Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Signs and Portents":
The twittering has greatly subsided. I do not know if that is a good or bad
sign. The CG should have some great body language tonight which we will
miss at home because of the streaming - or lack of.
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Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 20 May 2014 08:55
Tuesday, 20 May 2014
Late news and a correction
Angus Duff is the NDP candidate in the June 12 election.
He has lived in the riding fifteen years.
He is a Professor of Business at Trent University and worked in Human Resources thirty-five years before .
It bespeaks a man of ambition and drive . a good grounding in work ethic and a commitment to principle.
Jane Twinney is married to Joe Twinney. The late Ray Twinney was her father-in-law.
Monday, 19 May 2014
Beauty is in the eye ofthe beholder. Relevance is something else.
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Signs and Portents":
"Councillor Ballard on the other hand tweets and writes a blog. His profession is journalism.
He regularly tweets uncomplimentary comments about various colleagues."
So do you. How is that relevant
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 19 May 2014 10:28
***********************
I do not tweet. Never have. People tell me I should. Margaret Atwood does . Me, I am content with words . But I may venture some time in the future. For now I just blog along.
It is relevant that the Councillor tweets uncomplimentary comments about colleagues because the Councillor is a candidate for Provincial office.
It's never a good idea to alienate people whose support is crucial to an election.
The post was about competition for the provincial seat. What does the campaign management and visible strategy tell about the candidate.? How smart?
How does it compare with Jane Twinney's campaign so far.?
In the absence of personality how else can a voter judge?
"Councillor Ballard on the other hand tweets and writes a blog. His profession is journalism.
He regularly tweets uncomplimentary comments about various colleagues."
So do you. How is that relevant
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 19 May 2014 10:28
***********************
I do not tweet. Never have. People tell me I should. Margaret Atwood does . Me, I am content with words . But I may venture some time in the future. For now I just blog along.
It is relevant that the Councillor tweets uncomplimentary comments about colleagues because the Councillor is a candidate for Provincial office.
It's never a good idea to alienate people whose support is crucial to an election.
The post was about competition for the provincial seat. What does the campaign management and visible strategy tell about the candidate.? How smart?
How does it compare with Jane Twinney's campaign so far.?
In the absence of personality how else can a voter judge?
Sunday, 18 May 2014
Signs and Portents
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Here Come Da Judge ...and it is you":
I have something quite silly - I think
This morning , out of the blue [ we had never discussed politics ], a neighbour announced that Jane Twinney was going to win that election.
Puzzled, I asked why he was so certain.
He looked at me as if I was a bit dim.
" She has a great picture on her signs ! Haven't you seen them ? "
I would like to think he might be correct, but cannot fathom the thinking.
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 18 May 2014 13:14
********************8
Nit at all silly. Your neighbor is right on the money.
A campaign needs a business plan. An organization needs expertise.
Funds need to be raised. Rules understood. Priorities must be set.
Spending is limited by regulations. Best practice employed.
Planning may be private but a campaign is a very public affair.
Voters with experience perhaps subconsciously, notice a campaign. They expect a campaign.
They rate the campaign.
Voters who may not think they have expertise have more than they think.
Far more than would-be if they could-be-politicians think they do.
How do they judge ? By what they see.
First they saw Liberal lawn signs on major corners.My daughter says they were council campaign signs. I'm not sure about that. But they were small signs.
Jane Twinney's Conservative signs appeared at the week-end. .They were conservative dark blue , two and a half times larger and right size. Strategically placed alongside small Liberal signs they offered comparison and choice.
This week-end, Liberal corner signs are larger but poorly designed.
Blank white space fills a corner.
Blank space suggests empty. Empty white space conveys nothing .
A large handsome portrait of Jane Twinney took up at least a third of new Conservative signs.
The gaze is straightforward ,the smile confident.
The signs are distributed further afield.
Signs with photos cost more. In a campaign with sufficient resources, it's the best.
The impression is superior style and content.
Signs with empty, white space are not impressive.
It bespeaks a lack of expertise, resources, good management and support.
Both candidates are one=term Councillors in Newmarket and Aurora.
My impression is Councillor Twinney has acquitted herself well. If she has enemies within Council they are not obvious. Whether or not she writes a Blog or tweets,I am not aware.
Councillor Ballard on the other hand tweets and writes a blog. His profession is journalism.
He regularly tweets uncomplimentary comments about various colleagues.
His latest faux pas is to inform residents,if they need help in his absence, they should contact
Councillors Gaertner and Gallo.
Pointed dis-respect for the Council to which he was elected almost four years ago.And by
extrapolation ,of the people who elected them.
I believe most colleagues are Liberals.
It's fair to say neither major party is enjoying public confidence.
There is anger and despair abroad.
In the circumstance, this race is between two candidates.
A good-looking woman's picture on a sign is important. It endorses the campaign and the candidate There's nothing silly here.
It's a biggie.
I have something quite silly - I think
This morning , out of the blue [ we had never discussed politics ], a neighbour announced that Jane Twinney was going to win that election.
Puzzled, I asked why he was so certain.
He looked at me as if I was a bit dim.
" She has a great picture on her signs ! Haven't you seen them ? "
I would like to think he might be correct, but cannot fathom the thinking.
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 18 May 2014 13:14
********************8
Nit at all silly. Your neighbor is right on the money.
A campaign needs a business plan. An organization needs expertise.
Funds need to be raised. Rules understood. Priorities must be set.
Spending is limited by regulations. Best practice employed.
Planning may be private but a campaign is a very public affair.
Voters with experience perhaps subconsciously, notice a campaign. They expect a campaign.
They rate the campaign.
Voters who may not think they have expertise have more than they think.
Far more than would-be if they could-be-politicians think they do.
How do they judge ? By what they see.
First they saw Liberal lawn signs on major corners.My daughter says they were council campaign signs. I'm not sure about that. But they were small signs.
Jane Twinney's Conservative signs appeared at the week-end. .They were conservative dark blue , two and a half times larger and right size. Strategically placed alongside small Liberal signs they offered comparison and choice.
This week-end, Liberal corner signs are larger but poorly designed.
Blank white space fills a corner.
Blank space suggests empty. Empty white space conveys nothing .
A large handsome portrait of Jane Twinney took up at least a third of new Conservative signs.
The gaze is straightforward ,the smile confident.
The signs are distributed further afield.
Signs with photos cost more. In a campaign with sufficient resources, it's the best.
The impression is superior style and content.
Signs with empty, white space are not impressive.
It bespeaks a lack of expertise, resources, good management and support.
Both candidates are one=term Councillors in Newmarket and Aurora.
My impression is Councillor Twinney has acquitted herself well. If she has enemies within Council they are not obvious. Whether or not she writes a Blog or tweets,I am not aware.
Councillor Ballard on the other hand tweets and writes a blog. His profession is journalism.
He regularly tweets uncomplimentary comments about various colleagues.
His latest faux pas is to inform residents,if they need help in his absence, they should contact
Councillors Gaertner and Gallo.
Pointed dis-respect for the Council to which he was elected almost four years ago.And by
extrapolation ,of the people who elected them.
I believe most colleagues are Liberals.
It's fair to say neither major party is enjoying public confidence.
There is anger and despair abroad.
In the circumstance, this race is between two candidates.
A good-looking woman's picture on a sign is important. It endorses the campaign and the candidate There's nothing silly here.
It's a biggie.
Here Come Da Judge ...and it is you
I removed evidemce that comments were removed by the administrator.
I knew there must be a way. I knew I should . But I wasn't sure I could. So I didn't try.
Now I have and have to say it was a chore deleting comments.
I had one last night from someone who said .... after voting for me for twenty years , there would be no votes in their house in the next election because I was contradictory and causing confusion.
And y'know she's right. I was contradictory. But not right about voting for me for twenty tears. My name has only been on the ballot for the last three elections... eight years.I hadn't been on Council fourteen years.
" Never let the facts get in the way of a good story" Farley Mowat, Master Story-teller.
I hadn't read the Auroran story about the fund-raiser for the Councillor who would be Mayor.
I had no idea what he said or how powerful the reaction was going to be. I published a couple before I realised there would be a torrent and that would call for a decision.
Voters should have the outlet . It's called participation. Social media is the perfect format.
But I'm a candidate too. So it can't be me who provides the outlet for whacking other candidates.
The angry comment about my being contradictory explains it .
We can please some of the people some of the time.
We cant please all of the people all of the time.
Fortunately, or unfortunately as some might see it...I've never tried to please all of the people
any of the time. I've hoped to please. But not at any cost.
I've been true to me and the people who trust me.
No doubt the culture vultures would be pleased not to have me around any more.
The Historical Society might not recognise I'm the best fried they ever had.
William Albino and his silly, snooty friends do not appreciate my view of their shenanigans.
No doubt ,I am a thorn in the side of Council colleagues because I persist in going my way and it's not their way.
I have long come to terms with the fact I may never see a Mayor who will come halfway to meeting my standards. I'm the only one I know.
I find it hard to settle for less than the best.
I will likely not stay out of discussing issues during the campaign. That would call for far more discipline than I possess or would be necessary.
But when I say something, you will know it was me and sometimes it might be contradictory.
Because logic is sometimes.
You must judge accordingly.
I knew there must be a way. I knew I should . But I wasn't sure I could. So I didn't try.
Now I have and have to say it was a chore deleting comments.
I had one last night from someone who said .... after voting for me for twenty years , there would be no votes in their house in the next election because I was contradictory and causing confusion.
And y'know she's right. I was contradictory. But not right about voting for me for twenty tears. My name has only been on the ballot for the last three elections... eight years.I hadn't been on Council fourteen years.
" Never let the facts get in the way of a good story" Farley Mowat, Master Story-teller.
I hadn't read the Auroran story about the fund-raiser for the Councillor who would be Mayor.
I had no idea what he said or how powerful the reaction was going to be. I published a couple before I realised there would be a torrent and that would call for a decision.
Voters should have the outlet . It's called participation. Social media is the perfect format.
But I'm a candidate too. So it can't be me who provides the outlet for whacking other candidates.
The angry comment about my being contradictory explains it .
We can please some of the people some of the time.
We cant please all of the people all of the time.
Fortunately, or unfortunately as some might see it...I've never tried to please all of the people
any of the time. I've hoped to please. But not at any cost.
I've been true to me and the people who trust me.
No doubt the culture vultures would be pleased not to have me around any more.
The Historical Society might not recognise I'm the best fried they ever had.
William Albino and his silly, snooty friends do not appreciate my view of their shenanigans.
No doubt ,I am a thorn in the side of Council colleagues because I persist in going my way and it's not their way.
I have long come to terms with the fact I may never see a Mayor who will come halfway to meeting my standards. I'm the only one I know.
I find it hard to settle for less than the best.
I will likely not stay out of discussing issues during the campaign. That would call for far more discipline than I possess or would be necessary.
But when I say something, you will know it was me and sometimes it might be contradictory.
Because logic is sometimes.
You must judge accordingly.
Saturday, 17 May 2014
finger slipped again
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "The Fight Is On":
Or Nigel. He could try for Mayor again.
But maybe if we stick to town hall activities ?
There is something about re-doing pavement on Wellington on the agenda that
does not ring my chimes. Am I missing something there.
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Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 17 May 2014 09:03
Or Nigel. He could try for Mayor again.
But maybe if we stick to town hall activities ?
There is something about re-doing pavement on Wellington on the agenda that
does not ring my chimes. Am I missing something there.
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Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 17 May 2014 09:03
The Fight Is On
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Have a Great Day":
Your reputation isn't as a shrinking violet.
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 16 May 2014 21:38
*********************
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Have a Great Day":
"Cowardice asks the question..."
...has this comment been removed by a blog administrator?
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 16 May 2014 21:44
Your reputation isn't as a shrinking violet.
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 16 May 2014 21:38
*********************
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Have a Great Day":
"Cowardice asks the question..."
...has this comment been removed by a blog administrator?
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 16 May 2014 21:44
************************
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Have a Great Day":
I think that the last comment you left on your previous post was so wishy-washy as to be insulting to your faithful followers, and even those who aren't faithful.
You alone know your better self although it's not the one I have come to know and admire over the years.
But it's your blog and you control what appears on it.
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 16 May 2014 22:24
***********************
I don't have to explain myself . I'm not sure I can in a way that would satisfy the above commentary.
When I write something, everyone knows .
When anonymous writes it, no-one does.
An anonymous writer is not in a position to call someone else a coward, a shrinking violet or wishy-washy.
We are at the beginning of a campaign. As a candidate. I am not in the habit of talking about what other candidates have or don't have to offer. People don't want to hear that from a candidate.
I am in the business of conveying my own ideas.
The immediate spate of reaction to Gallo's campaign declarations is telling.
A blog could be started as an outlet for reaction. But it can't be mine.
Candidate Ballard recommends only Gaertner and Gallo to residents in need of help who have difficulty reaching himself.
It tells a lot about Ballard sensibility. Does he need to borrow a shovel?
Did he learn from "the master" how to dig a hole so deep and so wide he may never climb out ?
Gallo reminds voters of abuse of various facilities and resources in the last term and his part in all of that. T'were best forgotten. Does he sound like he needs any help ?
I am neither a coward, a shrinking violet nor wishy-washy. I am engaged in a calling I understand very well.
Calling me names will not induce me to do something that does not recommend itself .
Unless I join the Mayoralty contest, Dawe and Gallo must duke it out between themselves.
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Have a Great Day":
I think that the last comment you left on your previous post was so wishy-washy as to be insulting to your faithful followers, and even those who aren't faithful.
You alone know your better self although it's not the one I have come to know and admire over the years.
But it's your blog and you control what appears on it.
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 16 May 2014 22:24
***********************
I don't have to explain myself . I'm not sure I can in a way that would satisfy the above commentary.
When I write something, everyone knows .
When anonymous writes it, no-one does.
An anonymous writer is not in a position to call someone else a coward, a shrinking violet or wishy-washy.
We are at the beginning of a campaign. As a candidate. I am not in the habit of talking about what other candidates have or don't have to offer. People don't want to hear that from a candidate.
I am in the business of conveying my own ideas.
The immediate spate of reaction to Gallo's campaign declarations is telling.
A blog could be started as an outlet for reaction. But it can't be mine.
Candidate Ballard recommends only Gaertner and Gallo to residents in need of help who have difficulty reaching himself.
It tells a lot about Ballard sensibility. Does he need to borrow a shovel?
Did he learn from "the master" how to dig a hole so deep and so wide he may never climb out ?
Gallo reminds voters of abuse of various facilities and resources in the last term and his part in all of that. T'were best forgotten. Does he sound like he needs any help ?
I am neither a coward, a shrinking violet nor wishy-washy. I am engaged in a calling I understand very well.
Calling me names will not induce me to do something that does not recommend itself .
Unless I join the Mayoralty contest, Dawe and Gallo must duke it out between themselves.
Friday, 16 May 2014
Have a Great Day
I can't do it.
If I publish every negative comment made about candidates the Blog will no longer be mine.
I hope I've removed all but the last comment about Councillor Gallo's bid for the Mayor's chair.
I left it becaause it reflects my better self.
I'm not saying I won't talk about election issues. But we'll take it one day at a time and we will
try and stay on the high road.
Now...today and every day...have a great day
If I publish every negative comment made about candidates the Blog will no longer be mine.
I hope I've removed all but the last comment about Councillor Gallo's bid for the Mayor's chair.
I left it becaause it reflects my better self.
I'm not saying I won't talk about election issues. But we'll take it one day at a time and we will
try and stay on the high road.
Now...today and every day...have a great day
Suspicions Arise
I have to say, despite my snippy remarks, I welcome Tim the Enchanter's contribution to the Blog.
Perticulaly when references to town records are provided.
I suspect The Enchanter is a professional; maybe in municipal service. It gives a valid reason for anonymity and also an unlikely candidate in our upcoming electio
Something was amiss with the computer yesterday. Everything wasn't coming through.
I sent a couple of notices of motion forward. One on the Farmers' Market Bylaw, the other on
employee vacation entitlement. Staff wanted me to have the current infrmation on vacation entitlement. It was sent but I didn't get it.
I did receive a copy of Monday's Heritage Advisory Committee Agenda with attachment. A report from the Heritage Planner, vetted by the Executive Leadership Team .appears to have been the main item of business.
I don't know why the committee received the report.
It notes the following:
General Committee received HAC Report No,14-001 on March 4,2014 and recommended the item be referred to a Public Planning Meeting . On April 23rd, the Public Planning Meeting waas held to receive comments from residents. Council directed staff to report to GENERAL COMMITTEE on May 20th 2014 addressing matters raised by the community at the Public Planning Meeting on April 23rd 2014.
The Heritage Advisory Committee had received recommendations from staff on Feb 14th and recommended the recommendations be deferred to the March 4th General Committee meeting
of Council.
I haven't seen the GC agenda yet . I'm informed however despite a substantial majority of property owners adamantly opposed to continuance on designation ,the Advisory Committee recommends Phase 2 of the Heritage Designation Study be undertaken.
I am truly at a loss to explain why H.A.C. received further opportunity to advise on the issue.
Or why, after the Public Planning Meeting when both sides received full opportunity to present arguments, proponents were given yet another chance at the H.A.C.meeting.
Opponents are now compelled to repeat their arguments as delegates at Tuesday's meeting.
Or why, when the Study was undertaken at the initial request of a minority of property owners, it has not been halted in the face of powerful opposition by a substantial majority.
Getting a decision through the public process is lengthy at the best of times .Mind deadening tedious at the worst.
But five times , February,March.April and twice in May is utter insanity.
It seems it never did have anything to do with a neighborhood objective.
One might even suspect the Heritage Advisory Committee is driving the bus.
Perticulaly when references to town records are provided.
I suspect The Enchanter is a professional; maybe in municipal service. It gives a valid reason for anonymity and also an unlikely candidate in our upcoming electio
Something was amiss with the computer yesterday. Everything wasn't coming through.
I sent a couple of notices of motion forward. One on the Farmers' Market Bylaw, the other on
employee vacation entitlement. Staff wanted me to have the current infrmation on vacation entitlement. It was sent but I didn't get it.
I did receive a copy of Monday's Heritage Advisory Committee Agenda with attachment. A report from the Heritage Planner, vetted by the Executive Leadership Team .appears to have been the main item of business.
I don't know why the committee received the report.
It notes the following:
General Committee received HAC Report No,14-001 on March 4,2014 and recommended the item be referred to a Public Planning Meeting . On April 23rd, the Public Planning Meeting waas held to receive comments from residents. Council directed staff to report to GENERAL COMMITTEE on May 20th 2014 addressing matters raised by the community at the Public Planning Meeting on April 23rd 2014.
The Heritage Advisory Committee had received recommendations from staff on Feb 14th and recommended the recommendations be deferred to the March 4th General Committee meeting
of Council.
I haven't seen the GC agenda yet . I'm informed however despite a substantial majority of property owners adamantly opposed to continuance on designation ,the Advisory Committee recommends Phase 2 of the Heritage Designation Study be undertaken.
I am truly at a loss to explain why H.A.C. received further opportunity to advise on the issue.
Or why, after the Public Planning Meeting when both sides received full opportunity to present arguments, proponents were given yet another chance at the H.A.C.meeting.
Opponents are now compelled to repeat their arguments as delegates at Tuesday's meeting.
Or why, when the Study was undertaken at the initial request of a minority of property owners, it has not been halted in the face of powerful opposition by a substantial majority.
Getting a decision through the public process is lengthy at the best of times .Mind deadening tedious at the worst.
But five times , February,March.April and twice in May is utter insanity.
It seems it never did have anything to do with a neighborhood objective.
One might even suspect the Heritage Advisory Committee is driving the bus.
Wednesday, 14 May 2014
It's scrumptious
Petch House was a rwin. The other was a chapel. Both were offered for sale by the developer and the chapel was bought.restored , sold and re-located to a property in cottage country.by Van Nostrand of Vandorf a craftsman of known competence.
Van Nostrand was brought in to advise on the house when it was still standing solid ,without a hole in the roof and could still have been moved in one piece to a new location. The estimate was a fraction of the eventual cost of restoration. The house was eventually in much worse condition.
When I returned to Council it had grown ever more forlorn and dilapidated , languishing at the side of the road for all to see.
My purpose was to provoke a decision one way or another. If anyone within a hundred miles was interested in receiving an original pioneer home, I meant them to hear it was theirs for the taking.
More years passed...funds dissipated ... still nothing accomplished.
A third new Council... fresh funds of $50,000 from the developer . .. and a location discovered.
The Petch family like many others had links in Aurora . The only real boundary was political. An initial donation of $18,000 had been made to encourage the municipality to save the house.
Political consequences were the only deterrent to changing my mind. I've never let that stop me before.
If there was value in the building in a dilapidated state, how much more would it be restored to original pristine condition.
If it attracted a buyer for more than was spent and was still preserved for posterity ,it wouldn't matter to me if ownership was public or private.
A family that cared enough to donate funds would be satisfied ,the preservation of heritage would be satisfied and something worthwhile accomplished.
We didn't do it just because we had the money to spend .
Give us credit for having the best intentions and finally finishing the job.
The most delicious part is now deciding how to use it.
Van Nostrand was brought in to advise on the house when it was still standing solid ,without a hole in the roof and could still have been moved in one piece to a new location. The estimate was a fraction of the eventual cost of restoration. The house was eventually in much worse condition.
When I returned to Council it had grown ever more forlorn and dilapidated , languishing at the side of the road for all to see.
My purpose was to provoke a decision one way or another. If anyone within a hundred miles was interested in receiving an original pioneer home, I meant them to hear it was theirs for the taking.
More years passed...funds dissipated ... still nothing accomplished.
A third new Council... fresh funds of $50,000 from the developer . .. and a location discovered.
The Petch family like many others had links in Aurora . The only real boundary was political. An initial donation of $18,000 had been made to encourage the municipality to save the house.
Political consequences were the only deterrent to changing my mind. I've never let that stop me before.
If there was value in the building in a dilapidated state, how much more would it be restored to original pristine condition.
If it attracted a buyer for more than was spent and was still preserved for posterity ,it wouldn't matter to me if ownership was public or private.
A family that cared enough to donate funds would be satisfied ,the preservation of heritage would be satisfied and something worthwhile accomplished.
We didn't do it just because we had the money to spend .
Give us credit for having the best intentions and finally finishing the job.
The most delicious part is now deciding how to use it.
The last word wasn't
I resolved to take a day off. Yesterday was frenetic. Two or more streams of thought evolved running alongside each other.
I have washed the dishes ,wiped off stove and counter tops and swept the kitchen floor.
I can work on the computer without seeing the kitchen but I feel better knowing it's tidy.
If someone knocks on the door I don't need to worry about their impression of my lack of organizational skills as a housekeeper. Those who come into my house without knocking are already aware of my housekeeping deficits. They don't care either.
I don't make coffee. Coffee is brought to me.
I resolved to have the last word on the Petch House yesterday Tim the Enchanter got a bit lippy.
Well it's my blog. If I didn't write it he would not be so well informed. I'm not about to let anyone push me around in my own blog.
He's not the boss of me.
Comments turned positive after the "last word" and I had to respond.
The troll under the bridge who comes out regularly and sighs and yawns and complains about me and the blog being boring ,tedious, repetitious and non-factual came out again.
You would think she would just stay under the f--ing bridge when light on a subject is obviously a problem for her.
Now the words "rude , crass and unbecoming " will be added to the list of my failings.. Narcissistic
is another favorite. Apparently there is no sense of self which is probably the reason no name is attached.
"If I don't tell, it means you can't prove I'm real and you can't pin anything on me"
It's odd how the name of Christopher Watts upsets some. David Heard seems to have the same effect in quarters.Most communities have room for personalities. Aurora does too. It just seems some people can't help getting knickers in a twist if things don't stay carefully arranged to create an exact picture of equanimity.
I have washed the dishes ,wiped off stove and counter tops and swept the kitchen floor.
I can work on the computer without seeing the kitchen but I feel better knowing it's tidy.
If someone knocks on the door I don't need to worry about their impression of my lack of organizational skills as a housekeeper. Those who come into my house without knocking are already aware of my housekeeping deficits. They don't care either.
I don't make coffee. Coffee is brought to me.
I resolved to have the last word on the Petch House yesterday Tim the Enchanter got a bit lippy.
Well it's my blog. If I didn't write it he would not be so well informed. I'm not about to let anyone push me around in my own blog.
He's not the boss of me.
Comments turned positive after the "last word" and I had to respond.
The troll under the bridge who comes out regularly and sighs and yawns and complains about me and the blog being boring ,tedious, repetitious and non-factual came out again.
You would think she would just stay under the f--ing bridge when light on a subject is obviously a problem for her.
Now the words "rude , crass and unbecoming " will be added to the list of my failings.. Narcissistic
is another favorite. Apparently there is no sense of self which is probably the reason no name is attached.
"If I don't tell, it means you can't prove I'm real and you can't pin anything on me"
It's odd how the name of Christopher Watts upsets some. David Heard seems to have the same effect in quarters.Most communities have room for personalities. Aurora does too. It just seems some people can't help getting knickers in a twist if things don't stay carefully arranged to create an exact picture of equanimity.
Guest Post ...Christopher Watts
Christopher Watts has left a new comment on your post "Question of the day":
Actually I have an understanding of how the Aurora Historical Society has spent grant money over the past 4 years.
That's not to say that it was easy to gain such an understanding. Their website is a joke, reports are usually only provided to the 20 or so odd in attendance at their annual general meetings and they are not as comprehensive as what is provided to council their primary funding source.
From the society's own recent history I have no idea why council was so complacent in continuing to hand over, now $70,000 in the 2014 budget cycle when the AHS has jettisoned the Aurora Collection to the town and significant problems with respect to sustainability were highlighted prompting council to agree it "needs to have a discussion".
No discussion has taken place since the budget back in February. No discussion is in sight, as the Mayor seems to be expecting it only to take place if a notice of motion is made, failing to provide the leadership to bring one forward himself.
If the Petch House is the tip of the iceberg then the Aurora Historical Society is the Titanic. $70,000 lifeboats aren't going to do anything to alter its course.
Actually I have an understanding of how the Aurora Historical Society has spent grant money over the past 4 years.
That's not to say that it was easy to gain such an understanding. Their website is a joke, reports are usually only provided to the 20 or so odd in attendance at their annual general meetings and they are not as comprehensive as what is provided to council their primary funding source.
From the society's own recent history I have no idea why council was so complacent in continuing to hand over, now $70,000 in the 2014 budget cycle when the AHS has jettisoned the Aurora Collection to the town and significant problems with respect to sustainability were highlighted prompting council to agree it "needs to have a discussion".
No discussion has taken place since the budget back in February. No discussion is in sight, as the Mayor seems to be expecting it only to take place if a notice of motion is made, failing to provide the leadership to bring one forward himself.
If the Petch House is the tip of the iceberg then the Aurora Historical Society is the Titanic. $70,000 lifeboats aren't going to do anything to alter its course.
Tuesday, 13 May 2014
Question of the day
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "The Solution Is Imminent":
Tool/potting shed for the arboretum?
***************
This comment reminds me. The Arboretum group bought a prefabricated shed with the first year of $100.000. grant. They also let a contract for weeding flower beds.
The shed cost $47,000 or thereabouts. The next year somebody backed the tractor into the door jamb
I tell you to create relevance and because I heard an Arboretum member has adamantly declared "not a penny more for the Petch House"
Another year's biggie was $75,000. worth of landscaping on a slope from the back of the Family Leisure Complex. Big rocks transported to the site and lots of soil replacement.
The Arboretun are a small group of volunteeers with ambitious plans to create something beautiful in the ravine that ends at the Petch House. They've probably received half a million dollars and spent it with never a quibble from the public.
The Historical Society receive an average annual grant of $70,000. . Nobody outside of the Society has any idea how its spent.
The Culture Board receives increased funding every year. ;this year just about $400,000. They have free use of a facility that cost millions to renovate for another purpose, All utilities and maintenance are provided . The Board self-selects and meets in secret .
There;s never any hesitation about doling out tax funds.
I could go on and on listing dissipation this way and that. I will.
Two "studies " cost more than was spent restoring the Petch House.
The Strategic Plan Study cost $80,000. The Heritage Designation for the S.E. District cost $67,000.
Nothing is seen to have been accomplished that could not without them.
Petch House is real.
What about legal fees to advise on rudimentaray decisions ? Cell tower erected with legal authority
for example. Should we go to court to compel a developer to sell land for a fraction of its value
for purposes unknown.
Consult fees for a $ multi millions fantasy heritage park, gifting land to a university, an all-season facility for a private tennis club,
I do not suggest funds spent on Petch House are either trivial or irrelevant.
I do however suggest it's the tip of the iceberg.
If we can't control profligate tax and spend practice in this small Ontario town and we don't ,why should we expect discipline at the higher levels ?
It's my question for the day.
Tool/potting shed for the arboretum?
***************
This comment reminds me. The Arboretum group bought a prefabricated shed with the first year of $100.000. grant. They also let a contract for weeding flower beds.
The shed cost $47,000 or thereabouts. The next year somebody backed the tractor into the door jamb
I tell you to create relevance and because I heard an Arboretum member has adamantly declared "not a penny more for the Petch House"
Another year's biggie was $75,000. worth of landscaping on a slope from the back of the Family Leisure Complex. Big rocks transported to the site and lots of soil replacement.
The Arboretun are a small group of volunteeers with ambitious plans to create something beautiful in the ravine that ends at the Petch House. They've probably received half a million dollars and spent it with never a quibble from the public.
The Historical Society receive an average annual grant of $70,000. . Nobody outside of the Society has any idea how its spent.
The Culture Board receives increased funding every year. ;this year just about $400,000. They have free use of a facility that cost millions to renovate for another purpose, All utilities and maintenance are provided . The Board self-selects and meets in secret .
There;s never any hesitation about doling out tax funds.
I could go on and on listing dissipation this way and that. I will.
Two "studies " cost more than was spent restoring the Petch House.
The Strategic Plan Study cost $80,000. The Heritage Designation for the S.E. District cost $67,000.
Nothing is seen to have been accomplished that could not without them.
Petch House is real.
What about legal fees to advise on rudimentaray decisions ? Cell tower erected with legal authority
for example. Should we go to court to compel a developer to sell land for a fraction of its value
for purposes unknown.
Consult fees for a $ multi millions fantasy heritage park, gifting land to a university, an all-season facility for a private tennis club,
I do not suggest funds spent on Petch House are either trivial or irrelevant.
I do however suggest it's the tip of the iceberg.
If we can't control profligate tax and spend practice in this small Ontario town and we don't ,why should we expect discipline at the higher levels ?
It's my question for the day.
Novelty or Innovation
After I finished the last post,I re-called Greg Sorbara was s Liberal MLA for the Riding as well for aa while. I don't know how many terms.
His name probably slipped my mind because we never saw much of him in this neck of the woods.
Not even during an election campaign.He didn't have much need for the votes up here.
Noticed he was named Chancellor of York University immediately after the University choae their own doorstep for a satellite campus.
There's no reason why there should be a connection
But the whole business of satellite seems odd. Why not a new university.?
Unless ...Holy Toledo Batman...they might be thinking about saving on cost of administration.
Wouldn't that be a novelty?
The Solution Is Imminent
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Let's See You Try":
I'm curious about what caused your '180' on this. You were singing an entirely different tune three years ago. From the Banner:
"Councillor Evelyn Buck, on the other hand, wasn’t quite so enthusiastic about the idea, exclaiming, “With any luck, the damn thing will crumble to pieces where it sits.”
The town has unsuccessfully tried to find a use for the building since 2003, she said, adding its original location makes it a part of the Township of Whitchurch’s history rather than Aurora’s."
******************
I know I said it would be the last word but I can't resist this.
I said everything reported in The Banner and a lot more besides . I indicated I might poke it with my cane and bring the building crumbling down. Had I been using a scooter at the time I might have threatened to bulldoze it with my trusty chariot.
It wasn't so much a "use", as a party interested in taking the building that couldn't be found. I made several suggestions to draw attention to the dilemma.
The offer of $50,000 from the developer brought cause for pause.
A location within a park came forward at the same time.
It was understood it would be hard to reverse my position. It was also known I was the only one reckless enough to take the risk.
$50,000 is a substantial sum. That might be the cost of removing the building and have nothing to show.
I remember thinking, if we restore it and give it prominence,someone might be interested in paying a good price.
That's still a possibility. But I don't think it's the right one.
I like the house where it sits. Heat and light and toilet facilities can be provided at no great capital outlay.
I have no idea why colleagues are hesitant but I'm certain a decision will be made soon.
If I were President I would turn the building over to the Special Events co-ordinator to-morrow and have a conference with her about possibilities the day after.
No further farting about.
I'm curious about what caused your '180' on this. You were singing an entirely different tune three years ago. From the Banner:
"Councillor Evelyn Buck, on the other hand, wasn’t quite so enthusiastic about the idea, exclaiming, “With any luck, the damn thing will crumble to pieces where it sits.”
The town has unsuccessfully tried to find a use for the building since 2003, she said, adding its original location makes it a part of the Township of Whitchurch’s history rather than Aurora’s."
******************
I know I said it would be the last word but I can't resist this.
I said everything reported in The Banner and a lot more besides . I indicated I might poke it with my cane and bring the building crumbling down. Had I been using a scooter at the time I might have threatened to bulldoze it with my trusty chariot.
It wasn't so much a "use", as a party interested in taking the building that couldn't be found. I made several suggestions to draw attention to the dilemma.
The offer of $50,000 from the developer brought cause for pause.
A location within a park came forward at the same time.
It was understood it would be hard to reverse my position. It was also known I was the only one reckless enough to take the risk.
$50,000 is a substantial sum. That might be the cost of removing the building and have nothing to show.
I remember thinking, if we restore it and give it prominence,someone might be interested in paying a good price.
That's still a possibility. But I don't think it's the right one.
I like the house where it sits. Heat and light and toilet facilities can be provided at no great capital outlay.
I have no idea why colleagues are hesitant but I'm certain a decision will be made soon.
If I were President I would turn the building over to the Special Events co-ordinator to-morrow and have a conference with her about possibilities the day after.
No further farting about.
Pun-a-magic .Is 2 cents real currency any more.
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Guest Post ....From the mouths of babes":
The Guest Post here fails to show that the blog page also has a copy of the motion to suspend pay. The motion was brought forward by....
Councillor Ballard.
So, at least he had the balls to start the process.
**********************
The motion read like a proclamation of candidacy with the name mentioned in every whereas.
The record might show I moved the motion.
When I thought of it later, I realized it wasn't particularly sensible. That happens in the heat of the moment.
Changing the computer program to accommodate the motion is probably more trouble than merit.
The Councillor could simply refund remuneration for the month.... quietly without drawing attention to his noble deed.
Silly me. Then the object of the exercise would not be accomplished.
We do all know who is managing his campaign and directing his strategy don't we?
That should help him a lot.
I think most of Council are Liberals. A dilemma presents.
The Minister of Health visited last week claiming the Riding as traditional Liberal.
It's not at all.
Conservative Major Lex Mackenzie of Woodbridge was the MLA forever. Former King Township Reeve and County Warden Bill Hodgson followed as Conservative MLA for several terms after the Major.
Liberal Charles Beer of Newmarket held it for a couple of terms . But that was because he was personally very well regarded.
Conservative Frank Klees has held it four terms.
The Minister of Health was mis-informed
It's a compact Riding.
Newmarket historically inclines Liberal but Aurora leans Conservative.It's the Irish Catholic and Scottish Presbyterian influence.
Jane Twinney carries a Liberal name but the Conservative Banner. As a Newmarket Councillor, she has earned a solid reputation in her own right. It will be needed because the Honorable Tim Hudak will be no help.
Anyone who thinks Candidate Ballard "has it made in the shade" is obviously blinded by the hot air and glare of intense sunlight.
It's a wonder he's not recommending the former Mayor as alternate in his absence from Council ; such is his adulation.
It's my impression voters are champing at the bit to throw the bastards out.
Voters generally don't take kindly to being taken for fools.
They take revenge.
The Honorable Kathleen Wynn may understand that very well but there's not a lot she can do
at this stage of the game . The phoney-baloney budget rubbed salt in the wounds.
The NDP will likely find someone to carry their banner. There's always a brave soul willing. Unfortunately, it will be an enormously strenuous wasted effort in this riding.
It's going to be a short ride, Not the least bit bumpy
The Guest Post here fails to show that the blog page also has a copy of the motion to suspend pay. The motion was brought forward by....
Councillor Ballard.
So, at least he had the balls to start the process.
**********************
The motion read like a proclamation of candidacy with the name mentioned in every whereas.
The record might show I moved the motion.
When I thought of it later, I realized it wasn't particularly sensible. That happens in the heat of the moment.
Changing the computer program to accommodate the motion is probably more trouble than merit.
The Councillor could simply refund remuneration for the month.... quietly without drawing attention to his noble deed.
Silly me. Then the object of the exercise would not be accomplished.
We do all know who is managing his campaign and directing his strategy don't we?
That should help him a lot.
I think most of Council are Liberals. A dilemma presents.
The Minister of Health visited last week claiming the Riding as traditional Liberal.
It's not at all.
Conservative Major Lex Mackenzie of Woodbridge was the MLA forever. Former King Township Reeve and County Warden Bill Hodgson followed as Conservative MLA for several terms after the Major.
Liberal Charles Beer of Newmarket held it for a couple of terms . But that was because he was personally very well regarded.
Conservative Frank Klees has held it four terms.
The Minister of Health was mis-informed
It's a compact Riding.
Newmarket historically inclines Liberal but Aurora leans Conservative.It's the Irish Catholic and Scottish Presbyterian influence.
Jane Twinney carries a Liberal name but the Conservative Banner. As a Newmarket Councillor, she has earned a solid reputation in her own right. It will be needed because the Honorable Tim Hudak will be no help.
Anyone who thinks Candidate Ballard "has it made in the shade" is obviously blinded by the hot air and glare of intense sunlight.
It's a wonder he's not recommending the former Mayor as alternate in his absence from Council ; such is his adulation.
It's my impression voters are champing at the bit to throw the bastards out.
Voters generally don't take kindly to being taken for fools.
They take revenge.
The Honorable Kathleen Wynn may understand that very well but there's not a lot she can do
at this stage of the game . The phoney-baloney budget rubbed salt in the wounds.
The NDP will likely find someone to carry their banner. There's always a brave soul willing. Unfortunately, it will be an enormously strenuous wasted effort in this riding.
It's going to be a short ride, Not the least bit bumpy
Guest Post ....From the mouths of babes
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Let's See You Try":
This kind of stuff just makes me laugh. Off topic but we clearly see where Councillor Ballard stands. (I know Evelyn this is just water off a duck's back).
On his current & apparently last posting at chrisballard.ca (until after the provincial election) he states:
"Aurora Town Council has unanimously agreed to suspend my remuneration during the election period. I will remain available to residents if they have a concern. If I can't immediately help, I'll find someone who can. Two councillors who have been particularly effective in working with Aurora residents are John Gallo and Wendy Gaertner. Click a name to send them an email."
Everyone is entitled to their opinion and so there's his opinion of the rest of council.
What's this a payback endorsement? What a way to build bridges. Good luck to him if he ever wants to work with the Town Council from a higher level.
Like he said when he got into office "Let the games begin."
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 13 May 2014 10:36
This kind of stuff just makes me laugh. Off topic but we clearly see where Councillor Ballard stands. (I know Evelyn this is just water off a duck's back).
On his current & apparently last posting at chrisballard.ca (until after the provincial election) he states:
"Aurora Town Council has unanimously agreed to suspend my remuneration during the election period. I will remain available to residents if they have a concern. If I can't immediately help, I'll find someone who can. Two councillors who have been particularly effective in working with Aurora residents are John Gallo and Wendy Gaertner. Click a name to send them an email."
Everyone is entitled to their opinion and so there's his opinion of the rest of council.
What's this a payback endorsement? What a way to build bridges. Good luck to him if he ever wants to work with the Town Council from a higher level.
Like he said when he got into office "Let the games begin."
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 13 May 2014 10:36
Let's See You Try
Because this is my Blog,I am going to have the last word on the Petch House.
The building was habitable for almost a century and a half.
Despite sitting at the roadside like a pile of garbage, rotting lumber, several generations of animal carcasses, feces and mould that had to be scraped off walls and floors with shovels by men wearing masks then taken carefully apart ,piece by piece because it could no longer be moved whole, the building is restored to exactly how it was ,except without an attic.
It could have been done for half the price had the decision been made when it was originally moved from its footings.
There was no use nor place for it when the town required the developer to put it down at the side of the road.
We have a heritage planning department to advise Council in these matters.
It's how things happen...or not... when numbers are making the decisions with advice from experts.
Never said it was easy. My hair was black when I became a politician. See how the experience has aged me.
The building will not be a rotting pile again in five or ten years.
It was taken apart with extraordinary care by town workmen.
Logs beyond repair were replaced with sussed out lumber of similar vintage. Others were repaired with artisan skill.
It is re-built exactly as it was .The same materials. the same construction.
Logs are once again protected with clapboard cladding milled for the purpose.
Windows are custom made.
Already it's a decade older. In another century and a half , it will be three hundred
years old.
If it ever needs to be moved again, the job will be simpler. If need be, it could be sold.
In the meantime, it stands to the credit or shame of those who did and did and have not made timely decisions.
And that's how it is in our system of government.
It's the worst there is except for all the rest.
If you think you can make a difference. this is the year to try.
Monday, 12 May 2014
Petch House Once Again
Tim the Enchanter has left a new comment on your post "The Perennial Question....":
Too bad they didn't have this conversation BEFORE they blew our money on the Petch House.
If there were no takers then it should have been hauled away to the landfill.
Oh well.
Live and learn.
*********************
It seems you may not have been here long.
I was re-elected in 2003 The Petch House had been carried on steel beams and plunked down on cinder blocks at the east side of Leslie Street some time before.
It was there by requirement of the town by subdivision agreement with the developer who bought the land it occupied since mid -eighteen hundreds.
$100,000 was budgeted and had been there for restoration in previous years.The building had been occupied until its move.
Most of the clap-board cladding had been replaced with insulbrick . Since it's move the insulbrick had mostly peeled off and blown away.
Racoons tore a hole in the roof. Tarpaulins tied down to keep out the elements ,blew like a ship's sail in the wind.
Logs never intended to be exposed gradually rotted away from the corners and the building became more and more dilapidated.
A donation of $18,000 from a private source was dis-claimed eventually.
For three years and then another four, the talk went in circles.
Original estimates from a local renovation expert were not accepted.
Funds were spent on new estimates also not accepted.
$8000. more were spent on an engineering consultant who calculated renovation would cost in excess of $400.000.
Annual motions to remove $100,000. from the budget failed.
On the understanding the developer was on the hook for transportation ,foundation utilities and driveway access ,the building was offered first to the Heritage Foundation,then the town's junior baseball association for equipment storage
There were no takers.
A meeting with the developer established a further $50.000. available for however the town wanted to spend it on the Petch House and that would be the end of it.
An election was held. Disposition of the Petch House was a first outstanding matter dealt with.
A location had become available. The project could be completed with funds available.
The decision was made. The building now sits on a concrete slab, pretty as a picture , completely authentic in appearance to when first built all those many years ago.
Power is hooked up. Wiring remains to be installed to wherever outlets are needed.
The Village of Machell's Corners was established at the intersection of Yonge Street and the Aurora Sideroad
Political boundaries meant little to farming families and village residents in the days.
The house is part of local history. To say it isn't Aurora's is but a quibble.
To second -guess a decision made in 2011,after eight years of no decision and funds spent with nothing accomplished, is as much a waste of time as all the years it took to finally make a decision.
The house cannot be replaced at any price.
A settler family celebrated all of life's events there for several generations
It's not hallowed space.
But we have it now. Let us respect it and use it well.
No doubt settler families who knew the joy and suffered the sorrow would have been pleased to know their memory lives on.
Petch house is sheltered on a low spot on Lambert Wilson's farm a few yards north of Aurora Sideroad. A mile or so west and south-side of the original location.
Let us enjoy it and take pride in what we did.
I think our children may think well of the decision.
Too bad they didn't have this conversation BEFORE they blew our money on the Petch House.
If there were no takers then it should have been hauled away to the landfill.
Oh well.
Live and learn.
*********************
It seems you may not have been here long.
I was re-elected in 2003 The Petch House had been carried on steel beams and plunked down on cinder blocks at the east side of Leslie Street some time before.
It was there by requirement of the town by subdivision agreement with the developer who bought the land it occupied since mid -eighteen hundreds.
$100,000 was budgeted and had been there for restoration in previous years.The building had been occupied until its move.
Most of the clap-board cladding had been replaced with insulbrick . Since it's move the insulbrick had mostly peeled off and blown away.
Racoons tore a hole in the roof. Tarpaulins tied down to keep out the elements ,blew like a ship's sail in the wind.
Logs never intended to be exposed gradually rotted away from the corners and the building became more and more dilapidated.
A donation of $18,000 from a private source was dis-claimed eventually.
For three years and then another four, the talk went in circles.
Original estimates from a local renovation expert were not accepted.
Funds were spent on new estimates also not accepted.
$8000. more were spent on an engineering consultant who calculated renovation would cost in excess of $400.000.
Annual motions to remove $100,000. from the budget failed.
On the understanding the developer was on the hook for transportation ,foundation utilities and driveway access ,the building was offered first to the Heritage Foundation,then the town's junior baseball association for equipment storage
There were no takers.
A meeting with the developer established a further $50.000. available for however the town wanted to spend it on the Petch House and that would be the end of it.
An election was held. Disposition of the Petch House was a first outstanding matter dealt with.
A location had become available. The project could be completed with funds available.
The decision was made. The building now sits on a concrete slab, pretty as a picture , completely authentic in appearance to when first built all those many years ago.
Power is hooked up. Wiring remains to be installed to wherever outlets are needed.
The Village of Machell's Corners was established at the intersection of Yonge Street and the Aurora Sideroad
Political boundaries meant little to farming families and village residents in the days.
The house is part of local history. To say it isn't Aurora's is but a quibble.
To second -guess a decision made in 2011,after eight years of no decision and funds spent with nothing accomplished, is as much a waste of time as all the years it took to finally make a decision.
The house cannot be replaced at any price.
A settler family celebrated all of life's events there for several generations
It's not hallowed space.
But we have it now. Let us respect it and use it well.
No doubt settler families who knew the joy and suffered the sorrow would have been pleased to know their memory lives on.
Petch house is sheltered on a low spot on Lambert Wilson's farm a few yards north of Aurora Sideroad. A mile or so west and south-side of the original location.
Let us enjoy it and take pride in what we did.
I think our children may think well of the decision.
The Perennial Question....
The last Council direction was for staff to come up with ideas for use of the building.
No report has come forward yet.
Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean everybody isn't out t get me.
Sometimes it seems if I put forward an idea ,it can't be adopted for fear I might get credit.
If the idea has merit, Council earns the credit for a positive outcome.
The supreme irony of this Council has been pushing and shoving of grandiose schemes for
maximum credit to particular entities, months of extravagant effort of time and resources and not much at all to show at the end of four years.
This Council started off with the best will in the world . The community has watched aghast while it was all blown on unreal and unappreciated fantasy. Stupid stuff.
My idea was multifaceted. Petch House is the perfect crucible for trying things out.
Apart from toilet facilities and wiring outlets, no further capital cost expenditure is required.
The Seniors have a wood work shop. The town's carpenter is an artisan. A treasure in fact.
Apparently I used the words " tourist centre". I might just as easily have said Visitors Centre. Our population has changed substantially over the years. Families have visitors from other places. They are nearest thing to tourists we will ever see.
Souvenirs unique to Aurora can only be created by artists and artisans encouraged to produce pantings.carvings, small quilts and sculptures .whatever, for a niche market.Maybe the building could be the centre for creative ideas. There is never shortage of talented people only a shortage of opportunity to make a living.
Why is it possible for crazy stuff to win support while practical ideas are destined to wither on the vine?
No report has come forward yet.
Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean everybody isn't out t get me.
Sometimes it seems if I put forward an idea ,it can't be adopted for fear I might get credit.
If the idea has merit, Council earns the credit for a positive outcome.
The supreme irony of this Council has been pushing and shoving of grandiose schemes for
maximum credit to particular entities, months of extravagant effort of time and resources and not much at all to show at the end of four years.
This Council started off with the best will in the world . The community has watched aghast while it was all blown on unreal and unappreciated fantasy. Stupid stuff.
My idea was multifaceted. Petch House is the perfect crucible for trying things out.
Apart from toilet facilities and wiring outlets, no further capital cost expenditure is required.
The Seniors have a wood work shop. The town's carpenter is an artisan. A treasure in fact.
Apparently I used the words " tourist centre". I might just as easily have said Visitors Centre. Our population has changed substantially over the years. Families have visitors from other places. They are nearest thing to tourists we will ever see.
Souvenirs unique to Aurora can only be created by artists and artisans encouraged to produce pantings.carvings, small quilts and sculptures .whatever, for a niche market.Maybe the building could be the centre for creative ideas. There is never shortage of talented people only a shortage of opportunity to make a living.
Why is it possible for crazy stuff to win support while practical ideas are destined to wither on the vine?
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