Got a beef with meat, tired of bad service from those that are paid good public or private money to protect your interests? This is the whistle blowing place to vent your rant and point of view to make them visible and accountable.
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Gmail - The Shape of Tomorrow's Farming - Frontier Online - siegholle@gmail.com
Agreed and good evaluation
Monday, April 05, 2010
Cheap fix for refugee problem - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA
In 2008, Auditor General Sheila Fraser reported that it was costing up to $228 a day to detain a single refugee claimant in a provincial jail or federal immigration holding facility.
Multiply that by the almost 20,000 failed refugee claimants ordered deported every year -- plus the backlog of 15,000, plus up to another 38,000 who are missing -- and the cost would be staggering.
The auditor general estimated that in 2008 alone, detaining a fraction of all refugee claimants cost taxpayers over $38 million.
Forcing refugees to post cash bonds as an alternative to detention apparently doesn't always work too well, either.
The auditor general reported that about 18% of all those who posted bonds instead of going to jail in 2005 "did not comply with the terms of their release" -- that is, they disappeared.
Half of those were still missing at the time of the audit three years later, including 18 with criminal records. Even when failed refugee claimants show up at the deportation office, taxpayers can be on the hook for a very expensive goodbye.
A bounty of 2000 $ plus one way ticket seems like a good alternative Pr
Friday, April 02, 2010
Fwd: [FAIR Newsletter] UK Celebrates 10 Years Of Whistleblower Protection
From: FAIR (Federal Accountability Initiative for Reform) <newsletter@fairwhistleblower.ca>
Date: Thu, Apr 1, 2010 at 11:45 PM
Subject: [FAIR Newsletter] UK Celebrates 10 Years Of Whistleblower Protection
To: siegholle@gmail.com
UK Celebrates 10 Years Of Whistleblower ProtectionFAIR offers sincere congratulations to our sister organization in the UK, Public Concern At Work (PCAW) on what it has accomplished since its foundation in 1993. Thanks to PCAW's efforts the UK has had strong, well-designed whistleblower protection legislation in place for more than 10 years. PCAW recently issued a comprehensive report Where's Whistleblowing Now? which examines the progress made over the past decade and provides a wealth of information. The report paints a picture of a system that is generally working fairly well to ensure that whistleblowers are protected and to help them obtain appropriate remedies if they suffer reprisals. Areas of progress include: greater awareness of employee rights and greater willingness to speak out about wrongdoing; media reporting that is highly supportive of whistleblowers; and public attitudes towards whistleblowers becoming more positive. One striking finding is that in the UK 86% of senior executives employed by multinationals feel free to report a case of suspected fraud or bribery, compared with 54% in mainland Europe. Another notable observation is that there has been a tenfold increase in the number of employees submitting claims of reprisal, rising from 157 cases in 1999 to 1,761 ten years later. This could be in part due to increasing numbers of people blowing the whistle (this statistic is not measured), but it also suggests that many UK employers still do not accept employees' right to speak up about wrongdoing in the workplace. PCAW also notes the need for some improvements. Their main concern is that in spite of the large number of claims being made, serious systemic risks to the public interest probably still remain hidden. This is due to secrecy regarding the nature of claims being made to the tribunal; and also because whistleblowers are often forced to sign gag orders as a condition of receiving compensation for the reprisals they have suffered. Many of of the report's findings invite unfavourable comparisons with Canada. Two examples:
The report also provides summaries of 30 selected cases, a chart summarizing the status of whistleblower legislation in 44 countries, and detailed analysis of the calls fielded by PCAW's free confidential help line. See Graphs Of UK Whistleblowing Trends... Download PCAW's 10-Year Progress Report... For anyone with a serious interest in what's happening in other countries, we highly recommend this informative report. David Hutton Federal Accountability Initiative for Reform (FAIR) promotes integrity and accountability within government by empowering employees to speak out without fear of reprisal when they encounter wrongdoing. Our aim is to support legislation and management practices that will provide effective protection for whistleblowers and hence occupational free speech in the workplace. FAIR is a registered Canadian charity. |
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Hollecrest & Associates Inc -"Turnaround Consultants" http://www.ic.gc.ca/ccc/search/cp?l=eng&e=123456239975 .
Back to Eden communities
Sunridge -261 Oakhill Drive, Brantford
backtoeden.ontario@gmail.com
www.backtoeden.bravehost.com
"Building elder peer communities that are cozy,caring and comfortable" -quality 24/7 care
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Fwd: Take a bow
From: Canadian Taxpayers Federation <taxaction@taxpayer.com>
Date: Wed, Mar 17, 2010 at 2:24 PM
Subject: Take a bow
To: backtoeden.ontario@gmail.com
Yesterday we sent an urgent appeal to contact federal lawmakers in an effort to pass an opposition motion to end "ten per centers" – the practice that allows MPs to send partisan junk mail outside their ridings.
Thanks to you, the vote passed yesterday afternoon in the House of Commons 140-137. Click here to see how your MP voted.
It's even better than that.
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provocative thinking
t's time to ask whether the amount of harm reduction we get from prohibiting cannabis is worth its negative side effects. Frontier's David Seymour asks why we think our government can prohibit Cannabis from Canada when it can't even keep drugs out of prisons
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Sunday, March 14, 2010
Useful tips- to make sure that where there is smoke there is good fire
Hi, I am interested in doing business with you Hello my names is Sieg , I am the Client Marketing Director of H&A Inc
I was surfing through your website listing and realized that despite having a good design; it was not ranking on any of the search engines for most of the keywords pertaining to your domain. I was wondering if you would be interested in getting an evaluation done of your product offering and your website presence and impact .
There is a simple equation that is applicable to the online world. The keep it simple or KISS rule really prevails
Well presented -easy to use products > Ethical Web Optimization -> Better Traffic -> Higher and Faster Sales> Better Results
We are an Online Marketing firm and have over 25 years of working experience. All the techniques used are effective ,ethical and proprietary. In case you require any additional information, it shall be our pleasure to furnish you the same.
We are introducing a unique on line web product to simplify the sale ,and marketing of real estate property in a professional,affordable and creatively impactful manner. Please have a look at http://test.vifp.com/presentation_v2/presentation.php?order_id=1100 Portrait Version
See how you may want to show your real estate property with photos and floorplans together or just photos or just floorplans, all created either by yourself or by our professionally trained people.. We are the creative people for floorplanonline launching in Canada in the week of March 22, 2010. We are based in Canada . For more Information about us Please Visit our URL -
I will be happy to know your views and comments about these services. I look forward to your E-mail and response. Yours sincerely,
Sieg
Client Marketing Director
Hollecrest & Associates Inc -"Turnaround Consultants" " when doing nothing is not an option "
' Disclaimer: The CAN-SPAM Act of 2003 (Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act) establishes requirements for those who send commercial email, spells out penalties for spammers and companies whose products are advertised in spam if they violate the law, and gives consumers the right to ask emailers to stop spamming them. The above mail is in accordance to the Can Spam act of 2003: There are no deceptive subject lines and is a manual process through our efforts on World Wide Web. You can opt out by sending mail siegholle@gmail.com and we ensure you will not receive any such mails.
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Spring cleaning and maintenance tip for your safety and homes well being
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Hello my names is Sieg , I am the Client Marketing Director of H&A Inc
I was surfing through your website listing and realized that despite having a good design; it was not ranking on any of the search engines for most of the keywords pertaining to your domain. I was wondering if you would be interested in getting an evaluation done of your product offering and your website presence and impact .
There is a simple equation that is applicable to the online world. The keep it simple or KISS rule really prevails
Well presented -easy to use products > Ethical Web Optimization -> Better Traffic -> Higher and Faster Sales> Better Results
We are an Online Marketing firm and have over 25 years of working experience. All the techniques used are effective ,ethical and proprietary. In case you require any additional information, it shall be our pleasure to furnish you the same.
See how you may want to show your real estate property with photos and floorplans together or just photos or just floorplans, all created either by yourself
I will be happy to know your views and comments about these services. I look forward to your E-mail and response.
Yours sincerely,
Sieg
Client Marketing Director
Hollecrest & Associates Inc -"Turnaround Consultants" " when doing nothing is not an option "
Disclaimer: The CAN-SPAM Act of 2003 (Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act) establishes requirements for those who send commercial email, spells out penalties for spammers and companies whose products are advertised in spam if they violate the law, and gives consumers the right to ask emailers to stop spamming them. The above mail is in accordance to the Can Spam act of 2003: There are no deceptive subject lines and is a manual process through our efforts on World Wide Web. You can opt out by sending mail siegholle@gmail.com and we ensure you will not receive any such mails.
----------------------------------------
Spring cleaning and maintenance tip for your safety and homes well being
Chimney Leaks - 6 Ways to Prevent Your Chimney From Leaking Water
Check The Flashing - Every spring you should check the flashing around your chimney. Any flashing that is loose, missing, or damaged needs to be replaced. Small seams or cracks should be caulked. If there is more extensive damage you may need to replace the flashing altogether. Make sure that the correct type of flashing is installed if you have your roof replaced.
Inspect Bricks and Mortar Joints - Check for bricks and mortar that have become loose, chipped or cracked. If there is a large amount of damage such as loose bricks or large areas of missing mortar you will probably need to call a professional to make the proper repairs. Smaller cracks can be sealed with crack filler.
Check The Water Seal - After you make your repairs or have someone do the repairs for you, use a hose or bucket to wet the chimney. If areas quickly turn dark and the water is quickly absorbed you may be vulnerable to further water damage. To avoid this, water proof your chimney with a water repellent that is designed to avoid masonry chimney leaks.
Check Your Crown - The piece that is placed at the top of your chimney around the flue is referred to as the crown. Consider it the roof of your chimney. If it has loose or broken pieces you may need to consult a profession about its replacement to avoid having chimney leaks. If your crown is cracked but still solid you can often repair it before the problem turns into a larger issue.
Check The Interior - Look down the inside of your chimney flue using a bright light. You are looking for obstructions and soot or creosote buildup. While you can check for obvious problems it is a good idea to have a professional check and clean your chimney every year. There are issues that a professional could spot that you might miss.
Install A Flue Cap - These caps are designed to protect the opening in your flue. Properly installed they can help prevent water, debris or animals from causing chimney leaks. While they can cause problems with your updraft if they are improperly installed or maintained, a cap can help protect your chimney and ensure a longer life.
Conclusion - The National Fire Protection Association recommends having an annual evaluation done on your chimney. An unsafe chimney can cause serious injury or even death along with an estimated $200 million in annual property damage.
By having your chimney checked every year you can avoid the problem of chimney leaks. Having a professional chimney sweep check your chimney every year will catch problems while they are still small. Any small problem will only increase in magnitude if left unattended and could end up requiring expensive repairs.
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Friday, March 12, 2010
Gmail - Did Lack of MBA Ethics Cause the Recession? - siegholle@gmail.com
Should Politicians be Deciding our Fiscal Policies? Governments continue to operate based on political need. Business will adjust to the times and weather storms as necessary. With a little luck and hard work from non-government entities, society will persevere economically and overcome the mistakes of its political leaders. If we want to avoid another recession, it's truly time that politicians stick to their business but leave the money matters to the professionals. Read More...
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
More information on the swine flu <aplty named swine or pork epidemic " and more' good news on beer from Douglas
CDC fails at math
The feds are still squealing over swine flu -- but no matter how loud they oink, their numbers just don't add up.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared that 57 million Americans have come down with swine flu -- and their media lap dogs (or are they now pigs?) just ate it up. I saw that big number repeated in headlines everywhere as if that were a fact and not a completely made-up number.
Oink, oink.
But that's just what it is -- a story as true as those Babe the Pig movies. If someone can prove to me that 57 million Americans actually came down with swine flu, I'll trade my lab coat for overalls and take up hog farming.
I mean it... but it's not going to happen. The truth is, no one knows how many swine flu cases there were, not even the math whizzes at the CDC. That 57 million figure is just the midpoint of a massive estimate range that claims up to 84 million Americans may have had swine flu.
They may as well say it was between 1 and 300 million.
Remember, the feds stopped counting swine flu cases in July -- they actually told state and local health authorities to stop testing for it and stop tracking it. It's better than burning evidence -- because they prevented the evidence from ever existing in the first place.
Now, they can throw around any number they want without having to worry that the truth might someday come out and squeal on them.
All we know for certain -- and this is based on real data from the CDC and state health departments -- is that only a tiny fraction of the suspected H1N1 cases that were sent to labs for confirmation actually turned out to be swine flu, or even any kind of flu at all.
Most people just had a bad cold.
Yet the feds keep pushing this myth that Americans should STILL rush out and get swine flu shots... hinting darkly at the possibility of a "third wave."
If it's as "bad" as the first or second wave, you can safely keep your sleeve down... because this undercooked bacon is already cold.
----comment SH----- remember that pigs get fat but hogs or swines get slaughtered when the truth comes out ...chuckle ------
Beer for your bones
Drink up, gals -- and make sure you take full advantage of Ladies' Night: Women who enjoy their beer are a lot more fun... and they're healthier too.
The benefits of steady-but-moderate alcohol consumption are beyond dispute for men and women alike (and if anyone tells you otherwise, thank them for their input, end the conversation there and pour yourself another drink).
But a new study shows how a good brew can also help build your bones and lower your risk for osteoporosis -- thanks to a fantastic trace element called silicon. ,,,,,,,,Yvonne will be pleased with this plan of care improvement ....SH,,,,,,,,,...
I've been toasting the praises of beer for years... I've even told you about those high silicon levels before. But the latest research shows which brews are best -- and how much of a benefit you'll get from each.
Researchers bought 100 types of the golden elixir for lab analysis. They found that India pale ales -- better known as IPAs -- had the most silicon, with 41.2 milligrams per liter. That's slightly more than two U.S. pint glasses, or what I call a good start to an evening.
When you consider that many people get 20 milligrams of silicon per day -- or less -- you can see how quickly beer will boost your levels. What's more, the silicon in beer is easily absorbed and used by your body.
Other beers are also packed with silicon -- although none quite hit those IPA levels. Pale ales had 36.5 mg/L, ales had 32.8 mg/L, lagers averaged 23.7 mg/L and non-alcoholic beers had just 16.3 mg/L.
Hey, if you're drinking non-alcoholic beer, you may as well take a bath without water too.
Gents, when you buy the lady a drink, be sure to help yourself to one as well. It's not just polite... you're also at risk for osteoporosis, whether you're aware of it or not.
And don't be afraid to drink your brew at the beach -- sunlight is also a great bone booster. If you want more secrets on beating osteoporosis without drugs, pour yourself a pint of beer and read the November issue of The Douglass Report. If you're not already a subscriber, you can sign up here.
Cheers! William Campbell Douglass II, M.D.
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This "Gesundheit" tip and smile from :
www.backtoeden.bravehost.com "Building elder peer communities that are cozy,caring and comfortable" -quality 24/7 care
Sunday, March 07, 2010
Re: Fw: ontario spring pc agenda
; Tim Hudak Sets PC Caucus Priorities for Spring Session of the Legislature
> As the Ontario Legislature resumed this week, Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak
> outlined the three key priorities that the Ontario PC Caucus will be
> focusing on during the spring session:
> * Fighting for more private sector jobs and a stronger economy.
> * Demanding more accountability from the McGuinty Government in the wake of
> their growing list of scandals and mismanagement.
> * Defending Ontario families currently struggling with a rising cost of
> living thanks to Dalton McGuinty's disastrous tax-and-spend policies.
> The Ontario PC Caucus will also use their time in the Legislature to ensure
> that the public receives the answers they deserve on Dalton McGuinty's
> health care scandals, fiscal mismanagement, $3 billion HST tax grab, and
> multibillion dollar sweetheart Samsung deal.
Thursday, March 04, 2010
do it please -dont study it , talk about it -just do it
A common sense and worthwhile throne speech - the hard part is to make it happen against the entrenched and vested special interest groups who are fattening at the public trough at everyone elses expense.
in reference to: Crime, MPs' pay on the agenda (IS IT THE RIGHT AGENDA?) - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA#postbox (view on Google Sidewiki)Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Laughable is correct
The tempest in the teapot - how is it possible to get input without communicating with those that have a stake in proceedings?
in reference to:"That's almost laughable," he said. "But let me tell you something: my parliamentary assistant Dave Levac is working very, very hard on promoting the Green Energy Act. He's very committed to promoting economic development in the region of Brant." Duguid at the act has helped attract 16,000 jobs to Ontario with its $7-billion investment, and predicted it will grow 50,000 jobs in green energy over the next three years."
- Levac's boss faces grilling (COMMENT ON THIS STORY) - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA (view on Google Sidewiki)
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
natural gas bill -green energy bill
If you have it ,if you control it you should use it,
Great idea - how about it Canada
"We send approximately $700 billion a year to nasty parts of the world for energy and about 70% of what we consume comes from elsewhere. In the meanwhile, we are the best in the world at extracting and moving natural gas and we have so much of it that we've run out of places to store it. HR 1835 would put an end to this madness and put hundreds of thousands of people to work immediately across the nation."
- A Riddle and a Rant The Reformed Broker (view on Google Sidewiki)
Fight the 13% tax grap scheduled for July 1 -
This is a taxgrab of major proportions . Maybe with your help it can be stopped. If anyone is selling their house do so before July 1,2010. Please pass it on and tip the balance
This is interesting and maddening regarding the HST. There is a legitimate petition at the end of the email for the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to cancel the current plan to introduce HST on July 1st. Thomas.
Hello here is some information for your information and as a call for action
This summer (2010) the Ontario Government is set to put into force
its new harmonized GST/PST sales tax which will apply a 13% sales
tax to everything we purchase.
Things That Were Not Subject To The
Current 8% PST Will Be Now Taxed
As a result, things that were not previously taxed under the current
Ontario Provincial Sales Tax (PST) will be taxed at 8%.
The new 13% tax will therefore apply to things like your electric bill,
your gas bill, your water bill, condominium fees, insurance
premiums, and every other good and service you purchase. There are
almost no exemptions.
- 38% on the first $20,000
- 53% on the next $40,000
- 59.5% on every dollar over $60,000
OF ALL THE MONEY YOU WORKED HARD TO EARN, WHAT
PERCENTAGE ARE YOU REALLY KEEPING FOR YOUR OWN USE? ?25%? 20%?
10%?
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH - FIGHT BACK
THIS HAS GOT TO STOP HERE OR WE WILL ALL SOON BE
WORKING FULL TIME FOR THE VARIOUS LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT IN ONTARIO.
DECLINING BECAUSE OF THE ENORMOUS TAX LOAD WE BEAR.
AS A RESULT, I URGE YOU TO TAKE THIS ISSUE
SERIOUSLY AND TO FILL IN AND SIGN THE PETITION.
AT www..unfairtaxgrab.com?AGAINST THE NEW HARMONIZED GST/PST TAX.
I WOULD ALSO ASK YOU TO SEND THIS E-MAIL ON TO
OTHERS THAT YOU KNOW AND ASK THEM TO DO THE SAME.
HARMONIZED 13% SALES TAX WILL BECOME A REALITY THIS SUMMER.
THANK YOU.and make a difference it is your money that you are protecting
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Thousands say "no" to the HST
Dalton McGuinty claims no one is complaining about his unfair tax grab.
You proved him wrong this week. On Wednesday we sent out a
request asking you to send a message to the McGuinty Government
about the HST. Almost instantly our email box began to fill. By
the end of the day we received nearly 2,000 messages.
New Democrat Members of Provincial Parliament did their best to read
them into the record in the Legislature, but they simply ran out
of time. The good news is: there are more debates to come and
well be sending you details about how to keep up the fight
against this unfair tax grab.
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Canada Day update
Canada Day
The olympic spirit should prevail. All service clubs should be involved in making this a great celebration.
A public meeting is planned at knights hall on the 17th of march. Contact us for more information backtoeden.ontario@gmail.com.
"The city will run the show this year, Calnan said, and perhaps even in 2011. The city will put out a request for proposal to run the 2011 show, however, and the hope is that a service club may emerge to fill that role."
- Festivities relocated to Lions Park (COMMENT ON THIS STORY) - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA#postbox#postbox (view on Google Sidewiki)
Fwd: FW: 13% tax - on homes in Ontario!!!
This is interesting and maddening regarding the HST. There is a legitimate petition at the end of the email for the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to cancel the current plan to introduce HST on July 1st.
Thomas.
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Hollecrest & Associates Inc -"Turnaround Consultants" http://www.ic.gc.ca/ccc/search/cp?l=eng&e=123456239975 .
Back to Eden communities
Sunridge -261 Oakhill Drive, Brantford
backtoeden.ontario@gmail.com
www.backtoeden.bravehost.com
"Building elder peer communities that are cozy,caring and comfortable" -quality 24/7 care
Friday, February 19, 2010
14 ways to reduce information overload
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Hollecrest & Associates Inc -"Turnaround Consultants" http://www.ic.gc.ca/ccc/search/cp?l=eng&e=123456239975 .
Back to Eden communities
Sunridge -261 Oakhill Drive, Brantford
backtoeden.ontario@gmail.com
www.backtoeden.bravehost.com
"Building elder peer communities that are cozy,caring and comfortable" -quality 24/7 care
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Subscribe | FT.com
By Gideon Rachman
Published: January 11 2010 19:47 Last updated: January 11 2010 19:47"
Monday, January 04, 2010
The bloodsport election race begins in Brantford
Posted By MICHAEL-ALLAN MARION
The returning office at city hall will be a busy place today when three mayoral candidates and some council contenders are expected to file their nomination papers on the first official day of the Oct. 25 municipal election campaign.
Coun. Mark Littell will file his papers for the mayor's race early in the morning, then hold a news conference and reception at his William Street home at 11:30 a.m.
"I'll be laying out some of my platform at that time," the first-term councillor said over the weekend.
"I'm optimistic for the city. I have a strong track record to show for my three years as a councillor, as well as previously in the private sector and leading several volunteer organizations."
Also expected to enter the mayor's race officially this morning is six-term Coun. John Sless.
"I'll just file my papers for now," he said. "My campaign will unfold shortly after that according to a laid-out plan."
Coun. James Calnan also confi rmed on the weekend that he's running for mayor . He expects to bring his papers to city hall today, too, with a formal campaign kickoff to follow shortly.
"We have a lot of issues that we need to either take up or finish in the next four years," he said.
"They include meeting the challenges of the new economy, changes in our population and the needs of the elderly. They will need bold new thinking, and I believe I'm the man for the job."
The three contenders are moving early because they can't raise or spend money on their campaigns until they have filed their papers.
Former councillor and builder Mike Quattrociocchi declared his intention to seek the top job months ago. But he said on the weekend that he would wait till March to file his papers and comment publicly.
Advertisement
"I'm going to finish my development on Grand River Avenue first," he said of a controversial housing division he has been building in stages.
It is widely speculated that Mayor Mike Hancock won't run again after two terms in the chair, but he is facing entreaties from several quarters -including among the ranks of council -to consider a third run.
"I'd like him to stay on because he's been a very good mayor, but we shouldn't push him because he deserves to take it easy if he wants after all his hard work over the years," Coun. Richard Carpenter said of Hancock who, by the end of this term, will have spent 22 years in office, including 15 as councillor.
"I think Mike has been one of the most honourable politicians I have ever met."
Hancock himself is sticking to his position that he will make up his mind and announce his intentions when he is ready.
Meanwhile, voters can expect a multitude of fresh advocacy voices, some return forays and more female candidates in the council seat races, in what is expected to be a hotly contested election, ward by ward.
Here's a quick roundup of the early candidates and touted contenders:
WARD 1
Seats in this ward could be keenly contested, because both incumbents will vacate them - Littell's due to his mayoral run, and Jennifer Kinneman's due to her decision not to run again.
"I have enjoyed this time, and I feel good about the groundwork that has been laid," Kinneman said.
But she came to the conclusion that it would not be possible to pursue a busy professional career, raise two small children and be a full-time councillor in what is still considered a part-time position, and do all three well.
"So I have decided with a heavy heart not to run again."
Mary Ellen Kaye, a teacher, environmental advocate and early champion of a waterfront master plan, says she will file her papers today.
"It's going to take a long time to knock on all the doors in my ward, so I need to get started early," said Kaye.
"When I first began years ago to advocate for things at city hall, I was looking for someone I could endorse in my ward, but it didn't happen. So I decided I'd have to run myself."
Larry Kings, a retired businessman and former two-term councillor, is also joining the ward race after finishing a stint as chairman of the city's police services board.
He said he expects to file his papers within the next week.
WARD 2
Sless's mayoral run will create one open seat, but the other incumbent, Coun. Vince Bucci, has confirmed that he is running again for a fifth term.
"I enjoy being on council and I believe I have a good record advocating on behalf of my constituents," he said. "I believe I'm making a contribution and council needs some members with experience."
Richard Wright, a businessman and lecturer, is known to be contemplating a second run in the ward, after a first unsuccessful one in the 2006 election. But he has not made a formal decision.
WARD 3
Both incumbent councillors, Greg Martin and Dan McCreary, will seek reelection.
"There is still a lot of work that needs to be done on brownfields, the landfill gas power generation project and in keeping city finances under control," said Martin, chairman of the finance committee.
"The biggest challenge ahead of us is fixing the financial mess this council has created," said McCreary. "We need to learn the meaning of the word 'No.'"
A strong challenge could come from Debi Dignan-Rumble, an administrator of numerous social agencies over the years, including her current position as program co-ordinator of the Adult Recreation Therapy Centre.
With her terms on the police services board and the community advisory committee on disability issues ending this year, "my plate is clearing, but I'm not fully decided yet," she said.
"I'm closer than I was a few months ago."
WARD 4
Calnan's decision to run for mayor will create an opening in one seat.
Former councillor Dave Wrobel says he will attempt a return and will file his papers this week. He earlier served for one complete term and most of another until he was forced to resign in 2006 for health reasons.
"I believe there's an opportunity to bring grace, integrity and teamwork back to the council table," he said.
Meanwhile, five-term incumbent Carpenter says he wants to run again.
"I enjoy working for my constituents," he said. "I'm one of those councillors who still believes my job is to work for them. If they'll have me again, I'll be happy to serve."
WARD 5
Coun. Marguerite Ceschi-Smith will seek a sixth term in her seat, rather than take up calls from many quarters to run for mayor.
"I am gratified to have received so many calls and offers of support, but I believe I should continue to concentrate my efforts on the Greenwich-Mohawk brownfield project and the waterfront master plan we're working on," she said. "Both are so important to the future of our community."
Coun. John Bradford has not announced whether he will run for a second term. He was unavailable for comment.
Political columnist and political affairs broadcaster Tim Philp acknowledges that he has been under "intense pressure" for some time to run for council in Ward 5, where he ran unsuccessfully in the 2000 election.
"I'm happy with what I'm doing as a columnist," he said. "I believe that I play a positive role in the community in my present position, but at this point I have not made a decision."

