Aurora Citizen

News & Views from the Citizens of Aurora Ontario

Has Mayor Morris Fulfiled Her Election Promises?

Posted by auroracitizen on September 6, 2010

Council Watch #14 – by Richard Johnson

I think that it is about time for Aurora to check this speech against delivery…”
 
Selections from the Inaugural Speech of Mayor Phyllis Morris, Town of Aurora, December 5, 2006
Full text is available from the Town website.

How exciting it is for me to stand here tonight addressing this inaugural gathering as your Mayor. It’s a privilege to lead this Council and our community for the next four
years. I will respect the trust you have placed in me and will always hold sacred your confidence.

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’ll strive to ensure that your interaction with us is enjoyable, productive – and, yes, sometimes maybe even fun!

We will not forget that you – the people of Aurora – are the reason our town is such a vibrant and wonderful place to live.

So let’s not forget one thing. Aurora voters – sent a strong message that they expect us – Council, Staff and Mayor to do a better job – a better job of working together to move the business of this town forward in a positive and productive atmosphere.

The word most often used during the recent election was “teamwork.” Some say there’s a difference between being on a team and serving on Council. The only difference is the lack of uniforms – not the spirit, perspective, or ethics.

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

So, yes, as Mayor, I will stress teamwork.

As Mayor, I promise to be fair and supportive – and I believe the public expects the same of all members of Council.

You’ll find that I’m a “hands on” Mayor, interested in the day-to-day operation of our town. 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.

By now I hope you know I’m an energetic and optimistic person.

And, I want to know what you think. After all, this is your town. My door is open. You have my phone number – please feel free to stop me in the street, call me, or e-mail me.

I’m here to listen.

So was it a Fairy Tale?

Closed meetings have increased, legal action seems to be on the rise, over 20 senior and mid level management have left the town’s employment (some willingly, some not willingly), an integrity commissioner was fired resulting in widespread coverage in the Toronto Star, National Post, Globe and Mail, Toronto Sun and CBC news and the local media, one Councillor quit, two Councillors have stated they will not run given their experience on council, one Councillor is suing the mayor and a number of fellow councillors.

The media and residents have had to resort to numerous Freedom of Information requests in order to get answers to even the most simple and straight forward questions. While the Mayor supports legal action, trails, trees, a cultural center, a Jazz Festival and parades she has not made it a priority to support the food bank or the region’s affordable housing program with the apparent reasoning that “those kind of people don’t live in Aurora”.

I could go on with further examples but I think the picture is rather clear.

Posted in Council Watch-Richard Johnson, Election 2010, Integrity, Leadership, Town Council | 18 Comments »

Double Standards?

Posted by auroracitizen on September 4, 2010

Earlier today Geoff Dawe was in attendance at the Aurora Farmers Market. He was with a couple of supporters who were wearing “Geoff Dawe for Mayor T-shirts” and offering campaign literature to patrons.

He was approached by one of the vendors and informed that campaigning was contrary to the Market guidelines/by-laws. In response, Geoff put away his brochures.

Which begs the questions. What has Phyllis being doing sitting at this same vendors booth for many weeks?

In fact, when I was at the market this morning (after Geoff had left) and heard the story — Phyllis was engaged in a conversation with a number of patrons directly in front of the complainants booth discussing issues in the town. Is that not campaigning?

Or what has Nigel been doing at the market? Has he not been promoting his candidacy?

So is Phyllis still trying to pretend her time at the market — standing in front of her supporters booth — talking about town issues — is not campaigning? How long does it take to buy groceries?

First we had to push her to stop using town resources to campaign while pretending it was town business.

Now that she has declared, must we also ask her to submit to the same rules that apply to other candidates.

Geoff stepped back after being informed of the rules. A leader follows the rules and behaves as they expect others to behave.

So now that the rules are clear, will Phyllis attend to her shopping and move on.  Anything else would be campaigning — and we expect her friendly vendor to remind her of the rules the same as she reminded Geoff.

In case Phyllis forgets — then maybe you could remind her of the rules everyone else is expected to abide by 🙂

Posted in Election 2010, Integrity, Leadership, Uncategorized | 24 Comments »

Where is Team Morris?

Posted by auroracitizen on September 3, 2010

Outgoing Mayor Phyllis Morris has been MIA on the campaign trail for weeks now. Since hastily filing her nomination papers on August 11th – a Wednesday- not a peep has been heard save the brief bit of pabulum fed to the Banner.

This isn’t like Morris. We all know she loves a parade – and yet… No fanfare. No media release. No nothing. Just quietly filed the papers after months of speculation – not by us mind you, we knew Morris would be attempting to hang onto her seat.

This is not classic Phyllis.  She’d go to the opening of an envelope.  Nope. Something’s up. Usually there is a big to do when she announces.  As per the last few times, it has been at the last-minute – riding in to save the day.  “I am responding to the many many residents who have begged me to run” blah blah blah.

Everyone knows Phyllis hasn’t stopped campaigning since she squeaked past the post to win the 2006 election with less than 50% of the vote.

Which makes the rushed and harried nature of her filing and non-existent campaign presence all the more puzzling.  Well, we should say she hasn’t conducted any “official” campaign activities. We’ll leave it to you to decide if recent “Town” initiatives are anything but an attempt to make her look like she’s doing something besides taking credit for doing nothing.

She has filed her papers and yet has no website. No functioning email address or phone number to call. No kick off party. No fundraising event. Again, we should state no “official” fundraising event that we are aware of. Very disorganized.

So what gives?  She said recently that she would “begin campaigning” after the summer.  Huh? All the other serious candidates for Mayor have been actively engaging the community in the electoral campaign – through websites, through door to door canvassing, through advertisements and, recently, election signs.

What does it say about the incumbent’s attitude towards the race? Either she doesn’t take it seriously or she is so overwhelmed by the support garnered by other candidates that she is in a frantic state.

Either way, it seems that Morris is well on her way out…

Posted in Election 2010, Leadership, Town Council | 22 Comments »

Aurora Seeks New Councillors

Posted by auroracitizen on September 3, 2010

Everyone has probably seen the new HELP WANTED ads in The Auroran this week looking for new Councillors.

The qualifications requested looked pretty good.

It would be an interesting exercise to compare the existing Mayor and Councillors against these same criteria. How do you think they measure up?

When we have the chance to make a decision in October, let’s make sure we evaluate all the candidates against our own criteria.

Choose wisely — you will have your choices around for 4 years.

Posted in Election 2010, Town Council | 14 Comments »

Does Phillis Morris Have Historical Issues Meeting Deadlines?

Posted by auroracitizen on September 1, 2010

After an election each candidate has a specific period of time to submit their campaign expenses for public review. Many will recall that in Vaughan this led to some issues being raised about whether campaign expenses were handled appropriately.

Candidate financial statements are public documents and available for viewing or to make copies by any person at the Town Hall during regular business hours. The deadline for submitting statements is clearly identified in the candidates handbook and is legislated as part the Municipal Elections Act.

Consequences for not submitting on time include forfeiting the office you have been elected to. Pretty serious stuff.

Historically the deadline is the last Friday in March the year after the election. This year it will be Friday March 25th, 2011 — 5 months after the election.

Last election (2006) Nigel Kean submitted his expenses March 1, 2007, Tim Jones submitted his expenses March 26, 2007. Both within the designated time limits before the end of March 2007.

Nigel spent $8,875.81 — $3,832 from donations — the balance self funded.

Tim spent $30,628.56 — $27,620 from donations.

So you are probably wondering where Phyllis Morris’ expenses are. Well, she finally submitted them Feb 14, 2008. Almost 1 year past the deadline. Apparently hitting deadlines is not a new issue with Phyllis.

Phyllis spent $24,783.55, of which $5,750 was from donations.

It’s also interesting to see who is financially supporting which candidates. Some names you might recognize from Phyllis’s contributors list;

  • Guy Poppe
  • Ken Whitehurst (in kind)
  • Suzanne Whitehurst
  • CSB Communications (Chris Ballard’s company)
  • Gary Fernandez (Susan Walmers Husband)

Just thought you would find this interesting.

Posted in Code of Ethics, Conflict of Interest, Election 2010, Freedom of Information, Leadership | 15 Comments »

Clean Up Aurora Campaign – Isn’t That What The Election Is For?

Posted by auroracitizen on August 29, 2010

The Town is being papered – quite literally – with a “communications piece” about the “Clean up Aurora Campaign” which is proceeding in advance of the completion of the Aurora Promenade Study – a study still in draft form and nowhere near completion – though it is “expected” to be approved by the outgoing council on September 28th. 

Interesting side note – according to the “lame duck” provision of the Municipal Act, if less than 75% of the current Council file nomination papers, then the lame duck council can’t authorize new spending over $50,000 or sell land worth the same amount. They also cannot appoint or remove officers of the corporation (phew!  Town staff are in the clear!). For the mathematically challenged Morris – that means that 7 out of the 9 members must file their papers.  So far (thank god) only 3 have… So before this Council “approves” this study, let’s make sure we know just how much it’s all going to cost us.

This week approximately 2000 residents and businesses within the study catchments area were supposed to receive the newsletter extolling the importance and urgency of the “Clean up Aurora Campaign”.  And yes, before the Aurora Citizen receives any “complaints” about spin or misleading statements, the newsletter states, categorically, that this is a “campaign”.  What telling choice of words – bit Freudian don’t you think? One does not have to be a genius to understand what “campaign” this “programme” actually supports.

In tandem with the massive newsletter mail out – how much did that cost you might wonder – the town has actually created a website (seriously) about the “Clean up Aurora Campaign with breathless chatter about the completed projects and pending projects.  (www.e-aurora.ca/cleanup)

Have a close look at the website folks.  After you stop laughing at how ridiculous it is, you should get very very angry.  These are your hard-earned tax dollars being used to fund a “campaign” of questionable utility and suspect purpose.

Look at the “completed projects” noted in the glossy, multi page, newsletter:

  • Re-painted all downtown railings their original green colour
  • Planted/hung 90 baskets of flower arrangements
  • Repaired, repainted and reinstalled Heritage signs where needed
  • Installed a new playground at Machell Park
  • Periodically power washed sidewalks in the downtown business area
  • Re-painted the road lines on Yonge Street
  • Removed advertising boxes in key business areas

We’ve raised this point previously in the post Is Mayor Morris Putting Lipstick on a Pig, but in light of the increased expenditures on this “campaign”, they’re worth raising again.  To be clear – there is NOTHING innovative about this programme. In fact it is not a programme at all but everyday work that the relevant departments are required to do and already doing.  This is already covered in their operating budgets.  This has already been paid for by your hard-earned tax dollars.  Why are we spending untold THOUSANDS of dollars on a pile of promotional nonsense.

We have an answer for you – ELECTION DAY!!!

We urge you to make your anger known.  Take the newsletter and send it back to the Town Hall – do your part to “clean up aurora”.   Let the Town know that you are not fooled by this pathetic attempt at whitewashing over a failed term of council.

Please vote on October 25th and truly “clean-up aurora”.

Posted in Election 2010, Leadership, Town Council | 26 Comments »

The Tale of the Tape

Posted by auroracitizen on August 27, 2010

There was an insightful occurrence during the Council meeting on Tuesday, August 17th. This is the meeting where the Integrity Commissioner presented his report. The IC was reporting on the two complaints initiated by Councillor MacEachern against Councillor Buck. His findings were to issue a reprimand on the first and to dismiss the second. After he presented his reports, and answered (sort of) the questions, the Mayor, rather than simply calling a vote, chose to read the entire contents of each report, a rather unusual thing to do, to say the least.

At some point, during the reading of the report on the second complaint Councillor Buck left the Council Chambers. Councillor Buck fell in the hallway, but was not hurt.

The insightful occurrence was the totally inappropriate (but very telling as to her character) remark made by the Mayor, and the fact that the official Town recording of this meeting has been edited. We are sure that it is just a coincidence that this particular part is NOT on the official tape — however, it is on the Rogers recording, which can be accessed here:

http://www.rogerstv.com/option.asp?lid=237&rid=70&mid=52&gid=69838#38_120_3447

We know watching these replays can be painful, so you can check the Rogers version at the times noted below with a reasonable description of the discussion:

3:40:35     the “accident” occurs (you can clearly hear the noise of something / someone falling)

3:40:45    The Mayor states that “we are going to call a recess, there has been an accident in the hallway. We’re in recess at 10:30. Stop taping at this time. It would be appropriate not to be taping at this time.”

3:41:10    The Mayor stands up as Mr. Elliot comes across the floor explain what has happened. You can hear a voice in the background asking if all the cameras are off.

3:41:15    The Mayor responds to Mr Elliot by saying  “typical”. At the urging of one of the other Councillors, she then reaches down and turns off her microphone. Note: that because the Mayor is standing up, you must turn up the volume to hear her make that statement.

Mr. Leach (Town Clerk) might argue that they didn’t edit the DVD since the Town does not keep the tape rolling during a recess. However, the Council was not in a legal recess.

Without getting too technical, for Council to go into a Recess, a Motion is required, and must state how long the recess will be for. This was NOT done. Once again demonstrating how the “experience” of Mayor Morris comes into question. Calling a recess is a fairly basic rule of procedure.

Could you argue that in this case (that being the accident) that a violation of the rules is acceptable? Probably — assuming the goal was to offer assistance, or at least to see what was going on.

Of course the tape also shows that none of the Mayor or Councillors seem particularly concerned about the events surrounding the accident. We can’t comment if that is due to general lack of interest, because they already knew the accident was minor or because they knew it was Councillor Buck.

So draw your own conclusions. It’s all there for you to see. It’s a question of Character.

Posted in Code of Ethics, Leadership, Town Council | 21 Comments »

Deputy Mayor Bob McRoberts has Announced He Won’t Seek Re-election.

Posted by auroracitizen on August 25, 2010

A recent article in the Era Banner (Aug 24, 2010) says it all. Sean Pearce spoke to McRoberts about his decision not to run and summarized the situation as follows.

Staff changes, a councillor’s resignation, a battle over a by-election, a controversial code of conduct, an integrity commissioner hired and fired and a legal battle among councillors were among the factors that led to a less than cordial atmosphere.

McRoberts as usual took the high ground and refused to elaborate.

You will recall, Grace Marsh initially also declined to comment — it was only after Mayor Phyllis Morris made her statements that Grace was compelled to correct the facts.

And this is the strategy that Phyllis and her supporters count on — class.

Whether it be Councillors — or departing staff — Phyllis counts on their silence. Which, since nature abhors a vacuum, she herself can fill.

However, take the time to speak to Mr McRoberts personally and you might hear the real story. If you have the stomach for it.

It hasn’t been easy decision to make, he said, adding he has pondered his options since December. “I’ve been mulling things over for some time just trying to decide if I wanted to aim for the mayor’s position, aim for a councillor position again or aim for no position,” he said.

A man of his character doesn’t consider running for Mayor against this administration because all is well. It’s a reflection on the current state of affairs when a Councillor like Bob McRoberts choses to stand aside. It is a tremendous loss to the town.

Let’s hope Bob does share with his more than 7300 supporters the true reasons for his departure. They deserve it. And the town deserves it.

Posted in Election 2010, Leadership | 21 Comments »

A Failure of Leadership and Responsibility

Posted by auroracitizen on August 24, 2010

The following is reprinted from the Aug 18 edition, Volume 13 no 33, of NovæResUrbis – Greater Toronto Area Edition (www.nrupublishing.com this weekly magazine focuses on municipal politics and urban planning issues in Toronto and in the GTA).

Aurora appeals consolidated
In a prehearing decision issued August 12, board member Reid Rossi provided an update on an appeal by Aurora 2C West Landowners Group Inc. against failure of the Town of Aurora to approve an official plan amendment to establish a secondary plan for the Bayview Northeast Area 2C West lands, located on Concession 2, east of Yonge Street, bringing the lands into the designated future urban expansion area.

Rossi also provided an update on an appeal by Elhara Investments Limited and Aurora-Leslie Developments Limited (collectively known as Aurora-Leslie Developments Inc.) against the town’s failure to approve an official plan amendment for lands bounded by Leslie Street, Highway 404, Wellington Street and St. John’s Sideroad to permit development of a new community.

The board consolidated the appeal of Aurora-Leslie Developments Inc. with that of Aurora 2C West Landowners Group. The board set aside November 15 for a further prehearing conference, noting that at that time the town’s position would be known and the parties would be able to engage in more substantive discussions. A full hearing is expected to be scheduled for 2011.

So what’s an ordinary citizen to think?

How about Council has failed to do the job they were elected to do and look after the best interests of this community?

When the decision-making process is removed from their hands and turned over to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) to make decisions on our behalf — then Council has failed in their elected duties.

The hoopla — just prior to the election — about things like the Promenade Study is just smoke and mirrors to divert our attention from the fact that they failed to deal with official plan amendments as required.

Posted in Election 2010, Environment, Growth, Leadership, Town Council | 35 Comments »

Guest Opinion: Will Nigel Kean Put Community Ahead of Personal Ambition?

Posted by auroracitizen on August 22, 2010

Nigel Kean is the reason we have had the worst municipal government in Aurora’s history.

Phyllis Morris was the ‘winner’ of the 2006 mayoralty race — with less than 50% of votes — due to the candidacy of Nigel Kean and the vote splitting that ultimately defeated Tim Jones.

Nigel Kean was an adequate member of Council, but certainly not an outstanding one.

Now, again, in 2010, Nigel Kean is setting up to play the role of spoiler between incumbent Phyllis Morris and front-runner Geoff Dawe.

Nigel, if you had any sense of public duty, both to yourself and to Aurora and its citizens, you would withdraw from the mayoralty contest and run for Council instead. There is still lots of time, until September 10.

You will never make mayor, but you could turn out to be a great member of Council.

It takes a big person to accept one’s limitations. It takes an even bigger person to temper one’s personal ambitions in the best interest of the greater good of the community.

Please do the right thing; end your mayoralty bid and lead a new and rejuvenated group of people seeking council membership, as senior councillor. Lead the way to a general house cleaning and a new beginning.

You would earn the grateful thanks of your community. 

Augustinius

Posted in Community Corner, Community Input, Election 2010, Guest Post, Leadership | 35 Comments »

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