Posts
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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Sunday, September 28, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
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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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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Monday, September 22, 2008
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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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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Sunday, September 21, 2008
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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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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Saturday, September 20, 2008
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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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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Wednesday, September 17, 2008
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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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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Tuesday, September 16, 2008
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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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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Monday, September 15, 2008
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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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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Sunday, September 14, 2008
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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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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Wednesday, September 10, 2008
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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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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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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Monday, September 8, 2008
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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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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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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Sunday, September 7, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, September 5, 2008
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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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.
Use the envelope and pencil icons immediately below to comment or forward this post to friends.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
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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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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