People who follow York Region politics are well aware the power of Social Media. Federal Minister Julian Fantino recently wrote an op/ed including a thinly veiled threat of legal action against certain Vaughan twitterers. The Mayor of Georgina is using a tax fuelled lawsuit to silence critics in his town. Bloggers in Aurora played a huge roll in the electoral defeat of Aurora's ex-Mayor in 2010.
In truth, this blog and others on the Internet have been critical of Mayor of Newmarket's job performance. It is really no surprise to see that the Mayor of Newmarket is taking to the blogosphere with a comment or two about social media. To be fair, let me acknowledge that the the Mayor has been active with social media. He has been on Twitter, facebook, Linkedin, and has his own blog for a number of years already. The same can not be said of many of his colleagues. These Councillors let their constituents down when they fail in providing basic communication of the 21st century. The days of using a town crier to pass along news is long gone.
In his blog, the Mayor whinges about "vicious attacks" and not having the opportunity for rebuttal. He frets about "inaccurate comments" and "skewed perspectives" and being the victim of a "bully". Some less observant readers may even feel sorry for the poor lamb of a Mayor who seems to have been terribly hard done by brutal thugs lurking within virtual dark corners on the Internet.
The more critical among us will recognize that with the Mayor's office comes certain perks. The Mayor's Twitter account has 3 X the number of followers as the one affiliated with this blog. The Mayor has a much larger audience than this blogger will ever hope to have. It is very likely that the Mayor could pick up the phone and speak directly with the Editor of the Era, the Toronto Star, or any number of media outlets. The man even has a weekly televised opportunity where he can speak freely/ Besides all that, lets not forget the Mayor also has access to a town hall staff with expertise in writing and issuing press releases.
The point being, if the Mayor actually believed there was any question regarding truthfulness or accuracy of anything written in this blog, why does the Mayor simply whinge? Why not present us with a formal rebuttal using any of the various social or traditional media outlets that he has open access to?
I think we all know the answer to that question.
Thursday 26 January 2012
Wednesday 25 January 2012
Regarding Council's Cultural Agenda
Is it fair to call a policymaker elitist, ageist or racist if he passes policies that fit that bill? Perhaps the NPL Internet policy was only one example of exclusionary policies. Let's consider two others examples.
While drafting the Newmarket Strategic Plan 2004, Council conducted a SWOT analysis in May of that year. SWOT is an acronym for "Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats". All of this was submitted in a report to Council authored by the CAO. Members of the 2004 Council who are currently in office include Tony Van Bynen, Tom Vegh, Chris Emanuel and Dave Kerwin.
In this Newmarket Strategic Plan 2004 report, under the "Threats" category, are two items that are disturbing and shocking to our community sensibilities as quoted below:
1) Migration of "Old Town" people and aging baby boomers out of town as community character changes from town to city; lowering standards in housing services to appeal to the lowest common denominator with the idea that we must create affordability to fuel industry -- will cause middle class to flee while ghettoizing the town (T)
2) Guard against concentrated pockets of ethnic groups - becoming a melting pot, not a mosaic (T)
What points 1 and 2 demonstrate is that a core group of current Councillors received this document and approved of it (because it was posted to the Internet with Town of Newmarket letterhead) even though it contained outrageous elitist and racist sentiments. If some of these politicians subsequently draft policies that perpetuate exclusions of people based on age, financial level etc., have these politicians not earned our derision and scorn? As the saying goes, if it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, its a duck.
Further to this point, on Monday, Council heard evidence about and passed a motion regarding shark fin soup. As the author of the motion, Councillor Twinney made an impassioned plea on behalf of the hard luck sharks. It astounded me that she never made even polite mention of the cultural group that would be affected by a ban on shark fin soup in her speech. It seems that predatory sharks rank higher on Councillor Twinney's list of legislative concerns than certain cultural groups.
I was further disturbed to witness that only Councillor Di Muccio seemed to clue in that Monday was also this cultural group's national holiday. Even when she raised that point, the rest of her colleagues were nonplussed. Clearly this Council's white bread view point is out of touch with Canadian society.
People tut-tut when critics employ racist, ageist or elitist labels but is there another more appropriate set of words that fit in this case?
While drafting the Newmarket Strategic Plan 2004, Council conducted a SWOT analysis in May of that year. SWOT is an acronym for "Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats". All of this was submitted in a report to Council authored by the CAO. Members of the 2004 Council who are currently in office include Tony Van Bynen, Tom Vegh, Chris Emanuel and Dave Kerwin.
In this Newmarket Strategic Plan 2004 report, under the "Threats" category, are two items that are disturbing and shocking to our community sensibilities as quoted below:
1) Migration of "Old Town" people and aging baby boomers out of town as community character changes from town to city; lowering standards in housing services to appeal to the lowest common denominator with the idea that we must create affordability to fuel industry -- will cause middle class to flee while ghettoizing the town (T)
2) Guard against concentrated pockets of ethnic groups - becoming a melting pot, not a mosaic (T)
What points 1 and 2 demonstrate is that a core group of current Councillors received this document and approved of it (because it was posted to the Internet with Town of Newmarket letterhead) even though it contained outrageous elitist and racist sentiments. If some of these politicians subsequently draft policies that perpetuate exclusions of people based on age, financial level etc., have these politicians not earned our derision and scorn? As the saying goes, if it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, its a duck.
Further to this point, on Monday, Council heard evidence about and passed a motion regarding shark fin soup. As the author of the motion, Councillor Twinney made an impassioned plea on behalf of the hard luck sharks. It astounded me that she never made even polite mention of the cultural group that would be affected by a ban on shark fin soup in her speech. It seems that predatory sharks rank higher on Councillor Twinney's list of legislative concerns than certain cultural groups.
I was further disturbed to witness that only Councillor Di Muccio seemed to clue in that Monday was also this cultural group's national holiday. Even when she raised that point, the rest of her colleagues were nonplussed. Clearly this Council's white bread view point is out of touch with Canadian society.
People tut-tut when critics employ racist, ageist or elitist labels but is there another more appropriate set of words that fit in this case?
Monday 23 January 2012
Ward 2 Councillor Dave Kerwin's Record 2011
Experience at the table. That is what Councillor Dave Kerwin promised us in 2010. A year into his mandate and we are left asking what his 30+ years as a Newmarket Councillor has delivered.
When Councillor Emanuel was convicted, was it "experienced" Dave Kerwin stepping up to ask Emanuel to resign for the good of the community? As a former teacher and vice-principal, Kerwin should have known better than most the importance of being a good role model. Yet instead of condemning Emanuel, Kerwin praised him. Teacher, you get a F on this life lesson.
As someone who was once a community volunteer coach and a booster of minor sports, did Councillor Kerwin's experience lead him to speak up against rising recreation fees in Newmarket to help families who are struggling to afford keeping their kids active? Sadly, no. Sorry coach, but you missed the play.
Did Councillor Kerwin's experience direct him to make any contribution towards settling the YRT/Viva strike despite knowing the toll this strike was having on seniors who depend on public transit for mobility? Does he think these seniors should take a walk on the Dave Kerwin trail perhaps to get to their doctors appointments, to church, or to go shopping? Didn't he promise to support seniors, Smart Commute, and the environment in his 2010 campaign pledge? It seems some promises are simply forgotten. "Experience" has shown this politician that promises are made to be broken.
What about his promise to keep taxes reasonable as a key plank to making Newmarket more livable. This is where Newmarket ratepayers have "experience" as in experience with higher taxes. In fact, nobody has voted to raise Newmarket property taxes more often than Councillor Dave Kerwin. Keeping his streak going, he voted to raise taxes again in 2011 and 2012 too.
Mr. Kerwin, perhaps you have forgotten a while ago, what a privilege it is to serve the residents of Ward 2. You made us a promise to use your 30+ years at Town Hall to improve our community. You have overlooked the embarrassment that Chris Emanuel caused us because you were more loyal to your friend than your constituents. You ignored the plight of seniors who are struggling through the YRT|/Viva strike. You have turned your back on children by raising fees. In short, you have let us down.
When Councillor Emanuel was convicted, was it "experienced" Dave Kerwin stepping up to ask Emanuel to resign for the good of the community? As a former teacher and vice-principal, Kerwin should have known better than most the importance of being a good role model. Yet instead of condemning Emanuel, Kerwin praised him. Teacher, you get a F on this life lesson.
As someone who was once a community volunteer coach and a booster of minor sports, did Councillor Kerwin's experience lead him to speak up against rising recreation fees in Newmarket to help families who are struggling to afford keeping their kids active? Sadly, no. Sorry coach, but you missed the play.
Did Councillor Kerwin's experience direct him to make any contribution towards settling the YRT/Viva strike despite knowing the toll this strike was having on seniors who depend on public transit for mobility? Does he think these seniors should take a walk on the Dave Kerwin trail perhaps to get to their doctors appointments, to church, or to go shopping? Didn't he promise to support seniors, Smart Commute, and the environment in his 2010 campaign pledge? It seems some promises are simply forgotten. "Experience" has shown this politician that promises are made to be broken.
What about his promise to keep taxes reasonable as a key plank to making Newmarket more livable. This is where Newmarket ratepayers have "experience" as in experience with higher taxes. In fact, nobody has voted to raise Newmarket property taxes more often than Councillor Dave Kerwin. Keeping his streak going, he voted to raise taxes again in 2011 and 2012 too.
Mr. Kerwin, perhaps you have forgotten a while ago, what a privilege it is to serve the residents of Ward 2. You made us a promise to use your 30+ years at Town Hall to improve our community. You have overlooked the embarrassment that Chris Emanuel caused us because you were more loyal to your friend than your constituents. You ignored the plight of seniors who are struggling through the YRT|/Viva strike. You have turned your back on children by raising fees. In short, you have let us down.
Saturday 14 January 2012
Ward One Councillor Tom Vegh's Record Thus Far
Continuing in the series reviewing the 2010-11 performance of your municipal politicians, the focus of this blog is on Ward 1 Councillor, Tom Vegh.
It isn't hard to overlook Councillor Vegh during a Council meeting. He will sneak his name into the meeting minutes by offering to "second" a routine motion now and again but you won't hear him contribute to a debate or offer anything substantial to the meeting. That's the way this long term councillor rolls.
He doesn't keep a web site. He rarely participates in social media such as Twitter. He also tends to stay away from community events. He hosts a "drop in" meeting at the Magna Centre each month, but there is no agenda or new information offered to his constituents and so there are rarely any visitors to his monthly meetings.
All of this seems to give us the impression that Councillor Vegh is really a "bit player" in Newmarket politics. That is precisely what he would like you all to believe because that is what he is pinning his re-election hopes on to. In 2010, he campaigned strongly to maintain the status quo.
What we do know of Councillor Vegh is his boast of business acumen and his performance as Vice Chair of the Newmarket Public Library (NPL).
If I were to put my name forward as a candidate in Ward 1, I would be making the next election a referendum on his management of the Newmarket Public Library. As Vice Chair, Councillor Vegh has played a major role in creating the current conditions at the NPL.
Some readers may like the cutesy, "country bumpkin" atmosphere of the NPL. Others who have experiences with top-notched libraries in neighbouring municipalities may feel a little embarrassed by the NPL. (It certainly isn't a place you would take visiting relatives to if you were giving a tour of the town). I think every ratepayer would be shocked to hear about how $2.6 million in tax payer funds were frittered away in scanning back issues of the Era newspaper under Councillor Vegh's watch. More on this shortly.
What all of this illustrates is that when Councillor Vegh is left in charge, he created a very fine mess of one of our beloved public institution.
I think most of us would agree that we expect a library to include the following key services:
1. Books, magazines, resource materials
2. Educational opportunities
3. Community Information
4. Recreational and Personal Development programs
I believe that during Councillor Vegh's tenure at the helm of the NPL, these priorities have been set aside and too much money has been diverted to his own pet projects. Councillor Vegh is a history buff, so Newmarket ratepayers shell out $2.6 million to preserve Newmarket history through a little-publicized program called "SDI".
Councillor Vegh has business interests, so program money is diverted to Newmarket Chamber of Commerce related initiatives.
Councillor Vegh lives on the other side of town, so the library stops buying new books (only the smallest fraction of its budget goes towards the purchase of new books), and significant resources are spent connecting residents via the Internet.
The plain truth is that the NPL is no longer the place we remember growing up. Its not a place for families, for children, or seniors to meet unless you want to meet over the Internet.
Under Councillor Vegh's direction, the NPL is no longer "open" to the public. Being open means that the NPL should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, education, or financial level. There are a significant amount of services that the NPL delivers exclusively through the Internet. Councillor Vegh's rush to deliver Internet based services excludes so many people that his policy can only be called ageist, racist and elitist.
Let me explain this further. Under Councillor Vegh, the NPL has dedicated significant amount of resources, including staff, money and time, to Internet-delivered services. To fully access these NPL services, a Newmarket resident must have some degree of Internet and computer savvy and be an owner of certain equipment such as an e-reader, personal computer or laptop with Internet access and so on. The truth is, many Newmarket residents don't have the basic know-how or related materials to be NPL library users; such people include our community's poor, seniors, and new Canadians.
For example, almost 24% of the world's population resides in South East Asia. Yet South East Asians comprise of just 0.1% of the world's Internet users. By focusing on Internet-delivered services, Councillor Vegh is excluding a quarter of Canada's new immigrants from settling in Newmarket. It is ironic that this Councillor is a member of Newmarket's Inclusivity Advisory Committee and he is a proponent of this racist, ageist, and elitist NPL policy.
Perhaps you agree that Internet-delivered library services are the way of the future. I think that objectively you would also have to agree that many of the services the library is offering are not unique to the NPL. In fact, much of the library's offerings are simply a weblink to existing services offered by other organizations, such as government or the chamber of commerce. In other words, under Councillor Vegh's leadership, the NPL has been spending heavily to duplicate what is already easily available to Internet users through other government agencies paid for by your tax dollars.
Under Councillor Vegh's direction, the NPL has tried to re-brand itself in two main areas. Both of which I disagree:
1) The NPL is independent of Town Hall. What a load of crock! The funding comes from municipal taxes. Does any resident feel comfortable handing a $3,000,000 cheque to the library on an annual basis and not expect accountability to the Newmarket ratepayers in return? Personally, I think this is political spin so Councillor Vegh can avoid public scrutiny during the election by pretending the NPL isn't a municipal issue. I believe ratepayers won't be fooled when they vote.
2) The NPL is an economic engine in Newmarket. Again, not true. There is no evidence that the Newmarket library will create any private sector success, jobs, or competitive advantages for any Newmarket business. I think this is a story made up to convince the politicians to maintain and grow the amount of funds the library receives through your taxes.
Here are some facts about the NPL:
1) In 2008, the NPL decided to direct $2,600,000 towards an ill-defined boondoggle called "SDI". There was scant information available on the web site (http://www.sdiproject.ca/) other than its purpose is "to help build a bright future for Newmarket." The project has added more expense to the library and it's only success is scanning back issues of the Era newspaper. That's right, $2,600,000 of your tax dollars because Councillor Vegh feels reading old newspapers will "build a bright future in Newmarket".
2) The library facility is embarrassing and many resources are outdated.
3) The percentage of spending for books and materials is a mere fraction of what the NPL spends on its bloated administration. If it were a private sector enterprise, the NPL would have a manager and maybe an assistant manager. I was surprised to read that our library has a CEO and a Deputy CEO instead (both of whom are taking home a six-figure salary). For someone who boasts a business background, the org. chart at the NPL doesn't make much sense, Councillor Vegh.
4) Councillor Vegh supports higher wages for NPL employees even though Premier McGuinty has called for a wage freeze in the public sector and keeping budgets in check. As a tax and spend politician, Councillor Vegh cheerily voted in favour of raising your property taxes and increasing user fees in 2011.
5) All of this has occurred with Councillor Vegh at the wheel.
You may not know who Councillor Vegh is but assuredly you are paying substantially more taxes and fees due to his ham-fisted management of the NPL.
It isn't hard to overlook Councillor Vegh during a Council meeting. He will sneak his name into the meeting minutes by offering to "second" a routine motion now and again but you won't hear him contribute to a debate or offer anything substantial to the meeting. That's the way this long term councillor rolls.
He doesn't keep a web site. He rarely participates in social media such as Twitter. He also tends to stay away from community events. He hosts a "drop in" meeting at the Magna Centre each month, but there is no agenda or new information offered to his constituents and so there are rarely any visitors to his monthly meetings.
All of this seems to give us the impression that Councillor Vegh is really a "bit player" in Newmarket politics. That is precisely what he would like you all to believe because that is what he is pinning his re-election hopes on to. In 2010, he campaigned strongly to maintain the status quo.
What we do know of Councillor Vegh is his boast of business acumen and his performance as Vice Chair of the Newmarket Public Library (NPL).
If I were to put my name forward as a candidate in Ward 1, I would be making the next election a referendum on his management of the Newmarket Public Library. As Vice Chair, Councillor Vegh has played a major role in creating the current conditions at the NPL.
Some readers may like the cutesy, "country bumpkin" atmosphere of the NPL. Others who have experiences with top-notched libraries in neighbouring municipalities may feel a little embarrassed by the NPL. (It certainly isn't a place you would take visiting relatives to if you were giving a tour of the town). I think every ratepayer would be shocked to hear about how $2.6 million in tax payer funds were frittered away in scanning back issues of the Era newspaper under Councillor Vegh's watch. More on this shortly.
What all of this illustrates is that when Councillor Vegh is left in charge, he created a very fine mess of one of our beloved public institution.
I think most of us would agree that we expect a library to include the following key services:
1. Books, magazines, resource materials
2. Educational opportunities
3. Community Information
4. Recreational and Personal Development programs
I believe that during Councillor Vegh's tenure at the helm of the NPL, these priorities have been set aside and too much money has been diverted to his own pet projects. Councillor Vegh is a history buff, so Newmarket ratepayers shell out $2.6 million to preserve Newmarket history through a little-publicized program called "SDI".
Councillor Vegh has business interests, so program money is diverted to Newmarket Chamber of Commerce related initiatives.
Councillor Vegh lives on the other side of town, so the library stops buying new books (only the smallest fraction of its budget goes towards the purchase of new books), and significant resources are spent connecting residents via the Internet.
The plain truth is that the NPL is no longer the place we remember growing up. Its not a place for families, for children, or seniors to meet unless you want to meet over the Internet.
Under Councillor Vegh's direction, the NPL is no longer "open" to the public. Being open means that the NPL should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, education, or financial level. There are a significant amount of services that the NPL delivers exclusively through the Internet. Councillor Vegh's rush to deliver Internet based services excludes so many people that his policy can only be called ageist, racist and elitist.
Let me explain this further. Under Councillor Vegh, the NPL has dedicated significant amount of resources, including staff, money and time, to Internet-delivered services. To fully access these NPL services, a Newmarket resident must have some degree of Internet and computer savvy and be an owner of certain equipment such as an e-reader, personal computer or laptop with Internet access and so on. The truth is, many Newmarket residents don't have the basic know-how or related materials to be NPL library users; such people include our community's poor, seniors, and new Canadians.
For example, almost 24% of the world's population resides in South East Asia. Yet South East Asians comprise of just 0.1% of the world's Internet users. By focusing on Internet-delivered services, Councillor Vegh is excluding a quarter of Canada's new immigrants from settling in Newmarket. It is ironic that this Councillor is a member of Newmarket's Inclusivity Advisory Committee and he is a proponent of this racist, ageist, and elitist NPL policy.
Perhaps you agree that Internet-delivered library services are the way of the future. I think that objectively you would also have to agree that many of the services the library is offering are not unique to the NPL. In fact, much of the library's offerings are simply a weblink to existing services offered by other organizations, such as government or the chamber of commerce. In other words, under Councillor Vegh's leadership, the NPL has been spending heavily to duplicate what is already easily available to Internet users through other government agencies paid for by your tax dollars.
Under Councillor Vegh's direction, the NPL has tried to re-brand itself in two main areas. Both of which I disagree:
1) The NPL is independent of Town Hall. What a load of crock! The funding comes from municipal taxes. Does any resident feel comfortable handing a $3,000,000 cheque to the library on an annual basis and not expect accountability to the Newmarket ratepayers in return? Personally, I think this is political spin so Councillor Vegh can avoid public scrutiny during the election by pretending the NPL isn't a municipal issue. I believe ratepayers won't be fooled when they vote.
2) The NPL is an economic engine in Newmarket. Again, not true. There is no evidence that the Newmarket library will create any private sector success, jobs, or competitive advantages for any Newmarket business. I think this is a story made up to convince the politicians to maintain and grow the amount of funds the library receives through your taxes.
Here are some facts about the NPL:
1) In 2008, the NPL decided to direct $2,600,000 towards an ill-defined boondoggle called "SDI". There was scant information available on the web site (http://www.sdiproject.ca/) other than its purpose is "to help build a bright future for Newmarket." The project has added more expense to the library and it's only success is scanning back issues of the Era newspaper. That's right, $2,600,000 of your tax dollars because Councillor Vegh feels reading old newspapers will "build a bright future in Newmarket".
2) The library facility is embarrassing and many resources are outdated.
3) The percentage of spending for books and materials is a mere fraction of what the NPL spends on its bloated administration. If it were a private sector enterprise, the NPL would have a manager and maybe an assistant manager. I was surprised to read that our library has a CEO and a Deputy CEO instead (both of whom are taking home a six-figure salary). For someone who boasts a business background, the org. chart at the NPL doesn't make much sense, Councillor Vegh.
4) Councillor Vegh supports higher wages for NPL employees even though Premier McGuinty has called for a wage freeze in the public sector and keeping budgets in check. As a tax and spend politician, Councillor Vegh cheerily voted in favour of raising your property taxes and increasing user fees in 2011.
5) All of this has occurred with Councillor Vegh at the wheel.
You may not know who Councillor Vegh is but assuredly you are paying substantially more taxes and fees due to his ham-fisted management of the NPL.
Monday 9 January 2012
The Regional Councillor's Record So Far
Continuing the on-going series assessing the job performance of our municipal politicians and whether they are delivering on their campaign promises, our focus this week falls on Regional Councillor John Taylor. (Special Note: As a blog dedicated to Newmarket, (and not York Region), I am focusing this assessment on his work for the Town of Newmarket).
Like Mayor Van Bynen, Regional Councillor Taylor did not have to campaign in 2010. His opponent, Cheryl Richman, did not post a single campaign sign to challenge him.
Although he didn't have a credible challenger, Taylor did provide us with the following list of "priorities":
1) Growth
2) Environment
3) Trails
4) Taxes and Debts
5) Social Planning
6) Recreation and Leisure
In writing about his Growth priority, Regional Councillor Taylor focusses on preserving our neighbourhoods, which is a striking "anti-growth" message. In fact, the only positive points he can muster about growth is the enjoyment he personally receives from new restaurants and shops. Newmarket has been designated in the Places To Grow Act to assigned, specific growth and densification targets of 25,000+ new residents within the next 10 years. Taylor's comments are akin to the ostrich sticking his head in the sand to avoid a predator.
Since being elected, Regional Councillor Taylor has been active in the anti-Glenway dispute including his controversial support of paying $65,000 in "special consultant" fees to review the Kirbel Group's re-development application of the golf course.
Regarding the Environment, the Town of Newmarket has a committee called the Newmarket Environmental Advisory Committee. Regional Councillor Taylor is not a member of this committeee but another councillor is. One would think that someone who lists the Environment as one of his priorities would be contributing to the work of the Environmental Advisory Committee.
On the matter of Trails, Newmarket has a committee called the Nokiidaa Committee. John Taylor is not a member of this committee but another councillor is. One would think that someone who lists Trails as one of his priorities would be contributing to the work of the Nokiidaa Committee.
On the matter of Taxes and Debts, Newmarket has a committee called the Audit Committee. Taylor is not a member of this committee but three other council members are. One would think that someone who lists Taxes and Debts as one of his priorities would be contributing to the work of the Audit Committee.
On the matter of Social Planning, Newmarket has a committee called the Inclusivity Advisory Committee. Regional Councillor Taylor is not a member of this committee but two other council members are. One would think that someone who lists Social Planning as one of his priorities would be contributing to the work of the Inclusivity Advisory Committee.
On the matter of Recreation and Leisure, strangely, Newmarket does not have any committee relating to this. However, if Regional Councillor considers Recreation and Leisure to be one of his priorities, then why has he not already offered to create and participate on such a committee?
I apologize for the repetitive nature of this assessment but I mean to illustrate that Regional Councillor Taylor appears to be promising much and contributing nothing to Newmarket towards his stated priorities. Why is he avoiding the drudgery of committee work and leaving the important decisions to others? I have no problem with what he lists as his priorities but ratepayers in Newmarket expect that he would act on his priorities. Its a lot of big talk and little action.
Speaking of "big talk", a visit of Regional Councillor Taylor's web site (johntaylornewmarket.ca) gives the impression that he is in full campaign mode. His web site is entirely geared towards garnering support for the next election. He puts a lot of effort into recording every mention made of him in the media but there are scant details about his views on current issues (save for the transit strike). Ratepayers would remind Regional Councillor Taylor that the campaign is years away and there is much (committee) work that needs to be tackled beforehand.
Do you want another example to illustrate John Taylor's shortcomings as a municipal politician? Earlier this year he promised to report his expenses quarterly via his web site. He has not kept that promise and this is yet another example of his big talk/no action problem.
Like Mayor Van Bynen, Regional Councillor Taylor did not have to campaign in 2010. His opponent, Cheryl Richman, did not post a single campaign sign to challenge him.
Although he didn't have a credible challenger, Taylor did provide us with the following list of "priorities":
1) Growth
2) Environment
3) Trails
4) Taxes and Debts
5) Social Planning
6) Recreation and Leisure
In writing about his Growth priority, Regional Councillor Taylor focusses on preserving our neighbourhoods, which is a striking "anti-growth" message. In fact, the only positive points he can muster about growth is the enjoyment he personally receives from new restaurants and shops. Newmarket has been designated in the Places To Grow Act to assigned, specific growth and densification targets of 25,000+ new residents within the next 10 years. Taylor's comments are akin to the ostrich sticking his head in the sand to avoid a predator.
Since being elected, Regional Councillor Taylor has been active in the anti-Glenway dispute including his controversial support of paying $65,000 in "special consultant" fees to review the Kirbel Group's re-development application of the golf course.
Regarding the Environment, the Town of Newmarket has a committee called the Newmarket Environmental Advisory Committee. Regional Councillor Taylor is not a member of this committeee but another councillor is. One would think that someone who lists the Environment as one of his priorities would be contributing to the work of the Environmental Advisory Committee.
On the matter of Trails, Newmarket has a committee called the Nokiidaa Committee. John Taylor is not a member of this committee but another councillor is. One would think that someone who lists Trails as one of his priorities would be contributing to the work of the Nokiidaa Committee.
On the matter of Taxes and Debts, Newmarket has a committee called the Audit Committee. Taylor is not a member of this committee but three other council members are. One would think that someone who lists Taxes and Debts as one of his priorities would be contributing to the work of the Audit Committee.
On the matter of Social Planning, Newmarket has a committee called the Inclusivity Advisory Committee. Regional Councillor Taylor is not a member of this committee but two other council members are. One would think that someone who lists Social Planning as one of his priorities would be contributing to the work of the Inclusivity Advisory Committee.
On the matter of Recreation and Leisure, strangely, Newmarket does not have any committee relating to this. However, if Regional Councillor considers Recreation and Leisure to be one of his priorities, then why has he not already offered to create and participate on such a committee?
I apologize for the repetitive nature of this assessment but I mean to illustrate that Regional Councillor Taylor appears to be promising much and contributing nothing to Newmarket towards his stated priorities. Why is he avoiding the drudgery of committee work and leaving the important decisions to others? I have no problem with what he lists as his priorities but ratepayers in Newmarket expect that he would act on his priorities. Its a lot of big talk and little action.
Speaking of "big talk", a visit of Regional Councillor Taylor's web site (johntaylornewmarket.ca) gives the impression that he is in full campaign mode. His web site is entirely geared towards garnering support for the next election. He puts a lot of effort into recording every mention made of him in the media but there are scant details about his views on current issues (save for the transit strike). Ratepayers would remind Regional Councillor Taylor that the campaign is years away and there is much (committee) work that needs to be tackled beforehand.
Do you want another example to illustrate John Taylor's shortcomings as a municipal politician? Earlier this year he promised to report his expenses quarterly via his web site. He has not kept that promise and this is yet another example of his big talk/no action problem.
Sunday 8 January 2012
Sounds Like a Mayor
Two radio interviews with the CBC last week concerning the same issue. Only one represents Newmarket well. Have a listen.
http://www.cbc.ca/ontariotoday/2012/01/05/newmarket-rallies-around-victims-of-racist-attack/
and
http://www.cbc.ca/hereandnowtoronto/episodes/2012/01/03/racist-attacks-in-newmarket/
When speaking to the media politicians will often coordinate their "talking points" beforehand, which explains why their viewpoints are similar. Side by side, Councillor Di Muccio delivered a much more positive message about our community than the Mayor did.
A very impressive interview Councillor/Mayor-in-waiting, on a very important community issue.
http://www.cbc.ca/ontariotoday/2012/01/05/newmarket-rallies-around-victims-of-racist-attack/
and
http://www.cbc.ca/hereandnowtoronto/episodes/2012/01/03/racist-attacks-in-newmarket/
When speaking to the media politicians will often coordinate their "talking points" beforehand, which explains why their viewpoints are similar. Side by side, Councillor Di Muccio delivered a much more positive message about our community than the Mayor did.
A very impressive interview Councillor/Mayor-in-waiting, on a very important community issue.
Friday 6 January 2012
Fair Comment on Local Media Coverage Part 1 of 3
I am taking a step back from my promised series on Newmarket politicos and their campaign promises to comment on a couple of articles written by Era reporter Teresa Latchford. The whole reason I started this blog was because I did not agree with how the local media was covering Town Hall. Certainly we had more exposure than usual from Toronto and National media in 2011, but the local media has, at times, not provided Newmarket ratepayers with the appropriate coverage of major issues.
Case in point is this article on Councillor Chris Emanuel:
http://www.yorkregion.com/news/article/1274572--councillor-lead-voice-on-glenway-redevelopment Certainly, Councillor Emanuel was a major newsmaker in 2011 but Ms. Latchford seems determined to re-invent his record. Councillor Emanuel has had no successes on Glenway development; he has divided Council with his tactics, (recent comments by Councillor Kerwin against fighting this at the OMB are contrary to Councillor Emanuel’s), and he has fought against public input at every turn, (refer to the August 29 Council meeting). In fact, Councillor Emanuel promised a notice of motion on Glenway during that August 29th meeting that he has failed to deliver on. If Ms. Latchford is looking for a hero for Glenway, look towards the work that Jeff Brown and the Friends of Glenway have been doing. Councillor Emanuel has been deadweight on this issue.
Fair Comment on Local Media Coverage Part 2 of 3
Where Councillor Emanuel is a newsmaker is on his criminal conviction. In recent months, we have seen an Edmonton MP charged, a Milton Councillor convicted, a Markham Councillor charged and finally Councillor Emanuel’s conviction as part of a long string of politicians believing that they are above the law. It is an outright shame that none of this group has (yet) resigned.
Integrity used to be a pre-requisite for elected office.
Related to Councillor Emanuel is this article also written by Era reporter Teresa Latchford:
http://www.yorkregion.com/news/article/1274699--clark-always-willing-to-roll-up-sleeves A google search of Rob Clark turns up this gem from Snap: http://www.snapnewmarket.com/index.php?option=com_sngevents&id%5B%5D=176274 In this link, Rob Clark is quoted as hosting Councillor Emanuel’s 2010 fundraiser and clearly he is tied to Councillor Emanuel politically.
Fair Comment on Local Media Coverage Part 3 of 3
Also on the topic of political alliances, Rob Clark’s wife, Shannon Clark, was the creator of the facebook page "Stand Up for Newmarket" which went unreported in the Era. For readers who aren’t familiar with "Stand Up for Newmarket", it was a chat site dedicated to posting disparaging remarks about Ward Six Councillor Maddie Di Muccio until it was taken down in the summer.
Do these folks sound like community leaders to you?
All of this underlies the major issue with Town Hall. It is a "good old boys" club and Era reporter Teresa Latchford is helping promote and sustain the old ties. However, this isn’t Newmarket. Like what happened in Markham, Vaughan and Richmond Hill, the "good old boys" are waning and new blood is on its way.
Tuesday 3 January 2012
The Mayor's Record for Keeping Election Promises Part 1 of 2
With the calendar changing from year one to two, I thought it would be an ideal time to review the election campaign promises of each member of Council and provide Newmarket ratepayers with an opportunity to gauge each Councillor on his/her performance to date. Today’s edition focuses on Mayor Tony Van Bynen
With all due respect for Michael Cascione’s noble gesture of giving voters the opportunity to cast a ballot, Mayor Van Bynen ran unopposed in 2010. As such, there are very few campaign promises to compare his track record with.
In his mayoralty campaign kick-off material, Mayor Van Bynen made five key promises:
- To reduce the rate of taxation without affecting services
- To attract a medical university and health sciences research facility to Newmarket
- To bolster shared digital infrastructure and reduce traffic congestion and pollution through Smart Commute
- To construct a women’s shelter
- To attract new businesses and keep the downtown heritage district a good place for business
On the question of property taxes, Mayor Van Bynen’s record is not good. In 2011, he raised our taxes and Council voted another increase for 2012. What’s in store for the remainder or his term? If the newspaper is reporting it correctly, the forecast calls for higher taxes in 2013 and 2014 too. As if high taxes weren’t already a burden, don’t forget that we are facing higher water rates and increases in user fees.
In 2011, Mayor Van Bynen blamed the tax increase on the fire department hiring new firefighters. Seeing as only a few months separated his campaign release and the implementation of the 2011 budget, why didn’t the Mayor tell us about what was coming? Is it possible that he didn’t know that the fire department required the additional employees? If he knew about the new hires, then why did he promise to reduce the taxation rate instead of leveling with us about his plans to raise the tax rate again, (and again).
On the question of a medical university, you know the old saying "where there is smoke there is fire"? In the case of the medical university, there is no smoke, not even a wisp. There is absolutely no news out of Queens Park that this is ever going to happen. (Conversely we get lots of news about the Vaughan Hospital). Under the current economic and political conditions, it seems pretty certain that no new funding is coming from the provincial government at this time.
On the matter of Shared Digital Infrastructure and Smart Commute, the Mayor demonstrates a lack of promise in both these matters. When researching Shared Digital Infrastructure (see http://www.newmarketchamber.ca/Strategic_Initiatives and www.sdiproject.ca) there can be no doubt that there are a lot a catch-phrases in play (such as "intelligent", "collaboration", "digitization", and "partnership" to name but a few). Strip away the catch phrases and there isn’t much left to explain what all the excitement is about. The Canada’s Economic Action Plan provided $2,102,456 towards digitizing library media (which I assume is the scanning of back issues of the Era newspaper), with another $514,711 worth of funding coming from other sources (one supposes that means the Newmarket ratepayers through taxes and fees paid to the Town, the Library and Newmarket Hydro). There is some mumbo-jumbo about guest speakers for the Chamber of Commerce but it is hard to discern what we actually got in return for our $2.6 million investment. From what I read, I am afraid there is very little here for Newmarket residents. Maybe we should have used that money to build a new library or re-furbish the Hollingsworth Arena instead?
The Mayor's Record for Keeping Election Promises Part 2 of 2
Reading the Mayor’s campaign promises regarding Smart Commute is just too much for Newmarket commuters. The Mayor appears to be the world’s biggest hypocrite in light of his intrusive involvement in prolonging the YRT/Viva strike. While campaigning for votes in 2010, he talked about getting people out of cars, reducing congestion, and reducing pollution. All of this rings hollow now for those of us coping without the benefit of the YRT, forced to walk to work in sub-zero conditions for the past three months. The latest news is that there is no news on upcoming transit talks. Voters will remember that this Mayor is no friend of commuters.
On the matter of a women’s shelter, thankfully Belinda’s House is 1/3 of the way towards its fundraising goal. Emergency shelter is one thing but it is as important to see some improvements in the availability of affordable rentals in Newmarket, towards affordable transit so low income earners can travel to work, and towards affordable recreation for families. There is so much more that needs to be done for our most vulnerable in our community. We get a lot of lip service from politicians but when I am speaking to real people who depend on social assistance its clear that there are few services in Newmarket to help these families get a leg up and out of poverty.
On Economic Development and Downtown Business, the most notable thing the Mayor has done in 2011 is to give these downtown business owners a new tax break through the heritage designation. It has never been explained how this new tax break offsets the lack of parking, public transit, and other obstacles for people travelling into the downtown area. Drivers find limited parking and public transit is not an option.
On his overall record, despite the few promises he made in 2010 towards his re-election, Mayor Van Bynen has managed to disappoint us on all of them in 2011. This is a very unpromising start for his new term. His biggest fault, as evidenced by the $2.6 shared digital infrastructure fiasco, is his inability to communicate a clear vision for Newmarket’s future. Instead, he would have us bumping along without any regard for where our Mayor would like to see Newmarket end up. There is a cost to having a bumbler as a mayor. Past examples have constantly shown that the end result of poor municipal leadership is always higher taxes.
On the matter of a women’s shelter, thankfully Belinda’s House is 1/3 of the way towards its fundraising goal. Emergency shelter is one thing but it is as important to see some improvements in the availability of affordable rentals in Newmarket, towards affordable transit so low income earners can travel to work, and towards affordable recreation for families. There is so much more that needs to be done for our most vulnerable in our community. We get a lot of lip service from politicians but when I am speaking to real people who depend on social assistance its clear that there are few services in Newmarket to help these families get a leg up and out of poverty.
On Economic Development and Downtown Business, the most notable thing the Mayor has done in 2011 is to give these downtown business owners a new tax break through the heritage designation. It has never been explained how this new tax break offsets the lack of parking, public transit, and other obstacles for people travelling into the downtown area. Drivers find limited parking and public transit is not an option.
On his overall record, despite the few promises he made in 2010 towards his re-election, Mayor Van Bynen has managed to disappoint us on all of them in 2011. This is a very unpromising start for his new term. His biggest fault, as evidenced by the $2.6 shared digital infrastructure fiasco, is his inability to communicate a clear vision for Newmarket’s future. Instead, he would have us bumping along without any regard for where our Mayor would like to see Newmarket end up. There is a cost to having a bumbler as a mayor. Past examples have constantly shown that the end result of poor municipal leadership is always higher taxes.
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