A weekend comment pondered what it takes to be a politician.
If posed with a view to becoming a politician, the questioner does not have what it takes.
If you think it's about pleasing all of the people all of the time...it's not.
If you think about pleasing most of the people ,most of the time...not that either.
If you think it's about trying to guess what people want...nope
A couple of perfect examples crossed the ether this week-end.
Negative comment made about candidates being on location when the Church burned down.
Then another about a candidate being there and leaving for an appointment at the Cardinal golf course, which "showed where his priorities were "
I referred to the Mayor explaining extent of damage to the Church at the Home Show.
A comment came through... "Aha!! campaigning at the Home Show Eh!
Later an e-mail received by Councillors about only two being seen at the Home Show and the lack of interest would be "remembered at election"
Small business expects politicians to pay them attention .
The Town has a Chamber membership.
Pays $thousands for a "platinum" sponsorship every year.
Buys a table at the Annual Mayor's luncheon.
Tickets to the Annual Dinner costs $thousands.
The Chamber building sits on land leased from the town.
The Chamber is represented on the Town's Economic Development Committee.
Yonge Street is closed for the Chamber Beer Garden the night before the street sale.
And closed again for the day of the Street Sale.
The Aurora Home Show is possible by virtue of an excellent town venue, closed for all other purposes and revenue ,to accommodate the event....renamed this year ...The Chamber of Commerce Home Show.
There's appreciation for you.
Under the circumstances, I believe small business in Aurora is well-enough served by the town.
No apologies are due for lack of attention or partnership with all their endeavors.
But despite that , one Chamber member at least, is sufficiently displeased to register a complaint
by e-mail.
Trying to please divergent opinion can easily twist a politician into a pretzel before your very eyes.
It's a pitiful sight to behold.
This election is going to be a learning experience for a # of the candidates. The last one was more of a coronation and it was possible to remain above the fray. Different situation now.
ReplyDelete"A comment came through... "Aha!! campaigning at the Home Show Eh!"
ReplyDeleteDid you attend the Home Show last year? How 'bout the year before that?
ReplyDeleteI note that Item 3 on the Agenda for this evening's General Committee meeting is as follows:
PL14-024
Draft Terms of Reference for an Aurora Promenade North Tertiary Plan
The cost of this Plan to the taxpayers of Aurora is stated as $70,000.
I happened to drive that piece of Yonge Street from Wellington north to Orchard Heights, and since traffic was quite light I had a reasonably good look at that portion of the proposed PROMENADE.
It defies and boggles my simple mind when I look at the buildings and spaces that now exist along that strip.
It would take an inordinate amount of VISION and CREATIVE IMAGINATION to turn that area into a strollers paradise, replete with sidewalk cafes and amusements for little kiddies.
This whole PROMENADE concept was still-born out of womb of the previous term, but has continued limping along grasping at our pockets as more and more money is extracted to pay for something that will never occur. The planners and consultants are enriching themselves at our expense.
And in case anyone has forgotten about the Hillary Heritage Park SCHEME, it is within this very North Tertiary Plan that this SCHEME lies. But it is barely mentioned, now that members of staff and council are wetting their pants over a new campus for York University.
Remembers folks, "if there is no location, there is no bid." The deadline is Thursday, April 17. Will we have found a location and therefore be able to submit a bid?
I still think road repair is more important than all of the above crap. My car tells me so every day!
16:06
ReplyDeleteWho cares ?
Wynne is suing Hudak.
ReplyDeleteI do not know which one is more stupid.
Poor Ontario.
ReplyDeleteIt was my understanding that minutes of Council and of General Committee meetings were to be posted on the town website by the Friday at 4:00 pm immediately following.
Today is April 15 and the minutes of Council's meeting April 8 are not up.
Is there a change in policy or a reason for this delay?
18:48
ReplyDeleteI saw that exchange. The weird thing was the shirt-sleeved guy, when asked for his opinion, made no sense at all. I don't know how to capture streaming so was unable to go back and listen to it again.