay for the renovations. Part of that was the Brevik legacy.
They had hired a retired director of York County BofE to advise.
They retained a specialist architecture team to design the state of the art museum. Paid them $300,000.
A fire suppressant system for a museum was installed in the building. Not sure if that was paid for from Society funds.
They retained a solicitor to negotiate an agreement with the town to protect their financial investment and give them management rights over the building.
Before renovations were complete they withdrew commitment to operate the museum and
manage the building.
After completion, when it became evident the building had been spirited out from under them, they
surrendered the agreement and protection of their financial investment and literally withdrew the scene.
I could have used support from the Society when I started the fight to have the museum restored to its rightful home. But it came from the community. Not the Society.
I never understood why that was.
I knew they wanted it.
Last week , we learned from comments in the Auroran , the past president and the one before were
bitterly disappointed that it didn't happen.
It took four years for the public acknowledgement.
When the agreement with the town was surrendered ,null and void, I understand, the Society had $500.000 left of funds raised in the community for Church Street school renovations.
Last week it was learned $66,000 remain.
To-night we learned no money had changed hands when the curator was in the Society's employ. The salary was included in the town's payroll.
But since the curator retired, grant funds have been transferred.
So half a million dollars ,plus another quarter of a million in grant funds from the town ,plus whatever funds have been raised by the Society have all but , $66,000 been dissipated .
On the credit side of the ledger , many hundreds of volunteer hours have been contributed.
With no pretense at auditing skills, I would argue, The Historical Society has been running at a loss for four years.
In fact, without town funds, bankruptcy would have evolved before now.
All the while, the town continues to funnel funds to them from taxpayer resources.
This year, Council intend it to continue.
While the town dips figurative fingers into taxpayers' pockets for $70,000.,the Society continues to dribble their provenance ,we know not where.
Nor apparently do we care.
Because , to quote the Mayor..."this is not the time to have that conversation". the one about ending the grant.
To quote Councillor Humphreys..."They really are having a hard time right now"
I believe it was the outgoing President who indicated the Society's objective is for funding to become a "line item in the town's budget" rather than an annual grant.
A question has been asked which I think is valid;
If the Aurora Historical Society, as owners of Hillary House,become bankrupt, are Directors personally liable ?
Monday, 24 February 2014
Go See For Yourself
I took a tour. My daughter volunteered to drive so that I could take it all in.
I went to Richmond Hill, to the proposed new joint facility site, driveway to Lambert Wilson Park,
Scanlon Court ...our hydro property site and Tim Horton's at John West Parkway
It mattered not how many people attended open house at Scanlon Court.
Until now, there's been no dispute about the need for more space.
Liqui Force is the outfit that gets a million dollar town contract every year to line pipes with plastic.
They have five trucks in the town's yard.
Even if they are working now, why would they not have their own yard and building.
Why does Dimonte, maintenance contractor for town sewer and water breaks, not have
their own facilities?
Where's the sense in contracting out work while providing the contractor with operating space?
What kind of business is it that doesn't have their own premises?
The kind that gets contracts with Aurora, the town that gazes with equanimity at incurring
millions of dollars of debt for space.
Even with snow cover, piles of rubble and cast away metal were visible in the yard.
On the same road ,we drove to another town site; the Hydro property.
Three cars were parked in front. In a far corner of the vacant yard of several acres, sat two military vehicles. Three non-military vehicles were tucked in close behind the building.
On the same road two town-owned properties , one poorly organized .accommodating vehicles and supplies with no clear right to be there and down the road a huge vacant yard accommodating one truck and smaller vehicle clearly identified as military.
Still, on the same road farther north , is the site for the new joint facility. A beautiful picture shows
a fine new architect -designed building on a nice level site.
Immediately on the south edge of the property is driveway access to the Aurora Arboretum. The incline does not have to be imagined. It can be experienced .
A foray in to several nearby developed sites provide a view of retaining walls of various heights
and lengths are built to provide levels sufficient for construction and parking.
It's all there. Anyone can see it.
A conducted tour is not likely to be offered.
But it's not really necessary. You can take it yoursef.
I went to Richmond Hill, to the proposed new joint facility site, driveway to Lambert Wilson Park,
Scanlon Court ...our hydro property site and Tim Horton's at John West Parkway
It mattered not how many people attended open house at Scanlon Court.
Until now, there's been no dispute about the need for more space.
Liqui Force is the outfit that gets a million dollar town contract every year to line pipes with plastic.
They have five trucks in the town's yard.
Even if they are working now, why would they not have their own yard and building.
Why does Dimonte, maintenance contractor for town sewer and water breaks, not have
their own facilities?
Where's the sense in contracting out work while providing the contractor with operating space?
What kind of business is it that doesn't have their own premises?
The kind that gets contracts with Aurora, the town that gazes with equanimity at incurring
millions of dollars of debt for space.
Even with snow cover, piles of rubble and cast away metal were visible in the yard.
On the same road ,we drove to another town site; the Hydro property.
Three cars were parked in front. In a far corner of the vacant yard of several acres, sat two military vehicles. Three non-military vehicles were tucked in close behind the building.
On the same road two town-owned properties , one poorly organized .accommodating vehicles and supplies with no clear right to be there and down the road a huge vacant yard accommodating one truck and smaller vehicle clearly identified as military.
Still, on the same road farther north , is the site for the new joint facility. A beautiful picture shows
a fine new architect -designed building on a nice level site.
Immediately on the south edge of the property is driveway access to the Aurora Arboretum. The incline does not have to be imagined. It can be experienced .
A foray in to several nearby developed sites provide a view of retaining walls of various heights
and lengths are built to provide levels sufficient for construction and parking.
It's all there. Anyone can see it.
A conducted tour is not likely to be offered.
But it's not really necessary. You can take it yoursef.
Tim The Enchanter Again
Tim the Enchanter has left a new comment on your post "I have to be fair":
Re: Only 29 residents at Joint Operation Centre Open House
"Possibly this is typical but one has to wonder when watching the heart-wrenching events these past few days in Kiev how seriously do we take our democratic form of government?"
As you noted - none of the 29 attendees filled out the questionnaire but according to the same report:
"The feedback from the 29 plus attendees was positive with no significant concerns raised that have not already been addressed through the planning and stakeholder consultation process."
So which of these statements is true?
1. This poorly attended event typifies the apathy of the average voter.
2. The fact that only 29 Voters showed up is proof that most people were not interested.
3. The favourable reaction of the attendees is a clear indication the residents are pleased with the project.
4. Low attendance simply indicates that residents are happy to leave these decisions in the capable hands of the duly elected council.
5. The open house is an example of how Town Hall is committed to engaging the input of Aurora residents in the town's affairs.
They are ALL true of course.
Such is the subjective nature of 'democracy'.
Is it council's intent that such public input shall carry weight in the decision-making process?
They've already decided on the JOC.
Was the open house simply a weak attempt to pay lip service to the importance of public input and voter participation?
If I voted for the new JOC, 29 approvals simply validate my decision.
If I voted against the JOC, 29 approvals are hardly proof that I subscribe to the minority view.
What if the 29 attendees were unanimous in disapproval?
Is that all the public input required to send council and staff back to the drawing board?
If I voted for the JOC won't I simply say that maybe these 29 folks don't like it but I've heard from other residents that do support the project so I see no reason to make changes?
And what about the Heritage Park proposal?
Will approval hinge simply on a pushy special interest group and five agreeable members of council?
What about public consultation and input?
Will that be just more "Come out to the open house and see what we've decided to spend your taxpayer dollars on"?
Or will our council, mindful of the financial commitment they are asking taxpayers to make, present the plan to us and base their decision on our reaction?
There's absolutely nothing wrong with council getting excited about the Heritage Park.
But what if we aren't?
What participation level would convince council that the residents endorse or reject the Heritage Park?
29?
290?
2900?
29000?
So the question was:
"how seriously do we take our democratic form of government?"
To which I ask - how seriously does council take their responsibility as our democratically elected government?
Decisions born of favourtism and shaped by subjective whim to suit trending popularity only represent an illusionary bubble of faux democracy, strictly within the rules but happily unfettered by moral or ethical limits.
Can councils not see the difference between "Yes we could - but it wouldn't be right" and "We are doing it - unless you can show us where it says we can't".
If councillors only value my opinion once every four years then why would I bother offering it at any other time?
Only 29 residents went to the open house?
Shame on us for failing to participate?
No.
Shame on council for failing to convince us that our participation matters
Posted by Tim the Enchanter to Our Town and Its Business at 24 February 2014 12:41
Re: Only 29 residents at Joint Operation Centre Open House
"Possibly this is typical but one has to wonder when watching the heart-wrenching events these past few days in Kiev how seriously do we take our democratic form of government?"
As you noted - none of the 29 attendees filled out the questionnaire but according to the same report:
"The feedback from the 29 plus attendees was positive with no significant concerns raised that have not already been addressed through the planning and stakeholder consultation process."
So which of these statements is true?
1. This poorly attended event typifies the apathy of the average voter.
2. The fact that only 29 Voters showed up is proof that most people were not interested.
3. The favourable reaction of the attendees is a clear indication the residents are pleased with the project.
4. Low attendance simply indicates that residents are happy to leave these decisions in the capable hands of the duly elected council.
5. The open house is an example of how Town Hall is committed to engaging the input of Aurora residents in the town's affairs.
They are ALL true of course.
Such is the subjective nature of 'democracy'.
Is it council's intent that such public input shall carry weight in the decision-making process?
They've already decided on the JOC.
Was the open house simply a weak attempt to pay lip service to the importance of public input and voter participation?
If I voted for the new JOC, 29 approvals simply validate my decision.
If I voted against the JOC, 29 approvals are hardly proof that I subscribe to the minority view.
What if the 29 attendees were unanimous in disapproval?
Is that all the public input required to send council and staff back to the drawing board?
If I voted for the JOC won't I simply say that maybe these 29 folks don't like it but I've heard from other residents that do support the project so I see no reason to make changes?
And what about the Heritage Park proposal?
Will approval hinge simply on a pushy special interest group and five agreeable members of council?
What about public consultation and input?
Will that be just more "Come out to the open house and see what we've decided to spend your taxpayer dollars on"?
Or will our council, mindful of the financial commitment they are asking taxpayers to make, present the plan to us and base their decision on our reaction?
There's absolutely nothing wrong with council getting excited about the Heritage Park.
But what if we aren't?
What participation level would convince council that the residents endorse or reject the Heritage Park?
29?
290?
2900?
29000?
So the question was:
"how seriously do we take our democratic form of government?"
To which I ask - how seriously does council take their responsibility as our democratically elected government?
Decisions born of favourtism and shaped by subjective whim to suit trending popularity only represent an illusionary bubble of faux democracy, strictly within the rules but happily unfettered by moral or ethical limits.
Can councils not see the difference between "Yes we could - but it wouldn't be right" and "We are doing it - unless you can show us where it says we can't".
If councillors only value my opinion once every four years then why would I bother offering it at any other time?
Only 29 residents went to the open house?
Shame on us for failing to participate?
No.
Shame on council for failing to convince us that our participation matters
Posted by Tim the Enchanter to Our Town and Its Business at 24 February 2014 12:41
The Same Coin.
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "A deal with the DND":
You do know that the Queens York Rangers are more than an Army Cadet unit right?
QYR (both in Toronto and Aurora) are unit's in the Canadian Army reserve force.
The RCAC (Royal Canadian Army Cadets) are affiliated with the QYR but are not the same thing.
The whole "kiddies" thing makes me mad. The reserves (which I was a member of a number of years ago) is an integral part of the Canadian Armed Forces. Members of reserve units are called upon regularly to deploy overseas. Just have a look though those lost in Afghanistan and see how many were members of a reserve regiment that had been deployed.
They are not kiddies nor is their job "to play soldier".
Only thing worse than the "kiddies" comments is the disrespect to these men and women that have volunteered to serve.
*****************
And you do know I hope ,the "Kiddies" comment was fiirst coined by the town;s former Mayor.
It was how she publicly expressed her satisfaction when she announced the lease of a town-owned and needed facility to the Department of National Defense.
Your suggestion of disrespect to forces serving in Afghanistan does not sit well. It;s exactly the kind of emotional blackmail and spurious allegation that makes Aurora Council fearful of taking care of the interest of the people they were elected to serve.
QYR have occupied the corner of our town park for ...maybe close to a century ...and were always welcome in the town.
I have personally enjoyed many social occasions in the mess and represented the town at numerous pass out parades in the Community Centre.
I do not now nor have I ever considered the well-being of QYR to be the financial responsibility of any institution other than the Department of National Defense .
Aurora taxpayers should certainly not be carrying any part of the load of the Federal Government. Quite the opposite
Your comment is a passionate defense of the Queen's York Rangers, their action and sacrifice in Afghanistan and elsewhere our government chooses to send them.
I respect that. I know how that feels.
I still have to fulfill my commitment.
For the town to incur millions of dollars of needless debt because a town- owned facility , under-utilized by Queen's York Rangers , was secretly leased to the Department of National Defense ,at a rent that doesn't cover resources spent on the building , while the federal government's facility sits idle and empty more than three years after it was vacated , is utterly ludicrous and an insult to our intelligence.
You do know that the Queens York Rangers are more than an Army Cadet unit right?
QYR (both in Toronto and Aurora) are unit's in the Canadian Army reserve force.
The RCAC (Royal Canadian Army Cadets) are affiliated with the QYR but are not the same thing.
The whole "kiddies" thing makes me mad. The reserves (which I was a member of a number of years ago) is an integral part of the Canadian Armed Forces. Members of reserve units are called upon regularly to deploy overseas. Just have a look though those lost in Afghanistan and see how many were members of a reserve regiment that had been deployed.
They are not kiddies nor is their job "to play soldier".
Only thing worse than the "kiddies" comments is the disrespect to these men and women that have volunteered to serve.
*****************
And you do know I hope ,the "Kiddies" comment was fiirst coined by the town;s former Mayor.
It was how she publicly expressed her satisfaction when she announced the lease of a town-owned and needed facility to the Department of National Defense.
Your suggestion of disrespect to forces serving in Afghanistan does not sit well. It;s exactly the kind of emotional blackmail and spurious allegation that makes Aurora Council fearful of taking care of the interest of the people they were elected to serve.
QYR have occupied the corner of our town park for ...maybe close to a century ...and were always welcome in the town.
I have personally enjoyed many social occasions in the mess and represented the town at numerous pass out parades in the Community Centre.
I do not now nor have I ever considered the well-being of QYR to be the financial responsibility of any institution other than the Department of National Defense .
Aurora taxpayers should certainly not be carrying any part of the load of the Federal Government. Quite the opposite
Your comment is a passionate defense of the Queen's York Rangers, their action and sacrifice in Afghanistan and elsewhere our government chooses to send them.
I respect that. I know how that feels.
I still have to fulfill my commitment.
For the town to incur millions of dollars of needless debt because a town- owned facility , under-utilized by Queen's York Rangers , was secretly leased to the Department of National Defense ,at a rent that doesn't cover resources spent on the building , while the federal government's facility sits idle and empty more than three years after it was vacated , is utterly ludicrous and an insult to our intelligence.
Sunday, 23 February 2014
I have to be fair
A discomfiting thought has occurred.
Since comments are anonymous , critical comments against the Mayor could be more than they appear.
We are into an election .candidates are declaring themselves.
There's little to hinder a rival from using the blog for his or her own purpose.
I don't want to stifle discussion.
I don't want to provide unfair advantage.
Criticism is an occupational hazard in politics.
I've not been light-handed with the Mayor.
But he has many opportunities to defend himself from me.
We are both openly in the ring.
My criticism is directly related to my experience as a member of his Council.
Whatever I've said is related to an issue already in the public domain and it has my name attached.
Now people are talking about the up-coming election and that's a good thing.
Except I don't want the blog to be a medium for dirty tricks.
It's a personal quandary.
Councillors are criticized as well.
But the Mayor is a singular target.
A solution to the problem does not come immediately to mind.
If there's going to be a fight and we hope so ,I'm fairly sure voters would like it to be
clean
Maybe we should talk about that for a bit.
There's no reason why the Mayor should not be called to account. That's what elections are about.
On the other hand ,there's no reason rivals and enemies should be able to flail away without also being accountable.
I can't stop it from happening elsewhere but I am responsible for the blog.
Since comments are anonymous , critical comments against the Mayor could be more than they appear.
We are into an election .candidates are declaring themselves.
There's little to hinder a rival from using the blog for his or her own purpose.
I don't want to stifle discussion.
I don't want to provide unfair advantage.
Criticism is an occupational hazard in politics.
I've not been light-handed with the Mayor.
But he has many opportunities to defend himself from me.
We are both openly in the ring.
My criticism is directly related to my experience as a member of his Council.
Whatever I've said is related to an issue already in the public domain and it has my name attached.
Now people are talking about the up-coming election and that's a good thing.
Except I don't want the blog to be a medium for dirty tricks.
It's a personal quandary.
Councillors are criticized as well.
But the Mayor is a singular target.
A solution to the problem does not come immediately to mind.
If there's going to be a fight and we hope so ,I'm fairly sure voters would like it to be
clean
Maybe we should talk about that for a bit.
There's no reason why the Mayor should not be called to account. That's what elections are about.
On the other hand ,there's no reason rivals and enemies should be able to flail away without also being accountable.
I can't stop it from happening elsewhere but I am responsible for the blog.
Saturday, 22 February 2014
The scheme is the issue
The comment at 5.49 a.m. yesterday was a spirited defense of Mr. Albino .
A flurry of comments have followed .
They divert attention from the issue to Mr.Albino.
That the town could be so nearly coerced into expending millions on a scheme totally lacking in substance is ,to me, the unbelievable factor.
Mr.Albino did not accomplish it by himself .
Heading the initial list of supporters was the Office of Mayor.
No doubt it lent immediate credibility to the project.
Yet it meant nothing.
No serious examination of the scheme.
Names collected before Council had any idea what was afoot.
For a scheme that never amounted to anything but a fantasy.
Despite town resources indiscriminately thrown at it.
The only identifiable factor, a real estate deal, to transfer millions from public coffers into the pockets of three owners of unexamined vintage buildings hemmed in by private homes.
Mr.Albino is not the issue.
The crazy scheme promoted with the help of people from whom we had a right to expect better....
That is the issue
So, thankyou for the research and up to date information.
iIt will be filed.
A flurry of comments have followed .
They divert attention from the issue to Mr.Albino.
That the town could be so nearly coerced into expending millions on a scheme totally lacking in substance is ,to me, the unbelievable factor.
Mr.Albino did not accomplish it by himself .
Heading the initial list of supporters was the Office of Mayor.
No doubt it lent immediate credibility to the project.
Yet it meant nothing.
No serious examination of the scheme.
Names collected before Council had any idea what was afoot.
For a scheme that never amounted to anything but a fantasy.
Despite town resources indiscriminately thrown at it.
The only identifiable factor, a real estate deal, to transfer millions from public coffers into the pockets of three owners of unexamined vintage buildings hemmed in by private homes.
Mr.Albino is not the issue.
The crazy scheme promoted with the help of people from whom we had a right to expect better....
That is the issue
So, thankyou for the research and up to date information.
iIt will be filed.
Babies are amazing
I won't go to Richmond Hill to-day. I had a two hour visit from three great-grand daughters and my grand-daughter ,their mother Lindsay.
Abigail, the middle sister is going with Aunt Stephanie to Guelph to be in a crowd scene in a movie.
Cheyenne , now a sea cadet, is taking Mickey the dog , home with her .
Emma is eight months old and has grown from really tiny to a round chubby cheerful child.
Her eyes reflect her thought process.
I am not a familiar face.
Two hours passed before she volunteered a smile.
I wasn't forcing it. I'm content to wait. The intensity of her gaze rarely faltered while she focussed and stored information for future reference.
'Tis said a child learns more in the first three years than the rest of life.
It's a phenomenal learning curve and fascinating to watch.
The path between house and car was iced over. Cheyenne had slipped on the way in,they said.
The wind whipped up during the visit.
I remembered another winter's night and a strong wind . I lost control of the car on Yonge, just south of Major Mack and drove into a snow bank.
The same night, a Volkswagen, traveling north was blown across Yonge Street into the path of oncoming traffic.
A young Aurora mother, alone in the car ,was killed instantly.
I attended the Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Grace.
I didn't tell the story.
When you live a long time, in the same place, it's hard to separate from memory.
The Mayor and Councillors Abel and Gallo find it difficult to conceal exasperation.
We all have idiosyncrasies to be sure and burdens.
It may be time for me to focus energy in a different direction.
Butter Fingers
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "A deal with the DND":
R H has the same traffic funnel as Aurora and isn't wasting any time on dressing up the core of their town. It works just fine. One learns where to park off-Yonge and what hours to try to avoid. They even have a sign showing where their food bank is located for drop-offs.
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 22 February 2014 11:47
*********************
Rejected accidentally
R H has the same traffic funnel as Aurora and isn't wasting any time on dressing up the core of their town. It works just fine. One learns where to park off-Yonge and what hours to try to avoid. They even have a sign showing where their food bank is located for drop-offs.
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 22 February 2014 11:47
*********************
Rejected accidentally
A deal with the DND
Last time I was in Richmond Hill, I had to drive up and down Yonge Street looking for the funeral parlor. It was in the same place it had always been but a number of high rise apartment building had been built and the land marks had vanished.
I plan to drive down this weekend . Not because I want to. I freely acknowledge i do not enjoy the change.
Councillor Thompson advises they did the Community improvement thing in Richmond Hill. I need to go and see how it improved the town centre.
When the Region was created, Richmond Hill inherited the B. A.I.F. development. South side of Major Mackenzie Drive and west side of Yonge.
Tax revenue would have multiplied many time over.
Their Hydro was also sold to Power Stream for many .many millions more than ours.
The first wave pool in York Region was in Richmond Hill.
After Hydro was sold Richmond Hill built a Culture Centre on Yonge Street and made a contribution of several million to York Central Hospital.
I logged in to Queen's York Rangers web site last night.
The program is the same as always.
I don't know how long they've had a bus bringing cadets down from Sutton ,Keswick and Sharon.
Of course it would depend on how many cadets there are up there.
Maybe all of them.
Maybe that's where QYR should be located.
By the way, it's not Aurora Armouries any more.
It's Colonel John Graves Simcoe Armouries.
I didn't see anything in the program to indicate why they needed to relocate from the drill shed at the corner of Mosely and Larmont.
They teach cadets to drill, shoot rifles , polish their boots and iron a shirt.
Living accommodation and meals are provided to people who join the army.But that would of course be in Army Bases.
I did hear sometime recently the Government was planning to close down both Armouries and that's why Aurora sprang to their assistance.
The main one is Fort York Armouries in Toronto.
It may be the ability to design and build to our own standards park furniture and gazebos and such at savings of hundreds of thousands of dollars is more of a financial advantage to Aurora residents than saving Queen's York Rangers from the ravages of the Ministry of National Defence.
I believe rent of $31,000. rent is collected. As landlords ,we are responsible to maintain the building Several hundred thousand dollars were spent to meet their requirements. We are not making any money from their tenancy yet.
We do forfeit taxes.
If the building had been sold to the private sector we would not only realize tax revenue . the property would add jobs to our employment pool.and added several million to our Hydro asset reserve fund.
We never did explore that option.
We dealt the potential away when we made the Faustian Bargain with DND.
Who was looking after our interest then?
And who is looking after our interest now ?
I plan to drive down this weekend . Not because I want to. I freely acknowledge i do not enjoy the change.
Councillor Thompson advises they did the Community improvement thing in Richmond Hill. I need to go and see how it improved the town centre.
When the Region was created, Richmond Hill inherited the B. A.I.F. development. South side of Major Mackenzie Drive and west side of Yonge.
Tax revenue would have multiplied many time over.
Their Hydro was also sold to Power Stream for many .many millions more than ours.
The first wave pool in York Region was in Richmond Hill.
After Hydro was sold Richmond Hill built a Culture Centre on Yonge Street and made a contribution of several million to York Central Hospital.
I logged in to Queen's York Rangers web site last night.
The program is the same as always.
I don't know how long they've had a bus bringing cadets down from Sutton ,Keswick and Sharon.
Of course it would depend on how many cadets there are up there.
Maybe all of them.
Maybe that's where QYR should be located.
By the way, it's not Aurora Armouries any more.
It's Colonel John Graves Simcoe Armouries.
I didn't see anything in the program to indicate why they needed to relocate from the drill shed at the corner of Mosely and Larmont.
They teach cadets to drill, shoot rifles , polish their boots and iron a shirt.
Living accommodation and meals are provided to people who join the army.But that would of course be in Army Bases.
I did hear sometime recently the Government was planning to close down both Armouries and that's why Aurora sprang to their assistance.
The main one is Fort York Armouries in Toronto.
It may be the ability to design and build to our own standards park furniture and gazebos and such at savings of hundreds of thousands of dollars is more of a financial advantage to Aurora residents than saving Queen's York Rangers from the ravages of the Ministry of National Defence.
I believe rent of $31,000. rent is collected. As landlords ,we are responsible to maintain the building Several hundred thousand dollars were spent to meet their requirements. We are not making any money from their tenancy yet.
We do forfeit taxes.
If the building had been sold to the private sector we would not only realize tax revenue . the property would add jobs to our employment pool.and added several million to our Hydro asset reserve fund.
We never did explore that option.
We dealt the potential away when we made the Faustian Bargain with DND.
Who was looking after our interest then?
And who is looking after our interest now ?
GOTCHA
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Questions and answers.":
I don't beleive that the Town can charge property tax on a property that is being leased from the Town. Think about it, it's a bit of a circle isn't it?
What I don't understand in Ms Buck's post is what she expects the "kiddies" - by the way, these people at adults, some in the 30s and 40s - to do to "show" that they are there?
Would you like them to setup a rifle range on the front yard? I am not sure of the expectation.
Besides, if Parks and Rec was there, would we see anything? I am sure that they would build the picnic tables indoors. Seems that is the real tragic event here, they have no place to make picnic tables.
****************
The comment is typical of entitlement non-thought.
Empty. vacuous , dismissive of all but personal special. selfish interest.
The term "kiddies" is not mine. It was coined by the former Mayor, who spirited the hydro property from town use to the group who would help ensure her re-election.
Did not.
No reference here to the multi-million Town debt created by their occupation of town property.
The writer may not even be a resident of our town.
Certainly association with Queen's York Rangers does not necessarily convey that assurance.
Like so many others making decisions affecting our lives.
They don't live here. Pay no taxes. Don't meet us at arenas, soccer fields or anywhere families gather and share their worries.
Nothing is invested.
Connections can be severed with a moment's notice and leave not a ripple on the surface of our small pond.
Their multi-million dollar dilettante demands and recommendations do not affect them.
They have no commitment.
I don't beleive that the Town can charge property tax on a property that is being leased from the Town. Think about it, it's a bit of a circle isn't it?
What I don't understand in Ms Buck's post is what she expects the "kiddies" - by the way, these people at adults, some in the 30s and 40s - to do to "show" that they are there?
Would you like them to setup a rifle range on the front yard? I am not sure of the expectation.
Besides, if Parks and Rec was there, would we see anything? I am sure that they would build the picnic tables indoors. Seems that is the real tragic event here, they have no place to make picnic tables.
****************
The comment is typical of entitlement non-thought.
Empty. vacuous , dismissive of all but personal special. selfish interest.
The term "kiddies" is not mine. It was coined by the former Mayor, who spirited the hydro property from town use to the group who would help ensure her re-election.
Did not.
No reference here to the multi-million Town debt created by their occupation of town property.
The writer may not even be a resident of our town.
Certainly association with Queen's York Rangers does not necessarily convey that assurance.
Like so many others making decisions affecting our lives.
They don't live here. Pay no taxes. Don't meet us at arenas, soccer fields or anywhere families gather and share their worries.
Nothing is invested.
Connections can be severed with a moment's notice and leave not a ripple on the surface of our small pond.
Their multi-million dollar dilettante demands and recommendations do not affect them.
They have no commitment.
Friday, 21 February 2014
Questions and answers.
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Guest Post":
Someone mentioned yesterday that we might need to file FOI requests in order to find out what the town was doing. I'm fairly sure that they have to go through the Town Clerk.
Do we even have a Town Clerk ?
*************************
The town solicitor has been appointed Acting Clerk.
The talk now is about an elections officer on contract.
Someone posted a comment about the two mechanics trying to manipulate their employer.
An echo of immediate past chief magistrate.
Always Blame the victim.
We have had a continued exodus of employees since 2006
Municipalities in the GTA are a close knit community. Word travels fast .
On the other hand, last time we had to replace the clerk, four years ago, we had two applications .
One had no idea what a municipal clerk's job was.
The time I exploded with the f-bombs in the closed door meeting was ia reaction Councillor Abel's indifference towards a treasury-clerk of twenty-six years employment manipulated out of a relatively humble job for no obvious reason.
Yesterday I mis-spoke when I said questions are not allowed. Of course questions are not disallowed. .
It's the answers that are refused point blank.
And secrets are kept safe.
Everything can be papered over with the old re-organisation sham.
In the meantime, no employee can have security in the town of Aurora.
No loyalty can be assumed.
**********************
Second comment:
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Guest Post":
"I was convinced the Hydro building and five acre secure yard should have been retained by the town and become permanent location for the parks department."
But all the others disagreed, stop crying about it.
**************
You speak true.
All who knew, agreed evicting the parks department from the property and leasing it to Queen's York Rangers so that "the Kiddies" could have a place to play was a stroke of genius.
Councillor Ballard wasn't even Councillor at the time. But he was Chairman of the Economic Development Advisory Committee. The former Mayor had a penchant for putting her friends in positions of influence,
The problem with the comment is the deal was done quietly. Mostly behind closed doors.
Not too many outside the magic circle did know about it.
Now they know.
Because I keep telling them.
Now they are looking down the barrel of millions of dollars of needless debt.
The Hydro property bears little sign of life from "kiddies"or any other activity.
The parks department could ,as they were before, be handily accommodated on the hydro property..
The Works Department could take over the space formerly occupied by Parks and build their new facility in a perfect location with least disruption.
People understand ,they do have power and authority. They can recognise a boondoggle as easily as the next person.
They can make a difference.
They can advise elected representatives of their position on issues at hand.
Councillors are compelled to pay attention.
It's as simple as tapping out an e-mail.
The Hydro property is ours. We need it ....desperately.
National Security does not depend on DND occupation of five acres of Aurora.
Surely, they have other things to worry about.
And they have an empty Heritage Armouries on the cormer of Mosely and Larmont.
Someone mentioned yesterday that we might need to file FOI requests in order to find out what the town was doing. I'm fairly sure that they have to go through the Town Clerk.
Do we even have a Town Clerk ?
*************************
The town solicitor has been appointed Acting Clerk.
The talk now is about an elections officer on contract.
Someone posted a comment about the two mechanics trying to manipulate their employer.
An echo of immediate past chief magistrate.
Always Blame the victim.
We have had a continued exodus of employees since 2006
Municipalities in the GTA are a close knit community. Word travels fast .
On the other hand, last time we had to replace the clerk, four years ago, we had two applications .
One had no idea what a municipal clerk's job was.
The time I exploded with the f-bombs in the closed door meeting was ia reaction Councillor Abel's indifference towards a treasury-clerk of twenty-six years employment manipulated out of a relatively humble job for no obvious reason.
Yesterday I mis-spoke when I said questions are not allowed. Of course questions are not disallowed. .
It's the answers that are refused point blank.
And secrets are kept safe.
Everything can be papered over with the old re-organisation sham.
In the meantime, no employee can have security in the town of Aurora.
No loyalty can be assumed.
**********************
Second comment:
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Guest Post":
"I was convinced the Hydro building and five acre secure yard should have been retained by the town and become permanent location for the parks department."
But all the others disagreed, stop crying about it.
**************
You speak true.
All who knew, agreed evicting the parks department from the property and leasing it to Queen's York Rangers so that "the Kiddies" could have a place to play was a stroke of genius.
Councillor Ballard wasn't even Councillor at the time. But he was Chairman of the Economic Development Advisory Committee. The former Mayor had a penchant for putting her friends in positions of influence,
The problem with the comment is the deal was done quietly. Mostly behind closed doors.
Not too many outside the magic circle did know about it.
Now they know.
Because I keep telling them.
Now they are looking down the barrel of millions of dollars of needless debt.
The Hydro property bears little sign of life from "kiddies"or any other activity.
The parks department could ,as they were before, be handily accommodated on the hydro property..
The Works Department could take over the space formerly occupied by Parks and build their new facility in a perfect location with least disruption.
People understand ,they do have power and authority. They can recognise a boondoggle as easily as the next person.
They can make a difference.
They can advise elected representatives of their position on issues at hand.
Councillors are compelled to pay attention.
It's as simple as tapping out an e-mail.
The Hydro property is ours. We need it ....desperately.
National Security does not depend on DND occupation of five acres of Aurora.
Surely, they have other things to worry about.
And they have an empty Heritage Armouries on the cormer of Mosely and Larmont.
Thursday, 20 February 2014
Guest Post
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Dick Whittington ,Dick Whittington...Where have yo...":
Evelyn:
There are two matters that I wish to address.
The Joint Operations Centre according to the information I located on the town website at a cost of $19,800,000 is to be financed by debt gradually reducing by monies from development charges and the sale of the 9 Scanlon Court property. Will the proceeds of sale of any other town properties by available to reduce this debt?
When companies agree to merge or when one buys out another, the first thing that is publicized is the degree of saving that the new larger entity will be able to accomplish, reducing duplication of staff and physical facilities, etc. In other words the combined company wii be more profitable because its overheads will be reduced.
I have not managed to see anywhere a similar statement on the overheads saved as a result of the Joint Operations Centre. I appreciate that staffs are not interchangeable but the larger, purpose-built structure must surely create savings. Has such a study been done and how does one access it?
The second matter must unfortunately once again address Mr. Bill Albino. He was described by another blogger as totally dedicated to the restoration, if not the resurrection, of Hillary House. His presence now on the Aurora Historical Society Board and as an officer of AHS provides him with a platform to meddle into areas where he is neither welcome nor is it appropriate for him to do so. Fifty members hardly represent the community
A recent blogger said that the asking prices for the two properties that would be required are apparently public knowledge. I have not seen any numbers and if they are public how do I find out what they are?
Hopefully the Hillary Heritage Park will fade from sight sooner rather than later and with it the COA's pretentious memorandum relating to a strategy to conduct purchase negotiations.
********************
Public works and parks are two departments within the organization.
Only facilities are to be joined. The departments currently work together to ensure all necessary areas of services are covered.
More space is required. The project has gone forward . A new site was purchased.
A budget of $14 million was projected.
A status report was due in October. It never appeared.
Word was the price had zoomed $10 million higher.
November was the new date . It failed to emerge.
Finally it came forward with an increased budget of $19 million plus land
Clearly the Mayor and several Councillors had been part of an effort to reduce the cost.
When the status report was finally presented , their support was organized .
I was never persuaded the facility needed to be re-located.
I was convinced the Hydro building and five acre secure yard should have been retained by the town and become permanent location for the parks department.
Space vacated by Parks on Scanlon Court would have provided adequately for expansion of Public Works.
The new joint facility site , on a dangerous curve on heavily travelled Industrial Parkway, in a ravine was never suitable for a mainly truck operation .
$3 million additional cost to remediate the site ,simply confirmed my conviction several wrong decision had been made.
The Hydro property owned by the Town , perfect for our purpose, needed for our use but leased to the National Defense Department, sits quietly idle throughout the week.
The Armories ,previous home of DND ,on the corner of the Town Park is also vacant and abandoned.
I believe the town should put the interest of taxpayers first and take back the Hydro property
I believe the Department of National Defense Program, being accommodated in a property we need for our own purposes , may very well be on the Federal chopping block.
I believe Council should seriously entertain the option of recovering our property at this time.
There has never been a financial advantage.
What's at stake is $15 million of needless debt to homeowners and business in our town.
*********************
Scuttlebutt has it , the town's two mechanics have jointly submitted resignations.
I cannot ask without being accused of micro-managing.
So I thought I would share.
Evelyn:
There are two matters that I wish to address.
The Joint Operations Centre according to the information I located on the town website at a cost of $19,800,000 is to be financed by debt gradually reducing by monies from development charges and the sale of the 9 Scanlon Court property. Will the proceeds of sale of any other town properties by available to reduce this debt?
When companies agree to merge or when one buys out another, the first thing that is publicized is the degree of saving that the new larger entity will be able to accomplish, reducing duplication of staff and physical facilities, etc. In other words the combined company wii be more profitable because its overheads will be reduced.
I have not managed to see anywhere a similar statement on the overheads saved as a result of the Joint Operations Centre. I appreciate that staffs are not interchangeable but the larger, purpose-built structure must surely create savings. Has such a study been done and how does one access it?
The second matter must unfortunately once again address Mr. Bill Albino. He was described by another blogger as totally dedicated to the restoration, if not the resurrection, of Hillary House. His presence now on the Aurora Historical Society Board and as an officer of AHS provides him with a platform to meddle into areas where he is neither welcome nor is it appropriate for him to do so. Fifty members hardly represent the community
A recent blogger said that the asking prices for the two properties that would be required are apparently public knowledge. I have not seen any numbers and if they are public how do I find out what they are?
Hopefully the Hillary Heritage Park will fade from sight sooner rather than later and with it the COA's pretentious memorandum relating to a strategy to conduct purchase negotiations.
********************
Public works and parks are two departments within the organization.
Only facilities are to be joined. The departments currently work together to ensure all necessary areas of services are covered.
More space is required. The project has gone forward . A new site was purchased.
A budget of $14 million was projected.
A status report was due in October. It never appeared.
Word was the price had zoomed $10 million higher.
November was the new date . It failed to emerge.
Finally it came forward with an increased budget of $19 million plus land
Clearly the Mayor and several Councillors had been part of an effort to reduce the cost.
When the status report was finally presented , their support was organized .
I was never persuaded the facility needed to be re-located.
I was convinced the Hydro building and five acre secure yard should have been retained by the town and become permanent location for the parks department.
Space vacated by Parks on Scanlon Court would have provided adequately for expansion of Public Works.
The new joint facility site , on a dangerous curve on heavily travelled Industrial Parkway, in a ravine was never suitable for a mainly truck operation .
$3 million additional cost to remediate the site ,simply confirmed my conviction several wrong decision had been made.
The Hydro property owned by the Town , perfect for our purpose, needed for our use but leased to the National Defense Department, sits quietly idle throughout the week.
The Armories ,previous home of DND ,on the corner of the Town Park is also vacant and abandoned.
I believe the town should put the interest of taxpayers first and take back the Hydro property
I believe the Department of National Defense Program, being accommodated in a property we need for our own purposes , may very well be on the Federal chopping block.
I believe Council should seriously entertain the option of recovering our property at this time.
There has never been a financial advantage.
What's at stake is $15 million of needless debt to homeowners and business in our town.
*********************
Scuttlebutt has it , the town's two mechanics have jointly submitted resignations.
I cannot ask without being accused of micro-managing.
So I thought I would share.
Dick Whittington ,Dick Whittington...Where have you been?
I didn't attend the Mayor's Luncheon at the Chamber of Commerce.
I did read an account of the speech in The Auroran
Good thing I did.
I would not have known otherwise ,we were not successful in our bid to become a University city.
despite our willingness to find and fund millions on property to entice the University of Windsor
to establish a presence in our town.
Neither would I have known our effort to attract Seneca College to use the old library on Victoria Street for a Fab Lab had fizzled and vanished without a trace.
The speech did not mention the idea to compete with builders in a multi-million dollar auction for a designated land parcel with allocation for ninety-two homes on forty foot lots and turn it into soccer fields and such.
Considerable staff resources were committed to the effort without prior Council direction.
Council's role continues to shrink in the overall scheme of things.
I didn't see a reference to spending on legal services to compel a developer to sell land to the municipality for a fraction of its value.
I must read it again to see what else has been going on Council and the community didn't know .
I did read an account of the speech in The Auroran
Good thing I did.
I would not have known otherwise ,we were not successful in our bid to become a University city.
despite our willingness to find and fund millions on property to entice the University of Windsor
to establish a presence in our town.
Neither would I have known our effort to attract Seneca College to use the old library on Victoria Street for a Fab Lab had fizzled and vanished without a trace.
The speech did not mention the idea to compete with builders in a multi-million dollar auction for a designated land parcel with allocation for ninety-two homes on forty foot lots and turn it into soccer fields and such.
Considerable staff resources were committed to the effort without prior Council direction.
Council's role continues to shrink in the overall scheme of things.
I didn't see a reference to spending on legal services to compel a developer to sell land to the municipality for a fraction of its value.
I must read it again to see what else has been going on Council and the community didn't know .
Crying Foul Doesn't Cut It
In many ways ,Aurora Historical Society is like any other volunteer organization . members come and members go.
Some make a lifetime commitment and nothing is too much because theirs is a passion.
Preservation of heritage was more than a volunteer commitment. It called for a partnership.
Without the town's financial support little of what was accomplished could have been.
Without the Historical Society's volunteer man-hours ,town resources could never have been enough.
The relationship has been mutually respectful and beneficial to the community.
Mr.Albino's methods to accomplish his objective have not been respectful.
His vision is not shared by all.
Those opposed have been as determined as he has been devious.
He started the fight. He chose the weapons.
At the end , he went a step further and jumped in to politics with both feet.
Let him put his name on a ballot and take the question to the real authority.
The people who pay the bills in this town.
All of them.
Not just the ones who know no limits.
In answer to a question: The meeting was public. I heard from several sources.
Had I wanted to be present, the building is not accessible in the finest weather. With snow pack to the door and no attempt to clear a path, it was even less welcoming.
If anything cited here was incorrect .please clarify.
Some make a lifetime commitment and nothing is too much because theirs is a passion.
Preservation of heritage was more than a volunteer commitment. It called for a partnership.
Without the town's financial support little of what was accomplished could have been.
Without the Historical Society's volunteer man-hours ,town resources could never have been enough.
The relationship has been mutually respectful and beneficial to the community.
Mr.Albino's methods to accomplish his objective have not been respectful.
His vision is not shared by all.
Those opposed have been as determined as he has been devious.
He started the fight. He chose the weapons.
At the end , he went a step further and jumped in to politics with both feet.
Let him put his name on a ballot and take the question to the real authority.
The people who pay the bills in this town.
All of them.
Not just the ones who know no limits.
In answer to a question: The meeting was public. I heard from several sources.
Had I wanted to be present, the building is not accessible in the finest weather. With snow pack to the door and no attempt to clear a path, it was even less welcoming.
If anything cited here was incorrect .please clarify.
Wednesday, 19 February 2014
Times change not necessarily for the better.
Aurora Historical Society is a private volunteer organization . They are not accountable to the Town.
The Town has no responsibility for decisions the Society makes.
For almost fifty years the Town and the Society worked together compatibly ,productively and economically towards the same objective.
Service.
The Town provided a grant and facilities .
The Society and the museum curator provided the many-faceted and much appreciated heritage programming.
Times change.
The Aurora Historical Society no longer provides the service of the past.
Funding continues with substantial increase.
An aggressive recruiting drive was necessary to select , not elect an executive board.
John McIntyre and William Albino were elected President and Vice President.
Mr. Albino made a presentation to the members. He explained how the idea for a heritage theme park arose during a conversation between himself and Mr.McIntyre.
He confirmed a statement by a previous president. The idea did not originate with nor was it endorsed by the Historical Society.
With Mayor Dawe and Councillor Thompson before him in the audience , he referred to choosing new candidates in the next municipal election.
Yes indeed.
Times change.
They do not necessarily improve.
Things are often what they appear
Members of AYSC were in the Council chamber last night.
Council had directed staff to review the Sport Dome agreement for a solution to the tax problem.
The situation morphed from a way of getting out of an inequity into something else entirely.
The owner was asked f he was willing to sell.
It seems he is
AYSC were asked if they were willing to buy the business and operate it
It seems they are.
The Mayor expressed himself willing. Said it was the same as building and operating a hockey arena.
Now council was being asked to "endorse" the concept of forking out $1.1million to buy the Sport Dome and accoutrements to keep it aloft.
There we are, like ducks in a row ,ready to be separated into good guys and bad
Those who will.
Those who won't
Councillor Pirri stood fast in opposition. As I did.
The situation morphed from a way of getting out of an inequity into something else entirely.
The owner was asked f he was willing to sell.
It seems he is
AYSC were asked if they were willing to buy the business and operate it
It seems they are.
The Mayor expressed himself willing. Said it was the same as building and operating a hockey arena.
Now council was being asked to "endorse" the concept of forking out $1.1million to buy the Sport Dome and accoutrements to keep it aloft.
There we are, like ducks in a row ,ready to be separated into good guys and bad
Those who will.
Those who won't
Councillor Pirri stood fast in opposition. As I did.
The discussion ended with direction to staff to "explore" the concept further.
It seems the direction might be problematic and more time consuming than previously anticipated.
I voted for that.
The Mayor moved to waive procedure to allow AYSC to have a say
It seems the direction might be problematic and more time consuming than previously anticipated.
I voted for that.
The Mayor moved to waive procedure to allow AYSC to have a say
A motion to waive procedure is becoming the rule rather than the exception.
Depending on which group is favored.
Depending on which group is favored.
It requires two-thirds majority.
It didn't pass.
Activity continued .
Soccer Club members lingered. One returned to the town hall as I left.
At next Tuesday's Council meeting, we will discover the new strategy.
How Council will be further manipulated.
Occupational Hazards ...The field is full of pitfalls.
When I wrote the post on the plan to tax all property owners to provide support to those
within a "Community Improvement Plan" , I received a comment.
"Aargh! Enough already."
It typifies a political hazard .
How many fights can one engage before being tagged with negativity,
It would be easier to go along to get along.
It would be simpler to cast a negative vote and say nothing that can be held against one.
Or comment that sound like you're leaning one way and vote the opposite.
If there's no recorded vote, claim the expedient position according to who you might be talking to
any given moment.
They are all strategies to confound one's enemies and cover one's ass.
I'm not an artful dodger. The risk is mine to take and I've never been able to avoid it.
There was a question about membership on
the Economic Development Advisory Committee.
Councillor Thompson is Chairman. I think he works for a pharmaceutical Company.I'm not sure of his responsibilities.
Councillor Abel is a member. He works at Westview Golf Course. That's how he knows so much about trees and why they matter .
The Mayor is ex officio on all committees . He attends EDC meetings regularly.
I believe he was partner in a consultant business.
Councillor Pirri attends meetings as well.
Citizen members names should be listed on the web site. Not sure if work background
is also listed.
The Community Improvement Plan on to-night's agenda went to the committee before it came to Council.
We had another million dollar spending proposal on the agenda to-night,
The Sports Dome was our venture into public-private partnership. It is not a success story.
The Dome is erected over a soccer field owned by the town. The Town bought it from the Legion.
The field was not taxable.
The agreement with the Dome owner relieved him of responsibility for all taxes.
On the basis there were none.
Turned out commercial operation on the land made it taxable and the town has been paying through the nose since; $50,000 taxes to the Region and Board of Education.
It's a twenty year agreement. At the end the town will have forked out a cool million. But I think I heard to-night, we become the proud owners of whatever is left standing or should I say floating.
Also heard to-night the accoutrement has a life of twenty -five years.
The main beneficiary of the agreement has been another business; Aurora Youth Soccer Club.
We are seven years into the agreement and out $350,000.
Staff were directed to review with a view to reversing the original error.
The report suggests an option of the town purchasing the Dome at a potential cost of $1.1 million.
The discussion calls for another post.
within a "Community Improvement Plan" , I received a comment.
"Aargh! Enough already."
It typifies a political hazard .
How many fights can one engage before being tagged with negativity,
It would be easier to go along to get along.
It would be simpler to cast a negative vote and say nothing that can be held against one.
Or comment that sound like you're leaning one way and vote the opposite.
If there's no recorded vote, claim the expedient position according to who you might be talking to
any given moment.
They are all strategies to confound one's enemies and cover one's ass.
I'm not an artful dodger. The risk is mine to take and I've never been able to avoid it.
There was a question about membership on
the Economic Development Advisory Committee.
Councillor Thompson is Chairman. I think he works for a pharmaceutical Company.I'm not sure of his responsibilities.
Councillor Abel is a member. He works at Westview Golf Course. That's how he knows so much about trees and why they matter .
The Mayor is ex officio on all committees . He attends EDC meetings regularly.
I believe he was partner in a consultant business.
Councillor Pirri attends meetings as well.
Citizen members names should be listed on the web site. Not sure if work background
is also listed.
The Community Improvement Plan on to-night's agenda went to the committee before it came to Council.
We had another million dollar spending proposal on the agenda to-night,
The Sports Dome was our venture into public-private partnership. It is not a success story.
The Dome is erected over a soccer field owned by the town. The Town bought it from the Legion.
The field was not taxable.
The agreement with the Dome owner relieved him of responsibility for all taxes.
On the basis there were none.
Turned out commercial operation on the land made it taxable and the town has been paying through the nose since; $50,000 taxes to the Region and Board of Education.
It's a twenty year agreement. At the end the town will have forked out a cool million. But I think I heard to-night, we become the proud owners of whatever is left standing or should I say floating.
Also heard to-night the accoutrement has a life of twenty -five years.
The main beneficiary of the agreement has been another business; Aurora Youth Soccer Club.
We are seven years into the agreement and out $350,000.
Staff were directed to review with a view to reversing the original error.
The report suggests an option of the town purchasing the Dome at a potential cost of $1.1 million.
The discussion calls for another post.
Tuesday, 18 February 2014
The Election is Hotting Up
News of the Historical Society.
They held an annual meeting and had an election of officers. John McIntyre is the new President. William Albino is Vice-president.
Mr. Albino has offered to provide names of Council candidates who should not be elected.
A former president of the association infrmed the membership ,the cockamamie scheme for
a Heritage theme park did not emanate from the Historical Society.
We knew that.
We've always known that.
The only mystery initially was M.Albino's purpose on the Board
The claim of Historical Society sub-committethe status by proponents of the real estate scam
threw a little light. Endorsation of the scheme by the Mayor of the town added credibility/
The outgoing Society President allowed the illusion to stand. Now that person is going to live elsewhere.Not much chance of accountability there.
Now with the new President -owner of one of the properties and Vice President -proponent of the scheme to flog them to the town, ensconced in two top offices, the Honorable Historical Society
will no doubt once again be used by the endlessly persistent and totally scrutable Albino anf his invisible partners,
Too bad they don't have the same ample resources to gamble as they have baffle-gab to spill.
Of course , the door is not closed yet, Council's decision was to defer for ninety days while directing staff to contnue to search for partners with deep pockets.
The Gurus will continue to scheme.
That futile exercise will take them forward to the next election.
With Albino managing the political campaign , in the same way he surely believes he almost pulled off the hysterical heritage theme park campaign ......there's a chance he might still succeed.
Well, My Goodness Me, I can't think of a more appropriate campaign issue for his times.
Castles in the air with gingerbread trim and without foundations
Patterned concrete sidewalk to connect jewel-like synergies with Community Centre 1.
Trees that grow out of the pattern without root space or room for a canopy.
Build it, they will come, the cry.
So many, they will spill off the sidewalk onto the road
And fill the place with laughter and merriment, vitality and joy because of all you can have with other people's money and without as much as a by-your-leave.
They held an annual meeting and had an election of officers. John McIntyre is the new President. William Albino is Vice-president.
Mr. Albino has offered to provide names of Council candidates who should not be elected.
A former president of the association infrmed the membership ,the cockamamie scheme for
a Heritage theme park did not emanate from the Historical Society.
We knew that.
We've always known that.
The only mystery initially was M.Albino's purpose on the Board
The claim of Historical Society sub-committethe status by proponents of the real estate scam
threw a little light. Endorsation of the scheme by the Mayor of the town added credibility/
The outgoing Society President allowed the illusion to stand. Now that person is going to live elsewhere.Not much chance of accountability there.
Now with the new President -owner of one of the properties and Vice President -proponent of the scheme to flog them to the town, ensconced in two top offices, the Honorable Historical Society
will no doubt once again be used by the endlessly persistent and totally scrutable Albino anf his invisible partners,
Too bad they don't have the same ample resources to gamble as they have baffle-gab to spill.
Of course , the door is not closed yet, Council's decision was to defer for ninety days while directing staff to contnue to search for partners with deep pockets.
The Gurus will continue to scheme.
That futile exercise will take them forward to the next election.
With Albino managing the political campaign , in the same way he surely believes he almost pulled off the hysterical heritage theme park campaign ......there's a chance he might still succeed.
Well, My Goodness Me, I can't think of a more appropriate campaign issue for his times.
Castles in the air with gingerbread trim and without foundations
Patterned concrete sidewalk to connect jewel-like synergies with Community Centre 1.
Trees that grow out of the pattern without root space or room for a canopy.
Build it, they will come, the cry.
So many, they will spill off the sidewalk onto the road
And fill the place with laughter and merriment, vitality and joy because of all you can have with other people's money and without as much as a by-your-leave.
Monday, 17 February 2014
Agenda Item 2...read it.
Item 2 on tomorrow's Council agenda is the Community Improvement Plan .
The brilliant plan where home owners and business in town will cheerfully and generously pay increased taxes to provide grants and loans and tax relief to property owners within the Promenade Plan thereby revitalizing the down town and making it the pedestrian friendly hub of the community.
The report should be carefully read.
It's been in the works since it was adopted in September 2010. During an election campaign.
This year's budget includes $220,000. for the great give-away.
$148,000 of that was "obtained " from Smart Centres during the term before last.
Staff forecast the plan will require $200,000 from taxes in future years. No details of how that estimate came to be.
Also, applications in 2014 are expected to be handled by existing staff but additional staff are anticipated to be needed in 2015 and future years.
No numbers or details are available to indicate future cost of the new Department of Largesse Distribution.
Scrutiny of the report reveals no input from the Town's Finance department.
Manager of Strategic and Long-term Planning authored the report.
The goal of which y'all may re-call is to provide "an exceptional quality of life for all "
The same consultant who recommended the McIntyre -Hillary theme to Council is involved in this ambitious plan to re-distribute our wealth.
The total report is 81 pages long. The Section written by Manager of Long Range and Strategic Planning is only 6 pages .
The rest is the Consultants' work and has already passed scrutiny of the Economic Development Advisory Committee.
We'll talk about this again.
The brilliant plan where home owners and business in town will cheerfully and generously pay increased taxes to provide grants and loans and tax relief to property owners within the Promenade Plan thereby revitalizing the down town and making it the pedestrian friendly hub of the community.
The report should be carefully read.
It's been in the works since it was adopted in September 2010. During an election campaign.
This year's budget includes $220,000. for the great give-away.
$148,000 of that was "obtained " from Smart Centres during the term before last.
Staff forecast the plan will require $200,000 from taxes in future years. No details of how that estimate came to be.
Also, applications in 2014 are expected to be handled by existing staff but additional staff are anticipated to be needed in 2015 and future years.
No numbers or details are available to indicate future cost of the new Department of Largesse Distribution.
Scrutiny of the report reveals no input from the Town's Finance department.
Manager of Strategic and Long-term Planning authored the report.
The goal of which y'all may re-call is to provide "an exceptional quality of life for all "
The same consultant who recommended the McIntyre -Hillary theme to Council is involved in this ambitious plan to re-distribute our wealth.
The total report is 81 pages long. The Section written by Manager of Long Range and Strategic Planning is only 6 pages .
The rest is the Consultants' work and has already passed scrutiny of the Economic Development Advisory Committee.
We'll talk about this again.
And the question was ?
Tim the Enchanter has left a new comment on your post "Raw Meat on a bone or a monkey on a stick":
@14:03
Where was I?
In my home where I live.
In my home where the Town mails a horse-choking tax bill to me every year.
In my home where I write the cheque for the money that the Heritage Park people want to spend.
In my home where I wasn't approached by anyone from the Heritage Park group anxious to tell me about their great $20M idea of which they expected me to pay half.
Not one phone call - not one knock at the door - not one mailing - not one flyer.
And why not?
If it was such a wonderful idea what could be easier than getting the Town behind it?
In my opinion your "where were you?" statement exudes the disingenuous bizzaro reverse-onus sense of civic responsibility nonsense that typifies the tactics special interest groups use in the attempt to advance their pet agendas.
The sad truth is that groups like the Heritage Park DO NOT WANT citizens sticking their oar in by asking uncomfortable questions or expressing disapproval.
Cheerleaders and supporters only please.
The equally sad truth is that not enough councillors realize I didn't hire them to be cheerleaders.
I hired a council that will ask uncomfortable questions on my behalf.
I am the boss.
The council works for me.
This isn't some chickenfeed hand out to a kids hopscotch team.
This is a multimillion dollar expenditure - and not for a 'need' either - but a 'want'.
In what workplace would it ever be acceptable for the employees to take it upon themselves to spend this amount of "mad" money and then dictate to the boss when and where the he may register his displeasure should he choose to do so?
You want to spend that kind of money you come to me and damn well justify it!
I don't go to you!
Unless of course the whole idea was to get this rammed through council before anyone realized what was happening?
What if this project turned into a $20M money-sucking white elephant?
Would that then be my fault because I didn't "do enough" to stop council from going through with it?
Would any councillor try that twisted logic at home?
"I can't believe you bought that new car, you know we can't afford it!"
"Well, I wanted it and you didn't tell me not to."
And would this be a good time to remind the "It's up to taxpayers to come down and get involved" crowd that a good number of taxpayers did exactly that when the last council debated by-election vs appointment after Ms. Marsh resigned?
I was there.
We waited patiently while at least three delegates took to the microphone and spoke in support of a by-election to much applause.
We waited patiently while it was pointed out that the council had placed so much value on the most important item that they placed it last on the agenda.
We waited patiently while they debated.
And then as they looked out over the crowd that was clearly in unanimous support of a by-election - we waited patiently while they voted 6 to 2 for appointment. ( Councillors Buck and Collins-Mrakas the Nays)
So much for the value of civic participation.
Stand and ye shall be heard.
Oh please.
Posted by Tim the Enchanter to Our Town and Its Business at 17 February 2014 16:05
@14:03
Where was I?
In my home where I live.
In my home where the Town mails a horse-choking tax bill to me every year.
In my home where I write the cheque for the money that the Heritage Park people want to spend.
In my home where I wasn't approached by anyone from the Heritage Park group anxious to tell me about their great $20M idea of which they expected me to pay half.
Not one phone call - not one knock at the door - not one mailing - not one flyer.
And why not?
If it was such a wonderful idea what could be easier than getting the Town behind it?
In my opinion your "where were you?" statement exudes the disingenuous bizzaro reverse-onus sense of civic responsibility nonsense that typifies the tactics special interest groups use in the attempt to advance their pet agendas.
The sad truth is that groups like the Heritage Park DO NOT WANT citizens sticking their oar in by asking uncomfortable questions or expressing disapproval.
Cheerleaders and supporters only please.
The equally sad truth is that not enough councillors realize I didn't hire them to be cheerleaders.
I hired a council that will ask uncomfortable questions on my behalf.
I am the boss.
The council works for me.
This isn't some chickenfeed hand out to a kids hopscotch team.
This is a multimillion dollar expenditure - and not for a 'need' either - but a 'want'.
In what workplace would it ever be acceptable for the employees to take it upon themselves to spend this amount of "mad" money and then dictate to the boss when and where the he may register his displeasure should he choose to do so?
You want to spend that kind of money you come to me and damn well justify it!
I don't go to you!
Unless of course the whole idea was to get this rammed through council before anyone realized what was happening?
What if this project turned into a $20M money-sucking white elephant?
Would that then be my fault because I didn't "do enough" to stop council from going through with it?
Would any councillor try that twisted logic at home?
"I can't believe you bought that new car, you know we can't afford it!"
"Well, I wanted it and you didn't tell me not to."
And would this be a good time to remind the "It's up to taxpayers to come down and get involved" crowd that a good number of taxpayers did exactly that when the last council debated by-election vs appointment after Ms. Marsh resigned?
I was there.
We waited patiently while at least three delegates took to the microphone and spoke in support of a by-election to much applause.
We waited patiently while it was pointed out that the council had placed so much value on the most important item that they placed it last on the agenda.
We waited patiently while they debated.
And then as they looked out over the crowd that was clearly in unanimous support of a by-election - we waited patiently while they voted 6 to 2 for appointment. ( Councillors Buck and Collins-Mrakas the Nays)
So much for the value of civic participation.
Stand and ye shall be heard.
Oh please.
Posted by Tim the Enchanter to Our Town and Its Business at 17 February 2014 16:05
The Natives Are Restless
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Raw Meat on a bone or a monkey on a stick":
20:30 – They sure are subject to the promenade scheme and historic building thing! In fact private investors looking at other possible investments in Town are having a hard time with this study because the banks aren't looking to favorably at this study either. And that historical building thing is just pure hell to plan and navigate any type of development that can make a return on investment.
*********
20:30 – They sure are subject to the promenade scheme and historic building thing! In fact private investors looking at other possible investments in Town are having a hard time with this study because the banks aren't looking to favorably at this study either. And that historical building thing is just pure hell to plan and navigate any type of development that can make a return on investment.
*********
So...you think so...eh
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "The best may yet become.":
Well, 19:54, we know which councillor doesn't have any influence like that, don't we?
*************
Do we now?
When I come home from a Committee or Council meeting, comments are waiting from people who have watched the meeting and have something to say about it.
In all the years I have been involved in town affairs, I have never had that level of communication and assurance that my views are on line with such a significant number of taxpayers in the town.
The community has never had access to line by line account of how their affairs are being handled by their elected representatives.
It is participatory democracy for sure.
I provide the platform . I fill in the pesky details People like Tim the Enchanter and Ka-non and countless others provide the fuel that keeps the pot boiling.
Enemies accuse me of beating up on the Mayor and Councillors..
No such thing.
I do not put words into anyone's mouth.
If their views do not reflect well , the fault is not mine, Fair Claudius.
I merely continue the debate and open the dialogue to whoever wants to join in
It is as it should be. It has never been better.
Councillors need to hear how people are seeing things. They need to listen.
They hear from staff and consultants and the noisy ones with their over-arching sense of entitlement.
Manipulated this way and that. they are anxious to get it right.
I've never known an elected representative who strove to make a bad impression.
They do the best they can within the glass bowl.
They need to know, if they follow their best judgement, there will be support.
I frequently remind the Mayor if I'm not allowed to contribute what I know at the Council table, I do have another option.
No doubt people who read and comment to this blog are also letting their Councillors know their views .
Councillors are wise to listen.
If decisions are influenced I am content .
Whatever skills and resources I have, I use wherever ,in the best interest of the community.
Everything doesn't happen at the Council table.
Nor should it.
It's not about me or any individual member of Council.
It's about the community.
It's about doing the best we know how...
Together
However that turns out.
Amen, my friend.
The last Council was an exception to all the rules.
Unfortunately, there are residuals.
Well, 19:54, we know which councillor doesn't have any influence like that, don't we?
*************
Do we now?
When I come home from a Committee or Council meeting, comments are waiting from people who have watched the meeting and have something to say about it.
In all the years I have been involved in town affairs, I have never had that level of communication and assurance that my views are on line with such a significant number of taxpayers in the town.
The community has never had access to line by line account of how their affairs are being handled by their elected representatives.
It is participatory democracy for sure.
I provide the platform . I fill in the pesky details People like Tim the Enchanter and Ka-non and countless others provide the fuel that keeps the pot boiling.
Enemies accuse me of beating up on the Mayor and Councillors..
No such thing.
I do not put words into anyone's mouth.
If their views do not reflect well , the fault is not mine, Fair Claudius.
I merely continue the debate and open the dialogue to whoever wants to join in
It is as it should be. It has never been better.
Councillors need to hear how people are seeing things. They need to listen.
They hear from staff and consultants and the noisy ones with their over-arching sense of entitlement.
Manipulated this way and that. they are anxious to get it right.
I've never known an elected representative who strove to make a bad impression.
They do the best they can within the glass bowl.
They need to know, if they follow their best judgement, there will be support.
I frequently remind the Mayor if I'm not allowed to contribute what I know at the Council table, I do have another option.
No doubt people who read and comment to this blog are also letting their Councillors know their views .
Councillors are wise to listen.
If decisions are influenced I am content .
Whatever skills and resources I have, I use wherever ,in the best interest of the community.
Everything doesn't happen at the Council table.
Nor should it.
It's not about me or any individual member of Council.
It's about the community.
It's about doing the best we know how...
Together
However that turns out.
Amen, my friend.
The last Council was an exception to all the rules.
Unfortunately, there are residuals.
Sunday, 16 February 2014
Raw Meat on a bone or a monkey on a stick
Enough already with the rules , he said. "Give us raw meat on the bone"
I smiled . Raw meat on the bone, indeed.
D'you forget where you live ?
Imagine the cast ... who are the leads?
What is the theme ?
Romance...Comedy... Murder....Mystery .....Musical....Evil Intrigue ....House of Horrors ?????
Shakespeare?
Methinks,,,none of the above.
On Tuesday, we watched the final fizzle of a real estate scam to separate the Town from $11 million dollars, the price of three run-down properties touted by staff and consultants and Councillors as "jewels" and the investment opportunity of a lifetime.
The properties were at immediate risk of being scooped up by developers eager to get greedy hands on the investment opportunity of a lifetime.
Months of staff time , $25,000 for a consultant study , and something called the Probus Presentation have already been expended to sell the idea to the community.
Before that , the Mayor's endorsement was used to give the project credibility and entice others to do the same.
Councillors Abel and Humphreys allowed the Heritage Advisory Committee to be used to expedite the process.
President of the Historical Society allowed the status of that failing organization to be used as a front.
William Albino presented repeatedly on behalf of proponents who were never identified.
The clear objective was to use the Hydro reserve funds , just waiting for a use, to "save" the vintage properties from being pillaged by the private sector.
At this point, reason for backing away from the investment opportunity of a lifetime, is the inappropriate use of public funds. And the need for private partners to put up the money.
The motion on Tuesday was to defer the decision for ninety days while staff seeks private
partners to finance the project.
The Mayor said, the consultants said, public funds should not be used. There is risk.
The private sector should fund the enterprise.
Since when does the private sector take advice on investment from the public sector.
Who ever heard of such a thing?
I did not interpret the consultant's report same as the Mayor.
I did not hear it during the presentation to Council ,the previous Tuesday.
I did not interpret the report from special project manager in the CAO's department, as advice not to make the investment.
I heard the opposite from all of the parties.
The Chief Financial Officer, whose job it is to advise on the merits of investment was neither asked nor offered financial advice.
The project it seemed was A-Go.
Suddenly the brakes were applied.
The decision was deferred for ninety days. At the end of which we are close to sumer recess.
At the end of summer recess, we are into the next election.
A Lame Duck Council.
Effectively, the project is a dead duck.
If we have staff with sufficient time on their hands to seek out partners and private investment to invest in private property, as directed by Council, it appears .....we may have too many staff.
That meat is as raw as you're going to get, my friend.
But $11 million isn't chicken feed either.
Such a good thing it's no longer on the table.
Too bad another $50,000 or thereabouts was spent to accomplish nothing at all.
Can't think of a private business that could survive by throwing money at projects and hoping some thing might stick.
The best may yet become.
I told you a story of love and made you cry.
I cried too.
Aunt Peggy died seventy years ago and the sadness remain.
Life goes on because it must.
But it's never the same.
On one of my return visits to Scotland, I stood on the sidewalk and looked out the road towards the school. I attended and re-called the days when I walked that path.
I realized the girl I was no longer existed. She was a ghost of myself..
Life is lived in episodes.
Chapters are outlined and marked with beginnings and ends.
Some are longer and stronger and harder than others.
As each one ends, a new one begins.
As the story continues , new facets are added ..new features chiseled out.
Every chapter is a new beginning.
I cried too.
Aunt Peggy died seventy years ago and the sadness remain.
Life goes on because it must.
But it's never the same.
On one of my return visits to Scotland, I stood on the sidewalk and looked out the road towards the school. I attended and re-called the days when I walked that path.
I realized the girl I was no longer existed. She was a ghost of myself..
Life is lived in episodes.
Chapters are outlined and marked with beginnings and ends.
Some are longer and stronger and harder than others.
As each one ends, a new one begins.
As the story continues , new facets are added ..new features chiseled out.
Every chapter is a new beginning.