It was the year I lost my mother. I was aware of what was going on around me but my heart was elsewhere.
It was the year la merde hit the fan over Heritage Trust of Ontario's ideas for the Ann Bartley Smith lands in the south west of Aurora.
It was Councillor Phyllis Morris' second year of a first term in office.
The year Mr. and Mrs. MacEachern of South Aurora were in the forefront of a cause celebre.
The year Susan Walmer entered the scene and S.W.A.T, South West Aurora Taxpayers organized to do battle against the forces of evil so dominant in our fair town.
Ontario Heritage Trust was a villain. Fair maiden, tied to the railroad tracks by evil landlord in black cape and pointed, curling moustache, being the Ann Bartley Smith lands.
The issue emerged again on Tuesday evening at Council in a recommendation for a custodial agreement for the lands be formulated between Aurora and Ontario Heritage Trust.
The agreement would provide for the Town to be responsible for maintenance of the property and assume liability for all who might use it without enjoying any of the authority and benefits of ownership.
The Ontario Heritage Trust would be relieved of all responsibility for maintenance and liability for any person who might use it while continuing to enjoy full benefits of ownership and authority.
The Mayor argued it's a good deal. Councillors Granger and Gaertner waxed eloquently on a wonderful opportunity.
Councillor Mac Eachern declared a Conflict of Interest.
Conflict Of Interest means a Councillor has a pecuniary(financial) interest in the outcome of any decision. It's difficult to comprehend how that might happen over land in the public domain.
But...there it is.
Also participating in the discussion, a resident, Mr. Guy Poppe, who was involved in 1992 and continues to be passionately concerned the lands be used by the people of Aurora as intended by
their former owner Ann Bartley Smith, now deceased.
Added to the documentation, two e-mails of support from residents rallied to the cause.
So... history was resurrected. Idid it. The Mayor thanked me. She just happened to have Ann Bartley Smith's will on hand The Mayor declared the lady's dying wish was the lands be held in trust for all time for the benefit of the people of Aurora.
The Mayor re-called she had been a member of a committee struck by Council of three members and three residents to deal with the issue.
And further re-called how she had resigned from the committee because the matter was being discussed behind closed doors. Former Councillor Bill Hogg took her place, she noted.
Mr. Poppe said Heritage Trust maintained they had the right to sell the land to developers for $9 million and intended doing so..
Mr. Poppe is a retired solicitor. He passionately contends Heritage Trust has no such right
and council should be vigilant to ensure the land be kept in perpetuity for the benefit of the people as intended by its original owner.
I had a dim recollection of the matter. I doubted Council of the day and Ontario Heritage Trust were the villainous rascals as portrayed.
On Tuesday, I asked Mr. Poppe, if Ann Bartley Smith had intended the people of Aurora to enjoy the lands in perpetuity, why did she not just give the lands to Aurora instead of Ontario Heritage Trust?
At one point, Mr. Poppe introduced the figure of $9 million dollars into the discussion.
Remember that.
Now.... here is what I understand. When an agreement is made between a property owner and Ontario Heritage Trust, a full and current appraisal of the property is made and credited as tax relief to the erstwhile owner.
Ownership is transferred in consideration of a full and current appraisal.
That's important.
That represents a sale.
Not a Gift or a Donation or a Bequest.
It's a sale.
A municipality has no authority to grant tax relief. It must be assumed the sale price for the land took precedence over any sentimental notion that the people should have full and free access to the lands for ever more. If they ended up with that advantage, that was a bonus. I daresay one could plead that at the pearly gates. It might make it easier to get through the eye of the needle despite having once possessed all that wealth.
A development designation on the land would have formed part of the appraised value. That's almighty expensive for the government to be paying out without consideration of a return.
The land was pre-serviced for development.
I have not seen the will. I understand no strings were attached to the deal with the province. .
On Tuesday, Mr Poppe referred to Ontario Heritage Trust's intention to sell "the land to developers". He named the figure of $9 million. He argued vigorously, they did not have the right.
I have learned, the proposal from Ontario Heritage Trust was to transfer sixty-three acres of land to the town and sell thirty acres of pre-serviced land for development.
Now the question is:
Did the Province agree to pay $9 million from taxpayers resources, for land with a development designation, on the understanding it could be recovered, while the sixty-three remaining acres could be transferred to the municipality for the full and free access and enjoyment of her inhabitants?
Was that the real deal?
Was the controversy deliberately created based on misrepresentation of the facts?
Did the Councillor privy to the details not understand them or were they deliberately misrepresented for wholly political purposes?
Well...Well...Well
We have seen this game played before.
What goes around comes around.
Thursday, 22 April 2010
The Code Again
Clause 11 Harassment
Harassment of another Council Member, staff or any member of the public is prohibited under the Human Rights Code and the Town's Administrative Procedure 44 -- Harassment Free Workplace.
It is the policy of the town that all persons be treated with dignity and respect in the workplace in an environment free of discrimination and of personal and /or sexual harassment
I am hoping for no further e-mails from Councillor Wilson similar to the one I cut and pasted yesterday. I don't feel good about doing that. It's getting pretty close to his level of function.
It is only one aspect of his personality. He is a compassionate man in many respects and I do seem to bring out the worst in him. It dates all the way back to 2003,when I came back after an absence of thirteen years and was elected. He wasn't after two immediately previous attempts.
I cite Clause 11 of the Code to make another point.
I consider the e-mail harassment and disrespect. It is not a solitary example.
Councillor Wilson is a fierce advocate of the Code. "Bring it on" he said, when the possibility of punishment was explained.
I laughed and said "It's a double-edged sword, you know. You too can be caught in the Code."
But they lusted for revenge against me for being more open and transparent than anything they had bargained . Also determined not to listen to anything I had to say.
In politics, all manner of human failings are likely to be let loose. It's why we have Rules of Order. They are intended to ensure dignity and respect. Providing, the presiding member is competent and understands their purpose. Impartiality is another requirement.
That's a joke.
Councillor Wilson's e-mail is at one and the same time, a complaint against the code and an affidavit
I could file it and a dozen others against the Councillor.I could provide employment for our Integrity Commissioner for his retainer from the treasury ,whether earned or not, for a number of months.
There are video tapes of Council Meetings. The Mayor's regular comportment of sneering condescension in my direction and less so towards Councillors McRoberts and Collins Mrakas is often commented by people who watch meetings on Cable.
Cameras don't lie.
The Code prohibits such behaviour.
The Code requires Councillors to read and understand the Code and sign two copies to signify to the community these are the standards to which they are committed.
Ample evidence indicates they are not.
The Code requires Councillors to regularly review the document and remind themselves of their
signed commitment.
Ongoing E-mails and public comportment indicate they do not. If they read it, they clearly do not comprehend it.
Yet there can be no doubt, appointment of an Integrity Commissioner for the remaining months of the term signifies Council's intention for individual Member's conduct to be submitted to his judgment prior to the election.
What is a girl to do?
Just what I am doing, I think.
.
Harassment of another Council Member, staff or any member of the public is prohibited under the Human Rights Code and the Town's Administrative Procedure 44 -- Harassment Free Workplace.
It is the policy of the town that all persons be treated with dignity and respect in the workplace in an environment free of discrimination and of personal and /or sexual harassment
I am hoping for no further e-mails from Councillor Wilson similar to the one I cut and pasted yesterday. I don't feel good about doing that. It's getting pretty close to his level of function.
It is only one aspect of his personality. He is a compassionate man in many respects and I do seem to bring out the worst in him. It dates all the way back to 2003,when I came back after an absence of thirteen years and was elected. He wasn't after two immediately previous attempts.
I cite Clause 11 of the Code to make another point.
I consider the e-mail harassment and disrespect. It is not a solitary example.
Councillor Wilson is a fierce advocate of the Code. "Bring it on" he said, when the possibility of punishment was explained.
I laughed and said "It's a double-edged sword, you know. You too can be caught in the Code."
But they lusted for revenge against me for being more open and transparent than anything they had bargained . Also determined not to listen to anything I had to say.
In politics, all manner of human failings are likely to be let loose. It's why we have Rules of Order. They are intended to ensure dignity and respect. Providing, the presiding member is competent and understands their purpose. Impartiality is another requirement.
That's a joke.
Councillor Wilson's e-mail is at one and the same time, a complaint against the code and an affidavit
I could file it and a dozen others against the Councillor.I could provide employment for our Integrity Commissioner for his retainer from the treasury ,whether earned or not, for a number of months.
There are video tapes of Council Meetings. The Mayor's regular comportment of sneering condescension in my direction and less so towards Councillors McRoberts and Collins Mrakas is often commented by people who watch meetings on Cable.
Cameras don't lie.
The Code prohibits such behaviour.
The Code requires Councillors to read and understand the Code and sign two copies to signify to the community these are the standards to which they are committed.
Ample evidence indicates they are not.
The Code requires Councillors to regularly review the document and remind themselves of their
signed commitment.
Ongoing E-mails and public comportment indicate they do not. If they read it, they clearly do not comprehend it.
Yet there can be no doubt, appointment of an Integrity Commissioner for the remaining months of the term signifies Council's intention for individual Member's conduct to be submitted to his judgment prior to the election.
What is a girl to do?
Just what I am doing, I think.
.
Wednesday, 21 April 2010
The Mayor's Input
Thank you for explaining and clarifying the facts that
Staff are pro-actively ensuring that the best individuals possible are hired to represent the Town when contracts are due for renewal
I also understand that Ruth Beaton is the Acting Director in Techa's absence
Mayor Phyllis Morris
Following Councillor Wilson's e-mail to the Chief Administrator, The Treasure received the Mayor's commendation.
Staff are pro-actively ensuring that the best individuals possible are hired to represent the Town when contracts are due for renewal
I also understand that Ruth Beaton is the Acting Director in Techa's absence
Mayor Phyllis Morris
Following Councillor Wilson's e-mail to the Chief Administrator, The Treasure received the Mayor's commendation.
I'm Trying..I'm Trying..I Got It
Mr. Garbe, the following email trail would suggest that a member of Council
has gone directly to a junior member of staff for information.
It is reassuring to know that your staff do understand proper procedure
(even if the councilor refuses to follow it and thereby creating even more
unnecessary work)
And referred the inquiry to the Director for response.
While these seemingly trivial requests for information, which I am sure are
more frequent than I care to imagine, are disruptive, inefficient and
inappropriately directed, I am pleased to see that your staff are in fact
following procedure however they should also copying all members when
information is provided to any one member. While I am not thrilled to be
receiving even more email, especially such 'stuff' which should be dealt
with at the table, at the same time I do not expect your staff to
determine what should be forwarded and what is clearly just 'junk'.
The above e-mail was sent to the Chief Administrator of the Town of Aurora by a colleague,
Councillor Al Wilson.
The Councillor regularly sends such e-mails to staff. No response is ever circulated. It would surprise me if there were.
At no time have I ever indicated I am in need of any counsel or advice from the Councillor. It doesn't hinder him however from sending regular admonitions from the lofty peak of his expertise.
Once I acknowledged receipt of his e-mail and assured him I would file it with all the others.
I was convinced I could hear the scurrying of little feet behind the wainscot as he scuttled to
reverse himself.
But it didn't last. He was soon at it again.
Maybe if someone tells him select messages will be published for all to read, it may help him to exercise a little discipline over his worst inclinations.
I think of the first workshop conducted by our first and former Integrity Commissioner.
Close to the end of the session I asked how much he knew about municipal politics. He smiled
at me like a kindly adult to a child and referred to "collegiality" within the body of a council.
has gone directly to a junior member of staff for information.
It is reassuring to know that your staff do understand proper procedure
(even if the councilor refuses to follow it and thereby creating even more
unnecessary work)
And referred the inquiry to the Director for response.
While these seemingly trivial requests for information, which I am sure are
more frequent than I care to imagine, are disruptive, inefficient and
inappropriately directed, I am pleased to see that your staff are in fact
following procedure however they should also copying all members when
information is provided to any one member. While I am not thrilled to be
receiving even more email, especially such 'stuff' which should be dealt
with at the table, at the same time I do not expect your staff to
determine what should be forwarded and what is clearly just 'junk'.
The above e-mail was sent to the Chief Administrator of the Town of Aurora by a colleague,
Councillor Al Wilson.
The Councillor regularly sends such e-mails to staff. No response is ever circulated. It would surprise me if there were.
At no time have I ever indicated I am in need of any counsel or advice from the Councillor. It doesn't hinder him however from sending regular admonitions from the lofty peak of his expertise.
Once I acknowledged receipt of his e-mail and assured him I would file it with all the others.
I was convinced I could hear the scurrying of little feet behind the wainscot as he scuttled to
reverse himself.
But it didn't last. He was soon at it again.
Maybe if someone tells him select messages will be published for all to read, it may help him to exercise a little discipline over his worst inclinations.
I think of the first workshop conducted by our first and former Integrity Commissioner.
Close to the end of the session I asked how much he knew about municipal politics. He smiled
at me like a kindly adult to a child and referred to "collegiality" within the body of a council.
Yesterday
Love was such an easy game to play.
Not really.
It was a strange day.
Last week I came across a Town of Aurora Ad for Parking Control Officers
There was no reference to vacancy or numbers. Considering the current town climate I take note of these things
The cost of recruitment for the Clerk's position was cited as $14,000.We had to do it twice within
a year which would be $28,000.
Cost was the reason cited for not "recruiting" a Treasurer.
So it occurred to me to wonder how much this process cost. Are there vacancies or are we adding to the complement of parking control officers.
There was no talk of needing extra parking control officers during budget discussions. We have a brand new Manager of Bylaws Services.
So I asked.
Turns out we are not hiring additional officers. There are no vacancies. A message from the Treasurer indicates the following:
These positions are contract only and they are up for renewal.
At the manager's request advertising was placed and a recruitment
conducted to ensure we have the best candidates in these positions
rather than blindly renewing the contracts with the existing group of
people.
There is no intention to increase the number of positions or the cost
to the town.rather simply to ensure the Town is best served in the
responsibility and service area.
I share this information but residents need to know my bias:
1. I believe every decision made within the Town Hall is either approved or instigated by the
Mayor.
2. I think people who have been doing a job for several years, presumably satisfactorily.
contract or permanent, part-time or full-time, are a known quantity. They are an asset
to the corporation.
3. I think people who have every reason to believe their work has been satisfactory, should
not have to compete for their own jobs.
4. I don't think that's fair labour practice.
5. My final bias is my role in this matter. I am elected to provide oversight of the town's
administration to ensure all things done in the name of the people are done with
equity, fairness and justice, according to my understanding of those principles. .
I asked my questions openly. I followed protocol . My questions and the answers were circulated to all members of council.
That was yesterday.
A thoroughly scurrilous and insulting e-mail referring to my inquiry from Councillor Wilson to the Chief Administrative Officer was circulated to all Councillors.
If I knew how to cut and paste it, I would.
Councillor Wilson, in particular circumstances is belligerent and abusive at times. At different times the injustice of it all is a great burden to him.
The "re-org" approved by council on a consultant's recommendation concerns me. Changes were made ,the purpose of which were not immediately clear.
Traditionally, Bylaws, Human Resources and Communications have been the responsibility of the Town Clerk. An experienced clerk has experience in all these areas.
The "re-org" transferred Bylaws to the Chief Building Official. Human Resources were transferred to the Treasurer.
No evidence is available to suggest there is any experience in the new responsibilities.
Last night, in General Committee Meeting of Council. Councillor Al Wilson was in the chair.
It started at seven p.m. At nine-forty-five p.m. all I needed was a place to hide away.
So I went home.
Not really.
It was a strange day.
Last week I came across a Town of Aurora Ad for Parking Control Officers
There was no reference to vacancy or numbers. Considering the current town climate I take note of these things
The cost of recruitment for the Clerk's position was cited as $14,000.We had to do it twice within
a year which would be $28,000.
Cost was the reason cited for not "recruiting" a Treasurer.
So it occurred to me to wonder how much this process cost. Are there vacancies or are we adding to the complement of parking control officers.
There was no talk of needing extra parking control officers during budget discussions. We have a brand new Manager of Bylaws Services.
So I asked.
Turns out we are not hiring additional officers. There are no vacancies. A message from the Treasurer indicates the following:
These positions are contract only and they are up for renewal.
At the manager's request advertising was placed and a recruitment
conducted to ensure we have the best candidates in these positions
rather than blindly renewing the contracts with the existing group of
people.
There is no intention to increase the number of positions or the cost
to the town.rather simply to ensure the Town is best served in the
responsibility and service area.
I share this information but residents need to know my bias:
1. I believe every decision made within the Town Hall is either approved or instigated by the
Mayor.
2. I think people who have been doing a job for several years, presumably satisfactorily.
contract or permanent, part-time or full-time, are a known quantity. They are an asset
to the corporation.
3. I think people who have every reason to believe their work has been satisfactory, should
not have to compete for their own jobs.
4. I don't think that's fair labour practice.
5. My final bias is my role in this matter. I am elected to provide oversight of the town's
administration to ensure all things done in the name of the people are done with
equity, fairness and justice, according to my understanding of those principles. .
I asked my questions openly. I followed protocol . My questions and the answers were circulated to all members of council.
That was yesterday.
A thoroughly scurrilous and insulting e-mail referring to my inquiry from Councillor Wilson to the Chief Administrative Officer was circulated to all Councillors.
If I knew how to cut and paste it, I would.
Councillor Wilson, in particular circumstances is belligerent and abusive at times. At different times the injustice of it all is a great burden to him.
The "re-org" approved by council on a consultant's recommendation concerns me. Changes were made ,the purpose of which were not immediately clear.
Traditionally, Bylaws, Human Resources and Communications have been the responsibility of the Town Clerk. An experienced clerk has experience in all these areas.
The "re-org" transferred Bylaws to the Chief Building Official. Human Resources were transferred to the Treasurer.
No evidence is available to suggest there is any experience in the new responsibilities.
Last night, in General Committee Meeting of Council. Councillor Al Wilson was in the chair.
It started at seven p.m. At nine-forty-five p.m. all I needed was a place to hide away.
So I went home.
Monday, 19 April 2010
Artificial Turf
I have a sheaf of pages of itemised costs for the artificial turf soccer field in Sheppard's Bush.
I thought with all the numbers and particulars in my hand I would be able to impress with my expertise.
Not so.
I have no clue about all the nitty gritty details that go into preparing supports needed for artificial turf to serve the purpose for extended years of intended use.
We can't let dogs defecate all over it. The practice lends nothing to enjoyment of the sport. So it has to be fenced.
The project was undertaken in 2007. In 2006, lights were installed. They were transferred from the soccer field behind the Legion when the bubble was erected. The cost was $65,862.65.
Cost of work undertaken in 2006 and 2007 totalled $691,842.44.
$60.000. contribution from Aurora Youth Soccer and a labour credit from the contractor in an amount of $6,783.28 took the price down to $625,059.16.
Altogether , there are 265 itemised details in the accounts. I have scanned them looking for familiar terms .
All I can tell you is this; people who play soccer think it's great. More people get to play longer.
People who provide facilities for soccer players thinks it's great. It cuts down on maintenance. and overuse of natural fields.
Money is collected from developers, who build homes which contribute to growth which creates the need for additional soccer fields and that's how it should be used.
If or when, I am a candidate in the next election, I will not be claiming expertise in the business of installing artificial turf as a reason why you should vote for me.
I thought with all the numbers and particulars in my hand I would be able to impress with my expertise.
Not so.
I have no clue about all the nitty gritty details that go into preparing supports needed for artificial turf to serve the purpose for extended years of intended use.
We can't let dogs defecate all over it. The practice lends nothing to enjoyment of the sport. So it has to be fenced.
The project was undertaken in 2007. In 2006, lights were installed. They were transferred from the soccer field behind the Legion when the bubble was erected. The cost was $65,862.65.
Cost of work undertaken in 2006 and 2007 totalled $691,842.44.
$60.000. contribution from Aurora Youth Soccer and a labour credit from the contractor in an amount of $6,783.28 took the price down to $625,059.16.
Altogether , there are 265 itemised details in the accounts. I have scanned them looking for familiar terms .
All I can tell you is this; people who play soccer think it's great. More people get to play longer.
People who provide facilities for soccer players thinks it's great. It cuts down on maintenance. and overuse of natural fields.
Money is collected from developers, who build homes which contribute to growth which creates the need for additional soccer fields and that's how it should be used.
If or when, I am a candidate in the next election, I will not be claiming expertise in the business of installing artificial turf as a reason why you should vote for me.
Good Morning
My post about Mr Whitehurst still being involved in town affairs was in response to a comment suggesting he is not.
There is probably a tidier way to respond to comments. I don't know it.
Whatever a moderator is, I am it. Other than comments received by e-mail
and one on Facebook, no other person has anything to do with this blog.
I've been reading comments to Toronto Star stories, particularly to Giambrone matters
and the Toronto Mayoralty contest. I think we are fairly well-behaved .
It's like a conversation. People reading it are interested in what I have to tell. Some want to talk about it. Others just want to know what's going on.
Except that it's in writing and has a wider circle, it's not much different to what has always been except that anonymity gives people more freedom.
Politicians always know what's being said about them Often it's said to their faces. If there's enough anger, it can get rough .One might even say abusive.
Whatever a politician might feel, nobody worth their salt whines about it. It's part of the territory.
No-one is compelled to run for office. Being there means actions and conduct are judged Why would anything else be expected.
Being a Councillor means nothing public should be expected to be secret.
It behooves a Councillor and particularly a Mayor, to conduct oneself at all times as if the planet is watching.
We are not Kings or Emperors or Chiefs or Witch Doctors nor do we possess any of the mythical powers believed to be imbued with majesty or magic.
We are just people. Like the people who elected us. No worse and no better.
Wording of the Code of Conduct notwithstanding, getting elected does not suddenly prove or bestow superior judgement or saintly character, no matter how one might strive to prove the opposite.A bunch of words on a page doesn't make it happen.A majority vote does not remove individual freedom or responsibility.
If a candidate isn't sensible, honest and straightforward before, attaining public office is not likely to turn him or her from a toad to a prince or princess.
Abracadabra is kid's stuff.
There is probably a tidier way to respond to comments. I don't know it.
Whatever a moderator is, I am it. Other than comments received by e-mail
and one on Facebook, no other person has anything to do with this blog.
I've been reading comments to Toronto Star stories, particularly to Giambrone matters
and the Toronto Mayoralty contest. I think we are fairly well-behaved .
It's like a conversation. People reading it are interested in what I have to tell. Some want to talk about it. Others just want to know what's going on.
Except that it's in writing and has a wider circle, it's not much different to what has always been except that anonymity gives people more freedom.
Politicians always know what's being said about them Often it's said to their faces. If there's enough anger, it can get rough .One might even say abusive.
Whatever a politician might feel, nobody worth their salt whines about it. It's part of the territory.
No-one is compelled to run for office. Being there means actions and conduct are judged Why would anything else be expected.
Being a Councillor means nothing public should be expected to be secret.
It behooves a Councillor and particularly a Mayor, to conduct oneself at all times as if the planet is watching.
We are not Kings or Emperors or Chiefs or Witch Doctors nor do we possess any of the mythical powers believed to be imbued with majesty or magic.
We are just people. Like the people who elected us. No worse and no better.
Wording of the Code of Conduct notwithstanding, getting elected does not suddenly prove or bestow superior judgement or saintly character, no matter how one might strive to prove the opposite.A bunch of words on a page doesn't make it happen.A majority vote does not remove individual freedom or responsibility.
If a candidate isn't sensible, honest and straightforward before, attaining public office is not likely to turn him or her from a toad to a prince or princess.
Abracadabra is kid's stuff.
Sunday, 18 April 2010
After the Fact
The Mayor's opening speech for the renovated Church Street school was written by the new communications director. He had been on the job, a matter of days.
The wisdom of the council of 1950 was noted in acquisition of the building.
In 1950, municipalities had their own school boards. When the school was no longer required it automatically belonged to the town.
Why would it not? It was a town asset.
When I came to Aurora in 1961, the building had been on lease to Remington Rand . After they finished with it, it was used as recreation space.
Two of my children took drawing classes from Mabel Pearson there. Mabel and Cathan Schonicker two young mothers from Jasper Drive and Sunray Place, were founders of the Aurora Art Show, forty-eight years ago.
Regency Acres school became over-crowded in the sixties and students had to be bussed to re-opened Church Street School. Parents were none too pleased.
In 1950, the building was sixty-five years old. The same time as it has not been a school.
Students graduating from Grade 8 in that year would have started at six years old in 1941/42 There was no Kindergarten.
Aurora residents, seventy- five years old and younger would have been students.
Were they sought out as special guests to the opening? Were their memories solicited to make it a real historic event.
Dunno. My input was not invited.
In 1969, when County Boards of Education were created, the building came back into full use. The town leased it to the new board for administrative offices for $1.00 a year.
In 1976, our deal was realised. The Board built new administration facilities. We partnered and built a fine building together on Wellington Street West.
The late Bill Devins called it Bucking Palace.
The school again became available for community use.
We provided the entire second floor to the Aurora Historical Society for a museum. They obtained a provincial grant for rental of a facility. They moved out of the old waterworks building, we gave them when the town police force was swallowed by the region. In time they acquired the services of Curator Jacqueline Stewart. Before that I think there was a volunteer curator.
Aurora Seniors had the space on the left side of the ground floor and were able to provide programs .
Big Brothers, Big Sisters, new organisations, and Boy Scouts, shared the space on the left side of the front door.
At one point, during the tenure of the Board of Education ,sloping floors became sinking floors in the centre. They had to quickly move huge computers to the outside walls and promptly reinforce the floor on either side of the wide central staircase.
Over the years, various projects had to be carried out to keep the building upright and weatherproof . When excavation was done around foundations, it was noted mortar had crumbled and disappeared. Daylight could be seen between the stones.
Plumbing for lavatories in the basement had eroded. Effluvia was unmistakeable and left little doubt as to why the school board had decided to vacate the premises in 1950.
Money was poured into the building over the years by various Councils. John West operated a youth club there for a couple of years while he was a Councillor,a fter the seniors had
moved into the former fire hall.
The late and former Councillor Earl Stewart, had no patience with spending on "the old blister".
John probably knows better than anyone how much had already been spent .My guess would be at least three million. Last time I asked, Scott Somerville was our CAO, between Larry Allison and John Rogers. Scott was on a six month contract
Nobody could provide a precise tally. They did not argue with my figure. I think on occasion, people have selective memories.
Where public funds are concerned, I think public accounting is a must.
At the Gala opening, I noticed, with small comfort, the grand piano was in a corner created by two outside walls.
The wisdom of the council of 1950 was noted in acquisition of the building.
In 1950, municipalities had their own school boards. When the school was no longer required it automatically belonged to the town.
Why would it not? It was a town asset.
When I came to Aurora in 1961, the building had been on lease to Remington Rand . After they finished with it, it was used as recreation space.
Two of my children took drawing classes from Mabel Pearson there. Mabel and Cathan Schonicker two young mothers from Jasper Drive and Sunray Place, were founders of the Aurora Art Show, forty-eight years ago.
Regency Acres school became over-crowded in the sixties and students had to be bussed to re-opened Church Street School. Parents were none too pleased.
In 1950, the building was sixty-five years old. The same time as it has not been a school.
Students graduating from Grade 8 in that year would have started at six years old in 1941/42 There was no Kindergarten.
Aurora residents, seventy- five years old and younger would have been students.
Were they sought out as special guests to the opening? Were their memories solicited to make it a real historic event.
Dunno. My input was not invited.
In 1969, when County Boards of Education were created, the building came back into full use. The town leased it to the new board for administrative offices for $1.00 a year.
In 1976, our deal was realised. The Board built new administration facilities. We partnered and built a fine building together on Wellington Street West.
The late Bill Devins called it Bucking Palace.
The school again became available for community use.
We provided the entire second floor to the Aurora Historical Society for a museum. They obtained a provincial grant for rental of a facility. They moved out of the old waterworks building, we gave them when the town police force was swallowed by the region. In time they acquired the services of Curator Jacqueline Stewart. Before that I think there was a volunteer curator.
Aurora Seniors had the space on the left side of the ground floor and were able to provide programs .
Big Brothers, Big Sisters, new organisations, and Boy Scouts, shared the space on the left side of the front door.
At one point, during the tenure of the Board of Education ,sloping floors became sinking floors in the centre. They had to quickly move huge computers to the outside walls and promptly reinforce the floor on either side of the wide central staircase.
Over the years, various projects had to be carried out to keep the building upright and weatherproof . When excavation was done around foundations, it was noted mortar had crumbled and disappeared. Daylight could be seen between the stones.
Plumbing for lavatories in the basement had eroded. Effluvia was unmistakeable and left little doubt as to why the school board had decided to vacate the premises in 1950.
Money was poured into the building over the years by various Councils. John West operated a youth club there for a couple of years while he was a Councillor,a fter the seniors had
moved into the former fire hall.
The late and former Councillor Earl Stewart, had no patience with spending on "the old blister".
John probably knows better than anyone how much had already been spent .My guess would be at least three million. Last time I asked, Scott Somerville was our CAO, between Larry Allison and John Rogers. Scott was on a six month contract
Nobody could provide a precise tally. They did not argue with my figure. I think on occasion, people have selective memories.
Where public funds are concerned, I think public accounting is a must.
At the Gala opening, I noticed, with small comfort, the grand piano was in a corner created by two outside walls.
Ruby Tuesday
A Saturday Night Live character is a parody of someone everyone has met at a point in their lives.
She pops up alongside another and reiterates comments, aimlessly twisting her hair and gazing about without focus but clearly with a purpose.
Last Tuesday's Council Meeting was the first opportunity to make an observation on the "Gala" opening of the Church Street School.
I noted Honorable M.P.Lois Brown, commended Federal Finance Minister, the Honorable Jim Flaherty for approving a grant .
The Honorable MLA ,Mr. Frank Klees took slight credit for the Trillium grant of $750 thousand received from the Province of Ontario.
I further noted no reference was made to the contribution of $2.3 million provided from the Reserve Fund created by the sale of Aurora Hydro Corporation during the previous Council term.
The Mayor promptly countered with the statement; "Aurora Hydro was not sold in order to pay for renovations to Church Street School"
It was a classic example of irrational disconnect with a purpose.
The funds received from the senior levels of government were helpful in completing various aspects of the project. That the project happened at all was the story worth telling.
In 2005, Aurora and Newmarket were in negotiations to partner Hydro. The Province had made it clear, there were advantages to small utilities forming partnerships and disadvantage in trying to go it alone.
At the very last knockings , an offer was made by Power Stream, jointly owned by Markham and Vaughan, that was too good to refuse.
$25 million were realised in the trade. A resolution was passed by Council which would prevent the money from being frittered away without a clear and significant benefit to the community.
Such a fund generates interest.
At the time, the Aurora Historical Society had committed themselves to raise funds to renovate the old school, take responsibility for the project and for operation once completed. They went so far as to require a legal contract with the town to protect their interests before investing the money they raised. No public resources were committed.
The school had remained vacant for several years. The museum collection was in storage. The curator, whose salary was funded in the main by the town, eventually decided to retire.
$1million was the estimated budget needed . $75oKs. had been raised.
I moved the motion, Councillor Ron Wallace seconded, the shortfall be funded from interest of the Hydro Reserve Fund and let's get the job completed.
Council supported the resolution.
It was the single and last straightforward action taken in the matter.
It turned out the cost to create a useful facility was $2.3 million. The Historical Society forgot all about the contract protecting their interest and backed out completely from any responsibility. Membership numbers (59) were too small, they said.The $750Ks they had raised for the renovations was not mentioned again.
To cut an uninspiring story short, were it not for funds generated from the sale of Aurora Hydro, Church Street School, despite millions invested in it since 1969, would simply have become the eldest of the buildings, comprising half of library square,which fail to justify the space they currently occupy.
It wasn't money from the feds. It wasn't money from the provincial government.It wasn't commitment from the Aurora Historical Society that brought the project to fruition.
It was availability of funds from the sale of Aurora Hydro.
She pops up alongside another and reiterates comments, aimlessly twisting her hair and gazing about without focus but clearly with a purpose.
Last Tuesday's Council Meeting was the first opportunity to make an observation on the "Gala" opening of the Church Street School.
I noted Honorable M.P.Lois Brown, commended Federal Finance Minister, the Honorable Jim Flaherty for approving a grant .
The Honorable MLA ,Mr. Frank Klees took slight credit for the Trillium grant of $750 thousand received from the Province of Ontario.
I further noted no reference was made to the contribution of $2.3 million provided from the Reserve Fund created by the sale of Aurora Hydro Corporation during the previous Council term.
The Mayor promptly countered with the statement; "Aurora Hydro was not sold in order to pay for renovations to Church Street School"
It was a classic example of irrational disconnect with a purpose.
The funds received from the senior levels of government were helpful in completing various aspects of the project. That the project happened at all was the story worth telling.
In 2005, Aurora and Newmarket were in negotiations to partner Hydro. The Province had made it clear, there were advantages to small utilities forming partnerships and disadvantage in trying to go it alone.
At the very last knockings , an offer was made by Power Stream, jointly owned by Markham and Vaughan, that was too good to refuse.
$25 million were realised in the trade. A resolution was passed by Council which would prevent the money from being frittered away without a clear and significant benefit to the community.
Such a fund generates interest.
At the time, the Aurora Historical Society had committed themselves to raise funds to renovate the old school, take responsibility for the project and for operation once completed. They went so far as to require a legal contract with the town to protect their interests before investing the money they raised. No public resources were committed.
The school had remained vacant for several years. The museum collection was in storage. The curator, whose salary was funded in the main by the town, eventually decided to retire.
$1million was the estimated budget needed . $75oKs. had been raised.
I moved the motion, Councillor Ron Wallace seconded, the shortfall be funded from interest of the Hydro Reserve Fund and let's get the job completed.
Council supported the resolution.
It was the single and last straightforward action taken in the matter.
It turned out the cost to create a useful facility was $2.3 million. The Historical Society forgot all about the contract protecting their interest and backed out completely from any responsibility. Membership numbers (59) were too small, they said.The $750Ks they had raised for the renovations was not mentioned again.
To cut an uninspiring story short, were it not for funds generated from the sale of Aurora Hydro, Church Street School, despite millions invested in it since 1969, would simply have become the eldest of the buildings, comprising half of library square,which fail to justify the space they currently occupy.
It wasn't money from the feds. It wasn't money from the provincial government.It wasn't commitment from the Aurora Historical Society that brought the project to fruition.
It was availability of funds from the sale of Aurora Hydro.
Still On The Scene
Mr Whitehurst, the Mayor's friend and campaign manager/adviser who was appointed to the committee to plan the establishment of an administration for the Church Street School Heritage and Cultural Centre, now just Cultural Centre, and from there to a paid position as resource person to the committee without resigning from the committee, is still on the scene.
He is a member of the Leisure Services Advisory Committee of which Councillor MacEachern is chair. Together, they re-wrote the Consultant's recommended Master Recreation Plan which cost
the taxpayers $53 thousand dollars and change.
He is a member of the Leisure Services Advisory Committee of which Councillor MacEachern is chair. Together, they re-wrote the Consultant's recommended Master Recreation Plan which cost
the taxpayers $53 thousand dollars and change.
Saturday, 17 April 2010
Two More
If this keeps up, I shall have to compose a new list of departees for the full extent to be appreciated.
A Museum Curator left and a Heritage Planner took his leave as well.
The Curator was relatively new and serving as resource person to the Arts and Culture Committee, planning for the opening of the Church Street School Heritage and Cultural Centre.
Councillors Gaertner and Granger were the town's appointees and of course the Mayor's friend and campaign organiser Ken Whitehurst was also on the committee.
When the Curator left, the Mayor's friend was appointed as paid resource person while continuing to serve as a committee member.
Prior to the facility's opening, Heritage had already been taken out of its title.
Although a full time, permanent staff complement is at the building, there is no curator " as such".
There is a grand piano.
The "Gala" opening reception was a standing event with wine served. The entertainment was a
piano piece rendered by a Toronto professional.
It was long.
I was glad I was sitting.
Unless it's jazz or it sounds like a waterfall transposed to music, or it's accompanying a sing-along, piano music is wasted on me.
The building has been staffed since last September.
The opening was organised by town staff. The Chief Administrator was Master of Ceremonies. The brand spanking new communication officer wrote the Mayor's speech.
Helen Mc Roberts, Past President of the Historical Society also gave a speech.
Since none of the parties have history in the town, the lack of history in the speeches was hardly surprising.
I fancy few of the audience would notice. I didn't see too many familiar faces. Not a great crowd at all actually after staff administrators. library board members and councillors were counted off.The contractors were probably there as well but I didn't meet any of them.
Seems a shame.
Hardly fitting for a grand old lady, veteran of two wars, a depression. and probably the entire recorded history of the Town of Aurora.
She was The School for God's Sake.
Students of that school made their mark in the world. Many others laid down their lives for their country.Many have stayed in the town all of their lives and are still here.
What an opportunity to celebrate the living history that is Aurora's.
An opportunity missed.
There was time to prepare.
There were people on the town's payroll at the facility.
People in the community who would have been glad to share memories.
Were they asked?
Or were they slighted?
I am as sure as anyone can be they were not asked.
A Museum Curator left and a Heritage Planner took his leave as well.
The Curator was relatively new and serving as resource person to the Arts and Culture Committee, planning for the opening of the Church Street School Heritage and Cultural Centre.
Councillors Gaertner and Granger were the town's appointees and of course the Mayor's friend and campaign organiser Ken Whitehurst was also on the committee.
When the Curator left, the Mayor's friend was appointed as paid resource person while continuing to serve as a committee member.
Prior to the facility's opening, Heritage had already been taken out of its title.
Although a full time, permanent staff complement is at the building, there is no curator " as such".
There is a grand piano.
The "Gala" opening reception was a standing event with wine served. The entertainment was a
piano piece rendered by a Toronto professional.
It was long.
I was glad I was sitting.
Unless it's jazz or it sounds like a waterfall transposed to music, or it's accompanying a sing-along, piano music is wasted on me.
The building has been staffed since last September.
The opening was organised by town staff. The Chief Administrator was Master of Ceremonies. The brand spanking new communication officer wrote the Mayor's speech.
Helen Mc Roberts, Past President of the Historical Society also gave a speech.
Since none of the parties have history in the town, the lack of history in the speeches was hardly surprising.
I fancy few of the audience would notice. I didn't see too many familiar faces. Not a great crowd at all actually after staff administrators. library board members and councillors were counted off.The contractors were probably there as well but I didn't meet any of them.
Seems a shame.
Hardly fitting for a grand old lady, veteran of two wars, a depression. and probably the entire recorded history of the Town of Aurora.
She was The School for God's Sake.
Students of that school made their mark in the world. Many others laid down their lives for their country.Many have stayed in the town all of their lives and are still here.
What an opportunity to celebrate the living history that is Aurora's.
An opportunity missed.
There was time to prepare.
There were people on the town's payroll at the facility.
People in the community who would have been glad to share memories.
Were they asked?
Or were they slighted?
I am as sure as anyone can be they were not asked.
What Ho
Yesterday I received an on-line newsletter from York Region Arts Council. It was dated April 16th
It was full of information about the Regional Arts and Heritage scene
There was a calender of events in various municipalities . Newmarket had twenty-four lines of
activities.
Aurora had three- and -a- half.
I dunno ?
It was full of information about the Regional Arts and Heritage scene
There was a calender of events in various municipalities . Newmarket had twenty-four lines of
activities.
Aurora had three- and -a- half.
I dunno ?
Friday, 16 April 2010
How Much For the Ad?
I do not know. Council were not consulted about the ad in The Banner. It is clearly campaign promotion material. People will judge.
By it's size, picture content and colour numbers , my guess would be it cost no less that $4,000. I will find out
It could have been placed by the Communication Division or the Economic Development Department or Ecdev, as the mayor likes to call it. Either way, direction would likely have been given.
I have asked for a final accounting of the artificial turf project.
Before the bubble was constructed behind the Legion, the open soccer field there had new lighting. It was removed and stored.
When the artifical turf was placed, the lights were brought out and located in the new field.
Only one town soccer field has artificial turf.
The parks department did a considerable amount of the work.They are a versatile group.
Aurora Minor Soccer accepted the obligation for 10% cost of the project. That was $60,000.
Ninety per cent was paid with Development Charge Reserves which are collected to pay for facilities which become necessary due to increased population from growth.
Minor Soccer have paid $20,000 a year for the past three years. So their share is probably paid up.
Taxes were not raised to pay for the facility.
I expect to have an exact accounting at the beginning of the week.
There's no need for confusion. Costs are a matter of public record . Accurate figures would be provided on request .
By it's size, picture content and colour numbers , my guess would be it cost no less that $4,000. I will find out
It could have been placed by the Communication Division or the Economic Development Department or Ecdev, as the mayor likes to call it. Either way, direction would likely have been given.
I have asked for a final accounting of the artificial turf project.
Before the bubble was constructed behind the Legion, the open soccer field there had new lighting. It was removed and stored.
When the artifical turf was placed, the lights were brought out and located in the new field.
Only one town soccer field has artificial turf.
The parks department did a considerable amount of the work.They are a versatile group.
Aurora Minor Soccer accepted the obligation for 10% cost of the project. That was $60,000.
Ninety per cent was paid with Development Charge Reserves which are collected to pay for facilities which become necessary due to increased population from growth.
Minor Soccer have paid $20,000 a year for the past three years. So their share is probably paid up.
Taxes were not raised to pay for the facility.
I expect to have an exact accounting at the beginning of the week.
There's no need for confusion. Costs are a matter of public record . Accurate figures would be provided on request .
Another One Who Bit The Dust
Michelle Cofield Francis sent a message on Facebook. Michelle was Administrative assistant to Bob Panizza for twelve years and wishes to be added to the list of departees from the Mormac regime.
There it is.
Conversation about how to deport ourselves on Blog are a good thing. I think Blogs will have an impact on current acceptable standards of written dialogue. New standards will be established.
First time I logged into Facebook, the language horrified me. Look who is logging in now or more to the point, who isn't?
Even dictionaries change nowadays. As a word becomes common usage, it appears in an
updated dictionary. Dictionaries used to be static. Not any more.Of course, spoken language has always been fluid.
Language used in stand-up comedy on television is hair-raising. It's obviously used for shock value. It's not funny. It offends me.
But, there it is.
Tiger Woods is famous for excellence in the game of golf. Sponsors are testing reaction to his moral behaviour. We have to listen to his mea culpas, ad nauseum, as he tries to repair his image. But people apparently want to watch his prowess with the little white ball on the fairway and the green.And why not? Since when are commercial advertisers the arbiters of moral conduct.
Blogs are new. They are destined to evolve. It will take more time for the full effect to be established.
They do represent more than a writing exercise. It's not just about news. It's about people sharing thoughts , ideas and feelings on an instantaneous basis. What can be wrong about that?
We should be able to do it without without fear or favour.
How people express themselves should be of secondary importance to having the freedom and an outlet to do so.
I'm working this out in my mind as I write it.
Feel free.
There it is.
Conversation about how to deport ourselves on Blog are a good thing. I think Blogs will have an impact on current acceptable standards of written dialogue. New standards will be established.
First time I logged into Facebook, the language horrified me. Look who is logging in now or more to the point, who isn't?
Even dictionaries change nowadays. As a word becomes common usage, it appears in an
updated dictionary. Dictionaries used to be static. Not any more.Of course, spoken language has always been fluid.
Language used in stand-up comedy on television is hair-raising. It's obviously used for shock value. It's not funny. It offends me.
But, there it is.
Tiger Woods is famous for excellence in the game of golf. Sponsors are testing reaction to his moral behaviour. We have to listen to his mea culpas, ad nauseum, as he tries to repair his image. But people apparently want to watch his prowess with the little white ball on the fairway and the green.And why not? Since when are commercial advertisers the arbiters of moral conduct.
Blogs are new. They are destined to evolve. It will take more time for the full effect to be established.
They do represent more than a writing exercise. It's not just about news. It's about people sharing thoughts , ideas and feelings on an instantaneous basis. What can be wrong about that?
We should be able to do it without without fear or favour.
How people express themselves should be of secondary importance to having the freedom and an outlet to do so.
I'm working this out in my mind as I write it.
Feel free.
Thursday, 15 April 2010
Another Figure
If the new Integrity Commissioner receives thirty days notice from the next Council, that means we can tack on $2,800 a month to his remuneration to reflect the cost of his recruitment.
His contract is a matter of public record but not his monthly remuneration. Except that it cannot go over $60.000 in twelve months. What that means, if his contract only lasts five months, I do not know.
His contract is a matter of public record but not his monthly remuneration. Except that it cannot go over $60.000 in twelve months. What that means, if his contract only lasts five months, I do not know.
Quick Answers
1. If the Anti-Litter Ad was separate, whatever it costs was too much. We have a web site or several and the Town Notice Board costs us about $80.000 a year in the Aurora Banner.
2, Residents who back on to the lane provide for its maintenance. Its an unopened road allowance but not really. It's only twenty feet wide. Not enough for a road .
3. The Mayor has a habit of re-phrasing my comments to reflect something completely different to what I've said and to my detriment. No doubt she sees that as exemplary conduct in a leader, raising her to the lofty standard expected of an elected representative as enunciated in the Code of Conduct.
4. The request was for a list of people who left the town's employment during this term.Why they left is not relevant to the point of discussion. The loss of knowledge of the history of the operation is the same.
The Mayor and Councillor MacEachern were thoroughly entertained when I referred to the one year estimate it takes for a new person to get up to speed in a key role in any administration .
It cost $14,000 to recruit the municipal clerk and we had to do that twice within a twelve month period . That was $28,000.
We had three town clerks in that period. The first retired. The second signed a five year contract.
Decided eight months later, the day after returning from two weeks vacation to take "early retirement" That was the day after she provided me, as required to do by law, with the first decision of the first Integrity Commissioner.
That was the same week the first Integrity Commissioner was " stripped of his authority "
The third clerk commenced employment within twelve months of the first one's retirement.
We saved money when we replaced the Town Treasurer who submitted his resignation on the day the new Chief Administrative Officer commenced employment.
We didn't have a recruitment despite the fact the Municipal Act requires it. He was appointed by the Chief Administrative Officer ,despite the fact appointment by Bylaw is the jurisdiction of Council.
Then we had the recruitment of a new Integrity Commissioner with five months left of the current term of office to run. That probably cost $14,000. But that contract can be terminated with thirty days notice.So if a new Council decides they have no need of the service, they are not stuck with it.
Is there anything else?
2, Residents who back on to the lane provide for its maintenance. Its an unopened road allowance but not really. It's only twenty feet wide. Not enough for a road .
3. The Mayor has a habit of re-phrasing my comments to reflect something completely different to what I've said and to my detriment. No doubt she sees that as exemplary conduct in a leader, raising her to the lofty standard expected of an elected representative as enunciated in the Code of Conduct.
4. The request was for a list of people who left the town's employment during this term.Why they left is not relevant to the point of discussion. The loss of knowledge of the history of the operation is the same.
The Mayor and Councillor MacEachern were thoroughly entertained when I referred to the one year estimate it takes for a new person to get up to speed in a key role in any administration .
It cost $14,000 to recruit the municipal clerk and we had to do that twice within a twelve month period . That was $28,000.
We had three town clerks in that period. The first retired. The second signed a five year contract.
Decided eight months later, the day after returning from two weeks vacation to take "early retirement" That was the day after she provided me, as required to do by law, with the first decision of the first Integrity Commissioner.
That was the same week the first Integrity Commissioner was " stripped of his authority "
The third clerk commenced employment within twelve months of the first one's retirement.
We saved money when we replaced the Town Treasurer who submitted his resignation on the day the new Chief Administrative Officer commenced employment.
We didn't have a recruitment despite the fact the Municipal Act requires it. He was appointed by the Chief Administrative Officer ,despite the fact appointment by Bylaw is the jurisdiction of Council.
Then we had the recruitment of a new Integrity Commissioner with five months left of the current term of office to run. That probably cost $14,000. But that contract can be terminated with thirty days notice.So if a new Council decides they have no need of the service, they are not stuck with it.
Is there anything else?
Comments! Questions! Answers! And more Questions!
The comment I didn't publish refers to trees and a clothesline.
My mind stores nitty gritty details . I am not disagreeing some comments seem to be over the top. They could be called pithy.They could be called obnoxious.
I cast my mind back to the first letter I ever wrote.
We had a meeting in Regency Acres school with the developer. The auditorium was packed with irate new home-owners. The President of the Ratepayers Association chaired the meeting and appeared to be running interference for the developer.
Eric Franklin of Richardson Drive and John White of Jones Court were publishers of the RARA News. I spoke to Eric about President Murray Smith's performance. He suggested I write a letter. So I did.
When I read it in print I was appalled by the force of my criticism. .
That's when I learned how much more powerful are words written than spoken.
When I became involved in the town's affairs, I learned something else.
People would express agreement with comments I'd made in Council or T.V. When I tried to pin down specifics, they had no re-call. What they remembered was reaction to what I had said at the time I said it. .
The spoken word is ephemeral. The written word is solid.
In my first letter, I wrote as I would have spoken without understanding the difference.
I don't publishing everything negative written about the Mayor.
But because I am so close to things , I know the many reasons for bitterness and hostility. Whole families have suffered. incredibly and unjustly.
The hostility in the more extreme comments is uncomfortable to read. It's ugly. And maybe I read more into it than there is.
The Blog is still new to me. We learn as we go. I have some questions .
Does the anonymity of a blog generate hostility that wouldn't be otherwise?
Or does the hostility already exist and need to be expressed and accounted for?
Do comments, however well or badly expressed, have an important place in the exchange?
Could a blog be considered a safety valve?
Is there merit in providing a safe place to vent?
My mind stores nitty gritty details . I am not disagreeing some comments seem to be over the top. They could be called pithy.They could be called obnoxious.
I cast my mind back to the first letter I ever wrote.
We had a meeting in Regency Acres school with the developer. The auditorium was packed with irate new home-owners. The President of the Ratepayers Association chaired the meeting and appeared to be running interference for the developer.
Eric Franklin of Richardson Drive and John White of Jones Court were publishers of the RARA News. I spoke to Eric about President Murray Smith's performance. He suggested I write a letter. So I did.
When I read it in print I was appalled by the force of my criticism. .
That's when I learned how much more powerful are words written than spoken.
When I became involved in the town's affairs, I learned something else.
People would express agreement with comments I'd made in Council or T.V. When I tried to pin down specifics, they had no re-call. What they remembered was reaction to what I had said at the time I said it. .
The spoken word is ephemeral. The written word is solid.
In my first letter, I wrote as I would have spoken without understanding the difference.
I don't publishing everything negative written about the Mayor.
But because I am so close to things , I know the many reasons for bitterness and hostility. Whole families have suffered. incredibly and unjustly.
The hostility in the more extreme comments is uncomfortable to read. It's ugly. And maybe I read more into it than there is.
The Blog is still new to me. We learn as we go. I have some questions .
Does the anonymity of a blog generate hostility that wouldn't be otherwise?
Or does the hostility already exist and need to be expressed and accounted for?
Do comments, however well or badly expressed, have an important place in the exchange?
Could a blog be considered a safety valve?
Is there merit in providing a safe place to vent?
Wednesday, 14 April 2010
It's An Ongoing Dilemma
I am still marvelling at the opportunity for instant communication. I value the feedback. It makes no difference to me if people don't identify themselves.
It may be fanciful and I don't want to be condescending but I think some respondents may be discovering a new outlet for expression. Like I did.
Sometimes a comment indicates a lot of thought with only one discordant note. It 's probably self-indulgent on my part but I don't want to reject it.
There's a thoughtful one in the comment box now that ends with a suggestion of physical harm towards the Mayor . I know I can't publish it but I wish I could explain why . So I keep it.
I agree hyperbole can detract from logical argument.
But I'm reluctant to throw away a contribution to the discussion as if it doesn't count.
There is such a thing as poetic licence. I know it's not that. But maybe there should be a parallel
figure of speech for the new dimension. I did think twice about posting the comment. Then I thought I would publish it for a little while then "collapse" it.
Now I find because there is only one comment to that post, the " collapse" option isn't available. .
Sometimes I feel guilty that Phyllis is the probably the first Mayor of Aurora to be subject to this new communication .
Then the terrible twins will do something else that makes it easy.
I've been in politics a long time. It doesn't grow you a thick skin like people imagine. It keeps you on your toes in the thrust and parry. What they do to me is not what matters. I can be quite clinical
It's what they've done to people who couldn't fight back that brings out the worst in me.
I have never claimed to be a saint. Not even to myself.
It may be fanciful and I don't want to be condescending but I think some respondents may be discovering a new outlet for expression. Like I did.
Sometimes a comment indicates a lot of thought with only one discordant note. It 's probably self-indulgent on my part but I don't want to reject it.
There's a thoughtful one in the comment box now that ends with a suggestion of physical harm towards the Mayor . I know I can't publish it but I wish I could explain why . So I keep it.
I agree hyperbole can detract from logical argument.
But I'm reluctant to throw away a contribution to the discussion as if it doesn't count.
There is such a thing as poetic licence. I know it's not that. But maybe there should be a parallel
figure of speech for the new dimension. I did think twice about posting the comment. Then I thought I would publish it for a little while then "collapse" it.
Now I find because there is only one comment to that post, the " collapse" option isn't available. .
Sometimes I feel guilty that Phyllis is the probably the first Mayor of Aurora to be subject to this new communication .
Then the terrible twins will do something else that makes it easy.
I've been in politics a long time. It doesn't grow you a thick skin like people imagine. It keeps you on your toes in the thrust and parry. What they do to me is not what matters. I can be quite clinical
It's what they've done to people who couldn't fight back that brings out the worst in me.
I have never claimed to be a saint. Not even to myself.
TRy TRy Try Again
A few months ago I wrote about three options presented to Council on how to re-imburse four residents for legal costs incurred in opposing the Westhill Development application.
One of the options was to provide a grant.
I took the position there was no justification for discussing the matter behind closed doors.
It appeared to go away.
Then it came back. I took the position again in public, during the vote to approve an agenda for a closed door session.
I said it should be discussed in public.
People have a right to know how their money is being spent.
Council were advised the discussion could reveal legal strategy therefore it should be discussed behind closed doors.
So, I attended to listen and understand how that could come about.
I saw no evidence. I claim the right to exercise my judgement
I do not agree public discussion of this proposed disbursement of funds could negatively affect the municipality's interest.
Three times this issue has been discussed.
Last night was the third.
We spent more than two hours re-hashing the same points over and over. In the end, the same result as before.
No result.
There is no obvious majority in favour of the proposal. Councillor MacEachern was missing . It would have made no difference.
At close to eleven , tempers flared. the meeting came to an end. No vote was taken.
A parliamentary rule of order prohibits the same issue being re-hashed time and time and time again.
It would be hard to describe the goings-on behind closed doors. But the rules don't permit that either.
Suffice to say, a plan to siphon money from town coffers and funnel it elsewhere, on the pretext of value has not caught on.
If the water-wearing- on- a- stone technique prevails, I will let you know.
One of the options was to provide a grant.
I took the position there was no justification for discussing the matter behind closed doors.
It appeared to go away.
Then it came back. I took the position again in public, during the vote to approve an agenda for a closed door session.
I said it should be discussed in public.
People have a right to know how their money is being spent.
Council were advised the discussion could reveal legal strategy therefore it should be discussed behind closed doors.
So, I attended to listen and understand how that could come about.
I saw no evidence. I claim the right to exercise my judgement
I do not agree public discussion of this proposed disbursement of funds could negatively affect the municipality's interest.
Three times this issue has been discussed.
Last night was the third.
We spent more than two hours re-hashing the same points over and over. In the end, the same result as before.
No result.
There is no obvious majority in favour of the proposal. Councillor MacEachern was missing . It would have made no difference.
At close to eleven , tempers flared. the meeting came to an end. No vote was taken.
A parliamentary rule of order prohibits the same issue being re-hashed time and time and time again.
It would be hard to describe the goings-on behind closed doors. But the rules don't permit that either.
Suffice to say, a plan to siphon money from town coffers and funnel it elsewhere, on the pretext of value has not caught on.
If the water-wearing- on- a- stone technique prevails, I will let you know.
All Is Revealed
Well probably not all. But more time will tell more.
Council agendas have become noticeably thinner over the past year. There's a sense of something missing.
You can't say; you are not being informed when you don't know that which you are not being informed of.
This week's agenda was thin again.
One item was an Interim Bylaw . We have never had one of those before. It had to do with a lane between houses fronting on Yonge Street and houses fronting on Temperance Street. The streets run parallel, north and south in the old part of town
Months ago, an old run-down semi-detached two storey house on Yonge Street sold. It had been on the market for decades. Signs of construction were soon apparent. Then.....nothing. Windows were covered with skewed massive sheets of plywood held on with slanted lengths of two by four. What was shabby before became a total blight.
E-mail messages came from residents of Temperance Street. The plan for the old house was for a Montessori school for 152 students. There would be more than a hundred cars using what I thought was a private lane serving residential property.
Turns out, over months, all kinds of stuff has been going on between the planning department, the building department, residents on Temperance Street, the new owner of the old house on Yonge Street, the Chief Administrative Officer. the town solicitor and the Mayor.
Everybody it seems was in on the action except Council.
First we hear of it is an Interim Bylaw on the table before us.
Normal process is reporting from staff outlining details of a problem and the need for Council action.Sometimes there can be several in-depth reports updating information along the way.
In last night's meeting ,members had to dig for every iota of information. It was like pulling teeth.
We got it and more.
Seems the Mayor has been keeping things from Council. Keeping them to herself.
Trees were cut down. Unlawfully.
No charges were laid. Deliberately.
Later in the same meeting, I raised the issue of a horrifying episode on Easter Sunday. A small dog was killed by a large dog, off leash. The little dog's owner was severely bitten.Police were called and an ambulance
The incident was witnessed by a neighbour who called me before the Council meeting in a state of outrage. The attack dog is still in the neighbourhood. My caller owns two small dogs. It is my neighbourhood and I knew nothing of the matter.
I claimed Councillors should be kept fully informed of such matters by staff so that they can respond to residents' concerns with up-to-date information.
Turns out the Mayor was fully informed. To the last detail. There was nothing about the incident, the Mayor did not know .The status of the killer dog. The role of the Humane Society.
The injured dog.owner has received visits from the Mayor.
Staff apparently knew everything as well. Only Council was kept in the dark.
Aha, I thought. Now we know why agendas are thin. It's all part of a plan. .
At the beginning of the term, I advised colleagues Council was being disrespected. In their lack of experience, they were not convinced.I guess they thought it was only myself and that didn't seem to bother them too much.
The message may finally be getting through.
Yesterday, we had to learn of the sudden termination of a long-term employee in the media.
We are still not informed of particulars.
I have heard of two others, union members, who were terminated and had to be re-hired.
We were never informed about that either.
Last night, I raised the issue of Neighbourhood Network's plan, in co-operation with Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority, to plant trees with a volunteer army of high school students in parks in Aurora and Newmarket on April 24th
It's a go in Newmarket.
Not in Aurora.
It's the Mayor's Anti-Litter Day
The Mayor responded she was not aware a request had been made.
"Does that mean Madame Mayor," I asked " if there had been a request, the tree planting would have happened"
As often happens, there was no clarity in the response.
People such as Boy Scouts and Adopt- a- park volunteers have been planting trees in the parks forever without having to ask for Council approval.
I heard of a conference between Former Mayor of Newmarket protagonist for Neighbourhood Network Tom Taylor, with Mayor Morris and others, for the purpose of clarifying the tree-
planting event. Seems he did ask for permission.
And was refused anyway.
Council agendas have become noticeably thinner over the past year. There's a sense of something missing.
You can't say; you are not being informed when you don't know that which you are not being informed of.
This week's agenda was thin again.
One item was an Interim Bylaw . We have never had one of those before. It had to do with a lane between houses fronting on Yonge Street and houses fronting on Temperance Street. The streets run parallel, north and south in the old part of town
Months ago, an old run-down semi-detached two storey house on Yonge Street sold. It had been on the market for decades. Signs of construction were soon apparent. Then.....nothing. Windows were covered with skewed massive sheets of plywood held on with slanted lengths of two by four. What was shabby before became a total blight.
E-mail messages came from residents of Temperance Street. The plan for the old house was for a Montessori school for 152 students. There would be more than a hundred cars using what I thought was a private lane serving residential property.
Turns out, over months, all kinds of stuff has been going on between the planning department, the building department, residents on Temperance Street, the new owner of the old house on Yonge Street, the Chief Administrative Officer. the town solicitor and the Mayor.
Everybody it seems was in on the action except Council.
First we hear of it is an Interim Bylaw on the table before us.
Normal process is reporting from staff outlining details of a problem and the need for Council action.Sometimes there can be several in-depth reports updating information along the way.
In last night's meeting ,members had to dig for every iota of information. It was like pulling teeth.
We got it and more.
Seems the Mayor has been keeping things from Council. Keeping them to herself.
Trees were cut down. Unlawfully.
No charges were laid. Deliberately.
Later in the same meeting, I raised the issue of a horrifying episode on Easter Sunday. A small dog was killed by a large dog, off leash. The little dog's owner was severely bitten.Police were called and an ambulance
The incident was witnessed by a neighbour who called me before the Council meeting in a state of outrage. The attack dog is still in the neighbourhood. My caller owns two small dogs. It is my neighbourhood and I knew nothing of the matter.
I claimed Councillors should be kept fully informed of such matters by staff so that they can respond to residents' concerns with up-to-date information.
Turns out the Mayor was fully informed. To the last detail. There was nothing about the incident, the Mayor did not know .The status of the killer dog. The role of the Humane Society.
The injured dog.owner has received visits from the Mayor.
Staff apparently knew everything as well. Only Council was kept in the dark.
Aha, I thought. Now we know why agendas are thin. It's all part of a plan. .
At the beginning of the term, I advised colleagues Council was being disrespected. In their lack of experience, they were not convinced.I guess they thought it was only myself and that didn't seem to bother them too much.
The message may finally be getting through.
Yesterday, we had to learn of the sudden termination of a long-term employee in the media.
We are still not informed of particulars.
I have heard of two others, union members, who were terminated and had to be re-hired.
We were never informed about that either.
Last night, I raised the issue of Neighbourhood Network's plan, in co-operation with Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority, to plant trees with a volunteer army of high school students in parks in Aurora and Newmarket on April 24th
It's a go in Newmarket.
Not in Aurora.
It's the Mayor's Anti-Litter Day
The Mayor responded she was not aware a request had been made.
"Does that mean Madame Mayor," I asked " if there had been a request, the tree planting would have happened"
As often happens, there was no clarity in the response.
People such as Boy Scouts and Adopt- a- park volunteers have been planting trees in the parks forever without having to ask for Council approval.
I heard of a conference between Former Mayor of Newmarket protagonist for Neighbourhood Network Tom Taylor, with Mayor Morris and others, for the purpose of clarifying the tree-
planting event. Seems he did ask for permission.
And was refused anyway.
Tuesday, 13 April 2010
An Oversight
We lost one First Class Councillor as well.
An Administrative Assistant to the Municipal Clerk is an add-on.
An Administrative Assistant to the Municipal Clerk is an add-on.
Now Let Me Think! ! !
A comment calls for a list of departees.
I may not know them all. But here goes.
One Chief Administrative Officer.
One Director of Planning
One Integrity Commissioner
One Treasurer.
One Public Works Director
One Acting Public Works Director.
One Manager of Works Operations
One Solicitor
One Assistant Solicitor.
Two Clerks/Directors of Corporate Services.
One Deputy Clerk
One Human Resources Officer .
One Manager of Bylaw Services.
One Council Secretary
One Administrative Assistant to the Mayor and Council.
One Economic Development Officer who chose not to renew a contract.
There may be others whose faces were not familiar. We know of at least one displacement.
We also had the "re-org" which added thirty five persons to the complement.
Various and sundry solicitors appear on the scene at a time of the Mayor's choosing.
And Oh Yes... A Second Integrity Commissioner. Still with us.
I may not know them all. But here goes.
One Chief Administrative Officer.
One Director of Planning
One Integrity Commissioner
One Treasurer.
One Public Works Director
One Acting Public Works Director.
One Manager of Works Operations
One Solicitor
One Assistant Solicitor.
Two Clerks/Directors of Corporate Services.
One Deputy Clerk
One Human Resources Officer .
One Manager of Bylaw Services.
One Council Secretary
One Administrative Assistant to the Mayor and Council.
One Economic Development Officer who chose not to renew a contract.
There may be others whose faces were not familiar. We know of at least one displacement.
We also had the "re-org" which added thirty five persons to the complement.
Various and sundry solicitors appear on the scene at a time of the Mayor's choosing.
And Oh Yes... A Second Integrity Commissioner. Still with us.
To Be Precise
I referred recently to the town's negative experience with a Business Improvement Association many years ago. I said they voted themselves out of existence without paying a nickel of their share of the agreement they made with the town.
I also referred last week to the Boondoggle called Hadley Grange Nature Reserve being a pandering exercise to Hadley Grange residents.
The references are accurate. But not completely
A majority of benefiting members of the BIA voted to disband. Not all.
Two residents of Hadley Grange were pandered . Not all.
Many residents feel the same way I do about the Boondoggle.
I also referred last week to the Boondoggle called Hadley Grange Nature Reserve being a pandering exercise to Hadley Grange residents.
The references are accurate. But not completely
A majority of benefiting members of the BIA voted to disband. Not all.
Two residents of Hadley Grange were pandered . Not all.
Many residents feel the same way I do about the Boondoggle.
What's Wrong With This Picture
I had to read about it in the newspaper. A main man in public works no longer works for us.
Another one bites the dust.
Many a conversation have I had with the man. Usually he was explaining something in response to an inquiry. Always articulate. Always civil. Always helpful. He's been with the town eighteen years. I've been back on Council seven. Long enough.
Confidence that a job is being capably and conscientiously handled and the people you represent are receiving value and respect for the tax dollar, means everything to this politician
We don't know names and faces of every employee. We don't know details of their daily work. There may not even be a single job within the operation ,we would qualify to hold. But we do know their work contributes more to our political well-being than any other factor.
Politicians come and go.Employees provide the continuity and consistency. That's where the institutional memory resides. They are its keepers.
When a valuable employee leaves, a great deal more than willing hands and sturdy shoulders are lost.
A successful employer plans for succession. A second capable person must have an opportunity to work alongside and absorb the history of the town's various works acquired over decades . It's not enough to have the job skills. No operation can afford to lose its history.Such loss is catastrophic and cannot be recovered.
God knows, our town has been devastated during this term.
I had to learn what I know of this particular loss from a scant reference in a newspaper.
Another one bites the dust.
Many a conversation have I had with the man. Usually he was explaining something in response to an inquiry. Always articulate. Always civil. Always helpful. He's been with the town eighteen years. I've been back on Council seven. Long enough.
Confidence that a job is being capably and conscientiously handled and the people you represent are receiving value and respect for the tax dollar, means everything to this politician
We don't know names and faces of every employee. We don't know details of their daily work. There may not even be a single job within the operation ,we would qualify to hold. But we do know their work contributes more to our political well-being than any other factor.
Politicians come and go.Employees provide the continuity and consistency. That's where the institutional memory resides. They are its keepers.
When a valuable employee leaves, a great deal more than willing hands and sturdy shoulders are lost.
A successful employer plans for succession. A second capable person must have an opportunity to work alongside and absorb the history of the town's various works acquired over decades . It's not enough to have the job skills. No operation can afford to lose its history.Such loss is catastrophic and cannot be recovered.
God knows, our town has been devastated during this term.
I had to learn what I know of this particular loss from a scant reference in a newspaper.
Monday, 12 April 2010
What Is The Real Deal.
The location of a gas fired peaker plant in the Holland Marsh area is being challenged by King in an Ontario Municipal Board Hearing.
The main argument appears to be damage to growing fields. I keep waiting for the evidence. The argument doesn't make sense.
In the first place, marsh muck contains no natural nutrients. Chemical fertilizers must be added.
Much of it washes off in rain and massive sprinklers used by farmers, into the canal.But maybe the water in the sprinklers comes from the chemical drenched canal. The most difficult problem restoring health to Lake Simcoe comes from the fertilizers required to be added by marsh farmers.
Phosphates from detergent were also a major problem but less so since sewage from urban municipalities,Aurora and Newmarket are carried away by the regional trunk sewer.
When I was travelling, I noticed vibrant colours in the gardens of the City of Hamilton. Rambling roses grew with the profusion of dandelions. I commented one Monday morning when the board gathered that I thought pollution must be good for gardens. In Hamilton,you can taste and feel grit in your teeth.Windsor across the river from the foundries of Detroit was the same. But both cities had spectacular gardens and both had famous public botanical gardens.
Then there's Aylmer and vegetable farms all around. Farmers dump truck loads of broccoli,snow white cauliflowers and gigantic cabbages at the side of the road for sale,in an area, also in the fall-out from the foundries of Detroit and Windsor.
A board member who lived all his life, near Exhibition Place, in a narrow little street with tiny little garden, which he was especially proud of at this time of the year, commented on a Harrowsmith magazine feature.
Since the government banned soft coal burning in the U.K., after thousands of people choked to death in a 1956 London pea soup fog, English gardens were no longer legendary.
I was there then. I remembered; soot from chimneys was added to garden soil. Ashes from the fire as well.
Eight hours exposed to sun in London, wouldn't bring as much as a tinge of pink to the skin, let alone a tan.
The layer of pollution between the sun and the earth was so dense, no ultra violet rays penetrated. The only thing missing in summer was the fog
A bit of a wind over the Holland Marsh, lifts the soil and swirls it away in a black cloud and that becomes a problem of loss for the farmers.
Marsh muck is only a good growing medium because it allows roots to grow in perfect
shape. Nutrition must be added for the vegetables to be nutritional.
Even if there were chemicals falling from the peaker plant's especially tall chimney designed to carry the smoke away, would they not be the same chemicals that fell from chimneys that burned coal that made English gardens legendary.And the foundries of Detroit and Winndsor and Hamilton.
In Scotland, gas was produced from coal. The process left massive clumps of cinders as a by-product. I think they were crushed and used for certain road surfaces.
In Canada, natural gas comes from the ground. The same place as oil, The same place as coal. All are fossil fuels in different stages of decay.
Well now, I am not trying to be an expert. I do not argue for a peaker plant in an agricultural versus an industrial area.
If I were a resident of King, I would certainly enjoin the battle.
It sure looks to me as if the location was chosen because it was a line of least resistance.
But I would like to hear the counter argument that fall-out from a peaker plant will destroy marsh soil as a growing medium.
I also like to note how apparently inexpert, experts can be.
The main argument appears to be damage to growing fields. I keep waiting for the evidence. The argument doesn't make sense.
In the first place, marsh muck contains no natural nutrients. Chemical fertilizers must be added.
Much of it washes off in rain and massive sprinklers used by farmers, into the canal.But maybe the water in the sprinklers comes from the chemical drenched canal. The most difficult problem restoring health to Lake Simcoe comes from the fertilizers required to be added by marsh farmers.
Phosphates from detergent were also a major problem but less so since sewage from urban municipalities,Aurora and Newmarket are carried away by the regional trunk sewer.
When I was travelling, I noticed vibrant colours in the gardens of the City of Hamilton. Rambling roses grew with the profusion of dandelions. I commented one Monday morning when the board gathered that I thought pollution must be good for gardens. In Hamilton,you can taste and feel grit in your teeth.Windsor across the river from the foundries of Detroit was the same. But both cities had spectacular gardens and both had famous public botanical gardens.
Then there's Aylmer and vegetable farms all around. Farmers dump truck loads of broccoli,snow white cauliflowers and gigantic cabbages at the side of the road for sale,in an area, also in the fall-out from the foundries of Detroit and Windsor.
A board member who lived all his life, near Exhibition Place, in a narrow little street with tiny little garden, which he was especially proud of at this time of the year, commented on a Harrowsmith magazine feature.
Since the government banned soft coal burning in the U.K., after thousands of people choked to death in a 1956 London pea soup fog, English gardens were no longer legendary.
I was there then. I remembered; soot from chimneys was added to garden soil. Ashes from the fire as well.
Eight hours exposed to sun in London, wouldn't bring as much as a tinge of pink to the skin, let alone a tan.
The layer of pollution between the sun and the earth was so dense, no ultra violet rays penetrated. The only thing missing in summer was the fog
A bit of a wind over the Holland Marsh, lifts the soil and swirls it away in a black cloud and that becomes a problem of loss for the farmers.
Marsh muck is only a good growing medium because it allows roots to grow in perfect
shape. Nutrition must be added for the vegetables to be nutritional.
Even if there were chemicals falling from the peaker plant's especially tall chimney designed to carry the smoke away, would they not be the same chemicals that fell from chimneys that burned coal that made English gardens legendary.And the foundries of Detroit and Winndsor and Hamilton.
In Scotland, gas was produced from coal. The process left massive clumps of cinders as a by-product. I think they were crushed and used for certain road surfaces.
In Canada, natural gas comes from the ground. The same place as oil, The same place as coal. All are fossil fuels in different stages of decay.
Well now, I am not trying to be an expert. I do not argue for a peaker plant in an agricultural versus an industrial area.
If I were a resident of King, I would certainly enjoin the battle.
It sure looks to me as if the location was chosen because it was a line of least resistance.
But I would like to hear the counter argument that fall-out from a peaker plant will destroy marsh soil as a growing medium.
I also like to note how apparently inexpert, experts can be.
Sunday, 11 April 2010
Still On The Code
Policy Statement
This Code of Conduct is a public declaration of the principles of good conduct and
ethics that members of the Council of the Town of Aurora have decided its
stakeholders could reasonably expect from the Members of Council to demonstrate
in the performance and responsibilities as elected representation.
After each Councillor has spent six weeks or more, communicating with residents in the hopes of gaining support in the election.
After the votes have been counted and the elected realizes he/she has been chosen.
For me it's a humbling experience. At that moment, my prayer is, that I can be what people expect.I will not let them down.
I know few people who have sworn the Oath without being moved by its meaning and solemnity.
We swear before an audience. The words are plain and clear.
We sign the declaration... once.
The Code of Conduct is ten pages long and came into being during the term of office. We have required ourselves to sign it twice, as if to impress ourselves with its significance.
My sense of commitment is my own. Some might say it's fastidious. Others say I'm a stickler. I govern my own standards.
I made a solemn contract. My Oath is my bond.
The right to judge, did I fail or fulfill is for voters to decide. I acknowledge no third party intervention.
Which brings us to the Complaint Process in the Code of Conduct.
It's not complicated.
We have an Integrity Commissioner on the payroll. We have the Code of Conduct on the web-site.
We have proclaimed a duplicate standard of conduct expected of elected members.
Every other week, we conduct ourselves in front of cable cameras.
You are invited thereby, each and every one, to be the judges of our conduct.
In the Blog, we have examined various clauses in the Code.
In this post, we repeated a principle espoused in The Code.
The onus is now upon the "stakeholders" , you, to decide if the lofty principles articulated are being followed.
Pre-paid resources have been provided, at your expense, to complain of every infraction you perceive to have been committed.
Affidavits can be obtained from public records.written and video- taped. The Clerk is the keeper of the records. He is also a Commissioner of Oaths.
The election is no longer your only resource .
If you work it right, by virtue of the penalty of witholding remuneration, you can get rid of a councillor or more who may displease you within the term of office.
Courtesy of The Code and Appointment of an Integrity Commissioner, all paid for from your own pocket, you no longer have to wait for an opportunity to vote in an election.
In fact, now that we have a Code of Conduct and an Integrity Commissioner, elections themselves may become redundant.
Think of the money we can save.
This Code of Conduct is a public declaration of the principles of good conduct and
ethics that members of the Council of the Town of Aurora have decided its
stakeholders could reasonably expect from the Members of Council to demonstrate
in the performance and responsibilities as elected representation.
After each Councillor has spent six weeks or more, communicating with residents in the hopes of gaining support in the election.
After the votes have been counted and the elected realizes he/she has been chosen.
For me it's a humbling experience. At that moment, my prayer is, that I can be what people expect.I will not let them down.
I know few people who have sworn the Oath without being moved by its meaning and solemnity.
We swear before an audience. The words are plain and clear.
We sign the declaration... once.
The Code of Conduct is ten pages long and came into being during the term of office. We have required ourselves to sign it twice, as if to impress ourselves with its significance.
My sense of commitment is my own. Some might say it's fastidious. Others say I'm a stickler. I govern my own standards.
I made a solemn contract. My Oath is my bond.
The right to judge, did I fail or fulfill is for voters to decide. I acknowledge no third party intervention.
Which brings us to the Complaint Process in the Code of Conduct.
It's not complicated.
We have an Integrity Commissioner on the payroll. We have the Code of Conduct on the web-site.
We have proclaimed a duplicate standard of conduct expected of elected members.
Every other week, we conduct ourselves in front of cable cameras.
You are invited thereby, each and every one, to be the judges of our conduct.
In the Blog, we have examined various clauses in the Code.
In this post, we repeated a principle espoused in The Code.
The onus is now upon the "stakeholders" , you, to decide if the lofty principles articulated are being followed.
Pre-paid resources have been provided, at your expense, to complain of every infraction you perceive to have been committed.
Affidavits can be obtained from public records.written and video- taped. The Clerk is the keeper of the records. He is also a Commissioner of Oaths.
The election is no longer your only resource .
If you work it right, by virtue of the penalty of witholding remuneration, you can get rid of a councillor or more who may displease you within the term of office.
Courtesy of The Code and Appointment of an Integrity Commissioner, all paid for from your own pocket, you no longer have to wait for an opportunity to vote in an election.
In fact, now that we have a Code of Conduct and an Integrity Commissioner, elections themselves may become redundant.
Think of the money we can save.
Friday, 9 April 2010
Outrage
No previous post has generated as much anger as the one about the Mayor's order not to allow planting by students in the town's parks on the day of the Mayor's Anti-Litter Campaign.
It was not a Council decision.
It would certainly not be mine. I believe there are probably at least two others who feel the same. We will not know if there are more unless we provide them a reason to indicate their position.
There were Councillors who saw a partnership with Neighbourhood Network as a good thing but no vote was taken .Instead the matter was sidelined by being referred to staff. No report has been received by Council.
The date for the tree planting is April 24th.
Council meets on Tuesday April 13th. There is time for Council to reverse the Mayor's order.
Time for residents to make their voices heard.
It was not a Council decision.
It would certainly not be mine. I believe there are probably at least two others who feel the same. We will not know if there are more unless we provide them a reason to indicate their position.
There were Councillors who saw a partnership with Neighbourhood Network as a good thing but no vote was taken .Instead the matter was sidelined by being referred to staff. No report has been received by Council.
The date for the tree planting is April 24th.
Council meets on Tuesday April 13th. There is time for Council to reverse the Mayor's order.
Time for residents to make their voices heard.
Clause 9 of The Code
Professional Development:
"Members have an obligation to promote,support,pursue and partake in opportunities for professional development, including but not limited to Federal, Provincial and Municipal conferences, seminars and workshops. Council Members are encouraged to stay updated on issues and trends so that they can be as efficient and effective as possible in the carriage of their duties and responsibilities"
Each read The Code and signed two copies, as they required themselves to do.
The first workshop that came our way after passage of The Code was held by our first Integrity Commissioner.
Neither the Mayor nor Councillor MacEachern attended. It was closed to allow free and uninhibited exchange of questions and answers.
The second workshop was held in public and turned out to be something of a tug of war. . No understanding of the purpose of the Code became apparent in the process.
A resolution by Councillor Collins Mrakas to hold educational workshops on the Code was
brusquely dismissed. Councillor MacEachern was adamant she had no need of being educated.
The first complaint filed under The Code, with the assistance of a lawyer, at taxpayer's expense
was dismissed summarily.
The first Commissioner was "stripped of his authority"
This year, On a motion by Councillor Gaertner, Council trimmed by two- thirds the budget for Councillors to attend seminars and conferences et al.
It was the first Council in many years not to have the benefit of off-site orientation at the start of the term to bring new Councillors up to date with workshops on town business.
The Mayor had the benefit at the regional level. But not Councillors in Aurora.
Staff have annual Leadership Conferences off site, but not Councillors.
Yet there it is in The Code.
A high-minded statement about the merits of exercising one's intellect for the benefit of the Municipal Corporation.
I think, one can say without equivocation, at this point in this term of office, at no time has there ever been any evidence of this objective being sought, let alone attained. .
Even to the minimal extent, as required by the Code, of reading and understanding the document.
I believe it cost $16,2000 to be advised of The Code as a solution and $4000. in legal fees to write.
"Members have an obligation to promote,support,pursue and partake in opportunities for professional development, including but not limited to Federal, Provincial and Municipal conferences, seminars and workshops. Council Members are encouraged to stay updated on issues and trends so that they can be as efficient and effective as possible in the carriage of their duties and responsibilities"
Each read The Code and signed two copies, as they required themselves to do.
The first workshop that came our way after passage of The Code was held by our first Integrity Commissioner.
Neither the Mayor nor Councillor MacEachern attended. It was closed to allow free and uninhibited exchange of questions and answers.
The second workshop was held in public and turned out to be something of a tug of war. . No understanding of the purpose of the Code became apparent in the process.
A resolution by Councillor Collins Mrakas to hold educational workshops on the Code was
brusquely dismissed. Councillor MacEachern was adamant she had no need of being educated.
The first complaint filed under The Code, with the assistance of a lawyer, at taxpayer's expense
was dismissed summarily.
The first Commissioner was "stripped of his authority"
This year, On a motion by Councillor Gaertner, Council trimmed by two- thirds the budget for Councillors to attend seminars and conferences et al.
It was the first Council in many years not to have the benefit of off-site orientation at the start of the term to bring new Councillors up to date with workshops on town business.
The Mayor had the benefit at the regional level. But not Councillors in Aurora.
Staff have annual Leadership Conferences off site, but not Councillors.
Yet there it is in The Code.
A high-minded statement about the merits of exercising one's intellect for the benefit of the Municipal Corporation.
I think, one can say without equivocation, at this point in this term of office, at no time has there ever been any evidence of this objective being sought, let alone attained. .
Even to the minimal extent, as required by the Code, of reading and understanding the document.
I believe it cost $16,2000 to be advised of The Code as a solution and $4000. in legal fees to write.
Clause 3 of The Code
3. Communications and Media Relations.
"Members of Council will accurately and adequately communicate the attitudes and decisions of Council even if they disagree with the majority decision of Council"
That's tricky.
If you say potaaato and I say potaeto. And that is how you see it and I do not. How exactly does one explain another person's " attitude and decision" ?
Why would I want to? Why would you want me to? The only person accountable for me is me
"Members shall show respect for the decision making process of Council"
That's easy .
Decision making is by vote. That's the deal. It's the principle we live by. The majority rules . The minority get to have their say. As often as they choose and anywhere they choose. Except in the Council Chamber. You can't keep re-hashing stuff time and time again. The rules take care of that
" Communications with the media by Members of Council shall be conducted through proper interviews or media releases. Members shall refrain from submitting letters to the editor or writing a regular column in the newspaper or hosting /co-hosting a regular television program."
This is interesting .
The Mayor is frequently quoted in the press. The Mayor of Aurora has written a weekly column in one or the other local newspaper for forty years. No-one has ever suggested that's bad conduct. I think people appreciated it.
Even this Mayor apparently committed a couple of times to writing a regular column. That she never followed through is unlikely to have had anything to do with the Code of Conduct.
Yet there it is.... in The Code;
" Members of Council shall refrain from writing a column in the newspaper"
Why is that thing in there about hosting a T.V. program? No Councillor in Aurora has ever done that. Some of us, including the Mayor, have been guests on occasion. No-one ever suggested that was discreditable. They probably didn't like what I had to say but who said they had to.
Yet it's in there. Whose values does this Code reflect?
And that bit about " letters to the editor"
Have we not seen letters to the editor from the Mayor, Councillors Gaertner. Granger and Wilson in the paper.
Of all the pesky clauses. I think that one is the most inane.
Now we have someone on the payroll to keep an eye on all publications and correct misinformation. How will that be accomplished, I wonder ?
I didn't agree to a trumped-up Code to dumb down Council when I ran for office. I did the opposite.I said I would do whatever it took to inform people of their town's business...as I see it.
I can't believe when the Province came up with this ill-written legislation to allow municipalities to adopt a Code of Conduct, they contemplated depriving elected representatives of the liberty that allowed them to be elected and the reason thereof.
If I were to attempt to explain the attitudes and decision of Council when the Code was adopted, it I am fairly sure they would not be pleased.
It could probably be filed as a complaint to the Integrity Commissioner of their choosing.
"Members of Council will accurately and adequately communicate the attitudes and decisions of Council even if they disagree with the majority decision of Council"
That's tricky.
If you say potaaato and I say potaeto. And that is how you see it and I do not. How exactly does one explain another person's " attitude and decision" ?
Why would I want to? Why would you want me to? The only person accountable for me is me
"Members shall show respect for the decision making process of Council"
That's easy .
Decision making is by vote. That's the deal. It's the principle we live by. The majority rules . The minority get to have their say. As often as they choose and anywhere they choose. Except in the Council Chamber. You can't keep re-hashing stuff time and time again. The rules take care of that
" Communications with the media by Members of Council shall be conducted through proper interviews or media releases. Members shall refrain from submitting letters to the editor or writing a regular column in the newspaper or hosting /co-hosting a regular television program."
This is interesting .
The Mayor is frequently quoted in the press. The Mayor of Aurora has written a weekly column in one or the other local newspaper for forty years. No-one has ever suggested that's bad conduct. I think people appreciated it.
Even this Mayor apparently committed a couple of times to writing a regular column. That she never followed through is unlikely to have had anything to do with the Code of Conduct.
Yet there it is.... in The Code;
" Members of Council shall refrain from writing a column in the newspaper"
Why is that thing in there about hosting a T.V. program? No Councillor in Aurora has ever done that. Some of us, including the Mayor, have been guests on occasion. No-one ever suggested that was discreditable. They probably didn't like what I had to say but who said they had to.
Yet it's in there. Whose values does this Code reflect?
And that bit about " letters to the editor"
Have we not seen letters to the editor from the Mayor, Councillors Gaertner. Granger and Wilson in the paper.
Of all the pesky clauses. I think that one is the most inane.
Now we have someone on the payroll to keep an eye on all publications and correct misinformation. How will that be accomplished, I wonder ?
I didn't agree to a trumped-up Code to dumb down Council when I ran for office. I did the opposite.I said I would do whatever it took to inform people of their town's business...as I see it.
I can't believe when the Province came up with this ill-written legislation to allow municipalities to adopt a Code of Conduct, they contemplated depriving elected representatives of the liberty that allowed them to be elected and the reason thereof.
If I were to attempt to explain the attitudes and decision of Council when the Code was adopted, it I am fairly sure they would not be pleased.
It could probably be filed as a complaint to the Integrity Commissioner of their choosing.
Thursday, 8 April 2010
Town Resource Exploited
Last week, the Mayor circulated an e-mail list of committees served by various Councillors . Ostensibly to make sure they were correct. Stated intention was to post them on the town's web-site.
There were none missing. Some committees listed no longer exist. Court favourites reflected the largest number.
Councillors McRoberts, Collins Mrakas and myself , the least.
The Mayor quite often reflects how some Councillors do more work than others. No
doubt the object now is to present that evidence to the community in good time for the election.
The Town's web site is a corporate resource. One would be hard pressed to argue political promotion of the Mayor and friends is the corporation's business.
It could be said to be misuse of town property in contravention of Clause 7 of The Code.
.
The Mayor makes all appointments. It shouldn't be but with six votes sewn up at all times, that's how it goes.
When the Wells St school issue was on the front burner, a committee was struck with Council
representation. Councillor McRoberts, a former student of the school, a member of The Town's Heritage Committee, member of the Historical Society, retired high school teacher and Deputy Mayor expressed interest in being the town's representative on the committee.
Councillor Collins Mrakas, a member of the Heritage Advisory Committee also indicated interest.
Councillor Gallo, appointed not elected member of Council, with no association with the school or neighbourhood, was the Mayor's appointee.
When former Councillor Grace Marsh resigned her seat on the only standing committee of Council, the Joint Fire Committee, became vacant. Councillor Collins Mrakas indicated strong interest in taking Councillor Marsh's place.
Once again, Councillor Gallo, appointed not elected , was the Mayor's appointee.
When the 2c study,Official Plan Amendment committee was being created. Councillors. Collins Mrakas and myself were asked would we be interested in serving. We said we would.
Non-elected citizens were appointed to the committee. But not Councillors Collins Mrakas
or me.
Many of the committees cited in the Mayor's list would not stand up favourably to closer scrutiny.
The significant aspect of the posting however is how a corporate resource, the town's web site, is being exploited for political purpose in contravention of the Code of Conduct.
The other oddity is what it reveals about the Mayor's concept of leadership , inclusion and ensuring all views are Councillors views are considered when decisions are made.
There were none missing. Some committees listed no longer exist. Court favourites reflected the largest number.
Councillors McRoberts, Collins Mrakas and myself , the least.
The Mayor quite often reflects how some Councillors do more work than others. No
doubt the object now is to present that evidence to the community in good time for the election.
The Town's web site is a corporate resource. One would be hard pressed to argue political promotion of the Mayor and friends is the corporation's business.
It could be said to be misuse of town property in contravention of Clause 7 of The Code.
.
The Mayor makes all appointments. It shouldn't be but with six votes sewn up at all times, that's how it goes.
When the Wells St school issue was on the front burner, a committee was struck with Council
representation. Councillor McRoberts, a former student of the school, a member of The Town's Heritage Committee, member of the Historical Society, retired high school teacher and Deputy Mayor expressed interest in being the town's representative on the committee.
Councillor Collins Mrakas, a member of the Heritage Advisory Committee also indicated interest.
Councillor Gallo, appointed not elected member of Council, with no association with the school or neighbourhood, was the Mayor's appointee.
When former Councillor Grace Marsh resigned her seat on the only standing committee of Council, the Joint Fire Committee, became vacant. Councillor Collins Mrakas indicated strong interest in taking Councillor Marsh's place.
Once again, Councillor Gallo, appointed not elected , was the Mayor's appointee.
When the 2c study,Official Plan Amendment committee was being created. Councillors. Collins Mrakas and myself were asked would we be interested in serving. We said we would.
Non-elected citizens were appointed to the committee. But not Councillors Collins Mrakas
or me.
Many of the committees cited in the Mayor's list would not stand up favourably to closer scrutiny.
The significant aspect of the posting however is how a corporate resource, the town's web site, is being exploited for political purpose in contravention of the Code of Conduct.
The other oddity is what it reveals about the Mayor's concept of leadership , inclusion and ensuring all views are Councillors views are considered when decisions are made.
I Have Another Story
Before Christmas, Neighbourhood Network announced they would be partnering with the Sally Ann for the Kettle Drive.
The usual photo to publicise the launch of the Kettle Drive was taken; A fire truck with a few volunteers in front.
Next thing that happened was a Fire Truck requested at the Town hall for the Mayor and others
to be photographed launching the on-line Kettle Drive.
Then a photo of the Mayor and three councillors singing carols at a liquor store with a Kettle.
A couple of weeks ago, the Salvation Army Officer came to Council and announced a record sum was collected and expressed his appreciation to Aurora.
Councillor Wilson declared, in fun, it was all attributed to the carol singing by himself and others.
No mention was made of Neighbourhood Network.
The Mayor simply glowed with the success of her efforts.
I asked the Fire Chief ; how come you authorised a truck out of the fire station for the same purpose twice.
"Well", he said, kind of sheepish, "we always do that to provide support for a good cause"
My guess is, he never has been asked to do it twice.
By the way, Neighbourhood Network's request to partner with the town never was accepted.
And Clause 7 of the Code refers to use of town property:
Members may only use town property for activities connected with the discharge of official duties or associated community activities having the sanction of council or permitted by town policies.
The usual photo to publicise the launch of the Kettle Drive was taken; A fire truck with a few volunteers in front.
Next thing that happened was a Fire Truck requested at the Town hall for the Mayor and others
to be photographed launching the on-line Kettle Drive.
Then a photo of the Mayor and three councillors singing carols at a liquor store with a Kettle.
A couple of weeks ago, the Salvation Army Officer came to Council and announced a record sum was collected and expressed his appreciation to Aurora.
Councillor Wilson declared, in fun, it was all attributed to the carol singing by himself and others.
No mention was made of Neighbourhood Network.
The Mayor simply glowed with the success of her efforts.
I asked the Fire Chief ; how come you authorised a truck out of the fire station for the same purpose twice.
"Well", he said, kind of sheepish, "we always do that to provide support for a good cause"
My guess is, he never has been asked to do it twice.
By the way, Neighbourhood Network's request to partner with the town never was accepted.
And Clause 7 of the Code refers to use of town property:
Members may only use town property for activities connected with the discharge of official duties or associated community activities having the sanction of council or permitted by town policies.
The Code of Conduct
Second paragraph states the purpose as follows:
* the decision making process of the Town Council is transparent,accessible and equitable
* decisions are made through appropriate channels of government structure.
There are thirteen principles in the Code:
The fourth refers to relations with staff.
Members of Council shall acknowledge and respect the fact that staff work for the Town as a corporate body and are responsible for making recommendations that reflect their professional expertise and corporate objectives, without undue influence from any individual member.
In addition, Members shall acknowledge and respect the fact that staff carry out directions of Council as a whole and administer the policies of the town. A member of Council shall refrain from using their position to improperly influence members of staff in their duties and functions or to gain advantage for themselves or others.
Members of Council shall refrain from publicly criticizing individual members of staff in a way that casts aspersions on their professional competence and credibility.
I did not support the Code of Conduct. It keeps being repeated that all Members of Council are bound by it nevertheless.
Some say , if a person does not favour a law against dirty deeds , it's because the person favours dirty deeds.
I would say, if a law against dirty deeds is not likely to be observed, it should not be passed. Laws not respected bring all law into disrepute
Ah yes, you ,might answer, but we have an Integrity Commissioner and penalties.
Ah yes, that's true. But let us look a little closer.
We received notice recently that Neighbourhood Network had an exciting project in hand.
Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority were providing thousands of trees. Neighbourhood Network had organised students in Aurora and Newmarket to plant the trees in parks.
The students can obtain credit for community service.
The urban forest can be amplified
Young people can do something worthwhile for the community and have the satisfaction of seeing it grow.
Town parks could have shady places. The environment can be improved It's what's meant by Green.
A win win for everybody.
But wait a minute: first negative reaction was an e-mail circulated by Councillor MacEachern.
It's too bad, the event is planned for the Mayor's Anti-Litter Day.
Well, I thought. Why is that? It would just be an especially cheerful and busy day.
It would certainly complement the anti-litter day.
Since then however, the word is out. It will not be happening in Aurora. Girl Guides who wanted to participate in planting trees in town parks have been told they have to apply to Council.
Direction to that effect was not given by Council.
It came from the Mayor, a member of Council as referred in the Code of Conduct. Where it says no member of Council shall give direction or attempt to influence staff.
So, the Code is not observed.
The Code is breached.
The Code with potential for penalties .
Of course, to accomplish that, a complaint must be filed.
It's a new privilege accorded to us by the Mormac regime.
* the decision making process of the Town Council is transparent,accessible and equitable
* decisions are made through appropriate channels of government structure.
There are thirteen principles in the Code:
The fourth refers to relations with staff.
Members of Council shall acknowledge and respect the fact that staff work for the Town as a corporate body and are responsible for making recommendations that reflect their professional expertise and corporate objectives, without undue influence from any individual member.
In addition, Members shall acknowledge and respect the fact that staff carry out directions of Council as a whole and administer the policies of the town. A member of Council shall refrain from using their position to improperly influence members of staff in their duties and functions or to gain advantage for themselves or others.
Members of Council shall refrain from publicly criticizing individual members of staff in a way that casts aspersions on their professional competence and credibility.
I did not support the Code of Conduct. It keeps being repeated that all Members of Council are bound by it nevertheless.
Some say , if a person does not favour a law against dirty deeds , it's because the person favours dirty deeds.
I would say, if a law against dirty deeds is not likely to be observed, it should not be passed. Laws not respected bring all law into disrepute
Ah yes, you ,might answer, but we have an Integrity Commissioner and penalties.
Ah yes, that's true. But let us look a little closer.
We received notice recently that Neighbourhood Network had an exciting project in hand.
Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority were providing thousands of trees. Neighbourhood Network had organised students in Aurora and Newmarket to plant the trees in parks.
The students can obtain credit for community service.
The urban forest can be amplified
Young people can do something worthwhile for the community and have the satisfaction of seeing it grow.
Town parks could have shady places. The environment can be improved It's what's meant by Green.
A win win for everybody.
But wait a minute: first negative reaction was an e-mail circulated by Councillor MacEachern.
It's too bad, the event is planned for the Mayor's Anti-Litter Day.
Well, I thought. Why is that? It would just be an especially cheerful and busy day.
It would certainly complement the anti-litter day.
Since then however, the word is out. It will not be happening in Aurora. Girl Guides who wanted to participate in planting trees in town parks have been told they have to apply to Council.
Direction to that effect was not given by Council.
It came from the Mayor, a member of Council as referred in the Code of Conduct. Where it says no member of Council shall give direction or attempt to influence staff.
So, the Code is not observed.
The Code is breached.
The Code with potential for penalties .
Of course, to accomplish that, a complaint must be filed.
It's a new privilege accorded to us by the Mormac regime.
Wednesday, 7 April 2010
The Law Suit
It's still ongoing. It is a new experience for me. I am learning how it goes as it goes.
I know something about process from town experience.But not a lot. Until this term, all councillors had to know, in the main, were decisions to be made and results.There were few of them.
It was always considered best because of the chance something might be said that would jeopardize the town's interest.
I am finding this process slow. In my personal affairs, I am in the habit of managing things myself . I had to learn not to be too quick to react.
In politics, if you don't react, the moment passes and it's too late. But what goes around comes around.
In legal matters , the solicitor is in charge. If he is good, he is busy. I have always had a great appreciation for a good lawyer. He must have a mind like an encyclopedia.
At one time, I thought I would like to be a lawyer. Ted Oakes, the region's first solicitor could not understand why.
I have grown to have a thorough appreciation of the job they do. Of how it much discipline it takes, to have a mental file of each case in their file.
Even so, it's hard to leave my action for someone else to handle.
I have not grown accustomed to the pace.
I know something about process from town experience.But not a lot. Until this term, all councillors had to know, in the main, were decisions to be made and results.There were few of them.
It was always considered best because of the chance something might be said that would jeopardize the town's interest.
I am finding this process slow. In my personal affairs, I am in the habit of managing things myself . I had to learn not to be too quick to react.
In politics, if you don't react, the moment passes and it's too late. But what goes around comes around.
In legal matters , the solicitor is in charge. If he is good, he is busy. I have always had a great appreciation for a good lawyer. He must have a mind like an encyclopedia.
At one time, I thought I would like to be a lawyer. Ted Oakes, the region's first solicitor could not understand why.
I have grown to have a thorough appreciation of the job they do. Of how it much discipline it takes, to have a mental file of each case in their file.
Even so, it's hard to leave my action for someone else to handle.
I have not grown accustomed to the pace.
A Tangent
My last post went off in a direction I did not intend .
I started off to illustrate how town objectives are working at cross purposes.
We cannot claim, at one time, to be attempting to revive retail business in our downtown core and at the same time strive to freeze the area in a hundred year old time zone.
A Town does not develop anything private. Private enterprise does that.
We can spout all the right sounding cliches known to man. If investors are persuaded our sales line is not conducive to profitable venture, we can just suck it up.
At last night's committee meeting, Councillor Gaertner gave a perfect example of the thinking that keeps our town in a time capsule.
An application was made for a variance to the sign bylaw. A fee was collected. The plan was examined. Two gas stations on Yonge Street have come under one ownership. The signs needed to be co-ordinated. It meant the sign on one would extend halfway above the canopy that supports it.
Staff found no problem with the variance and recommended approval.
Councilor Gaertner however thought not.
." We are having a study done of the down town area" she said. "I don't believe we should approve anything until the study is completed and we see what the consultants recommend "
Fortunately, the Councillor's view was not shared. Approval was given.
It doesn't always work out that way. Councillor Gaertner's vote is usually with the majority.
I used to believe there was a limit to what a municipality can do to influence the ups and downs of retail business activity.
I don't think that any more.
I think there is no limit to the harm a Council can do when they are collectively convinced they need municipal consultants to advise them at every turn and there is nothing to learn from the people who make a successful business in the retail sector.
I started off to illustrate how town objectives are working at cross purposes.
We cannot claim, at one time, to be attempting to revive retail business in our downtown core and at the same time strive to freeze the area in a hundred year old time zone.
A Town does not develop anything private. Private enterprise does that.
We can spout all the right sounding cliches known to man. If investors are persuaded our sales line is not conducive to profitable venture, we can just suck it up.
At last night's committee meeting, Councillor Gaertner gave a perfect example of the thinking that keeps our town in a time capsule.
An application was made for a variance to the sign bylaw. A fee was collected. The plan was examined. Two gas stations on Yonge Street have come under one ownership. The signs needed to be co-ordinated. It meant the sign on one would extend halfway above the canopy that supports it.
Staff found no problem with the variance and recommended approval.
Councilor Gaertner however thought not.
." We are having a study done of the down town area" she said. "I don't believe we should approve anything until the study is completed and we see what the consultants recommend "
Fortunately, the Councillor's view was not shared. Approval was given.
It doesn't always work out that way. Councillor Gaertner's vote is usually with the majority.
I used to believe there was a limit to what a municipality can do to influence the ups and downs of retail business activity.
I don't think that any more.
I think there is no limit to the harm a Council can do when they are collectively convinced they need municipal consultants to advise them at every turn and there is nothing to learn from the people who make a successful business in the retail sector.
Downtown Renewal
I received a phone call. There is interest in assembling three properties on Yonge Street to develop something new.
The houses are in the designated Heritage Neighbourhood on Yonge Street opposite Aurora Heights Drive ..
They are modest frame- clad rental homes of no significant design, run-down and shabby.
A young mother was murdered in one by a violent ex-boyfriend, while her children were in the house. Reason enough, I think for that house to be wiped from the face of the earth.
For forty years, successive Councils have talked and spent money on consultants to advise on the need for re-vitalisation of the downtown core.
When I was Mayor, we bought planters for the sidewalks and filled them with flowers.
A Business Improvement Area was formed . That's an association of business owners and the municipality with the objective of ... you guessed it.... improving the business area.
A grant was available. The town put up the bulk of the money with an agreement that benefitting property owners would share with the town proportionately, as an annual tax.
We created the parking lot behind the west side of Yonge. We acquired a property leading up to Yonge Street.
After the railway came to Aurora, a team of draught horses pulling Fleury Plough flat bed carts galloped hard to get up that hill and swung around at full speed on Yonge Street, taking ploughs to the station to be shipped all over North America.
We put in steps there and designed an aesthetically pleasing parking lot. With lights and little gardens here and there. We bought the old Fleury office building and created a little park on the corner of Wellington and Temperance Street.
Heritage style lamp standards and benches were installed here and there on Yonge Street.
I think it cost $250Ks after the grant. As soon as it was completed, the BIA voted to disband. Never paid a penny of their share. Stuck the town with the whole bill.
Merchants tend to be a fractious bunch. I put it down to the insecurity and pressure of running a small business.
Council and staff had a good working relationship. We were doing good stuff and we were doing it together. Without consultants. Norm Weller and I had a great partnership. Every day was a great exciting day.
That's how I know how much can be accomplished. Because I've done it. Not by myself alone.
But I've done it.
.
The houses are in the designated Heritage Neighbourhood on Yonge Street opposite Aurora Heights Drive ..
They are modest frame- clad rental homes of no significant design, run-down and shabby.
A young mother was murdered in one by a violent ex-boyfriend, while her children were in the house. Reason enough, I think for that house to be wiped from the face of the earth.
For forty years, successive Councils have talked and spent money on consultants to advise on the need for re-vitalisation of the downtown core.
When I was Mayor, we bought planters for the sidewalks and filled them with flowers.
A Business Improvement Area was formed . That's an association of business owners and the municipality with the objective of ... you guessed it.... improving the business area.
A grant was available. The town put up the bulk of the money with an agreement that benefitting property owners would share with the town proportionately, as an annual tax.
We created the parking lot behind the west side of Yonge. We acquired a property leading up to Yonge Street.
After the railway came to Aurora, a team of draught horses pulling Fleury Plough flat bed carts galloped hard to get up that hill and swung around at full speed on Yonge Street, taking ploughs to the station to be shipped all over North America.
We put in steps there and designed an aesthetically pleasing parking lot. With lights and little gardens here and there. We bought the old Fleury office building and created a little park on the corner of Wellington and Temperance Street.
Heritage style lamp standards and benches were installed here and there on Yonge Street.
I think it cost $250Ks after the grant. As soon as it was completed, the BIA voted to disband. Never paid a penny of their share. Stuck the town with the whole bill.
Merchants tend to be a fractious bunch. I put it down to the insecurity and pressure of running a small business.
Council and staff had a good working relationship. We were doing good stuff and we were doing it together. Without consultants. Norm Weller and I had a great partnership. Every day was a great exciting day.
That's how I know how much can be accomplished. Because I've done it. Not by myself alone.
But I've done it.
.
Monday, 5 April 2010
Sound and Fury
The town is abuzz with promise of change. People daily avow intentions not to vote for the Mayor and her coterie. Only two names of the current council are regularly mentioned as come-back kids.
Mine is not one.
A person notices things like that and could be offended. What a waste of time that would be.
It seems those making ever stronger avowals are planning to run for office themselves.
Candidates registered thus far, are not commended by the chattering class.
That's interesting. The only way I know to challenge, is to offer to do the job oneself. Failure to do so, doesn't mean you can't complain. It means that's all you can do.
Candidates are not voted out of office. They are voted in.
Generally voters don't want to be told by a candidate why they shouldn't vote for the other .
They want to hear why the candidate thinks she should be the one.
When I started in politics , the buzz was that everyone on Council was from "the old town"
The new areas were not represented.
A "Candidate sponsoring group" formed itself.
Would-be candidates were invited to call a certain number.
I did. The person at the end of the line said:
"Oh Hi Evelyn. As a matter of fact, your name came up"
"Is that right" I said. "And then what happened "
There was an awkward pause.
It was in that split second I decided .
All the important decisions in my life were made because I knew no reason why I shouldn't.
I wasn't elected the first time. Nor the second either. But I learned a thing or three. When I made it on the third try, I didn't defeat an incumbent.
There were two vacant seats. I filled one. Competently it seems.
I learned I don't like being told not do something.
I tend to think: What is that about?
Mine is not one.
A person notices things like that and could be offended. What a waste of time that would be.
It seems those making ever stronger avowals are planning to run for office themselves.
Candidates registered thus far, are not commended by the chattering class.
That's interesting. The only way I know to challenge, is to offer to do the job oneself. Failure to do so, doesn't mean you can't complain. It means that's all you can do.
Candidates are not voted out of office. They are voted in.
Generally voters don't want to be told by a candidate why they shouldn't vote for the other .
They want to hear why the candidate thinks she should be the one.
When I started in politics , the buzz was that everyone on Council was from "the old town"
The new areas were not represented.
A "Candidate sponsoring group" formed itself.
Would-be candidates were invited to call a certain number.
I did. The person at the end of the line said:
"Oh Hi Evelyn. As a matter of fact, your name came up"
"Is that right" I said. "And then what happened "
There was an awkward pause.
It was in that split second I decided .
All the important decisions in my life were made because I knew no reason why I shouldn't.
I wasn't elected the first time. Nor the second either. But I learned a thing or three. When I made it on the third try, I didn't defeat an incumbent.
There were two vacant seats. I filled one. Competently it seems.
I learned I don't like being told not do something.
I tend to think: What is that about?
Sunday, 4 April 2010
Is The Community Is Watching ?
Objections to trail alignments are the rule rather than the exception. For forty years,we worked to provide a continuous trail system . Plans for the short stretch from St John's Sideroad north to Newmarket have been underway since 1991. The land was acquired for the purpose.
Newmarket has already completed the trail to their northern boundary. East Gwillimbury plans to take it to the lock in the Village of Holland Landing
The trail is paved in Newmarket and has a fine granular surface in East Gwillimbury. As well as walking and running, people of all ages cycle, skate board and roller blade throughout its length. Coach lanterns light their way. Exercise and a healthy lifestyle are enjoyed because of it.
Forty years ago.we were just getting going. A section proposed behind Heathwood Heights
was opposed by a single individual.
He recently bought a home backing on to public property assuming the land was there for his personal convenience. When he discovered others might walk past his property.his fury knew no bounds. He didn't much like being respectfully informed the plans were in place before he was
and they would proceed.
His arguments were exactly the same as Hadley Grange and residents in other places since; invading his privacy, littering, noise and Oh Calamity, young folk. He bought a house in that location to enjoy the amenity, not to share it.
The trail was built. He didn't move. We never did receive complaints.
Perfectly normal, reasonable people are capable of being thoroughly unreasonable if they believe their personal interests are to be negatively affected. It's happened before and it will again..
The problem emerges when the people charged with responsibility to make decisions do not have the intestinal fortitude to accept it.
A consistent pattern has developed here.
We regularly bypass staff advice and retain services of a "problem facilitator" We paid this one more than $50ks to tell us how to " facilitate" the problem.
We are now contemplating adding almost half a million dollars to the cost of the project . Because that's how he "facilitated" the problem.
My guess would be he did exactly what he was told to do.He told Council what they should do and it gave them cover.
Residents of Hadley Grange are pleased with the outcome. Who cares about the cost? They have been accommodated
The rest of the community don't seem to be paying much attention.
Doing it as if the planet is watching , is clearly not intended in this place at this time.
Newmarket has already completed the trail to their northern boundary. East Gwillimbury plans to take it to the lock in the Village of Holland Landing
The trail is paved in Newmarket and has a fine granular surface in East Gwillimbury. As well as walking and running, people of all ages cycle, skate board and roller blade throughout its length. Coach lanterns light their way. Exercise and a healthy lifestyle are enjoyed because of it.
Forty years ago.we were just getting going. A section proposed behind Heathwood Heights
was opposed by a single individual.
He recently bought a home backing on to public property assuming the land was there for his personal convenience. When he discovered others might walk past his property.his fury knew no bounds. He didn't much like being respectfully informed the plans were in place before he was
and they would proceed.
His arguments were exactly the same as Hadley Grange and residents in other places since; invading his privacy, littering, noise and Oh Calamity, young folk. He bought a house in that location to enjoy the amenity, not to share it.
The trail was built. He didn't move. We never did receive complaints.
Perfectly normal, reasonable people are capable of being thoroughly unreasonable if they believe their personal interests are to be negatively affected. It's happened before and it will again..
The problem emerges when the people charged with responsibility to make decisions do not have the intestinal fortitude to accept it.
A consistent pattern has developed here.
We regularly bypass staff advice and retain services of a "problem facilitator" We paid this one more than $50ks to tell us how to " facilitate" the problem.
We are now contemplating adding almost half a million dollars to the cost of the project . Because that's how he "facilitated" the problem.
My guess would be he did exactly what he was told to do.He told Council what they should do and it gave them cover.
Residents of Hadley Grange are pleased with the outcome. Who cares about the cost? They have been accommodated
The rest of the community don't seem to be paying much attention.
Doing it as if the planet is watching , is clearly not intended in this place at this time.
Saturday, 3 April 2010
Boondoggles
Have been a feature of this term of council.
In the year 2000, the trail system was the town's project for the millenium. Land for the northern section was acquired in 1991, at the same time as the land acquired for construction of the Hadley Grange Seniors Apartment .
In December 2005. Councillors Vrancic moved and Kean seconded, $250,000 be allocated for the Nokidaa Trail Extension.
On August 8th 2008 a public notification process was approved.
Staff had consulted with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority to build the trail on municipal lands in an area of provincially significant wetlands. The alignment had been moved once already, further from the building site.
On February 9th 2009, positive talks were reported . The design completed had an alignment approved by LSRCA
In 2007. a grant of $80,000. was approved by the region. It was jeopardised by delay on the 2008 start date. Newmarket had to expropriate to satisfy their alignment. In 2008, the Region extended the grant period.
The completed trail will go all the way to Holland Landing.
My daughter and her husband, Newmarket residents, biked all the way yesterday.
At nine o'clock on Good Friday Morning 2010,Newmarket residents were walking, running, walking their dogs and riding their bicycles in a spectacular environment within their own community.
In Aurora, some residents( two in the main) of Hadley Grange Seniors Apartment objected to the trail. Staff met with them to explain. To no avail.
Funds were expended for a consultant to explain. To no avail.
The consultant, a problem facilitator, was given a contract for $50,000.
Meetings and lunches were held over a period of months.
Eventually three huge heavy cardboard brochures were produced full of coloured photos , blank space and minimal verbiage.
They purported to explain why concerns of the residents of Hadley Grange had to be taken seriously.
The residents, the same two, were concerned about the environment. They were concerned people would use the trail. They were concerned young people would discover the trail and interfere with the residents safety, peace and tranquility.
It took $488 Ks. to allay their concerns. A snake pit,a turtle pond and other enhancements have been added to the project .
Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority apparently has $377Ks. lying about in their coffers waiting for Aurora to ask for it to provide snake pits and turtle ponds.
And the two obdurate residents are assigned watchdog status to ensure town staff fullfil every detail of their agreement.
A project designed to be built by town staff , to keep costs at $331Ks, has been escalated to almost $800Ks.
We spent more than $50ks on consultants to persuade two residents they had nothing to worry about.
Instead, they persuaded the consultants to hold us to a king's ransom.
One of the residents attended general committee where the recommendation was considered.
Satisfied smiles were exchanged with the Mayor on the decision to approve in principle yet another colossal boondoggle.
In the year 2000, the trail system was the town's project for the millenium. Land for the northern section was acquired in 1991, at the same time as the land acquired for construction of the Hadley Grange Seniors Apartment .
In December 2005. Councillors Vrancic moved and Kean seconded, $250,000 be allocated for the Nokidaa Trail Extension.
On August 8th 2008 a public notification process was approved.
Staff had consulted with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority to build the trail on municipal lands in an area of provincially significant wetlands. The alignment had been moved once already, further from the building site.
On February 9th 2009, positive talks were reported . The design completed had an alignment approved by LSRCA
In 2007. a grant of $80,000. was approved by the region. It was jeopardised by delay on the 2008 start date. Newmarket had to expropriate to satisfy their alignment. In 2008, the Region extended the grant period.
The completed trail will go all the way to Holland Landing.
My daughter and her husband, Newmarket residents, biked all the way yesterday.
At nine o'clock on Good Friday Morning 2010,Newmarket residents were walking, running, walking their dogs and riding their bicycles in a spectacular environment within their own community.
In Aurora, some residents( two in the main) of Hadley Grange Seniors Apartment objected to the trail. Staff met with them to explain. To no avail.
Funds were expended for a consultant to explain. To no avail.
The consultant, a problem facilitator, was given a contract for $50,000.
Meetings and lunches were held over a period of months.
Eventually three huge heavy cardboard brochures were produced full of coloured photos , blank space and minimal verbiage.
They purported to explain why concerns of the residents of Hadley Grange had to be taken seriously.
The residents, the same two, were concerned about the environment. They were concerned people would use the trail. They were concerned young people would discover the trail and interfere with the residents safety, peace and tranquility.
It took $488 Ks. to allay their concerns. A snake pit,a turtle pond and other enhancements have been added to the project .
Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority apparently has $377Ks. lying about in their coffers waiting for Aurora to ask for it to provide snake pits and turtle ponds.
And the two obdurate residents are assigned watchdog status to ensure town staff fullfil every detail of their agreement.
A project designed to be built by town staff , to keep costs at $331Ks, has been escalated to almost $800Ks.
We spent more than $50ks on consultants to persuade two residents they had nothing to worry about.
Instead, they persuaded the consultants to hold us to a king's ransom.
One of the residents attended general committee where the recommendation was considered.
Satisfied smiles were exchanged with the Mayor on the decision to approve in principle yet another colossal boondoggle.
What You See Isn't Neccessarily
I worked with a person on the Social Assistance Review Board. Members spent a lot of time on the road driving to and from Hearings. With nothing to do but talk, we learned a lot about each others' lives.
The member's family was down-sizing from a multi-million-dollar mansion in Monarch Park to a condo in Rosedale. The house was so big, the teen-age son's girl friend was living with him for months before his mother knew there was another person there.
They had a condo in Spain and a farm in the Caledon Hills. My colleague used phrases like
"Marvelous ,darling" and "simply divine" But she was a nice person and had her share of troubles.
Their lifestyle was changing. In the move, a lot of stuff had to be unloaded. Place settings for a hundred dinner guests, for example; crystal, sterling flatware, fine china. It was being appraised for transfer of ownership to the feds for use, possibly in the Governor-General's house, in consideration of tax relief in the amount of its full value.
I had read about storage vaults for hundreds of valuable art pieces owned by the government.It occurred to me that's probably how they came by that treasure.It was exchanged for tax relief.
It also occurred to me, if the stuff isn't needed and it costs money to store and maintain, why don't they just down -load that to bring down the deficit.
We are seeing shades of that.Susan Walmer was at Council in Committee a couple of weeks ago telling us how wonderfully fortunate we are to have thirty-nine acres of environmentally sensitive land transferred to the Oak Ridges Moraine Trust and commending Council for the agreement we have made for the privilege of maintaining and paying tax arrears on the property.
The Oak Ridges Moraine Trust had a celebratory event to mark the transfer of ownership at the beginning of the term. It was referred to as a donation.I think. The land is out there on Leslie Street. Not of much use for current recreation purposes.
At Council last week, Ms Walmer was back again to fill in a few details she had left out the week before, when no cameras were present.
Councillor MacEachern felt it would be useful to provide more for the benefit of people watching at home. The Mayor added a bit as well.
It's funny how cameras are a good thing when they want to convey information. When I state a preference for debate with cameras present, the Mayor deems that to be a "modus operandi".
So, we did acquire more information. We learned when the land title was transferred in consideration of tax relief to its full appraised value, there was a condition. No public access to the property for a period of ten years.
Essentially, the owners received full value of the land and continued to enjoy private ownership for a further ten years.
The thirty-nine acres is part of a parcel. The rest will be developed in time. Being environmentally sensitive, the piece may very well have been designated to the municipality at the time of site plan approval.
Ownership and stewardship would have been ours. The town would determine use . It would have become a town asset.
As it is, the Oak Ridges Moraine Trust, Executive Director Susan Walmer, has ownership.
They decide the use . By a "marvelous,darling" agreement, we get to pay tax arrears and costs to maintain the property.
Further, we have not for the past four years, and will not for another six, even get to take a walk in the woods in that thirty nine acres of "simply divine " environmentally sensitive woodland.
Councillor MacEachern and the Mayor both feel that's cheap at the price.
The Mayor says there's a financial advantage of $85ks to the town but wasn't able to explain how the figure is calculated.
Town Treasurer couldn't come up with an explanation either.
The member's family was down-sizing from a multi-million-dollar mansion in Monarch Park to a condo in Rosedale. The house was so big, the teen-age son's girl friend was living with him for months before his mother knew there was another person there.
They had a condo in Spain and a farm in the Caledon Hills. My colleague used phrases like
"Marvelous ,darling" and "simply divine" But she was a nice person and had her share of troubles.
Their lifestyle was changing. In the move, a lot of stuff had to be unloaded. Place settings for a hundred dinner guests, for example; crystal, sterling flatware, fine china. It was being appraised for transfer of ownership to the feds for use, possibly in the Governor-General's house, in consideration of tax relief in the amount of its full value.
I had read about storage vaults for hundreds of valuable art pieces owned by the government.It occurred to me that's probably how they came by that treasure.It was exchanged for tax relief.
It also occurred to me, if the stuff isn't needed and it costs money to store and maintain, why don't they just down -load that to bring down the deficit.
We are seeing shades of that.Susan Walmer was at Council in Committee a couple of weeks ago telling us how wonderfully fortunate we are to have thirty-nine acres of environmentally sensitive land transferred to the Oak Ridges Moraine Trust and commending Council for the agreement we have made for the privilege of maintaining and paying tax arrears on the property.
The Oak Ridges Moraine Trust had a celebratory event to mark the transfer of ownership at the beginning of the term. It was referred to as a donation.I think. The land is out there on Leslie Street. Not of much use for current recreation purposes.
At Council last week, Ms Walmer was back again to fill in a few details she had left out the week before, when no cameras were present.
Councillor MacEachern felt it would be useful to provide more for the benefit of people watching at home. The Mayor added a bit as well.
It's funny how cameras are a good thing when they want to convey information. When I state a preference for debate with cameras present, the Mayor deems that to be a "modus operandi".
So, we did acquire more information. We learned when the land title was transferred in consideration of tax relief to its full appraised value, there was a condition. No public access to the property for a period of ten years.
Essentially, the owners received full value of the land and continued to enjoy private ownership for a further ten years.
The thirty-nine acres is part of a parcel. The rest will be developed in time. Being environmentally sensitive, the piece may very well have been designated to the municipality at the time of site plan approval.
Ownership and stewardship would have been ours. The town would determine use . It would have become a town asset.
As it is, the Oak Ridges Moraine Trust, Executive Director Susan Walmer, has ownership.
They decide the use . By a "marvelous,darling" agreement, we get to pay tax arrears and costs to maintain the property.
Further, we have not for the past four years, and will not for another six, even get to take a walk in the woods in that thirty nine acres of "simply divine " environmentally sensitive woodland.
Councillor MacEachern and the Mayor both feel that's cheap at the price.
The Mayor says there's a financial advantage of $85ks to the town but wasn't able to explain how the figure is calculated.
Town Treasurer couldn't come up with an explanation either.
Friday, 2 April 2010
An Almighty Task
I have wondered how a tally of in-camera items would compare to previous terms. I hesitate to ask staff to produce those figures. I don't fancy my chances of doing it accurately myself. But I think we can depend on our own impressions.
The Mayor has repeatedly taken it upon herself to retain legal counsel, contrary to any previous similar action in this or any other regional municipality. It certainly has added to the number of legal matters having to be considered in camera.
The Mayor independently consults and instructs counsel to advise on a variety of issues she has determined must be pursued.
Staff recruitment and replacements have been in record numbers.These often result in closed door discussions.
The Westhill Development litigation matters have resulted in a record number of items .
Publication of accurate and full legal invoices would provide a meaningful comparison to legal costs in previous terms.
As we have seen, a determined strategy has been mounted to make sure that doesn't happen.
The Mayor has repeatedly taken it upon herself to retain legal counsel, contrary to any previous similar action in this or any other regional municipality. It certainly has added to the number of legal matters having to be considered in camera.
The Mayor independently consults and instructs counsel to advise on a variety of issues she has determined must be pursued.
Staff recruitment and replacements have been in record numbers.These often result in closed door discussions.
The Westhill Development litigation matters have resulted in a record number of items .
Publication of accurate and full legal invoices would provide a meaningful comparison to legal costs in previous terms.
As we have seen, a determined strategy has been mounted to make sure that doesn't happen.
It's What I Believe
At one point in the in-camera discussion on Tuesday, I said laughing, to Councillor MacEachern.
"And you can't wait to get at it, can you Evalina."
"With bells on " she answered.
It can happen to you too" I advised.
But I missed the best chance to recall the last time they tried, how far they went, how much they spent to make sure it was fail-safe.
It wasn't.
That's why, I believe David Tsubouchi's appointment as Integrity Commissioner is made with absolute certainty in their minds that this time, they will accomplish their intent. They are nothing, if not persistent.
Still, if Councillor Gallo hadn't shown up after ten o'clock on Tuesday night, it wouldn't be happening this time either.
"There's many a slip twixt cup and lip"
It behooves us to conduct ourselves at all times as if the community is watching.
Because the community is.
The community has a right.
I checked a definition of "confidentiality" in the Code of Conduct this morning.
"Confidential information means any information that is of a personal nature to Town employees or clients or information that is not available to the public and that if disclosed, could result in loss or damage to the Corporation or could give the person to whom it is disclosed an advantage"
It doesn't mean providing cover for political shenanigans.
"And you can't wait to get at it, can you Evalina."
"With bells on " she answered.
It can happen to you too" I advised.
But I missed the best chance to recall the last time they tried, how far they went, how much they spent to make sure it was fail-safe.
It wasn't.
That's why, I believe David Tsubouchi's appointment as Integrity Commissioner is made with absolute certainty in their minds that this time, they will accomplish their intent. They are nothing, if not persistent.
Still, if Councillor Gallo hadn't shown up after ten o'clock on Tuesday night, it wouldn't be happening this time either.
"There's many a slip twixt cup and lip"
It behooves us to conduct ourselves at all times as if the community is watching.
Because the community is.
The community has a right.
I checked a definition of "confidentiality" in the Code of Conduct this morning.
"Confidential information means any information that is of a personal nature to Town employees or clients or information that is not available to the public and that if disclosed, could result in loss or damage to the Corporation or could give the person to whom it is disclosed an advantage"
It doesn't mean providing cover for political shenanigans.
Thursday, 1 April 2010
VERISIMILITUDE
I couldn't believe it was in the dictionary. My son Frank played Grand Pooh Bah in The Mikado, a Gilbert and Sullivan opera played by Aurora Theatre at St. Andrew's College before they had a theatre of their own.
Frank was seventeen.The role called for a huge belly, a bald pate, a pig-tail and considerable facility with fast, arch patter; in the midst of it "verisimilitude". The word has flavour. It means "having the appearance of truth"
I had a call from Councillor Gallo this morning. He had participated in the decision on the Integrity Commissioner's contract, he said. I was not correct in stating otherwise.
If I was wrong, I would correct it, I said.
I checked the time table. Councillor Gallo arrived at the meeting after ten p.m. Council reported out at ten-forty-eight. It makes sense. The Councillor was present for the discussion before the vote. Having authority and being in attendance and voting at a meeting, means participation.
Having to cast one's mind back to re-assemble facts sometimes brings together previously unnoticed details .
The first red flag was the call from the Mayor's office to determine if I would be in attendance at the meeting. I checked and learned Councillor Collins Mrakas had also received a query..
Only six members in attendance offered the explanation. Though the Clerk's office normally checks when there's a question of quorum.
The in-camera session started at eight-forty eight p.m. It went off the rails almost immediately. Councillor MacEachern left the room, declaring "Councillor Buck will put everything into her blog" and she would not stay.
The Mayor noted there was no quorum. Councillor Collins Mrakas noted "Yes there is"
The Mayor proceeded to make an issue about my presence and intentions . The exchange took time. Councillor MacEachern returned
We proceeded with the first item. There were questions. I had questions. Again, the process was delayed by what appeared to be the Mayor's problem with my asking questions.
Eventually the item was deferred to obtain answers to the questions.
Councillor Gallo indicates that discussion was still going on when he arrived after ten o'clock. He did not participate in the vote to defer the first item.
So here is what is clear.
I had indicated at a previous meeting, I would not attend a meeting to discuss the first issue. I believed the discussion should be public.
I was not therefore expected to be there. They would still have a quorum. Without me, they had three votes to two. With me, the vote would be tied.
They had to scramble.
Councillor Gallo needed to be there to break the tie and give them the edge they needed for the
second item on the agenda; the service contract and appointment of the Integrity Commissioner.
Yes he did participate. His vote made the difference.
Appointment of an Integrity Commissioner is controversial in the community. With five months left in the term, the plan should be dead in the water.
We can anticipate further activity.
Frank was seventeen.The role called for a huge belly, a bald pate, a pig-tail and considerable facility with fast, arch patter; in the midst of it "verisimilitude". The word has flavour. It means "having the appearance of truth"
I had a call from Councillor Gallo this morning. He had participated in the decision on the Integrity Commissioner's contract, he said. I was not correct in stating otherwise.
If I was wrong, I would correct it, I said.
I checked the time table. Councillor Gallo arrived at the meeting after ten p.m. Council reported out at ten-forty-eight. It makes sense. The Councillor was present for the discussion before the vote. Having authority and being in attendance and voting at a meeting, means participation.
Having to cast one's mind back to re-assemble facts sometimes brings together previously unnoticed details .
The first red flag was the call from the Mayor's office to determine if I would be in attendance at the meeting. I checked and learned Councillor Collins Mrakas had also received a query..
Only six members in attendance offered the explanation. Though the Clerk's office normally checks when there's a question of quorum.
The in-camera session started at eight-forty eight p.m. It went off the rails almost immediately. Councillor MacEachern left the room, declaring "Councillor Buck will put everything into her blog" and she would not stay.
The Mayor noted there was no quorum. Councillor Collins Mrakas noted "Yes there is"
The Mayor proceeded to make an issue about my presence and intentions . The exchange took time. Councillor MacEachern returned
We proceeded with the first item. There were questions. I had questions. Again, the process was delayed by what appeared to be the Mayor's problem with my asking questions.
Eventually the item was deferred to obtain answers to the questions.
Councillor Gallo indicates that discussion was still going on when he arrived after ten o'clock. He did not participate in the vote to defer the first item.
So here is what is clear.
I had indicated at a previous meeting, I would not attend a meeting to discuss the first issue. I believed the discussion should be public.
I was not therefore expected to be there. They would still have a quorum. Without me, they had three votes to two. With me, the vote would be tied.
They had to scramble.
Councillor Gallo needed to be there to break the tie and give them the edge they needed for the
second item on the agenda; the service contract and appointment of the Integrity Commissioner.
Yes he did participate. His vote made the difference.
Appointment of an Integrity Commissioner is controversial in the community. With five months left in the term, the plan should be dead in the water.
We can anticipate further activity.
You Were Saying
I don't edit comments. They are printed in their entirety or not at all.
It's good to know people share my reaction to the conduct of our current Mayor, Councillor MacEachern and the obsequious crew who follow in their wake.
I read once gossip is an essential part of social interaction. Being able to vent, keeps the lid from blowing off. It allows freedom and peace to co-exist.
That surely is a good thing.
My own vocabulary is inclined to be salty ,when salt is called for. I 've been known to create my own version of profanity. I think it's therapeutic. It puts a smile on my face.
I have to acknowledge though, some of the language of my grandchildren in Facebook makes my toes curl in my shoes..
There is something to be said for discipline. And something better for creativity.
I am not inclined to tell anyone how to express themselves when I myself insist on freedom
But I am a Councillor. A measure of decorum is expected. I do not write everything that appears in this space but I am responsible for it being here.
In the language of Blog; it's a huge !!!!!!! dilemma
Lord hae mercy .
It's good to know people share my reaction to the conduct of our current Mayor, Councillor MacEachern and the obsequious crew who follow in their wake.
I read once gossip is an essential part of social interaction. Being able to vent, keeps the lid from blowing off. It allows freedom and peace to co-exist.
That surely is a good thing.
My own vocabulary is inclined to be salty ,when salt is called for. I 've been known to create my own version of profanity. I think it's therapeutic. It puts a smile on my face.
I have to acknowledge though, some of the language of my grandchildren in Facebook makes my toes curl in my shoes..
There is something to be said for discipline. And something better for creativity.
I am not inclined to tell anyone how to express themselves when I myself insist on freedom
But I am a Councillor. A measure of decorum is expected. I do not write everything that appears in this space but I am responsible for it being here.
In the language of Blog; it's a huge !!!!!!! dilemma
Lord hae mercy .
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