Whither the blogger you may have wondered?
On a self-imposed leave of absence from When The Mayor Smiles engaged in partisan political activities your blogger is now recovering from a painful excursion into big league(?) politics characterized by potty mouths, pooping puffins and seemingly non-stop polling and analysis. Happily, we return today with the objective balanced blogging for which we are known. No partisanship here.
Today we are thinking about “sustainability” - a word the late Kent Gerecke, a professor of urban planning and editor of City Magazine, once said was used so much it had ceased to have any real meaning. He wrote this nearly 20 years ago but his insight is re-confirmed most every day.
Let’s take Sustainable Halton as an example. The Province’s Places to Grow Act forces Halton’s population to nearly double in the thirty years ending in 2031.
A plan is needed and Halton bureaucrats love to plan.
Staff and consultants are now engaged in what they call community consultation. But are they really consulting?
My friend Doug Brown, an informed and indefatigable community activist attended one of these consultations – a Public Information Centre - and described the session as “a disappointment.” Staff presented six scenarios that, according to Doug, are remarkably similar. Attendees then got to pick their favourite scenario. (There is probably a reality show that uses a similar format.)
The trouble that Doug and others like BurlingtonGreen Chair Kurt Koster see
is that there is no consideration of carrying capacity in this process. What amount of growth can the lands accommodate without being irreparably harmed?
To this blogger this planned greenfield sprawl doesn’t look any different than they way we’ve always done things.
Kent Gerecke edited a book called The Canadian City (Black Rose Books). It came out in 1991. I have a well-marked copy of it. In the book different authors talk about “green” cities, sustainable development and the trend in the eighties of dropping real community participation and substituting what Gerecke called “a charade of participation.”
We haven’t learned much, have we?
Go to www.halton.ca. for lots of colourful charts and graphics and to further enhance your appreciation of what is evolving into a preferred growth option for 2009.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Trust The People
Today is the anniversary of the death of the first mayor of Toronto.
William Lyon Mackenzie died August 28, 1861. He was 66.
Remembered as an insurgent and a bit of a nutbar he was captured in Dennis Lee’s poem 1838:
“Mackenzie was a crazy man.
He wore his wig askew.
He donned three bulky overcoats
in case the bullets flew.”
But Mackenzie fought against the Family Compact and for people’s rights to have a say in government. I’ve written before about the way Mackenzie, a journalist, worked to put information into the hands of the people. (See my blog posting on Tuesday January 2/07 or better John Sewell has written Mackenzie, A Political Biography of William Lyon Mackenzie (James Lorimer and Company, 2002)
Mackenzie believed in trusting people to make the right decisions if they were given adequate information.
Ultimately Mackenzie felt the need to take up arms – not very effectively – as we know. Lee again:
"Mackenzie talked of fighting
While the fight went down the drain.
But who will speak for Canada?
Mackenzie, come again!”
An interesting thought. If Mackenzie were to come again what would you think of the state of local democracy in Toronto?
I imagine he’d be reconvening the boys at Montgomery’s Tavern over Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone comments recorded earlier this year in the Toronto Star.
On the issue of solid waste Pantalone said:
“You need to understand issues like that. They’re very complex. It would be better that we discuss these issues in private.”
Please Mackenzie, come again.
William Lyon Mackenzie died August 28, 1861. He was 66.
Remembered as an insurgent and a bit of a nutbar he was captured in Dennis Lee’s poem 1838:
“Mackenzie was a crazy man.
He wore his wig askew.
He donned three bulky overcoats
in case the bullets flew.”
But Mackenzie fought against the Family Compact and for people’s rights to have a say in government. I’ve written before about the way Mackenzie, a journalist, worked to put information into the hands of the people. (See my blog posting on Tuesday January 2/07 or better John Sewell has written Mackenzie, A Political Biography of William Lyon Mackenzie (James Lorimer and Company, 2002)
Mackenzie believed in trusting people to make the right decisions if they were given adequate information.
Ultimately Mackenzie felt the need to take up arms – not very effectively – as we know. Lee again:
"Mackenzie talked of fighting
While the fight went down the drain.
But who will speak for Canada?
Mackenzie, come again!”
An interesting thought. If Mackenzie were to come again what would you think of the state of local democracy in Toronto?
I imagine he’d be reconvening the boys at Montgomery’s Tavern over Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone comments recorded earlier this year in the Toronto Star.
On the issue of solid waste Pantalone said:
“You need to understand issues like that. They’re very complex. It would be better that we discuss these issues in private.”
Please Mackenzie, come again.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
RATS
There are RATS in Burlington. I know that for a fact.
And they have them in Ajax too. Ajax, located east of Toronto, is a town of about 90,000 and bills itself as a vibrant and caring community.
These Ajax and Burlington RATS differ from the despised rodent (rattus norvegicus.) Have you noticed those people who get hot and bothered about public transit vehicles; those who Rail Against Public Transit? They’re RATS. Get it?
RATS in Ajax are pained over Durham Transit Route 222 according to the Toronto Star’s Urban Affairs Reporter Carola Vyhnak.
Without boring you with all the details I am struck by the similarity to RATS in our community who rail against transit services in their neighbourhoods and most particularly on their streets.
Sandra Cassidy is quoted extensively in Vyhnak’s piece and I’ll share Ms Cassidy’s insights with you. Like all RATS she knows that:
*Buses are “mostly empty.”
*Buses roaring down her street are a “safety hazard.”
*Since “everyone in the area has at least two cars” we don’t really need public buses, do we?
If you have the misfortune of living on a bus route and even in you live in “the only custom built home in a very special subdivision” you’ll need to close your windows “because of the smell and the noise.” And don’t plan on picking up home improvement ideas from the Home and Garden Network. You “can ‘t even hear the TV” on these means streets. Oh, the horror.
RATS don’t like to sound like they’re bragging but typically “have more influence than the average person.” So let’s not fret but rather rest assured that the necessary reforms will be enacted and the bus pulled off the Ms. Cassidy’s street before inflicting further pain and suffering.
OR ALTERNATIVELY
In the unlikely event that Route 222 isn’t cancelled I’m thinking we ought to create gated communities for these RATS. These gated communities could lock from the outside and the RATS could live happily ever after without having to see a smelly old bus. And I’m sure they’ll be happy to live their lives free of other government services too.
And they have them in Ajax too. Ajax, located east of Toronto, is a town of about 90,000 and bills itself as a vibrant and caring community.
These Ajax and Burlington RATS differ from the despised rodent (rattus norvegicus.) Have you noticed those people who get hot and bothered about public transit vehicles; those who Rail Against Public Transit? They’re RATS. Get it?
RATS in Ajax are pained over Durham Transit Route 222 according to the Toronto Star’s Urban Affairs Reporter Carola Vyhnak.
Without boring you with all the details I am struck by the similarity to RATS in our community who rail against transit services in their neighbourhoods and most particularly on their streets.
Sandra Cassidy is quoted extensively in Vyhnak’s piece and I’ll share Ms Cassidy’s insights with you. Like all RATS she knows that:
*Buses are “mostly empty.”
*Buses roaring down her street are a “safety hazard.”
*Since “everyone in the area has at least two cars” we don’t really need public buses, do we?
If you have the misfortune of living on a bus route and even in you live in “the only custom built home in a very special subdivision” you’ll need to close your windows “because of the smell and the noise.” And don’t plan on picking up home improvement ideas from the Home and Garden Network. You “can ‘t even hear the TV” on these means streets. Oh, the horror.
RATS don’t like to sound like they’re bragging but typically “have more influence than the average person.” So let’s not fret but rather rest assured that the necessary reforms will be enacted and the bus pulled off the Ms. Cassidy’s street before inflicting further pain and suffering.
OR ALTERNATIVELY
In the unlikely event that Route 222 isn’t cancelled I’m thinking we ought to create gated communities for these RATS. These gated communities could lock from the outside and the RATS could live happily ever after without having to see a smelly old bus. And I’m sure they’ll be happy to live their lives free of other government services too.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Fantino #2
More than one loyal reader - yes there is more than one - took issue with my last posting (Let’s Give Fantino the Break He Deserves)
What can I say? Don’t expect Jonathan Swiftian level of satire.
at When The Mayor Smiles.
As penance for the aforementioned perplexing prattle, I’ve compelled myself to read the entire 103 pages of Julian Fantino’s testimony from Shawn Brant’s preliminary hearing. That testimony (August 29, 2007) has just been made public.
The preliminary hearing looked at nine possible charges against Brant related to protests/blockades that took place in the Deseronto area in April and June of 2007.
Brant’s actions relate to the Culbertson Tract – land that the federal government acknowledges is Mohawk land; stolen from them in 1837. To address this injustice the feds have moved to provide redress with a sense of urgency that makes their response to the injustice of the Chinese Head Tax seem swift by comparison. Brant and others are, not surprisingly, becoming impatient. In the meantime developers and entrepreneurs do what developers do - scheme and dream. (1)
Did I mention that the Crown wants to put Brant away for twelve years?
TESTIMONY
Here are some highlights from Fantino’s testimony. I’ll let his words stand on their own and avoid editorializing. I’ll try anyway.
Fantino’s characterization of his first phone conversation with Shawn Brant on June 29/07
Fantino: “Well in essence there was a cordial conversation it was not a confrontational tone to it.”
On being told that senior OPP Officers who had dealt with Shawn Brant were on record as saying that Brant keeps his word.
Fantino: That’s not my impression although obviously other people have it.”
When asked if he understood that the Mohawk tradition of the need to achieve consensus meant that Brant could not offer commitments to Fantino until he spoke with others.
Fantino: “No, not at all…Mr. Brant was in charge … His rhetoric was merely a stalling tactic.
When asked if it was true that Mr. Brant was very respectful of Fantino in his dealings with him.
Fantino: “Yes he was and I of him.”
Demonstrating his notion of respect Fantino admits to this comment he directed to Shawn Brant.
Fantino: “You’re going to force me do everything I can within your community and everywhere else to destroy your reputation.”
An important issue in the Ipperwash Inquiry was how the Tactical Response Unit (TRU) was deployed. A member of the Tactical Response Unit team was convicted of killing Dudley George.
Fantino: “So the circumstances indicate, yes.”
And regarding the authorization of shady and possibly illegal wiretaps what can Commissioner Fantino add to address any concerns us bleeding heart, pinkos might have?
Fantino: “I believe that everything we did was in the greater good.”
What, me worry? See you later.
=====================================================================================
(1) The Ministry of Natural Resources continues to license a quarry on Tyendinaga land that removes 150,000 tons of gravel each year.
One more note: The Tyendinaga Mohawk Police Service has demonstrated excellent peacekeeping and negotiating skills at the quarry occupation site and at the railway blockade. Their Police Chief, Larry Hay, was fired earlier this year by Julian Fantino. Hay had spoken out about racism in the OPP. Imagine.
What can I say? Don’t expect Jonathan Swiftian level of satire.
at When The Mayor Smiles.
As penance for the aforementioned perplexing prattle, I’ve compelled myself to read the entire 103 pages of Julian Fantino’s testimony from Shawn Brant’s preliminary hearing. That testimony (August 29, 2007) has just been made public.
The preliminary hearing looked at nine possible charges against Brant related to protests/blockades that took place in the Deseronto area in April and June of 2007.
Brant’s actions relate to the Culbertson Tract – land that the federal government acknowledges is Mohawk land; stolen from them in 1837. To address this injustice the feds have moved to provide redress with a sense of urgency that makes their response to the injustice of the Chinese Head Tax seem swift by comparison. Brant and others are, not surprisingly, becoming impatient. In the meantime developers and entrepreneurs do what developers do - scheme and dream. (1)
Did I mention that the Crown wants to put Brant away for twelve years?
TESTIMONY
Here are some highlights from Fantino’s testimony. I’ll let his words stand on their own and avoid editorializing. I’ll try anyway.
Fantino’s characterization of his first phone conversation with Shawn Brant on June 29/07
Fantino: “Well in essence there was a cordial conversation it was not a confrontational tone to it.”
On being told that senior OPP Officers who had dealt with Shawn Brant were on record as saying that Brant keeps his word.
Fantino: That’s not my impression although obviously other people have it.”
When asked if he understood that the Mohawk tradition of the need to achieve consensus meant that Brant could not offer commitments to Fantino until he spoke with others.
Fantino: “No, not at all…Mr. Brant was in charge … His rhetoric was merely a stalling tactic.
When asked if it was true that Mr. Brant was very respectful of Fantino in his dealings with him.
Fantino: “Yes he was and I of him.”
Demonstrating his notion of respect Fantino admits to this comment he directed to Shawn Brant.
Fantino: “You’re going to force me do everything I can within your community and everywhere else to destroy your reputation.”
An important issue in the Ipperwash Inquiry was how the Tactical Response Unit (TRU) was deployed. A member of the Tactical Response Unit team was convicted of killing Dudley George.
Fantino: “So the circumstances indicate, yes.”
And regarding the authorization of shady and possibly illegal wiretaps what can Commissioner Fantino add to address any concerns us bleeding heart, pinkos might have?
Fantino: “I believe that everything we did was in the greater good.”
What, me worry? See you later.
=====================================================================================
(1) The Ministry of Natural Resources continues to license a quarry on Tyendinaga land that removes 150,000 tons of gravel each year.
One more note: The Tyendinaga Mohawk Police Service has demonstrated excellent peacekeeping and negotiating skills at the quarry occupation site and at the railway blockade. Their Police Chief, Larry Hay, was fired earlier this year by Julian Fantino. Hay had spoken out about racism in the OPP. Imagine.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Let's Give Fantino The Break He Deserves
The constant attacks on that loyal public servant Julian Fantino, OPP Commisioner, are starting to wear your blogger down.
Lately it is his handling of a highway blockade last summer that is in question.
As best as we can determine Fantino had taken time out of his day from personally arresting speeders on the 400 series of highways so as to deal with a voilitle situation in the Kingston area. Thank you Commissioner.
He took charge - personally relieving specially trained negotiaters from the Tyendinga Mohawk Police so that he could deal with Mohawk activist Shawn Brant mano a mano, as they say.
According to the OPP’s website Fantino was functioning “consistent with the recommendations from the Ipperwash Inquiry.”
Few of us will remember the details of Chief Justice Linden's thorough inquiry set up in response to the shooting death of Dudley George. But Fantino does.
One of the things Linden said about the police was this:
“The objective of the police during Aboriginal protests and occupations should be to minimize the potential for vilence and to facilitate constitutionally protected rights including treaty and aboriginal rights and the rights to peaceful assembly."
Fantino is “disappointed (and no wonder) with some in the media and the political arena” for his questioning his handling of events which are clearly so consistent with Linden's recommendations.
It is speculated here that the illegal wiretap info to which Fantino had access gave him cause to to threaten the Mohawk leader with "destroy(ing) his reputation and guaranteeing "your whole world is going to come crashing down."
The NDP's weak kneed, past his prime Sunshine boy Peter Kormos called this language "intemperate" and "bellicose." Say what?
And when did you Mr. Kormos negotiate anything more important than an extended summer recess for provincial polticians?
While some have called for Fantino's resignation, here at whenthemayorsmiles we say let's give the chief the break he deserves.
Lately it is his handling of a highway blockade last summer that is in question.
As best as we can determine Fantino had taken time out of his day from personally arresting speeders on the 400 series of highways so as to deal with a voilitle situation in the Kingston area. Thank you Commissioner.
He took charge - personally relieving specially trained negotiaters from the Tyendinga Mohawk Police so that he could deal with Mohawk activist Shawn Brant mano a mano, as they say.
According to the OPP’s website Fantino was functioning “consistent with the recommendations from the Ipperwash Inquiry.”
Few of us will remember the details of Chief Justice Linden's thorough inquiry set up in response to the shooting death of Dudley George. But Fantino does.
One of the things Linden said about the police was this:
“The objective of the police during Aboriginal protests and occupations should be to minimize the potential for vilence and to facilitate constitutionally protected rights including treaty and aboriginal rights and the rights to peaceful assembly."
Fantino is “disappointed (and no wonder) with some in the media and the political arena” for his questioning his handling of events which are clearly so consistent with Linden's recommendations.
It is speculated here that the illegal wiretap info to which Fantino had access gave him cause to to threaten the Mohawk leader with "destroy(ing) his reputation and guaranteeing "your whole world is going to come crashing down."
The NDP's weak kneed, past his prime Sunshine boy Peter Kormos called this language "intemperate" and "bellicose." Say what?
And when did you Mr. Kormos negotiate anything more important than an extended summer recess for provincial polticians?
While some have called for Fantino's resignation, here at whenthemayorsmiles we say let's give the chief the break he deserves.
Friday, July 04, 2008
Bad Words
Recently a news item out of the U.K. cited a report recommending 100 specific words that should be banned from government documents.
According to the Local Government Association local democracy “will be threatened with extinction” if words like “coterminosity” and phrases like “can- do-culture continue to muddle up reports.
This argument interested me. The point, which seemed to have been missed by many who proffered an analysis, is that government reports need to be written in a way that can be understood by all. We shouldn’t hide behind jargon and bafflegab.
We are “partnershipped” to death these days with “value added” and “proactive” service “facilitated” for us with a “single point of contact.”
Has the word “sustainable” overstayed its welcome? What is really meant by “best practice” and who is a “stakeholder” anyway?
The report inspired your blogger to “fast track” and use his “capacity” to find a “bottom up” but “holistic” way to put forward “value added” analysis and thereby find an “early win” through “evidence based” solutions and “process driven” output for you, my “customers.”
I’m Not Making this One Up
While inspired, alas, I can offer no new insights on how to better use language but, thankfully, OneNewsNow.com can.
The website provides “news from a Christian perspective” and has a policy to replace offensive words with, well, less offensive words.
Earlier this week when American sprinter Tyson Gay won the U.S. Olympic Trials the website dutifully altered the Associated Press recap of the event. Gay became Mr. Homosexual as in “Tyson Homosexual was a blur in blue, sprinting 100 meters faster than anyone ever has.”
Homosexual will be “someone to watch in Beijing next month.”
And how does the new champion feel. The website offered this: “It means a lot to me, the 25 year old Homosexual said.”
This Part I’m Making Up
We think that OneNewsNow.com is on to something.
Let’s get rid of those offensive names in politics.
Bad language is out. Burlington M.P. Mike Wallace becomes Mike Walldonkey.
Sexist terms are forbidden too. Mayor Cam Jackson will from now on be known as Cam Jacperchildren.
And let’s work on political images while we are at it. There is no room for cowards in politics. Ward One Councillor Rick Craven is now Richard Braveheart.
There you go. And you’re welcome.
According to the Local Government Association local democracy “will be threatened with extinction” if words like “coterminosity” and phrases like “can- do-culture continue to muddle up reports.
This argument interested me. The point, which seemed to have been missed by many who proffered an analysis, is that government reports need to be written in a way that can be understood by all. We shouldn’t hide behind jargon and bafflegab.
We are “partnershipped” to death these days with “value added” and “proactive” service “facilitated” for us with a “single point of contact.”
Has the word “sustainable” overstayed its welcome? What is really meant by “best practice” and who is a “stakeholder” anyway?
The report inspired your blogger to “fast track” and use his “capacity” to find a “bottom up” but “holistic” way to put forward “value added” analysis and thereby find an “early win” through “evidence based” solutions and “process driven” output for you, my “customers.”
I’m Not Making this One Up
While inspired, alas, I can offer no new insights on how to better use language but, thankfully, OneNewsNow.com can.
The website provides “news from a Christian perspective” and has a policy to replace offensive words with, well, less offensive words.
Earlier this week when American sprinter Tyson Gay won the U.S. Olympic Trials the website dutifully altered the Associated Press recap of the event. Gay became Mr. Homosexual as in “Tyson Homosexual was a blur in blue, sprinting 100 meters faster than anyone ever has.”
Homosexual will be “someone to watch in Beijing next month.”
And how does the new champion feel. The website offered this: “It means a lot to me, the 25 year old Homosexual said.”
This Part I’m Making Up
We think that OneNewsNow.com is on to something.
Let’s get rid of those offensive names in politics.
Bad language is out. Burlington M.P. Mike Wallace becomes Mike Walldonkey.
Sexist terms are forbidden too. Mayor Cam Jackson will from now on be known as Cam Jacperchildren.
And let’s work on political images while we are at it. There is no room for cowards in politics. Ward One Councillor Rick Craven is now Richard Braveheart.
There you go. And you’re welcome.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Bus Bites #2
A recent Wednesday morning found me on the #4 Pinedale West heading to a part time job at Wild Birds Unlimited on Fairview Street. As this route runs close to the homes of the Mayor and the Ward 5 Councillor, I wondered if the opportunity for an “on bus chinwag” on local affairs might present, but figured I probably be keeping my opinions to myself on this day.
This short trip had begun at Sheldon Park where a creek of the same name had once flowed before being relocated to accommodate development and create “ravine” lots.
The bus moves me down Deerhurst past Mathewman Crescent. Named for Benjamin Matthewman, who had settled in the Burloak Upper Middle area around 1835, the street name was registered with one “t”.
Matthewman was active in the Appleby community that had taken its name from a small northwestern English town located in the historic county of Westmoreland. Just to the east, but off this route, Fothergill Boulevard was, in fact, named for an Appleby England family who farmed at Freeman.
Several other streets in this subdivision honour Burlington and Nelson township pioneer women:
#Amelia after Amelia (Cole) Fothergill who farmed on Appleby Line.
#Phoebe for Phoebe (Land) Lucas
#Hannah after Hannah Davidson who farmed on Walker’s Line.
#Amanda for Amanda (Kaitting) Baxter who lived at the historic Balsam Lodge at 2290 Queensway.*
Our bus goes west on New Street, up Wedgewood and turns toward Appleby Mall near Mullin Way. (Owen Mullin was Burlington’s youngest ever mayor, 32 years when elected in 1962.)
John Henry Walker Jr. House
After a quick stop at the Mall we meander along Longmoor eventually making it back to New Street at Eastway Plaza; then, west to Walkers Line and north past the John Henry Walker House Jr. (496 Walker’s Line. Heritage Burlington notes that this Edwardian vernacular Queen Anne Style house with adjoining barn are the sole surviving structures from the original Walker farm.
Built in either 1908 or 1913 John Henry Junior inherited 20 acres of farmland south of the existing Centennial Bike Path. (See www.burlington.ca/heritage for more on this property.)
Our bus turns left and I try to imagine the Hamilton Radial Electric line that ran through here from 1906 to 1925.
I get off at Woodview and walk up to work.
*Peggy and Les Armstrong’s 2001 book Burlington’s Streets – What’s Behind the Name? - is an interest resource on Burlington history
This short trip had begun at Sheldon Park where a creek of the same name had once flowed before being relocated to accommodate development and create “ravine” lots.
The bus moves me down Deerhurst past Mathewman Crescent. Named for Benjamin Matthewman, who had settled in the Burloak Upper Middle area around 1835, the street name was registered with one “t”.
Matthewman was active in the Appleby community that had taken its name from a small northwestern English town located in the historic county of Westmoreland. Just to the east, but off this route, Fothergill Boulevard was, in fact, named for an Appleby England family who farmed at Freeman.
Several other streets in this subdivision honour Burlington and Nelson township pioneer women:
#Amelia after Amelia (Cole) Fothergill who farmed on Appleby Line.
#Phoebe for Phoebe (Land) Lucas
#Hannah after Hannah Davidson who farmed on Walker’s Line.
#Amanda for Amanda (Kaitting) Baxter who lived at the historic Balsam Lodge at 2290 Queensway.*
Our bus goes west on New Street, up Wedgewood and turns toward Appleby Mall near Mullin Way. (Owen Mullin was Burlington’s youngest ever mayor, 32 years when elected in 1962.)
John Henry Walker Jr. House
After a quick stop at the Mall we meander along Longmoor eventually making it back to New Street at Eastway Plaza; then, west to Walkers Line and north past the John Henry Walker House Jr. (496 Walker’s Line. Heritage Burlington notes that this Edwardian vernacular Queen Anne Style house with adjoining barn are the sole surviving structures from the original Walker farm.
Built in either 1908 or 1913 John Henry Junior inherited 20 acres of farmland south of the existing Centennial Bike Path. (See www.burlington.ca/heritage for more on this property.)
Our bus turns left and I try to imagine the Hamilton Radial Electric line that ran through here from 1906 to 1925.
I get off at Woodview and walk up to work.
*Peggy and Les Armstrong’s 2001 book Burlington’s Streets – What’s Behind the Name? - is an interest resource on Burlington history
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