Politics has always had its share of rule benders and dirty tricksters particularly at election time.
In the past the worst of such adolescent behaviour has been wrought on opponents’ election signs.
As the internet becomes more and more a campaign tool, some new tricks are being devised.
E-Tomfoolery in Vaughan
Peter Meffe, incumbent Ward One Councillor in Vaughan, has a challenger in Mary Ruffolo.
Councillor Meffe was first elected to City Council in 1988 and is now serving his fourth term.
According to her website, Ruffolo, the challenger, has spent the past eight years in municipal government working within the Planning & Development Department in Vaughan.
It is her website that is at issue here because, if you had gone to it earlier this month, you would have been redirected to Meffe's site. Ruffolo was miffed.
Figure This One Out
Rocco Panacci, a resident of Richmond Hill set up a website for both Meffe (with his permission) and for Ruffolo (without her permission.)
Panacci, apparently a paid campaign worker for Meffe, recently told the Toronto Star that he is managing Meffe's website and had agreed to set up the site that used Ruffolo's name.
While Panacci told the Star he had done nothing illegal and denied anyone had asked him to set up Ruffolo's - I mean Meffe's website - the site was quickly taken down after the story.
Looks like an interesting election in Vaughan. We'll keep our eye on Meffe as an early front runner for Local Politician of The Year.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Canadian Sport Celebrities in Charge
Last year many were caught by surprise when a rumour circulated that
Michael Clemons was considering a run at the Toronto mayor's seat.
Not us.
Michael (41), aka Pinball, a graduate of Georgia’s William and Mary University, CFL star for twelve years, is head coach of the Toronto Argonauts these days.
Is he mayoral material? We could do worse. In fact, we may be seeing a trend. Picture our athletes running our politics.
Imagine This
Waiting too long in Emerg? Dispatch George Chuvalo to expedite things.
Violent Crime is rampant. Let’s get former Vancouver Canuck Todd Bertuzzi to sort this out.
Photo radar works, but public support, especially the fast driving male public, is thin. How about asking Champ Car racer Paul Tracy, the “Thrill from West Hill,” to lead an awareness raising campaign on the dangers of aggressive driving?
Premier McGuinty can start delivering on his promises by naming Eddie Shack as the Minister of Education so as to seriously address our high drop out rate.
And the feds should call back Old #99 from Phoenix to resolve the softwood lumber dispute with the Yanks. Go Wayne go.
Patronage appointments can be controversial. But who’d argue with Don Cherry as Ambassador to Sweden; former NHL Players’ Association leader Alan Eagleson as Ethics Commissioner; or ex-Jays pitching ace Roger Clemens as our next Lieutenant Governor.
Our politicians have failed to deliver a January holiday. Let’s celebrate Canadian teamwork, dedication and selfishness by honouring Raptor great Vince Carter on his birthday (January 26).
Yes, our politics would look a lot different with Canadian sport celebrities in charge.
Michael Clemons was considering a run at the Toronto mayor's seat.
Not us.
Michael (41), aka Pinball, a graduate of Georgia’s William and Mary University, CFL star for twelve years, is head coach of the Toronto Argonauts these days.
Is he mayoral material? We could do worse. In fact, we may be seeing a trend. Picture our athletes running our politics.
Imagine This
Waiting too long in Emerg? Dispatch George Chuvalo to expedite things.
Violent Crime is rampant. Let’s get former Vancouver Canuck Todd Bertuzzi to sort this out.
Photo radar works, but public support, especially the fast driving male public, is thin. How about asking Champ Car racer Paul Tracy, the “Thrill from West Hill,” to lead an awareness raising campaign on the dangers of aggressive driving?
Premier McGuinty can start delivering on his promises by naming Eddie Shack as the Minister of Education so as to seriously address our high drop out rate.
And the feds should call back Old #99 from Phoenix to resolve the softwood lumber dispute with the Yanks. Go Wayne go.
Patronage appointments can be controversial. But who’d argue with Don Cherry as Ambassador to Sweden; former NHL Players’ Association leader Alan Eagleson as Ethics Commissioner; or ex-Jays pitching ace Roger Clemens as our next Lieutenant Governor.
Our politicians have failed to deliver a January holiday. Let’s celebrate Canadian teamwork, dedication and selfishness by honouring Raptor great Vince Carter on his birthday (January 26).
Yes, our politics would look a lot different with Canadian sport celebrities in charge.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Burlington Election #2
In an earlier posting I took a shot at predicting what this year's election issues might be in my town - Burlington. I'm going to give this some additional thought.
Why?
Back Down to Earth
While I, an interim councillor, am not running this year and thus not obligated to knock on doors, I'm remain keenly interested in what others are hearing on the hustings.
So when a veteran Council colleague reported to me that he had started canvassing this week I was all ears.
Of 150 homes visited by the Councillor only three (3) residents were aware that a municipal election was taking place this fall.
On reflection I conclude that:
1. It is early days and interest will pick up.
2. The concept that municipal government, of all levels of government, is the most popular and closest to the people may need some rethinking.
3. The Councillor had stumbled on to a problem identified earlier this summer - too many deceased individuals on the voter's list.
But seriously, for those who live and breathe municipal politics it is always worth remembering this: A majority of our constituents have lives far removed from our Silly Halls.
Why?
Back Down to Earth
While I, an interim councillor, am not running this year and thus not obligated to knock on doors, I'm remain keenly interested in what others are hearing on the hustings.
So when a veteran Council colleague reported to me that he had started canvassing this week I was all ears.
Of 150 homes visited by the Councillor only three (3) residents were aware that a municipal election was taking place this fall.
On reflection I conclude that:
1. It is early days and interest will pick up.
2. The concept that municipal government, of all levels of government, is the most popular and closest to the people may need some rethinking.
3. The Councillor had stumbled on to a problem identified earlier this summer - too many deceased individuals on the voter's list.
But seriously, for those who live and breathe municipal politics it is always worth remembering this: A majority of our constituents have lives far removed from our Silly Halls.
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Nominations Call - Local Politician of the Year
Local Pols deserve recognition, right?
Take Paul Ainslie, Councillor for Ward 41 in Toronto.
Ainslie, appointed to this post in February, has registered to run in Ward 43 in this November's election.
This has surprised some observers who mistakenly thought that, prior to the appointment, Ainslie had promised not to run this fall.
No, says Ainslie, I just committed to not running in Ward 41.
"There are two things that are important in politics: your reputation and your friends," Ainslie apparently said earlier this year. "If you go back on either, you are cooked."
Indeed.
In March 2006 your reporter made a similar promise. Don't worry, there is no Ward 43 in Burlington.
We'll have more nominations later. Any ideas?
Take Paul Ainslie, Councillor for Ward 41 in Toronto.
Ainslie, appointed to this post in February, has registered to run in Ward 43 in this November's election.
This has surprised some observers who mistakenly thought that, prior to the appointment, Ainslie had promised not to run this fall.
No, says Ainslie, I just committed to not running in Ward 41.
"There are two things that are important in politics: your reputation and your friends," Ainslie apparently said earlier this year. "If you go back on either, you are cooked."
Indeed.
In March 2006 your reporter made a similar promise. Don't worry, there is no Ward 43 in Burlington.
We'll have more nominations later. Any ideas?
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Food for Thought
John Sewell is running for Council in the City of Toronto. Sewell, author, columnist and former Toronto mayor, believes - I mean he really believes - in local government. Hi s book “A New City Agenda (Zephyr Press - 2004) is instructive in framing the issues facing municipalities and is worth a look as we approach local elections on November 13th.
The problem: The provincial and federal governments have the power and the money but can’t deliver the goods.
Sewell argues, our city governments “excite significant expectation” but don’t have the authority or resources to meet them. For most of us significant expectations are reserved for Roll-up-the-Rim-Days, not public policy ideas. Nonetheless Sewell’s, admittedly Torontocentric book, is full of good ideas and insights.
Sewell makes the case for more power at the local level. To the cities he’d transfer control of welfare, childcare and legislative power over roads. He would reallocate “a large chunk” of health dollars so that the “more efficient and less expensive” community health care model becomes “firmly established.“ Drawing on Transitions, an 1988 report which looked at social assistance, Sewell recommends establishing an advisory committee to plan the coordination of delivery of income support programs for women, children and youth.
Ideas
Looking for ideas? John Sewell has many.
Who could argue with municipalities getting financial tools to respond to the needs of immigrants, reducing vehicular traffic or strengthening the oversight function of police boards? Other arguments, like allowing cities to establish rent controls, as Toronto asked the province to do in 1974, will meet with significant opposition.
You can’t talk about local government without looking at the unfair property tax system. Sewell would reform that 19th century relic so that properties are assessed based on the services they consume rather than their presumed market value.
It is noteworthy that only 10% of all tax revenues generated in the country go to cities. Studies show that the difference between the value of taxes collected and the value of services provided results in cities subsidizing senior government. This very large “tax surplus” means Toronto funds the senior levels by about $10 billion a year (or $4,000 per person). Sewell’s solution would be to return that surplus to the cities or, at the very least, give the locals more taxing powers.
That mainstay of local government - planning and development - would also change by freeing the city of provincial control and allowing the local level to create their own review panel. This “downloading” of the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) will certainly pique the interest of those development industry suits who haunt the corridors of local government.
Borrowing from Marshall McLuahan (“Decentralization can’t be done centrally.“) Sewell understands that those with power won‘t willingly give it up. How then would he get new powers for municipalities? Put simply, city huggers must make a “compelling case about solutions they have in mind.” You’ll find the beginning of a case in these pages.
Is Local Government Ready?
It seems though, before embarking on a reform agenda, someone has to make the case that local government is up to the task. Sewell hasn’t done that. To be taken seriously we need more diversity on our councils. Funding needs to be put in place so that potential candidates don’t need huge resources and/or friends in the development business to get elected. If we’re talking about giving more powers to local government we need to find ways to make local politics more accessible and more democratic.
The problem: The provincial and federal governments have the power and the money but can’t deliver the goods.
Sewell argues, our city governments “excite significant expectation” but don’t have the authority or resources to meet them. For most of us significant expectations are reserved for Roll-up-the-Rim-Days, not public policy ideas. Nonetheless Sewell’s, admittedly Torontocentric book, is full of good ideas and insights.
Sewell makes the case for more power at the local level. To the cities he’d transfer control of welfare, childcare and legislative power over roads. He would reallocate “a large chunk” of health dollars so that the “more efficient and less expensive” community health care model becomes “firmly established.“ Drawing on Transitions, an 1988 report which looked at social assistance, Sewell recommends establishing an advisory committee to plan the coordination of delivery of income support programs for women, children and youth.
Ideas
Looking for ideas? John Sewell has many.
Who could argue with municipalities getting financial tools to respond to the needs of immigrants, reducing vehicular traffic or strengthening the oversight function of police boards? Other arguments, like allowing cities to establish rent controls, as Toronto asked the province to do in 1974, will meet with significant opposition.
You can’t talk about local government without looking at the unfair property tax system. Sewell would reform that 19th century relic so that properties are assessed based on the services they consume rather than their presumed market value.
It is noteworthy that only 10% of all tax revenues generated in the country go to cities. Studies show that the difference between the value of taxes collected and the value of services provided results in cities subsidizing senior government. This very large “tax surplus” means Toronto funds the senior levels by about $10 billion a year (or $4,000 per person). Sewell’s solution would be to return that surplus to the cities or, at the very least, give the locals more taxing powers.
That mainstay of local government - planning and development - would also change by freeing the city of provincial control and allowing the local level to create their own review panel. This “downloading” of the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) will certainly pique the interest of those development industry suits who haunt the corridors of local government.
Borrowing from Marshall McLuahan (“Decentralization can’t be done centrally.“) Sewell understands that those with power won‘t willingly give it up. How then would he get new powers for municipalities? Put simply, city huggers must make a “compelling case about solutions they have in mind.” You’ll find the beginning of a case in these pages.
Is Local Government Ready?
It seems though, before embarking on a reform agenda, someone has to make the case that local government is up to the task. Sewell hasn’t done that. To be taken seriously we need more diversity on our councils. Funding needs to be put in place so that potential candidates don’t need huge resources and/or friends in the development business to get elected. If we’re talking about giving more powers to local government we need to find ways to make local politics more accessible and more democratic.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Burlington Election #1
November 13th. Municipal election day.
Burlington’s is guaranteed to be the most interesting race since 1997 when two-term “alderman” Rob MacIsaac defeated colleagues Barry Quinn and Denis Lee and captured the Burlington Mayor’s chair.
Local voters don’t engage unless there is a contest for mayor. There will be a good one this year.
The Candidates
Fifteen-year Council veteran Joan Lougheed is in.
Rick Burgess, lawyer and past Chamber of Commerce President, is running.
Cam Jackson, Burlington MPP forever (twenty-two years), isn’t “official” yet. He’ll announce his candidacy in late September.
There are others. (See the city’s website www.burlington.ca)
Ward races for six Council seats will interest voters owing to the competitive mayor’s race.
We’re number one but we need to try harder
Voters yawned when the top job was uncontested in 2003. More than eighty-five percent stayed home - top in the GTA. Call me naïve but I’ll contend that good public dialogue on issues will raise interest and boost turnout?
Issues that Count
1. Our Environment
Local government matters on this file. Hands up, though, if you remember an election campaign when our environment was an important consideration?
2. Intensification
Cities must intensify (i.e., build in previously developed areas) to make better use of urban space. Some citizens don’t agree. They won’t be silent.
3. Waste Management
Regional issues typically fly below the radar. Halton’s plan to consider building an energy-from-waste facility should get airtime. (More at www.halton.ca. Click on energy from waste.)
4. Gridlock
Suburban car cultured citizens are grouchier as that quick trip to the mall gets longer and longer.
Phoney Issues
1. High Taxes
Ever heard a candidate say taxes are too low? Fact is, we are now awaking to the serious harm perpetrated on us by those 90’s tax cut loonies. The issue now: what can be done to repair the damage?
2. Parking
Drivers become hot under the hood when unable to locate a parking spot. Worse, if you can imagine, they may actually have to pay. Councillors learned this hard lesson recently when they raised downtown rates to a whopping 50 cents per hour.
3.I’ve lived here for...
Not an issue really but local candidate’s bonafides inevitably include the length of their residency in the community.
Understanding the community, knowing the issues, and having a plan to act matter more.
Two or three postings per week will amplify the above.
Burlington’s is guaranteed to be the most interesting race since 1997 when two-term “alderman” Rob MacIsaac defeated colleagues Barry Quinn and Denis Lee and captured the Burlington Mayor’s chair.
Local voters don’t engage unless there is a contest for mayor. There will be a good one this year.
The Candidates
Fifteen-year Council veteran Joan Lougheed is in.
Rick Burgess, lawyer and past Chamber of Commerce President, is running.
Cam Jackson, Burlington MPP forever (twenty-two years), isn’t “official” yet. He’ll announce his candidacy in late September.
There are others. (See the city’s website www.burlington.ca)
Ward races for six Council seats will interest voters owing to the competitive mayor’s race.
We’re number one but we need to try harder
Voters yawned when the top job was uncontested in 2003. More than eighty-five percent stayed home - top in the GTA. Call me naïve but I’ll contend that good public dialogue on issues will raise interest and boost turnout?
Issues that Count
1. Our Environment
Local government matters on this file. Hands up, though, if you remember an election campaign when our environment was an important consideration?
2. Intensification
Cities must intensify (i.e., build in previously developed areas) to make better use of urban space. Some citizens don’t agree. They won’t be silent.
3. Waste Management
Regional issues typically fly below the radar. Halton’s plan to consider building an energy-from-waste facility should get airtime. (More at www.halton.ca. Click on energy from waste.)
4. Gridlock
Suburban car cultured citizens are grouchier as that quick trip to the mall gets longer and longer.
Phoney Issues
1. High Taxes
Ever heard a candidate say taxes are too low? Fact is, we are now awaking to the serious harm perpetrated on us by those 90’s tax cut loonies. The issue now: what can be done to repair the damage?
2. Parking
Drivers become hot under the hood when unable to locate a parking spot. Worse, if you can imagine, they may actually have to pay. Councillors learned this hard lesson recently when they raised downtown rates to a whopping 50 cents per hour.
3.I’ve lived here for...
Not an issue really but local candidate’s bonafides inevitably include the length of their residency in the community.
Understanding the community, knowing the issues, and having a plan to act matter more.
Two or three postings per week will amplify the above.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Big Picture?
It is not all big picture stuff at City Hall.
Take last Tuesday night's Community and Corporate Services Committee.
- Lights at the local soccer field are too bright for neighbours - or one neighbour anyway. Can we shut them off early? A question: If you buy a house beside a soccer field with lights would you expect that the lights will never be turned on?
- A group from a city advisory committee leaves as the meeting bogs down with questions to staff on a transit report. We'll hear from the advisory committee another time.
- A Councillor has questions regarding notification to residents about a road race taking place in their neighbourhood.
Snow in August
It is the hottest day of summer and your Councillor is worried about snow or specifically windrow. (Windrow is the pile of snow left in front of a driveway after the plow has been by.)
Staff, after a year studying the problem of windrow removal, have come back with a recommendation: Another year of study.
We move slowly in local government but surely a program such as Oakville's which is designed to be no burden to the taxpayer can be tried. Seniors and eligible disabled citizens will pay $80 for the program.
Some Councillors want seniors left out but after some debate a motion is passed:
That the Director of Roads and Park Maintenance be directed to pursue an agreement with Halton Helping Hands to expand the windrow clearing program currently in place in the Town of Oakville, to Burlington for the 2006/2007 winter season....
Not big picture but, hopefully, a helpful program for some in our City.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)