Anonymous left a new comment on your post "WHYS AND WHEREFORES":
Call me a cynic, but I can't help thinking that the one spearheading the call for OMB reform is also using this as a vehicle for self-promotion. I think that he's set his sights on the mayor's chair. He really likes to trumpet that he's "#GettingThingsDone."
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 18 February 2017 at 19:18
Call me a cynic, but I can't help thinking that the one spearheading the call for OMB reform is also using this as a vehicle for self-promotion. I think that he's set his sights on the mayor's chair. He really likes to trumpet that he's "#GettingThingsDone."
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 18 February 2017 at 19:18
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I've known Tom Mrakas since his wife Alison was elected for one term. He attended meetings and became involved . Ever since, for ten years ,he has never hesitated to take a position and let it be known. Long enough to vouch for his integrity and commitment.
He worked long and hard to win his seat and hasn't stopped since. He was enthusiastic and throughout the last campaign and promoted the idea of "team" to get things done.
Main difference since, he no longer talks about members working to-gether in team mode.
It may have been first lesson learned.
Being a councillor is a continuing succession of lessons.
It never ends.Nor should it.
I have the greatest respect for Councillor Mrakas' integrity and commitment.
I do not agree the OMB should be subject to municipal political decisions. A council may decide to re-define the Official Plan on the hoof.
The OMB must accept the O.P. as written and stamped Approved.
I believe property-owners, all of them, have legitimate rights to consistency, integrity, reason and equity in decision-making.
They need the protection afforded by the OMB against sly, dis-honest, under-handed ,self-serving, decisions made by shallow, lazy, unintelligent, double-dealing, two -faced human beings at the municipal level of government.
Tom Mrakas' no doubt intends best interests of the community. Unfortunately, he cannot guarantee the intentions of others.
The last ten years in Aurora established by a long and growing chain of decisions, the well-being
of the community takes second-place to vested interests of groups and self-interest of elected "leaders".
The anonymous comment introducing this post was likely contributed by an elected member of the Aurora "team".
He really has put himself out there in the community. Can't say that about the rest of council.
ReplyDeleteWe have so many "arms length" organizations/groups like the OMB, all with no accountability to taxpayers. All appointed by government, their own boards or hired by their own organizations. Audits done with very little change if any at all. Giving elected officials more power and responsibility would at least give taxpayers the ability to throw these people out in an election.
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