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Guest Post: Fairy Tales By Phyllis Morris

Posted by auroracitizen on March 26, 2010

The following comments are taken verbatim from Phyllis Morris’s acceptance speech almost four years ago. She suggests contacting her about these issues. I’d suggest anywhere but at Shoppers Drug Mart but I digress. If you do see her out of her fortress sometime ask her about these promises, especially the ones about belief in a diversity of point of view, looking after our finances and transparency and accountability. 

Perhaps you’ve heard the joke about the little girl who asks: “Mother? Do all Fairy Tales begin with ‘Once Upon A Time’?” Her mother replies. “No darling, there’s another series of Fairy Tales that begin: ‘IF ELECTED I promise’.”

 

Well this promise is not a fairy tale – I will work with Council and Town Staff to make our municipal government more open, more transparent, more accountable and more inclusive.

 

I believe an effective team requires players with a diversity of strengths and points of view.

 

While I will not micro-manage The Town’s administration, council members, including myself, must be kept fully informed, so that little problems don’t become big ones.

 

Together We can foster an open and accountable government, where leadership is impartial and allows ideas to be discussed, where teamwork is valued

 

To that end, together we must insist on greater representation on York Region Council,

 

Have we looked after our finances, balancing taxes against public expectations of services?

 

My door is open. You have my phone number – please feel free to stop me in the street, call me, or e-mail me.

Not sure if the fairy tale should be called Phyllis in Wonderland or Six Bad Wolves.

 

Thanks Will Be Given Come October 

Posted in Community Input, Election 2010, Guest Post, Integrity, Leadership, Town Council | 79 Comments »

Phyllis Morris Shows Off Her HR Skills — Again!

Posted by auroracitizen on March 21, 2010

It appears that a certain employee came back from vacation to find their office contents in a box, moved to a cubicle, which happens to be located in the Councilors’ office.

This from a Town that trumpets itself as a Character Community, and is reigned over by Phyllis Morris, who loves to tell all about her expertise in HR.

This is despicable and cowardly management (with apologies to real managers), and, would be grounds for dismissal or at least a serious reprimand at any organization with a reputable management. A first year HR student knows that this is totally unprofessional and would cause a ripple of dis-engagement throughout the organizational that would take years to undo.

However, this is just another day in Aurora. And another example of why staff turnover this term is so high.

But wait, this is not the end of the story.

This person was relocated to the Councilors’ offices. The offices that were renovated to the tune of upwards of $60,000 at the start of this term; a project so important that Councilor Al (tax fighter) Wilson allegedly stated was his first priority!

The contradictions are astounding: we have a tax–fighting Councilor, whose initial priority is to renovate what turns out to be a non-essential room, which is now being used as office space for displaced employees who have been treated shabbily by a Character Community employer that is led by a self-proclaimed HR expert.  And, the afore-mentioned Councilor, who at Council meetings has publicly professed his respect for and support of Town employees, says nothing.

Oh, and here’s a thought — WERE councilors consulted in this reallocation of their space? Just curious

Posted in Election 2010, Leadership, Staff Turnover, Town Council | 19 Comments »

Is What You See — What You Get?

Posted by auroracitizen on February 20, 2010

Why is Council sticking their nose in where it doesn’t belong — the Board of Education and Wells Street School.

Answer: Votes!

Aurora Council has no business messing with the business of the Board of education. Council would be offended if the Board messed with their business.

They hate it when the Province (i.e. OMB) steps into Town business, but don’t share the same view about them stepping into Board business. Why? Because the folks who live around Wells Street School are active and vocal and represent a significant voting block.

Sound familiar? Does STOP ring any bells? That was the group who were upset about Transmission lines being increased backing on to their properties (Richard Johnson can provide significantly more information for those who are unaware).

Mayor wanna be Morris was all over that group when she ran for Mayor. In fact, that group was instrumental in getting her elected.

But what did she actually do for them – nada, zip, zilch. In fact, she rarely attended meetings and when the poop hit the fan, she was long gone and left them blowing in the wind.

To be clear, we are not advocating for or against the interested folks at Wells Street School  — or the folks at STOP — so don’t bother getting mad at us about either issue. That’s not what this post is about. It’s about the Mayor getting involved where she doesn’t belong and making promises that are more about votes than getting anything done.

Even better, she has the nerve to state “It almost sounds like the review process has a bit of a flaw in it”. Well, if anyone is an authority about flawed process Mayor Phyllis Morris would be an expert after the process of our Integrity Commissioner.

We are just highlighting the methodology of Mayor Morris. She will parade around gathering press coverage, fighting a battle she shouldn’t be involved in, for no other reason than  it suits her election plans.

And before you say this was council decision, another quote “I have met with Councillor Gallo and I have contacted Mr Revington, and it has been decided that a letter should go from my office …”

So beware CAWS, don’t be fooled into thinking that you have Town support. You don’t. You just have the mirage of someone who is pretending she cares when all she really cares about is your vote in November.

Posted in Conflict of Interest, Election 2010, Hydro, Integrity, Leadership | 22 Comments »

Is a Ward System Desirable?

Posted by auroracitizen on February 20, 2010

The debate about whether to place a question on the ballot for the upcoming election is underway.

It seems Councillors Gartner & Granger want to be able to point to something they did (and can explain without notes) when asked about their contribution this past term. Mayor Phyllis Morris and Councillor MacEachern have acquiesced to their request for the very own motion (although surely written by others) — although Councillor MacEachern has already is quoted as stating “representation-at-large is best”. It make one wonder why they bother since MacEachern has already stated her preference. And we have seen the voting record for a motion by MacEachern.

The real issue behind the question is whether a ward system will increase the performance and accountability of Council. If the answer is “Yes”, then a case can be made. However, if there is no difference — then why change.

In business, you are faced with questions where there are no clear answers. The best way to discover the answers is to keep asking the question “WHY?”, until eventually the answers start to become clearer.

From our view, we were pleased to hear that Council will share their thinking and be presenting information to inform the public — and hiding behind the skirts of “the public said so” — before simply holding an Open House and wasting everyone’s time and our tax dollars. Citizens need to be provided with information so they can make “informed” comments, rather than just react emotionally.

In the interim, here are a few initial thoughts to get the discussion started.

  1. Currently each citizen can call 8 Councillors and 1 Mayor if they have an issue. A ward system reduces that number.
  2. Currently you can call any Councillor, a Ward system may force me to call someone you don’t like and/or didn’t vote for.
  3. Currently we get to pick up to 8 — the best of a long  list. The list will shorten and potentially new candidates won’t have the same ability to unseat incumbents.
  4. Wards work for the benefit of politicians. Less area to campaign, less issues to advocate on behalf of.
  5. Ward Councillors take a ward focused view. They tend to vote for what works for their ward since they need to solicit votes from a smaller voter pool who are focused on their own interests. They tend not to look at the bigger picture. Councillors at large have no such affiliation so they can vote for the greater good more often.
  6. Reducing the Councillors who represent my interests (my ward) does not increase their accountability. It just means less people who will take your call.

Frankly, we see no compelling reason for a change. Do you?

Agree or disagree?

Posted in Community Input, Election 2010, Growth, Leadership | 5 Comments »

Role of New Aurora Spokesperson Unclear

Posted by evelynb on January 16, 2010

It’s odd for a sitting Councillor to learn of dramatic new initiatives in town communications from the media.

This week the Chief Administrative Officer, acting as spokesperson for the town (the Mayor) announced the town’s intention to add a spokesperson to the administration to improve communications. Speech-writing and perhaps engaging with Facebook will be part of the job.

Council last met on December 8th. The budget will not be ratified before January 26th.

Already we are off and running. So fast off the mark, no time has been allowed for discussion at the Council table.

Everyone who reads this blog knows, because I say so, I do not present as competent in computers.

But Facebook, for God’s Sake. Facebook !!!! Can anybody at the town hall possibly not understand what Facebook is about.

We are to pay for someone. with a Masters Degree in Communication , at a cost of $100Ks annually, to engage Facebook !!!!!

Oh My God!!!

Facebook is the domain of the Rampant and Reckless, Totally Irreverent and Sacrilegious Youth.

I keep tabs on my grandchildren on Facebook.

The Town has a Corporate Communication Division. The Mayor monopolised it from the start as her personal public relations flack. Along with Notice Board in the Aurabanana which costs probably $75Ks a year. And various and extravagant resources expended in the ongoing effort to vanquish dissent and destroy her enemies.

Despite all that, there’s still an apparent lack of confidence that the community fully appreciates the myriad of marvelous Mormac accomplishments of the administration.

So now we are to have a Masters Degree in Communication on hand to polish that which may be tarnished, in time for the next election.

Speeches will be professionally prepared for the Gala opening of Church Street School Heritage and Cultural Centre, the pitch of the first ball at the new diamond in the summer and all other possible occasions.

We may even have articulate speeches from the Throne at the opening of every council meeting.

If Buckingham Palace has a Spokesperson, why not Mayor Morris’ Town Hall in Aurora? May we not aspire?

The Press Secretary/Spokesperson may possibly hold press conferences with the Town Hall Press Gallery There may occasionally be scripted appearances by her Worship.

All on the taxpayers’ dime.

Remember the admonitions of righteous Professor Robert McDiarmid of York University, an invited guest of Her Worship to read scripture to Council on the evils of incumbent advantage over challengers and how corporate contributions need to be rigorously controlled in election campaigns.

Little did the naive but well-meaning Professor know how many municipal corporate contributions can be used for a campaign without a single red cent showing up in the candidate’s mandated Statement of Expenses.

Posted in Budget, Code of Ethics, Conflict of Interest, Election 2010, Integrity, Leadership, Legal | 20 Comments »

Councillor Granger Needs to Heed His Own Advice

Posted by auroracitizen on January 11, 2010

Ina recent article in the Era Banner, Ignore dirt, councillor urges, “Councilor Stephen Granger is urging residents not to get caught up in the sensationalism of the 2010 election campaign and focus on the facts.”

He is quoted; “You hear stories about the previous council hitting people on the head with books. These personality clashes are just a sour-grapes issue. It’s a strategic ploy from a negative faction that started on Day 1,” Mr. Granger said. “We can all throw mud. But let’s keep the mud out of it and stick to the facts. The facts are fair to everyone.”

FACT: Councillor Buck hit Councillor Wallace  over the head with a rolled up copy of his newspaper — The Auroran.

FACT: Mayor Morris has repeatedly raised this incident up to bolster her contention that Councillor Buck is badly behaved. Until Councillor Granger raised the point, she seems to be the only person raising the point — and at least she got the facts correct.

FACT: Councillor Granger  has mis-stated or distorted facts to sensationalize the actual events.

Councillor Granger, might we suggest that you heed your own advice, before you offer it to others.

Here’s more unsolicited advice: Better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool — than open it and be proven a fool. Decide for yourself if it is factual 🙂

Posted in Election 2010, Leadership, Media | 17 Comments »

Election Day: October 25, 2010

Posted by auroracitizen on January 8, 2010

You can now officially declare your candidacy for Mayor or Council. Nigel Kean was the first to do so, declaring for Mayor earlier this week.

All the information you need is available on the town website on their Municipal Election 2010 homepage. The last day to submit or withdraw nomination papers is Sept 10.

This will be a very interesting election. Unfortunately, we predict it will be the nastiest campaign we have seen in Aurora. The last couple grew increasingly negative and that tone carried right on into the Council chambers.

Nigel has already declared, and can start raising and spending money, and all other aspects of campaigning immediately since he has already declared. No other candidates can begin election campaigning until they have also done so.

However, existing members of Council and the Mayor can certainly door knock in their current role as sitting members, or hold coffees or any other campaigning activity under the guise of meeting with constituents. We heard that Mayor Morris is already conducting these type of activities.

They just can’t officially raise money. They can ask for support, but not actually collect the money?

It’s a legal method of campaigning without declaring. That, together with name recognition (and apathy by voters) is one of the key reasons incumbents get re-elected.

Mayor Morris historically announces her candidacy late. Not sure the reason, since it clearly is not a last-minute decision to run. It will be interesting to see when she declares this term.

Each candidate will be offered a page on the site to provide information and respond directly to comments. We can’t guarantee they will avail themselves of this service, but it will be equally offered to all.

Posted in Election 2010, Town Council | 33 Comments »

And they’re off…

Posted by elizabethbishenden on November 25, 2009

With Nigel Kean tossing his hat in the ring as a mayoral candidate earlier this week, we are beginning to see what the November 2010 municipal election will be like in Aurora.

We’ll be enabling tabs on the “2010 Candidates” page  in the next while that will allow candidates to post their electoral message, but in the meantime, we’ll periodically make posts about the election here.

Let us know your interests and concerns!

Posted in Election 2010, Leadership, Town Council | 11 Comments »

Is There An Alternate Motivation

Posted by auroracitizen on November 14, 2009

Apparently the Mayor has requested that members of Council provide their New Business to the clerk/secretary in writing in advance of meetings. It’s being positioned  “to provide assistance to staff”. This is a significant change in policy from previous Councils. Staff in the past have not found dealing with New Business to be a concern.

We are unaware of any motion or procedural by law amendment planned to effect this change.

The worrisome implication is that the Mayor and her “advisors” have not implemented this change to benefit staff,  but rather so that  they are able to prepare strategy and potentially augment the Morris spin if a contentious issue is being brought forward.

Remember, we are now in election mode.

How timely that this process is being proposed when we are celebrating the sacrifice of others to ensure freedom of speech.

Posted in Election 2010, Leadership, Town Council | 38 Comments »

Guest Post: Preparation for the next Election

Posted by auroracitizen on March 29, 2009

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.

Use the envelope and pencil icons immediately below to forward this post to friends or leave a comment.

Posted in Election 2010, Guest Post | 43 Comments »

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