Guest Post: Preparation for the next Election

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.

The election will be in mid-November 2010. Generally a campaign ends after an election. With Phylis Morris the campaign never ends. Last time out a Morris slate was touted. Group alliances formed to make sure the slate were elected. Though they did not state that as their purpose. It was not entirely successful but no doubt the strategy will be repeated next time out.

There is nothing illicit about the process. But it is a new facet in municipal politics and people should be aware from whence the persuasion emanates and that the consequences of electing a majority behind a Mayoralty candidate does not result in a Council of nine self-sufficient and independent thinkers. It puts all power in the hands of one.

Citizen readers should have a discussion about what they expect from their elected representatives.

What are the responsibilities? Should candidates be expected to be "qualified" from the outset? Or should they be briefed at the beginning and given further opportunity to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to form good judgements?

What are the merits of paying a Councillor? How much time is part-time?

What are the advantages of a ward system and the disadvantages? What is the average physical size of a ward? What is the average population of a ward? Does a ward system cost more or is it more effective in those municipalities where they exist. The question of wards only comes up during an election campaign. Would it not be better talked about calmly and deliberately and outside the heat and dare I say it, the inevitable distortions of a campaign?

Should property-owners fund the cost of campaigns? The Mayor has introduced the issue of banning campaigning contributions from unions and corporations. Is that an issue in Aurora? A Professor invited by the Mayor to Council argues candidate self-financing should be banned also. What is an acceptable method of financing a campaign?

Campaign rhetoric is not always conducive to understanding fundamental issues. This Blog would be an excellent way for people to express and listen to alternate viewpoints. Perhaps come to a common understanding and from there arrive at a variety of well- informed opinions.

Now is as good a time as any, I'd say.

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Council Expenses: What are we getting in return?

It was good to see that Council is not using their full expense allowance -- in fact they have voted to reduce the allowance for the coming budget year.

However, it was interesting to note that the bulk of the expenses submitted were for attending conferences. One must wonder what value the town receives from having Councillors attend these events. It has been a trend that seems to have come into vogue this term. An examination of past terms would indicate that generally Councillors did not attend these events -- yet in 2008, in addition to the Mayor, Councillors McRoberts, Granger, Wilson, Gallo all attended. Why?

And why are Councillors McRoberts and Gallo attending in 2009? Why can't the Mayor attend on behalf of Council and report back any new learning that is appropriate?

Private sector business is cancelling travel, meetings and conferences, yet our politicians are still attending. It would be interesting to know what value was received by the town for these expenses. Or is this a perk of office for their own personal development? What do you think?

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Community Corner: Yonge & Wellington Price Chopper

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 am concerned that the former Price Chopper location at Yonge and Wellington has been sitting derelict for many months. This does not make a good impression for the centre of our town. As long as I have lived in Aurora (for twenty years) this location has been a grocery store. What is going to happen to this building and location?

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The Responsibility of User Groups

A couple recent issues caught our attention. One had to deal with the Soccer Dome and the second with the pool complex at the new rec centre. In both cases, the user groups had petitioned for facilities and committed to financially support the operation , either through fund raising or operating expenses. However, it appears that taxpayers are being left to foot the bill now that the structures are built.

For example, the fund raising commitments by pool users were not even close to achieved -- and the user groups have indicated they aren't doing anything further. What scarce dollars they did raise were mainly because of selling room sponsorship. Not really fundraising.

In the case of the soccer dome, the town is not fully utilizing their allocated summer time to run programs to generate revenue, but are still paying the costs -- while the private owners are using town time without contributing to the costs.

It is very important for communities to provide facilities, but why do we provide high-end facilities based on user group commitments, when the user groups don't fulfil their obligations.

What responsibility do users groups have to fulfil their commitments -- and what should the town do when they don't?

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2009 Budget Priorities

Everyone is tightening their belts. Luxuries are being cut back. Essential services re-considered. Each of us is re-evaluating what we can cut with the least impact on our families and our lifestyle.

The Town of Aurora should be no different. As Councillors review the budget, they should be evaluating where dollars can be saved, cut and re-allocated to provide the highest level of valued service to the community.

And this where the issues arise. What services are valued above others. Each of us have differing viewpoints, but what should drive the decision-making process.

• Services that impact the most residents.
• Impact the most vulnerable.
• Those that scream the loudest.
• Most recently appeared in front of Council.
• Represent the largest voting block.

As Council deliberates the cuts, they should be actively seeking public input. After all, it is our money they are spending.

Call the Mayor and Councillors. Let them know what you think.

Make suggestions here for discussion. Let us know what you think.

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Street Lights on Wellington

Driving along Wellington from the 404, check out the street lamps. Initially all the street lamps were a "heritage" design. These were probably chosen because this stretch is referred to as the gateway to Aurora and they added to the overall look of this gateway.

However, now dotted through these "heritage" models are the modern version -- so as one travels into Aurora they are treated to 2 different types of light standards.

What happened? This is probably a Regional road, but is there not some agreed design standard between the Town and the Region that provides for a consistent look? What is Council's role to ensure that design standards are met?

Frankly, it looks awful. Not consistent with the "hip, upscale and well-educated" community Council promotes.

Next time you are driving through -- check it out. Let your local Councillor or Mayor know if you agree.

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