Aurora Citizen

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Guest Post: Action Required — Not More Words

Posted by auroracitizen on January 24, 2010

Most of the comments on Aurora Citizen are common sense and fully justified.

But all of them are talk, talk, talk. None of the GOS pays any attention.

They just carry on doing what they have become quite good at doing, squandering taxpayer dollars.

If we did away with the Code of Conduct and the Integrity Commissioner and reinstated Department Head titles to understandable areas of responsibilities all Aurora residents would gain, and the Town would regain some of the credibility that it has lost during the “Rain of Terror.”

What would happen at Council meetings if at least 50 people showed up for each one, both the regular and the general?

If there were contentious issues on the agenda, double this figure.

Bloggers to the Aurora Citizen must make their presence known to Phyllis and the bat-brained quintet that drift along in her updraft.

Organize; and put in a physical presence in the “Fishbowl.”

Politicians only pay attention to numbers of voters, to real people who are concerned and who are prepared to attend and watch; they don’t give a damn about blogs.

Stop just talking; START ACTING.

Augustinius

Posted in Guest Post, Integrity, Leadership, Town Council | 4 Comments »

Guest Post: Is Mayor Phyllis Morris proroguing Council?

Posted by auroracitizen on January 6, 2010

In the December 31, 2009 edition of the Globe & Mail, the editor took the very unusual position of publishing an editorial “Democracy Diminished, Accountability Avoided” on the front page.

The editor was taking the federal government and Prime Minister Harper to task for proroguing Parliament – the second December in a row that he has done this. More scathing than the words in this editorial was the fact that it was juxtaposed to a story on the death of 4 members of the Canadian Armed Forces and a Canadian journalist. A stark contrast – people are dying while fighting for Canada and for reporting on that, while the government that tasks those people uses political manipulation to duck responsibilities associated with that task.

Perhaps a bit of a stretch, but remind you of anything or anyone?

The Aurora Council last met on December 8th and its next meeting is scheduled for January 26th. The procedural bylaw states that there are to be 2 meetings per month, yet there is a stretch of 39 days between meetings. Is the Mayor proroguing Council? What reason (legitimate or otherwise) has been given?

She wouldn’t be trying to duck anything, would she? Like the fact that the Town does not have a legally appointed Treasurer?

This is inexcusable behavior, but sadly, typical of what we have come to expect.

Signed, Junius

Posted in Code of Ethics, Community Input, Guest Post, Integrity, Leadership, Legal, Town Council | 16 Comments »

Aurora Coalition Disputes Legal Expenses Town Supplied to The Banner

Posted by auroracitizen on October 14, 2009

Thanks to contributor Richard Johnson for this post. It was also sent to The Auroran.

The most recent ad run by the Aurora Coalition in the October 13th issue of the Auroran raises a number of interesting questions given the town’s legal expenses outlined.

A July 22nd story in The Banner, entitled “Town’s legal costs inching up, but far from record” noted the following:

“The tab for outside legal help up to May 31 is pegged at just more than $86,200 and is estimated to come in below $180,000 by the end of the year, according to a report presented to councillors Tuesday. So far, it marks the highest expenditure on outside legal advice for this term of council, having spent more than $139,000 in 2008, $109,000 in 2007 and just $38,500 in 2006.  But those figures pale in comparison to the $430,000 spent in 2005 and the $659,000 doled out in 2000.”

It has since come to light through information obtained by a freedom of information request filed by the Aurora Coalition that the figures quoted by the town to the Banner in July were apparently $14,000 too low in 2007 and $356,654 too low in 2008. We can also conclude that the 2009 legal fees may well go up by an additional $50,000 above what has been quoted year to date in the numbers provided to the Aurora Coalition so we are actually looking at a total cost for legal expenses of approximately $800,000 over a two and a half year period.

It also turns out that the 2008 charges of just under $500,000 are only eclipsed by one other year (i.e. the year 2000) as noted in the Banner’s story, so these legal expenses are in fact closer to setting a record than what was suggested this past July. Putting aside how the town could misquote such basic financial numbers for expenses incurred on 2007 & 2008, one has to look at what the legal expenses incurred for outside council were spent on.

By way of example, the Town of Markham spent approximately $750,000 on legal costs over a two or three year period in order to ensure that the Province, Hydro One and the OPA followed the Planning Act by exploring all possible alternatives before power supply infrastructure was imposed on Markham and Aurora. Those fees potentially saved home owners in York Region tens of millions of dollars in potential negative real estate valuation impacts, not to mention saving the Province’s tens of millions of dollars. Markham’s efforts contributed to indentifying a better financial, technical and environmental power supply solution than what was initially imposed by Hydro One, who had not explored all possible alternatives. Markham’s legal expenses were well spent in my view, even if Aurora eventually worked against the viable alternatives proposed in the end which may well result in new transmission facilities being installed in Markham and or Aurora (but that’s yet another sad story for another day).

From my perspective, justifiable legal expenses incurred through the conducting the town’s legitimate business should be contrasted by politically motivated and groundless legal expenses, however given the secretive nature of so much of what our current Aurora Council does behind closed doors these days, and given the apparent spin that so much information emanating from the Mayor’s office appears to subjected to, we will not likely be able to ever know what expenses may have in fact been frivolous or politically motivated. It should also be noted that by the time the Mayor and her supporters have defended themselves against additional litigation that may be undertaken by Councilor Buck and the recently fired Integrity Commissioner that the Mayor has gone to great lengths to discredit, the total legal charges incurred as a direct result of this council could well be far higher before this term is all over.

Posted in Budget, Code of Ethics, Guest Post, Integrity, Legal, Town Council | 37 Comments »

Guest Post: Ageism and Abuse

Posted by auroracitizen on September 19, 2009

“A senior in this town” left the following comment on the post Notice of Reconsideration. We thought it was worth repeating here for its own separate discussion.

This comment does not altogether pertain directly to the topic but I have had something on my mind for quite some time now and Tuesday’s council meeting was a blatant illustration of my concern.

What I observed on Tuesday night and have seen occur with increasing frequency is ageism and abuse. It is insidious and sometimes disguised more heavily than at other times but it IS abuse and ageism.

I have witnessed bullying, particularly by Mayor Morris and Councillor MacEachern. The ageism is displayed as sneering, smirking, condescension and patronizing toward Councillor Buck.

The Mayor and Councillor MacEachern use all methods; Councillors Gaertner, Wilson, Granger and Gallo primarily resort to the non-verbal methods but Wilson and Gaertner are not averse to chipping in with comments too.

I have studied and written papers about ageism in today’s society and it may be the precursor or may often go hand in hand with elder abuse. Ageism refers to discrimination against any age group. I think it is clear that I am specifically referring to the elder age group.

The behaviour on Tuesday night was particularly shameful. Society used to respect, revere and protect the elders of the community generations. It was very clear that six of the leaders of Aurora have thrown their hats in with the modern view and treatment of our elders. How they disgust me when they have the gall to talk about respect and integrity.

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Posted in Guest Post, Leadership, Town Council | 56 Comments »

New Council Math

Posted by auroracitizen on May 19, 2009

On May 16 Councillor Collins-Mrakas provided the following information in response to questions raised about why 5/8 was deemed to be a 2/3 majority.

As there seems to be considerable discussion of this matter, and, frankly some confusion, I provide the following for your information.

For those who are not familiar with previous decisions of Council which by procedure required a 2/3 majority in order to carry, I draw the residents attention to the matter before council on May 13th, 2008 regarding the reconsideration of the decision to hold a by-election.

As you can see from the excerpt of the meeting (appended below), the vote was 5 to 3 in favour of reconsideration – a majority – yet the vote was defeated due to the fact that we did not have a 2/3 majority.

Please review the Clerk’s comments and explanation provided with regards to the reason for defeat.

Council Meeting May 13th, 2008
(IX) NEW BUSINESS/GENERAL INFORMATION – COUNCILLORS

Moved by Councillor McRoberts Seconded by Councillor Collins-Mrakas

THAT a Notice of Reconsideration for the motion related to holding a by-election be accepted.

On a recorded vote the motion FAILED TO CARRY, as the required 2/3 majority was not achieved.

YEAS: 5 NAYS: 3

VOTING YEAS: Councillors Buck, Collins-Mrakas, Gaertner, McRoberts and Wilson

VOTING NAYS: Councillors Granger, MacEachern and Mayor Morris

Note: On a motion to reconsider there must be a majority of at least 2/3 of Council in favour of the reconsideration to allow it to pass, as required by the Procedural By-law. In this case the 2/3 majority was not achieved therefore the motion failed to carry.

It will be interesting to see how Council explains this change in procedure.

Addendum: Elizabeth Bishenden provided a link in her comments that provide some additional insight into this issue. According to the “Parliamentary Procedure Instructional Materials Centre” a two-thirds majority of 8 voters is 6.

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Posted in Guest Post, Town Council | 10 Comments »

Speaking of Ethics…

Posted by auroracitizen on April 20, 2009

The following post was sent as a comment to the original post “Ethics Commissioner” below. We thought it was worth repeating here for its own separate discussion. A number of worthwhile questions are asked. Does anyone know the answers?

Speaking of ethics…the question MUST be asked. Enough people in the community are talking about it. What is “The Dream Team” and who are they accountable to?

The Mayor and a number of Councillors certainly seem to be supporting their efforts. It is assumed the Mayor and Council have sanctioned their activities. They have a huge public profile with the Mayor always promoting their events. They have been holding many events and collecting sponsorship dollars and donations.

Where does the money go, how is it spent? Are these dollars collected on behalf of the Town? Because that’s what those who are making the donations assume.

Are they a stand alone group, merely sanctioned by the Mayor?

How does one get a copy of the financials involving this group? What is the relationship and how does it all work?

It certainly seems there is considerable funds being raised in support of great select local causes. Many are souring on their important efforts because of the apparent lack of accountability. That would be a shame for those who are benefiting.

If perception is everything, like we constantly hear from an ethical standpoint, I wish someone in the know could clarify these concerns.

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Posted in Code of Ethics, Community Corner, Guest Post | 54 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.

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Posted in Election 2010, Guest Post | 43 Comments »

Frustrated, Aurora Annie talks politics

Posted by auroracitizen on February 28, 2009

Dick Illingworth has long been a student of politics in this community. He has served and contributed to this community longer than many have lived here. He has recently been away from his regular role because of illness, but we are so glad to see him back. Agree or disagree, Dick is passionate about this town.

Following is a column by Dick Illingworth reprinted in its entirety from the Auroran. As always, Dick raises a number of issues worthy of discussion. We thought readers may wish to comment.

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“Where have you been my Dickie-Boy, my Dickie-Boy, where have you been, my Dickie-Boy?” Aurora Annie sang as I approached her hidden burrow beside the Community Arboretum pathway, just west of the Town Hall.

“I was waiting to give you my traditional annual report on Groundhog Day about affairs in Aurora and the region but understand you were taking a rest at the Southlake Regional Health Centre Resort.”

“Okay, Annie, let’s have it, what have you heard from the closed sessions of Aurora Council and what’s the latest from the region,” I asked. “I’d love to tell you what I heard.

Councillors say and do behind those closed doors as I have in the past but I can’t as those celebrity groundhogs Wiarton Willie and Punxsutawaney Phil forced through a Code of Conduct for the members of the Groundhog Day Association, but my women’s intuition tells me we’re in trouble.

“During this term of office a valued member of council, Grace Marsh, resigned, which is very unusual for an elected member of council.

“Then all department heads except the Director of Leisure Services resigned or retired and worst of all, the Chief Administrative Officer was dismissed for unknown reasons.

“John Rogers was an excellent choice for the CAO as he was a lawyer by profession, served as Mayor of Georgina and CAO of East Gwillimbury before coming to Aurora. He was also active in many community organizations and agencies,” Annie continued. “Then there was the disbandment of the Special Events Committee under questionable circumstances which have never been made known and this was the council that promised open and transparent government.

“This council has held more in-camera meetings than possibly any council in the history of the municipality and very few issues discussed or decisions made are ratified in open session or, if so, with no details.

“Before that the Yonge Street Sub-Committee which introduced the Farmer’s Market was also disbanded with no reasons given,” Annie said. “Citizens should be up in arms as delegations at council meetings or asking questions at Open Forum and demanding answers. Where are the active ratepayer groups of the old days or have citizens just given up in disgust?” Annie asked.

“You get the government you deserve by the way you vote, but this is getting ridiculous!” she shouted in anger.

“Another thing that makes me mad is the members of regional council don’t seem to care what happens to taxpayers’ money. Just recently at a Transportation and Works Committee meeting when additional funds of approximately 30 per cent were requested for projects running above budget and this is a common occurrence,” Annie said. “It would seem that some of the new commissioners are having problems keeping projects on budget. I think I mentioned it to you before about the number of senior regional staff who have left the region to seek other employment with two coming to Aurora with no questions asked by the sheep-like regional councillors.

“At a time when the country and local municipalities, including the region, are in turbulent economic times and require belt tightening, the region was considering a $1 billion capital budget. Don’t council members think of the taxpayer once in a while?” Annie asked.
Before I had a chance to comment, Annie pointed out that over the years it was said that in order to attract better politicians at all levels of government, it was necessary to pay a decent salary.

“The public is now paying a decent level of salary, but the majority of politicians are just feeding at the public trough,” she argued.

“The public deserves better behaviour from its politicians,” she said, “and to steal your old tag line, ‘That’s the way I see it, I’m Aurora Annie.’”

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Posted in Guest Post, Town Council | 2 Comments »

Guest Post: Council needs to lead by example

Posted by auroracitizen on October 5, 2008

Thanks to former Councillor Bill Hogg 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.

Have you received your Code of Conduct from town hall telling you how to behave yet? That may be the next step from this Council. Maybe they will start telling us what movie we can watch or books we can read as well.

One must wonder what has been going on in our advisory committees that makes this Council determined to force everyone to sign a Code of Conduct. In the many years I worked with advisory committees in the town, never once did I see or hear of inappropriate behaviour that required a Code of Conduct. But then, under Tim Jones leadership, we also never appointed a prominent member of his campaign team to a paid position either.

At the last Council meeting, Council took the step of publishing the names of every member of every advisory committee and whether they have signed the code or not, plus they have threatened that something (they didn’t indicate what) will happen if they don’t comply before Oct 14.

Of particular interest is the link to the Strategic Plan. Goal 1, Objective D states, “Create a respectful environment that fosters teamwork and open dialogue consistent with a Character Community.”

I couldn’t make this stuff up. Check out the report for yourself on the Town website — Sept 23 Agenda, Item 8, Report CS08-036.

Surely this Council has more important things to do than threaten volunteers who give freely of their time. What is Council going to do if people don’t sign, refuse to allow them to volunteer in the community? The bullies are running amuck.

This Council needs to start leading by example and stop trying to intimidate people through fear of reprisals!

Bill Hogg

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Posted in Code of Ethics, Guest Post, Town Council | 6 Comments »

Guest Post: Graffiti Clean up day – a HUGE success!

Posted by auroracitizen on September 28, 2008

Thanks to Councillor Collins-Mrakas 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.

This past Thursday September 25th, on a gorgeous fall day, nearly 70 volunteers came together to offer their support and hard work towards the first York Region Police and Town of Aurora Graffiti Clean-up Day. It was a fantastic day as everyone came together to demonstrate their commitment to the community in which we live.

As a result of everyone’s hard work, well over a third of the identified sites of graffiti in town were cleaned up in a space of just under 3 hours!! At the end of a morning of hard work, our volunteers joined together at the Town Park to enjoy a well-deserved barbecue courtesy of Greg Foster of M & M Meats. The day was well received and covered extensively by Rogers TV, The Auroran, SNAP and Sing Tao Daily, Markham.

A huge thank-you to all the volunteers from: York Region Police, the Mayor and Aurora Town Council, Town of Aurora Staff, York Region Police Auxiliary, Town of Aurora Ad-Hoc Graffiti Abatement Committee, The students of Aurora High, the students of Dr. G.W.Williams, Neighbourhood Network, Bell Canada, Bacon Basketware, and the numerous other residents who simply showed up to help.

Special thanks to The Auroran and to the Optimists Club for their very generous donations which helped make the day possible.

Thank-you to the AURORA CITIZEN for publicizing the event.

Finally, thank you to everyone for your support and for making the first YRP and Town of Aurora Graffiti Clean-up Day a huge success!

Alison Collins-Mrakas,
Councillor, Town of Aurora

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Posted in Community Corner, Guest Post | 1 Comment »

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