Posts
In her weekly column in The Auroran, Mayor Morris states, "A positive Town image helps us to protect and enhance the financial investment we each made in our homes and businesses. A positive image also helps keep us competitive."
She may consider it great that the New York Times thinks we are "hip, upscale and well-educated". But what do they actually know know about Aurora (maybe they are confusing us with Aurora Illinois, or Aurora Colorado) and what was their criteria for this conclusion. More importantly, these writers don't live, work or vote in Aurora, so how informed is their opinion.
She should be more concerned about how the community and local businesses views itself. 680 NEWS has reported at least a couple times this term about how dysfunctional the Council is.
Having a positive image is great, as long as it is for the right things. Characteristics such as well-run, fiscally responsible, open and transparent, community driven. When we can all agree that these are happening in Aurora, maybe folks closer to home will have a positive image.
It is great to see public consultation is underway. Let's hope there is poltical will to listen and act accordingly.
Use the envelope and pencil icons immediately below to forward this post to friends or leave a comment.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Frustrated, Aurora Annie talks politics
Dick Illingworth has long been a student of politics in this community. He has served and contributed to this community longer than many have lived here. He has recently been away from his regular role because of illness, but we are so glad to see him back. Agree or disagree, Dick is passionate about this town.
Following is a column by Dick Illingworth reprinted in its entirety from the Auroran. As always, Dick raises a number of issues worthy of discussion. We thought readers may wish to comment.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Where have you been my Dickie-Boy, my Dickie-Boy, where have you been, my Dickie-Boy?" Aurora Annie sang as I approached her hidden burrow beside the Community Arboretum pathway, just west of the Town Hall.
"I was waiting to give you my traditional annual report on Groundhog Day about affairs in Aurora and the region but understand you were taking a rest at the Southlake Regional Health Centre Resort."
"Okay, Annie, let's have it, what have you heard from the closed sessions of Aurora Council and what's the latest from the region," I asked. "I'd love to tell you what I heard.
Councillors say and do behind those closed doors as I have in the past but I can't as those celebrity groundhogs Wiarton Willie and Punxsutawaney Phil forced through a Code of Conduct for the members of the Groundhog Day Association, but my women's intuition tells me we're in trouble.
"During this term of office a valued member of council, Grace Marsh, resigned, which is very unusual for an elected member of council.
“Then all department heads except the Director of Leisure Services resigned or retired and worst of all, the Chief Administrative Officer was dismissed for unknown reasons.
"John Rogers was an excellent choice for the CAO as he was a lawyer by profession, served as Mayor of Georgina and CAO of East Gwillimbury before coming to Aurora. He was also active in many community organizations and agencies," Annie continued. "Then there was the disbandment of the Special Events Committee under questionable circumstances which have never been made known and this was the council that promised open and transparent government.
"This council has held more in-camera meetings than possibly any council in the history of the municipality and very few issues discussed or decisions made are ratified in open session or, if so, with no details.
"Before that the Yonge Street Sub-Committee which introduced the Farmer's Market was also disbanded with no reasons given," Annie said. "Citizens should be up in arms as delegations at council meetings or asking questions at Open Forum and demanding answers. Where are the active ratepayer groups of the old days or have citizens just given up in disgust?” Annie asked.
"You get the government you deserve by the way you vote, but this is getting ridiculous!" she shouted in anger.
"Another thing that makes me mad is the members of regional council don't seem to care what happens to taxpayers' money. Just recently at a Transportation and Works Committee meeting when additional funds of approximately 30 per cent were requested for projects running above budget and this is a common occurrence,” Annie said. "It would seem that some of the new commissioners are having problems keeping projects on budget. I think I mentioned it to you before about the number of senior regional staff who have left the region to seek other employment with two coming to Aurora with no questions asked by the sheep-like regional councillors.
"At a time when the country and local municipalities, including the region, are in turbulent economic times and require belt tightening, the region was considering a $1 billion capital budget. Don't council members think of the taxpayer once in a while?" Annie asked.
Before I had a chance to comment, Annie pointed out that over the years it was said that in order to attract better politicians at all levels of government, it was necessary to pay a decent salary.
“The public is now paying a decent level of salary, but the majority of politicians are just feeding at the public trough,” she argued.
"The public deserves better behaviour from its politicians," she said, "and to steal your old tag line, ‘That's the way I see it, I'm Aurora Annie.’”
Use the envelope and pencil icons immediately below to forward this post to friends or leave a comment.
Following is a column by Dick Illingworth reprinted in its entirety from the Auroran. As always, Dick raises a number of issues worthy of discussion. We thought readers may wish to comment.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Where have you been my Dickie-Boy, my Dickie-Boy, where have you been, my Dickie-Boy?" Aurora Annie sang as I approached her hidden burrow beside the Community Arboretum pathway, just west of the Town Hall.
"I was waiting to give you my traditional annual report on Groundhog Day about affairs in Aurora and the region but understand you were taking a rest at the Southlake Regional Health Centre Resort."
"Okay, Annie, let's have it, what have you heard from the closed sessions of Aurora Council and what's the latest from the region," I asked. "I'd love to tell you what I heard.
Councillors say and do behind those closed doors as I have in the past but I can't as those celebrity groundhogs Wiarton Willie and Punxsutawaney Phil forced through a Code of Conduct for the members of the Groundhog Day Association, but my women's intuition tells me we're in trouble.
"During this term of office a valued member of council, Grace Marsh, resigned, which is very unusual for an elected member of council.
“Then all department heads except the Director of Leisure Services resigned or retired and worst of all, the Chief Administrative Officer was dismissed for unknown reasons.
"John Rogers was an excellent choice for the CAO as he was a lawyer by profession, served as Mayor of Georgina and CAO of East Gwillimbury before coming to Aurora. He was also active in many community organizations and agencies," Annie continued. "Then there was the disbandment of the Special Events Committee under questionable circumstances which have never been made known and this was the council that promised open and transparent government.
"This council has held more in-camera meetings than possibly any council in the history of the municipality and very few issues discussed or decisions made are ratified in open session or, if so, with no details.
"Before that the Yonge Street Sub-Committee which introduced the Farmer's Market was also disbanded with no reasons given," Annie said. "Citizens should be up in arms as delegations at council meetings or asking questions at Open Forum and demanding answers. Where are the active ratepayer groups of the old days or have citizens just given up in disgust?” Annie asked.
"You get the government you deserve by the way you vote, but this is getting ridiculous!" she shouted in anger.
"Another thing that makes me mad is the members of regional council don't seem to care what happens to taxpayers' money. Just recently at a Transportation and Works Committee meeting when additional funds of approximately 30 per cent were requested for projects running above budget and this is a common occurrence,” Annie said. "It would seem that some of the new commissioners are having problems keeping projects on budget. I think I mentioned it to you before about the number of senior regional staff who have left the region to seek other employment with two coming to Aurora with no questions asked by the sheep-like regional councillors.
"At a time when the country and local municipalities, including the region, are in turbulent economic times and require belt tightening, the region was considering a $1 billion capital budget. Don't council members think of the taxpayer once in a while?" Annie asked.
Before I had a chance to comment, Annie pointed out that over the years it was said that in order to attract better politicians at all levels of government, it was necessary to pay a decent salary.
“The public is now paying a decent level of salary, but the majority of politicians are just feeding at the public trough,” she argued.
"The public deserves better behaviour from its politicians," she said, "and to steal your old tag line, ‘That's the way I see it, I'm Aurora Annie.’”
Use the envelope and pencil icons immediately below to forward this post to friends or leave a comment.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Yonge & Wellington
This poor intersection has been the subject of much debate on how to relieve the congestion. Do you think it is congested? Should parking be removed close to the intersection (south of Wellington, east of Yonge)? Should the stop light patterns be changed? Should we test the diagonal cross walks being tested in Toronto? What suggestions do you have?
Are You Disappointed?
Well, we are too.
To date, we have posted virtually every comment (we have only declined 3 or 4 so far) because we had hoped that this blog could be a civil means of dialogue between citizens in our community. Clearly it is not.
Unfortunately, allowing all posts has led to people focusing on disparaging comments about other posters whose opinions they didn't agree with versus adding opinions and facts to the discussion. There has been a consistent theme of attaching other people's opinions as opposed to issues -- particularly from people unwilling to post their own names.
The recent list of posts in the post Open Invitation to Mayor Morris illustrates the point with crystal clarity. Most of the comments no longer even address the initial post. But it does say volumes about the different approaches to political commentary in our community.
The experiment failed. Going forward the moderators will no longer publish comments that do not speak to the initial subject. We will no longer publish posts that simply ridicule a previous post without any facts to support their position.
For all those anonymous posters who will immediately cry censorship -- do so looking in the mirror, because your insults and complaints will no longer be published.
If you have a comment about the subject, feel free to speak anonymously. Add facts or personal opinions about the issue to the discussion. Going forward this is the new criteria for posting.
Simply put, if you add facts the posts will be posted. Test us -- you will see all differing and opposing opinions get posted. You might be pleasantly surprised.
Use the envelope and pencil icons immediately below to forward this post to friends or leave a comment.
To date, we have posted virtually every comment (we have only declined 3 or 4 so far) because we had hoped that this blog could be a civil means of dialogue between citizens in our community. Clearly it is not.
Unfortunately, allowing all posts has led to people focusing on disparaging comments about other posters whose opinions they didn't agree with versus adding opinions and facts to the discussion. There has been a consistent theme of attaching other people's opinions as opposed to issues -- particularly from people unwilling to post their own names.
The recent list of posts in the post Open Invitation to Mayor Morris illustrates the point with crystal clarity. Most of the comments no longer even address the initial post. But it does say volumes about the different approaches to political commentary in our community.
The experiment failed. Going forward the moderators will no longer publish comments that do not speak to the initial subject. We will no longer publish posts that simply ridicule a previous post without any facts to support their position.
For all those anonymous posters who will immediately cry censorship -- do so looking in the mirror, because your insults and complaints will no longer be published.
If you have a comment about the subject, feel free to speak anonymously. Add facts or personal opinions about the issue to the discussion. Going forward this is the new criteria for posting.
Simply put, if you add facts the posts will be posted. Test us -- you will see all differing and opposing opinions get posted. You might be pleasantly surprised.
Use the envelope and pencil icons immediately below to forward this post to friends or leave a comment.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Removal of 2 Comments
Recently 2 comments were deleted from the site after they had been posted. People have inquired why. Here is our explanation for those who are concerned.
The 2 comments were initially posted by the moderator because we post all messages unless the language is deemed to be particularly vitriolic. We have only rejected 3 messages of this type thus far -- so we are trying to be as liberal as possible. This has been the only criteria we have used to date to prevent accusations of stifling conversation or trying to create our own particular bias or spin. People have been free to express their opinion regardless of whether we agree with their opinion.
However, these 2 comments introduced a new twist.
Feel free to express your own opinions, but please do not express an opinion dressed as someone else.
If you want to quote someone in this blog , please follow protocol and reference the comments by post and date (as everyone to this point has done).
If you are referencing another online source (i.e. a newspaper, Council Minutes, etc), please include the link so people can easily review the comment in context.
We trust no one is unduly offended by these simple rules of conduct.
Use the envelope and pencil icons immediately below to forward this post to friends or leave a comment.
The 2 comments were initially posted by the moderator because we post all messages unless the language is deemed to be particularly vitriolic. We have only rejected 3 messages of this type thus far -- so we are trying to be as liberal as possible. This has been the only criteria we have used to date to prevent accusations of stifling conversation or trying to create our own particular bias or spin. People have been free to express their opinion regardless of whether we agree with their opinion.
However, these 2 comments introduced a new twist.
- Person A (Anonymous) posted these 2 comments trying to masquerade as person B. In fact, we initially thought they were submitted by person B.
- They were identical word for word in 2 separate locations.
- They indicated that the person B had made specific statements. However, contrary to online popular reference techniques, they did not link to where those statements were made. It is not our job to try and figure out whether another person is being quoted correctly.
- There was no additional commentary on the statements. This was why they were initially thought to be posted by person B.
- Person B indicated they had not submitted the posts.
Feel free to express your own opinions, but please do not express an opinion dressed as someone else.
If you want to quote someone in this blog , please follow protocol and reference the comments by post and date (as everyone to this point has done).
If you are referencing another online source (i.e. a newspaper, Council Minutes, etc), please include the link so people can easily review the comment in context.
We trust no one is unduly offended by these simple rules of conduct.
Use the envelope and pencil icons immediately below to forward this post to friends or leave a comment.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Happy Valentines Day
Since today is Valentines Day, take a moment to thank an elected politician for their commitment.
Regardless of whether we agree or disagree, being a politician is a thankless job. The hours are long and the pay stinks. They are constantly being second guessed and complained about and rarely receive credit for the long hours they devote to the job.
So today, let's remember that we live in a great Country that gives us the privilege to agree or disagree and remember the folks elected to serve are people too.
So if you see a politician today -- give them a hug and say thanks!
Use the envelope and pencil icons immediately below to forward this post to friends or leave a comment.
Regardless of whether we agree or disagree, being a politician is a thankless job. The hours are long and the pay stinks. They are constantly being second guessed and complained about and rarely receive credit for the long hours they devote to the job.
So today, let's remember that we live in a great Country that gives us the privilege to agree or disagree and remember the folks elected to serve are people too.
So if you see a politician today -- give them a hug and say thanks!
Use the envelope and pencil icons immediately below to forward this post to friends or leave a comment.
Should Aurora Buy Canadian?
Interesting letter to the editor in the Feb 12 issue of The Banner. A reader writes they spotted a Mercedes-Benz Smart car which had been leased for Town employee use. Their point was that the vehicle should have been Canadian built.
Although we have never seen the vehicle in question (so we will have to take their word for it) the comment raises a philosophical discussion.
Should Aurora (or Canadians) as a matter of course buy Canadian or should Aurora purchase the best value regardless of country of origin?
There are opposing opinions being discussed in the media, but what do you think. Even if the Feds don't legislate it as a condition of a rescue package, should Aurora purchase Canadian?
Use the envelope and pencil icons immediately below to forward this post to friends or leave a comment.
Although we have never seen the vehicle in question (so we will have to take their word for it) the comment raises a philosophical discussion.
Should Aurora (or Canadians) as a matter of course buy Canadian or should Aurora purchase the best value regardless of country of origin?
There are opposing opinions being discussed in the media, but what do you think. Even if the Feds don't legislate it as a condition of a rescue package, should Aurora purchase Canadian?
Use the envelope and pencil icons immediately below to forward this post to friends or leave a comment.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Is anyone else concerned about how long it is taking to get budgets approved?
It is already mid February and still no budget approval. What additional information does Council have today that they didn't have 2 months ago, or 4 months ago? This process should have been started in October, not in January.
Previous Councils have managed to approved budgets early in the year when their decisions could impact the spending for the year. What is keeping this Council from doing the same? Is this a symptom of the significant staff turnover?
It's hard to find savings when the budget is being spent before the decisions are made and new decisions are too late to impact existing commitments. Alternatively, new projects are not started or optimal pricing is not secured because we are late tendering projects. In tendering, the early projects get the most competitive bids. The later you wait, the less aggressive the tenders are.
Could you imagine doing your personal budgeting after the expenditures have been made? Those who do, usually end up in credit card debt. Hopefully Aurora is not travelling down the same path.
Use the envelope and pencil icons immediately below to forward this post to friends or leave a comment.
Previous Councils have managed to approved budgets early in the year when their decisions could impact the spending for the year. What is keeping this Council from doing the same? Is this a symptom of the significant staff turnover?
It's hard to find savings when the budget is being spent before the decisions are made and new decisions are too late to impact existing commitments. Alternatively, new projects are not started or optimal pricing is not secured because we are late tendering projects. In tendering, the early projects get the most competitive bids. The later you wait, the less aggressive the tenders are.
Could you imagine doing your personal budgeting after the expenditures have been made? Those who do, usually end up in credit card debt. Hopefully Aurora is not travelling down the same path.
Use the envelope and pencil icons immediately below to forward this post to friends or leave a comment.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Arts & Culture
One of our readers asked about the Arts and Culture scene here in Aurora and suggested it as a great topic. Thanks for the suggestion.
What's going on at Theatre Aurora this winter? Has anyone been to the Dinner Theatre at the HoJo? Does anyone care to share any news or reviews?
What arts and culture events or groups are active? Let us know what is going on and what is a don't miss event.
Use the envelope and pencil icons immediately below to forward this post to friends or leave a comment.
What's going on at Theatre Aurora this winter? Has anyone been to the Dinner Theatre at the HoJo? Does anyone care to share any news or reviews?
What arts and culture events or groups are active? Let us know what is going on and what is a don't miss event.
Use the envelope and pencil icons immediately below to forward this post to friends or leave a comment.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Should property taxes be used to fund our hospitals' growing needs?
A recent article in the local paper reported on the issue of funding hospitals from municipal property tax bills. The article reports that most members of Regional Council spoke in favour, with Councillors John Taylor and Brenda Hogg against.
Our own Mayor Phyllis Morris said she wanted her council to have a say, but doing nothing was not an answer.
So what is the answer? We look forward to your comments as well as a specific answer from the Mayor and Council.
Be sure to visit the site and vote on our poll.
Use the envelope and pencil icons immediately below to forward this post to friends or leave a comment.
Our own Mayor Phyllis Morris said she wanted her council to have a say, but doing nothing was not an answer.
So what is the answer? We look forward to your comments as well as a specific answer from the Mayor and Council.
Be sure to visit the site and vote on our poll.
Use the envelope and pencil icons immediately below to forward this post to friends or leave a comment.
Open Invitation to Mayor Morris
Much has been said about the activities and behaviour of the current Council under your leadership this term -- some positive and some negative. Now that you have started to write a column in the Auroran, it would appear you are trying to communicate more regularly with the citizens of Aurora. We wanted to offer you the opportunity to engage in a true 2-way dialogue and interact directly with your constituents.
You can do this either by sending comments to be posted to the site or we can set you up as a guest author so you could post on any topics you feel are important at anytime.
In every case your comments would be posted without editing or censorship -- so you will also be assured that your comments are expressed exactly as you desire.
We think the citizens deserve access to their government if it is to be truly open and transparent. One of the things we learned from the campaign of President Obama is the importance of the online channel in communicating with people. We are offering you this vehicle as a means to facilitate this open communication.
Will you accept our invitation?
Use the envelope and pencil icons immediately below to forward this post to friends or leave a comment.
You can do this either by sending comments to be posted to the site or we can set you up as a guest author so you could post on any topics you feel are important at anytime.
In every case your comments would be posted without editing or censorship -- so you will also be assured that your comments are expressed exactly as you desire.
We think the citizens deserve access to their government if it is to be truly open and transparent. One of the things we learned from the campaign of President Obama is the importance of the online channel in communicating with people. We are offering you this vehicle as a means to facilitate this open communication.
Will you accept our invitation?
Use the envelope and pencil icons immediately below to forward this post to friends or leave a comment.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)