ANOTHER FINE MESS YOU'VE GOTTEN US INTO, STANLEY

Last night a news item ran about a Niagara Region employee being fired because he made  critical comments on social media about an elected official he said, cared more about publicity than doing what was good  for the community. 

The employee was on television. Looked to be in his thirties. Worked in the transit division. That's a good job. Nobody has benefits like municipal employees ....worth more than many others earn in a year. 

The sentiment expressed is not unusual....it's the general public perception of politicians. 

He apparently had no idea of constraints in the public service. 

It's about responsiblity for maintaing public confidence in the  institution.

Insofar as respect for  law and order is essential to maintain a civil society. 

Or is that also an outmoded concept? 

How could he get to his mid-thirties with a career in public service without understanding the line between elected and appointed officials. 

It's not in writing. It has to be taught. 

Except in the Police Code of Discipline.

Because of their authority under the law, the police are prohibited from involvement in politics.

It's the reason former Toronto Chief Blair's contract was not renewed.

After being an officer for decades and governed by the Code of Discipline,he still hasn't got it,

He should not have been having Toronto's Mayor investigated. Nor making statements to that  effect to the media. 

If he got away with that no elected official could ever again be safe from abuse of power by the police .

It did not need to be discussed. 

 It was enough that every Police Chief in the  Province understood .

if the contract had not been handily up for renewal, the terminology might have been different. 

No charges were laid against Rob Ford. Investigation of the Mayor died with Blair's departure. 

Charges were laid against his friend. One  to date has failed to hold up in court. 

But Big Bumbling Bill Blair is possibly on his way to bigger and better things as a candidate for he Federal Liberal party. Shows how much the Liberal Part understands with Trudeau Junior at the helm. 

If elected, like his predeccesor police chief Julian Fantino ,maybe a bungled cabinet ministry is in his future.  

So much to be said for understanding principles, the need to maintain public confidence and respect for public intelligence. 

Therein perhaps lies the clue for a lowly Niagara Region employee's failure to understand a basic

principle  of employment. 

DO NO HARM 

The  Simcoe Health Centre Board has certainly created a mess . From which there can be no escape.

Nothing more can be said that justifies the order to the Foundation Board to terminate their top official without further invading that individual's privacy and damaging her reputation .

Labour Laws take a dim view of it . Civil Law is equally unforgiving. 

A story in the Toronto Star quotes a Foundation spokesperson that the  truth must emerge before 

reconciliation is possible.

Truth is exactly what can't be spoken. 

The only remedy is for the Health Centre  Board to be replaced. 

The brace of Mayors from Newmarket and Aurora are the only two board members accountable to the 

Region and the public. 

It makes for an interesting dichotomy  ...a pretty kettle of fish....a couple  of deer iin the headlights.