Excellent response this morning. Time was few people participated at the week-end.
We could have purchased the Hallmark land of 29 acres for $14 5million. Sold half of it and used that money to build the joint facility.
But I'm still not getting my point across about how politics works. It's hutly-burly; Not just politicians involved.
Allow me to elaborate further.:
We could have purchased the Hallmark property. Used half for the joint facility. Sold half. And paid paid for the joint facility with the proceeds.
That;s the kind of investment of public funds that appeals to me.
We didn't finish the fix of N.E.quadrant traffic fiasco because neighborhood residents were polled by staff and they didn't want the reversal.
Why would they? It was their idea in the first place. to spend $220,000 worth of obstruction on top of millions ,for reconstruction of roads and sidewalks for the safe, smooth movement of traffic.All of it paid by the community at large. Being the community discouraged from driving in the quadrant.
Some of the people were pleased some of the time.No doubt neophyte councillors anticipate positive response to the decision.
Occupation of Church Street School for a purpose not intended was a half-assed resolution.; Manipulated without great skill , by the artsy-fartsy from here to eternity.(Orillia)
Fire and Brimstone was called down upon Councillors'heads for not recognizing the great gift of the Church Street School Culture Centre. Notwithstanding the fact it was stolen property.
The Mayor and Council receive regular e-mails urging ticket purchase , scant hours before piano concerts. There are always tickets available.
I don't mind piano music. I like it better with an orchestra. I can't say I'm tempted to sit in small hard chair for the duration of a performance.
The brainwave of a fantasy heritage park did not originate at Council.
The genius who dreamed that one up gathered a petition from people of status making sure the Mayor's name headed the petition.
It happened at the time we talked again about how to use the Hydro Fund for a purpose we would never be able to justify raising taxes.
Coincidence..I think not.
The perpetual quest for a post-secondary institution and a Fab Lab in the old library building came from the Economic Development Advisory Committee. No doubt responsible also for inserting it into the Strategic Plan which Council then authorized staff to implement.
We have the staff to do it too.
Doesn't seem to matter much what taxpayers might think of it.
So what, you might ask? Isn't an advisory committee supposed to advise.
I wasn't around when advisory committees were created.During this term I have moved they be discontinued.
They were not elected. They are faceless in the crowd. They are not accountable.
People who pay the bills are entitled to know by what authority. are these expenditures proposed and thereby make their own assessment of what the deal is about.
The tennis club also decided to make a grab for the hydro fund to serve their vested interest.
Weeks of staff time spent on preparing terms of reference ,calling for expressions of interest, making a site available for a bubble that would provide all season facilities.
Turned out that wasn't what they wanted.
Oh Dear Me no. They wanted facilities at town expense. With Councillor Gallo in their corner
to undermine the staff proposal, they might get it.
If you are not minding the machinations going on before your very eyes and under your noses and take every opportunity to inform the Mayor and Council you're wise to the scheme.
Like the 6 acres on Mavrinac ,the town doesn't need but is litigating to acquire from a developer for a fraction of its value.
Councillor Gallo worked that as well and the rest fought to be first on his bandwagon .
A web site has been created to keep tabs on progress and make sure nobody falls off the wagon when web operators are not looking.
Gallo will still be the one to reap the harvest of votes.
From the beginning ,it has been a fascination to watch politics evolve.
But frustration has been equally intense because I didn't have means to share it.
Now I do.
Sunday 4 May 2014
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8 comments:
Holy Smokes ! And here I came thinking you might be taking the day off !
You have so much material there that no response is possible...
In fact, I think you might have answered any questions I had about a # of muddles.
Well done, you !
On the whole, I agree with you, E. But so far there does not appear to be anything I can do to stop the current trend towards emptying the bank account. I only hope you know more than I about potential candidates who have the sense to quietly watch this lot take each other apart.
Oh please councillor, "we have staff to do it". Please, please, tell me why we have consultants on the payroll to work on the clear garbage bag issue. "From our consultant that has done this in other municipalities ... " says a town department head referring to clear garbage bags!.
It is enough that we have to listen to Thompson refer and defer but do we need a consultant to see if waste that went into green bags can go into clear bags. I guess the answer is yes.
We could have used half the Hallmark Property for a medical marijuana production site.
16:37- With all the crazy projects/schemes that have been going on...that one sounds pretty sane in comparison.
Uh, did you get a look at the ideas proposed for Petch, Evelyn ? Were there any ? The due date has passed.
Cllr Gall might get a benefit for backing the purchase of the new park not including in any town plans. But I believe he lost quite a few votes when he halted work on the David English Park and the man is still opposing refurbishment of Jubilee. It is also likely that Mr K's neighbours look back on their own behaviour with embarrassment so nothing is gained there either.
Please. Why is the Code of Conduct on the Agenda ? I am so tired of that thing - unless it relates to calling oneself Mayor without having been elected to the position. Then I might pay attention. Otherwise it is best to leave it alone.
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