Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Against The Law
???":
Apart from being members of the tax-paying public, what
exactly do Susan Walmer and Jan Freedman have to do with the "Culture (sic)
Centre" (you'll get it right one of these days)?
**************
Susan Walmer is a person of extraordinary organizing skills.She is responsible for Phyllis Morris elections along with part of her slate of candidates.
Jan Freedman is part of the loyal opposition.
The occupying force at Church Street School is interlinked with the pair of them
Except for St Kitts cabal, they are residents and taxpayers of the town . That gives them rights and freedoms to pursue their objectives.
They should not be underestimated.
The traditional colour of green used for parks trucks is a no-brainer and a non-issue as far as I am concerned.
Dispute came from the administration.
Not the Council.
I believe the bylaw prohibiting the Mayor or any Councillor from retaining and have uncontrolled access to outside solicitors is already in place.
It would never have reached the table in the last Council.
Monday, 27 August 2012
Against The Law ???
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Closed
Meetings":
To Anonymous 4:46pm August 24....
"She is surely guilty of various crimes and misdemeanors as she threatened our staff with her monstrous statement "If you work for the town, you work for me. Be careful who you choose as friends."
I have said this many times before. If you truly believe what you stated here, why don't YOU go to York Regional Police HQ and request an investigation into the criminal acts?
All of the court nonsense going on now (both Morris and Buck as plaintiffs) is all civil stuff, there are no charges levied and the results will not be jail sentences but "Damages" which equal cash.
If you really think something illegal went down, press charges!
***********************
The comment is a quote. I read it as an expression of righteous anger. Canadians have that right.
Bad things happened to employees during the last term of office. Compensation for lost employment was no small part of the expense to the municipality. .
But money wasn't the greatest loss.
Many benefits are derived from municipal employment There are also disadvantages.
A job ended, through no fault of the employee, means theoption for new employment is another municipality or a different level of government.
It calls for a record of employment.
Politicians tend to be skittish.
An employee,taking legal action against a municipal employer, does not have a future in municipal government. .
Stuff like that tends to be noticed.
Generous settlements are generally accepted with silent departure amenable to all parties.
Legal action would be a last resort seldom resorted.
A law on the books is not worth two in the bushes.
*******.
Continuing dialogue:
"How does one determine if something qualifies for the G. Book of Records? Most people know about the 3 large lawsuits involving Morris & Company. If you add in all the suits against perceived enemies, former staff, the Region and other assorted victims, the number is quite amazing. It could be a cautionary tale to small towns who find themselves with such an individual in charge of litigation"
The last sentence is telling.
Small towns do not "find themselves with such an individual in charge of litigation"
A small town is highly unlikely to have such an individual in office. Word tends to get around because it doesn't have so far to travel. .
Secondly, no single elected member has that authority in any municipality. .
Both the Code of Conduct and a policy statement deal with the subject.
As well, a majority of Council is far less likely to be elected in a slate.What kind of a perfidious notion is that in the context of democracy?
People in small communities are not so easily diverted from reality.
Lastly, no town large or small, outside Aurora, allows a Mayor or any other member of Council unlimited access or communication with outside legal services.
It's insane.
Our experience during the last term is all one needs to understand why.
********
Continuing the discussion:
"7:00 PM Please do not forget to include on your list Ms. Walmer & Associates. Do not let her get the keys to the town hall with another candidate."
Ms. Walmer's group flourishes still. One need look no further than the Culture Centre , the Farmer's Market and the Jazz Cabal.
Coupled with ingratiating strategy from current Councillors without enough wit to come in out of the cold,while they try to win over this bunch, the community continues to be insulted and denigrated.
On Saturday, three members of Council and Theresa Buck
manned a booth for a fund-raising corn roast at the Farmer's Market.
Two days before, Councillor Humphreys was informed organisation was her job.
On the day, the event was relegated to an out of the way location.
Jan the Jam Lady chair of the market, friend of culture centre and jazz cabal but not Council, failed to announce the event.
Market patrons had to discover it for themselves.
It seems Humphrey was being punished by Jam Lady for failing to acquiesce with market intent not to allow anyone other than protegees of Mr Bob Leonard, other half of Susan Morton-Leonard, to use the town's band shell free of charge..
Mr. Leonard, I am told has a music school in another municipality.
The final occupied post of the enemy, is Church Street School .
A recent announcement by town staff offers opportunity for input about the future of the museum collection.
How should it be accommodated?
In one location?
Or broken up and scattered about?
Any place but Church Street School.
How hard could it be to stack the joint with culture fiends in favor of preserving the status quo?
Wherein lay the genius for that idea?
To Anonymous 4:46pm August 24....
"She is surely guilty of various crimes and misdemeanors as she threatened our staff with her monstrous statement "If you work for the town, you work for me. Be careful who you choose as friends."
I have said this many times before. If you truly believe what you stated here, why don't YOU go to York Regional Police HQ and request an investigation into the criminal acts?
All of the court nonsense going on now (both Morris and Buck as plaintiffs) is all civil stuff, there are no charges levied and the results will not be jail sentences but "Damages" which equal cash.
If you really think something illegal went down, press charges!
***********************
The comment is a quote. I read it as an expression of righteous anger. Canadians have that right.
Bad things happened to employees during the last term of office. Compensation for lost employment was no small part of the expense to the municipality. .
But money wasn't the greatest loss.
Many benefits are derived from municipal employment There are also disadvantages.
A job ended, through no fault of the employee, means theoption for new employment is another municipality or a different level of government.
It calls for a record of employment.
Politicians tend to be skittish.
An employee,taking legal action against a municipal employer, does not have a future in municipal government. .
Stuff like that tends to be noticed.
Generous settlements are generally accepted with silent departure amenable to all parties.
Legal action would be a last resort seldom resorted.
A law on the books is not worth two in the bushes.
*******.
Continuing dialogue:
"How does one determine if something qualifies for the G. Book of Records? Most people know about the 3 large lawsuits involving Morris & Company. If you add in all the suits against perceived enemies, former staff, the Region and other assorted victims, the number is quite amazing. It could be a cautionary tale to small towns who find themselves with such an individual in charge of litigation"
The last sentence is telling.
Small towns do not "find themselves with such an individual in charge of litigation"
A small town is highly unlikely to have such an individual in office. Word tends to get around because it doesn't have so far to travel. .
Secondly, no single elected member has that authority in any municipality. .
Both the Code of Conduct and a policy statement deal with the subject.
As well, a majority of Council is far less likely to be elected in a slate.What kind of a perfidious notion is that in the context of democracy?
People in small communities are not so easily diverted from reality.
Lastly, no town large or small, outside Aurora, allows a Mayor or any other member of Council unlimited access or communication with outside legal services.
It's insane.
Our experience during the last term is all one needs to understand why.
********
Continuing the discussion:
"7:00 PM Please do not forget to include on your list Ms. Walmer & Associates. Do not let her get the keys to the town hall with another candidate."
Ms. Walmer's group flourishes still. One need look no further than the Culture Centre , the Farmer's Market and the Jazz Cabal.
Coupled with ingratiating strategy from current Councillors without enough wit to come in out of the cold,while they try to win over this bunch, the community continues to be insulted and denigrated.
On Saturday, three members of Council and Theresa Buck
manned a booth for a fund-raising corn roast at the Farmer's Market.
Two days before, Councillor Humphreys was informed organisation was her job.
On the day, the event was relegated to an out of the way location.
Jan the Jam Lady chair of the market, friend of culture centre and jazz cabal but not Council, failed to announce the event.
Market patrons had to discover it for themselves.
It seems Humphrey was being punished by Jam Lady for failing to acquiesce with market intent not to allow anyone other than protegees of Mr Bob Leonard, other half of Susan Morton-Leonard, to use the town's band shell free of charge..
Mr. Leonard, I am told has a music school in another municipality.
The final occupied post of the enemy, is Church Street School .
A recent announcement by town staff offers opportunity for input about the future of the museum collection.
How should it be accommodated?
In one location?
Or broken up and scattered about?
Any place but Church Street School.
How hard could it be to stack the joint with culture fiends in favor of preserving the status quo?
Wherein lay the genius for that idea?
Sunday, 26 August 2012
Closed Meetings
Last week's news story on court proceedings on Conflict of Interest charges against the former Mayor brought back bad memories of the previous Council term. From the outset they began. Like a floodgate opened.
An early meeting was called to discuss what the new Mayor considered an invasion of her privacy and subject to litigation.
Under the Municipal Act, the imperative is the public's business shall be conducted in public.
Exceptions are precise and specific .
Litigation between the town and other parties: real estate negotiations on behalf of the town;privacy of an individual is the third.
Elected officials are not private. They are public .
At the time of the election, the town solicitor was on leave. An interim solicitor was retained when needed .
In this instance, need had not apparently been determined.
The scene. like many others, is etched clearly in my memory.
We used the Councillor's lounge for in-camera meetings. The Mayor occupied a couch..
A visual image of domination and control had already been adopted.
A gaping red shiny handbag at her feet. A file folder crammed so full, two arms were needed to hold it. A bunch of keys, twice as big as her fist and an impression of white legs and red vinyl high heeled shoes. A mouth crammed with food sometimes completed the picture.
Council were informed telephones in the Councillors' room had been monitored during the previous term. The position was her privacy had been invaded. That was cause for litigation for damages against her predecessor and she had "no intention of spending my money" to pursue the matter.
To cut a long story short, the new Council voted, eight to one, to authorize legal counsel to be retained.
The municipal clerk was present. He had two years to serve before retirement. He offered no advice.
Two years and at least two solicitors later. I can't be sure.in a legal conference, again behind closed doors, the matter was finalized.
There was no case to answer.Taking the matter to court would not result in damages being awarded, The solicitor was surprised to discover Council members had not been privy to various communications on the issue.
It was the former Mayor's practice to read to Council excerpts from letters only she had apparently received. Copies were not circulated.
Thinking back, the purpose of the final conference seems clear. The solicitor was being leaned upon heavily for different advice.
Present at the meeting were the CAO, town solicitor returned from leave and the municipal clerk,
As I recall , advice to Council from staff was in the form of support for the outside solicitor present for the conference.
It was decided there was no merit in pursuing legal action against the former Mayor's predecessor.
How much was expended ? Heaven knows. How many lawyers? At that time, at least two..Switching lawyers became a familiar pattern over the years If one failed to deliver the desired objective. they were not used again.
The Council of the day had five new members .
All of the Morris slate had not been elected, Just enough to create obligation and a majority.
Lawyers, and public resources were not the only tools used to wreak vengeance against anyone who dared to oppose.
After his defeat, town hall staff had posed for a photo with the outgoing Mayor.
We immediately heard of the repercussion.
Staff it seems ,were informed individually:
"If you work for the town,you work for me Be careful who you choose as friends. There's a list"
I have made the point; the Municipal Act is not intended to cover for politicians plots against opponents at public expense.
It is unthinkable.
Hundreds of thousands of tax dollars were expended .Staff were eventually complicit in obscuring the numbers .
All of it was cloaked in secrecy.
It had never happened before.
The current Council has passed a bylaw making it impossible ever to happen again.
At the time though ,during that one and only term, everyone, particularly staff, knew their fate if they dared cross the dreadful duo's determination to wreak terrible vengeance on their foes; real and imagined.
It started before the ink was dry on Certification of the 2006 election.
The slide continued downhill all the way until litigation again at town expense was processed against town residents during the 2010 election.
It's 2012 and we are not done yet.
An early meeting was called to discuss what the new Mayor considered an invasion of her privacy and subject to litigation.
Under the Municipal Act, the imperative is the public's business shall be conducted in public.
Exceptions are precise and specific .
Litigation between the town and other parties: real estate negotiations on behalf of the town;privacy of an individual is the third.
Elected officials are not private. They are public .
At the time of the election, the town solicitor was on leave. An interim solicitor was retained when needed .
In this instance, need had not apparently been determined.
The scene. like many others, is etched clearly in my memory.
We used the Councillor's lounge for in-camera meetings. The Mayor occupied a couch..
A visual image of domination and control had already been adopted.
A gaping red shiny handbag at her feet. A file folder crammed so full, two arms were needed to hold it. A bunch of keys, twice as big as her fist and an impression of white legs and red vinyl high heeled shoes. A mouth crammed with food sometimes completed the picture.
Council were informed telephones in the Councillors' room had been monitored during the previous term. The position was her privacy had been invaded. That was cause for litigation for damages against her predecessor and she had "no intention of spending my money" to pursue the matter.
To cut a long story short, the new Council voted, eight to one, to authorize legal counsel to be retained.
The municipal clerk was present. He had two years to serve before retirement. He offered no advice.
Two years and at least two solicitors later. I can't be sure.in a legal conference, again behind closed doors, the matter was finalized.
There was no case to answer.Taking the matter to court would not result in damages being awarded, The solicitor was surprised to discover Council members had not been privy to various communications on the issue.
It was the former Mayor's practice to read to Council excerpts from letters only she had apparently received. Copies were not circulated.
Thinking back, the purpose of the final conference seems clear. The solicitor was being leaned upon heavily for different advice.
Present at the meeting were the CAO, town solicitor returned from leave and the municipal clerk,
As I recall , advice to Council from staff was in the form of support for the outside solicitor present for the conference.
It was decided there was no merit in pursuing legal action against the former Mayor's predecessor.
How much was expended ? Heaven knows. How many lawyers? At that time, at least two..Switching lawyers became a familiar pattern over the years If one failed to deliver the desired objective. they were not used again.
The Council of the day had five new members .
All of the Morris slate had not been elected, Just enough to create obligation and a majority.
Lawyers, and public resources were not the only tools used to wreak vengeance against anyone who dared to oppose.
After his defeat, town hall staff had posed for a photo with the outgoing Mayor.
We immediately heard of the repercussion.
Staff it seems ,were informed individually:
"If you work for the town,you work for me Be careful who you choose as friends. There's a list"
I have made the point; the Municipal Act is not intended to cover for politicians plots against opponents at public expense.
It is unthinkable.
Hundreds of thousands of tax dollars were expended .Staff were eventually complicit in obscuring the numbers .
All of it was cloaked in secrecy.
It had never happened before.
The current Council has passed a bylaw making it impossible ever to happen again.
At the time though ,during that one and only term, everyone, particularly staff, knew their fate if they dared cross the dreadful duo's determination to wreak terrible vengeance on their foes; real and imagined.
It started before the ink was dry on Certification of the 2006 election.
The slide continued downhill all the way until litigation again at town expense was processed against town residents during the 2010 election.
It's 2012 and we are not done yet.
Saturday, 25 August 2012
Take A Gander At This
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Another
FYI":
I also note that Oakvilles Jazz fest is free to all as well -- perhaps Markham and Oakville don't have a sitting councillor that has such a personal vendetta again the organizing committee or a blog constantly complaining about volunteers that bring something of value the community -- I don't hear them complaining about fences or wishing for rain on some one else's parade -- Other communities welcome their music festivals small minded Aurorans wish for rain on theirs!
**************
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "FYI...Copied From Elsewhere":
"Feel free not to post this if it is a problem."
Why would it be a problem? You just took shots at three of Cllr Buck's favourite 'punching bags'.
***************
Above were the sum and substance of incoming comments this morning. My finger was poised to delete . Then I thought; sometimes it's interesting to peruse another person's mind.
Coming on the heels of the letter to the editor justifying why the Mayor of the Town was not invited to be part of the Dignatory
Ceremonial Procession at the St. Kitts Jazz Festival and market operation, occupying the Aurora Town Park over a holiday week-end.
Sentiments expressed are singularly contradictory. .
Why would an entertainment business displaying so much hostility towards owners of a particular venue even want to be here?
Isn't goodwillthe essence of good business?
How much does it take before exploitation, disrespect and abuse is recognized?
Certainly Council and the Mayor and administration have been slow.
But not,I think, the community.
It is interesting to contemplate the rational Council and the administration might offer in future for extending services to this crude and rude operation from out of town which has enjoyed munificent opportunity to fill their pockets by way of town resources and facilities.
Bending over repeatedly and inviting yet another kick does little to engender respect for the institution.
Neither is it a particularly astute political maneouvering.
I thought that lesson might have been learned.
I also note that Oakvilles Jazz fest is free to all as well -- perhaps Markham and Oakville don't have a sitting councillor that has such a personal vendetta again the organizing committee or a blog constantly complaining about volunteers that bring something of value the community -- I don't hear them complaining about fences or wishing for rain on some one else's parade -- Other communities welcome their music festivals small minded Aurorans wish for rain on theirs!
**************
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "FYI...Copied From Elsewhere":
"Feel free not to post this if it is a problem."
Why would it be a problem? You just took shots at three of Cllr Buck's favourite 'punching bags'.
***************
Above were the sum and substance of incoming comments this morning. My finger was poised to delete . Then I thought; sometimes it's interesting to peruse another person's mind.
Coming on the heels of the letter to the editor justifying why the Mayor of the Town was not invited to be part of the Dignatory
Ceremonial Procession at the St. Kitts Jazz Festival and market operation, occupying the Aurora Town Park over a holiday week-end.
Sentiments expressed are singularly contradictory. .
Why would an entertainment business displaying so much hostility towards owners of a particular venue even want to be here?
Isn't goodwillthe essence of good business?
How much does it take before exploitation, disrespect and abuse is recognized?
Certainly Council and the Mayor and administration have been slow.
But not,I think, the community.
It is interesting to contemplate the rational Council and the administration might offer in future for extending services to this crude and rude operation from out of town which has enjoyed munificent opportunity to fill their pockets by way of town resources and facilities.
Bending over repeatedly and inviting yet another kick does little to engender respect for the institution.
Neither is it a particularly astute political maneouvering.
I thought that lesson might have been learned.
Friday, 24 August 2012
Another FYI
Hi Ev -
Here's a link to a yorkregion.com story posted today, about the upcoming Markham Jazz Festival. Runs this weekend from Aug 16 - 19, multiple stages, workshops, clinics, beer & wine garden, and a huge line-up of big-name artists including several Juno and Grammy award winners. Huge list of sponsors including the City of Markham, Province of Ontario, Canadian Heritage Foundation, Trillium Ontario, Ontario Arts Council, etc, etc.
And one other thing...IT'S COMPLETELY FREE!
You gotta shake your head sometimes at the things Aurora lets some folks get away with...
Here's a link to a yorkregion.com story posted today, about the upcoming Markham Jazz Festival. Runs this weekend from Aug 16 - 19, multiple stages, workshops, clinics, beer & wine garden, and a huge line-up of big-name artists including several Juno and Grammy award winners. Huge list of sponsors including the City of Markham, Province of Ontario, Canadian Heritage Foundation, Trillium Ontario, Ontario Arts Council, etc, etc.
And one other thing...IT'S COMPLETELY FREE!
You gotta shake your head sometimes at the things Aurora lets some folks get away with...
FYI...Copiied From Elsewhere
- Sandra Bolan
- |
- Aug 07, 2012 - 12:46 PM
Stouffville arts centre getting profitable
This is the year the Lebovic Centre for Arts and Entertainment - Nineteen on the Park may turn a profit.Earlier this summer, it was predicted the three-year-old arts centre in downtown Stouffville would have a shortfall of $2,301 come the end of 2012. But thanks to an adjusted Ontario Arts Council grant, it may go into the black.
The facility – which cost $3.8 million to renovate and open in 2009 – actually received $7,250 for the upcoming season, versus the initially reported $5,000, according to Steven Foster, cultural facility and programming co-ordinator for the Lebovic Centre for Arts and Entertainment - Nineteen on the Park.
Adding to the potential for a surplus is the anticipated ticket sales for shows this fall, according to Mr. Foster.
“This is really good news,” said Councillor Rob Hargrave, during Mr. Foster’s recent council presentation. “I know it’s a tough thing to get launched off the ground, Your value-add is getting out there.”
The arts centre board gave itself three years to break even. Although Mayor Wayne Emmerson noted it could take up to five years.
“It takes a while to get it off the ground,” he said during the council meeting.
Mr. Emmerson also noted the facility’s floor has some noticeable wear and tear to it.
“If a building is being used, that is what will happen,” he said.
In their effort to turn a profit, Mr. Foster said the board has worked diligently at cutting its maintenance expenses, which includes pushing the purchase of equipment they now have to rent on occasion, to 2013.
Savings have also been found with staff salaries/benefits thanks to a Trillium Foundation grant.
When it comes to generating revenues, the board has reduced its fundraising goal from $15,000 to $10,000.
“Fifteen thousand dollars was a rather ambitious goal,” Mr. Foster admitted to The Sun-Tribune in an interview.
This year’s inaugural fundraiser gala brought in $5,000 and Mr. Foster said the facility’s board is currently putting together another fundraiser to take place during the Christmas season.
Another revenue source – sponsorship – is expected to be right on budget at $10,000, according to the council report. But the board, according to Mr. Foster, is hoping to increase it.
“There’s a real effort this year to really go after the revenue side more aggressively,” he told The Sun-Tribune.
That includes changing things up a bit when it comes to booking performers.
Mr. Foster said there was a conscious effort on his part to book more popular/wider appealing acts, versus the indie performers of the previous seasons.
But that still does not guarantee more money, as ticket sales fluctuate from event to event. If 75 to 80-per-cent capacity is reached for the majority of the remaining 2012 events, Mr. Foster said it would equate to an additional $5,000 in revenue.
During the 2011-2012 professional series, there were three sold-out performances and according to Mr. Foster, most theatres anticipate 60 to 65 capacity for any given event.
“It can be pretty random,” he told The Sun-Tribune.
In order to bring performers to Stouffville, it will cost $10,000 more than anticipated versus the projection made at the beginning of the year. The cost is now expected to be $81,000, which Mr. Foster said is still in-line with previous years.
“I’ve been pretty good in working with agents to bring down the cost. Given the economic climate over the past few years, it’s easier to work with agents in negotiations,” he said.
The challenge no longer appears to be getting people to buy tickets, but to actually find the facility, according to Mr. Foster.
“It’s been a challenge. ... We don’t have a storefront,” he told The Sun-Tribune.
There is currently a message kiosk at the top of Civic Square at Main Street, which houses event posters, but the quality varies depending if it is a community event or part of the facility’s professional series.
Mr. Foster hopes early next year there will be a new electronic message centre in its place.
The approximately $10,000 unit is in the town’s 2013 capital budget, according to Mr. Foster.
In his council report, Mr. Foster noted the electronic marquee would establish the facility and Civic Square as a downtown “landmark”. It would promote not only facility events, but those taking place within the downtown, such as the farmers’ market and outdoor movie nights.
“A study by the Small Business Administration (USA) has shown that the use of an electronic message centre increases revenues by 15 per cent at a minimum. Based on our 2012 budget this would represent an increase of $15,750 in ticket sales,” according to the council report.
Thursday, 23 August 2012
A Battle For Honour
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "A
Shocking Revelation":
Wouldn't want to honour the person twice. Good work!
*********
I knew when I spoke about it , it might be hard for others to understand why the issue was important .
I said; "" Maybe it's because my uncle and brother's names are both on a war memorial "
I don't think of a name carved in granite in the circumstance as an honour like a certificate of merit.
It's a record of sacrifice. A symbol of terrible loss.
A memorial that takes the place of a known resting place.
The reality is those killed in the carnage of war, are unlikely to have remains, let alone a resting place.
It would be no more appropriate to have a grave and headstone in a cemetery for a person who has been buried elsewhere.
A bomber crew or fighter aircraft blown to pieces in the sky are unlikely to have remains gathered.
The crew of a ship blown out of the sea by torpedoes are unlikely to have been recovered from a sea of burning oil.
Thousands of rows of white markers in Allied cemeteries are nothing more than physical a record of names, ranks and numbers.
Memorials in towns and villages and capitals all over the civilized world have a significance beyond material substance.
Far more than a list of names on a tablet to be added to on a personal whim.
During the 2003/2006 term another situation caused controversy.
The fence around The War Memorial was in bad shape and had to be replaced. Parks staff discovered a veterinarian located in Edward's Plaza had cut an opening in the fence and installed a gate for convenience of using town property as a dog run for his patients because of a dog's need to defecate on grass.
The vet was informed by parks staff the gate would not be replaced. He brought the problem to Council.
Some Councillors found nothing wrong with his expectation . Especially since he had provided the fence around the leash free dog park on Industry Street
My objections were strenuous for the same reason as cited above.
I could not understand their argument any more than they apparently understood mine.
I received a call from a high school teacher at G.W.Williams who did not choose to identify herself but had a listening audience at her end of the phone.
She infomed me she had lived in Aurora twenty-seven years. That's how old she was. Old enough to dismiss as ridiculous any argument other than her own; dog excrement is no worse than squirrels or bird droppings and I was an out-of-date idiot. She seemed secure her status as a high school teacher lent weight to her logic.
Some years earlier , a surplus tank became available for anyone who would give it a home. Someone had the idea the war memorial would be a suitable location.Kids could climb and play on it.
It had to be pointed out the War Memorial is not a memorial to war.
Once again it had to be stressed, it is a memorial to human beings.
over a period of years, miles from home and families, blown to pieces in infernal war machines like tanks and planes and ships and thousands of families left with the memory for the rest of their lives.
Wouldn't want to honour the person twice. Good work!
*********
I knew when I spoke about it , it might be hard for others to understand why the issue was important .
I said; "" Maybe it's because my uncle and brother's names are both on a war memorial "
I don't think of a name carved in granite in the circumstance as an honour like a certificate of merit.
It's a record of sacrifice. A symbol of terrible loss.
A memorial that takes the place of a known resting place.
The reality is those killed in the carnage of war, are unlikely to have remains, let alone a resting place.
It would be no more appropriate to have a grave and headstone in a cemetery for a person who has been buried elsewhere.
A bomber crew or fighter aircraft blown to pieces in the sky are unlikely to have remains gathered.
The crew of a ship blown out of the sea by torpedoes are unlikely to have been recovered from a sea of burning oil.
Thousands of rows of white markers in Allied cemeteries are nothing more than physical a record of names, ranks and numbers.
Memorials in towns and villages and capitals all over the civilized world have a significance beyond material substance.
Far more than a list of names on a tablet to be added to on a personal whim.
During the 2003/2006 term another situation caused controversy.
The fence around The War Memorial was in bad shape and had to be replaced. Parks staff discovered a veterinarian located in Edward's Plaza had cut an opening in the fence and installed a gate for convenience of using town property as a dog run for his patients because of a dog's need to defecate on grass.
The vet was informed by parks staff the gate would not be replaced. He brought the problem to Council.
Some Councillors found nothing wrong with his expectation . Especially since he had provided the fence around the leash free dog park on Industry Street
My objections were strenuous for the same reason as cited above.
I could not understand their argument any more than they apparently understood mine.
I received a call from a high school teacher at G.W.Williams who did not choose to identify herself but had a listening audience at her end of the phone.
She infomed me she had lived in Aurora twenty-seven years. That's how old she was. Old enough to dismiss as ridiculous any argument other than her own; dog excrement is no worse than squirrels or bird droppings and I was an out-of-date idiot. She seemed secure her status as a high school teacher lent weight to her logic.
Some years earlier , a surplus tank became available for anyone who would give it a home. Someone had the idea the war memorial would be a suitable location.Kids could climb and play on it.
It had to be pointed out the War Memorial is not a memorial to war.
Once again it had to be stressed, it is a memorial to human beings.
over a period of years, miles from home and families, blown to pieces in infernal war machines like tanks and planes and ships and thousands of families left with the memory for the rest of their lives.
A Shocking Revelation
To discover how quickly information and knowledge can get lost.
Two weeks ago Council received a staff report recommending a name be added to the Aurora War Memorial
An ancestor of a soldier killed in the First World War, had done some research and decided his name had inadvertently been left off the Aurora Memorial.
Staff accepted the contention, consulted with the Aurora Legion,. noted there was space for an additional name and recommended to Council it be added.
My mother's brother , my grandmother's first born child, twenty-two year old James Diamond's name was chiselled into the War Memorial of our home town.
After the Second World War, my twenty-one year old brother, Patrick Finnigan's name was chiseled into the same memorial.
For eighty years ,War Memorials have been sacred to the memory of the names carved into history for the ultimate sacrifice.
It is little enough.
In Aurora the Cenotaph is surrounded by green and pleasant space.
A tree is planted for every name.Replaced immediately if it dies.
At time of planning a group formed representing. King Whitchurch. and Aurora to create the most fitting memorial. Sir William Mulock at its head.
Funds were raised, land acquired and several years later
the project was completed and pledged to the memory of sons who failed to return.
It was a small community.
Names numbered in the twenties.
Hardly likely a family would be slighted. A name overlooked.
Until almost the end of the century, a Board governed and cared for the Memorial. Norm Weller, town parks keeper. in his time , provided care and maintenance.
Memorial Board Members grew old.
They asked the Town to accept responsibility.
The Town accepted.
Ownership and assets were transferred.
Aurora Legion members, as veterans, are committed to keep the memory alive. They organize the annual parade and service.
Aurora Legion does not own the Memorial.
No jurisdiction or responsibility for its care and protection falls on their shoulders.
The question of adding a name to the Aurora.,King and Whitchurch War Memorial could not simply be a matter of adding a name on the basis of an assumption of entitlement.
I have received information, the fallen soldier's name appears on the Memorial of Warkworth, Ontario.
I will provide additional details to those who should be concerned
I thank the person who provided them to me.
Two weeks ago Council received a staff report recommending a name be added to the Aurora War Memorial
An ancestor of a soldier killed in the First World War, had done some research and decided his name had inadvertently been left off the Aurora Memorial.
Staff accepted the contention, consulted with the Aurora Legion,. noted there was space for an additional name and recommended to Council it be added.
My mother's brother , my grandmother's first born child, twenty-two year old James Diamond's name was chiselled into the War Memorial of our home town.
After the Second World War, my twenty-one year old brother, Patrick Finnigan's name was chiseled into the same memorial.
For eighty years ,War Memorials have been sacred to the memory of the names carved into history for the ultimate sacrifice.
It is little enough.
In Aurora the Cenotaph is surrounded by green and pleasant space.
A tree is planted for every name.Replaced immediately if it dies.
At time of planning a group formed representing. King Whitchurch. and Aurora to create the most fitting memorial. Sir William Mulock at its head.
Funds were raised, land acquired and several years later
the project was completed and pledged to the memory of sons who failed to return.
It was a small community.
Names numbered in the twenties.
Hardly likely a family would be slighted. A name overlooked.
Until almost the end of the century, a Board governed and cared for the Memorial. Norm Weller, town parks keeper. in his time , provided care and maintenance.
Memorial Board Members grew old.
They asked the Town to accept responsibility.
The Town accepted.
Ownership and assets were transferred.
Aurora Legion members, as veterans, are committed to keep the memory alive. They organize the annual parade and service.
Aurora Legion does not own the Memorial.
No jurisdiction or responsibility for its care and protection falls on their shoulders.
The question of adding a name to the Aurora.,King and Whitchurch War Memorial could not simply be a matter of adding a name on the basis of an assumption of entitlement.
I have received information, the fallen soldier's name appears on the Memorial of Warkworth, Ontario.
I will provide additional details to those who should be concerned
I thank the person who provided them to me.
Friday, 10 August 2012
A Wrong Choice Of Words
-
Are you saying that this Council is just as screwed up as its predecessor, only for different reasons?
That is truly depressing.
-
10 August, 2012 7:08 PM
-
Anonymous said...
-
OK, I will bite. If everyone is a " Director ", how come Council is so
far behind on so many items ? Is no one managing the Town Hall?
**********************************
Though Council is not functioning as a unit.
It hasn't since the beginning.
Part of the problem is the Mayor carries out the role as if he is the new owner of a private corporation completely dependent on the general manager.
Actually every Mayor infuses the role with previous experience.But that usually includes Council experience.
It's not surprising.
But it contributes nothing to making Council a cohesive unit.
Though it's not entirely responsible either.
Three members made it clear from the beginning, their intention was not to be part of a cohesive unit.
They did not understand that's what's required of a newly elected Council.
And they didn't much care.
There really isn't anyone driving this bus.The steering is erratic.
That's not the same as the last Council.
There was never any question from the start that bus was careening down a long straight slippery slope.
It made it all the way.
This term is not halfway over. .
There is time for correction.
Stuff that needs to be sorted.
It's My Blog, If YOu Don't MInd.
Anonymous said...To 8 August, 2012 4:45 PM....
Other than Evelyn's musings, who said that Aurora is doing the same thing?
I would remind everyone, including our host, that this blog is called "Our Town and its Business" and not "Their Town and our Business"
Anonymous said...To 8 August, 2012 4:45 PM....
Other than Evelyn's musings, who said that Aurora is doing the same thing?
I would remind everyone, including our host, that this blog is called "Our Town and its Business" and not "Their Town and our Business"
**************
I would refer the reader to the report of the Director of Environment and Infrastructure, previously known as Public Works Director, on the subject of colour of the town's fleet of vehicles.
I will publish it next week. if I find it after the house is tidied for the week-end.
The Director's report informed Council the colour white, was chosen by administrative decision.
In other words, Council was not consulted.
The report states colour is a means of branding.
It further notes half a dozen municipalities. the Region, Power Stream and .Enbridge Gas have all chosen white..
If branding is a means of distinguishing one municipality from another or from a private utility, how is it accomplished by everyone having the same colour ?
I suspect it means administrations throughout the Region and the Region.do not distinguish between the Region and neighbouring municipalities.
We are told Treasurers throughout the Region conference about how rates are to be charged for water. Meter rate increases locally are attributed to Regional rate increases. If all Treasurers agree together what regional rate increases are to be, would that not be called " fixing " prices in the private sector?
Is that not why monopolies have to obtain government approval for price increases ?
A "Pending" Report will be submitted to Council in August.
The last was in April.
It's coming up close to a year since Council approved several resolutions for certain actions to be undertaken.
I expect to see them listed on the Pending Report. Without progress noted. As they were in April.
Council did not direct staff to review " Customer Service " . Staff recommended a " Program" be purchased without direction for review from Council. No report noted unsatisfactory customer service.
One reason for the recommendation was the Towns of Newmarket and Whitchurch-Stouffville had purchased the program .
In response to the comment published above, a perspective is formed with time and observation.
This Council started with three members making a point of detachmentfrom the newly elected body.
Councillor Gaertner repeatedly emphasised loyalty to defeated comrades.
Gradually it has become apparent , the role has steadily been. diminished
The Mayor and CAO have meetings with this organisation and that, discussing whatever.
Council. as a whole, is brought into the picture after the fact when approval is sought without opportunity for input.
The Mayor becomes peevish when "good ideas" do not receive proper appreciation.
In the meantime, direction given to staff by resolution of Council is simply disregarded.
The role of Municipal Clerk is to ensure Council's direction is followed. Pending reports are prepared by the Clerk .
The role of Presiding Member is to ensure the authority of Council is paramount.
What happens when the Presiding Member doesn't understand that role ?
Chaos and confusion ,that's what
Other than Evelyn's musings, who said that Aurora is doing the same thing?
I would remind everyone, including our host, that this blog is called "Our Town and its Business" and not "Their Town and our Business"
Anonymous said...To 8 August, 2012 4:45 PM....
Other than Evelyn's musings, who said that Aurora is doing the same thing?
I would remind everyone, including our host, that this blog is called "Our Town and its Business" and not "Their Town and our Business"
**************
I would refer the reader to the report of the Director of Environment and Infrastructure, previously known as Public Works Director, on the subject of colour of the town's fleet of vehicles.
I will publish it next week. if I find it after the house is tidied for the week-end.
The Director's report informed Council the colour white, was chosen by administrative decision.
In other words, Council was not consulted.
The report states colour is a means of branding.
It further notes half a dozen municipalities. the Region, Power Stream and .Enbridge Gas have all chosen white..
If branding is a means of distinguishing one municipality from another or from a private utility, how is it accomplished by everyone having the same colour ?
I suspect it means administrations throughout the Region and the Region.do not distinguish between the Region and neighbouring municipalities.
We are told Treasurers throughout the Region conference about how rates are to be charged for water. Meter rate increases locally are attributed to Regional rate increases. If all Treasurers agree together what regional rate increases are to be, would that not be called " fixing " prices in the private sector?
Is that not why monopolies have to obtain government approval for price increases ?
A "Pending" Report will be submitted to Council in August.
The last was in April.
It's coming up close to a year since Council approved several resolutions for certain actions to be undertaken.
I expect to see them listed on the Pending Report. Without progress noted. As they were in April.
Council did not direct staff to review " Customer Service " . Staff recommended a " Program" be purchased without direction for review from Council. No report noted unsatisfactory customer service.
One reason for the recommendation was the Towns of Newmarket and Whitchurch-Stouffville had purchased the program .
In response to the comment published above, a perspective is formed with time and observation.
This Council started with three members making a point of detachmentfrom the newly elected body.
Councillor Gaertner repeatedly emphasised loyalty to defeated comrades.
Gradually it has become apparent , the role has steadily been. diminished
The Mayor and CAO have meetings with this organisation and that, discussing whatever.
Council. as a whole, is brought into the picture after the fact when approval is sought without opportunity for input.
The Mayor becomes peevish when "good ideas" do not receive proper appreciation.
In the meantime, direction given to staff by resolution of Council is simply disregarded.
The role of Municipal Clerk is to ensure Council's direction is followed. Pending reports are prepared by the Clerk .
The role of Presiding Member is to ensure the authority of Council is paramount.
What happens when the Presiding Member doesn't understand that role ?
Chaos and confusion ,that's what
Thursday, 9 August 2012
No Threat There
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Easy-Peasy":
Is the reference to the supoena a threat Evelyn? I thought that the whole anonymous posting thing on blogs was settled by the Morris vs the 3 judge
*******
No threat intended. . I just noticed it in a passing headline on T.V.
and thought it might be of interest. I said I thought it was an American Police Force that was trying to bring down that wall.
I had read the decision published here. Part of it dealt with the non- case argued by the complainant.
For all the town money spent on it.
All the same, I don't think the argument about the right to anonymously comment on a blog is going away, as long as public money is available to be spent on it.
Recently I read in solicitor/client advice, a municipality cannot sue for defamation. Yet we did. On advice from the same lawyer.
It fascinated me how the same could be argued, for or against,depending upon how the wind blew for the the Mormac
crew
As much as the realisation that no matter the legal devices the Province has in place to protect public interest, they are all for nought, as long as politicians can find a lawyer to offer advice expected of him.
I expect we will continue to see lawyers assail the Charter of Rights and Freedoms as long as public funds are available to pay the fees.
I even heard it suggested recently the Harper government might try to undermine the Charter. Considering agreement of Provinces
would be required to change the Constitution of which the Charter is a part, it would be no easy task.
Still, if Prime Minister Harper became convinced the cause was righteous, I think he would try.
Is the reference to the supoena a threat Evelyn? I thought that the whole anonymous posting thing on blogs was settled by the Morris vs the 3 judge
*******
No threat intended. . I just noticed it in a passing headline on T.V.
and thought it might be of interest. I said I thought it was an American Police Force that was trying to bring down that wall.
I had read the decision published here. Part of it dealt with the non- case argued by the complainant.
For all the town money spent on it.
All the same, I don't think the argument about the right to anonymously comment on a blog is going away, as long as public money is available to be spent on it.
Recently I read in solicitor/client advice, a municipality cannot sue for defamation. Yet we did. On advice from the same lawyer.
It fascinated me how the same could be argued, for or against,depending upon how the wind blew for the the Mormac
crew
As much as the realisation that no matter the legal devices the Province has in place to protect public interest, they are all for nought, as long as politicians can find a lawyer to offer advice expected of him.
I expect we will continue to see lawyers assail the Charter of Rights and Freedoms as long as public funds are available to pay the fees.
I even heard it suggested recently the Harper government might try to undermine the Charter. Considering agreement of Provinces
would be required to change the Constitution of which the Charter is a part, it would be no easy task.
Still, if Prime Minister Harper became convinced the cause was righteous, I think he would try.
Wednesday, 8 August 2012
Easy-Peasy
The word jazz spelled with an "i" has somebody, I would guess Al , beside himself with excitement.
Feverishly tapping at his keyboard , he is spilling out "hilarious" images that enter the tiny, narrow space between his ears.
I will not be reading comments to that particular post.
Whoever you are,you are wasting your employer's time.
I read last night in a news headline of a police department issuing a subpoena to obtain names of anonymous from Twitter to solve a crime.
It was in the States. But Canada is never far behind.
I hear Councillor Ballard is producing a U-tube attacking the Mayor but does not identify himself as the author.
The Whiz Kid among us broke the code easy-peasy.
Feverishly tapping at his keyboard , he is spilling out "hilarious" images that enter the tiny, narrow space between his ears.
I will not be reading comments to that particular post.
Whoever you are,you are wasting your employer's time.
I read last night in a news headline of a police department issuing a subpoena to obtain names of anonymous from Twitter to solve a crime.
It was in the States. But Canada is never far behind.
I hear Councillor Ballard is producing a U-tube attacking the Mayor but does not identify himself as the author.
The Whiz Kid among us broke the code easy-peasy.
Mark My Words
I check the job postings on MWXTRA . It comes to me by e-mail. Sometimes it's the only way to know/.
The ad for the job in Newmarket is both interesting and alarming.
We followed Newmarket and Whitchurch Stouffville, buying a
Customer Service program
I've never been sure the administration and myself share an understanding of who the town's "customers," or "stakeholders " are.
The program, which Council was assured would cost no more , was a classic example.
I haven't seen any signs of improvement. But then I was not aware of problems either. I think of Councillors being first in the line of fire and being the first to know of "customer" dissatisfaction.
The wording of the Newmarket posting has Strategic Plan Commissioner written all over it.
It will undoubtedly be another six figure salary.
We just adopted a new Strategic Plan that cost us $80.000. Everybody but me is really excited about it. Kids at soccer games were asked what they wanted the town to look like in twenty years.
The first reference has already been made in a report recommending approval of the division of a large lot into two on Kennedy Street West,
The comment was; the division of a single large lot into two large lots conforms to the provincial requirements for intensification.
It also accomplishes the town's objective of providing a superior quality of life for all.
I kid you not.
I don't have the report in my hand. My wording is not a precise quote. But that certainly was the meaning.
I read it out at the Council meeting. I laughed but without any real amusement.Sometimes there's nothing else you can do.
Newmarket is probably ahead of us in adopting a twenty year
Strategic Plan. We do seem to be the Johny- Come- Latelies
It should be an advantage in knowing what mistakes not to make but in this business, in this age, nobody ever admits making mistakes
Reading the ad gives an idea of what Newmarket's plan intends to accomplish
All that's required is a Harry Potter Wizard type candidate complete with a magic wand.
That will be us in a short while.. I'll betcha.
The ad for the job in Newmarket is both interesting and alarming.
We followed Newmarket and Whitchurch Stouffville, buying a
Customer Service program
I've never been sure the administration and myself share an understanding of who the town's "customers," or "stakeholders " are.
The program, which Council was assured would cost no more , was a classic example.
I haven't seen any signs of improvement. But then I was not aware of problems either. I think of Councillors being first in the line of fire and being the first to know of "customer" dissatisfaction.
The wording of the Newmarket posting has Strategic Plan Commissioner written all over it.
It will undoubtedly be another six figure salary.
We just adopted a new Strategic Plan that cost us $80.000. Everybody but me is really excited about it. Kids at soccer games were asked what they wanted the town to look like in twenty years.
The first reference has already been made in a report recommending approval of the division of a large lot into two on Kennedy Street West,
The comment was; the division of a single large lot into two large lots conforms to the provincial requirements for intensification.
It also accomplishes the town's objective of providing a superior quality of life for all.
I kid you not.
I don't have the report in my hand. My wording is not a precise quote. But that certainly was the meaning.
I read it out at the Council meeting. I laughed but without any real amusement.Sometimes there's nothing else you can do.
Newmarket is probably ahead of us in adopting a twenty year
Strategic Plan. We do seem to be the Johny- Come- Latelies
It should be an advantage in knowing what mistakes not to make but in this business, in this age, nobody ever admits making mistakes
Reading the ad gives an idea of what Newmarket's plan intends to accomplish
All that's required is a Harry Potter Wizard type candidate complete with a magic wand.
That will be us in a short while.. I'll betcha.
Will Aurora Be Far Behind ?
Commissioner-Community Services-Town Of Newmarket ON
Expiry Date: 2012-08-24
Town of Newmarket
Centrally located in the heart of York Region with a
flourishing population of 80,000 and a land area of 38 square
kilometers, Newmarket offers a unique blend of big city amenities paired
with small town charm. Ranked within the top 15 places to live in
Canada by MoneySense Magazine, Newmarket is a complete community where
quality of life comes first.
Commissioner, Community Services
The Town of Newmarket is pleased to announce an opening for the position of Commissioner, Community Services who will serve as a champion of the Town’s mission, vision and core values to all staff. As a strategic leader working closely with the CAO, the Commissioner, Community Services will assume responsibility for the leadership and direction of the Community Services Commission, including Economic Development, Customer Care, Recreation and Culture, in addition to effectively leading all aspects of planning, financing, implementation and sustainability of commission services.
As a participant in strategic planning, you will
advocate continuous improvement through efficiencies and processes
including: establishing, implementing and monitoring performance
measures and development and delivery of policies, programs and
services. You will also create strategies that will take the Town to the
next level, focusing on fostering a vital economy, attracting workers
and businesses and creating a healthy community. Current priority
projects requiring an enhanced understanding of Economic Development
include: The re-development of major corridors (e.g., the redevelopment
of the Yonge Street/Davis Drive corridor; maintaining/advancing the
vibrancy of the downtown area; and increased focus on the healthcare
sector); and redevelopment of strategic lands. Your demonstrated
interpersonal skills and stakeholder relations will be utilized to
maintain and develop collaborative relationships with partner
organizations, local business and community groups, such as the
Newmarket Public Library.
A dynamic public presenter, you enjoy working with
community stakeholders and interacting with members of Council. You have
economic development experience and your university degree in Public
Administration, Business, Economics or another related discipline serves
as the foundation of your progressive leadership experience in the
municipal sector. Meanwhile, strong values, integrity and
accountability confirm your success in representing the best interests
of the community while monitoring Federal, Provincial, Regional and
Municipal regulations and initiatives to ensure compliance.
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION IN CONFIDENCE TO:
Phelps Talent and Executive Search
401 Bay Street, Suite 1400, Toronto, ON M5H 2Y4
Application Deadline: Friday August 24, 2012
Phelps Talent and Executive Search
401 Bay Street, Suite 1400, Toronto, ON M5H 2Y4
Application Deadline: Friday August 24, 2012
The Phelps Group, in partnership with the Town of
Newmarket, is committed to equity in employment and encourages
applications from all qualified candidates, including women, Aboriginal
peoples, members of visible minorities and persons with disabilities.
While all responses will be appreciated and handled in the strictest
confidence, only those being considered for interviews will be
acknowledged.
Posted on 2012-08-07
Province: ON
Province: ON
So Let's Keep Dancing
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Saying
NO Is Not Without Consequence":
OMG, did someone get a picture of that?
*************************
No doubt someone got a picture of the entourage on Saturday night that did not include the Town's Mayor or representative.
In case there is lingering doubt or doubt cast , the Town's Number One Citizen was not invited, I am able to assure readers ,he was not.
Councillor Able asked the Mayor. There was no invitation..
The blog recorded quite the fuss and muss since Sunday over an invitation that wasn't extended
Like they were content to make the slight, knowing full well what hey were up to. They just weren't happy to be called on it.Typical of the type.
Consequently, the situation triggered attack the messenger approach.
There's plenty of footage on that modus operandi., a favorite of the ex-Mayor.
***********************
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Saying NO Is Not Without Consequence":
EVELYN... Do you know what JIZZ is? This site is getting disgusting
****************
As far as I'm concerned the word Jazz spelled with an i is an error in spelling. Whatever else was intended went over my head though I did wonder for a nano second why it was "hilarious"
The site therefore is only disgusting to those familiar with the terminology.
I plead ignorance.of that particular disgusting term and happy to remain so.
*************
It's another beautiful morning. I don't plan on missing it.
Wherever you are whatever you're doing, try to enjoy it. It will not return. .
It's all there is.
OMG, did someone get a picture of that?
*************************
No doubt someone got a picture of the entourage on Saturday night that did not include the Town's Mayor or representative.
In case there is lingering doubt or doubt cast , the Town's Number One Citizen was not invited, I am able to assure readers ,he was not.
Councillor Able asked the Mayor. There was no invitation..
The blog recorded quite the fuss and muss since Sunday over an invitation that wasn't extended
Like they were content to make the slight, knowing full well what hey were up to. They just weren't happy to be called on it.Typical of the type.
Consequently, the situation triggered attack the messenger approach.
There's plenty of footage on that modus operandi., a favorite of the ex-Mayor.
***********************
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Saying NO Is Not Without Consequence":
EVELYN... Do you know what JIZZ is? This site is getting disgusting
****************
As far as I'm concerned the word Jazz spelled with an i is an error in spelling. Whatever else was intended went over my head though I did wonder for a nano second why it was "hilarious"
The site therefore is only disgusting to those familiar with the terminology.
I plead ignorance.of that particular disgusting term and happy to remain so.
*************
It's another beautiful morning. I don't plan on missing it.
Wherever you are whatever you're doing, try to enjoy it. It will not return. .
It's all there is.
Tuesday, 7 August 2012
So What?
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "A Comment
Deleted":
*poof* another published comment disappears, making a subsequent reference to it look glaringly silly.
***************
"Who's been sleeping in my bed?" growls the Papa Bear.
Slightly more interesting than the storybook tale, how quickly comes a response to a change on the blog:
A hostile individual is sitting somewhere in front of a computer with nothing better to do than wait and pounce.
Like Sylvester the Cat 's efforts to outsmart Tweetie Bird; salivating at the thought of swallowing him whole.
How long will it be, I wonder ,before social media becomes the plot for a cartoon series.
Maybe it's happened already in another generation.
When the ugliness becomes too awful to contemplate, humour takes over, the logical means for survival intact.
A wealth of comedic material exists in our town alone.
At this very moment elsewhere in the world , people with automatic weapons and suicide bombs strapped to their bodies are intent on causing the greatest harm possible
Women. children, the elderly and young , no age is safe.. They weep with grief, the same as the rest of us when the loss is theirs.
Still the horror continues.
Only exhaustion of resources, physical, financial, emotional, bring it to an end.
Our lives are as safe as any place in the world.
Our rights are secure.
We are free to express ourselves and let others do the same. .
*poof* another published comment disappears, making a subsequent reference to it look glaringly silly.
***************
"Who's been sleeping in my bed?" growls the Papa Bear.
Slightly more interesting than the storybook tale, how quickly comes a response to a change on the blog:
A hostile individual is sitting somewhere in front of a computer with nothing better to do than wait and pounce.
Like Sylvester the Cat 's efforts to outsmart Tweetie Bird; salivating at the thought of swallowing him whole.
How long will it be, I wonder ,before social media becomes the plot for a cartoon series.
Maybe it's happened already in another generation.
When the ugliness becomes too awful to contemplate, humour takes over, the logical means for survival intact.
A wealth of comedic material exists in our town alone.
At this very moment elsewhere in the world , people with automatic weapons and suicide bombs strapped to their bodies are intent on causing the greatest harm possible
Women. children, the elderly and young , no age is safe.. They weep with grief, the same as the rest of us when the loss is theirs.
Still the horror continues.
Only exhaustion of resources, physical, financial, emotional, bring it to an end.
Our lives are as safe as any place in the world.
Our rights are secure.
We are free to express ourselves and let others do the same. .
Saying NO Is Not Without Consequence
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Skullduggery
Afoot.":
During elections we see candidates listing their achievements. Most include some volunteer services. In a Town our size, there are bonds formed between like-minded individuals.
Why is it a surprise that you see members of council and former members of council that had like-minded activities before that still have them now? Holy crap, in some cases they are friends.
"Councillor Ballard was not delegated to represent the Town in official capacity." How do you know this? Maybe Dawe told him to handle it. I thik that you are so bitter that this thing even happens that you cannot see straight.
************************
There are a couple of points worth responding to in the above.
First is the reference to new candidates listing previous volunteer activities in the town to indicate community involvement.
That is natural and normal.
Problems arise when tax resources are perceived as a ready source of gravy to distribute between various charitable organisations.
No distinction is made between a property owner's authority to make his/her own decision about charitable giving, and a Councoillor's authority to put a hand in someone's pocket, without as much as a by-your-leave, and filch money to contribute to a cause of the Councillor's choosing.
Waiving user fees for charitable causes is a classic contradiction in terms.
Most organisations using town facilities are volunteer dependent. Few sports programs would exist without parents contributing hours to manage and coach teams and raise funds to keep fees reasonable.
They don't have an option.
Yet their cause is righteous. ..
They are required to pay user fees to reduce dependence on taxes to maintain the facilities needed for the programs
Then along come the Cure for Cancer fund raisers requesting fee waivers so they can contribute a hundred instead of ninety-nine thousand to the cause.There's an ego factor here.
Or Jazz Festival organizers so they can pay musicians a hundred instead of ninety-eight thousand and make the enterprise look like something it is not.
Objections to either on the principle it is not the function of tax collectors to contribute to charitable causes or provide employment for musicians, is obviously because one is not in favour of finding a cure for cancer or providing employment for musicians.
Oh Dear Me YES !!! The person saying NO is always the dastardly villain.
In the next election, we will discover again what people really think about that.
On the second point; I do know Councillor Ballard was not delegated to represent the Mayor because Council has already taken care of that chore.
At the first meeting of the term, Council appoints an Acting Mayor for any time the Mayor is not available.
This term Councillor John Abel, as in other terms the Councillor who gained the highest number of votes,. was appointed. .
He was at the Jazz bash.He paid his $5. He was not part of the entourage . He was not invited.
It's that simple.
Neither the Mayor nor his representative were invited to represent the Town at the event.
The Town was slighted. Deliberately
Despite putting the Jazz bash private interest ahead of the Municipal Corporation business.
Hopefully, a lesson may have been learned. .
During elections we see candidates listing their achievements. Most include some volunteer services. In a Town our size, there are bonds formed between like-minded individuals.
Why is it a surprise that you see members of council and former members of council that had like-minded activities before that still have them now? Holy crap, in some cases they are friends.
"Councillor Ballard was not delegated to represent the Town in official capacity." How do you know this? Maybe Dawe told him to handle it. I thik that you are so bitter that this thing even happens that you cannot see straight.
************************
There are a couple of points worth responding to in the above.
First is the reference to new candidates listing previous volunteer activities in the town to indicate community involvement.
That is natural and normal.
Problems arise when tax resources are perceived as a ready source of gravy to distribute between various charitable organisations.
No distinction is made between a property owner's authority to make his/her own decision about charitable giving, and a Councoillor's authority to put a hand in someone's pocket, without as much as a by-your-leave, and filch money to contribute to a cause of the Councillor's choosing.
Waiving user fees for charitable causes is a classic contradiction in terms.
Most organisations using town facilities are volunteer dependent. Few sports programs would exist without parents contributing hours to manage and coach teams and raise funds to keep fees reasonable.
They don't have an option.
Yet their cause is righteous. ..
They are required to pay user fees to reduce dependence on taxes to maintain the facilities needed for the programs
Then along come the Cure for Cancer fund raisers requesting fee waivers so they can contribute a hundred instead of ninety-nine thousand to the cause.There's an ego factor here.
Or Jazz Festival organizers so they can pay musicians a hundred instead of ninety-eight thousand and make the enterprise look like something it is not.
Objections to either on the principle it is not the function of tax collectors to contribute to charitable causes or provide employment for musicians, is obviously because one is not in favour of finding a cure for cancer or providing employment for musicians.
Oh Dear Me YES !!! The person saying NO is always the dastardly villain.
In the next election, we will discover again what people really think about that.
On the second point; I do know Councillor Ballard was not delegated to represent the Mayor because Council has already taken care of that chore.
At the first meeting of the term, Council appoints an Acting Mayor for any time the Mayor is not available.
This term Councillor John Abel, as in other terms the Councillor who gained the highest number of votes,. was appointed. .
He was at the Jazz bash.He paid his $5. He was not part of the entourage . He was not invited.
It's that simple.
Neither the Mayor nor his representative were invited to represent the Town at the event.
The Town was slighted. Deliberately
Despite putting the Jazz bash private interest ahead of the Municipal Corporation business.
Hopefully, a lesson may have been learned. .
Monday, 6 August 2012
Skullduggery Afoot.
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "A Comment
Deleted":
I'm still not certain, what exactly is the substance of the "snub"? That provincial and federal politicians attended in the company of only certain town councillors?
Please explain the precise nature of the perceived snub.
*****************
The event was held in the Town of Aurora Park.
Town facilities, bandshell, park, washrooms and parking have been the venue for the St.Kitts Jazz Festival since it started, when it was nothing more than a promotional event for the Farmers Market.
The idea of a Music and Arts Festival was presented to the Leisure Services Advisory Committee by a resident without connection to St Kitts Enterprises.
Some among us suspect the Market was moved from the downtown location for no other reason but to exploit the park and bandshell.
In the years after the move, the town contributed to the Market for promotional events. The ex-Mayor had control of the funds.
Eventually, promotional events became a Jazz Festival.
The Town contributed sponsorship which more than covered user fees for the bandshell.
Last year, despite not having received a financial accounting, the Town rejected staff advice to provide a $3,000 grant ..
Susan Morton Leaonard appeared before Council and complained it wasn't enough. Council upped it to $5,000.
A financial accounting for the 2011 Festival revealed revenue of $150,000. Council decided there was no basis for further financial support from town resources.
The Provincil Minister of Culture and the Honorable Member of Parliament were undoubtedly invited to be guests at the Ceremonial Opening.
In 2011, a Trillium grant of $75,000 was received.
In 2012, a Federal Heritage grant was awarded of somewhat less value.
In turn, despite support for the Trillium grant, direct financial support and free venue provided from the beginning, the town was criticized in some obscure festival web site publication for failing to shovel in more funding.
No invitation was extended to be part of the ceremonial.
Councillor Ballard was not delegated to represent the Town in official capacity.
There lies the snub. Deliberate and pronounced.
Protocol demands the Number One Citizen of the Town providing all the amenities, the Mayor or his representative, was entitled to be present and recognized.
By withholding invitation, the Town was insulted by the St Kitts and St Leonards and whatever other supporters are still out there of the Mormac regime.
Granger was sighted on the eve. Wilson was spotted at the Market on Saturday, in conversation with the Jam Lady.
Councillor Gaertner was collecting fees for admission.
No lingering doubt remains of political intrigue.
Skullduggery lurks.
No call to be mistaken, for what it is not.
I'm still not certain, what exactly is the substance of the "snub"? That provincial and federal politicians attended in the company of only certain town councillors?
Please explain the precise nature of the perceived snub.
*****************
The event was held in the Town of Aurora Park.
Town facilities, bandshell, park, washrooms and parking have been the venue for the St.Kitts Jazz Festival since it started, when it was nothing more than a promotional event for the Farmers Market.
The idea of a Music and Arts Festival was presented to the Leisure Services Advisory Committee by a resident without connection to St Kitts Enterprises.
Some among us suspect the Market was moved from the downtown location for no other reason but to exploit the park and bandshell.
In the years after the move, the town contributed to the Market for promotional events. The ex-Mayor had control of the funds.
Eventually, promotional events became a Jazz Festival.
The Town contributed sponsorship which more than covered user fees for the bandshell.
Last year, despite not having received a financial accounting, the Town rejected staff advice to provide a $3,000 grant ..
Susan Morton Leaonard appeared before Council and complained it wasn't enough. Council upped it to $5,000.
A financial accounting for the 2011 Festival revealed revenue of $150,000. Council decided there was no basis for further financial support from town resources.
The Provincil Minister of Culture and the Honorable Member of Parliament were undoubtedly invited to be guests at the Ceremonial Opening.
In 2011, a Trillium grant of $75,000 was received.
In 2012, a Federal Heritage grant was awarded of somewhat less value.
In turn, despite support for the Trillium grant, direct financial support and free venue provided from the beginning, the town was criticized in some obscure festival web site publication for failing to shovel in more funding.
No invitation was extended to be part of the ceremonial.
Councillor Ballard was not delegated to represent the Town in official capacity.
There lies the snub. Deliberate and pronounced.
Protocol demands the Number One Citizen of the Town providing all the amenities, the Mayor or his representative, was entitled to be present and recognized.
By withholding invitation, the Town was insulted by the St Kitts and St Leonards and whatever other supporters are still out there of the Mormac regime.
Granger was sighted on the eve. Wilson was spotted at the Market on Saturday, in conversation with the Jam Lady.
Councillor Gaertner was collecting fees for admission.
No lingering doubt remains of political intrigue.
Skullduggery lurks.
No call to be mistaken, for what it is not.
A Comment Deleted
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Oh
Dear!! What can the matter be":
Holy overwrought overreaction, Batman!
Apart from you, who took offence? (What "snub"?, we all might ask)
And you weren't even there to take dubious offence!
BTW, what would you do without your trolls reporting back so you can pass on second- or third-hand hearsay?
**************
I deleted the above comment Not worth the space to print it.Then
I made the mistake of quoting the last part to my family member.
Theresa is a weekly visitor to the Market. On Saturday, a shift selling rafffle tickets for the Hoe Down Charity was her mission.
To enjoy the music and a couple of musicians known from King Henry's Arms brought her back to the Jazz Bash on Saturday and Sunday evening.
Councillor John Abel and wife Tracy are friends. They all paid the admission fee to listen to the music in the Town Park.
The entourage, with the Province's Minister of Culture and the Honorable Member of Parliament, Lois Brown and Councillor Chris Ballard was clearly intended to be noticed as part of the program..
Without an understanding of protocol, the insult to the Town may well have passed unnoticed by everyone except those responsible.
I expect more from a Provincial Cabinet Minister and a Member of the Federal Parliament. The snub was deliberate.
The ignorance is hard to excuse.Such conduct deserves to be noted.
If only as a lesson to newbie politicians who need to learn yet again,, there is no pay-off for selling out the town's interest.
It's an Old Morality Tale.
No respect is earned by doling out public resources for private gain.
It's a slippery slope to political perdition.
Another morsel gleaned from Sunday's wind up:.
A call went out for a show of appreciation to the St Kitts Family Enterprise.
The silence was conspicuous.
Holy overwrought overreaction, Batman!
Apart from you, who took offence? (What "snub"?, we all might ask)
And you weren't even there to take dubious offence!
BTW, what would you do without your trolls reporting back so you can pass on second- or third-hand hearsay?
**************
I deleted the above comment Not worth the space to print it.Then
I made the mistake of quoting the last part to my family member.
Theresa is a weekly visitor to the Market. On Saturday, a shift selling rafffle tickets for the Hoe Down Charity was her mission.
To enjoy the music and a couple of musicians known from King Henry's Arms brought her back to the Jazz Bash on Saturday and Sunday evening.
Councillor John Abel and wife Tracy are friends. They all paid the admission fee to listen to the music in the Town Park.
The entourage, with the Province's Minister of Culture and the Honorable Member of Parliament, Lois Brown and Councillor Chris Ballard was clearly intended to be noticed as part of the program..
Without an understanding of protocol, the insult to the Town may well have passed unnoticed by everyone except those responsible.
I expect more from a Provincial Cabinet Minister and a Member of the Federal Parliament. The snub was deliberate.
The ignorance is hard to excuse.Such conduct deserves to be noted.
If only as a lesson to newbie politicians who need to learn yet again,, there is no pay-off for selling out the town's interest.
It's an Old Morality Tale.
No respect is earned by doling out public resources for private gain.
It's a slippery slope to political perdition.
Another morsel gleaned from Sunday's wind up:.
A call went out for a show of appreciation to the St Kitts Family Enterprise.
The silence was conspicuous.
Sunday, 5 August 2012
No Solution At All
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Granger
Sighting In The Park":
Wonder why Mayor Dawe wasn't there to share the downpour. Do you suppose he feels responsible?
*************
A more pressing and intriguing question would be the role of Councillors Gaertner, Ballard at the event. .
The town's efforts to fix the problem with the Culture Centre Board without actually fixing the problem, raises interesting angles by Councillorinvolvement with organisations separate from their elected authority.
The last administration created an autonomous body to govern use of a public facility; Church Street School.
An agreement was concurrently signed to purchase non-specific services provided in a valuable rent and maintenance free building with half a million dollars thrown into the bargain, to increase by 3% year by year.
The current administration thought the obvious problem could be resolved by adding two Councillors to a continuing autonomous board.
Tweren't never going to work
The board is no less autonomous by adding two Councillors.
It would deprive Council of two voting members when financial matters of the board are on the table for discussion.
The Councillor members would consequently have a conflict of interest at Council..
They would have a pecuniary interest whatever financial decisions needed to be made.
So here we are, eighteen months after taking office, no closer to solving the problem of continuing to ladle out hundreds of thousands of dollars to an outfit that calmly, deliberately and repeatedly thumb their noses at the elected body and the community it represents.
We are further from the obvious solution than we were. Tactics are delay.
We no longer know who's who among the players.
Already it was clear Councillors Gaertner,Gallo and Ballard were in cahoots with the board. They said so.
Then came the Abel- Pirri resolution , carefully constructed with the help of the town solicitor, seemingly supported by the rest of Council, until the last word of debate , then suddenly, inexplicably, sabotaged by Humphryes, Thompson and Mayor Dawe.
Perniciously, they aligned themselves with Gaertner, Gallo and Ballard.
As clumsy a maneuver as I have ever seen, to land with a foot on each side of the controversy, to cover their political arses, with all interest of the municipality thrown to the wolves. .
As we await advice from a judge on the question, we now know the town's interest did not come first with this administration , any more than it did with the last.
We have alignment between the Culture Centre Board, the Aurora Historical Society the Farmers' Market Executive and St Kitts Jazz Bash outfit with the town's resources in the centre, continually ripe for the fleecing .
Hundreds of thousands of dollars continually slip through our fingers without an iota of accountability.
While the Mayor writes a column for The Auroran assuring the community of fastidious efforts on behalf of Council to manage the town's resources.
You can fool some of the people, some of the time. You cant fool all of the people, all of the time.
Lying with the enemy is never a useful strategy.
Wonder why Mayor Dawe wasn't there to share the downpour. Do you suppose he feels responsible?
*************
A more pressing and intriguing question would be the role of Councillors Gaertner, Ballard at the event. .
The town's efforts to fix the problem with the Culture Centre Board without actually fixing the problem, raises interesting angles by Councillorinvolvement with organisations separate from their elected authority.
The last administration created an autonomous body to govern use of a public facility; Church Street School.
An agreement was concurrently signed to purchase non-specific services provided in a valuable rent and maintenance free building with half a million dollars thrown into the bargain, to increase by 3% year by year.
The current administration thought the obvious problem could be resolved by adding two Councillors to a continuing autonomous board.
Tweren't never going to work
The board is no less autonomous by adding two Councillors.
It would deprive Council of two voting members when financial matters of the board are on the table for discussion.
The Councillor members would consequently have a conflict of interest at Council..
They would have a pecuniary interest whatever financial decisions needed to be made.
So here we are, eighteen months after taking office, no closer to solving the problem of continuing to ladle out hundreds of thousands of dollars to an outfit that calmly, deliberately and repeatedly thumb their noses at the elected body and the community it represents.
We are further from the obvious solution than we were. Tactics are delay.
We no longer know who's who among the players.
Already it was clear Councillors Gaertner,Gallo and Ballard were in cahoots with the board. They said so.
Then came the Abel- Pirri resolution , carefully constructed with the help of the town solicitor, seemingly supported by the rest of Council, until the last word of debate , then suddenly, inexplicably, sabotaged by Humphryes, Thompson and Mayor Dawe.
Perniciously, they aligned themselves with Gaertner, Gallo and Ballard.
As clumsy a maneuver as I have ever seen, to land with a foot on each side of the controversy, to cover their political arses, with all interest of the municipality thrown to the wolves. .
As we await advice from a judge on the question, we now know the town's interest did not come first with this administration , any more than it did with the last.
We have alignment between the Culture Centre Board, the Aurora Historical Society the Farmers' Market Executive and St Kitts Jazz Bash outfit with the town's resources in the centre, continually ripe for the fleecing .
Hundreds of thousands of dollars continually slip through our fingers without an iota of accountability.
While the Mayor writes a column for The Auroran assuring the community of fastidious efforts on behalf of Council to manage the town's resources.
You can fool some of the people, some of the time. You cant fool all of the people, all of the time.
Lying with the enemy is never a useful strategy.
Oh Dear!! What can the matter be
Market affairs are not happy these days. Vendors are being harried and harrassed. .
The Jazz Bash had an advertising banner on the fence at the Wells Street School.
A farmer vendor's refrigerated truck obscured the banner. He was asked to move from space provided by virtue of a town permit.
The condo developer of the Wells Street School wants another vendor's space for a sales promotion planned for September
The Market ends in October. Seasonal permits are issued by the town until that time. .
The Market has apparently accepted sponsorships from the developer and several real estate sales operators.
It seems the munificence has not come without a price.
Yesterday morning, vendors arriving early to set up in their usual spots in the park, found themselves fenced out.
A security guard informed them he could not allow entry until he had received permission, presumably from whoever was funding his service. It was not the Town. .
Permits are granted by the town for use of space by market vendors for a specific time period.
Yet the town allows the park to be fenced off during that period.
In 2010, the Jazz Bash, an out- of -town operation, received a sponsorship of $2,000. from the Town of Aurora.
The CAO was on vacation. The sponsorship was given by the Manager of Economic Development. The ex- Mayor was on hand.
Funds of $10,000 were in the budget for promotion of the Market..
The Mayor was given authority to write the cheques.
In 2011, staff recommended a grant of $3,000. for the Jazz Bash. Susan Morton Leonard came to Council and complained it wasn't enough.
Council approved $5,000.instead.
Declared revenues of $140,000. for the bash in 2011, convinced Council no grant was necessary in 2012.
The result of which decision, persona non grata status was accorded to the Municipality, within the Municipality, by no less a person than The Honorable Member of Parliament Lois Brown and the Minister of Culture for the Province of Ontario.
Both allowed their presence to be used as a snub to the Municipality last evening within our own Town Park.
On one hand, Ms, Brown fully exploits Aurora's Christmas Parade and July 1st Parade for political advantage. while at the same time having no apparent respect toward the town's authority to make their own decisions.
Ms Brown's apparent collusion with the St Kitts and Morton Leonards to punish the town for refusing to submit to extortion should not be allowed to pass unnoticed.
No Siree!!!
Stuff like that should always come back to haunt.the parties.
The Jazz Bash had an advertising banner on the fence at the Wells Street School.
A farmer vendor's refrigerated truck obscured the banner. He was asked to move from space provided by virtue of a town permit.
The condo developer of the Wells Street School wants another vendor's space for a sales promotion planned for September
The Market ends in October. Seasonal permits are issued by the town until that time. .
The Market has apparently accepted sponsorships from the developer and several real estate sales operators.
It seems the munificence has not come without a price.
Yesterday morning, vendors arriving early to set up in their usual spots in the park, found themselves fenced out.
A security guard informed them he could not allow entry until he had received permission, presumably from whoever was funding his service. It was not the Town. .
Permits are granted by the town for use of space by market vendors for a specific time period.
Yet the town allows the park to be fenced off during that period.
In 2010, the Jazz Bash, an out- of -town operation, received a sponsorship of $2,000. from the Town of Aurora.
The CAO was on vacation. The sponsorship was given by the Manager of Economic Development. The ex- Mayor was on hand.
Funds of $10,000 were in the budget for promotion of the Market..
The Mayor was given authority to write the cheques.
In 2011, staff recommended a grant of $3,000. for the Jazz Bash. Susan Morton Leonard came to Council and complained it wasn't enough.
Council approved $5,000.instead.
Declared revenues of $140,000. for the bash in 2011, convinced Council no grant was necessary in 2012.
The result of which decision, persona non grata status was accorded to the Municipality, within the Municipality, by no less a person than The Honorable Member of Parliament Lois Brown and the Minister of Culture for the Province of Ontario.
Both allowed their presence to be used as a snub to the Municipality last evening within our own Town Park.
On one hand, Ms, Brown fully exploits Aurora's Christmas Parade and July 1st Parade for political advantage. while at the same time having no apparent respect toward the town's authority to make their own decisions.
Ms Brown's apparent collusion with the St Kitts and Morton Leonards to punish the town for refusing to submit to extortion should not be allowed to pass unnoticed.
No Siree!!!
Stuff like that should always come back to haunt.the parties.
Granger Sighting In The Park
The Jazz Bash is underway.
The fence has been up since Friday
I hear vendors paid $600 a pop to peddle merchandise in the park. But not to the town.
Apparently, a permit fee to use the bandstand provides many a blind eye benefit.
Last night was an interesting scenario.
The Provincial Minister of Culture was present at a walk about. Tis said, he was invited to attend by our Federal M.P. the Honorable Lois Brown who was also present.
Aurora Councillor Chris Ballard was a member of the entourage .
Councillor Gaertner was taking money at the gate.
Granger was sighted briefly before Councillor Able, gatecrashed the party and introduced himself as Acting Mayor for the day, and welcomed the Minister to Aurora.
Talk about being disrespected on your own turf.
Whatever the arrangement was supposed to be, it came to an untimely end with sharp rolling claps of thunder , streaks of frightening lightening and a fitting deluge of drenching summer rain.
It reminds me of the last time the Minister came to town
Aurora was honoured to be chosen by the Ministry to open Library Week in 2010.
Librarians from surrounding areas were invited .. A private reception was prepared to allow the Minister to make personal contact with librarians from a distance, all brought together for the purpose.
The plan was the Ministry's own.
All was prepared. Librarians arrived in good time out of respect of the Minister's schedule. .
We waited. And waited. Embarrassed by the Minister's no-show.
Eventually the august personage arrived, guided by ex- Mayor Morris grinning like a Cheshire Cat.
The Minister had been highjacked on the way to the library to visit Church Street School. Morris' little gang were in attendance, thrilled by the success of their strategy,
It wasn't clear the Minister was in on the plan.
I deny absolutely responsibility for the storm last night.
But I would bet, in the right creative mood ,with the right associates, I could write a fitting version of a British Pantomine Farce;
Dick Whittington, Dick Whittington,
Where have you been?
I've been to London to visit the Queen.
Dick Whittington, Dick Whittington
What did you there?
I frightened a little mouse under her chair.
The fence has been up since Friday
I hear vendors paid $600 a pop to peddle merchandise in the park. But not to the town.
Apparently, a permit fee to use the bandstand provides many a blind eye benefit.
Last night was an interesting scenario.
The Provincial Minister of Culture was present at a walk about. Tis said, he was invited to attend by our Federal M.P. the Honorable Lois Brown who was also present.
Aurora Councillor Chris Ballard was a member of the entourage .
Councillor Gaertner was taking money at the gate.
Granger was sighted briefly before Councillor Able, gatecrashed the party and introduced himself as Acting Mayor for the day, and welcomed the Minister to Aurora.
Talk about being disrespected on your own turf.
Whatever the arrangement was supposed to be, it came to an untimely end with sharp rolling claps of thunder , streaks of frightening lightening and a fitting deluge of drenching summer rain.
It reminds me of the last time the Minister came to town
Aurora was honoured to be chosen by the Ministry to open Library Week in 2010.
Librarians from surrounding areas were invited .. A private reception was prepared to allow the Minister to make personal contact with librarians from a distance, all brought together for the purpose.
The plan was the Ministry's own.
All was prepared. Librarians arrived in good time out of respect of the Minister's schedule. .
We waited. And waited. Embarrassed by the Minister's no-show.
Eventually the august personage arrived, guided by ex- Mayor Morris grinning like a Cheshire Cat.
The Minister had been highjacked on the way to the library to visit Church Street School. Morris' little gang were in attendance, thrilled by the success of their strategy,
It wasn't clear the Minister was in on the plan.
I deny absolutely responsibility for the storm last night.
But I would bet, in the right creative mood ,with the right associates, I could write a fitting version of a British Pantomine Farce;
Dick Whittington, Dick Whittington,
Where have you been?
I've been to London to visit the Queen.
Dick Whittington, Dick Whittington
What did you there?
I frightened a little mouse under her chair.
Friday, 3 August 2012
Flashback
Out of nowhere it came. Somewhere in the town office on Yonge Street.
Angus MacGregor raised a foot and tapped his crocodile brogue.
"I didn't pay for those with what the Town of Aurora pays " He said.
He was annoyed. I had the impression I was the target. I seemed to b able to get under people's skin without even trying.
MacGregor was a volatile individual. He had spent his career on job sites all over North America as construction supervisor. I gleaned from his comment his job in Aurora as a comedown and he wanted others to understand.
The late Mayor Dick Illingworth and he had a few blowouts in public. I remember one about parking on Wellington Street between the post office and traffic lights. The Mayor was displeased and gave his orders.
MacGregor was secure in his own authority.There was much shaking of shaggy heads and quivering of hirsute visages,
It's odd how such an altercation between two males can pass without note.
A female involved gets quite a different reaction .
The town was a small operation. Administration consisted of a Clerk-Treasurer, deputy-clerk, treasury clerk and clerk in the Clerk's department.
Public works had a foirteen man crew.
The Volunteer Fire Department numbered twenty-four. A number were works department employees.
Norm Weller had recently been hired to take care of parks. We had three .
MacGregor thought Weller should be under his control
Weller had ideas of his own and went about his job with vigour and determination.
Former Councillor Walt Davis had the last word. Weller knows what he's doing ... doesn't need anybody to tell him .... we get the best from him by leaving him alone.
So that's what we did. When it came time to get a truck for the parks department, it was in the colour green. When the department grew, the colour remained green.
Works department vehicles were red.
I'm not sure when the fleet colour changed to white. Council wasn't consulted.
When Norm Weller came to Council a few months ago to ask for
parks vehicles to be returned to green, I echoed his views. The argument had everything going for it even more than fifty years ago.
Council was supportive.
I remarked to the Mayor; "We are on the side of the angels"
There had been conversation before the notice of motion came forward.
There's an additional cost it was stated.
I inquired of suppliers.
Discovered it not to be a fact. .
Still it was insisted .When Council finally got around the circuitous path to a decision, information was still presented except for Ford, there is an extra $200. for green vans and passenger vehicles.
The parks department does not use vans or passenger vehicles.
Bids are called to specifications for the supply of vehicles.
Supplier with the best price fulfilling specifications gets the business.
Green for parks trucks would be a specification.
Weeks passed between the request from Norm Weller, notice of motion presented in writing, motion tabled, motion deferred, a six page staff report with a single line at the bottom of page five, acknowledging no extra cost, before finally a decision was made that parks trucks will be green.
Elsewhere a Mayoralty comment is noted about the need to streamline Council meetings,
Councillors are deemed culpable in their tendency to grandstand.
Well Heavens to Betsy!!! Imagine!!!! Politicians who desire their voices to be heard.
People knowing how a politician's mind works.
I would point in another direction.for the problem of endless circuitous discussion before a vote is taken.
I think the presiding member has a role to play
A presiding member who does not distinguish between the authority of Council and the role of the admiuistration, functions at a definite disadvantage. .
Angus MacGregor raised a foot and tapped his crocodile brogue.
"I didn't pay for those with what the Town of Aurora pays " He said.
He was annoyed. I had the impression I was the target. I seemed to b able to get under people's skin without even trying.
MacGregor was a volatile individual. He had spent his career on job sites all over North America as construction supervisor. I gleaned from his comment his job in Aurora as a comedown and he wanted others to understand.
The late Mayor Dick Illingworth and he had a few blowouts in public. I remember one about parking on Wellington Street between the post office and traffic lights. The Mayor was displeased and gave his orders.
MacGregor was secure in his own authority.There was much shaking of shaggy heads and quivering of hirsute visages,
It's odd how such an altercation between two males can pass without note.
A female involved gets quite a different reaction .
The town was a small operation. Administration consisted of a Clerk-Treasurer, deputy-clerk, treasury clerk and clerk in the Clerk's department.
Public works had a foirteen man crew.
The Volunteer Fire Department numbered twenty-four. A number were works department employees.
Norm Weller had recently been hired to take care of parks. We had three .
MacGregor thought Weller should be under his control
Weller had ideas of his own and went about his job with vigour and determination.
Former Councillor Walt Davis had the last word. Weller knows what he's doing ... doesn't need anybody to tell him .... we get the best from him by leaving him alone.
So that's what we did. When it came time to get a truck for the parks department, it was in the colour green. When the department grew, the colour remained green.
Works department vehicles were red.
I'm not sure when the fleet colour changed to white. Council wasn't consulted.
When Norm Weller came to Council a few months ago to ask for
parks vehicles to be returned to green, I echoed his views. The argument had everything going for it even more than fifty years ago.
Council was supportive.
I remarked to the Mayor; "We are on the side of the angels"
There had been conversation before the notice of motion came forward.
There's an additional cost it was stated.
I inquired of suppliers.
Discovered it not to be a fact. .
Still it was insisted .When Council finally got around the circuitous path to a decision, information was still presented except for Ford, there is an extra $200. for green vans and passenger vehicles.
The parks department does not use vans or passenger vehicles.
Bids are called to specifications for the supply of vehicles.
Supplier with the best price fulfilling specifications gets the business.
Green for parks trucks would be a specification.
Weeks passed between the request from Norm Weller, notice of motion presented in writing, motion tabled, motion deferred, a six page staff report with a single line at the bottom of page five, acknowledging no extra cost, before finally a decision was made that parks trucks will be green.
Elsewhere a Mayoralty comment is noted about the need to streamline Council meetings,
Councillors are deemed culpable in their tendency to grandstand.
Well Heavens to Betsy!!! Imagine!!!! Politicians who desire their voices to be heard.
People knowing how a politician's mind works.
I would point in another direction.for the problem of endless circuitous discussion before a vote is taken.
I think the presiding member has a role to play
A presiding member who does not distinguish between the authority of Council and the role of the admiuistration, functions at a definite disadvantage. .
Wednesday, 1 August 2012
Nearly New Blog Site
Hi Everyone –
Hope you’re enjoying this hot summer! I spend far too many
hours griping about the cold in winter, so you’ll hear no complaints from me
regarding the heat J
Ok...the following is a “shameless self-promotion” alert;
If you haven’t already been reading it, there is a new blog
site in Aurora, called “Community FOCUS”. The address is www.livinginaurora.com
Aurora resident Anna Lozyk Romeo, creator of her beautiful
“Living In Aurora” photo journal blog, has recently launched this new community
site, and she asked me if I would contribute a regular column regarding local
political issues, or issues of local political/social relevance. I was honoured
to be asked, and have to date submitted 3 columns. The most recent, “Doors Open
Aurora – Of Swans and Freedom Fighters”, combines my account of the wonderful
Doors Open events I attended, an amazing personal interview, and the continued
fight to protect free speech right here in Aurora.
Anna has stressed to me the importance of encouraging strong
community involvement in this blog to make it successful. As such, an invitation
is wide open for anyone who wants to contribute. Community FOCUS has areas set
up to share thoughts on a wide range of local issues, including politics,
history, food & drink, health & wellness, shopping, business, and
others. She’s also set up a project called “Aurora-Youth-Writes”, inviting local
youth to contribute their views and opinions. She has also approached Aurora
seniors to contribute any issues and opinions relevant to their lives here in
town. This blog is prime and ready for contributions on many fronts, and by
whoever wants to share their thoughts. Community FOCUS also has a local business
directory set up called “Aurora Directory”, where any local business can submit
their profile online, and have it posted on the site for free.
My column, like others on the site, is open for comments, so
please feel free to share your thoughts.
Please take a few minutes and check out Community FOCUS.
What Anna has created is a beautiful, positive, welcoming, and inclusive blog
site. We live in an amazing town full of amazing people. The more we can make
use of platforms like Community FOCUS to share our thoughts, opinions, and ideas
with each other, the stronger our community becomes.
Cheers, Matt Maddocks
******************
Anna has been posting for some time. My first contacts were with comments to my blog. Then we met at the site of the Petch House while it was being demolished.
Like others engaged in social media Anna's blog is eon's ahead of my own in technical expertise.
My own is restricted to town business and by my limited technical skills. I relay information from the advantage and perspective of a sitting member of Council.
There must be discipline. I am not completely free.
My opinions are mine to share. I provide only exact quotes of the Mayor and other Councillors.
As elected officials, when we speak, we do not speak for ourselves alone. We speak on behalf of others.
Those others have a right to know whereof we speak.
There's always the risk how I heard a comment, may not be how the comment was intended. That's a risk elected officials take every time we open our mouths. Or write either for that matter.
How town affairs are presented in Anna's blog are not from the same perspective.
Matt Maddocks has been attending to town affairs as a resident and taxpayer since long before the last election.
He participated in the election Contributed to its outcome.
Since the election, he has regularly attended Council and General Committee meetings.
He applied ,was appointed and has served as Trustee of the Library Board.
Matt has regularly posted comments to my blog , Aurora Citizen blog and always identified himself.
He is thoughtful and analytical. He has no fear of allowing his opinions to stand on their merits.
As an observer, he has expressed frustration with decisions. The social media has provided a healthy outlet to take off the edge.
Letters to the editor have been doing it for me for fifty years.Sharing a daily journal with constituents has been infinitely more satisfying.
Matt's regular contribution on Anna's blog on town affairs will be another important voice added to the public debate.
Add Christopher Watts to the mix and I would say.in the field of politics, we are coming of age.
So welcome MattMaddox
Anna as soon as I can figure how to do it , I will add your blog as a link to mine and restore Christopher's as well.
We are living in exciting times!!!
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