Had a post at 11.49 a.m. yesterday noting a high number of anonymous posts were written by the same cryptic poster.
A wee while later another anonymous comment noted how astute the observation of 11.49 a.m.
Really, I thought. What did I miss? I googled cryptic. It means mysterious or obscure. No clue there
Comments were higher than average. I read all comments. If they contribute anything to a discussion I publish them.
If it's a plug for something like designer boots or bags in Chinese, I delete them. I don't speak Chinese.
Abusive and insulting slams have virtually disappeared since I stopped publishing them.Larry Fine's was the last comment assigned to trash.
I don't think my enemies have stopped reading. They've merely toned down the malice. If I publish a sly dig here and there, they probably think they have been exceptionally clever.
Anyway, I went back and read the comments again to see what I missed. Other than they were generally supportive of the post, I couldn't see being "cryptic" identified a single writer.
Why would a person?
Maybe they were so supportive, they needed to say so in a dozen different ways.
Well, hey, I can accept that. I'm not writing a scientific paper, an academic dissertation or a legal argument. My entire future doesn't depend on getting a pass.
The commenter noted I must have a fan. Well, Whoop..dee..doo. Judging by the average of daily readers, I allow that might be.
I take great satisfaction in having the freedom to tell the story as I see it.
I worry sometimes the stuff might be too consistently worrisome. Then I think how things would be if I wasn't chronicling. Who else would provide the nuances from my particular angle? Eh!
Would Aurora's political scene be clearer and brighter without the colour I provide?
Maybe. Nothing is clearer or brighter than a blank page.
Council will not meet again until New Year. The budget has not been pushed through before Christmas, despite the Mayor's best efforts.
Previously prepared motions by staff to approve each department's budget as presented were passed by a majority. It appears however not to be what the majority intends.
Since deliberations were in committee, nothing is binding.The intent, it seems, is to make decisions after the entire picture is on display.
That's sensible.
The community still has opportunity for influence.
A quiet word here and there over Christmas could have wondrous effect.
Friday, 16 December 2011
Thursday, 15 December 2011
Reading Comprehension
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "It's All Interesting And It's All Real":
O.K. It was tactless and probably cost the Town some
money but people are more concerned about big
expenditures that might be avoided. That evening
sounds like a plan conceived by a councillor which is
what we want them to do. It back-fired so will likely be
done more appropriately in the future.
Still i t was better than the $300. event produced by
another Councillor. A for Effort for first time try.
************
I had to read the above comment a couple of times to relate it to my post on the Town Awards night.
In response, I don't know who conceived the new plan.
The evening was enjoyed by all present.
I don't know what $300 effort is being referenced.
Here's what I do know. An annual ceremony to recognise excellence has been held by the town for forty years.
This was not the first time.
Special events staff have managed the evening with extraordinary skill ,experience and success to the vast enjoyment of all present,without help or interference by politicians but with their participation.
Council were not privy to this change. Which begs the questions.
Who decided the event better belonged with the communication department?
Does it mean henceforth the event will be viewed and exploited as promotional?
Like Walmart might?
Is everyone comfortable with that concept? Is there merit to it?
I have no answers to these questions nor has the opportunity presented to ask them.
It is clear a sea change in town values is afoot. Who is responsible or even if there is a plan and who is in on it, is not apparent.
Therein lies my concern.
Should the community be a party to such discussion?
As opposed to, on the outside looking in?
Like in private enterprise?
Which the town is not.
O.K. It was tactless and probably cost the Town some
money but people are more concerned about big
expenditures that might be avoided. That evening
sounds like a plan conceived by a councillor which is
what we want them to do. It back-fired so will likely be
done more appropriately in the future.
Still i t was better than the $300. event produced by
another Councillor. A for Effort for first time try.
************
I had to read the above comment a couple of times to relate it to my post on the Town Awards night.
In response, I don't know who conceived the new plan.
The evening was enjoyed by all present.
I don't know what $300 effort is being referenced.
Here's what I do know. An annual ceremony to recognise excellence has been held by the town for forty years.
This was not the first time.
Special events staff have managed the evening with extraordinary skill ,experience and success to the vast enjoyment of all present,without help or interference by politicians but with their participation.
Council were not privy to this change. Which begs the questions.
Who decided the event better belonged with the communication department?
Does it mean henceforth the event will be viewed and exploited as promotional?
Like Walmart might?
Is everyone comfortable with that concept? Is there merit to it?
I have no answers to these questions nor has the opportunity presented to ask them.
It is clear a sea change in town values is afoot. Who is responsible or even if there is a plan and who is in on it, is not apparent.
Therein lies my concern.
Should the community be a party to such discussion?
As opposed to, on the outside looking in?
Like in private enterprise?
Which the town is not.
Wednesday, 14 December 2011
It's All Interesting And It's All Real
Anonymous said...
Interesting body language on the Council Meeting.
From the rhetoric, Dawe would appear to be doing
better but he looks like a dog's breakfast Evelyn would
appear to be losing every round and she looks great. So
what does that tell you about the inner workings of
these people ? One is comfortable about herself, the
other really uncomfortable in his own skin. One will
sleep well tonight. Psychology 101 Really basic stuff.
********************
People often comment things are the same at every level of government. I agree.
Except where government is closest to people as in a small town like Aurora It doesn't have to be as it is at every other level of government and institution.
In the last election, Aurora folk took control. Almost a complete council was ejected and replaced albeit with new and inexperienced members. Because of inexperience , there is almost complete dependence on bureaucracy. It may stay that way. I'm betting it will not.
There is much goodwill in the community towards Mayor and Council. Yes, there's disappointment as well. But we have three more years to correct that and build on the goodwill. I believe the intent is there The community will influence town affairs for the better.
Stay involved.
My chronicle draws a picture. It's only partial. It will grow and improve.
I read in the Auroran last week about the Town Awards ceremony. I had to read it to discover what had been going on in the town hall for months .
A division of Leisure Services has been handling special events for years. Everyone is familiar with the spectacular work of Shelley Ware and her small staff .
The Easter Egg Hunt, Santa Claus Parade Under The Stars, July 1st Celebrations in the Park, Summer Concerts in the Park, Haunted Forest, and the spectacular Winter Festival of Lights in the town park.
All enjoyed by thousands. All acclaimed for excellence. All provided at minimal cost.to taxpayers.
The Annual Awards night was also a joyful annual celebration in the Town Hall. The place would be teaming with families. Council always fully engaged.
This year it changed. The communications division had charge of the event. A single Councillor and the Mayor were involved. A partnership with Neighbourhood Network organised.
Strangers were at the town hall to greet guests.
I was greeted at our own town hall by someone who did not know me and whom I did not know.
When I inquired as to the role of council, I was told to find myself a seat in the gallery.
After fifty years of vigorous, forthright, few holds barred participation in town affairs. I am not inclined to be easily offended.
I could be described as a battle- scarred veteran.
I do not seek affection
.
I expect respect.
I am offended in the lack thereof within the town hall on that occasion.
I am disturbed by disregard for town policy.
Only Council directs staff and authorises use of town facilities.
Process is governed by the procedure bylaw. For change or action, notice must be given, a motion duly moved and seconded, tabled, debated and voted on for direction to staff.
None of that happened.
I had to read in the newspaper how the new awards ceremony came about.
None of it engenders warm and fuzzy feelings of appreciation.
Quite the opposite .
Interesting body language on the Council Meeting.
From the rhetoric, Dawe would appear to be doing
better but he looks like a dog's breakfast Evelyn would
appear to be losing every round and she looks great. So
what does that tell you about the inner workings of
these people ? One is comfortable about herself, the
other really uncomfortable in his own skin. One will
sleep well tonight. Psychology 101 Really basic stuff.
********************
People often comment things are the same at every level of government. I agree.
Except where government is closest to people as in a small town like Aurora It doesn't have to be as it is at every other level of government and institution.
In the last election, Aurora folk took control. Almost a complete council was ejected and replaced albeit with new and inexperienced members. Because of inexperience , there is almost complete dependence on bureaucracy. It may stay that way. I'm betting it will not.
There is much goodwill in the community towards Mayor and Council. Yes, there's disappointment as well. But we have three more years to correct that and build on the goodwill. I believe the intent is there The community will influence town affairs for the better.
Stay involved.
My chronicle draws a picture. It's only partial. It will grow and improve.
I read in the Auroran last week about the Town Awards ceremony. I had to read it to discover what had been going on in the town hall for months .
A division of Leisure Services has been handling special events for years. Everyone is familiar with the spectacular work of Shelley Ware and her small staff .
The Easter Egg Hunt, Santa Claus Parade Under The Stars, July 1st Celebrations in the Park, Summer Concerts in the Park, Haunted Forest, and the spectacular Winter Festival of Lights in the town park.
All enjoyed by thousands. All acclaimed for excellence. All provided at minimal cost.to taxpayers.
The Annual Awards night was also a joyful annual celebration in the Town Hall. The place would be teaming with families. Council always fully engaged.
This year it changed. The communications division had charge of the event. A single Councillor and the Mayor were involved. A partnership with Neighbourhood Network organised.
Strangers were at the town hall to greet guests.
I was greeted at our own town hall by someone who did not know me and whom I did not know.
When I inquired as to the role of council, I was told to find myself a seat in the gallery.
After fifty years of vigorous, forthright, few holds barred participation in town affairs. I am not inclined to be easily offended.
I could be described as a battle- scarred veteran.
I do not seek affection
.
I expect respect.
I am offended in the lack thereof within the town hall on that occasion.
I am disturbed by disregard for town policy.
Only Council directs staff and authorises use of town facilities.
Process is governed by the procedure bylaw. For change or action, notice must be given, a motion duly moved and seconded, tabled, debated and voted on for direction to staff.
None of that happened.
I had to read in the newspaper how the new awards ceremony came about.
None of it engenders warm and fuzzy feelings of appreciation.
Quite the opposite .
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
More Budget Talk
Yet another special committee meeting. It started out interesting.
We had an audience. Library board and fire department budgets were being presented
Historical Society and Chamber of Commerce were there to support requests for grants.
Culture Centre representatives came to give a glowing account of their program.
A few residents were in the audience.
The Mayor opened the meeting with a statement about the tax increase. Regional staff had been able to reduce the increase and he cited a new combined figure for Aurora .
There was nothing in writing. I hesitate to name a number. It might not be accurate.
Later, I asked the Mayor to explain his statement. He said he would. But not then.
The evening was like that.
When culture's presentation was complete, the Mayor invited comments or questions.
I had only one. I asked why is there no museum at the Church Street School?
Lickety-split the Mayor intervened and stated he would not allow the question.
He didn't say why. Simply repeated his refusal to allow the question.
Sometimes, nothing more needs to be said.
Councillor Pirrie stated he was not prepared to support the budget without further detail than had been presented.
The Mayor said the budget was philosophical.
Other Councillors had similar concerns to Councillor Pirrie.
Councillor Ballard did too but he didn't want to start the budget process over again.He suggested we discuss process in time for the next budget.
I said there was nothing philosophical about a budget. It's about hard facts and figures, the burden on the shoulders of the taxpayers and how is it justified.
Finally,a resolution passed to direct staff to provide more details.
The Mayor noted it meant the budget would not be approved before Christmas. Like it was a present or timing was more critical than doing it right.
About then I asked the Mayor to explain his statement at the beginning of the meeting about the combined tax increase.
He said he would. "but not now
At ten minutes past ten, the water and wastewater budget was presented by a tag team of Treasurer and Public Works Director.
Pages of figures and graphs were raced through to be completed by ten-thirty. the hour of adjournment.
Documentation was provided at the table.
This budget is complicated. A shift from water rates to tax rates is recommended.
The documentation should have been in hand beforehand to prepare for discussion.
Instead,. at ten thirty the Mayor called for extension of the hour of adjournment.
Since seven o'clock, we had been absorbing business plans and figures.
All of it together did not equal the significance of the water-waste-water budget.
Nothing has captured public attention as much as the question of water rates and method of their calculation.
A budget of several million dollars with so many twists and turns. deserves serious attention.
I packed my gear and left. There is only so much a body can absorb.
At ten-fifty-two p.m. a vote to approve the water-waste-water budget as presented was cast.
We had an audience. Library board and fire department budgets were being presented
Historical Society and Chamber of Commerce were there to support requests for grants.
Culture Centre representatives came to give a glowing account of their program.
A few residents were in the audience.
The Mayor opened the meeting with a statement about the tax increase. Regional staff had been able to reduce the increase and he cited a new combined figure for Aurora .
There was nothing in writing. I hesitate to name a number. It might not be accurate.
Later, I asked the Mayor to explain his statement. He said he would. But not then.
The evening was like that.
When culture's presentation was complete, the Mayor invited comments or questions.
I had only one. I asked why is there no museum at the Church Street School?
Lickety-split the Mayor intervened and stated he would not allow the question.
He didn't say why. Simply repeated his refusal to allow the question.
Sometimes, nothing more needs to be said.
Councillor Pirrie stated he was not prepared to support the budget without further detail than had been presented.
The Mayor said the budget was philosophical.
Other Councillors had similar concerns to Councillor Pirrie.
Councillor Ballard did too but he didn't want to start the budget process over again.He suggested we discuss process in time for the next budget.
I said there was nothing philosophical about a budget. It's about hard facts and figures, the burden on the shoulders of the taxpayers and how is it justified.
Finally,a resolution passed to direct staff to provide more details.
The Mayor noted it meant the budget would not be approved before Christmas. Like it was a present or timing was more critical than doing it right.
About then I asked the Mayor to explain his statement at the beginning of the meeting about the combined tax increase.
He said he would. "but not now
At ten minutes past ten, the water and wastewater budget was presented by a tag team of Treasurer and Public Works Director.
Pages of figures and graphs were raced through to be completed by ten-thirty. the hour of adjournment.
Documentation was provided at the table.
This budget is complicated. A shift from water rates to tax rates is recommended.
The documentation should have been in hand beforehand to prepare for discussion.
Instead,. at ten thirty the Mayor called for extension of the hour of adjournment.
Since seven o'clock, we had been absorbing business plans and figures.
All of it together did not equal the significance of the water-waste-water budget.
Nothing has captured public attention as much as the question of water rates and method of their calculation.
A budget of several million dollars with so many twists and turns. deserves serious attention.
I packed my gear and left. There is only so much a body can absorb.
At ten-fifty-two p.m. a vote to approve the water-waste-water budget as presented was cast.
Monday, 12 December 2011
Sugar Plums? Ya Think?
The last Council Meeting of the year is December 13th.
From Christmas Eve the Town Hall is closed.
It re-opens on January 3rd.
I've always thought it weird that nobody has business with the town for nine full days. That's the reason given for the town to close for that length of time.
I went to sleep last night thinking about expenditures recommended by council to be approved at tomorrow's council meeting.
I calculated eighteen days until year's end. This morning I awoke thinking...Wait a minute... it's not even that long.
It's only eight days before the town hall closes.
Within eight days of the end of 2011, Council will authorize $404,685.to be spent.
1. Ice plant retrofit $174,855.
2,Front end loader $134,869.
3.Consultant contract award $94,961.
Think about it.
The projects were budgeted in 2011
Approving them doesn't mean they will be started let alone completed within the year.
But the books will show those funds in the 2011 budget were expended.
It's almost half a million dollars.
If not approved, actual spending in 2011 would be that much less.
That amount represents close to 2% of last year's tax increase.
We approved numbers of big ticket items in the past few weeks.
Almost like a rush to get it all spent under the wire.
Like we put so much stuff in last year's budget,there simply wasn't time to spend it all.
Under the circumstances, it could be could argued since none of it was acquired within the year,none of it was needed within the year.
I'm not even considering the half million we gave away to the Culture Centre under an agreement that reflects zero town interest.
$100,000 to the arboretum, $85,000 ,for a strategic plan update,a make work project if ever I saw one, and a customer service plan and $440,000 worth of computer software to track assets.
Oh yes...we also have an estimate of seventeen million dollars for a combined works and parks yard and five million on the town hall to accommodate all the new managerial staff we have hired.
As noted by critics. I am not an accountant. I am minus an engineering degree.
I am equally unimpressed by certificates of excellence from a self- aggrandized institute situated in Ottawa.
But I recognise baffle gab when I hear it. Oh My Lord yes children,it does not take brains.
Eight per cent planned increase in town spending in 2012 currently being contemplated by council and thus far approved exactly as presented, is a tax grab on top of a tax grab of obscene proportions.
It may be sugar plums for some.
It's a bloody great leaden chunk of coal in the toe of a Christmas stocking for the taxpayers.
From Christmas Eve the Town Hall is closed.
It re-opens on January 3rd.
I've always thought it weird that nobody has business with the town for nine full days. That's the reason given for the town to close for that length of time.
I went to sleep last night thinking about expenditures recommended by council to be approved at tomorrow's council meeting.
I calculated eighteen days until year's end. This morning I awoke thinking...Wait a minute... it's not even that long.
It's only eight days before the town hall closes.
Within eight days of the end of 2011, Council will authorize $404,685.to be spent.
1. Ice plant retrofit $174,855.
2,Front end loader $134,869.
3.Consultant contract award $94,961.
Think about it.
The projects were budgeted in 2011
Approving them doesn't mean they will be started let alone completed within the year.
But the books will show those funds in the 2011 budget were expended.
It's almost half a million dollars.
If not approved, actual spending in 2011 would be that much less.
That amount represents close to 2% of last year's tax increase.
We approved numbers of big ticket items in the past few weeks.
Almost like a rush to get it all spent under the wire.
Like we put so much stuff in last year's budget,there simply wasn't time to spend it all.
Under the circumstances, it could be could argued since none of it was acquired within the year,none of it was needed within the year.
I'm not even considering the half million we gave away to the Culture Centre under an agreement that reflects zero town interest.
$100,000 to the arboretum, $85,000 ,for a strategic plan update,a make work project if ever I saw one, and a customer service plan and $440,000 worth of computer software to track assets.
Oh yes...we also have an estimate of seventeen million dollars for a combined works and parks yard and five million on the town hall to accommodate all the new managerial staff we have hired.
As noted by critics. I am not an accountant. I am minus an engineering degree.
I am equally unimpressed by certificates of excellence from a self- aggrandized institute situated in Ottawa.
But I recognise baffle gab when I hear it. Oh My Lord yes children,it does not take brains.
Eight per cent planned increase in town spending in 2012 currently being contemplated by council and thus far approved exactly as presented, is a tax grab on top of a tax grab of obscene proportions.
It may be sugar plums for some.
It's a bloody great leaden chunk of coal in the toe of a Christmas stocking for the taxpayers.
Sunday, 11 December 2011
Let Nothing Ye Dismay
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Transit Strike":
Ontario is big and passive. We simply do not react.
There is nothing someone who feels small and useless
when reading such material can do. Sometimes we yell
but actually confronting a problem seems unacceptable.
Until the whole thing implodes and then it will be too late.
Such negative thoughts with which to end the year.
I have a vague hope that the internet could intervene
but that also requires will and wisdom.
**************
Great oaks from small acorns grow. The internet in Aurora is in its infancy.
Yet some very dramatic changes have evolved.
In the last election, despite four years of catering to every self-interest that raised its head and needlessly spending hundreds of thousands of dollars in the process;
Despite changing the town's administration almost entirely ,creating upheaval and disruption;
Despite a relentless four year campaign to seduce every person who ever raised a hand to help another as a potential campaign worker;
Despite spending hundreds of thousands of public funds in a blatant and unconscionable attempt to destroy a person who dared to express opposition.
Despite engaging in the shameless pandering that gives politics its reputation for sleaze....the plan did not work.
Against the odds, the principal architects went down to defeat.
Under no circumstances may we under-rate theinternet and its potential to change the world.
Learning about disturbing government activity is by no means a negative.
Knowledge is power.
Four years ago the information would still have been behind the scenes.
Awareness is the beginning of change.
God Rest Ye Merry Ladies and Gentlemen
Ontario is big and passive. We simply do not react.
There is nothing someone who feels small and useless
when reading such material can do. Sometimes we yell
but actually confronting a problem seems unacceptable.
Until the whole thing implodes and then it will be too late.
Such negative thoughts with which to end the year.
I have a vague hope that the internet could intervene
but that also requires will and wisdom.
**************
Great oaks from small acorns grow. The internet in Aurora is in its infancy.
Yet some very dramatic changes have evolved.
In the last election, despite four years of catering to every self-interest that raised its head and needlessly spending hundreds of thousands of dollars in the process;
Despite changing the town's administration almost entirely ,creating upheaval and disruption;
Despite a relentless four year campaign to seduce every person who ever raised a hand to help another as a potential campaign worker;
Despite spending hundreds of thousands of public funds in a blatant and unconscionable attempt to destroy a person who dared to express opposition.
Despite engaging in the shameless pandering that gives politics its reputation for sleaze....the plan did not work.
Against the odds, the principal architects went down to defeat.
Under no circumstances may we under-rate theinternet and its potential to change the world.
Learning about disturbing government activity is by no means a negative.
Knowledge is power.
Four years ago the information would still have been behind the scenes.
Awareness is the beginning of change.
God Rest Ye Merry Ladies and Gentlemen
Further to "Transit Strike"
An e-mail provided the information about foreign private enterprise being contracted by the region to operate transit service and the information about millions of dollars of profits being sent out of the country.
I responded and asked for permission to publish the e-mail in my blog.
I received no response.
There could be two reasons;
1. The information might not be strictly accurate.
2. The information could be accurate but a union rep referring to it might be considered bargaining in bad faith.
Either way, if true, we still have a right to know and consider the implications.
I think it's more than likely true. Why else would the Region NOT be a party to contract talks?
Why would the Regional Chair state intentions not to intervene in contract negotiations? How would it be intervention if the Region is a party to the contract?
I know of two transit systems involved. Maybe three. York Region Transit functions within the Region. Viva carries commuters beyond Region. Handicapped transit could also be a third operation.
York Region Transit was originally local. Viva was founded I think by an organisation appointed by the Province and funded by three separate levels of government.Management is at the Region. We have received presentations from the Region on both systems.
It makes sense, since there are three separate systems there would be three contracts.
Another question outstanding would be who waas responsible for contracting out the service to three separate companies, Foreign or otherwise?
Was Regional Council involved in that decision? Or did the Region delegate their authority to an organisation appointed by the Province? Or is Viva really not regional but provincial ?
Are regional councillors quiet in the issue because, like the union, they too have been neutered by contracting out the service?
Is what appears to be public service, not public service at all? But private service with no profits generated from fares but straight from the public purse instead?
Is no-one accountable for service provided or withheld or costs therof.
What kind of a thrice bastardised hybrid is that???
I responded and asked for permission to publish the e-mail in my blog.
I received no response.
There could be two reasons;
1. The information might not be strictly accurate.
2. The information could be accurate but a union rep referring to it might be considered bargaining in bad faith.
Either way, if true, we still have a right to know and consider the implications.
I think it's more than likely true. Why else would the Region NOT be a party to contract talks?
Why would the Regional Chair state intentions not to intervene in contract negotiations? How would it be intervention if the Region is a party to the contract?
I know of two transit systems involved. Maybe three. York Region Transit functions within the Region. Viva carries commuters beyond Region. Handicapped transit could also be a third operation.
York Region Transit was originally local. Viva was founded I think by an organisation appointed by the Province and funded by three separate levels of government.Management is at the Region. We have received presentations from the Region on both systems.
It makes sense, since there are three separate systems there would be three contracts.
Another question outstanding would be who waas responsible for contracting out the service to three separate companies, Foreign or otherwise?
Was Regional Council involved in that decision? Or did the Region delegate their authority to an organisation appointed by the Province? Or is Viva really not regional but provincial ?
Are regional councillors quiet in the issue because, like the union, they too have been neutered by contracting out the service?
Is what appears to be public service, not public service at all? But private service with no profits generated from fares but straight from the public purse instead?
Is no-one accountable for service provided or withheld or costs therof.
What kind of a thrice bastardised hybrid is that???
Saturday, 10 December 2011
Transit Strike
Weirdness surrounds this strike. The Banner had an editorial on the subject. That's weird.
Mayors and Councils have received e-mails from passengers and union members. That's not weird.
The strike is seven weeks old and nobody is at the table. Seems York Region doesn't care much whether or not there is a service. Maybe their real intention is to fold it.
You gotta know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em
Know when to walk away and when to run
The Regional chairman says the region will not intervene. That's weird.
The service is regional. But the chairman thinks of regional involvement as "intervening"
I received an e-mail from a union member indicating York Region Transit is operated by private companies. Four. Foreign companies.
Profits are sent abroad.
Millions of dollars.
That can't be right. Right?
Not necessarily.
We know of regional transit and Viva.
We know the service is subsidized at a rate of four and a half dollars a fare.
The Region collects that from municipalities. Municipalities collect it from property owners.
It's hard enough to see regional transit trundling round our streets at all hours, like the headless horseman, a huge omnibus with driver obscured and no passengers. Then we fully understand how public funds are swallowed in great gulps.
But private companies do not contract to lose money. Profit is their reason for being.So,where does it come from?
Well bless your heart. From your pocket of course.
What kind of a Faustian deal did the Region make when they set up the transit system?
Was the sole objective to neuter union organisation? At whatever the cost?
Contracting out for least cost is a legitimate business plan.Low cost means less taxes or lower prices.
Except, how is it legitimate to subsidise transit fares by $4.50 each from public funds to while profits are generated for private companies?
How can it be legitimate to drain resources from our own economy to improve foreign economy.
What kind of twisted logic is that?
How does it serve?
Other than subsidy, residents depending on transit to get to and from work do not benefit from strikes.
Regional residents and business operators do not benefit from an excessive tax burden.
Country Canada does not benefit from resources draining out to foreign economies.
Without taking a position on whether or not union demands are reasonable,I think
resources are not all that has been funneled out of Canada.
I think we have exchanged principles of fairness in labour practice, the right to organize and negotiate in good faith, for the law of the jungle
Like many other phoney claims to excellence, the Region is big on Character Community.
Like it's something you can frame, hang on your office wall or use in a resume.
Like a brand.
Mayors and Councils have received e-mails from passengers and union members. That's not weird.
The strike is seven weeks old and nobody is at the table. Seems York Region doesn't care much whether or not there is a service. Maybe their real intention is to fold it.
You gotta know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em
Know when to walk away and when to run
The Regional chairman says the region will not intervene. That's weird.
The service is regional. But the chairman thinks of regional involvement as "intervening"
I received an e-mail from a union member indicating York Region Transit is operated by private companies. Four. Foreign companies.
Profits are sent abroad.
Millions of dollars.
That can't be right. Right?
Not necessarily.
We know of regional transit and Viva.
We know the service is subsidized at a rate of four and a half dollars a fare.
The Region collects that from municipalities. Municipalities collect it from property owners.
It's hard enough to see regional transit trundling round our streets at all hours, like the headless horseman, a huge omnibus with driver obscured and no passengers. Then we fully understand how public funds are swallowed in great gulps.
But private companies do not contract to lose money. Profit is their reason for being.So,where does it come from?
Well bless your heart. From your pocket of course.
What kind of a Faustian deal did the Region make when they set up the transit system?
Was the sole objective to neuter union organisation? At whatever the cost?
Contracting out for least cost is a legitimate business plan.Low cost means less taxes or lower prices.
Except, how is it legitimate to subsidise transit fares by $4.50 each from public funds to while profits are generated for private companies?
How can it be legitimate to drain resources from our own economy to improve foreign economy.
What kind of twisted logic is that?
How does it serve?
Other than subsidy, residents depending on transit to get to and from work do not benefit from strikes.
Regional residents and business operators do not benefit from an excessive tax burden.
Country Canada does not benefit from resources draining out to foreign economies.
Without taking a position on whether or not union demands are reasonable,I think
resources are not all that has been funneled out of Canada.
I think we have exchanged principles of fairness in labour practice, the right to organize and negotiate in good faith, for the law of the jungle
Like many other phoney claims to excellence, the Region is big on Character Community.
Like it's something you can frame, hang on your office wall or use in a resume.
Like a brand.
Friday, 9 December 2011
The Devil Didn't Make Us Do It
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Encumber...in Accounting Terms?":
Two wonderful answers to Evelyn's question clearly
reflecting the diversity of individuals reading her Blog.
You can pick whichever makes the most sense to you.
I'm partial to the Sesto reply. He doesn't treat people
like idiots and make them ashamed to ask questions.
****************
It also reflects the diversity of interest and resources in the community ready and willing to engage.
We have ten year and used to have a five year capital forecast and numbers of reserve funds.
I just never heard them referred to as "encumbered" funds before. The Treasurer has raised the possibility of amalgamating reserves into a single fund..
I do not profess to be an accountant or even a book-keeper. Nor is the need acknowledged.
A Councillor needs to be able to understand what they are hearing. If not,they need to ask and recognize the difference between a sensible answer and baffle gab. They must have the courage to resist when answers are inconsistent and unacceptable and vote a resounding no to a recommendation that makes no sense.
We are not just a ring of pretty faces sitting around the table.
We have a serious purpose. We should be able to call a spade a spade and a consultant contract a boondoggle if that's how we see it.
It is what we were elected to do.
It stands to reason, if a person does the job long enough, a thing or two is learned in the process.
We are looking at another substantial increase in taxes.
I do not believe it can be justified.
It will do no good at all when taxpayers are angry, to argue that, the devil made me do it.
Two wonderful answers to Evelyn's question clearly
reflecting the diversity of individuals reading her Blog.
You can pick whichever makes the most sense to you.
I'm partial to the Sesto reply. He doesn't treat people
like idiots and make them ashamed to ask questions.
****************
It also reflects the diversity of interest and resources in the community ready and willing to engage.
We have ten year and used to have a five year capital forecast and numbers of reserve funds.
I just never heard them referred to as "encumbered" funds before. The Treasurer has raised the possibility of amalgamating reserves into a single fund..
I do not profess to be an accountant or even a book-keeper. Nor is the need acknowledged.
A Councillor needs to be able to understand what they are hearing. If not,they need to ask and recognize the difference between a sensible answer and baffle gab. They must have the courage to resist when answers are inconsistent and unacceptable and vote a resounding no to a recommendation that makes no sense.
We are not just a ring of pretty faces sitting around the table.
We have a serious purpose. We should be able to call a spade a spade and a consultant contract a boondoggle if that's how we see it.
It is what we were elected to do.
It stands to reason, if a person does the job long enough, a thing or two is learned in the process.
We are looking at another substantial increase in taxes.
I do not believe it can be justified.
It will do no good at all when taxpayers are angry, to argue that, the devil made me do it.
Encumber...in Accounting Terms?
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "A little More Light On The Subject":
Does the Town of Aurora encumber their expenses? Is encumbrance accounting used at all in the Town
****************
I don't know the answer to that.
I don't even know what it means.
A little more explanation is needed please.
Does the Town of Aurora encumber their expenses? Is encumbrance accounting used at all in the Town
****************
I don't know the answer to that.
I don't even know what it means.
A little more explanation is needed please.
A little More Light On The Subject
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "It's A Novel Notion":
Just a couple of questions.
Was the design cost arrived at by the submission of tenders, or is it an estimate, pie in the sky or otherwise?
Is there any chance that the dollars spent on the design, to say nothing about the actual construction, have a chance of staying in town by using local contractors?
It would be nice to think that our residents might be benefiting somewhat from all of these various tax dollar expenditures.
***********************
Council had a recommendation before us at the general committee meeting to award the contract to a consultant for $94,000.
After discussion, three members voted against the recommendation. Five voted in favour.
The decision is not ratified until the formal Council meeting on Tuesday.
The actual sidewalk construction estimate is $300,000. For both sides of Industrial Parkway from north to south.
Provincial regulations do not permit municipalities to give preference to local business.
Design of the roadway dictates the main elements of the sidewalk. Alignment is already set as are grades. A sidewalk is a metre and a half wide and three inches thick. That's a given.
The construction contractor, who does the digging, is the party responsible for determining locations of underground utilities.
Water and sewer lines must be at least below the frost line which is four feet in these parts. So sidewalk comes nowhere close to utilities.
I don't know if the region retained consultants to design the concrete pads for the bus stops. It wouldn't surprise me considering two billion dollars of debt they are carrying and the fact they are several levels removed from the people paying the bills.
There is another aspect to this expenditure at this time. A contract willalso be approved on Tuesday for a front end loader. I think the two items will be close to $300.000.
It's mid December. These expenditures were budgeted for 2011. The year is almost over. The projects are being squeezed in under the wire.
They were budgeted but not acquired in 2011.
The books are closed on December 31st. Money not spent in the year budgeted, can't be spent until a new budget is approved.
It means if these two projects were not approved, actual spending for 2011 would be less by that amount. If re-budgeted in 2012, percentage increase in 2012 over actual spending in 2011 would be that much higher than stated.
A flurry of contracts have been awarded in the last few weeks. Including $440,000 for a software program for an asset management tracking system. We have managed fine without it until now and the full cost is not yet known.
These numbers in the final weeks of a fiscal year can really do a number on the appearance of percentage increases in a budget.
Few people are unaware of how governments race to spend money inthe days and weeks before the end of a fiscal year in order to get maximum increases in an upcoming year while distorting appearance of the annal increase.
Staff initially projected 6.5 % increase for 2012. We had 1.5% increase in assessment growth. The real increase in spending is 8%. The Region's projected increase is about 3%. That adds up to 11%
Take away all the last minute expenditures for goods and projects not required in 2011, the increase in 2012 spending is considerably higher than 6.5%
projected.
Education spending has not increased for several years.The Treasurer sees that as more tax room allowed by the Province to municipalities.
I see it as encouragement to municipalities to keep taxes in check.
No doubt someone else would argue, things change and I should get with the program.
D'you know,gobbledigook does not change. It stays the same.
Nothing makes me angrier than someone not particularly sensible taking me for a fool.... or you either.
Just a couple of questions.
Was the design cost arrived at by the submission of tenders, or is it an estimate, pie in the sky or otherwise?
Is there any chance that the dollars spent on the design, to say nothing about the actual construction, have a chance of staying in town by using local contractors?
It would be nice to think that our residents might be benefiting somewhat from all of these various tax dollar expenditures.
***********************
Council had a recommendation before us at the general committee meeting to award the contract to a consultant for $94,000.
After discussion, three members voted against the recommendation. Five voted in favour.
The decision is not ratified until the formal Council meeting on Tuesday.
The actual sidewalk construction estimate is $300,000. For both sides of Industrial Parkway from north to south.
Provincial regulations do not permit municipalities to give preference to local business.
Design of the roadway dictates the main elements of the sidewalk. Alignment is already set as are grades. A sidewalk is a metre and a half wide and three inches thick. That's a given.
The construction contractor, who does the digging, is the party responsible for determining locations of underground utilities.
Water and sewer lines must be at least below the frost line which is four feet in these parts. So sidewalk comes nowhere close to utilities.
I don't know if the region retained consultants to design the concrete pads for the bus stops. It wouldn't surprise me considering two billion dollars of debt they are carrying and the fact they are several levels removed from the people paying the bills.
There is another aspect to this expenditure at this time. A contract willalso be approved on Tuesday for a front end loader. I think the two items will be close to $300.000.
It's mid December. These expenditures were budgeted for 2011. The year is almost over. The projects are being squeezed in under the wire.
They were budgeted but not acquired in 2011.
The books are closed on December 31st. Money not spent in the year budgeted, can't be spent until a new budget is approved.
It means if these two projects were not approved, actual spending for 2011 would be less by that amount. If re-budgeted in 2012, percentage increase in 2012 over actual spending in 2011 would be that much higher than stated.
A flurry of contracts have been awarded in the last few weeks. Including $440,000 for a software program for an asset management tracking system. We have managed fine without it until now and the full cost is not yet known.
These numbers in the final weeks of a fiscal year can really do a number on the appearance of percentage increases in a budget.
Few people are unaware of how governments race to spend money inthe days and weeks before the end of a fiscal year in order to get maximum increases in an upcoming year while distorting appearance of the annal increase.
Staff initially projected 6.5 % increase for 2012. We had 1.5% increase in assessment growth. The real increase in spending is 8%. The Region's projected increase is about 3%. That adds up to 11%
Take away all the last minute expenditures for goods and projects not required in 2011, the increase in 2012 spending is considerably higher than 6.5%
projected.
Education spending has not increased for several years.The Treasurer sees that as more tax room allowed by the Province to municipalities.
I see it as encouragement to municipalities to keep taxes in check.
No doubt someone else would argue, things change and I should get with the program.
D'you know,gobbledigook does not change. It stays the same.
Nothing makes me angrier than someone not particularly sensible taking me for a fool.... or you either.
Thursday, 8 December 2011
Accountability...The Theme Of This Post.
Stephanie took my mail box out of outlook express and replaced it with something better. I am in her hands. She knows more about computers than me.
I know more about me. I like familiar things . But I also do not wish to admit to a grand-daughter I can't do what she can do. I am doing it. It just takes a bit of getting used to.
This morning I published a comment that was intended just for me. It can be deleted but I have to get the post done first. If I don't write it while it's in my head, it has to be re-generated. Double the work.
.
I don't usually post comments critical of staff. There is one this morning suggesting staff are responsible for decisions. I published it because it's the theme of this post
Staff do not decide. They recommend.
During Tuesday's discussion on the award of a consultant contract for design of a sidewalk, the statement was made, too much work in the job for staff and they do not have the time. Underground utilities are situated under sidewalks. A lot of research is needed to determine locations
Underground utilities are in the boulevard. It makes them easier to access. Each property is serviced with sewer and water lines. They cross under the sidewalk. They are sufficiently deep, not to interfere with placement of the sidewalk.
Construction contractors are responsible for determining location of utilities. They are the ones doing the digging.
To get back to responsibility for decision making: Staff provide best professional advice.
Council makes decisions. Staff are accountable to council. Council is accountable to the electorate.
It is not in the least odd I have a different perspective from other members of council
I make no apology. With forty-four years of experience twenty-five of it hands on. it would indeed be odd if I shared the same perspective.
Decision-making is collective. Listening is a political imperative.
But that's not as simple as it sounds.
New councillors should seek understanding about how the municipality functions
from staff.
Mayor Dawe takes every opportunity to express profound appreciation for the help and support he has received from the administration.
It is staff's job to provide information.
Difficulty arises with inexperience. When is it information? When does it cross the line and become heavy-handed influence.
Inexperience in the Mayor's chair is a definite disadvantage . The role spelled out in the Municipal Act is to provide leadership and guidance. Humans have a natural tendency to look for and follow leadership.
In the last term we had a despot.Changes were made to suit the intent. This term the stage is set but without malignant intent.
The Mayor clearly finds it to his liking.
Then there's ego. No shortage of that among politicians.
Council's function is the force that keeps public spending in check.
If counter-pressure is not exerted.....Oh My God...millions of dollars have been flushed and continuing to be flushed from the town treasury.
I have told much ...but not everything.
Aurora's town hall has become a mini-region . Identification with taxpayers is seriously lacking.
Time and resources are devoted more to style than substance.
I don't know if all councillors read my blog. Or if they do, do they also read the comments.
My dialogue with readers keeps me focused. The logic is not obscure. Conclusions are concurred..
Snarky sarcasm still emanates from the usual suspects. Less of late. They seldom challenge solid reasoning.
Council's decision to spend $94,000 for a consultant to design sidewalks is inexcusable extravagance.
It builds not a foot of sidewalk
Other departments construct such projects without benefit of consultants..
A consultant has none of the skills experienced staff have at their fingertips.
Information used by consultants, they have to get from staff
I know more about me. I like familiar things . But I also do not wish to admit to a grand-daughter I can't do what she can do. I am doing it. It just takes a bit of getting used to.
This morning I published a comment that was intended just for me. It can be deleted but I have to get the post done first. If I don't write it while it's in my head, it has to be re-generated. Double the work.
.
I don't usually post comments critical of staff. There is one this morning suggesting staff are responsible for decisions. I published it because it's the theme of this post
Staff do not decide. They recommend.
During Tuesday's discussion on the award of a consultant contract for design of a sidewalk, the statement was made, too much work in the job for staff and they do not have the time. Underground utilities are situated under sidewalks. A lot of research is needed to determine locations
Underground utilities are in the boulevard. It makes them easier to access. Each property is serviced with sewer and water lines. They cross under the sidewalk. They are sufficiently deep, not to interfere with placement of the sidewalk.
Construction contractors are responsible for determining location of utilities. They are the ones doing the digging.
To get back to responsibility for decision making: Staff provide best professional advice.
Council makes decisions. Staff are accountable to council. Council is accountable to the electorate.
It is not in the least odd I have a different perspective from other members of council
I make no apology. With forty-four years of experience twenty-five of it hands on. it would indeed be odd if I shared the same perspective.
Decision-making is collective. Listening is a political imperative.
But that's not as simple as it sounds.
New councillors should seek understanding about how the municipality functions
from staff.
Mayor Dawe takes every opportunity to express profound appreciation for the help and support he has received from the administration.
It is staff's job to provide information.
Difficulty arises with inexperience. When is it information? When does it cross the line and become heavy-handed influence.
Inexperience in the Mayor's chair is a definite disadvantage . The role spelled out in the Municipal Act is to provide leadership and guidance. Humans have a natural tendency to look for and follow leadership.
In the last term we had a despot.Changes were made to suit the intent. This term the stage is set but without malignant intent.
The Mayor clearly finds it to his liking.
Then there's ego. No shortage of that among politicians.
Council's function is the force that keeps public spending in check.
If counter-pressure is not exerted.....Oh My God...millions of dollars have been flushed and continuing to be flushed from the town treasury.
I have told much ...but not everything.
Aurora's town hall has become a mini-region . Identification with taxpayers is seriously lacking.
Time and resources are devoted more to style than substance.
I don't know if all councillors read my blog. Or if they do, do they also read the comments.
My dialogue with readers keeps me focused. The logic is not obscure. Conclusions are concurred..
Snarky sarcasm still emanates from the usual suspects. Less of late. They seldom challenge solid reasoning.
Council's decision to spend $94,000 for a consultant to design sidewalks is inexcusable extravagance.
It builds not a foot of sidewalk
Other departments construct such projects without benefit of consultants..
A consultant has none of the skills experienced staff have at their fingertips.
Information used by consultants, they have to get from staff
Wednesday, 7 December 2011
It's A Novel Notion
A poster asks if comments made to this blog, critical and otherwise could be forwarded to the persons referred.
I'm not sure they would be welcome. I have often thought comments I receive should really be going to Council at large to have an impact. It would require the writer to identify him or herself.
I believe it is important for the Mayor and Council to know what people are saying. But I think it has to be direct communication.
I have a story this morning. It started yesterday or to be more precise last year. Now it is unfolding.
It's about extension and gap filling of sidewalks in the town.
I brought the problem to the attention of Public works when I got my scooter. Now there's a map.
Last night a recommendation was made in committee to approve a consultant contract to design sidewalks on both sides of Industrial Parkway at an estimated cost of $300,000. The design is to cost $94,000.
Here's the deal.The town has a team of certified design technicians on the payroll
They are too busy to design sidewalks. There's a lot involved. Research to determine location of underground utilities and such.
We just awarded a contract for $440,000 or thereabouts to buy a software program to be able to track infrastructure assets on a computer. We already have them on excel spreadsheets.
Of course we have. You can't have stuff like gas lines underground without knowing where they are.
The region just laid twelve feet of concrete pads at all the bus stops in town. They are at least as deep and definitely wider than any sidewalk. They are for bus passengers to stand on and not get their feet wet. The region it seems had no trouble determining where underground utilities were before they slapped down the concrete.
It's not even their responsibility. They must have gotten the information from town records.
I do not accept that tons of research is needed to know where underground utilities are.
I do not accept design technicians on the town's payroll for the purpose of designing, can be too busy to design sidewalks.
If that's not in their work program, I want to know exactly what is.
WTF
There can be nothing simpler than a sidewalk to design.
We farm out road designs to consultant contractors.
We spent $168.000 on a consultant to design a cockamamie treatment system to remove salt from snow when any elementary student knows salt and snow cannot exist together.
Where there is salt, there cannot be snow. Where there is snow,there cannot be salt.
When the vote on the award of the sidewalk design contract, was taken last night, I think Councillor Thompson must have experienced a sense of what it's like to be me
.
He had suggested to the director if the design technicians on the town's payroll are too busy to design sidewalks, a technician on contract could take care of the excess work load and design the sidewalks.
The director simply indicated he would not do that.
When the vote was taken and declared to award the contract Councillor Thompson was sufficiently stunned to ask for it to be taken again.
Mayor Dawe, Councillors Abel, Pirrie, Gallo and Ballard voted again to award the contract.
Councillor Gaertner was absent.
Do not ask me for an explanation of the majority vote. It is beyond comprehension
There was nothing, absolutely nothing in the director's rationale that persuaded me to its merit.
We are currently spending thousands of dollars on another " system" to improve customer service to "our stakeholders".
It appears satisfactory answers to questions from Councillors is not part of good customer service.
Elected representatives who ask questions and expect logical answers are clearly not the stakeholders they have in mind.
Then again, why should it matter when five other "stakeholders' are on hand, who ask no questions and accept non-answers, an are clearly satisfied with the "customer service".
Councillor Thompson.Humphryes and myself did not accept the recommendation. I for one am a dis-satisfied "stakeholder".
The committee decision will be ratified in Council next Tuesday.
If nothing else like public indignation intervenes.
.
I'm not sure they would be welcome. I have often thought comments I receive should really be going to Council at large to have an impact. It would require the writer to identify him or herself.
I believe it is important for the Mayor and Council to know what people are saying. But I think it has to be direct communication.
I have a story this morning. It started yesterday or to be more precise last year. Now it is unfolding.
It's about extension and gap filling of sidewalks in the town.
I brought the problem to the attention of Public works when I got my scooter. Now there's a map.
Last night a recommendation was made in committee to approve a consultant contract to design sidewalks on both sides of Industrial Parkway at an estimated cost of $300,000. The design is to cost $94,000.
Here's the deal.The town has a team of certified design technicians on the payroll
They are too busy to design sidewalks. There's a lot involved. Research to determine location of underground utilities and such.
We just awarded a contract for $440,000 or thereabouts to buy a software program to be able to track infrastructure assets on a computer. We already have them on excel spreadsheets.
Of course we have. You can't have stuff like gas lines underground without knowing where they are.
The region just laid twelve feet of concrete pads at all the bus stops in town. They are at least as deep and definitely wider than any sidewalk. They are for bus passengers to stand on and not get their feet wet. The region it seems had no trouble determining where underground utilities were before they slapped down the concrete.
It's not even their responsibility. They must have gotten the information from town records.
I do not accept that tons of research is needed to know where underground utilities are.
I do not accept design technicians on the town's payroll for the purpose of designing, can be too busy to design sidewalks.
If that's not in their work program, I want to know exactly what is.
WTF
There can be nothing simpler than a sidewalk to design.
We farm out road designs to consultant contractors.
We spent $168.000 on a consultant to design a cockamamie treatment system to remove salt from snow when any elementary student knows salt and snow cannot exist together.
Where there is salt, there cannot be snow. Where there is snow,there cannot be salt.
When the vote on the award of the sidewalk design contract, was taken last night, I think Councillor Thompson must have experienced a sense of what it's like to be me
.
He had suggested to the director if the design technicians on the town's payroll are too busy to design sidewalks, a technician on contract could take care of the excess work load and design the sidewalks.
The director simply indicated he would not do that.
When the vote was taken and declared to award the contract Councillor Thompson was sufficiently stunned to ask for it to be taken again.
Mayor Dawe, Councillors Abel, Pirrie, Gallo and Ballard voted again to award the contract.
Councillor Gaertner was absent.
Do not ask me for an explanation of the majority vote. It is beyond comprehension
There was nothing, absolutely nothing in the director's rationale that persuaded me to its merit.
We are currently spending thousands of dollars on another " system" to improve customer service to "our stakeholders".
It appears satisfactory answers to questions from Councillors is not part of good customer service.
Elected representatives who ask questions and expect logical answers are clearly not the stakeholders they have in mind.
Then again, why should it matter when five other "stakeholders' are on hand, who ask no questions and accept non-answers, an are clearly satisfied with the "customer service".
Councillor Thompson.Humphryes and myself did not accept the recommendation. I for one am a dis-satisfied "stakeholder".
The committee decision will be ratified in Council next Tuesday.
If nothing else like public indignation intervenes.
.
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
I'm Up And Running Again
A friend brought a keyboard that functions. And Sae the Lord be thankit...it is compatible with my four years old software.
I read the last post. It triggered memories of Toronto computer scandal.
Millions of dollars of computere programming was over-purchased while the public servant in charge was wined and dined and transported and bedded by a computer salesperson; the brother of Ti Domi the hockey player.
A public inquiry costing the city $13 million was commissioned by then new Mayor David Miller.
The result of which, the Province passed legislation giving Municipalities authority to pass whatever assupwards Codes of Conducts they chose to devise. With penalties yet. And appointments of Integrity Commissioners.
Then there was the six million dollar inquiry into Hazel McCallion's conduct in Mississuaga. That has resulted in a Conflict of Interest charge being filed against the legendary iconic leader.
All that money to call witnesses, swear them to tell the truth, days and weeks and months bringing out degrading evidence of greed and malfeasance.
I thought of the Honorable Paul Martin, Canadian Prime Minister, living his father's dream. He did the noble thing and ordered an inquiry into sponsorship scandals and personally paid the political price.
I am certainly glad I have a keyboard compatible with the software in my computer.
Thank You Friend
I read the last post. It triggered memories of Toronto computer scandal.
Millions of dollars of computere programming was over-purchased while the public servant in charge was wined and dined and transported and bedded by a computer salesperson; the brother of Ti Domi the hockey player.
A public inquiry costing the city $13 million was commissioned by then new Mayor David Miller.
The result of which, the Province passed legislation giving Municipalities authority to pass whatever assupwards Codes of Conducts they chose to devise. With penalties yet. And appointments of Integrity Commissioners.
Then there was the six million dollar inquiry into Hazel McCallion's conduct in Mississuaga. That has resulted in a Conflict of Interest charge being filed against the legendary iconic leader.
All that money to call witnesses, swear them to tell the truth, days and weeks and months bringing out degrading evidence of greed and malfeasance.
I thought of the Honorable Paul Martin, Canadian Prime Minister, living his father's dream. He did the noble thing and ordered an inquiry into sponsorship scandals and personally paid the political price.
I am certainly glad I have a keyboard compatible with the software in my computer.
Thank You Friend
The Point Continues To Be Lost.
Two keyboards later, I have discovered new hardware is not compatible with four year old software. Now I understand what Stephanie, my grand-daughter says about planned obsolescence"
very interesting observations Councilor , sort of drives home your point about the needless software program the town is buying , only multiplied by hundreds of thousands, Hits home when you see it for yourself
****************
Probably the most frustrating thing about being a councillor is feeling absolutely convinced about something and being the only one.
$440,000 of taxpayers' money was spent. Additional staff will be added. Licences will need to be purchased. Hardware needed in the field to gather information which has never been needed before nor will be useful in the future.
Not a glimmer of doubt mars the cheerful friendly faces around me.
Neither a trace nor a scintilla....Zilch...Zero....Nil and Nada.
Last night during the planning presentation, new software was noted to replace old software. New licences for the employees.
Still the connection wasn't made.
The budget process continues.... as in a state of somnambulance.
Each director makes a presentation and circulates a hard copy. Councillors gaze transfixed at the monitors while presentations proceed one after the other.
As each is completed, the Mayor calls for GENERAL, stressed general, comments or questions. Then pages of details are contemplated.
A resolution already prepared is on the page before us.
"Move the presentation be received" and
"Move the budget be approved as is".
And so it comes to pass.
I am finding this lap top computer screen hard on my eyes. I just discovered, if I push the monitor back. the print is not so light but it is still very small.
Tonight's agenda has a recommendation to award yet another contract to a consultant for $94,000, for extension of side-walks on the industrial parkway
Side-walks are a simple construct.
Recommendation is we spend $94,000 on consultants to design the sidewalks.
Not an inch will be built for that money.
Just sheets and sheets of paper will be produced covered with lines and figures.
Nothing that couldn't be taken ready made from a shelf.
Nothing that couldn't be done by certified technicians already on the payroll.
Who cannot now at the end of the construction season, be overwhelmed by work in progress.
Council may sleepwalk their way through that approval process also, under the kind and steady guiding hand of our Mayor.
Then wind their way home....to sleep....perchance to dream.... with visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads.
At peace with the world.
Confident of a job well done.
very interesting observations Councilor , sort of drives home your point about the needless software program the town is buying , only multiplied by hundreds of thousands, Hits home when you see it for yourself
****************
Probably the most frustrating thing about being a councillor is feeling absolutely convinced about something and being the only one.
$440,000 of taxpayers' money was spent. Additional staff will be added. Licences will need to be purchased. Hardware needed in the field to gather information which has never been needed before nor will be useful in the future.
Not a glimmer of doubt mars the cheerful friendly faces around me.
Neither a trace nor a scintilla....Zilch...Zero....Nil and Nada.
Last night during the planning presentation, new software was noted to replace old software. New licences for the employees.
Still the connection wasn't made.
The budget process continues.... as in a state of somnambulance.
Each director makes a presentation and circulates a hard copy. Councillors gaze transfixed at the monitors while presentations proceed one after the other.
As each is completed, the Mayor calls for GENERAL, stressed general, comments or questions. Then pages of details are contemplated.
A resolution already prepared is on the page before us.
"Move the presentation be received" and
"Move the budget be approved as is".
And so it comes to pass.
I am finding this lap top computer screen hard on my eyes. I just discovered, if I push the monitor back. the print is not so light but it is still very small.
Tonight's agenda has a recommendation to award yet another contract to a consultant for $94,000, for extension of side-walks on the industrial parkway
Side-walks are a simple construct.
Recommendation is we spend $94,000 on consultants to design the sidewalks.
Not an inch will be built for that money.
Just sheets and sheets of paper will be produced covered with lines and figures.
Nothing that couldn't be taken ready made from a shelf.
Nothing that couldn't be done by certified technicians already on the payroll.
Who cannot now at the end of the construction season, be overwhelmed by work in progress.
Council may sleepwalk their way through that approval process also, under the kind and steady guiding hand of our Mayor.
Then wind their way home....to sleep....perchance to dream.... with visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads.
At peace with the world.
Confident of a job well done.
Monday, 5 December 2011
Sic a Wee Thing
I'm writing this on a lap top. Since the last time we talked I have been on a round of discovery. I have accomplished nothing.
The keyboard of my former system has been determined to be kerplunk.The computer is not. I receive comments and e-mails. I can publish or delete comments. I cannot acknowledge or respond to e-mails. Nor can I post a blog.
I have visited John who spent half an hour with me showing all the wonderful things an Apple lap top does ninety per cent of which I am unlikely to do.
It is a beautiful machine that does magical things but well beyond my means.
Two keyboards later, I have discovered new hardware is not compatible with four year old software. Now I understand what Stephanie, my grand-daughter says about planned obsolescence.
To buy new software to be compatible with a thirty dollar keyboard is more expensive than to buy a new laptop.
So ... before I spend $500, or thereabouts of scarce resources, the hunt is on in various satellite homes of my family for an old but functioning keyboard which may be compatible with the 2007 software in my computer
Which by the way, four and a half years ago cost $1,750.
My grand-daughter Stephanie is here with me this morning. Ready to respond to my shouts of frustration and reassure me it will take only a little time to get used to the laptop keyboard.
But the screen is small. The type is minute. The keyboard is somewhat similar but sufficiently different to keep my shoulders tense.
There's another budget meeting to-night. It will be conducted by the Mayor along the same lines as the last. Council will be efficiently manipulated into approving everything as presented.
From where I sit, the Mayor has melded seamlessly with the administration.
So, the administration has added a voice to their side.
Council on the other hand has lost the essential voice of leadership on theirs.
If I say that out loud everyone will go berserk and bend over backwards to assure staff of the wonderful job they are doing, without taking in what I am saying.
The administration has a role. They wrack up expenditures.
They are accountable to the elected body.
Council determines validity and affordability of expenditures proposed.
They are accountable to the people who elected them.
In the public sector, separation of the roles is essential.
When a Mayor melds with the administration , we have a private sector format.
The administration is ecstatic.
The public interest is not in any sense served.
The keyboard of my former system has been determined to be kerplunk.The computer is not. I receive comments and e-mails. I can publish or delete comments. I cannot acknowledge or respond to e-mails. Nor can I post a blog.
I have visited John who spent half an hour with me showing all the wonderful things an Apple lap top does ninety per cent of which I am unlikely to do.
It is a beautiful machine that does magical things but well beyond my means.
Two keyboards later, I have discovered new hardware is not compatible with four year old software. Now I understand what Stephanie, my grand-daughter says about planned obsolescence.
To buy new software to be compatible with a thirty dollar keyboard is more expensive than to buy a new laptop.
So ... before I spend $500, or thereabouts of scarce resources, the hunt is on in various satellite homes of my family for an old but functioning keyboard which may be compatible with the 2007 software in my computer
Which by the way, four and a half years ago cost $1,750.
My grand-daughter Stephanie is here with me this morning. Ready to respond to my shouts of frustration and reassure me it will take only a little time to get used to the laptop keyboard.
But the screen is small. The type is minute. The keyboard is somewhat similar but sufficiently different to keep my shoulders tense.
There's another budget meeting to-night. It will be conducted by the Mayor along the same lines as the last. Council will be efficiently manipulated into approving everything as presented.
From where I sit, the Mayor has melded seamlessly with the administration.
So, the administration has added a voice to their side.
Council on the other hand has lost the essential voice of leadership on theirs.
If I say that out loud everyone will go berserk and bend over backwards to assure staff of the wonderful job they are doing, without taking in what I am saying.
The administration has a role. They wrack up expenditures.
They are accountable to the elected body.
Council determines validity and affordability of expenditures proposed.
They are accountable to the people who elected them.
In the public sector, separation of the roles is essential.
When a Mayor melds with the administration , we have a private sector format.
The administration is ecstatic.
The public interest is not in any sense served.
Thursday, 1 December 2011
Computer... Tab 1
I got up this morning not knowing if I would be able to post. Last night the computer was not doing anything it was supposed to. When that happens all sorts of things get moved about. Buttons pressed with apprehension that I know nothing about. The final desperate and only solution possible was to turn the damned thing off and let it rest.
So I lay in bed this morning with a post churning in my head and contemplated having to buy a new machine. Possibly a lap top. Probably an Apple.Wondering what it would take to transfer everything stored. What would an Apple cost. How long would it take to get used to a lap top.And would I????
I finally decided I had to beard the lion in his den and got up.
I pressed the on button.
The blue light came on. The tower did not purr. The screen remained dark. The monitor, turned on its side last night was again turned on its side. A plug was out. The wire was taut. Caught somewhere .
The desk wouldn't jiggle because of weight. So nothing did nothing to loosen the taut wire.
Finally the plug was back into its socket. Screen still dark. Buttons on the side. Daughter had warned not to touch. Grand-daughter messed around with them plenty.
This morning I gazed at them long enough to decipher words.
AHA ....One said power. Another said plus and another minus. Pressed power, then plus for good measure.
Lo and behold... not only did the screen light up,letters are larger and they seem darker. That's something else I have wished for some time.
Last night I gazed at the non-responsive screen and calmly contemplated the satisfaction of attacking it with my cane. The one with the heavy metal handle.
I silently warned, brain to brain.... your future is at risk.
This morning computer with slightly tardy keys is once again my best friend and advocate.
If not exactly the most trusted.
Now I can have my coffee and try to recover the post that was already written in my head before I opened my eyes this morning.
So I lay in bed this morning with a post churning in my head and contemplated having to buy a new machine. Possibly a lap top. Probably an Apple.Wondering what it would take to transfer everything stored. What would an Apple cost. How long would it take to get used to a lap top.And would I????
I finally decided I had to beard the lion in his den and got up.
I pressed the on button.
The blue light came on. The tower did not purr. The screen remained dark. The monitor, turned on its side last night was again turned on its side. A plug was out. The wire was taut. Caught somewhere .
The desk wouldn't jiggle because of weight. So nothing did nothing to loosen the taut wire.
Finally the plug was back into its socket. Screen still dark. Buttons on the side. Daughter had warned not to touch. Grand-daughter messed around with them plenty.
This morning I gazed at them long enough to decipher words.
AHA ....One said power. Another said plus and another minus. Pressed power, then plus for good measure.
Lo and behold... not only did the screen light up,letters are larger and they seem darker. That's something else I have wished for some time.
Last night I gazed at the non-responsive screen and calmly contemplated the satisfaction of attacking it with my cane. The one with the heavy metal handle.
I silently warned, brain to brain.... your future is at risk.
This morning computer with slightly tardy keys is once again my best friend and advocate.
If not exactly the most trusted.
Now I can have my coffee and try to recover the post that was already written in my head before I opened my eyes this morning.
Wednesday, 30 November 2011
Why Oh WHY
-
Anonymous said... - Why do you constantly refer to politics as a "Game". A game tells me that it is a hobby or recreation or a distraction. If you were serious about politics, you would consider it your job and not a game.
It Was Indeed A Stylish Affair
I was an invited guest at a town hall last night. Awards were being presented. I was aware the date of the annual event had been changed but little else.
Councillors normally have a role role in the program and are informed beforehand.
I wasn't paying much attention so I didn't think of it until I got to the town hall.
I was greeted as a stranger by strangers in theatrical costumes . Councillor Humphryes was by the Chamber door, clearly in an official capacity. The Mayor was there as well, in white tie and tails.
As I encountered various councillors, I asked if they knew anything about the program. Councillor Abel said he had attended a dress rehearsal in the morning. Well, I thought, that's new. What else don't I know?
Councillor Gallo didn't know any more than I didn't know. I kept going and found Councillor Ballard who was also as much in the dark as myself.
Finally I encountered Rick, the smiling face behind the reception desk in the evening, who prepares the council chamber for meetings, tidies up afterwards and takes care of security. He was busy with preparations but he went off to inquire. He came back and said councillors should find seats in the gallery.
Programs were handed out. The audience was smaller than usual. The chamber floor was set up differently with red carpet and all.
The event proceeded. Only volunteer awards were presented.
Videos were shown on the two screens at the back of the chamber.
Nominators gave the background for winning nominees. It was very nice.
It became obvious the audience was made up of winners and other nominees. The Mayor commended the organizing committee of communications division staff , chaired by Councillor Humphreys.
Finally it dawned on me. The event was by invitation.I was an invitee.
It was a very nice affair but something about it didn't sit right.
Later I expressed as much to Theresa, my daughter. It was a public event in a public place. It should not have been by invitation.
"Things change, mother" she responded archly.
No, I thought. Some things do not change.
But conscious of my super critical bent that must be kept in check. I said no more and sat down to watch television.
When I wakened later, I was no longer in doubt.
The town hall and town resources can not be used that way.
Either the people who pay for the whole shebang get to attend or there can be no shebang
It will not be me who tells the community, awards were presented in their name, in their town hall organized by staff on their payroll and they were not welcome at the party.
Doing it while planning to increase taxes adds insult to injury.
Councillors normally have a role role in the program and are informed beforehand.
I wasn't paying much attention so I didn't think of it until I got to the town hall.
I was greeted as a stranger by strangers in theatrical costumes . Councillor Humphryes was by the Chamber door, clearly in an official capacity. The Mayor was there as well, in white tie and tails.
As I encountered various councillors, I asked if they knew anything about the program. Councillor Abel said he had attended a dress rehearsal in the morning. Well, I thought, that's new. What else don't I know?
Councillor Gallo didn't know any more than I didn't know. I kept going and found Councillor Ballard who was also as much in the dark as myself.
Finally I encountered Rick, the smiling face behind the reception desk in the evening, who prepares the council chamber for meetings, tidies up afterwards and takes care of security. He was busy with preparations but he went off to inquire. He came back and said councillors should find seats in the gallery.
Programs were handed out. The audience was smaller than usual. The chamber floor was set up differently with red carpet and all.
The event proceeded. Only volunteer awards were presented.
Videos were shown on the two screens at the back of the chamber.
Nominators gave the background for winning nominees. It was very nice.
It became obvious the audience was made up of winners and other nominees. The Mayor commended the organizing committee of communications division staff , chaired by Councillor Humphreys.
Finally it dawned on me. The event was by invitation.I was an invitee.
It was a very nice affair but something about it didn't sit right.
Later I expressed as much to Theresa, my daughter. It was a public event in a public place. It should not have been by invitation.
"Things change, mother" she responded archly.
No, I thought. Some things do not change.
But conscious of my super critical bent that must be kept in check. I said no more and sat down to watch television.
When I wakened later, I was no longer in doubt.
The town hall and town resources can not be used that way.
Either the people who pay for the whole shebang get to attend or there can be no shebang
It will not be me who tells the community, awards were presented in their name, in their town hall organized by staff on their payroll and they were not welcome at the party.
Doing it while planning to increase taxes adds insult to injury.
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
What Price Influence?
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Keep The Record Straight":
How is it that someone as dedicated as you are (politics is your life), someone who is as knowledgeable as you are, and someone who is as clever as you are, has so little influence, regardless of who is on council?
******************
And the sting is in the scorpion's tail.
Supposing my life is dedicated to politics as the game is played. And not to the community that chose me to represent them.
Supposing I am as knowledgeable as you say.
And as clever as you claim.
What does it take to be as influential as you think I am not?
How difficult can it be?
The last council thought they had the secret. They gave and gave and gave. No matter how outrageously selfish and shameful the demand.... council gave what was not theirs to give.
More often that not mine was the only opposing vote. Solitary status held out to prove my lack of relevance and how little influence I had in the scheme of things.
What is the scheme of things? Where lies the influence?
Is it with a bunch of toothless tigers seated at the table for a single term in office?
Or is it twelve thousand, full red of tooth and claw, who move things about a bit every four years.to better fit the scheme they have in mind?
How is it that someone as dedicated as you are (politics is your life), someone who is as knowledgeable as you are, and someone who is as clever as you are, has so little influence, regardless of who is on council?
******************
And the sting is in the scorpion's tail.
Supposing my life is dedicated to politics as the game is played. And not to the community that chose me to represent them.
Supposing I am as knowledgeable as you say.
And as clever as you claim.
What does it take to be as influential as you think I am not?
How difficult can it be?
The last council thought they had the secret. They gave and gave and gave. No matter how outrageously selfish and shameful the demand.... council gave what was not theirs to give.
More often that not mine was the only opposing vote. Solitary status held out to prove my lack of relevance and how little influence I had in the scheme of things.
What is the scheme of things? Where lies the influence?
Is it with a bunch of toothless tigers seated at the table for a single term in office?
Or is it twelve thousand, full red of tooth and claw, who move things about a bit every four years.to better fit the scheme they have in mind?
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