Letters to the editor - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA: "Putting off expropriation has cost city plenty
Over the course of decades, I have written extensively respecting two interrelated matters; overall economic development in Brantford and the sad state of the core. I also discussed these issues during the last election.
My fear for the core has always been that city council was consistently postponing the inevitable (expropriation) with respect to the south side of Colborne Street. I proposed the investigation of a residential development that would have an embedded athletic facility. With the Sanderson Centre, major banks, the trails, (and now Harmony Square), I always contended that this or some other form of tax-generating facility would both eliminate the blight while providing a needed positive tax flow.
This concept did not get much attention due to the lethargy of"
Interesting comments -indicating that a change in thinking is needed -Pr
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Residents rally to get officers fired - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA
Residents rally to get officers fired - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA: "Residents rally to get officers fired
Posted By SUSAN GAMBLE, EXPOSITOR STAFF
What is reasonable force? Why pay thugs who do not serve their community ? shocking PR
Tempers flared during a protest against police brutality outside the Six Nations police station Tuesday morning.
The family and supporters of a man who says he was beaten by native police officers exchanged sharp words with the family of one of the officers who is accused of the beating.
The family of Elgin Butler is demanding Six Nations police fire three officers who were involved in an altercation with Butler on Saturday.
A one point, police Chief Glenn Lickers came out to address and calm the crowd in Veterans Park, adjacent to the police station.
Butler has a bruised and battered face that was featured on several placards carried during the protest. One eye was almost swollen shut and blood red. Butler's face was covered with small cuts and abrasions from when he said it was rubbed in gravel during his arrest.
The 40-year-old man said he and an officer exchanged words on Saturday. Then he said he was beaten by one constable, while two others held him down.
Butler's mother says the community has had enough of such incidents."
Posted By SUSAN GAMBLE, EXPOSITOR STAFF
What is reasonable force? Why pay thugs who do not serve their community ? shocking PR
Tempers flared during a protest against police brutality outside the Six Nations police station Tuesday morning.
The family and supporters of a man who says he was beaten by native police officers exchanged sharp words with the family of one of the officers who is accused of the beating.
The family of Elgin Butler is demanding Six Nations police fire three officers who were involved in an altercation with Butler on Saturday.
A one point, police Chief Glenn Lickers came out to address and calm the crowd in Veterans Park, adjacent to the police station.
Butler has a bruised and battered face that was featured on several placards carried during the protest. One eye was almost swollen shut and blood red. Butler's face was covered with small cuts and abrasions from when he said it was rubbed in gravel during his arrest.
The 40-year-old man said he and an officer exchanged words on Saturday. Then he said he was beaten by one constable, while two others held him down.
Butler's mother says the community has had enough of such incidents."
FULL DISCLOSURE - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA
FULL DISCLOSURE - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA: "FULL DISCLOSURE
Good questions - we will try to find out- There is nothing free in life - the added funds is particularly galling PR
Posted By
So now we know what the plans for the South Side of Colborne Street are.
I question if this could have been put together so quickly after the By-law to expropriate had been passed?
I question whether or not the Task force had this knowledge and knew that the parties involved intended to approach the City for funding?
Is that why the amendment to prevent parties from coming back for more money was defeated? Was the plan already in place?
Council wonders why people question their ideas and motives, it is because there is seldom full disclosure of what is going on behind closed doors
So the 11$ million deal, plus interest to be paid on the borrowed funds, plus all the additional costs, and now the request for us to fund part of it?
The list of spending is getting bigger, the cost will be borne by the taxpayers in next years budget, maybe someone on council can take the time to review all this spending and see what this is translating too, I am sure most taxpayers would like to know now what the anticapted cost to them of all these 'pre-election' goodies is going to cost.
With 'Full Disclosure' people will be able to make the right choices come 2010!!!
May O'Grady Brantford"
Good questions - we will try to find out- There is nothing free in life - the added funds is particularly galling PR
Posted By
So now we know what the plans for the South Side of Colborne Street are.
I question if this could have been put together so quickly after the By-law to expropriate had been passed?
I question whether or not the Task force had this knowledge and knew that the parties involved intended to approach the City for funding?
Is that why the amendment to prevent parties from coming back for more money was defeated? Was the plan already in place?
Council wonders why people question their ideas and motives, it is because there is seldom full disclosure of what is going on behind closed doors
So the 11$ million deal, plus interest to be paid on the borrowed funds, plus all the additional costs, and now the request for us to fund part of it?
The list of spending is getting bigger, the cost will be borne by the taxpayers in next years budget, maybe someone on council can take the time to review all this spending and see what this is translating too, I am sure most taxpayers would like to know now what the anticapted cost to them of all these 'pre-election' goodies is going to cost.
With 'Full Disclosure' people will be able to make the right choices come 2010!!!
May O'Grady Brantford"
Trustee arrogance
"This is arrogance to deny the public their public right to information and choice for their children " PR
Public trustees oppose website Posted By ELLWOOD SHREVE, THE DAILY NEWS
A new school finding tool on the education ministry website has prompted the Lambton Kent District School Board to state its disapproval in writing.
Trustees voted unanimously to send a letter to the ministry and premier stating their opposition to the website that provides demographic information such as the number of special needs students, education level of parents as well as income levels, and number of immigrants. The site also compares scores on the Education Quality Accountability Office (EQAO) testing.
Chatham Trustee David Goldsmith raised the issue, stating: "I see potential havoc coming."
He is worried what impact this could have on transportation and school boundaries if parents decide to try to shop around for a school.
Sarnia Trustee Paul Millman said the website has "stigmatized our students . . . it's not right."
Gayle Stucke, LKDSB director of education, said the website "was deliberately set up to shop" for schools.
She said there was an indication the site was being created, but "there was never any understanding that it would be to this degree."
She noted all of the information is available in the public domain, but added, "it is the comparator factor that is of particular concern."
Stucke said it has long been the LKDSB's position that "there's been nothing to be gained by rating and comparing schools."
She added comparing data is only valuable in terms of helping to find ways for a school to improve.
Public trustees oppose website Posted By ELLWOOD SHREVE, THE DAILY NEWS
A new school finding tool on the education ministry website has prompted the Lambton Kent District School Board to state its disapproval in writing.
Trustees voted unanimously to send a letter to the ministry and premier stating their opposition to the website that provides demographic information such as the number of special needs students, education level of parents as well as income levels, and number of immigrants. The site also compares scores on the Education Quality Accountability Office (EQAO) testing.
Chatham Trustee David Goldsmith raised the issue, stating: "I see potential havoc coming."
He is worried what impact this could have on transportation and school boundaries if parents decide to try to shop around for a school.
Sarnia Trustee Paul Millman said the website has "stigmatized our students . . . it's not right."
Gayle Stucke, LKDSB director of education, said the website "was deliberately set up to shop" for schools.
She said there was an indication the site was being created, but "there was never any understanding that it would be to this degree."
She noted all of the information is available in the public domain, but added, "it is the comparator factor that is of particular concern."
Stucke said it has long been the LKDSB's position that "there's been nothing to be gained by rating and comparing schools."
She added comparing data is only valuable in terms of helping to find ways for a school to improve.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Viable leadership options- Hudak a Harris alternative
He is intelligent,dynamic, and is a viable worthy alternative to be considered Pr
Hudak pledges to energize party for election victory
Posted By MICHAEL-ALLAN MARION, EXPOSITOR STAFF
Ontario Conservative leadership candidate Tim Hudak says he wants to energize the party to defeat Dalton McGuinty's government in the 2011 election.
Judging by the reaction of local party faithful at Moose Winooski's on Thursday, the candidate lived up to that promise.
To some, Hudak seemed like a younger, more brightly polished version of former Ontario Tory premier Mike Harris, extolling the virtues of hard work, playing by the rules, rewarding initiative, and building strong families.
"It seems he's got what it takes," said Terry Shelhas, a millwright recently laid off from a Cambridge company. "I just met the man today and I like what I see so far."
Hudak, the Niagara West- Glanbrook MPP, is facing three other contenders for the party's leadership: Whitby-Ajax MPP Christine Elliott, Newmarket- Aurora MPP Frank Klees and Lanark-Frontenac-Lennox and Addington MPP Randy Hillier.
"We need to get the economy rolling again," said Shelhas, who used the occasion to hand out business cards advertising all his skills and qualifications as a tradesman.
"Since I'm looking for work, the economy is what's most important to me."
Liz Martin, a longtime party worker, said she likes Hudak because "he brings a certain energy" to a room.
She said she had a chance to watch his rapport with an audience at a party policy convention in Niagara Falls in February.
"There was a large contingent of youth there," she recounted. "They absolutely loved him. They had a certain confidence and optimism with him. I find that very encouraging."
Riding association president Mike Quattrociocchi said that Hudak, the first candidate to visit Brant, bodes well for the party's future.
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"He seems articulate, excited and ready to fight an election," he said. "But we have to listen to all four candidates, and it would be prudent for all of them to come. We need a good vision and a strong leader to rebuild our party."
Hudak's visit to Brant came one week after he launched his campaign.
On Thursday, he paid tribute to Dan McCreary, a city councillor who carried the standard for the Tories in Brant in the last provincial election, and four-term Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett, who travelled to Brantford in support.
"We are facing very difficult times," Hudak told the gathering. "Under Dalton McGuinty, Ontario is in decline. Whoever could have imagined that Ontario would be dead last in job creation? Whoever would have imagined that Ontario would become a have-not province under Dalton McGuinty?"
He said he believes the road to success in bad economic times is to speak plainly and develop policies that stick to core Conservative values: looking after families, lowering taxes, rewarding ingenuity, living within one's means.
He spoke of his Czechoslovakian grandparents, who lived by those values when they came to Canada.
"If we speak to that shared Conservative vision, we can defeat Dalton McGuinty and have enduring Conservative governments again."
Hudak pledges to energize party for election victory
Posted By MICHAEL-ALLAN MARION, EXPOSITOR STAFF
Ontario Conservative leadership candidate Tim Hudak says he wants to energize the party to defeat Dalton McGuinty's government in the 2011 election.
Judging by the reaction of local party faithful at Moose Winooski's on Thursday, the candidate lived up to that promise.
To some, Hudak seemed like a younger, more brightly polished version of former Ontario Tory premier Mike Harris, extolling the virtues of hard work, playing by the rules, rewarding initiative, and building strong families.
"It seems he's got what it takes," said Terry Shelhas, a millwright recently laid off from a Cambridge company. "I just met the man today and I like what I see so far."
Hudak, the Niagara West- Glanbrook MPP, is facing three other contenders for the party's leadership: Whitby-Ajax MPP Christine Elliott, Newmarket- Aurora MPP Frank Klees and Lanark-Frontenac-Lennox and Addington MPP Randy Hillier.
"We need to get the economy rolling again," said Shelhas, who used the occasion to hand out business cards advertising all his skills and qualifications as a tradesman.
"Since I'm looking for work, the economy is what's most important to me."
Liz Martin, a longtime party worker, said she likes Hudak because "he brings a certain energy" to a room.
She said she had a chance to watch his rapport with an audience at a party policy convention in Niagara Falls in February.
"There was a large contingent of youth there," she recounted. "They absolutely loved him. They had a certain confidence and optimism with him. I find that very encouraging."
Riding association president Mike Quattrociocchi said that Hudak, the first candidate to visit Brant, bodes well for the party's future.
Continued After Advertisement Below
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"He seems articulate, excited and ready to fight an election," he said. "But we have to listen to all four candidates, and it would be prudent for all of them to come. We need a good vision and a strong leader to rebuild our party."
Hudak's visit to Brant came one week after he launched his campaign.
On Thursday, he paid tribute to Dan McCreary, a city councillor who carried the standard for the Tories in Brant in the last provincial election, and four-term Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett, who travelled to Brantford in support.
"We are facing very difficult times," Hudak told the gathering. "Under Dalton McGuinty, Ontario is in decline. Whoever could have imagined that Ontario would be dead last in job creation? Whoever would have imagined that Ontario would become a have-not province under Dalton McGuinty?"
He said he believes the road to success in bad economic times is to speak plainly and develop policies that stick to core Conservative values: looking after families, lowering taxes, rewarding ingenuity, living within one's means.
He spoke of his Czechoslovakian grandparents, who lived by those values when they came to Canada.
"If we speak to that shared Conservative vision, we can defeat Dalton McGuinty and have enduring Conservative governments again."
If Hudak is new Harris, why go backwards? - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA
If Hudak is new Harris, why go backwards? - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA: "If Hudak is new Harris, why go backwards?
Posted By Peter Takacs Brantford
Posted 7 mins ago
Re: 'Hudak pledges to energize party' by Michael-Allan Marion (April 11, 2009).
'To some, Hudak seemed like a younger, more brightly polished version of former Ontario Tory premier Mike Harris, extolling the virtues of hard work, playing by the rules, rewarding initiative, and building strong families.' I read the start of the article and found that observational sentence by Mr. Marion very ironic. I am sure it would interest people to know that one of Mr. Hudak's top campaign supporters for his leadership campaign is Mr. Mike Harris himself."
Posted By Peter Takacs Brantford
Posted 7 mins ago
Re: 'Hudak pledges to energize party' by Michael-Allan Marion (April 11, 2009).
'To some, Hudak seemed like a younger, more brightly polished version of former Ontario Tory premier Mike Harris, extolling the virtues of hard work, playing by the rules, rewarding initiative, and building strong families.' I read the start of the article and found that observational sentence by Mr. Marion very ironic. I am sure it would interest people to know that one of Mr. Hudak's top campaign supporters for his leadership campaign is Mr. Mike Harris himself."
Monday, April 13, 2009
Harper's policies lay egg with voters - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA
Harper's policies lay egg with voters - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA: "Harper's policies lay egg with voters By GREG WESTON
As the Conservative government continues its relentless campaign to woo voters with their own money and many press releases, recent opinion polls suggest increasing numbers of ungrateful Canadians are instead giving Prime Minister Stephen Harper the cold shoulder."
At home, the Conservatives are in trouble even on their traditionally safe files such as law and order. Perhaps the clearest sign of desperation is the bill to kill the rifle registry, recently introduced in the Senate. It is a sure-fire vote-loser in the cities where the Liberals are gaining ground.
And therein lies what may be Harper's biggest problem of all. Ever since Michael Ignatieff became Liberal leader in the infamous bloodless coup before Christmas, the Harper brain trust has been waiting for the Grits to screw up.
Instead, Ignatieff has wisely spent his time bringing money, talent and discipline to his party, keeping a relatively low profile, and leaving Harper and Co. to get run over by the economy.
As Harper looks at what lies ahead this Easter, he may be wishing he could hippity-hop down the bunny trail and right out of Dodge.
The 60 billion doesn't seem to have much traction Now what -should they try talent and discipline? Pr
As the Conservative government continues its relentless campaign to woo voters with their own money and many press releases, recent opinion polls suggest increasing numbers of ungrateful Canadians are instead giving Prime Minister Stephen Harper the cold shoulder."
At home, the Conservatives are in trouble even on their traditionally safe files such as law and order. Perhaps the clearest sign of desperation is the bill to kill the rifle registry, recently introduced in the Senate. It is a sure-fire vote-loser in the cities where the Liberals are gaining ground.
And therein lies what may be Harper's biggest problem of all. Ever since Michael Ignatieff became Liberal leader in the infamous bloodless coup before Christmas, the Harper brain trust has been waiting for the Grits to screw up.
Instead, Ignatieff has wisely spent his time bringing money, talent and discipline to his party, keeping a relatively low profile, and leaving Harper and Co. to get run over by the economy.
As Harper looks at what lies ahead this Easter, he may be wishing he could hippity-hop down the bunny trail and right out of Dodge.
The 60 billion doesn't seem to have much traction Now what -should they try talent and discipline? Pr
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Emailing: Federal funding comes with its share of strings - Chatham Daily News - Ontario, CA
Looking a gift horse in the mouth
At this point in time, federal infrastructure funding is in pie-in-the-sky phase for Chatham-Kent, to the tune of more than $220 million. But the funding could bring with it substantial luggage.
By no means does council wish the Building Canada Fund (BCF) and the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund (ISF) to turn on the cash taps for all projects put forward after Monday's council meeting. We couldn't afford it.
That's one caveat -- projects will require a municipal funding component possibly even to the point of matching the contributions of senior levels of government dollar for dollar.
While heavy outside funding for the variety of projects -- from a new recreation complex, to sewers to bridge and road upgrades to downtown revitalization -- is appreciated, too much "stimulus" would put too much pressure on local tax dollars.
The ISF cash is only available for projects that would begin in 2009 or 2010, and be completed by the end of March in 2011. That makes for a rather tight window for any large-scale projects. From planning to completion, the window is less than two years.
Preference will also be given to projects that likely wouldn't have been done had the federal government not ridden in and doled out the cash, thus providing the feds with no shortage of white knight stories and photo ops.
While the federal government hasn't released any defining criteria for the BCF's Major Infrastructure Component -- the section for which Chatham-Kent is eligible, general parameters indicate the money is intended for big-ticket projects, with a minimum project cost of upwards of $30 million.
So municipalities must go big or go it alone at a future date.
That's some luggage. But that said, erecting a recreation complex for as little as a third of the cost to local ratepayers is very attractive. Ditto for any other project on the municipal wish list.
Since this is federal money, Chatham-Kent will be lucky to get a hit on just one o
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Why not slice number of city councillors in half?
Why not slice number of city councillors in half?
RE: Who's looking out for the taxpayer
Mr. Philp's article and proposal of having an auditor-general is a very interesting one. In these difficult times, both private and public sectors have had hiring freezes and downsizing. While we hear of endless studies regarding committees and proposals, the city should definitely study the justification of having two councillors per ward in a city the size of Brantford. There are endless examples of larger cities that have a single councillor responsible for larger wards and a greater number of residents.
A single councillor per ward, with the mayor would equal six votes on council; in order to break a tie, the candidate with the most votes that did not get elected could be installed as an at-large member. An increase in responsibilities, pay and a part-time staffer would attract and keep the good and popular councillors and attract a new type of candidate and instil a greater sense of commitment to one's ward.
In the last five years, two ward-mates thought so little of their commitment to council that they ran (unsuccessfully) for higher office after being elected with a mandate in Ward 3. Another interesting note is the fact that in the 2006 election, the three councillors who received the most votes in the city beat their current ward-mates by an average of 1,316 votes.
Brantford residents would no longer have to call two councillors for services or concerns and city workers would no longer have to deal with two sets of phone calls or e-mails for a single problem. This would produce a more efficient council with shorter meetings, less speeches and save trees due to the decrease in paperwork.
It would also save taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars in the long run. Like Mr. Philp, I am not optimistic of a city council taking this seriously, but would be interested in the results of a poll or study of popular opinion on this proposal.
Jorge Gomez Brantford
An interesting assessment of improving the effectiveness of our cities spending habits. I agree with the need and am a proponent of the auditor general function as suggested by Tim Philips. The suggestion that the elected members or councillors be reduced in the name of effeciency by Mr. Gomez needs reviewing and is counter intuitive to the taxpayers interest.
The councillors are our public watchdogs, and attempt to the best of their ability and time resources to ensure that the non-elected and highly paid administrators and staff spend our money wisely and according to agreed to plans. They are our oversight group and can be removed by public vote if they are not effective. If we removed just one of the 100K club administators , we could increase this oversight group by a factor of 5, and increase the
potential public accountability factor . More eyes on the tax spending ball ,not less public eyes, seems to make sense. Pr
RE: Who's looking out for the taxpayer
Mr. Philp's article and proposal of having an auditor-general is a very interesting one. In these difficult times, both private and public sectors have had hiring freezes and downsizing. While we hear of endless studies regarding committees and proposals, the city should definitely study the justification of having two councillors per ward in a city the size of Brantford. There are endless examples of larger cities that have a single councillor responsible for larger wards and a greater number of residents.
A single councillor per ward, with the mayor would equal six votes on council; in order to break a tie, the candidate with the most votes that did not get elected could be installed as an at-large member. An increase in responsibilities, pay and a part-time staffer would attract and keep the good and popular councillors and attract a new type of candidate and instil a greater sense of commitment to one's ward.
In the last five years, two ward-mates thought so little of their commitment to council that they ran (unsuccessfully) for higher office after being elected with a mandate in Ward 3. Another interesting note is the fact that in the 2006 election, the three councillors who received the most votes in the city beat their current ward-mates by an average of 1,316 votes.
Brantford residents would no longer have to call two councillors for services or concerns and city workers would no longer have to deal with two sets of phone calls or e-mails for a single problem. This would produce a more efficient council with shorter meetings, less speeches and save trees due to the decrease in paperwork.
It would also save taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars in the long run. Like Mr. Philp, I am not optimistic of a city council taking this seriously, but would be interested in the results of a poll or study of popular opinion on this proposal.
Jorge Gomez Brantford
An interesting assessment of improving the effectiveness of our cities spending habits. I agree with the need and am a proponent of the auditor general function as suggested by Tim Philips. The suggestion that the elected members or councillors be reduced in the name of effeciency by Mr. Gomez needs reviewing and is counter intuitive to the taxpayers interest.
The councillors are our public watchdogs, and attempt to the best of their ability and time resources to ensure that the non-elected and highly paid administrators and staff spend our money wisely and according to agreed to plans. They are our oversight group and can be removed by public vote if they are not effective. If we removed just one of the 100K club administators , we could increase this oversight group by a factor of 5, and increase the
potential public accountability factor . More eyes on the tax spending ball ,not less public eyes, seems to make sense. Pr
Thursday, April 09, 2009
FCPP Publications :: Undermining Competition
FCPP Publications :: Undermining Competition: "Undermining Competition
The tax-free advantage—and unfairness—of Crown corporations in Canada
In Brief:
One of the most egregious examples of tax inequity and unfairness in Canada is the constitutional tax exempt status afforded Crown corporations, particularly those engaged in commercial activities; this affords them an unfair advantage in the marketplace over private sector competitors.
The choice by Canadian governments to not eliminate this tax inequity is reinforced by the decisions of our courts. This is to be contrasted with the approach of American courts who have not allowed such status to apply to state entities engaged in commercial activity.
Governments in Canada could eliminate this tax inequity and unfairness using legislation. A good template exists in the form of legislation passed by the British Columbia legislature in 2003 which eliminated such status for the BC Ferry Corporation.
This is a fair assessment" Imagine if you went to the trouble of starting a small business, including finding the seed money, working long hours and successfully turning a profit each year. You then, of course, paid all taxes every year and on time. Imagine then that the government excused your competitor from paying those taxes. That would violate any notions of equity, neutrality and fairness which should be the highlights of any tax regime." Lets equalize the playing field -not help inefficient producers-PR
A legal solution is readily at hand; the question is whether governments have the political will to do so." read more
The tax-free advantage—and unfairness—of Crown corporations in Canada
In Brief:
One of the most egregious examples of tax inequity and unfairness in Canada is the constitutional tax exempt status afforded Crown corporations, particularly those engaged in commercial activities; this affords them an unfair advantage in the marketplace over private sector competitors.
The choice by Canadian governments to not eliminate this tax inequity is reinforced by the decisions of our courts. This is to be contrasted with the approach of American courts who have not allowed such status to apply to state entities engaged in commercial activity.
Governments in Canada could eliminate this tax inequity and unfairness using legislation. A good template exists in the form of legislation passed by the British Columbia legislature in 2003 which eliminated such status for the BC Ferry Corporation.
This is a fair assessment" Imagine if you went to the trouble of starting a small business, including finding the seed money, working long hours and successfully turning a profit each year. You then, of course, paid all taxes every year and on time. Imagine then that the government excused your competitor from paying those taxes. That would violate any notions of equity, neutrality and fairness which should be the highlights of any tax regime." Lets equalize the playing field -not help inefficient producers-PR
A legal solution is readily at hand; the question is whether governments have the political will to do so." read more
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Put the Breaks on Big Auto Bailouts
We are a non-partisan citizens' group dedicated to lower taxes, less waste and accountable government.
Driving Taxpayers off the Cliff:NoBailouts.ca Launched to Put the Brakes on Big Auto Bailouts
As both US and Canadian governments ramp up handouts to Big Auto, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) has launched an online petition at http://www.nobailouts.ca/.
In addition to the $782-million received by the big three automakers in Canada from federal and provincial governments over the past five years, GM and Chrysler will now receive an additional $4-billion in “short-term loans," $185-million to back new car warranties and a further $700-million to support the auto parts industry. Is this how politicians think we want our taxes spent?With the strong prospect of another $6-billion being readied to pour down the proverbial tank, it’s time for taxpayers to slam on the brakes. Don’t let big unions and big corporations get away with this.Your financial support allows us to slam the breaks on wasteful government spending and other issues important to taxpayers.
Public opinion polls show a majority of Canadians oppose these costly, bottomless handouts. It’s time politicians hear from the taxpayers paying the bills, and not from special interests feeding at the trough. One angry taxpayer may not be heard, but tens-of-thousands of bailout-paying citizens speaking with one voice cannot be ignored. The CTF is already leading the charge -- earning headlines from coast-to-coast in opposition to auto bailouts.
Sign our petition at http://www.nobailouts.ca/ and forward it onto everyone you know! Your friends, family and co-workers all pay taxes. Let’s get the attention of our politicians.
I agree -think about all the other things we could do with our money- PR
Driving Taxpayers off the Cliff:NoBailouts.ca Launched to Put the Brakes on Big Auto Bailouts
As both US and Canadian governments ramp up handouts to Big Auto, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) has launched an online petition at http://www.nobailouts.ca/.
In addition to the $782-million received by the big three automakers in Canada from federal and provincial governments over the past five years, GM and Chrysler will now receive an additional $4-billion in “short-term loans," $185-million to back new car warranties and a further $700-million to support the auto parts industry. Is this how politicians think we want our taxes spent?With the strong prospect of another $6-billion being readied to pour down the proverbial tank, it’s time for taxpayers to slam on the brakes. Don’t let big unions and big corporations get away with this.Your financial support allows us to slam the breaks on wasteful government spending and other issues important to taxpayers.
Public opinion polls show a majority of Canadians oppose these costly, bottomless handouts. It’s time politicians hear from the taxpayers paying the bills, and not from special interests feeding at the trough. One angry taxpayer may not be heard, but tens-of-thousands of bailout-paying citizens speaking with one voice cannot be ignored. The CTF is already leading the charge -- earning headlines from coast-to-coast in opposition to auto bailouts.
Sign our petition at http://www.nobailouts.ca/ and forward it onto everyone you know! Your friends, family and co-workers all pay taxes. Let’s get the attention of our politicians.
I agree -think about all the other things we could do with our money- PR
Monday, April 06, 2009
Information age fails among feds - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA
Information age fails among feds - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA: "Drapeau feels that the 25-year history of the act is being ignored. A 40% turnover of access to information investigators, and the elimination of most of the executives in the commissioner's office, has meant a loss of corporate memory and sacrifice of invaluable experience.
Delays are the nightmare for information applicants. Among the biggest government stonewallers in providing timely information are the Department of National Defence, RCMP, Health Canada, Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and Public Works and Government Services. Marleau complains about their tardiness.
In his last annual report as information commissioner (1998-2006), John Reid noted that 'the name of the game, all too often, is how to resist transparency and engage in damage control by ignoring response deadlines.'
Things are worse now than they were then. While Marleau would like to correct the obstacles, his 12 recommendations which would give him more power, would also remove him from direct contact with people and give him sole power to investigate or not to investigate a complaint -- discretionary power that could lead to abuses"
Delays are the nightmare for information applicants. Among the biggest government stonewallers in providing timely information are the Department of National Defence, RCMP, Health Canada, Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and Public Works and Government Services. Marleau complains about their tardiness.
In his last annual report as information commissioner (1998-2006), John Reid noted that 'the name of the game, all too often, is how to resist transparency and engage in damage control by ignoring response deadlines.'
Things are worse now than they were then. While Marleau would like to correct the obstacles, his 12 recommendations which would give him more power, would also remove him from direct contact with people and give him sole power to investigate or not to investigate a complaint -- discretionary power that could lead to abuses"
This is an important tool for accountability- it should be fast, not arbitrary and visible -Canadians should not be satisfied with excuses of why it does not work - push your MPS to get performance- PR
Saturday, April 04, 2009
$100K earners double - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA
This is ridiculous -have your services increased by a 100% -another first for Brantord on the negative side of the performance sheet- lets do something about it- to be continued" PR
$100K earners double
EXTRA! Local list of top pay-getters grows to nearly 300 names Posted By SUSAN GAMBLE, EXPOSITOR STAFF
Brantford blew past the provincial increase in the $100,000 Club by doubling the number of names on the list of well-paid public servants.
$100,000 club:Check out the complete local list onPage A7
This year's list of 53,572 names, culled from ministries, municipalities and provincially funded organizations across the province, is up 28% from the previous year
But, in Brantford, the number leapt to 298 names from 146 -- a 104% increase.
As usual, the man in charge of the emergency room at the Brantford General Hospital was the top earner on the city's list.
Dr. Gene Jarrell drew $404,309 in 2008. He was joined by other emergency room physicians Dr. Eric Irvine at $284,022, Dr. Anna Jocic at $260,882, Dr. Andrea Unger at $181,269 and Dr. Brian Colborne at $147,302.
Five registered nurses made the list this year, while retiring hospital president and CEO Rick Woodcock made $223,040 and his vice-president, Joseph Buller, drew a $181,959 salary.
"With nurses moving onto the list, that's definitely a change, but they're on pay grids and as you move along with experience you increase your remuneration," said BGH spokesman Gary Chalk.
For hospital managers, Chalk noted that responsibilities have dramatically increased over the last five years.
"A 40-hour work week is nonexistent and managers don't get overtime," he said. "We often find it almost impossible to use vacation time before you lose it from year to year and we're dealing with issues that are certainly significant."
Top-earner Jarrell is more than welcome to his salary, said Chalk, since he all but lives in the hospital's emergency department.
"When I'm on my deathbed, give me Gene Jarrell," said Chalk. "Many times he's responsible for 30 patients all at the same time and he takes that responsibility seriously. Combine that responsibility with his long hours and you see he earns the money."
Chalk said that Woodcock, who retired in 2008, was hired back on a contract basis until the end of 2009 to give the board more time to conduct a search for a new president. Some of Woodcock's remuneration reflects his salary, vacation bank and retirement payout.
In 2007, there were 20 workers on the list from the hospital, while last year there were 28.
City workers on the list doubled to 69 from 35.
Much of that is attributed to arbitration settlements for police officers and firefighters.
In fact, it pays to be in law and order:
There are 16 city police sergeants, inspectors and managers on the list and 28 employees with the fire department.
Police Chief Derek McElveny earned $171,040, while his deputy chief, Jeff Kellner, brought in $159,375.
At the fire department, fire chief Garth Dix earned $129,566, while his platoon chiefs made between $107,000 and $112,000.
Over at the courthouse, four provincial judges got a 15% boost with a raise to $264,368.
Crown attorney Bob Kindon's income almost hit $200,000 last year, while the assistant Crown attorneys earned between $125,000 and $161,000.
Ten OPP workers are on the list -- almost the same number as last year but with few of the same people.
Commander David Durant's $123,636 salary was surpassed by Const. Kevin York's $142,847.
Much of the burgeoning list is due to salary increases at both local boards of education.
With 33 principals joining the list for the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board, their list soared to 42 from eight..
"An increase in salaries caused people to exceed the $100,000 limit," said Wally Easton, association director for the Brant Haldimand-Norfolk Catholic District School Board.
Easton said one thing that helped tip several salaries onto the list was that, through a quirk of the calendar, there were 27 pay packages in 2008 instead of the normal 26.
"The salary disclosure legislation is based on your T4 salary, not necessarily the annual salary that a person gets."
The Grand Erie District School board's list also jumped substantially, to 86 from 31, welcoming 56 principals and vice-principals to the list.
There was a substantial drop in the remuneration for the executive director of the Brant Children's Aid Society. Andrew Koster's salary was listed last year at $166,615 but dropped to $139,500.
At Laurier Brantford, new president Max Blouw earned $362,093 compared to outgoing president Robert Rosehart's $366,711 the previous year and three local faculty members moved onto the list.
Similarly, at Mohawk College, five faculty members moved onto the list.
With the establishment in Brantford of the health integration network for this area of Southern Ontario, five new positions were added to the list, including CEO Pat Mandy, earning $279,453.
At the Brantford casino, a new manager moved into place, but just three employees are on the list.
The full salary disclosure list -- which can be found at www.tinyurl.com/d494ez-- looks at all those substantially funded by the taxpayer, amounting to about a million workers.
About 6% of them make the $100,000 list.
$100K earners double
EXTRA! Local list of top pay-getters grows to nearly 300 names Posted By SUSAN GAMBLE, EXPOSITOR STAFF
Brantford blew past the provincial increase in the $100,000 Club by doubling the number of names on the list of well-paid public servants.
$100,000 club:Check out the complete local list onPage A7
This year's list of 53,572 names, culled from ministries, municipalities and provincially funded organizations across the province, is up 28% from the previous year
But, in Brantford, the number leapt to 298 names from 146 -- a 104% increase.
As usual, the man in charge of the emergency room at the Brantford General Hospital was the top earner on the city's list.
Dr. Gene Jarrell drew $404,309 in 2008. He was joined by other emergency room physicians Dr. Eric Irvine at $284,022, Dr. Anna Jocic at $260,882, Dr. Andrea Unger at $181,269 and Dr. Brian Colborne at $147,302.
Five registered nurses made the list this year, while retiring hospital president and CEO Rick Woodcock made $223,040 and his vice-president, Joseph Buller, drew a $181,959 salary.
"With nurses moving onto the list, that's definitely a change, but they're on pay grids and as you move along with experience you increase your remuneration," said BGH spokesman Gary Chalk.
For hospital managers, Chalk noted that responsibilities have dramatically increased over the last five years.
"A 40-hour work week is nonexistent and managers don't get overtime," he said. "We often find it almost impossible to use vacation time before you lose it from year to year and we're dealing with issues that are certainly significant."
Top-earner Jarrell is more than welcome to his salary, said Chalk, since he all but lives in the hospital's emergency department.
"When I'm on my deathbed, give me Gene Jarrell," said Chalk. "Many times he's responsible for 30 patients all at the same time and he takes that responsibility seriously. Combine that responsibility with his long hours and you see he earns the money."
Chalk said that Woodcock, who retired in 2008, was hired back on a contract basis until the end of 2009 to give the board more time to conduct a search for a new president. Some of Woodcock's remuneration reflects his salary, vacation bank and retirement payout.
In 2007, there were 20 workers on the list from the hospital, while last year there were 28.
City workers on the list doubled to 69 from 35.
Much of that is attributed to arbitration settlements for police officers and firefighters.
In fact, it pays to be in law and order:
There are 16 city police sergeants, inspectors and managers on the list and 28 employees with the fire department.
Police Chief Derek McElveny earned $171,040, while his deputy chief, Jeff Kellner, brought in $159,375.
At the fire department, fire chief Garth Dix earned $129,566, while his platoon chiefs made between $107,000 and $112,000.
Over at the courthouse, four provincial judges got a 15% boost with a raise to $264,368.
Crown attorney Bob Kindon's income almost hit $200,000 last year, while the assistant Crown attorneys earned between $125,000 and $161,000.
Ten OPP workers are on the list -- almost the same number as last year but with few of the same people.
Commander David Durant's $123,636 salary was surpassed by Const. Kevin York's $142,847.
Much of the burgeoning list is due to salary increases at both local boards of education.
With 33 principals joining the list for the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board, their list soared to 42 from eight..
"An increase in salaries caused people to exceed the $100,000 limit," said Wally Easton, association director for the Brant Haldimand-Norfolk Catholic District School Board.
Easton said one thing that helped tip several salaries onto the list was that, through a quirk of the calendar, there were 27 pay packages in 2008 instead of the normal 26.
"The salary disclosure legislation is based on your T4 salary, not necessarily the annual salary that a person gets."
The Grand Erie District School board's list also jumped substantially, to 86 from 31, welcoming 56 principals and vice-principals to the list.
There was a substantial drop in the remuneration for the executive director of the Brant Children's Aid Society. Andrew Koster's salary was listed last year at $166,615 but dropped to $139,500.
At Laurier Brantford, new president Max Blouw earned $362,093 compared to outgoing president Robert Rosehart's $366,711 the previous year and three local faculty members moved onto the list.
Similarly, at Mohawk College, five faculty members moved onto the list.
With the establishment in Brantford of the health integration network for this area of Southern Ontario, five new positions were added to the list, including CEO Pat Mandy, earning $279,453.
At the Brantford casino, a new manager moved into place, but just three employees are on the list.
The full salary disclosure list -- which can be found at www.tinyurl.com/d494ez-- looks at all those substantially funded by the taxpayer, amounting to about a million workers.
About 6% of them make the $100,000 list.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
GST/PST harmonization hides tax grab
Ontario Budget 2009: GST/PST harmonization hides tax grab
People planning how they will spend their $1000 cheque from the provincial government will have to think twice. First not everyone gets the $1000. Families with 2 or more people, this includes single parents, will get the $1000. Single people, including those 65plus, only get $300 – and it’s spread over 3 payments.
The cut-off is $166,600 for families and $82,000 for singles – those with incomes above these amounts will not receive the transitional payments.
These payments were meant to soften the blow from the increase in Retail Sales Taxes due to the new combined tax now applying to goods and services that were not taxable provincially before harmonization. Based on government analysis of consumption patterns, people could be paying from $185 to $1000 more in sales taxes due to this change. The budget papers say that even after the $300/$1000 one time only payments have stopped, taxpayers will still be ahead but that depends on believing that businesses that stand to gain the most from this change will pass their savings through to consumers.
One huge flaw in this analysis is that some products like home heating oil- which is a major expense for most families, especially older Canadians, - is not much subject to competitive pressures.
Instead of exempting essential products like home heating fuel, the government is leaving it to taxpayers to pressure businesses to pass through their savings. Increasing sales taxes is no way to stimulate consumer spending and it in fact hurts most those who have no choice but to spend on necessities.
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce [OCC] was clearly delighted with being able to convince the Province to harmonize the sales taxes, calling it the “biggest single stimulus for the Ontario economy”. At Queen’s Park after the Budget speech, CARP caught up with Len Crispino, President and CEO of the OCC and asked him how this would help the single person who only gets $300 one time only but is faced with a permanent 8% increase in their home heating costs. His answer was that the improved economy would help everybody.
CARP asked Mike Colle MPP to champion the cause of people hit with the new taxes. While he was not necessarily prepared to call for an exemption for home heating fuel, he was willing to lead the charge to encourage businesses who gain from harmonization to pass those savings along to consumers. Since he is the Chief Government Whip, perhaps he can get his caucus colleagues to echo that message as well.
CARP could not get a straight answer from anyone in the lock up about whether mutual funds would now be subject to provincial sales tax but if they are, it would be one more blow for people whose retirement savings have already been hammered.
People planning how they will spend their $1000 cheque from the provincial government will have to think twice. First not everyone gets the $1000. Families with 2 or more people, this includes single parents, will get the $1000. Single people, including those 65plus, only get $300 – and it’s spread over 3 payments.
The cut-off is $166,600 for families and $82,000 for singles – those with incomes above these amounts will not receive the transitional payments.
These payments were meant to soften the blow from the increase in Retail Sales Taxes due to the new combined tax now applying to goods and services that were not taxable provincially before harmonization. Based on government analysis of consumption patterns, people could be paying from $185 to $1000 more in sales taxes due to this change. The budget papers say that even after the $300/$1000 one time only payments have stopped, taxpayers will still be ahead but that depends on believing that businesses that stand to gain the most from this change will pass their savings through to consumers.
One huge flaw in this analysis is that some products like home heating oil- which is a major expense for most families, especially older Canadians, - is not much subject to competitive pressures.
Instead of exempting essential products like home heating fuel, the government is leaving it to taxpayers to pressure businesses to pass through their savings. Increasing sales taxes is no way to stimulate consumer spending and it in fact hurts most those who have no choice but to spend on necessities.
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce [OCC] was clearly delighted with being able to convince the Province to harmonize the sales taxes, calling it the “biggest single stimulus for the Ontario economy”. At Queen’s Park after the Budget speech, CARP caught up with Len Crispino, President and CEO of the OCC and asked him how this would help the single person who only gets $300 one time only but is faced with a permanent 8% increase in their home heating costs. His answer was that the improved economy would help everybody.
CARP asked Mike Colle MPP to champion the cause of people hit with the new taxes. While he was not necessarily prepared to call for an exemption for home heating fuel, he was willing to lead the charge to encourage businesses who gain from harmonization to pass those savings along to consumers. Since he is the Chief Government Whip, perhaps he can get his caucus colleagues to echo that message as well.
CARP could not get a straight answer from anyone in the lock up about whether mutual funds would now be subject to provincial sales tax but if they are, it would be one more blow for people whose retirement savings have already been hammered.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Customer King - good news -bad news
Residents rally around ER
By TREVOR TERFLOTH, THE DAILY NEWS
The good news is that the people a thousand of them- will save their hospital and are tired of listening to the MOH -LHIN piffle.
"He didn't mince words about the lengths he was willing to go to prevent a possible ER closure.
"I'm prepared to take legal action to put an injunction against it," Gilbert said.
The chief said if the CKHA and LHIN can't manage the Wallaceburg facility, they should "give it back to people who can."
Wesley said there is a high demand for the Sydenham campus and believes it is desperately needed to take pressure off the Chatham facility. See http://www.chathamdailynews.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1499748
The bad news is that the government is going to legislate energy requirements. Smitherman the former czar of health ie the LHIN creator is now going to attempt to solve the energy challenge in the same autocratic way - ie increase taxes, build an unaccountable bureuracray , and restrict competitive market choices - teaching this challenged Czar is only possible through citizen action and those with intellect to ask the right questions and see through the propaganda and mi's -information PR
"He didn't mince words about the lengths he was willing to go to prevent a possible ER closure.
"I'm prepared to take legal action to put an injunction against it," Gilbert said.
The chief said if the CKHA and LHIN can't manage the Wallaceburg facility, they should "give it back to people who can."
Wesley said there is a high demand for the Sydenham campus and believes it is desperately needed to take pressure off the Chatham facility. See http://www.chathamdailynews.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1499748
The bad news is that the government is going to legislate energy requirements. Smitherman the former czar of health ie the LHIN creator is now going to attempt to solve the energy challenge in the same autocratic way - ie increase taxes, build an unaccountable bureuracray , and restrict competitive market choices - teaching this challenged Czar is only possible through citizen action and those with intellect to ask the right questions and see through the propaganda and mi's -information PR
,
-----------------------------------------------SOS
Participants in last night's forum were in no mood to answer a questionnaire about their emergency department.
More than 1,000 people attended a community meeting at Wallaceburg District Secondary School to discuss the future of the ER at the Chatham- Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) Sydenham campus.
While the Erie St. Clair Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) had arranged for electronic voting technology to gather input, many in the crowd walked to the front to drop off their clicker devices.
In a report earlier this year, the Hay Group gave several recommendations, including converting Sydenham campus into an urgent-care centre.
The LHIN board is to make a decision in June.
Save Our Sydenham (SOS) chairman Jeff Wesley gave an address, as did Walpole Island Chief Joseph Gilbert, and both received a standing ovation as they entered the gymnasium.
Gilbert said he and his community fully support Wallaceburg citizens in their fight.
He didn't mince words about the lengths he was willing to go to prevent a possible ER closure.
"I'm prepared to take legal action to put an injunction against it," Gilbert said.
The chief said if the CKHA and LHIN can't manage the Wallaceburg facility, they should "give it back to people who can."
Wesley said there is a high demand for the Sydenham campus and believes it is desperately needed to take pressure off the Chatham facility.
"We are not a low-volume hospital," he said. "Quit repeating this."
Wesley said if the CKHA wants to cut costs it should begin at the administrative level.
Hospital CEO Ken Tremblay was not in attendance yesterday.
LHIN CEO Gary Switzer said he understood the emotions the community was feeling.
---------------------------------Energy
Ron Anderson, with Chatham-Kent's economic development department, said, "that's the way it has to happen. It has to become law or (companies) search the world for these products.
"It's going to help the municipality at a time it's needed, right now," he added.
Jacques Gauthier, senior vice-president and chief operating officer with Kruger Energy, sees a benefit for having domestic content rules.
"If, in fact, the government puts a little pressure on the suppliers to install some facilities here in Ontario . . . it could be savings for everybody and it's a good idea," he said.
Gauthier said a company such as Siemens has a lot of facilities in Europe, but nothing in Canada, because wind energy is a relatively new industry here.
Chatham-Kent Essex MPP Pat Hoy, who hosted Smitherman during his visit, said, "Chatham-Kent is way ahead of the wave on this and they're to be commended."
He said the minister will make the changes to require investment here which "will be to the benefit of this whole region and, indeed, Ontario."
When asked if the province has a target for the amount of wind power it wants to see developed in the province, Smitherman said a number is not being put out there because "a target is a cap in my opinion."
Instead, he said the message being sent to investors is that Ontario seeks to be "a world leader in green, renewable energy."
Smitherman said he will move forward soon with a directive that will give guidance about where investments need to occur in transmission.
"This will give us some sense of the capacity that we're seeking to create and will help to flesh out those opportunities."
The act will also see the province take a more active role in deciding where renewable energy projects can be developed in Ontario.
Smitherman said the government has noticed several municipalities have struggled with such issues as determining appropriate setbacks for wind turbines.
He said the government will create a law that provide clear guidance "so that we don't have a patchwork quilt, but we have one circumstance for all of Ontario."
The guidelines will be defined by the Ministry of the Environment that is consistent with the environmental assessment act, he added.
However, Smitherman stressed municipalities will continue to have a say on proposed projects.
"No one will be surprised that something is coming forward," he said. "Consultation with the local community will remain a very, very important ingredient before any project is given the permit to be able to build.
--
www.backtoeden.bravehost.com
"Building elder peer communities that are cozy,caring and comfortable" -quality 24/7 care
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Bloomberg news: Market Value Falls as Seniors Unload Insurance Policies
Life̢۪s
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=email_en&refer=home&sid=at0p6bvmQGm4
The state of economic reality- the retired are really hurting to sell their policy at 40% discount- PR
Expropriation-a can of worms by Tim Philps
maybe there will be fishing for taxpayers dollars with that can of worms-comment PR
At city council, it seems, a councillor's fancy turns to multi-million dollar projects to rehabilitate the downtown.
At city council, it seems, a councillor's fancy turns to multi-million dollar projects to rehabilitate the downtown.
At least this certainly seems to be the case when you look at plans to expropriate almost the entire south side of Colborne Street from the bridge to Grand River Hall next to the library and replace these eyesores with one or more mega-projects. As night follows day, the arguments have started at council about using public money to do this.
On the one side, you have the "Let the private sector do it all" group. These councillors feel that the city's only role is consultative or, at most, to provide assistance through some kind of grants process by giving some percentage of the cost of the project based on the total price tag.
Some councillors on this side also feel that if the city does go ahead with the expropriation, then any proponent with a project should expect no further help from the city beyond a gift of the land.
Ward 3 councillor Dan McCreary is the lead proponent of this school of thought. His wily political mind realizes that if he can get such a motion passed by council, even by a slim majority, it would require a two-thirds majority to overturn the policy. That is a much higher bar to jump over and would make it very difficult for a fractured council to change its collective mind.
Why council should reduce its flexibility is beyond me, but it seems to make sense to McCreary.
The side that has the upper hand in the council chamber, for now at least, is willing to purchase the properties at fair market value or to expropriate them if a deal cannot be struck.
This approach has the virtue of putting the land in the hands of the city and making negotiations with future developers much simpler. It also has the virtue of giving the city some say in the eventual use of the property. This gives council a very big stick to wave in negotiations with a developer when it comes to project approval.
Of course, it is also a costly avenue to pursue if a deal cannot be struck as the legal and other costs of expropriation could be considerable on top of the money actually paid for the properties.
Anyone who has watched council over the past few years will be tempted to make comparisons between this project and the Harmony Square project that consumed the last two councils with rancor, hyperbole and probably resulted in costing the seats of at least two city councillors. That project, which everyone acknowledges was a great success, was plagued by a nastiness that I have seldom seen in municipal debate.
Every stage was fought over and I have never seen tempers flare as often as during the heady days of the debate over Harmony Square. The only thing comparable that I can remember is the downtown grants debates... come to think about it... it was the same council!
Councillors against this project say that the downtown grants program, which was successful in spurring development in the core over the past few years, is the way to go rather than expropriation. It would certainly be a cheaper way to go.
While there might be some merit in their argument, I do find it interesting that some of the
same councillors who are such advocates of using a grants program on the South side of Colborne Street are the same people who argued vehemently against the grants program in
the first place. Perhaps some councillors have had a conversion on the road to Colborne Street?
The south side of Colborne Street has been the wart on the nose of downtown. It was so bad
that it stood in for an abandoned town in a horror movie. The residents of Brantford are sick of this situation and want it fixed. Most members of council heard loud and clear, during the last election, that citizens want this situation resolved sooner rather than later.
Last year might have been a better year to start this project as we are too close to the "silly season" that starts next January when councillors start their reelection campaigns.
However, you cannot turn the clock back no matter how hard we might wish to do so. This project will have to run the gauntlet of political ambition and politics over the next few years before we can be as proud of our downtown as we are of Harmony Square.
Perhaps most telling in this process is the narrow one-vote margin by which the project passed the first hurdle.
Mayor Hancock has a big job to steer this project to completion. Fortunately, he has a record of winning the votes that he needs to keep things on track.
Democracy is a very messy business and we are all going to get a little soiled before this project is complete.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Q-jumpers-The Health Myth Busters: Solution: Pilot proposal to improve the Ontario Health Care system
Q-jumpers-The Health Myth Busters: Solution: Pilot proposal to improve the Ontario Health Care system
Some solutions worth considering. What are the real costs of care? How much does it cost to stay in a public hospital- let everyone know- why the secrecy ? How much are those customers in the emergency hallway costing us per user visite or day? We need and have a right to know what our public subsidy rate is.
Some solutions worth considering. What are the real costs of care? How much does it cost to stay in a public hospital- let everyone know- why the secrecy ? How much are those customers in the emergency hallway costing us per user visite or day? We need and have a right to know what our public subsidy rate is.
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