Aurora Welcomes New CAO in January

Aurora will welcome a new CAO in January. Neil Garbe is currently at the Region, so he should be fully aware of the situation here in Aurora.

His first job should be to start rebuilding trust in the ranks of the Town staff. In the current economic climate, hardly a day passes without the newspapers commenting about the importance of motivated staff to achieve the best results. Countless research studies have shown that unless staff is positive about their jobs they do not perform effectively.

Why is that important? Until that is achieved, the residents will never receive their full value of their tax dollars. In other words, our taxes are higher because the town does not operate as efficiently as possible.

One example is the amount of time and money that gets spent by Council's inability to make a decision about issues and continually revisit them. The waste in staff hours and impact on moral must be staggering.

The current Council needs to ensure that our scarce dollars derive the most benefit and the first steps is to rebuild relationships with staff.

We will all be watching with great interest to see how he manages the situation he has inherited.

Let's wish him best wishes and good luck

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How should the Region use returned tax funds?

For years the Region of York has been forced to send our tax dollars to Toronto to fund their social programs -- often providing residents of Toronto with services that York Region was unable to provide for our own residents. It has been a thorn in our side for many years. This pooling is being phased out. Each year it is reduced until we don't send any dollars south by the year 2013.

In 2004 we paid $79 million dollars. In 2009 we will be sending $13.2 million less than in 2008, allowing those dollars to be used for service here in York Region.

The question to be answered is what will these funds be used for?

• Reduced tax burden to residents
• Enriched social programs
• More recreation facilities
• More arts programming
• More support to seniors
• More health facilities/programs
• Reduce infrastructure debt
• Build/upgrade infrastructure

Let us know what do you think they should be used for? Make some suggestions and we will post a poll to get community input.

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Integrity Commissioner

Now that Council has hired their Integrity Commissioner, it will be interesting to watch how they are utilized. There have been a number of accusation made about integrity that would be worthy of consideration.

There has been the refusal to sign the Code of Conduct by Cllr. Buck, and possibly some citizen members. Is it even appropriate to force citizen members to sign? Or the Conflict of Interest accusations around the appointment of Ken Whitehurst? Or even the dismissal of the CAO?

Will the new position be used as a weapon to try to quiet dissenting opinions? Will it be used for a little self-evaluation of their own conduct?

Most importantly, will this third party be able to render third party opinions without having to vet them through Council under the cloak of "In Camera" meetings because of the personnel nature of the issues?

How broad or narrow will the scope be? Remember, they are not full-time. Will they only be used at the discretion of Council, or will citizens have the ability to contact the Commissioner to investigate and report on the behaviours of Council or specific members?

All of these are important questions that need to be answered. Stay tuned, I am sure that activities will shortly start to tell the story.

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5 cent Plastic Bags

Big news today was that Toronto is trying to implement a 5 cent fee for all plastic bags used by stores as part of their strategy to divert materials away from landfill sites.

In Aurora, Councillor Al Wilson initially took a stand about garbage and recycling as a private citizen and included it as part of his election campaign.

Mayor Morris generated considerable personal press on her Right to Dry campaign.

It will be interesting to see whether either champions this program, or whether some other Councillor will take it on. If Toronto can initiate a significant change like this, why can't Aurora. Maybe we can lead the fight for York Region.

This is as big an issue as the packaging issue that was raised in an earlier post. Regardless it will be interesting to see how our Council manages this issue.

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Discussion: Train Whistle

Seems to be various points both for and against train whistles here in Aurora. The recent poll indicated that 90% of respondents were against banning train whistles.

However there was also a very good letter in the recent Banner. It made the point that possibly a compromise was the better solution. On its surface it seemed like a very sensible proposal. Certainly worth investigation.

What are your thoughts?

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Discussion: Legal Fees

One reader asked whether the Mayor would consider placing an ad about the legal fees and what they were spent on.

This Council seems on the way to a record for external legal expenses. Shouldn't we know what they are being spent on? Then we can decide whether the dollars (our tax dollars) are being spent on issues of importance to the Town -- or those of importance to Council.

Hopefully this will be part of the budget process and we can all see it broken down by issue and dollars spent. Bouquets to the Councillor who insists on it!

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Discussion: Aurora Traffic Woes

The northeast quadrant is proceeding with new speed humps along Mark Street. However, there doesn't seem to any real consensus on whether the residents want these or whether they are having the intended impact.

What role will citizens have with the Traffic Advisory Committee on this issue?

What other traffic issues are we concerned about. Former Council Ron Wallace used to complain bitterly about Yonge and Wellington -- is this still an issue. The new Dundas and Yonge traffic signals may have some learning we can benefit from.

What about the speed zone on St John's where it drops for approx 300 yards from 60 to 50 kms. Most regular travellers along that stretch are well aware of the situation.

What is Wellington and Leslie starting to look like now that the stores are starting to open. Will it end up like in Newmarket leading to/from the big box area?

Traffic flows like water -- to the path of least resistance. Whenever changes are made to one area to lower traffic just moves the traffic elsewhere and becomes someone else's problem.

Until we reduce the cars on the road, the problems will not disappear -- just become someone else's.

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Discussion: Unauthorized Spending by Staff

This issue has been one of the most widely commented posts. Possibly because it has raised a number of new and old issues -- all of which have different levels of importance by different people within the community.

In spite of the letters in the local papers from Council, there are many questions still to be asked and answered. There will be more, but these are the ones that immediately come to mind.

1. What is the role of Staff vs Council. Are Council too involved in day-to-day management of the Town affairs versus setting policy? Did staff follow procedures or did they blatantly disregard established procedures?
2. Impact of Council actions on staff morale. Are we getting the best performance from staff or are they hunkering down until the next election?
3. Are some of the issues tied to the loss of so many senior staff since this Council took office? Would the same situation have arisen if we had more seasoned senior staff in place and resultant less burden on the CAO?
4. Why does Council claim to only have found out recently about this issue when The Auroran communicated the issue months ago. See copy of staff memo here courtesy of Cllr Buck.
5. If the repair issues were a matter of safety, how much impact did Council's demonstrated difficult making decisions have on staff actions. Were they damned if they did - damned if they didn't?
6. What is the confidence in Council by the community?
7. What facts are correct and which ones are being manipulated to satisfy different agendas. Shouldn't there only be one agenda -- what is best for the Town?
8. Why do Council keep talking about getting the money returned -- implying that the town is out approx $442,000. The newspapers have reported that the bulk had already been paid by the insurance company and just a smaller amount was still outstanding. Are the papers wrong and if so, why did the letter from Council not clarify this issue. If the newspapers are right, why the implication by Council. How much money is really outstanding to be repaid to the Town?
9. Why has the outstanding dollars for the repairs (which should be pursued by the Town) been tied to inappropriate behaviour by the staff? Staff actions don't appear to have anything to do with this subject, but the message has implied that staff behaviour has lead to this lawsuit. The shouldn't be any connection.
10. It re-opens the CAO termination issue. Was this used a "justification" for firing the CAO? If so, why was there a reported termination package versus dismissal with cause. Is there really cause fore the dismissal, or was this just an excuse? When will the citizens know the facts?

Many of these issues have been the subject of separate posts -- some which are listed at the right side because they were already the Most Popular Posts based on number of comments.

Openness and transparency is used by this Council regularly, it has become their mantra. It was used in both recent letters. However, how open and transparent are they being? Let's continue to push for the full story - then we can make our own decision.

What other questions need to be answered? What is Council doing to answer these questions? The letters are not enough, more information needs to be communicated.

Share your thoughts. What are the important questions/issues to you and how do you think they should be handled.

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Diversity is Good!

We teach our children that we live in a diverse world -- one where different points of view are welcome and encouraged. Municipal politics should be no different

The comments on the latest post showed that this blog has started to evolve as a conversation and that is what is intended.

• We had saw some great points made about different side of various issues. Hopefully we will see more.
• We've questioned the facts -- what is really happening at Town Hall and what is the spin -- from either side of the issue. And importantly, we are demanding more transparency.
• We saw people use pseudonyms versus anonymous, so people could track individual perspectives and address their responses to specific people. Thanks "Not Walt" for making that suggestion. So pick you nom de plume and start contributing.
• We've all become bored with "anonymous" who's only contribution to-date has been to complain about the anonymous posts -- while making all their own posts anonymous.

So folks -- congratulations.

Over the weekend, we will start conversation threads on a number of topics that have been discussed, so people can weight in on whatever topics they want.

Also, if there is another topic you would like to see discussed -- send a note or post under your new pseudonyms and we will start a new discussion.

Please take the opportunity to tell your friends and neighbours who share your interest in town affairs to get in on the conversation.

Have a great weekend.

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Let the Facts be Known

First, let's congratulate Council for taking the initiative to print ads about some recent issues affecting the town. It seems that the awareness created by this blog and the local newspapers has caused them to recognize that pretending that there are no issues doesn't make them go away.

Hopefully this will be the first of many ads communicating the facts about issues of importance to the community. Let's hope that the oft repeated commitment to "providing open and transparent government" is more than just these couple ads.

With regard to Mr Whitehurst, this issue will continue to dog the Mayor right into the next election. She and others continue to ignore the point about a conflict. The issue is not that he resigned or what he is billing the town -- the conflict is that he voted on an item that had a financial impact on himself personally. It is one of the most clear cut cases of a conflict ever seen. Given the number of times this comes up with regard to members of Council -- it is amazing that they continue to pretend it doesn't exist in this case.

Did we really pay a lawyer $2,144.63 to attend a single meeting as part of an overall $12,345.83 expenditure. To be clear, the taxpayers of the community had to pay a lawyer to defend Council against the very people they were elected to serve so Council could act against the will of the taxpayers and appoint a person of their choosing. Talk about a slap in the face.

As for the unauthorized spending by staff, let's hope a lot more questions get answered. Here are a few-- you probably have more. Send them along and we will publish them.

1. How did Council miss this issue when the Auroran reported on it a number of times?
2. How did cheques get distributed without Council being aware of them? The Mayor and at least 2 Councillors regularly review -- and question staff - on the cheque registry. Where were the questions in this case?
3. If proper procurement procedures are in place -- then how did this slip through? Don't taxpayers deserve to understand what happened and what is being done to fix it. General statements about changing roles and working hard don't provide much reassurance.
4. Was this used as an excuse to dismiss the CAO? It seeems the issue has been known for awhile, but only became public when the CAO was asked to leave. Are staff being blamed to cover the real issue -- that Council simply wanted John Rogers out?

It is offensive that Council is pointing the finger squarely at staff about not following procedures. Where are the checks and balances by Council that should also have been followed. If The Auroran spotted the issue, them why didn't Council?

Hopefully the media will continue to keep up the pressure until all the facts become known.

Keep your comments coming. Only through open dialogue will these and other issues get broadly discussed.

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Community Corner: Green Power

A reader sent in the following comment. It is published unchanged.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views of the AURORA CITIZEN.

I noticed during a visit to the Town Hall some weeks ago that they're now running on "Bullfrog Power". The website at http://www.bullfrogpower.com/

There is a media release here:
http://www.bullfrogpower.com/08releases/york_aurora.pdf

"The cost to each municipality is three cents per kWh over current electricity commodity rates, representing an annual cost for the Town of Aurora of $20,000 and $70,000 for The Regional Municipality of York.

Bullfrog customers continue to draw power from the electricity grid in the same way that they always have. Customers don't need any special equipment, setup or wiring. Verified annually by an independent audit by Deloitte, the amount of electricity Bullfrog customers buy is injected onto the electricity grid from EcoLogo-certified, green generation sources, including wind power and low-impact water power that displace polluting and carbon-intensive sources such as coal."

I'm not a power expert... but I'm wondering if someone can explain how this works. If you think of it like a liquid...The Town buys $xxx of electricity, Bullfrog 'injects' that amount of electricity into the grid, and it zips it's way along to the town hall, for a premium price.

Are there not laws that say ALL electricity should be as green as possible? The town hall is paying for the generation of the electricity at a premium - 3 cents per kWh over the current rate - but I doubt that there's a way to measure exactly what % of this 'green electricity' is actually used. Going back to the water analogy - isn't it the same idea as the Dasani water sold by Coke that starts out as Mississauga tap water? It's marketed as 'special' and better for you - but how does a consumer REALLY know?

Things that make you go 'hmmmm'.

Share your thoughts.

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British Newspaper Salutes Canadians

This article was published April 21, 2002 by Kevin Myers - The Daily Telegraph, London. It is as relevant today as it was then.

The country the world forgot - again

UNTIL the deaths last week of four Canadian soldiers accidentally killed by a US warplane in Afghanistan, probably almost no one outside their home country had been aware that Canadian troops were deployed in the region. And as always, Canada will now bury its dead, just as the rest of the world as always will forget its sacrifice, just as it always forgets nearly everything Canada ever does.

It seems that Canada's historic mission is to come to the selfless aid both of its friends and of complete strangers, and then, once the crisis is over, to be well and truly ignored. Canada is the perpetual wallflower that stands on the edge of the hall, waiting for someone to come and ask her for a dance. A fire breaks out, she risks life and limb to rescue her fellow dance-goers, and suffers serious injuries. But when the hall is repaired and the dancing resumes, there is Canada, the wallflower still, while those she once helped glamorously cavort across the floor, blithely neglecting her yet again.

That is the price which Canada pays for sharing the North American Continent with the US, and for being a selfless friend of Britain in two global conflicts. For much of the 20th century, Canada was torn in two different directions: it seemed to be a part of the old world, yet had an address in the new one, and that divided identity ensured that it never fully got the gratitude it deserved.
Yet its purely voluntary contribution to the cause of freedom in two world wars was perhaps the greatest of any democracy. Almost 10 per cent of Canada's entire population of seven million people served in the armed forces during the First World War, and nearly 60,000 died. The great Allied victories of 1918 were spearheaded by Canadian troops, perhaps the most capable soldiers in the entire British order of battle.

Canada was repaid for its enormous sacrifice by downright neglect, its unique contribution to victory being absorbed into the popular memory as somehow or other the work of the "British". The Second World War provided a re-run. The Canadian navy began the war with a half dozen vessels, and ended up policing nearly half of the Atlantic against U-boat attack. More than 120 Canadian warships participated in the Normandy landings, during which 15,000 Canadian soldiers went ashore on D-Day alone. Canada finished the war with the third largest navy and the fourth largest air force in the world.

The world thanked Canada with the same sublime indifference as it had the previous time. Canadian participation in the war was acknowledged in film only if it was necessary to give an American actor a part in a campaign which the US had clearly not participated - a touching scrupulousness which, of course, Hollywood has since abandoned, as it has any notion of a separate Canadian identity.

So it is a general rule that actors and film-makers arriving in Hollywood keep their nationality - unless, that is, they are Canadian. Thus Mary Pickford, Walter Huston, Donald Sutherland, Michael J Fox, William Shatner, Norman Jewison, David Cronenberg and Dan Aykroyd have in the popular perception become American, and Christopher Plummer British. It is as if in the very act of becoming famous, a Canadian ceases to be Canadian, unless she is Margaret Atwood, who is as unshakeably Canadian as a moose, or Celine Dion, for whom Canada has proved quite unable to find any takers.

Moreover, Canada is every bit as querulously alert to the achievements of its sons and daughters as the rest of the world is completely unaware of them. The Canadians proudly say of themselves - and are unheard by anyone else - that 1 per cent of the world's population has provided 10 per cent of the world's peace-keeping forces. Canadian soldiers in the past half century have been the greatest peace-keepers on earth - in 39 missions on UN mandates, and six on non-UN peace-keeping duties, from Vietnam to East Timor, from Sinai to Bosnia.

Yet the only foreign engagement which has entered the popular non-Canadian imagination was the sorry affair in Somalia, in which out-of-control paratroopers murdered two Somali infiltrators. Their regiment was then disbanded in disgrace - a uniquely Canadian act of self-abasement for which, naturally, the Canadians received no international credit.

So who today in the US knows about the stoic and selfless friendship its northern neighbour has given it in Afghanistan? Rather like Cyrano de Bergerac, Canada repeatedly does honourable things for honourable motives, but instead of being thanked for it, it remains something of a figure of fun. It is the Canadian way, for which Canadians should be proud, yet such honour comes at a high cost.

This weekend four shrouds, red with blood and maple leaf, head homewards; and four more grieving Canadian families know that cost all too tragically well.

We have much to be grateful for and much to be proud. Lest we forget.

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Did Staff Spend Without Authorization?

We should all be concerned about the recent articles in the local newspapers about the expenditure of almost $500,000 without Council approval, after all, it is our money. But before we start pointing fingers we need to have the facts -- or as many as we are able to get.

The questions that need to be asked, must be asked and publicly shared. This will be the true test of openness and transparency.

The other thing we must insist on is that Council stop pointing fingers at staff until the facts are know. This is the true test of leadership. The captain of the ship goes down with the ship -- they don't start pointing fingers as soon as trouble appears.

One must also wonder why Council, particularly Mayor Morris and Evelina MacEachern, both who have a reputation for reviewing the cheque lists, never spotted a cheque of this size. Does that suggest it was purposely not listed?

Based on news reports, another troubling question is regarding the May 2007 letter from NORR (the original architects of the building) where they state that compensation for the repairs would be paid through their insurance company, Pro-Deminity Insurance based on independent tests conducted by NORR that concluded the issues that were brought forward by staff were correct (Feb 2007 letter).

However, after partial payment was received for the repairs, NORR informed staff that the insurance company was not paying any additional funds, leaving the town on the hook for the balance of approx. $60,000.

So a few issues that need review include;

1. Should staff be authorizing payment for expenses that are part of traditional operations? This seems to be a typical operation issue -- work was completed with full Council approval but was not completed correctly and staff followed up to get it done.
2. Is there are dollars amount for all staff purchase above which needs explicit Council approval?
3. Should staff not issue a purchase order for a "flow through" expense that will be paid by a third party -- in this case an insurance company.
4. Why is Mayor Morris quoted as stating that the focus is getting back the $442,000? Didn't the insurance company already pay the largest portion of that with the amount not yet recovered closer to $60,000? Or is that mis-information?

Clearly this is not an exhaustive list, just some of the issues that Council needs to investigate and questions that deserve accurate answers.

The concern is that already residents are being spun that;

1. this is a staff issue and Council has no responsibility,
2. the firing of John Rogers is connected, and
3. information is being communicated by Council that is possibly not accurate (or possibly the papers have added their own spin).

However, until all the facts are know, Council should remember, good people who never signed up for public office are having their reputations tarnished by the conduct of Council. Surely that is outside the code of ethics.

For a different view from the 2 local papers, check out Councillor Buck's blog, as always she has her own view on the subject.

First get the facts -- then communicate them accurately, fairly and openly. The community deserves the truth without the spin!

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Community Corner: Staff spending without authorization

A reader sent in the following comment. It is published unchanged.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views of the AURORA CITIZEN.

I'd be interested in reaction to the Nov 12 Banner article:"Aurora staff spent $500K without approval." Town embroiled in lawsuits to recoup cost of arena repairs By: By Sean Pearce, Staff Writer The Town of Aurora is locked in a legal battle to recover more than $440,000 in unauthorized spending by staff last year."

Share your thoughts!

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Traffic Calming Results Mixed

Good News! A report has been issued about the traffic calming measures in the Northeast quadrant of town. The skinny is that traffic counts are generally down, but the chicanes don't seem to be effective.

Council has taken the initial step to install some speed cushions along Mark Street, but referred the balance to the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee.

One of the early criticisms of these measures was that all members of the public hadn't been consulted. Hopefully now the broader public will have the opportunity to engage with this committee versus just a few interested residents.

Another question that needs to be addressed is, "What happened to the traffic that was cutting through this neighbourhood, and what has the impact of that change been to other residents?" Hopefully someone will provide some insight on this issue.

Traffic is like water, it goes to the path of least resistance. Since Yonge and Wellington hasn't been fixed, one has to wonder if the traffic has just become a problem for another neighbourhood.

This is a good news story. In fact, even the Mayor is quoted as stating "We want to remain open and transparent as we mover forward on this."

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A Pittance of Time

Terry Kelly, a Canadian singer, created this video to commemorate the sacrifice of our armed forces.

Given our busy schedules and the fact that many of the veterans who fought in the world wars are no longer here to remind us of the sacrifice of war, this video demonstates how important a role our children play in remembering our past and creating our future.

You can see it on YouTube or on his website. It is worth the time to view it.

Something to think about. Lest we Forget!

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Community Corner: Closed Door Meetings

A reader sent in the following comment. It is published unchanged.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views of the AURORA CITIZEN.

I found an interesting item on the Council agenda for the October 14/08 meeting. Could you please open this as a topic of discussion? I think it's quite suspicious that two councillors are fighting for transparency and the other are fighting against it. This was a fantastic suggestion by Mrakas. How is one to "investigate" a closed session meeting if there is no record?

6. Motion from Councillor Collins-Mrakas
Re: Audio Recording of Closed-Session Meetings
(Notice was provided to Council on Tuesday September 9, 2008)

Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor Buck

WHEREAS the closed session meetings and attendant proceedings of Council are subject to investigation at anytime should a member of the public feel it is warranted; and

WHEREAS the accuracy of the records and/or documentation kept in regards to the closed session meetings and proceedings of Council is therefore vital; and

WHEREAS currently only minutes are taken and there is no verbatim – written or audio-recorded record of the closed session proceedings of Council; and

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, if permitted under relevant legislation, all future closed session meetings of Council shall be audio-recorded.

DEFEATED

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An interesting question. A very small number of topics are allowed in-camera because the discussion may be harmful to people or the town if discussed in open Council.

Examples would be an interest to sell/purchase real estate, talk about someones performance and possible dismissal or a legal matter. One can easily see that some matters should be discussed behind closed doors.

However, no decisions are to be made in-camera. All items must be presented in open council for a decision to be made (obviously all the details are not shared).

However, there has been concern expressed by the Mayor and certain members of council that inappropriate behaviour is taking place behind these closed doors. Public accusations can be made about something said and the accused has no defence.

Similarly, discussions take place that lead to a decision and the public have a right to know the basis for the decision -- for example on a real estate matter.

Having a recording that can be released when the item becomes public would help us all understand what took place.

Clearly personal information needs to be withheld, but the comments that it doesn't allow for a free discussion is nonsense. What are these folks saying that they don't want the public to hear?

One might conclude it is the inappropriate behaviour that is the concern versus the release of personal information. These concerns sound more like a desire to hide their own behaviour versus concerns for privacy that can be simply solved by editing out details about a person or legal matter.

Lastly, these tapes would only be made available when an issue is raised , either by the public or a member of council, similar to requesting a transcript or recording of current meetings. So the cost is basically a tape recording hook up connected to the current recording equipment.

Seems like a simple fix. So why the problem?

Admittedly, this is a new idea. It is not practiced in other municipalities. So there is no precedence.

But one must wonder, what's the issue? Isn't it a step forward in promoting openness and transparency? Council is willing to show leadership with clotheslines, why not with openness and transparency? After all, it was the big promise from the election -- while I don't recall anything said about clotheslines.

Let us know your thoughts.

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What goes around comes around!

I recently re-read this story. I don't know with certainty if it is true, but I thought the story was worth sharing.

----------------------

His name was Fleming, and he was a poor Scottish farmer. One day, while trying to make a living for his family, he heard a cry for help coming from a nearby bog. He dropped his tools and ran to the bog.

There, mired to his waist in black muck, was a terrified boy, screaming and struggling to free himself. Farmer Fleming saved the lad from what could have been a slow and terrifying death.

The next day, a fancy carriage pulled up to the Scotsman's sparse surroundings. An elegantly dressed nobleman stepped out and introduced himself as the father of the boy Farmer Fleming had saved. "I want to repay you," said the nobleman. "You saved my son's life."

"No, I can't accept payment for what I did," the Scottish farmer replied, waving off the offer. At that moment, the farmer's own son came to the door of the family hovel. “Is that your son?" the nobleman asked. "Yes," the farmer replied proudly.

"I'll make you a deal. Let me provide him with the level of education my son will enjoy. If the lad is anything like his father, he'll no doubt grow to be a man we both will be proud of." And he did.

Farmer Fleming's son attended the very best schools, and in time,he graduated from St. Mary's Hospital Medical School in London, and went on to become known throughout the world as the noted Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of Penicillin.

Years afterward, the same nobleman's son who was saved from the bog was stricken with pneumonia. What saved his life this time? Penicillin.

The name of the nobleman? Lord Randolph Churchill. His son's name? Sir Winston Churchill.

Someone once said: What goes around comes around. It is a great lesson we can all benefit from the reminder.

Pass this on, and brighten someones day. Nothing will happen if you do not pass it along. The only thing that will happen, if you DO pass it on, is that someone might smile because of you.

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Community Corner: 2009 Lawn care vs. Town of Aurora Pesticide Ban

A reader sent in the following comment. It is published unchanged.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views of the AURORA CITIZEN.

I sent the following email to Mayor Morris on October 16th, 2008 as I am sitting on an invoice from my lawn care company. I have yet to hear a response from her. I have also sent the same email to Councillor Collin-Mrakis and not had a response. What should the public do when we cannot get answers from our elected officials? I have lost the early payment discount that I was eligible for. I thought it would be best to send this to the Mayor as she vets everything from staff anyways.

---------------------------------

Mayor Morris,

I have for a number of years contracted with Weed Man for lawn care. I have received their 2009 schedule and prior to my authorizing payment, I have asked them to assure me that they are compliant with the Town's bylaw. They tell me that they are compliant in that they use a product called Sarritor. The actual bylaw does not speak to actual product brand names. Can you tell me if Sarritor satisfies this bylaw or pass the request to the appropriate person for a determination?

As well, they tell me that they will still have to place a warning sign on my lawn (Federal regulations). Will I have to endure bylaw officers knocking on my door with a summons because this sign is on my lawn? In order for this product to work, I also will have to water the lawn for 15-20 minutes three days in a row. My other concern here is that as you know, the Town operates under a limited outdoor water use bylaw that would place me in a position of violation in order to properly activate this lawn care product. What is the Town's viewpoint on this situation?

Thank you.
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Aurora Citizen: How are other citizens dealing with the issue of our pesticide ban? Share your thoughts.

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Code of Ethics?

So do tell -- under what part of the much vaunted Code of Ethics is it covered that when the public show concern about an action of Council that you just wait until the issue dies down and do what you want anyway?

This exactly what happened with the appointment of Ken Whitehurst to the position of interim Director -- a mere 2 months after the issue was front page news in the local paper and reported in this blog. I guess they hoped everyone would forget about the issue and they would slide it by without anyone noticing. Thanks to Councillor Buck for bringing it to our attention at a recent Council meeting.

We won't "rehash" this item because we know how much this offends the supporters of the Mayor. It just gets in the way of doing what they want without people being aware of their behaviour.

Well we thought it was important to bring it to people's attention.

Judge for yourself -- agree or disagree -- then talk to your neighbours. But make sure you are aware of what your elected representatives are doing without telling you. So much for transparency!

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Traffic Calming in Northeast Quadrant

So what the verdict? Was there not supposed to a study on this initiative and a final decision made?

We are entering the second winter with these measures in place and there has been no report published that reviews the feelings of residents -- both those inside and outside the affected area. It would be interesting to hear what the neighbourhood as whole has to say about these measures.

Plus, what about the safety issues -- particularly in the snow. What was the impact of the calming measures?

Is it working? Is it safe? Was this initiative a success? Is there consensus by the residents that this was good idea, or did it just serve a few?

What are your thoughts?

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Flop-flop or sober reflection?

Council has once again demonstrated their difficultly making a well thought through decision. This time on windrows.

One cannot help but wonder how much consultation was done with the affected folks -- the seniors who are to "benefit" from this service -- before the decision was made to implement the pilot project.

How hard would it have been to have set up a meeting with the seniors to discuss the issue and asked them for their input before making a decision. If they had, they certainly would have heard the feedback recently provided. Or is this just another example of responding to the most recent squeaky wheel?

It does not inspire much confidence in their decision-making process when simple things like clearing windrows requires so much time and reversal of decisions. It's no wonder more critical decisions are such a burden on their collective abilities.

It's time this Council showed some leadership and did their homework before making decisions. I think we would all sleep better.

What do you think? Should the town subsidize the plowing of windrows? Check out the poll!

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Congratulations to York Region! So what's up with Aurora?

Recently the Regional Municipality of York was named one of the top 75 companies to work for in the GTA.

Congratulations are due to both Council and senior staff. Any HR person with even basic knowledge of workplace culture knows that a result like this comes only with strong leadership by the senior team at the organization. When they lead by example and create an organizational culture based on respect, then employee satisfaction and quality customer service is an outcome.

So what about Aurora? It really illustrates just how dysfunctional our own Council is. What is particularly ironic is that the Mayor lists her background in HR as one of her credentials for the job. One only has to look at the level of moral in the town staff and defections by the senior team to realize that the malaise in the town starts at the very top.

One need only look back one term and they can see the dramatic changes. Staff didn't change, so what was the variable?

Possibly Mayor Morris and her cronies -- who seem to delight in embarassing staff as often as possible in public, or intimidating them in private -- could start to model the behaviour of colleagues at the regional level and demonstrate some of the HR expertise that she claims.

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To Blow or Not To Blow

Aurora Council is once again dealing with the issue of whether of not to blow. Surprisingly, I am not talking about Council meetings, but about the ongoing debate about train whistles at level crossings.

It seems that a number of residents have been complaining about the noise from trains blowing their whistles at night when traveling through our fair town.

The obvious question must be asked, if you don't want to listen to a train whistle, why did you buy a house close to a train track. It seems the folks who live close to train tracks should accept responsibility for their initial decision.

It's kind of similar to backing on St John's Sideroad or Bathurst and then being surprised when they widen the road because of increased traffic. Or purchasing next to hydro corridors and then being surprised when the want to run higher voltage lines through the same corridor.

Too often today, people are very quick to blame others for their own short-sighted thinking.

Mayor Morris is quoted in The Banner stating, "Residents have dealt with this problem long enough." That will be cold comfort if someone is harmed because the whistles are stopped.

I know there is strong opinions on both sides of this issue. So let's hear what you think. And be sure to vote on the survey.

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The difference between Campaigning & Governing

A little smile to brighten your day!

A powerful politician dies after a prolonged illness. His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.

"Welcome to Heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a politician around these parts, so we're not sure what to do with you."

"No problem, just let me in," says the politician.

"Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in Hell and one in Heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity."

"Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in Heaven," says the politician.

"I'm sorry but we have our rules." And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to Hell.

The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him, everyone is very happy and in evening attire.

They run to greet him, hug him, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people.

They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster and caviar. Also present is the Devil, who really is a very friendly guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes.

They are having such a good time that, before he realizes it, it is time to go. Everyone gives him a big hug and waves while the elevator rises. The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on Heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him.

"Now it's time to visit Heaven." So 24 hours pass with the politician joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.

"Well then, you've spent a day in Hell and another in Heaven. Now choose your eternity."

He reflects for a minute, then the politician answers, "Well, I never would have thought so, I mean Heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in Hell."

So Saint Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to Hell. Now the doors of the elevator open and he is in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags.

The Devil comes over to greet him. "I don't understand," stammers the politician. "Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and club and we ate lobster and caviar and danced and had a great time. Now all there is a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable!"

The Devil looks at him and puts his arm around his shoulder, smiles and says, "Yesterday we were campaigning ... today you voted for us!"

Vote wisely this coming election -- but be sure to vote!!

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Guest Post: Council needs to lead by example

Thanks to former Councillor Bill Hogg for the following Guest Post.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views of the AURORA CITIZEN.

Have you received your Code of Conduct from town hall telling you how to behave yet? That may be the next step from this Council. Maybe they will start telling us what movie we can watch or books we can read as well.

One must wonder what has been going on in our advisory committees that makes this Council determined to force everyone to sign a Code of Conduct. In the many years I worked with advisory committees in the town, never once did I see or hear of inappropriate behaviour that required a Code of Conduct. But then, under Tim Jones leadership, we also never appointed a prominent member of his campaign team to a paid position either.

At the last Council meeting, Council took the step of publishing the names of every member of every advisory committee and whether they have signed the code or not, plus they have threatened that something (they didn’t indicate what) will happen if they don’t comply before Oct 14.

Of particular interest is the link to the Strategic Plan. Goal 1, Objective D states, “Create a respectful environment that fosters teamwork and open dialogue consistent with a Character Community.”

I couldn’t make this stuff up. Check out the report for yourself on the Town website -- Sept 23 Agenda, Item 8, Report CS08-036.

Surely this Council has more important things to do than threaten volunteers who give freely of their time. What is Council going to do if people don’t sign, refuse to allow them to volunteer in the community? The bullies are running amuck.

This Council needs to start leading by example and stop trying to intimidate people through fear of reprisals!

Bill Hogg

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Veterans: Have we lost appreciation for their sacrifice?

There was a very important Letter to the Editor in The Auroran (page 8) this week from a lady disappointed by the poor turn out for the"Candlelight Service" to honour our veterans. She asks the question; where were you?

She rightly points out the sacrifice made by the many who served and died so that we enjoy the freedoms we have today.

With TV and video, we have more exposure to the conflict in the world today than ever before -- and therefore a greater understanding.

One has to wonder;

• Are schools teaching?
• Are parents teaching?
• Are grandparents sharing?
• Are children listening?

If we don't learn from our past, are we destined to repeat the mistakes in the future?

Something to think about more often that November 11th each year.

What can we do to make sure that future generations have a "real" understanding of the cost of our freedom?

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Guest Post: Graffiti Clean up day – a HUGE success!

Thanks to Councillor Collins-Mrakas for the following Guest Post.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views of the AURORA CITIZEN.

This past Thursday September 25th, on a gorgeous fall day, nearly 70 volunteers came together to offer their support and hard work towards the first York Region Police and Town of Aurora Graffiti Clean-up Day. It was a fantastic day as everyone came together to demonstrate their commitment to the community in which we live.

As a result of everyone’s hard work, well over a third of the identified sites of graffiti in town were cleaned up in a space of just under 3 hours!! At the end of a morning of hard work, our volunteers joined together at the Town Park to enjoy a well-deserved barbecue courtesy of Greg Foster of M & M Meats. The day was well received and covered extensively by Rogers TV, The Auroran, SNAP and Sing Tao Daily, Markham.

A huge thank-you to all the volunteers from: York Region Police, the Mayor and Aurora Town Council, Town of Aurora Staff, York Region Police Auxiliary, Town of Aurora Ad-Hoc Graffiti Abatement Committee, The students of Aurora High, the students of Dr. G.W.Williams, Neighbourhood Network, Bell Canada, Bacon Basketware, and the numerous other residents who simply showed up to help.

Special thanks to The Auroran and to the Optimists Club for their very generous donations which helped make the day possible.

Thank-you to the AURORA CITIZEN for publicizing the event.

Finally, thank you to everyone for your support and for making the first YRP and Town of Aurora Graffiti Clean-up Day a huge success!

Alison Collins-Mrakas,
Councillor, Town of Aurora

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Communication - strategy or tactic?

Came across this quote from Dimitris Chryssochoou (Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, University of Crete) on a blog out of the UK about the development of the EU.

The quote is about theory, but as political leaders, if the word theory was replaced by democracy then it is extremely relevant for creating involment in our own community.

"Theory (democracy) generates pluralism, pluralism produces choice, choice creates alternatives, alternatives formulate debate, debate encourages communication, communication increases awareness, awareness minimizes dogmatism and in this way there is a propensity to develop greater and better understanding...."

Yes I know, big words for a blog, but I loved the linkages .... too many leaders forget the link. They view communication as a tactic to be used when it works for their own objectives. In reality it should be an overriding strategy -- the source of understanding and community input.

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Lessons from Lincoln

In the book Team of Rivals, author Doris Kearns Goodwin focuses on how Abraham Lincoln built his cabinet. Instead of choosing cronies and old pals, Lincoln’s choices included three of his major rivals for the 1860 presidential nomination, William Seward, Edward Bates and Salmon Chase.

None of these men thought Lincoln was presidential material, and, in fact, he was considered a light-weight who was not prepared for the job.

Lincoln won them over by genuinely and methodically building his relationships with them. In fact, relationship-building encounters were a key to Lincoln’s success, whether it was at the highest political echelons or meeting the troops at the front.

Is there a lesson here for our current Mayor and Council?

Every interaction can be a relationship-building encounter, if we genuinely believe that relationship building is at the center of what we need and want to do. We can all learn from Mr. Lincoln.

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Community Corner: Ward System -- what happened?

A reader sent in the following comment. We will run a poll question on this in the next few weeks.

During the last election, a number of current sitting Councillors for the Town of Aurora agreed the electorate would be better served having a Ward System. These Councillors promised that if elected they would do something about it.

It’s now been two years. What happened to this election promise?

Do you think Aurora should have a Ward System?

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How much growth is too much?

Every municipal election, candidates make promises about the rate of growth here in Aurora. The favoured buzzword is usually managed growth, but what does that really mean?

Everyone recognizes that it is impossible to stop growth, but what can the politicians and staff really do to manage growth.

A recent article in the Era Banner prompted this question.

If historically, we have issued approx 400 building permits each year, is the new pace of 600 permits the new level of managed growth?

If so, are you happy with this rate of growth? If not, do we want more, or less?

What can we as citizens of Aurora do to let our political leaders know we are unhappy.

A second article indicated that a developer had been granted a turning lane that had previously been denied. What does this apparent reversal signal?

When the Mayor stated that the reversal was the result of careful consideration it begs the questions "what was the orginal decision based on?"

Was their a detailed traffic study conducted to support this careful consideration? What will the impact be on the already congested Wellington traffic patterns? Does this decision signal a more welcoming reception to growth and developers?

Share your thoughts!

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Council versus Staff Roles

In this weeks Auroran there was a good commentary by Dick Illingworth about the ongoing battle between staff and Council. In it he expressed his opinion about the role of Council versus the CAO and how the break down in this role can and has created problems.

On a broader level, it has always been the general understanding that Council's role was to establish policy and staff would then implement those policies in a fair and consistent manner.

It would appear that this division of responsibilities has broken down in Aurora in more areas than just between Council and the CAO. The recent situation concerning the lights in the Canadian Tire parking lot illustrates the point (also covered in The Auroran this week).

On 2 separate occasions staff recommended that Council not become involved in a matter between 2 private parties. Ignoring this advice, Council went ahead and intervened, resulting in incremental costs, some which will likely be shared by the broader Aurora tax base.

More importantly, it also sets a new precedent that indicates that Council is willing to step outside its own stated policies and get involved in areas that should rightly be left up to the private parties to resolve.

Is Council sticking their nose where it doesn't belong, or is their involvement in these areas appropriate? What are your thoughts? Let us know!

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RSS Feeds are being fixed

We have experienced some problems with the RSS Feed and some of our subscribers have not been receiving their updates. We apologize for the inconvenience this has caused.

If you have not received recent updates automatically, you can use the the new subscription links to the left side of the screen to re-subscribe.

If you continue to experience problems please let us know. We appreciate your patience and understanding while we are working to correct this issue.


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Guest Post: How much are we wasting on waste?

Thanks to Councillor Collins-Mrakas for the following Guest Post.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views of the AURORA CITIZEN.

Why is it that everything you purchase today is encased in multiple layers of packaging? I don’t know about you, but in my humble opinion it shouldn’t require a blowtorch and an engineering degree to get a doll out of its wrapping! And you most definitely shouldn’t end up with a bag of garbage all for one ten inch high doll.

I understand that companies want to market their products in a certain way but it seems to me that they have little or no regard for the consequences of their packaging choices – and why should they? It is you and I - the customer - that pays the price for disposing of the packaging waste.

We learned environmental economics terms such as “full-cost accounting” and “cradle-to-grave” product management more than fifteen years ago in undergrad studies. The question is why isn’t it applied??

In Europe – Germany in particular – and in Sweden there have been regulatory mechanisms in place for well over 2 decades that require manufacturers to take back the packaging within which their products are sold. That’s a great concept. I doubt we’d see toys and electronics and novelties wrapped up in elaborate packaging if manufacturers or retailers were responsible for its disposal.

As we approach another municipal budget season, we need to look at ways to trim costs and manage waste. Given that a goodly portion of our levy dollars goes towards waste management and given that a significant portion of our waste stream is due to packaging waste I think that it is high time that our federal government look at appropriate legislation to address this issue.

I’d like to hear your thoughts…

Alison Collins-Mrakas
Councillor, Town of Aurora

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Who is Aurora Citizen?

A few readers have expressed concern about "the person" behind AURORA CITIZEN, and why they have not declared themselves. Interestingly, the folks who have expressed this concern are solely those who are offended by criticism of the current Council and always sign themselves as "anonymous". Hmmm?

The fact is, there is no single person behind the AURORA CITIZEN, any more than there is ever a single person behind any open community discussion. There are simply a number of concerned citizens who are interested in their community that decided to open an online conversation to see if others shared their concerns or had other issues they would like to bring forward.

If you are interested in the well-being of our community you can become a contributor to this conversation as well. Simply send an email to moderator@AuroraCitizen.ca and express your interest, or send an email comment as a guest post.

Any topic is welcome and as long as the discussion is respectful, the post will be posted unchanged. The direction that the conversation takes is dictated by those who participate.

Which brings us to a second point. The tone of some of the comments have become quite personal and vindictive. These comments have been rejected and will not be published.

This vehicle is intended to provide an opportunity for all sides of an issue discussed. It is not intended to slam individuals because you disagree with their point of view. A more productive option would be to share facts that demonstrate another side of the issue.

That said, we do acknowledge that elected officials are subject to comment because they have chosen to stand for office. This is unfortunately one of the downsides of public service, but obviously one that is well understood by those who choose to serve.

It is our sincere desire that this vehicle become a balanced and relevant conversation in our community. Together we can make that happen.

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What is your definition of open & transparent?

There was a disturbing article on the front page of The Auroran this week about the Freedom of Information (FOI) request for legal costs (see separate post).

Why must a citizen request information through Freedom of Information (FOI) in the first place? Shouldn't a simple request be enough.

Isn't Council accountable to the citizens of Aurora? Every election we have the opportunity to re-hire or terminate based on how we vote. That means the citizens are the boss and the Mayor and Council are accountable to us. Seems pretty clear.

So why does Council make any citizen go through the effort of making an official request to get information that they are entitled to see. The mere fact that a formal process is required suggests that something is being hidden.

What about the open & transparent promises of this Mayor and Council? It is surprising that this type of information wouldn't be more readily available. Isn't that what open and transparent means?

Maybe this Council needs to be reminded who they actually work for! If they truly want to be open & transparent, any citizen should be able to get these type of questions answered without being required to make a formal Freedom of Information request.

That tact has historically been used by politicians with something to hide.

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Legal Fees

The recent article in The Auroran about legals fees raised a couple interesting points. The FOI issue is covered in a separate post, but the increase in fees and the lack of clarity of why the monies were spent is equally troubling.

When then Councillor Morris made her request in 2006, she asked for a clear and thorough report detailing how often, what reason and what cost. Yet when a similar request is made now that she is Mayor the numbers were provided in lump sums by month -- with no explanation.

Of course, there is the obvious increase from $76,881.98 in 2006 to $81,666 in 2007 and already $139,339 year to date (Jan - Aug) for 2008.

The monthly 2008 average of approx $17,500 puts Aurora on a spending rate equivalent to over $200,000 for the full year.

Where is the similar demand for clarity? What are the reasons for the significant increase in spending -- and where will this increase be funded from?

How much of next years inevitable tax increase will be directly attributable to these increased legal costs.

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Guest Post: Dick Illingworth's Challenge

Thanks to Councillor Buck for the following Guest Post.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views of the AURORA CITIZEN.

Dick Illingworth's offer of a Bouquet to any councillor who will request information about the costs of replacing recruiting and re-training staff was relevant to the times when he was involved in the Town's business. Those times they are no more.

I have asked for the legal costs of the various lawyers personally retained and instructed by Mayor Morris with the support of the majority. The information has not been forthcoming.

John Gutteridge is a municipal professional. He knows councillors are entitled to receive whatever information they request. He has provided me with information I have requested in the past before the hammer fell. I could call again and insist that he provide the info. I already did that once. If I persist, I will simply be making his job more difficult than it already is.

The Mayor rules the Town Hall with an iron fist. There can be no employee with any illusion as to their fate if they do not submit. They have only one option.

I anticipate others will choose it in the near and ongoing future.

Evelyn Buck, Councillor

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Community Corner: Graffiti Clean Up Day Sept 25

Have you seen the graffiti around town lately? Are you shocked by the disrespect shown by a few people who have defaced buildings, structures and signs with spray bombs?

The Town of Aurora Graffiti Committee, spearheaded by Councillor Collins-Myrakas, together with York Regional Police, have planned a Graffiti Clean Up Day on September 25. They are looking for volunteers to assist in the clean up/painting of graffiti sites here in Aurora.

The work will be done from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Volunteers will be assigned a group leader and sites to be cleaned. There will be a BBQ for the volunteers after the event.

So if don't have anything planned that day, get involved. Consider helping keep your community clean. For more information or to volunteer, call please call Neighbourhood Network at 905-726-3737.

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Guest Posts by Federal Candidates

We have invited each of the candidates for the riding of Aurora Newmarket to publish a guest post. Our commitment is to post them without change if under the requested 700 word limit. Stay tuned.

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Are you spreading the news?

Since this blog started in late August, there have already been 100's of visitors. It has started to become a gathering place for the people of Aurora. We are excited by the many comments and the range of issues and opinions.

As our Mission Statement says, It is intended to stimulate and facilitate a community-based conversation about what you like, don't like and would like to see changed for the better.

The conversation has started, but it will only become a powerful voice in the community once it has broad-based readership. Readership increases daily, but we need your help.

Please take a moment today to forward this post to other interested Aurorans inviting them to check out the site. It's quick and easy when you use the envelop icon immediately below. Plus you can include a personal message of your own.

Rogers versus ACI

Since Rogers took over ACI, there have been a few changes -- probably most noticeable were the cancellations of 3 local shows; sports, Council in Action with Betty Pederson and an interview show with Dick Illingworth.

What other changes have you see? What others do you expect?

Let us know how you feel about one of the last hold-outs as a privately held cable company being purchased by Rogers.

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Update: Where have all the town staff gone?

Since our original post last week on this subject, we have received a number of comments. Obviously it is an area of concern to many Aurorans so we thought we would update everyone on some of these comments.

It seems we were incomplete in our list of town staff who have left under this new Council. In addition to the 5 Directors, we have also lost the Mayor's administrative assistant, Cookie Ellis -- who was subsequently replaced by both a Mayor's administrative assistant and a new position this term of an assistant for our part-time Council. What she does for 5 days each week when Councillors are at their full-time jobs is beyond my scope of understanding.

Possibly even more troubling is that we have already lost 2 of the replacements. It seems both our interim Solicitor Robert Cambridge and the Acting Director of Public Works Dave Atkins have already left.

One must wonder who will be next through the revolving door of town hall staff. One of our commenter's stated that there is already a move afoot to jettison another Director.

To quote Dick Illingworth "Bouquet to the Councillor who will request a report outlining the termination, recruitment, training costs associated with all these departures."

To see all comments from the original post click here.

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Traffic & Safety Issues in Aurora

As the children head back to school this week, it is always a good idea to be reminded to be extra watchful. Summer traffic patterns will change, school buses are around and the overall volume of traffic increases when everyone returns from summer vacations.

Like many communities, one of the downsides of growth are that traffic issues will also continue to increase. Some of the issues already identified include;

• the congestion at Yonge & Wellington,
• the speed trap across St. John's Sideroad at Mackenzie Marsh where it drops to 50 kms for no reason
• traffic calming measures in the north east corner of Yonge & Wellington
• stop signs at virtually every corner
• lack of parking in the downtown core

So be sure to keep a sharp eye out for the little ones and let us know your thoughts on these and other traffic & safety issues in town.

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Community Corner: Less is more

Please don't get me wrong, I have lived in Aurora since 1990 and I love this 'just right' town. My comment is about The Auroran itself.

I used to read all the letters to the editor when it was first published. Slowly, since then, I began to realize each letter getting longer and longer and extensively drawn out. Lately, I see a letter or 2 taking up almost 80% of a page re:a subject that can be well dealt with in just about 200 words. Needless to say, I lose interest in reading them and just stick to the few briefly written ones.

I have seen bigger newspapers requiring that letters to the editor are written in less than so many words.

Community Corner: Support Local Business

Buy gas in Aurora
A reader writes, since gas stations do not compete on gas prices, most drivers buy gas either by the brand of their choice or by convenience of locations. I think all Aurora residents should make the extra efforts to purchase gas from stations located within Aurora. This will help keep local business strong and generate tax revenues towards our community.

Community Corner Now Open

You will notice that there are a couple new posts that reflect questions or comments received from readers.

We will publish these under the heading Community Corner -- so if you have something to say, or a question you always wanted to ask, leave a comment or send an email to communitycorner@auroracitizen.ca

We'll publish your questions or comments.

Community Corner: New Second Cup Opens

A reader sent along the following comment about the new Second Cup. Share your thoughts.

We have lived in Aurora for almost 2 years and love it here. My husband and I just visited the new 'Second Cup' coffee shop at the Aurora Centre. The coffee, dessert, and staff were great. Although, the music was too loud for us.

Community Corner: Will anyone bag your groceries?

A reader asked the following question. Does anyone have an answer?

Can someone tell me why the Superstore in Aurora has changed?? We have been shopping there (and Loblaws before that) for a long time now, but in the past couple of months? whenever we have gone shopping we have to 'bag our own' groceries.

We might as well go to Price Chopper or No Frills if this the case, and the prices are cheaper. My husband did write to the head office, but got no response. I asked the cashier and she said that soon every store will be getting rid of plastic bags (good for the environment), which didn't answer my question - because I already use my reusuable shopping bags. I just want someone to bag them for me.

Who knows??

Conflict ... what conflict?

There has been considerable discussion in the paper and on the street about the perceived conflict of interest of Council appointing a prominent member of the mayors campaign team to a paid position in the town without any opportunity for a member of the public to apply for the job.

While that is certainly a concern -- the perception of patronage -- it is not by definition a clear conflict of interest.

The clear conflict of interest is a member of a committee proposing a position that they were subsequently hired to fill -- as Mr Whitehurst did. Mr Whitehurst was and is a sitting member of the committee that created the job he has now been appointed too. Resigning does not change the fact that he was involved in making the decision.

The definition of a conflict on interest is when you may benefit financially from a decision.

That is exactly why members of council declare a conflict when a topic is being discussed that may have, or be seen to have, a positive or negative financial impact on them. By declaring a conflict they remove themselves from the accusation of the financial impact influencing their decision.

There is no doubt that Mr Whitehurst is in a conflict of interest. If he wasn't aware of this, then the mayor and Council certainly is and should have avoided the appointment.

For the Council to try and shift the blame to staff for this inappropriate decision is nothing less than a complete abdication of their responsibilities. Council knows they direct staff, not the other way around.

It's time for this Council to step up and show some leadership -- and stop looking for ways to avoid making hard decisions and shift responsibility to others for their poor performance.

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Where have all the Town Staff gone?

Senior staff at the Town Hall are leaving at an alarming rate. Since our new Council started, under the much vaunted open and transparent leadership style of Mayor Phyllis Morris, we have lost our Director of Planning, Director of Legal Services, Director of Public Works, Director of Corporate Service (leaving this year), and now the CAO. That's 5 of the 8 person Management Team.

The years of experience lost are significant and the costs associated with recruitment, re-training and lost opportunities without these people in place is immeasurable. The termination costs will also be considerable given the CAO had over 3 years left in his contract.

Of equal concern is the abrupt manner of the recent departure of the CAO, a well-respected member of the municipal community who the previous Council hired for a 6 year contract to provide consistent leadership for the town. It has been reported he was "escorted" from the building.

What may be more telling is that two councillors were unable to participate in the decision as one was recuperating from surgery and one was on vacation. Given that Council was informed in advance that the two councillors would not be present, why did Council go forward so abruptly with a decision with such far-reaching implications without a full Council present?

Why the urgency? Why not wait until all of Council could be present and a "special meeting" be called. The mayor has called 4 "emergency" closed session meetings this summer so far, what difference would one more make? The implication is clear -- a swift decision was made and executed.

The impact on staff morale should also be of great concern. One has to wonder if this is a purge or is there some staff-wide malaise that has caused all these departures.

At this point, the only members of the Senior Management team from last term still standing are Al Downey, Director of Leisure Services and John Gutteridge, Director of Finance/Treasurer. I guess we will just have to await their fate.

Maybe I’m the only one concerned about the state of affairs at town hall, let me know.

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For the love of Aurora

My family has lived in Aurora for many years. We love it here. Whenever we talk to friends who don't live here, we are reminded how lucky we are to live in a small(ish) community but still close enough to visit the "big city" whenever we need something we can't get right here in Aurora. But really, who needs to go to Toronto very often. Just about everything you need is right here.

However, with busy schedules, we often don't have the time to keep up with what's happening in town. So to augment our local papers, I have decided to create an online community where folks who have news and views about the community can gather.

Hopefully you will find it time well spent and add your voice to the conversation.