Aurora Citizen

News & Views from the Citizens of Aurora Ontario

Is the Media Unbiased?

Posted by auroracitizen on April 17, 2009

Some of the more recent posts have commented about the biased nature of this site relative to other news.

Most people recognize that all news is biased — to think otherwise is a bit naive. Just read the Star, Sun, Globe and Post and you will quickly see their leanings or spin on things. More/less environmental, pro/anti gun control, supporting one political party over another — they are all skewed to varying degrees. That is the very nature of people and Editorial Policies. That is also the beauty of social media.

No matter what the potential skew of the vehicle/blog — any and all points can be raised and presented by the reader through their comments. That is how unbiased discussion takes place. It is the responsibility of the reader, not the vehicle.

The fact that people feel this site is negative says something. People who are engaged and interested in town are angry. They are commenting. Does it represent the general feelings of the community — we don’t know, but it makes one wonder.

The opposite point of view doesn’t seem to be as interested in making their case. Maybe they aren’t interested enough. We don’t know. Both sides of any issue are published. All comments published are without editing (Blogger does not allow editing of comments). Comments which are purely lashing out at other contributors are simply rejected.

For those readers who’s commentary thus far has been to criticise the criticizers — we encourage your continued participation. Clearly we don’t vet the comments — otherwise yours would not have been published. We love to hear your point of view.

The real value of social media is the ability for everyone to take the opportunity to communicate their views — as many have done. Could we do better? Could this site offer a more balanced point of view? That’s up to the readers — it’s not up to the site.

The opportunity in always there for you to take. Will your take it?

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Posted in Community Input | 10 Comments »

Amalgamation- Yes or No?

Posted by auroracitizen on April 16, 2009

Back when Mike Harris was Premier amalgamation was a hot topic here in York Region. A number of amalgamations took place and the “benefits” should now be well-known.

The issue was recently raised in the Aurora with a letter by Barry Hall and an Editorial by Ron Wallace. Both can be seen on The Auroran website www.auroran.com.

What do you think — good idea or bad? Undecided? What advantages do you see versus the disadvantages?

We are interested in your point of view. The comments in The Auroran should provide some food for thought.

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Posted in Community Input | 7 Comments »

Thank You For Your Support

Posted by auroracitizen on April 11, 2009

We just hosted our 10,000 visitor. Our first post was 8/19/08 and after 75 posts and only 8 months we have surpassed our expectations.

It hasn’t always been easy and sometimes the comments haven’t been as productive as hoped, but we are seeing a steady increase in visitors and more productive commentary.

This is your blog, so please let us know what concerns you, what delights you and what you’d like to see done differently.

Plus, if you would like to be a post contributor, drop us a line. We’d love to hear from you.

As we near the next election, let’s make this a voice that represents Aurora.

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Posted in Community Input | 7 Comments »

Who Do Councillors Work For?

Posted by auroracitizen on April 11, 2009

One of our readers raised an interesting issue. They were enquiring about the letter written by Councillor MacEachern to the opposing side of a lawsuit against the Town. They felt that Councillor MacEacheren had provided information in that letter that helped the opposing case.

What do you have to say about the email MacEachern sent to the opposing side in a lawsuit. It’s been made public. I think it’s a common business practice that when someone is suing you, you should NOT send them information to help them. Let’s not elect someone who clearly DOES NOT act in the Town’s best interests. Does anyone know the decision in that case anyway?

This raises the question of whether your own beliefs take precedence over the citizens you have been elected to represent?

If you have clearly spelled out your position on a specific issue, then elected officials should follow their commitments.

However, if the issue has not been clearly spelled out as one of your campaign principles, then how should you act? Should you act to the detriment of the community, or hold your tongue. Interesting?

How does this type of conduct align with the Code of Ethics? How does this align with acting as a united Council once a decision has been reached.

It would appear that Councillor MacEachern has acted on her own — contrary to the best interest of the community, against the position of Council on behalf of the community and possible contrary to the Code of Ethics.

Readers should be interested in understanding what this issue was about and how it has resolved itself. Both the lawsuit against the Town and Councillor MacEachern’s conduct.

Readers should also be interested to know what steps Council took in response to Councillor MacEachern’s conduct. After all, Council/Councillors should work for the community as our representative, not their own special interests.

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Posted in Code of Ethics, Town Council | 41 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 »

Council Expenses: What are we getting in return?

Posted by auroracitizen on March 15, 2009

It was good to see that Council is not using their full expense allowance — in fact they have voted to reduce the allowance for the coming budget year.

However, it was interesting to note that the bulk of the expenses submitted were for attending conferences. One must wonder what value the town receives from having Councillors attend these events. It has been a trend that seems to have come into vogue this term. An examination of past terms would indicate that generally Councillors did not attend these events — yet in 2008, in addition to the Mayor, Councillors McRoberts, Granger, Wilson, Gallo all attended. Why?

And why are Councillors McRoberts and Gallo attending in 2009? Why can’t the Mayor attend on behalf of Council and report back any new learning that is appropriate?

Private sector business is cancelling travel, meetings and conferences, yet our politicians are still attending. It would be interesting to know what value was received by the town for these expenses. Or is this a perk of office for their own personal development? What do you think?

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Posted in Budget, Town Council | 9 Comments »

Community Corner: Yonge & Wellington Price Chopper

Posted by auroracitizen on March 11, 2009

A reader sent in the following comment. It is published unchanged.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views of the AURORA CITIZEN.

I am concerned that the former Price Chopper location at Yonge and Wellington has been sitting derelict for many months. This does not make a good impression for the centre of our town. As long as I have lived in Aurora (for twenty years) this location has been a grocery store. What is going to happen to this building and location?

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Posted in Community Corner, Local Business | 14 Comments »

The Responsibility of User Groups

Posted by auroracitizen on March 8, 2009

A couple recent issues caught our attention. One had to deal with the Soccer Dome and the second with the pool complex at the new rec centre. In both cases, the user groups had petitioned for facilities and committed to financially support the operation , either through fund raising or operating expenses. However, it appears that taxpayers are being left to foot the bill now that the structures are built.

For example, the fund raising commitments by pool users were not even close to achieved — and the user groups have indicated they aren’t doing anything further. What scarce dollars they did raise were mainly because of selling room sponsorship. Not really fundraising.

In the case of the soccer dome, the town is not fully utilizing their allocated summer time to run programs to generate revenue, but are still paying the costs — while the private owners are using town time without contributing to the costs.

It is very important for communities to provide facilities, but why do we provide high-end facilities based on user group commitments, when the user groups don’t fulfil their obligations.

What responsibility do users groups have to fulfil their commitments — and what should the town do when they don’t?

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Posted in Community Input | 4 Comments »

2009 Budget Priorities

Posted by auroracitizen on March 4, 2009

Everyone is tightening their belts. Luxuries are being cut back. Essential services re-considered. Each of us is re-evaluating what we can cut with the least impact on our families and our lifestyle.

The Town of Aurora should be no different. As Councillors review the budget, they should be evaluating where dollars can be saved, cut and re-allocated to provide the highest level of valued service to the community.

And this where the issues arise. What services are valued above others. Each of us have differing viewpoints, but what should drive the decision-making process.

  • Services that impact the most residents.
  • Impact the most vulnerable.
  • Those that scream the loudest.
  • Most recently appeared in front of Council.
  • Represent the largest voting block.

As Council deliberates the cuts, they should be actively seeking public input. After all, it is our money they are spending.

Call the Mayor and Councillors. Let them know what you think.

Make suggestions here for discussion. Let us know what you think.

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Posted in Budget, Community Input | 17 Comments »

Street Lights on Wellington

Posted by auroracitizen on March 3, 2009

Driving along Wellington from the 404, check out the street lamps. Initially all the street lamps were a “heritage” design. These were probably chosen because this stretch is referred to as the gateway to Aurora and they added to the overall look of this gateway.

However, now dotted through these “heritage” models are the modern version — so as one travels into Aurora they are treated to 2 different types of light standards.

What happened? This is probably a Regional road, but is there not some agreed design standard between the Town and the Region that provides for a consistent look? What is Council’s role to ensure that design standards are met?

Frankly, it looks awful. Not consistent with the “hip, upscale and well-educated” community Council promotes.

Next time you are driving through — check it out. Let your local Councillor or Mayor know if you agree.

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Posted in Town Council, Traffic/Parking | 4 Comments »

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