On October 3, 2014, just a three weeks before the municipal election, the Era headline roared: "Newmarket Soccer Club Ends Loan Link to Town: The Newmarket Soccer Club is off the Town of Newmarket’s financial books."
This article was particularly well-timed and fortuitous news for embattled incumbents Tony Van Bynen and John Taylor. It was deflating for the campaigns of their challengers.
And it was a lie.
A falsehood.
A misrepresentation told in a conspiracy between the Town of Newmarket and the Newmarket Soccer Club to steal democracy from Newmarket residents in favour of the liars and their allies.
The truth?
The loan wasn't "off the books" until yesterday, unbelievably almost four whole months after the conspirators' false report.
The problem is that the employees of the Town of Newmarket had a responsibility to dispel the lie but were complicit in their silence.
These employees had a fiduciary duty to the public to confirm what candidates Chris Campbell and Darryl Wolk were saying about the soccer loan. Instead, all senior management kept mum while Tony Van Bynen and John Taylor were quoted in the paper on October 24th while continuing to dupe the public into believing the Soccer Loan was a done deal.
Newmarket voters have every right to be outraged. We expect our politicians to lie to us but if we can't rely on the bureaucracy to be non-political, what protections does our democracy have?
Tuesday 20 January 2015
Saturday 17 January 2015
My Thoughts on the Newmarket Aurora NAPPCA AGM
My good friend "Horses and Beer," a fellow victim of a Frank Klees smear campaign, and a true advocate for free speech asked me to opine about the Newmarket-Aurora PC AGM.
To set the record straight, I wasn't there. I didn't receive notice of the AGM. It is possible that my membership has lapsed since last March and that explains why I didn't receive an invitation. It is also possible that my name is on the same list as others who allegedly didn't receive invitations.
I have been involved, (some years more than others), with electing Frank Klees, and before him with Julia Munro, for many, many elections. I did not participate with Jane Twinney's campaign, (not that anyone asked for my help either).
I have seen many changes at the local PC activist level over approximately 25 years.
And over that time, I have never been involved in a losing PC campaign. The grassroots is very good at electing PC candidates.
Let's recognize that maybe it is with arrogance and hubris that we let our guard down. We let ourselves go. We changed from perpetual winners to the losing team.
In my opinion, it all started when Frank Klees and the small group of Klees loyalists began to think that party politics was no longer a team sport. Klees defied his party and ran on his own for Speaker (until he realized he couldn't win without PC Party support - funny how minority parliaments work).
Then, like a Shakespearean Tragedy, Klees struck out at anyone who he deemed disloyal. This culminated with Klees using his influence to torpedo candidates in the so-called race to replace him as the Newmarket-Aurora PC candidate. The legacy of this egomaniacal Macbeth is a legacy of Liberal Red in Newmarket-Aurora, (a riding that has never elected a Liberal before).
We have to acknowledge the cunning of the Newmarket Aurora Provincial Liberals too. Christina Bisanz and Chris Ballard had an active part in disseminating the PC Party First ads. Many people in this riding received emails from either Christina or Chris linking to now-banned PC Party First YouTube ads. They use these smear tactics because they work.
And via John Taylor, they have been successful at planting loyalists on the NAPPCA board.
Evidence is clear that in people like Jane Twinney, Tom Vegh, his wife Angela Vegh and Bob Kwapis, Taylor has PC board members who wouldn't hesitate to take a bullet for Liberal John Taylor. Vegh's and Twinney's voting record while on Newmarket Council are indistinguishable for Liberal John Taylor. Kwapsis writes letters to the Newmarket Era supporting Liberal John Taylor.
With the corruption allegations against Liberal John Taylor, expect that Vegh and Twinney will back him up. Kwapsis already has.
I don't see how the Newmarket Aurora PC's will ever succeed with such an obvious faction with loyalties to Liberal John Taylor.
To set the record straight, I wasn't there. I didn't receive notice of the AGM. It is possible that my membership has lapsed since last March and that explains why I didn't receive an invitation. It is also possible that my name is on the same list as others who allegedly didn't receive invitations.
I have been involved, (some years more than others), with electing Frank Klees, and before him with Julia Munro, for many, many elections. I did not participate with Jane Twinney's campaign, (not that anyone asked for my help either).
I have seen many changes at the local PC activist level over approximately 25 years.
And over that time, I have never been involved in a losing PC campaign. The grassroots is very good at electing PC candidates.
Let's recognize that maybe it is with arrogance and hubris that we let our guard down. We let ourselves go. We changed from perpetual winners to the losing team.
In my opinion, it all started when Frank Klees and the small group of Klees loyalists began to think that party politics was no longer a team sport. Klees defied his party and ran on his own for Speaker (until he realized he couldn't win without PC Party support - funny how minority parliaments work).
Then, like a Shakespearean Tragedy, Klees struck out at anyone who he deemed disloyal. This culminated with Klees using his influence to torpedo candidates in the so-called race to replace him as the Newmarket-Aurora PC candidate. The legacy of this egomaniacal Macbeth is a legacy of Liberal Red in Newmarket-Aurora, (a riding that has never elected a Liberal before).
We have to acknowledge the cunning of the Newmarket Aurora Provincial Liberals too. Christina Bisanz and Chris Ballard had an active part in disseminating the PC Party First ads. Many people in this riding received emails from either Christina or Chris linking to now-banned PC Party First YouTube ads. They use these smear tactics because they work.
And via John Taylor, they have been successful at planting loyalists on the NAPPCA board.
Evidence is clear that in people like Jane Twinney, Tom Vegh, his wife Angela Vegh and Bob Kwapis, Taylor has PC board members who wouldn't hesitate to take a bullet for Liberal John Taylor. Vegh's and Twinney's voting record while on Newmarket Council are indistinguishable for Liberal John Taylor. Kwapsis writes letters to the Newmarket Era supporting Liberal John Taylor.
With the corruption allegations against Liberal John Taylor, expect that Vegh and Twinney will back him up. Kwapsis already has.
I don't see how the Newmarket Aurora PC's will ever succeed with such an obvious faction with loyalties to Liberal John Taylor.
Friday 16 January 2015
Super mailboxes aren't always super for some neighbourhoods
At some point over the next few months, Canada Post will be installing hundreds of super mailboxes in neighbourhoods that are currently receiving door to door delivery. Where these super mailboxes will eventually be located are pretty much anyone's guess at this point. Canada Post isn't sharing many details.
The issue for many homeowners is increased traffic flow. The typical super mailbox services 45 homes. If one of these boxes is installed near your home, you can expect 45 cars stopping by each and every day to get the mail. (It seems that few people walk to the mailbox these days). If your home is unfortunately located directly across the street from one of these boxes, then start getting used to having cars use your driveway to turn around.
In some homes, where kids play in the front yard, all these extra cars may have parents worrying about their children's safety. A new super mailbox installed close by can certainly affect how a homeowner uses his/her yard.
There is also an issue with junk mail littering. In the vicinity of the super mailbox expect to see flyers and other related trash that lazy recipients drop to the ground as opposed to bringing the junk mail home for recycling.
No corporation, Canada Post included, should be able to just walk into our town and install 100's of super mailboxes where ever they like. Residents should expect that their town council members will work with Canada Post to ensure the optimal locations for the new mailboxes.
The issue for many homeowners is increased traffic flow. The typical super mailbox services 45 homes. If one of these boxes is installed near your home, you can expect 45 cars stopping by each and every day to get the mail. (It seems that few people walk to the mailbox these days). If your home is unfortunately located directly across the street from one of these boxes, then start getting used to having cars use your driveway to turn around.
In some homes, where kids play in the front yard, all these extra cars may have parents worrying about their children's safety. A new super mailbox installed close by can certainly affect how a homeowner uses his/her yard.
There is also an issue with junk mail littering. In the vicinity of the super mailbox expect to see flyers and other related trash that lazy recipients drop to the ground as opposed to bringing the junk mail home for recycling.
No corporation, Canada Post included, should be able to just walk into our town and install 100's of super mailboxes where ever they like. Residents should expect that their town council members will work with Canada Post to ensure the optimal locations for the new mailboxes.
Thursday 15 January 2015
A Playground for Inspiring Meaningful Change
The title of this blog comes from the Kingsbridge Conference Centre's own web page, (which you can find here: http://www.kingbridgecentre.com/#home).
This resort-like conference centre looks wonderful; the website shows photos of wooden bridges crossing scenic streams, of a kayaker spending a lazy moment on the water, and of games of every sort.
Is it also where our York Region politicians plan to spend a half of a week in January paid for by public funds.
Regarding what is expected to cost in the range of $15,000, York Region Chairman Wayne Emmerson is promising us that all the darts, pool tables, and other activities will lead to deep discussion on Regional priorities.
Chairman Emmerson can't give us an exact figure on the cost because he says it will depend on how many of the invited politicians will sleep over at Kingsbridge for the three days.
Excuse me? Sleep over?
Kingsbridge is located at 12750 Jane St. Here is a list of how far your politician will be commuting to this conference centre:
(I didn't include King on this list because that is the municipality where Kingsbridge is located).
Nobody is travelling an unreasonable amount of time to get to Kingsbridge. There is nothing in the commuting time that would justify staying over for three nights.
However, an excuse could be made for those politicians who wish to drink to excess (paid for by the taxpayers of course). To avoid drinking and driving, perhaps a case could be made for spending the night. But even in those cases, where the politician plans on getting inebriated, the cost of a cab ride home seems far more reasonable.
Or better yet, how about not drinking at all? These politicians are supposed to working after all.
Look, let's call this Kingsbridge politician retreat for what it is. It is our local politicians once again living high off the hog paid for by you and me.
Remember this incident because your property tax bill for 2015 will be arriving in your mailbox within a few weeks. If you are wondering about why your taxes have gone up, it's because of incidents like this. The Gruesome Twosome - Tony Van Bynen and John Taylor - will be attending this event and, like piglets at the trough, will be enjoying themselves because the rest of us are paying for it.
Oh, and just in case you wanted to drop in and see what kind of work your politician is doing while at this conference? Well you can't. These January 28-30 meetings are in camera only meaning that they are closed to the public. We'll have to take their word for it when they tell us they are working hard on our behalf.
This resort-like conference centre looks wonderful; the website shows photos of wooden bridges crossing scenic streams, of a kayaker spending a lazy moment on the water, and of games of every sort.
Is it also where our York Region politicians plan to spend a half of a week in January paid for by public funds.
Regarding what is expected to cost in the range of $15,000, York Region Chairman Wayne Emmerson is promising us that all the darts, pool tables, and other activities will lead to deep discussion on Regional priorities.
Chairman Emmerson can't give us an exact figure on the cost because he says it will depend on how many of the invited politicians will sleep over at Kingsbridge for the three days.
Excuse me? Sleep over?
Kingsbridge is located at 12750 Jane St. Here is a list of how far your politician will be commuting to this conference centre:
| Richmond Hill | 16 km | |
| Aurora | 16 km | |
| Newmarket | 23 km | |
| Vaughan | 10 km | |
| Stouffville | 27 km | |
| East Gwillimbury | 36 km | |
| Georgina | 59 km | |
| Markham | 34 km | |
(I didn't include King on this list because that is the municipality where Kingsbridge is located).
Nobody is travelling an unreasonable amount of time to get to Kingsbridge. There is nothing in the commuting time that would justify staying over for three nights.
However, an excuse could be made for those politicians who wish to drink to excess (paid for by the taxpayers of course). To avoid drinking and driving, perhaps a case could be made for spending the night. But even in those cases, where the politician plans on getting inebriated, the cost of a cab ride home seems far more reasonable.
Or better yet, how about not drinking at all? These politicians are supposed to working after all.
Look, let's call this Kingsbridge politician retreat for what it is. It is our local politicians once again living high off the hog paid for by you and me.
Remember this incident because your property tax bill for 2015 will be arriving in your mailbox within a few weeks. If you are wondering about why your taxes have gone up, it's because of incidents like this. The Gruesome Twosome - Tony Van Bynen and John Taylor - will be attending this event and, like piglets at the trough, will be enjoying themselves because the rest of us are paying for it.
Oh, and just in case you wanted to drop in and see what kind of work your politician is doing while at this conference? Well you can't. These January 28-30 meetings are in camera only meaning that they are closed to the public. We'll have to take their word for it when they tell us they are working hard on our behalf.
Thursday 8 January 2015
Did John Taylor Rig the Newmarket Election?
The CAO of the Town of Newmarket is linking John Taylor's possible breach of the Code of Conduct to Section III Conflict of Interest "Use Town property or Town employees for personal gain or for any private purpose."
I am not sure if that's the real breach. Also in Section III is a prohibition to: "Solicit, demand or accept any services from any civic employee for re-election purposes during the hours in which the employee is in the paid service of the Town."
From the document that was forwarded to me, (here is the link: http://www.newmarketchildrensdream.ca/pdfs/Registration2014.pdf), clearly shows us that a Town of Newmarket employee was the only person responsible for registering golfers. These activities would have happened during office hours at the Town of Newmarket because the instructions to drop the form off to the employee at the Town Hall could only happen during working hours. The municipal building is otherwise locked.
John Taylor prominently featured his accomplishments with Children's Dream Charity as a key focus of his election campaign material. He boasted on his website about raising $200,000 through this charity for Newmarket kids here: http://votejohntaylor.ca/track-record/ (Of note, in the Era article, Taylor pegged the amount raised at $100,000 so there may be a book keeping issue that needs to be looked at).
I believe, if the investigation finds that John Taylor used his staff for an event that he set up to be featured in his re-election campaign, then he is guilty of a far more serious offence. He may have actually subverted or corrupted the results of the Newmarket election.
Let's hope that the CAO does not delay this investigation. It is a matter that runs to the legitimacy of John Taylor to hold office.
I am not sure if that's the real breach. Also in Section III is a prohibition to: "Solicit, demand or accept any services from any civic employee for re-election purposes during the hours in which the employee is in the paid service of the Town."
From the document that was forwarded to me, (here is the link: http://www.newmarketchildrensdream.ca/pdfs/Registration2014.pdf), clearly shows us that a Town of Newmarket employee was the only person responsible for registering golfers. These activities would have happened during office hours at the Town of Newmarket because the instructions to drop the form off to the employee at the Town Hall could only happen during working hours. The municipal building is otherwise locked.
John Taylor prominently featured his accomplishments with Children's Dream Charity as a key focus of his election campaign material. He boasted on his website about raising $200,000 through this charity for Newmarket kids here: http://votejohntaylor.ca/track-record/ (Of note, in the Era article, Taylor pegged the amount raised at $100,000 so there may be a book keeping issue that needs to be looked at).
I believe, if the investigation finds that John Taylor used his staff for an event that he set up to be featured in his re-election campaign, then he is guilty of a far more serious offence. He may have actually subverted or corrupted the results of the Newmarket election.
Let's hope that the CAO does not delay this investigation. It is a matter that runs to the legitimacy of John Taylor to hold office.
Wednesday 7 January 2015
A Modest Proposal for Newmarket
In 18th century London, an anonymous publication entitled, "A Modest Proposal for Preventing the Children of Poor People From Being a Burthen to Their Parents or Country, and for Making Them Beneficial to the Publick," caused a great sensation. The author (later attributed to be Jonathan Swift) suggested a solution for child poverty, namely that the poor parents should sell their children to the wealthy to be eaten by them as a fine delicacy.
Although written with a straight face, this treatise was of course a satire. A simple joke. And the joke was especially on those who thought that Jonathon Swift was serious about advocating for the commercialization of cannibalism.
And in 18th century England, as per today, many people are not able to comprehend satire. Today's events in Paris involving the Charlie Hedbo newspaper show the extreme reaction some may have to it. This week in Newmarket, we have seen similar (although not as extreme) reactions to another satire.
On January 2, a local satirist Dairis Karkins posted a very funny meme of Newmarket Mayor as the head of a politburo type government. I retweeted his meme as did others. But one person in particular was called out for retweeting Dairis' meme, former Newmarket Councillor and media commentator Maddie Di Muccio.
On Facebook posts and on social media forums, various people self-identified as not intelligent enough to "get-the-joke" by expressing their outrage over Maddie Di Muccio retweeting this politburo meme. Included in this list of dim wits are Richard MacLeod, Brian Blight, Tim McClure, and Jackie Playter. (Most people will know that they are all connected to Tony Van Bynen, Mayor of Newmarket). Going to the extremes, some of this group suggested that the police should be called in to investigate this joke picture.
Like the Modest Proposal author, I write anonymously and because I choose not to make my identity public, many in this town have decided that Maddie Di Muccio should be burdened with false allegations that she is responsible for my writings - something she has handled with good humour and dignity. People continue to suggest she is connected to this blog despite repeated denials from her. At times like these I like to remind people of another Jonathon Swift quote:
“It is impossible to reason someone out of something that he did not reason himself into in the first place”
In other words, if people don't use their noggin's for thinking, you can never convince them to change their prejudices.
And now, regrettably, these cabal of non-thinkers are saddling Maddie Di Muccio with Dairis's meme. I suggest that she will accept that burden too with the same aplomb.
Has she suffered consequences for this? Absolutely.
In October, most of Newmarket received hate mail in their mail box filled with lies about Maddie Di Muccio and her family. The sender of this hate mail was an anonymous "Nmkt Town Hall Watch" (I refer to myself as Nwkt using a w, not an m). This was their Charlie Hedbo moment, as they attempted to turn the population of Newmarket hateful against someone who has served her community well and with distinction - with bald-faced lies against her and her family.
It has gone too far. The false allegations, the character assassinations, the attempt to block peaceful free speech and political discourse. Shame, shame, shame on the MacLeods, Blights, McClures, and Playters of Newmarket. And shame on those on Newmarket Council who continue to be associated with these folks (including having them endorse them for office).
Although written with a straight face, this treatise was of course a satire. A simple joke. And the joke was especially on those who thought that Jonathon Swift was serious about advocating for the commercialization of cannibalism.
And in 18th century England, as per today, many people are not able to comprehend satire. Today's events in Paris involving the Charlie Hedbo newspaper show the extreme reaction some may have to it. This week in Newmarket, we have seen similar (although not as extreme) reactions to another satire.
On January 2, a local satirist Dairis Karkins posted a very funny meme of Newmarket Mayor as the head of a politburo type government. I retweeted his meme as did others. But one person in particular was called out for retweeting Dairis' meme, former Newmarket Councillor and media commentator Maddie Di Muccio.
On Facebook posts and on social media forums, various people self-identified as not intelligent enough to "get-the-joke" by expressing their outrage over Maddie Di Muccio retweeting this politburo meme. Included in this list of dim wits are Richard MacLeod, Brian Blight, Tim McClure, and Jackie Playter. (Most people will know that they are all connected to Tony Van Bynen, Mayor of Newmarket). Going to the extremes, some of this group suggested that the police should be called in to investigate this joke picture.
Like the Modest Proposal author, I write anonymously and because I choose not to make my identity public, many in this town have decided that Maddie Di Muccio should be burdened with false allegations that she is responsible for my writings - something she has handled with good humour and dignity. People continue to suggest she is connected to this blog despite repeated denials from her. At times like these I like to remind people of another Jonathon Swift quote:
“It is impossible to reason someone out of something that he did not reason himself into in the first place”
In other words, if people don't use their noggin's for thinking, you can never convince them to change their prejudices.
And now, regrettably, these cabal of non-thinkers are saddling Maddie Di Muccio with Dairis's meme. I suggest that she will accept that burden too with the same aplomb.
Has she suffered consequences for this? Absolutely.
In October, most of Newmarket received hate mail in their mail box filled with lies about Maddie Di Muccio and her family. The sender of this hate mail was an anonymous "Nmkt Town Hall Watch" (I refer to myself as Nwkt using a w, not an m). This was their Charlie Hedbo moment, as they attempted to turn the population of Newmarket hateful against someone who has served her community well and with distinction - with bald-faced lies against her and her family.
It has gone too far. The false allegations, the character assassinations, the attempt to block peaceful free speech and political discourse. Shame, shame, shame on the MacLeods, Blights, McClures, and Playters of Newmarket. And shame on those on Newmarket Council who continue to be associated with these folks (including having them endorse them for office).
Friday 2 January 2015
How much did that coat cost, Councillor?
Over heard at the First Night community gathering at the Magna Centre, "Wonder how much those coats cost?"
The coats in question are expensive looking, (I found a similar coat on www.imprint.ca for $216 each when you purchase a minimum of 3). They are embroidered with "Newmarket Council 2014-2018 term". And it seems that every Council member has one.
The psychology of wearing a uniform is important to note. Psychology is key to the reasons why military, sports, and youth groups decide to dress alike. For the same reasons, Newmarket taxpayers should be deeply concerned about the indoctrination of the elected official into group think.
1) Dressing in a uniform promotes group cohesion and discourages individuality. The Council members dress alike to demonstrate they are "working together" as a single unit/ mindset. Outliers and dissidents don't wear uniforms. Individualism is strongly discouraged.
2) There are perceived perks to surrendering individuality. Any way you slice it, taxpayers are purchasing the clothing of Council members, (and try to ignore the irony that many of the same people were at an charity event for Newmarket families who can't afford winter coats just 2 weeks ago). These coats symbolise the falsehood that by agreeing with each other on every issue, more gets accomplished.
3) Uniforms discourage free expression. We are taught early on as children playing sports, when the uniform goes own, being a good team mate means don't get out of line, listen to the coach, and know your role. The Mayor is asserting his dominance and he is sending a clear message that he expects the rest of Council to play by his game plan.
4) Uniforms aid those who suffer from low self esteem and insecurity. One of the main reasons why schools require uniforms is to prevent bullying. The victims of bullies are those who have social fragility but wearing a uniform signals that one belongs to a group. Gang colours are worn for similar purpose, to tell potential rivals, "don't mess with me.".
There really is no positive outcome for our Council members deciding to wear a uniform. It isn't a psychologically healthy decision.
The coats in question are expensive looking, (I found a similar coat on www.imprint.ca for $216 each when you purchase a minimum of 3). They are embroidered with "Newmarket Council 2014-2018 term". And it seems that every Council member has one.
The psychology of wearing a uniform is important to note. Psychology is key to the reasons why military, sports, and youth groups decide to dress alike. For the same reasons, Newmarket taxpayers should be deeply concerned about the indoctrination of the elected official into group think.
1) Dressing in a uniform promotes group cohesion and discourages individuality. The Council members dress alike to demonstrate they are "working together" as a single unit/ mindset. Outliers and dissidents don't wear uniforms. Individualism is strongly discouraged.
2) There are perceived perks to surrendering individuality. Any way you slice it, taxpayers are purchasing the clothing of Council members, (and try to ignore the irony that many of the same people were at an charity event for Newmarket families who can't afford winter coats just 2 weeks ago). These coats symbolise the falsehood that by agreeing with each other on every issue, more gets accomplished.
3) Uniforms discourage free expression. We are taught early on as children playing sports, when the uniform goes own, being a good team mate means don't get out of line, listen to the coach, and know your role. The Mayor is asserting his dominance and he is sending a clear message that he expects the rest of Council to play by his game plan.
4) Uniforms aid those who suffer from low self esteem and insecurity. One of the main reasons why schools require uniforms is to prevent bullying. The victims of bullies are those who have social fragility but wearing a uniform signals that one belongs to a group. Gang colours are worn for similar purpose, to tell potential rivals, "don't mess with me.".
There really is no positive outcome for our Council members deciding to wear a uniform. It isn't a psychologically healthy decision.
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