1. Cancer Prevention Fall Forum - Caboto Club, Thursday Nov. 1st, 7pm
2. The "Taste of Downtown" Harvest Luncheon raises money for the Chrysler Share Drive organization which buy food items for the Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Downtown Mission. This event features the 18pc Kingsville Jazz Ensemble, delicious food prepared by Downtown's own local eateries and a retailers' exhibits. This year is the 6th anniversary of the
event which has raised nearly $23,000 for these charities.
Wednesday Oct 31st, 11:30am - St. Clair Centre for the Arts
3. Keep an eye out in Ward 2 for theft and vandalism.
4. Slowly but surely. M.O.M. with an update on the Club Loft condos.
5. Hold on to your wallets - here we grow again.
6. The 1% of GST that Mayor Francis and his fellow Ontario Mayors have been lobbying for is available, they've just been talking to the wrong person up until now.
7. Out of Town note: Congratulations to MUNIBlogs.com blogger and Mayor of Dawson for being selected best Mayor North of 60. (A mayor who blogs? Ours is stilling trying to find the send button for that "fireside chat email". )
8. Only six days to the start of the Windsor International Film Festival. Have you got your tickets yet?
9. Last day to vote in the latest Shadow Poll - Who's Your Favorite Windsor Star Blogger (Round 1). Register your opinion in the right hand sidebar.
10. Terrace 285 - Open House Thursday Nov 1st and Friday Nov 2nd 10:00am to 1:30pm
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Quick Hits - Monday October 22th
1. Considering the traffic to my own blog over the last several days, Windsor Star Blogger Chris Vander Doelen's most successful blog could very well be the one that no longer officially exists.
Edit: Chris reveals that there was no nefarious plot, just a case of second thought.
2. ...Scale Down Windsor steps up to the plate at Council this Monday night. Best wishes.
3. Looks like one of my favourite pet peeves, the annual WardLottery Fund is being revamped. I'm not sure of the details as yet, as I haven't seen the draft referred to in the report(page 2).
4. No review of Council Remuneration necessary at this time(page 4). (including the "temporary" increased payments from the Windsor Utilities Commission).
Now that we have a new Canadian Census available both the Ward Boundaries and Remuneration are two topics that should be up for public discussion and debate.
5. Only two days left to vote in the latest Shadow Poll - Who's your favourite Windsor Star blogger? A runoff between the top two will be held later on in the week. (poll is located in the right sidebar)
6. 48(+1) Hour FlickFest rolls on. I'm really looking forward to seeing what the results of this competition are.
7. WindsorEats.com has a calendar? Who knew? :)
Their calendar will now be featured in the top left sidebar of WE Speak. The events will updated every four hours and all link back to the main site. Don't ya just love Web 2.0? Drop them a line if you have an event.
8. The Shadow has been joined by a Watchdog. This neighbourhood is getting interesting.
Edit: Chris reveals that there was no nefarious plot, just a case of second thought.
2. ...Scale Down Windsor steps up to the plate at Council this Monday night. Best wishes.
3. Looks like one of my favourite pet peeves, the annual Ward
4. No review of Council Remuneration necessary at this time(page 4). (including the "temporary" increased payments from the Windsor Utilities Commission).
Now that we have a new Canadian Census available both the Ward Boundaries and Remuneration are two topics that should be up for public discussion and debate.
5. Only two days left to vote in the latest Shadow Poll - Who's your favourite Windsor Star blogger? A runoff between the top two will be held later on in the week. (poll is located in the right sidebar)
6. 48(+1) Hour FlickFest rolls on. I'm really looking forward to seeing what the results of this competition are.
7. WindsorEats.com has a calendar? Who knew? :)
Their calendar will now be featured in the top left sidebar of WE Speak. The events will updated every four hours and all link back to the main site. Don't ya just love Web 2.0? Drop them a line if you have an event.
8. The Shadow has been joined by a Watchdog. This neighbourhood is getting interesting.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
"The "business bitch" is back."
And all I can say is not soon enough:
(Edit: I received an email from a confused reader who missed part of what I bolded. The article below refers to Hamilton, but can easily happen in any municipality in Ontario)
Unions feed at the trough
Hard-working families take tax hit
Insiders say city officials were shocked to find out that on Sept. 12 the Ontario Labour Relations Board officially certified the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBCJA), Local 18, as the bargaining agent for all construction carpentry work. How it came about was two of four carpenters employed by the city voted to certify, in what some say is a new expansion strategy for the union.
Big deal, you may think, it's only four employees, who do odd jobs for the city.
Well, think again. The ramifications are huge.
Now this union has control of every construction job under city auspices -- meaning only Brotherhood unionized contractors can bid on city work, shutting out non-unionized shops and workers.
Put another way: The city has a list of 260 large construction contractors.
Only 17, or 7%, are members of UBCJA, who can bid on jobs.
And this monopoly will cost big time. A report by city solicitor Gary Kuzyk estimates this monopoly could cost city coffers $4 million to $10 million a year. It's also expected to add up to $440 million to the $1.1-billion cost of critical upgrades to Hamilton's water and waste facilities.
Here's what this carpenter's union pays, according to a schedule negotiated by the provincial government: An hourly rate of $32.16; vacation pay at $3.22, health fee $2.50, retiree subsidy 10 cents, pension $6, for a total of $43.98 an hour. Then there's a union administration fee of 25 cents, an apprentice fund fee of 54 cents and $1.36 for the carpenters promotion fund.
(Edit: I received an email from a confused reader who missed part of what I bolded. The article below refers to Hamilton, but can easily happen in any municipality in Ontario)
Unions feed at the trough
Hard-working families take tax hit
Insiders say city officials were shocked to find out that on Sept. 12 the Ontario Labour Relations Board officially certified the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBCJA), Local 18, as the bargaining agent for all construction carpentry work. How it came about was two of four carpenters employed by the city voted to certify, in what some say is a new expansion strategy for the union.
Big deal, you may think, it's only four employees, who do odd jobs for the city.
Well, think again. The ramifications are huge.
Now this union has control of every construction job under city auspices -- meaning only Brotherhood unionized contractors can bid on city work, shutting out non-unionized shops and workers.
Put another way: The city has a list of 260 large construction contractors.
Only 17, or 7%, are members of UBCJA, who can bid on jobs.
And this monopoly will cost big time. A report by city solicitor Gary Kuzyk estimates this monopoly could cost city coffers $4 million to $10 million a year. It's also expected to add up to $440 million to the $1.1-billion cost of critical upgrades to Hamilton's water and waste facilities.
Here's what this carpenter's union pays, according to a schedule negotiated by the provincial government: An hourly rate of $32.16; vacation pay at $3.22, health fee $2.50, retiree subsidy 10 cents, pension $6, for a total of $43.98 an hour. Then there's a union administration fee of 25 cents, an apprentice fund fee of 54 cents and $1.36 for the carpenters promotion fund.
A view from the other side of the border
Just something I came across from Google Alerts:
Note: only two more days left to vote in the first round for your Favourite Windsor Star Blogger. Poll is located in the right hand sidebar.
Windsor Arena a classic
When I crossed the border into Canada I was asked why I was visiting our neighbors to the north. When I told the border patrolman that I was visiting the Windsor Arena he asked me why I was coming all the way from Indianapolis to see a Spits game. I guess too many people do not drive 4 ½ hours to see..... (October 27th, 2007) More...Note: only two more days left to vote in the first round for your Favourite Windsor Star Blogger. Poll is located in the right hand sidebar.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Silencing dissent
Edit: Chris reveals that there was no nefarious plot, just a case of second thought.
A word to the wise to all the Editors at the Windsor Star, City Hall and anywhere else that someone might be inclined to alter what's been posted on the Internet.
Google Cache is highly effective, especially if you're posting on a site owned by a large media corporation.
Windsor Star Automotive columnist and blogger Chris Vander Doelen posted a blog Thursday afternoon at 5:14 pm - U of W Engineering Bldg Won't Fit Downtown Site. The blog was highly critical of the Mayor, City Council and their efforts regarding the downtown. Well, you don't need me to tell you, you can read it yourself.
For some reason, the blog no longer appears on the Windsor Star site.
A few months ago, we had stormy City Council meetings, news articles and editorials because Alan Halberstadt changed one word on his blog. What will the reaction be when an entire article is being censored?
Word to the wise for those posting on the internet. If you're going to edit a blog substantially or make it disappear altogether, it's incumbent on you to explain why. It's one thing to edit pieces for grammar or spelling, it's another to edit or censor for political reasons. Nothing ever really disappears on the internet.
A word to the wise to all the Editors at the Windsor Star, City Hall and anywhere else that someone might be inclined to alter what's been posted on the Internet.
Google Cache is highly effective, especially if you're posting on a site owned by a large media corporation.
Windsor Star Automotive columnist and blogger Chris Vander Doelen posted a blog Thursday afternoon at 5:14 pm - U of W Engineering Bldg Won't Fit Downtown Site. The blog was highly critical of the Mayor, City Council and their efforts regarding the downtown. Well, you don't need me to tell you, you can read it yourself.
For some reason, the blog no longer appears on the Windsor Star site.
A few months ago, we had stormy City Council meetings, news articles and editorials because Alan Halberstadt changed one word on his blog. What will the reaction be when an entire article is being censored?
Word to the wise for those posting on the internet. If you're going to edit a blog substantially or make it disappear altogether, it's incumbent on you to explain why. It's one thing to edit pieces for grammar or spelling, it's another to edit or censor for political reasons. Nothing ever really disappears on the internet.
Editorial Advertising
I'm a member of a group of companies that makes very unique widgets. Our widgets are so unique that the Government of Ontario is thinking about buying billions of them over the next several years.
I wonder if the Windsor Star will allow me to submit a column for it's Editorial pages extolling the virtues of my group of companies? It would certainly save my group of companies a lot of money compared to actually paying for advertising.
Sound far-fetched?
I wonder if the Windsor Star will allow me to submit a column for it's Editorial pages extolling the virtues of my group of companies? It would certainly save my group of companies a lot of money compared to actually paying for advertising.
Sound far-fetched?
Lobbying for Border solutions
Unfortunately, it's not the Windsor/Detroit border that's being talked about.
Niagara delegation to Parliament Hill stresses region's importanceEdit: a local cynic emailed me the observation that Windsor could do the same kind of lobbying visit to Ottawa, it's just that they'd be meeting with Joe Comartin, Brian Masse and Jack Layton. Hardly worth the trip
Lobbying focuses on need for more cash on variety of fronts
Although the faces and topics changed by the hour, the focus of the lobbying week remained constant: dollars for Niagara.
Money for border infrastructure upgrades and border policing.
Dollars for grape growers and a planned new bioscience building at Brock University.
“I think across the board, we were well-received,” said Partington, who returned Thursday from Ottawa after the series of meetings held Monday through Wednesday.
“I think (federal politicians) appreciate the message and the face-to-face meetings.”
Niagara West-Glanbrook Conservative MP Dean Allison agreed.
“MPs deal with thousands of calls and e-mails every week,” he said. “A face-to-face meeting really drives it home, leaves a lasting impression.”
Regional officials met with a slew of ministers, including Finance Minister Jim Flaherty and Environment Minister John Baird.
St. Catharines Conservative MP Rick Dykstra said he felt Niagara officials left a positive impression on government ministers.
He also thought local politicians were able to take away some positive messages, too.
For example, the Region is asking to be officially recognized as an economic gateway to Canada.
That message made it through, Dykstra said.
“I think (the government) has an understanding that Niagara ranks up there with Windsor and Vancouver as important gateways to this country,” he said.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Hurts when the shoe is on the other foot, doesn't it
The Mayor is "exasperated"? Where was he when the University was trying to raise funds for the stadium?
Why is it that every other stadium linked to an international event in Canada, except Windsor, over the last 6 years has received Provincial and Federal funding?
How many officials at the Provincial and Federal level has the Mayor snubbed over the last several years?
Last, but not least, when's the last time you saw an opinion columnist with the lead banner headline in a major newspaper? Did the Windsor Star run short of reporters last night? Gord has now officially moved from the "Greatest Canadian Municipal Political Cheerleader" to top three in the "North American Ass Kissing" contest. Bit by bit, one day at a time, the Windsor Star sheds what little credibility it once had in the community.
"Fed up with its inability to get straight answers" - Boy, doesn't that line sound familiar.
In related news, "cluster" is certainly one term for it, with the suffix being unprintable.
Why is it that every other stadium linked to an international event in Canada, except Windsor, over the last 6 years has received Provincial and Federal funding?
How many officials at the Provincial and Federal level has the Mayor snubbed over the last several years?
Last, but not least, when's the last time you saw an opinion columnist with the lead banner headline in a major newspaper? Did the Windsor Star run short of reporters last night? Gord has now officially moved from the "Greatest Canadian Municipal Political Cheerleader" to top three in the "North American Ass Kissing" contest. Bit by bit, one day at a time, the Windsor Star sheds what little credibility it once had in the community.
"Fed up with its inability to get straight answers" - Boy, doesn't that line sound familiar.
In related news, "cluster" is certainly one term for it, with the suffix being unprintable.
Alice in Wonderland PT II
The issues may be slightly different, but if you stop and think about it, this blog sounds surprisingly similar to another municipality I know of.
Open, transparent and accountable municipal government remains a childhood fantasy in Ontario befitting an Alice in Wonderland sequel.
Open, transparent and accountable municipal government remains a childhood fantasy in Ontario befitting an Alice in Wonderland sequel.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Who reigns supreme?
All work and no play makes Jack Paul a very dull boy.
The Windsor Star has been experimenting for a year now with bloggers. Several have fallen by the wayside, while others have been added.
I haven't done a Shadow Poll in a while, so I thought it might be fun to do a little survey on what people think of the Star blogs.
I've listed the bloggers below in the order they appear on the Star's blog page. Take some time to visit the blogs, if you haven't already, and then vote for your favourite (Poll is located in the right sidebar). After the first round I'll have a runoff for the top two bloggers to select the Blogger's Favourite.
You can post any thoughts, likes or dislikes about the various blogs in the comments.
Vanderblogger
Cars, the automotive industry, trees, gardening -- and a little politics, just for levity. Vander Doelen covers the auto industry in Windsor and Detroit full time. On his own time he dotes over a small woodlot near Harrow with his wife, who is also a journalist.
Reel Life
Roberta Pennington has been a general assignment reporter with The Windsor Star since 2005, covering everything from youth culture to municipal politics. When she's not "hard at work" doing the coolest job ever, she watches a lot of quirky films, attends various theatrical performances and, well, that's pretty much all she does. Then she sometimes writes about it here.
Off the Hill
Sharon Hill can write entire emails in Scooby-Doo speak (Rhy rot?); loves Dilbert and The Office and wants to share her quest to find the quirky, the off-beat and the fun in the midst of daily life. She began writing for The Windsor Star in high school and has dedicated her career to covering Essex County and agriculture.
Pearson to Person
Montreal native Craig Pearson has worked at three daily newspapers over 20 years, has handled many beats from news and sports to entertainment and pop culture, holds a bachelor's degree in journalism, a master's degree in communication studies, teaches writing and reporting at the University of Windsor, and still cannot explain the meaning of life. But he'll give it a try anyway.
Blogelicious
Ted Whipp is the galloping gourmet of The Windsor Star. Discerning palates look to his restaurant reviews and coverage of the food and beverage industry each Wednesday in the Life section.
Duffer's Dabbles
Bob Duff is the Windsor Star's sports columnist and one of the country's foremost hockey historians. He has written or collaborated on six hockey books or CD-Roms, including History of Hockeytown, the first official history of the Detroit Red Wings. A goalie by trade, Duff is also a consultant for the NHL's official statistician the Elias Sports Bureau.
Life on Tour
I don't know whether my passion for golf is an addiction or an affliction but the game has certainly got me by the balls. I guess you could say I've found religion. I read about golf, think about golf, dream about golf and I'm going to blog about it this summer while I test my skills against other obsessive weekend duffers on Windsor's Bogey Tour.
Running Chatter
Monica Wolfson has been a reporter for a decade, mostly covering politics and education. She has been running on and off for 12 years and completed her first marathon in February.
The Windsor Star has been experimenting for a year now with bloggers. Several have fallen by the wayside, while others have been added.
I haven't done a Shadow Poll in a while, so I thought it might be fun to do a little survey on what people think of the Star blogs.
I've listed the bloggers below in the order they appear on the Star's blog page. Take some time to visit the blogs, if you haven't already, and then vote for your favourite (Poll is located in the right sidebar). After the first round I'll have a runoff for the top two bloggers to select the Blogger's Favourite.
You can post any thoughts, likes or dislikes about the various blogs in the comments.
Vanderblogger
Cars, the automotive industry, trees, gardening -- and a little politics, just for levity. Vander Doelen covers the auto industry in Windsor and Detroit full time. On his own time he dotes over a small woodlot near Harrow with his wife, who is also a journalist.
Reel Life
Roberta Pennington has been a general assignment reporter with The Windsor Star since 2005, covering everything from youth culture to municipal politics. When she's not "hard at work" doing the coolest job ever, she watches a lot of quirky films, attends various theatrical performances and, well, that's pretty much all she does. Then she sometimes writes about it here.
Off the Hill
Sharon Hill can write entire emails in Scooby-Doo speak (Rhy rot?); loves Dilbert and The Office and wants to share her quest to find the quirky, the off-beat and the fun in the midst of daily life. She began writing for The Windsor Star in high school and has dedicated her career to covering Essex County and agriculture.
Pearson to Person
Montreal native Craig Pearson has worked at three daily newspapers over 20 years, has handled many beats from news and sports to entertainment and pop culture, holds a bachelor's degree in journalism, a master's degree in communication studies, teaches writing and reporting at the University of Windsor, and still cannot explain the meaning of life. But he'll give it a try anyway.
Blogelicious
Ted Whipp is the galloping gourmet of The Windsor Star. Discerning palates look to his restaurant reviews and coverage of the food and beverage industry each Wednesday in the Life section.
Duffer's Dabbles
Bob Duff is the Windsor Star's sports columnist and one of the country's foremost hockey historians. He has written or collaborated on six hockey books or CD-Roms, including History of Hockeytown, the first official history of the Detroit Red Wings. A goalie by trade, Duff is also a consultant for the NHL's official statistician the Elias Sports Bureau.
Life on Tour
I don't know whether my passion for golf is an addiction or an affliction but the game has certainly got me by the balls. I guess you could say I've found religion. I read about golf, think about golf, dream about golf and I'm going to blog about it this summer while I test my skills against other obsessive weekend duffers on Windsor's Bogey Tour.
Running Chatter
Monica Wolfson has been a reporter for a decade, mostly covering politics and education. She has been running on and off for 12 years and completed her first marathon in February.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Around Town Tuesday - Oct 23rd
1. Cancer Prevention - Walk the Talk...Live Well. A fall Cancer Prevention forum at the Caboto Club.
2. CJAM 91.5 fm Annual Pledge Drive - online donations available through the front page of the site. (H/T Windsor Eats)
3. Mark the dates on your calendar - Windsor International Film Festival coming soon to a theatre near you. Budding local film makers have the opportunity to make their own mark in the 48HRFLICKFEST. $20 bucks for a weekend of fun, an opportunity at recognition and some nice prizes. That's entertainment for you!
4. I found myself practicing my PhotoShop skills after last night's Council meeting. I know, I still need a lot more practice, but you'll get the idea.
5. Comic Relief - Make sure you take a minute today to read BC comics and Rube in today's Windsor Star. If you watched City Council last night, you'll understand. Good chuckle for the day.
2. CJAM 91.5 fm Annual Pledge Drive - online donations available through the front page of the site. (H/T Windsor Eats)
3. Mark the dates on your calendar - Windsor International Film Festival coming soon to a theatre near you. Budding local film makers have the opportunity to make their own mark in the 48HRFLICKFEST. $20 bucks for a weekend of fun, an opportunity at recognition and some nice prizes. That's entertainment for you!
4. I found myself practicing my PhotoShop skills after last night's Council meeting. I know, I still need a lot more practice, but you'll get the idea.
5. Comic Relief - Make sure you take a minute today to read BC comics and Rube in today's Windsor Star. If you watched City Council last night, you'll understand. Good chuckle for the day.
Someone had to speak up
Well, I had my five minutes at Council last night, for what it's worth. The outcome was about as I expected. The report was accepted as presented. What was truly surprising to me was to hear several Councillors express their wish to implement all the positions and in their view the way to do that was to move forward with the report.
I wonder - did they read the report? In what way is it "moving forward" with the Ombudsman position when the report recommends doing nothing other than monitoring what other Municipalities do?
On one hand we're going to monitor and study what other municipalities are doing, while at the same time we're going to duplicate what's already been done in Toronto by initiating a voluntary Lobbyist registry for one year. At the end of that time period, we're going to study it some more to determine whether or not to proceed. Funniest line of the evening - Toronto has a problem with Lobbyists, but that's not really an issue in Windsor.
The Auditor General position gets it's referral to the Audit Committee for study along with two other internal audit questions. The Mayor expressed his hope that the Committee's report would return to Council on a "timely" basis. Given City Time TM, we should expect this to come back before Council for consideration sometime in January of 2008, if we're lucky. By then, the 2008 Budget will be nearing or already approved. Ooops - to late for this year. If Council really wants to demonstrate their commitment to these positions then they will earmark an appropriate amount of funds in this year's budget for the establishment of an Auditor General's office.
One further note on the Auditor General that I had to drop out of my presentation last night. Although Police, Library and Health Boards are explicitly exempt from the Auditor General the Toronto Boards have already seen the value of the Auditor General to their organization and voluntarily invited the office to begin audits. Their intention is to lobby the Province for the removal of these restrictions when the City of Toronto Act comes up for review.
The one position that did pass last night was the Integrity Commissioner. The position with the least amount of relevance to the average taxpayer received wholehearted support from most at Council. If Councillors were frustrated with Alan Halberstadt's recitation of examples from Toronto, they should actually visit the website and read all the reports. Frustration will be the least of their worries now that they have created this position. "Inside the Expressway" political football doesn't even begin to describe what awaits.
Hat tip to Councillor Halberstadt for requesting separate votes on each one of the eight recommendations. I'm still trying to figure out what mental cartwheels were required by the various Councillors who so eloquently spoke about the need to create all of these positions, but then voted to do virtually nothing.
Congratulations to Council on successfully hiding behind an administration report yet again. We so often speak of the need for Windsor to lead the Province instead of following. Last night we looked the situation squarely in the eye and ran the other way as fast as the votes could be counted. My only hope is that there are some municipalities in this Province who truly do wish to lead and will create all of the various positions. If someone else leads, Windsor will surely follow, eventually.
Edit: Well, here's the first municipality to step up to the plate. Congratulations to Markham on leading the way.
I wonder - did they read the report? In what way is it "moving forward" with the Ombudsman position when the report recommends doing nothing other than monitoring what other Municipalities do?
On one hand we're going to monitor and study what other municipalities are doing, while at the same time we're going to duplicate what's already been done in Toronto by initiating a voluntary Lobbyist registry for one year. At the end of that time period, we're going to study it some more to determine whether or not to proceed. Funniest line of the evening - Toronto has a problem with Lobbyists, but that's not really an issue in Windsor.
The Auditor General position gets it's referral to the Audit Committee for study along with two other internal audit questions. The Mayor expressed his hope that the Committee's report would return to Council on a "timely" basis. Given City Time TM, we should expect this to come back before Council for consideration sometime in January of 2008, if we're lucky. By then, the 2008 Budget will be nearing or already approved. Ooops - to late for this year. If Council really wants to demonstrate their commitment to these positions then they will earmark an appropriate amount of funds in this year's budget for the establishment of an Auditor General's office.
One further note on the Auditor General that I had to drop out of my presentation last night. Although Police, Library and Health Boards are explicitly exempt from the Auditor General the Toronto Boards have already seen the value of the Auditor General to their organization and voluntarily invited the office to begin audits. Their intention is to lobby the Province for the removal of these restrictions when the City of Toronto Act comes up for review.
The one position that did pass last night was the Integrity Commissioner. The position with the least amount of relevance to the average taxpayer received wholehearted support from most at Council. If Councillors were frustrated with Alan Halberstadt's recitation of examples from Toronto, they should actually visit the website and read all the reports. Frustration will be the least of their worries now that they have created this position. "Inside the Expressway" political football doesn't even begin to describe what awaits.
Hat tip to Councillor Halberstadt for requesting separate votes on each one of the eight recommendations. I'm still trying to figure out what mental cartwheels were required by the various Councillors who so eloquently spoke about the need to create all of these positions, but then voted to do virtually nothing.
Congratulations to Council on successfully hiding behind an administration report yet again. We so often speak of the need for Windsor to lead the Province instead of following. Last night we looked the situation squarely in the eye and ran the other way as fast as the votes could be counted. My only hope is that there are some municipalities in this Province who truly do wish to lead and will create all of the various positions. If someone else leads, Windsor will surely follow, eventually.
Edit: Well, here's the first municipality to step up to the plate. Congratulations to Markham on leading the way.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Quick Hits - Monday October 22nd
1. I guess the appointment of the WUC auditor and Terms of Reference just isn't news in Windsor. I'm sure that makes most of Council and the WUC pretty happy.
Edit: H/T to CBC Radio's Gino Conte - first mention I've heard of the audit in the local media.
2. 311 - moving on and moving up, up, up. Why am I getting the feeling that this year's budget is going to include more people for 311/211 due to "unexpected call volumes". Read the Council report. I especially loved the justification for individual offices for 311 supervisors. Try working a shop floor with a 6' x 8' office shared by 3 supervisors overseeing 40 to 60 employees each. Are all the moving and installation costs going to be shared WRT 211 and the County/United Way?
3. I'm hoping for some last minute delegations for Item 9 on the agenda. I'm somewhat surprised and sad at the same time. Such an important issue regarding future effective governance in Windsor and so little interest.
4. Yet another reason why Frank Stronach is a VERY rich man.
"Why would Magna accept even the kind of quiescent "company union" that's fairly common in Asia and Europe, and understandably regarded with contempt by "real" unions in North America? Because with quasi-union status, Magna enhances its prospects... "
5.
Edit: H/T to CBC Radio's Gino Conte - first mention I've heard of the audit in the local media.
2. 311 - moving on and moving up, up, up. Why am I getting the feeling that this year's budget is going to include more people for 311/211 due to "unexpected call volumes". Read the Council report. I especially loved the justification for individual offices for 311 supervisors. Try working a shop floor with a 6' x 8' office shared by 3 supervisors overseeing 40 to 60 employees each. Are all the moving and installation costs going to be shared WRT 211 and the County/United Way?
3. I'm hoping for some last minute delegations for Item 9 on the agenda. I'm somewhat surprised and sad at the same time. Such an important issue regarding future effective governance in Windsor and so little interest.
4. Yet another reason why Frank Stronach is a VERY rich man.
"Why would Magna accept even the kind of quiescent "company union" that's fairly common in Asia and Europe, and understandably regarded with contempt by "real" unions in North America? Because with quasi-union status, Magna enhances its prospects... "
5.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
The race is on
I guess at some point, someone in the Windsor media will decide that this is news.
On the other hand, I could be mistaken. You never know, there might be a tiddlywinks competition in town this weekend.
I guess the Mayor's PR department had better things to do.
On the other hand, I could be mistaken. You never know, there might be a tiddlywinks competition in town this weekend.
I guess the Mayor's PR department had better things to do.
Friday, October 19, 2007
WUC Auditor named and terms of reference published
After posting my previous blog, I checked the Council Communication for this week and found the relevant details.
Council Communications - Part 2
Highlights:
Auditor - Grant Thornton LLP
Timeline - audit to begin as soon as possible. Will last for approximately 3 to 4 weeks.
Cost - $156,610 (expected amount)
Scope: (click on pic for full size)
Council Communications - Part 2
Highlights:
Auditor - Grant Thornton LLP
Timeline - audit to begin as soon as possible. Will last for approximately 3 to 4 weeks.
Cost - $156,610 (expected amount)
Scope: (click on pic for full size)
An independent Windsor Auditor General would already be at work
As the days continue to pass by, still no word on when a Municipal Audit is going to begin and what the terms of reference are going to be.
In the meantime, Windsor Star reporter and blogger Don McArthur is continuing his assault on Fortress Enwin. His Freedom of Information request is proceeding, slowly, but it is proceeding.
In the meantime, Windsor Star reporter and blogger Don McArthur is continuing his assault on Fortress Enwin. His Freedom of Information request is proceeding, slowly, but it is proceeding.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Just because...
Electing NDP MP's has done so well for Windsor over the last 3 to 4 years.
Mention in speech buoys mayorI couldn't agree more Brian, but the biggest problem is, you can never deliver any "action". Even when you had the opportunity, with Paul Martin, to leverage solutions for Windsor you and Joe decided to vote in lockstep with your party instead of your riding.Masse doesn't share Francis's optimism. "I think why they mentioned it at all is a shot at the province," Masse said, suggesting the mention pressures the province to make more of a commitment toward a Windsor border solution.
Masse said he fears the province will "cheap out" on the access route to the new crossing, approving something less than what Windsor is demanding with its $1.6-billion GreenLink proposal. And the federal government would then feel justified to do the same on the crossing itself and plaza.
"It's always nice to be mentioned, but what is needed is real action."
The Last Defence of the Bureaucracy
When all else fails, let's not get innovative or creative, simply reach for the bottom line and find the option that produces the most pain and therefore the most political pressure.
Library Service Cuts OK'd
Library Service Cuts OK'd
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