Haldimand "What have we Become"?

Here are a few things that I can tell you with certainty that I do know. I am proud to be a "Canadian Citizen". I am a "Law-Abiding Citizen". "I Proudly Vote in Every Election". "I have the right of Freedom of Speech". "I believe that Every Individual has the Right to his or her Religious Beliefs". "I believe that we all bear the responsibility to educate ourselves about an issue or an individual before we make a Judgment". "If I don’t Respect my fellow man, I will not be Respected".

Here are a few more things that I can tell you with certainty that I do know. "If I don’t pay my house taxes or my rent I would be homeless". "If I don’t pay my Hydro Bill, I will fumble in the dark". "If I don’t pay my telephone bill, I will loose contact with my family and friends". "If I refuse to pay the "high" price of gasoline, my truck and I stay home".

Here are a few more things that I can tell you with certainty that I do know. "If I break into my Neighbors home I have broken the Law and will be Arrested". "If I Assault another person I have broken the Law and will be Arrested". "If I own a gun without a license I have broken the Law and will be Arrested". "If I block the Public Road in front of my house I have broken the Law and will be Arrested".

Here are a few more things that I can tell you for certainty that I do know. "The O.P.P. in Haldimand County are under contract by our hard earned tax dollars to Uphold the Law". "The O.P.P. are not Peacekeepers, they are a Police Force". "The O.P.P. are not "trained" to deal with the present issues that our County faces". "The RCMP on the other hand are trained to deal with the present state we are in". "Our Politicians on every level are not solving the Real Issues, maybe just maybe the issues at hand are even too big for them to solve".

Here are a few more things that I can tell you for certainty that I do know. "All Levels of government are responsible for the present state of Affairs". "All Levels of government are already aware of the fact that money will not solve the problems that we face". "We as taxpayers in Haldimand and Ontario cannot financially bear the costs". "We, You and I, don’t seem to really have a say". "We, and I me "WE" in the true meaning of the word, unless someone has changed that definition, are affected by the actions of "ALL" people involved with the current crisis we face!

I must admit to you that I am beginning to wonder if what I have been doing is even making a difference, or I am just venting and know one hears me. I am finding it most difficult to even write about the issues at hand lately, as things have gotten so out of whack. What I mean is that if you disagree with an individual or a group of individuals it seems you are classed as a "racist", due to fact that we have lost the true meaning of what a "racist" really is. If you are involved with the "wrong" people it seems that you are classed as a "terrorist", due to the fact that we have lost the true meaning of what a "terrorist" really is.

Canada is a country made up of many, many cultures, but we cannot ignore the fact that we must have "One Law for All", it cannot work any other way!

I am praying that we can all find a way to live in Peace and Harmony!

Haldimand "Who is in Control"

After watching the news on CH TV. I am beginning to wonder if there is any level of Government that actually knows what they are doing. The recent news that the possibility of the Provincial Government purchasing another parcel of land in (Hagersville) Haldimand County is very disturbing. And yet another Builder possibly being paid out by the Province for his loss of Revenue. Will Haldimand County follow suit and pay this Builder back his money for infrastructure as well, as they did the builder in Caledonia?

I am not by any means putting any blame on the Builders or any one in fact that already has a vested interest in Haldimand County. But the Province has already set the precedent! If the Province purchases this land in Hagersville, the writing is on the wall. The next step I can see happening is that all current developers in Haldimand County don’t even need to wait for an occupation, just file your papers now and "get out", no courts, no burden of proof, no cost!

The loss of the tax base in Haldimand will become a burden on the residents that we cannot bear. If the Province keeps buying up land, the taxes collected on Provincially owned lands wouldn’t buy you or I a coffee at Tim Hortons. Oh and I just realized that more than likely Haldimand County will follow suit and call upon the Province to also pay the County for the loss of tax revenue. Regardless "You and I", meaning all residents of Ontario ultimately pay the price.

What I would like to talk about is my opinion on what has happened in Haldimand County in the last 15 months. Just to clarify so I won’t get myself into "legal" trouble, these are "MY" personal opinions. I would also like to clarify that I try to stay away from personal opinions or judgments, as they are usual wrong. I would rather state the "facts", but with so many levels of governments that are involved, the facts and the truth are hard to come by! So I am hoping and praying that I am wrong!

Haldimand County Council; states that there is "nothing" that they can do, basically it seems that their hands are tied by upper levels of Government! So in saying this a few things come to mind. Haldimand County can no longer promote our County to "Developers". Haldimand County can no longer promote "living in a fear free community". Haldimand County will no longer be financially viable. Is this all a smoke screen? Are there secret deals going on behind closed doors? Are we being told the truth by our Council? Has their workload been such that regular everyday business is being put aside? Will Haldimand County become a "Ghost Town"? Well unfortunately you and I are not privy to this information!

The Provincial Government; states that land claims are a Federal jurisdiction, so when they purchased the land in Caledonia did they shoot themselves in the foot, and now they are going to repeat this in Hagersville? The Provincial Government condones the actions of the O.P.P., stating that they are "peacekeepers". The O.P.P. are "not" peacekeepers, unless we are actually in a state of "war" and we haven’t been informed yet! The Provincial Government is pressuring the Federal Government to solve all land claims, and yet they seem to be doing such a wonderful job on there own here in Haldimand County, except for one thing, they are not solving a damn thing!

The Federal Government; well what can I say here, except they have really not said much! I spoke with Mayor Trainer last night and she informed me that the Federal Government is making a "huge" announcement today regarding Caledonia. Well let’s see what could this announcement be? I am not too sure that I even want to know.

I have actually run out of words! Well all I can say is that I need another coffee.
Donna

"Haldimand and Beyond" "Let my Voice be Heard"

Well this is not my usual story, you won't need a pot of coffee for this one! This is a simple request, and I'm hopeful that we all have the time for this one. This simple gesture is very, very "POWERFUL".

"One Voice" can go unheard, but the voices of many can not go "Unheard".

It is time to put a stop to unequal justice in Ontario. Mr. John Tory said it well in his speech to the Ontario Association of Police Services Board Convention in Owen Sound recently. "THERE MUST BE ONE LAW FOR ALL".

We are asking for this to be "implemented immediately"! We don't have the luxury of waiting for an election to come to our doorstep!

All you need to do is copy and paste this message and send it to Mr. Toby Barrett toby.barrett@pc.ola.org . I called Toby Barrett's office this morning to ask if there was one e-mail address that we could use to send this message to all M.P.P.'s in Ontario, well not so easily done. So if we use Toby's e-mail I can assure you he will pass our message on!

We will be heard, Donna

Haldimand "My account of May 23rd"

I found out through a phone conversation this morning at around 8:00am, that a group of natives were occupying a site in Hagersville. I decided to get my camera and witness this first hand as I did in Caledonia some time ago. The following is what I witnessed.

What I was expecting, was a very short seizing of land? I had expected to get there and find everyone gone. I had expected that the O.P.P. would have already put a stop to this occupation by the time I got there. I would then just enjoy my day and go to the Farmers Market in Hagersville and do some shopping.

Well I was wrong! I didn’t get to the Farmers Market! I didn’t do any shopping! I spent my day observing; watching and listening to the events unfold.

The site that the natives confiscated was where the old Northview School use to be on Main Street just a minute or two walk from downtown Hagersville, and is adjacent to Norcliff long term care facility. An Almas Construction trailer sits on the site, and obviously they are the contractors that are doing the sewer and piping work. My understanding is that a senior’s apartment or condo was to be built there.

What I witnessed was about 20 natives on the site, and about 7 O.P.P. officers standing in a line blocking the entrance to the site. There were a few O.P.P. officers parked on the side of the road and a few officers walking around. I am sure there were plenty more O.P.P. there, but we couldn’t see them. There were no news crews there when I arrived. Things seemed very peaceful.

The mood inside the site was one of joy and contentment. One native woman was playing a drum while others chanted. There were many vehicles driving by honking in support, so this had obviously been planned well in advance. There were just a few residents walking up and down the street, but I really don’t think that most people knew what was going on, or they did know and stayed away because they were fearful something might happen.

Haldimand County CEO Bill Pearce was already there when I arrived, and a short time later Councillors Dalimonte, Sloat and Ricker and M.P.P. Toby Barrett arrived. I observed Bill Pearce speaking to an O.P.P. officer a few times as he was on his cell phone. Councilor Dalimonte and Sloat were speaking to a few individuals and I could tell by their expressions that they were greatly distraught, as they can do nothing, only stand by and observe as I did.

Slowly the press started to arrive, and things started to happen. I observed two bulldozers feverishly filling in a huge hole that had been dug to maybe lay piping. Once the hole was filled other equipment started picking up concrete pipes, plastic pipes and moving this material to the back of the site. Once this material was moved, piece by piece the equipment was being moved and parked in what seemed to be a line at the back of the site. I couldn’t believe what I was witnessing, in a very short period of time the site was pretty well cleared except for a huge pile of stone that had a native flag flying at the top.

At one point when I was sitting in the shade across the road I witnessed a few O.P.P. officers that were standing in the front line move the barricades, stop the traffic, and let a small white car drive onto the site. I couldn’t believe my eyes! I can almost say for certainty that the occupants of that vehicle where not the owners of the land, but were the occupiers of the land. I did take a photo of this, but have not even looked at them yet. So maybe someone will correct me if I am wrong in what I have stated!

At one point there seemed to have been an altercation that took place between an individual on the street and the native occupiers. I learned later from the news that apparently there was a discrepancy of what band actually originally owned the land. I don’t know if this is factual or not.

I also heard in the news that a deal was made between I believe the owner of the land and the natives to clear the site of all the equipment and the occupation would end. And so it did!

When I left, I drove to the back of the site and low and behold I couldn’t get through. The road was barricaded, and there were three police cars at the back of the site. I wanted to get some pictures, but as a law-abiding citizen I didn’t cross the barricade.

What I witnessed today was far from a peaceful movement. In my opinion this was not a peaceful occupation, a peaceful rally, a peaceful takeover, a peaceful seizure, a peaceful confiscation of land or what ever you want to call it. This was an act of intimidation on the part of the occupiers, and the sad part of this is they got away with it!

What I witnessed today was a total breakdown in our system, the system that is suppose to protect us, the system that is suppose to ensure that we live in a peaceful and fear free community. I don’t blame the O.P.P. officers that were present today, as I witnessed a few of them constantly on their cell phones obviously speaking to their superior, who was giving them their orders.

What I witnessed today was a total breakdown in our Provincial Government that has turned a blind eye to the events that have happened in Haldimand County and to the events that are obviously going to keep happening. As today I witnessed a group of individuals that have been given a free ticket by the O.P.P. and the Provincial Government to do as they please, where they please, how they please and when they please!

I will be putting in a complaint of what I witnessed today, and I would hope that many others would do the same. I don’t have the answers, or a solution to the problem, but that isn’t my job, we have elected officials that took that responsibility on our behalf.

We have the right to DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY!

Haldimand "A FLICK OFF UPDATE"

Just an update on the "Flick Off" campaign, that was so generously paid for by you and I.

I was doing some other research and landed on Toby Barrett's site, www.tobybarrett.com our MPP for Haldimand/Brant/Norfolk.

The "Flick Off" campaign has cost Ontario Taxpayers so far $500,000.00! What I have been able to find out is that the McGuinty government paid a group $500,000.00. This must have been the inital cost!

Please visit Toby Barrett's site to get all the information.

The waste has got to stop!

Haldimand "Yes, No, Maybe, Oh I'm not sure"

Well it's Wednesday here in Haldimand, and the local papers are out. I would like to talk about one of the stories titled "Nuclear environmental assessment support withdrawn" that appeared in the Regional News this Week.

As most people know that keep up with current events, there has been an issue stirring regarding a possible Nuclear Plant in Haldimand County or Norfolk County. I won't get into the details except to say that Norfolk County has been holding public meetings to inform their residents. Haldimand County Council on the other hand has sent a letter of support to the Provincial Government for a Nuclear Plant here, but has not to date held one public meeting.

On May 7th, 2007 at the Council in Committee Meeting, Council voted 4-3 to send a letter of support for a "nuclear environmental assessment" to Premier Dalton McGuinty. On May 14th, 2007 at the Council of the Whole Meeting when council would make their final decision, they voted to defer the previous vote and wait before sending this letter of support. This is not unusual to change decisions before the final vote, or to defer a decision, as Council may have received more information related to this issue and need to look into it further.

It is the "process" that I have a problem with and their reasons given for changing their minds. Here are a few quotes from the newspaper.

"Some councillors felt that council did not speak as a "team" on the issue and that a split vote wasn't clear in it's intent". "Deputy Mayor Buck Sloat said that council could not move forward with a 4-3 vote".

Councilor Grice was also critical of councillors for not moving forward. Councilor Grice stated that council does speak with a 4-3 vote. At the May 7th, 2007 Council meeting Mayor Trainer, Councillors Ricker and Boyko voted against sending the letter as they stated that the public had not been notified of the letter on the agenda.

Councilor Grice was absolutely correct when he said that a 4-3 vote does speak for itself. It has in the past, so why now say that this is not a majority vote? The County's Bylaw clearly states that motions are passed with a majority vote, so why now the back peddling? Council should have just deferred this motion until further notice, instead of making up these unreasonable absurd excuses!

So Haldimand County Council has decided that this letter will now be reviewed by a "special purpose committee for council" that was formed to address the issue. The decision to do so was carried unanimously.

Maybe there is something wrong in my reasoning, but Mayor Trainer, Councillors Ricker and Boyko already stated that they voted against this in part because the public had not been notified of the letter on the agenda. So wouldn't it be easier if they just put this on the next agenda, inform the public and make a decision?

Looking at these statements in a serious light, a 4-3 vote is absolutely a majority vote, it has been in the past and it will be in the future! Could Council now be forced by residents to revisit previous 4-3 votes that have been carried already by this council? A resident could actually quote Councilor Sloat's statement that "we can not move forward with a 4-3 vote". I am afraid to say that council has shed a new light on how they function, and has opened up some doors that were better off "behind closed doors".

It seems that some of our elected officials don't even trust their own judgements!

Haldimand "There seems to be a Pattern"

In light of the recent lawsuit that has been launched against Haldimand County and the Mayor for $1.375 million dollars plus court costs, I would like to take you on a stroll down memory lane. The following are a few examples of issues that were in the news in Haldimand County at the same time frame in which this law suit is about (2004-2005). This might give you a better understanding of what happens when some believe that the following events were just normal everyday issues.

It is funny how we forget so quickly things that have happened in the past. I certainly had forgotten a few things I was involved in, so make a coffee, and relax.

The following are a few issues that took place at about the same time frame the above lawsuit is referring to. This will give you a little bit more of an understanding on the manner of thinking of our elected officials and senior staff.

After the 2003 election I spent about a year and a half going to council meetings to educate myself on procedures and the workings of Council as a whole. I certainly learned a lot, the best lessons learned, "what not to do", "how not to treat people".

The first issue I would like to talk about was during the time that Haldimand County Council and Staff decided to try and sell Haldimand County Hydro. Besides going behind closed doors for almost four months, a few paid the ultimate price for their public involvement.

There does seem to be a pattern, if you don’t agree with council, you pay the price. There are many other issues that happened during this time frame, but I will just talk about a few things, as you will need a whole pot of coffee if I rant on about more than I already have. So here we go.

In December of 2004, just one month after Councilor Boyko was voted in as Deputy Mayor, his fellow council members ousted him, and Councilor Sloat took his place. Why you ask? In November of 2004 at the only public meeting held regarding the potential sale of Haldimand County Hydro, Councilor Boyko took the stand and stated that the process was wrong and he didn’t agree with the sale of Haldimand County Hydro. Because of this his peers reprimanded him almost immediately.

The public was once again outraged, and demanded council to reverse their decision. As stated in one letter to the editor titled "Treatment of Lorne Boyko was just shameful". I think it is shameful that his fellow councillors have "punished" him for speaking on behalf of the citizens of the whole county. Every member of council has spoken out on behalf of some issue or other (and rightly so) and Councilor Boyko has done nothing different. Petty politics has no place at the municipal government level.

Councilor Boyko was never reinstated as Deputy Mayor.

The following is a letter I wrote to Council, regarding some issues that came up at the January 17th, 2004 Special Hydro meeting. There were eleven speakers that night and we were all very respectful and followed the rules. Council on the other hand was very defensive and angry that we had forced them to let us be heard.

While I was doing my ten minute speech (that’s what you are allowed) we found out that important decisions were being made on our behalf, and that no minutes had been taken at these meetings. By the way a friend of mine timed my stint at the podium, 44 minutes! My speech was 10 minutes; I spoke on behalf of the residents of Haldimand County and handed in a petition with 3,267 signatures! The rest of the time (34 minutes) certain members of Council attacked me with question after question and tried to convince me that they had the right ideas.


Mayor Marie Trainer
Haldimand County Council Members
45 Munsee Street Cayuga,

January 18, 2005

Dear Mayor Trainer and Councilors.

One of the issues that was presented at last nights Special Council meeting was in regards to the lack of minutes taken at County Meetings.

CAO Bill Pearce stated no minutes had been taken at the meeting on November 30th 2004, as President of the South Cayuga Hall Committee, we are mandated by the province to take minutes of all our meetings.

On November 30th there was approximately three hundred residents of Haldimand County present, with no minutes taken, there is no record of that Meeting taken place. This is unacceptable.

Further more Councilor Buck Sloat revealed that the Hydro Committee has not taken minutes of their meetings.

I would ask at this time that a full investigation into this matter is looked into, this is a very serious issue, as important decisions are being made regarding the future of Haldimand County.

I would also say that I am investigating the legal aspect of this serious issue, and would request at this time that the Haldimand County Hydro Committee be disbanded. With no official records of these meetings and decisions being made regarding the divestiture of Haldimand County Hydro, I would regard these meetings as being out of order and therefore any decisions that have been made be nullified.

Donna Pitcher

The following letter was a follow up letter, in relation to issues that were brought up during my presentation at the Hydro meeting on January 17th, 2005.

Haldimand County Administration Office
45 Munsee St. Cayuga, Ontario

April 29, 2005

Madam Mayor and Council Members.

I am following up on an issue that was brought forward during the Special Council Meeting of January 17th, 2005.

On January 19th, 2005 I hand delivered a letter addressed to the Mayor and Council Members regarding the lack of minutes taken at Public Meetings. I took a copy of this letter to the Mayors Office and one to the Clerk's Office.

On January 27th, 2005 I received a letter from CAO Bill Pearce in response to my above request. In this letter Mr. Pearce noted that the Mayor asked him to respond to my questions. My understanding was that members of Council received my above letter the same time that they received my response from Mr. Pearce.

I am requesting at this time that Council members address the issue of not taking any minutes at Public Meetings. Mr. Pearce notes in his letter that a "stenographer" would have to be hired in order to take proper minutes at Public Meetings. I would think that someone on staff at Haldimand County is capable of taking proper minutes.

I would ask Council to adopt a policy for future Public Meetings. Minutes need to be kept for accountability and good record keeping.

Donna Pitcher

To my knowledge, nothing has been done.

While I was at a Council meeting on Monday March 21st, I decided to stay along with the press until the closed session was over. I was appalled at what came out of that closed session.

Council decided to remove Mr. Corbett from the Haldimand County Utilities Board. They would make their decision final at the next weeks meeting. As soon as I left the County building, I called Mr. Corbett on my cell phone knowing that this news would hit the papers on Wednesday, as I new he had not been informed. I couldn’t believe the lack of professionalism on behalf of council.

Mr. Corbett was one of the speakers at the Special Hydro meeting. He was against the sale of Haldimand County Hydro.

There seems to be a pattern forming here.

I was upset that council decided to remove Mr. Corbett, because he spoke out against certain council members. I intern the next day requested to speak to council on this issue.

This was my Presentation for Council Tuesday March 29th, 2005

Thank- you for giving me the opportunity to address my concerns regarding recommendation #37 that came out of a closed session Monday March 21.

This recommendation appoints Councilor Sloat to the Haldimand County Utilities Board and ultimately removes Mr. Bernie Corbett, long standing Chairman of the Board of Directors.

On Feb.1, 2005 Council decided not to continue the divestiture of Haldimand County Hydro.
At this Council meeting it was decided, "that in light of the Council decision to not divest Haldimand County Hydro at this time, and sensitive to maintaining and growing a Strong viable, accountable public utility, that a joint meeting be scheduled with Haldimand County Hydro Board of Directors, their pertinent Senior Staff and Haldimand County Council and Senior Management for the purpose of a full review.

My understanding is that this meeting did take place Monday March 7th the next day a report was prepared by CAO Bill Pearce, From one meeting and the recommendation from this report "Options for Future Actions" dated March 8th, 2005 Council came to this recommendation.

This seemed to me a hasty decision on Council's part, and it seems to me not a lot of effort was put in to the mending of communications, or a lot of time put into the full review that was to TAKE PLACE ON March 7th.

Surely common sense should tell us that more than one meeting would be necessary to restore communications and to do a full review, If in fact there was a breakdown in this first meeting, surely Council could have made another attempt, and given the process some time. This matter was not of an "urgent" nature for the well being of the residents of Haldimand County.

If Council felt it necessary to appoint a second council member to the Board they could have done this without removing Mr. Corbett, after all I believe in 2001, the Board had 5 members, which was then reduced to 4. The present number of 4 Board members could have been increased to 5 to accommodate the appointment of a second Council member.

Furthermore I really have to question Council's decision to remove Mr. Corbett, a man with over 20 years experience in both the political arena and the electrical utility business with a man who has less than 2 years experience in either field. Where is the rationale behind this decision and once again, what’s the rush?

Mr. Corbett mentioned at the Jan 17th meeting, that the shareholders agreement could be revised. Was this not another option?

I think that the Shareholders of Haldimand County Hydro, as well as Mr. Corbett deserve at least some kind of explanation regarding this Council's decision. Or should it simply be chalked up to coincidence that Mr. Corbett's removal from the Board come shortly after his protest of Council's decision to divest the utility?

After all I never heard it mentioned once during the RFP process that Council felt Mr. Corbett was not performing up to their standards. There was mention made that the utility was perhaps not showing the profitability that Council expected of it, but surely that cannot be seen as the responsibility of Mr. Corbett alone.

I feel that the actions of this Council were disrespectful and inexcusable, towards a prominent and respected individual of this community. I do not understand the actions or lack of responsible decision making on this matter, and I think at the very least, a public apology to Mr. Corbett is in order. Thank-You

I was denied my right to speak that night, and a recorded vote took place. Mayor Trainer, Coucillors Boyko, and Cole were the three out of seven that voted on my behalf to be heard. My request was defeated (4-3).

I was however prepared for this, prior to this meeting; I gave my speech to the press. Two days later, on the front page of the Chronicle the headline was "Pitcher wants Corbett reinstated on hydro board". Most of my speech was in this article, so I was heard whether council liked it or not!

Mr. Corbett never received a formal apology.

The following was a letter that I sent to the newspapers that was published in the Chronicle.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR MONDAY APRIL 11,2005

COUNCIL ON MARCH 21ST CAME OUT OF A CLOSED SESSION WITH A RECOMMENDATION TO REMOVE MR. CORBETT AS CHAIRMAN OF THE HYDRO BOARD, 8 DAYS LATER IT WAS A DONE DEAL. I STILL HAVEN'T FIGURED OUT WHAT THE URGENCY WAS ON THIS ISSUE.

I WENT TO THE COUNTY BUILDING ON MARCH 23RD AND IN WRITING ASKED TO SPEAK TO COUNCIL ON THIS ISSUE. I FOLLOWED THE RULES, 6 DAYS PRIOR TO COUNCIL AND IN WRITING TO THE CLERK. THE CLERK’S DEPARTMENT TOLD ME, THIS WAS EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES AND COUNCIL HAD TO VOTE IN FAVOR TO ALLOW ME MY RIGHT TO PRESENT MY CONCERNS.

I WAS DENIED!

I WAS DENIED AS COUNCILOR ASHBAUGH VOICED HIS CONCERNS THAT IF EVERYONE THAT ASKED TO SPEAK AT COUNCIL THEY WOULDN'T HAVE THE TIME TO DO ANYTHING ELSE. AT LEAST THAT WAS MY INTERPRETATION.

MAYOR TRAINER, COUNCILOR COLE AND COUNCILOR BOYKO VOTED TO ALLOW ME TO SPEAK. WE ONLY HAVE 3 MEMBERS OF COUNCIL WHO SEEM TO THINK THAT I AS A CITIZEN HAD THE RIGHT TO SPEAK ON A CONCERN THAT WAS IN COUNCILLORS MINDS, A GRAVE ISSUE THAT HAD TO BE DONE IN 8 DAYS.

I ATTENDED COUNCIL MONDAY APRIL 11TH AND BEHOLD, A RESIDENT THAT IS OBVIOUSLY IN BETTER STANDING THEN MYSELF, ASKED COUNCIL IF HE COULD SPEAK ON AN ISSUE. HE HAD NO PRIOR WRITTEN SUBMISSION AND DID NOT PROVIDE NEW INFORMATION. COUNCIL VOTED, AND ALLOWED HIM TO SPEAK. I AM CERTAINLY NOT DENYING HIM HIS RIGHT, I AM GLAD THAT COUNCIL ALLOWED HIM TO SPEAK.

SO I WOULD ASK CERTAIN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL, WHY DID YOU DENY ME MY RIGHT? WERE YOU IN FEAR OF WHAT I MIGHT SAY? WERE YOU IN FEAR OF YOUR POLITICAL STANDING? OR IS THIS A DIRECT RESULT OF MY INVOLVEMENT IN THE HYDRO ISSUE?

COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO ALL RESIDENTS IN HALDIMAND COUNTY, AND I URGE RESIDENTS TO ATTEND. THIS IS WHERE YOU CAN COME AND HEAR AND SEE HOW DECISIONS ARE BEING MADE ON YOUR BEHALF.

BUT BEWARE IF YOU ARE IN THE CLASS THAT I HAVE BECOME, AS YOU WILL QUICKLY FEEL THAT YOU ARE AN UNINVITED GUEST BY CERTAIN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL!

AS A TAXPAYER I HAVE THE RIGHT TO ATTEND COUNCIL MEETINGS AND WILL CONTINUE TO ATTEND. COUNCIL CHAMBERS SHOULD BE A PLACE WHERE A RESIDENT IS WELCOMED, NOT SHUNNED!

AGAIN I URGE RESIDENTS OF HALDIMAND COUNTY TO ATTEND AT LEAST ONE COUNCIL MEETING AND MAKE YOUR OWN JUDGEMENTS.

I WILL REMIND CERTAIN COUNCIL MEMBERS THAT EVERY RESIDENT WILL NOT AGREE WITH THEIR DECISIONS, AND MAY BECOME VERBAL WITH SOME ISSUES. THIS DOES NOT GIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS THE RIGHT TO TREAT THEM ANY LESS.

RESPECT IS PART OF YOUR DUTY AS A PUBLIC OFFICIAL, AND I FEEL THAT SOME COUNCIL MEMBERS NEED TO BE REMINDED OF THAT!

DONNA PITCHER
PROUD RESIDENT OF HALDIMAND COUNTY


Do you see the pattern? I was against their decisions regarding the Hydro issue. (sorry about the letter being all in caps, I just scanned the document.)

The next issue pretty well explains itself in my letter to the editor. The four members that I am referring to in this letter to the editor are Councillors Sloat, Delimonte, Paterson and Ashbaugh, Councillors Sloat and Delimonte are currently on council. Once again I was voicing my opinions of the actions of council members. I also sent this letter to Toby Barrett our MPP. OOPS I did it again another scanned document in caps, well take a break, I am sure that you need another coffee, as I do go on................

MY LETTER TO THE EDITOR
April 2005
RE: COUNCILLORS OUT OF LINE

I AM OUTRAGED AND APPALLED AT THE DECISION THAT 4 COUNCIL MEMBERS TOOK WHEN THEY HAPPENED TO APPEAR AT THE SAME TIME AS THE PRESS TO DEMAND MEMBERSHIPS TO THE WEST HALDIMAND GENERAL HOSPITAL. THESE 4 COUNCIL MEMBERS WERE FULLY A WARE OF THE FACT THEY WOULD BE DENIED AND YET THEY THOUGHT THEY HAD THE RIGHT?

WHAT RIGHT DID THESE COUNCIL MEMBERS FEEL THEY HAD TO BADGER AND INTIMIDATE CEO'S EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT ELLEN CRADDOCK FOR 15 MINUTES? AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED THIS WAS DISGRACEFUL ON THEIR PART AND THEY SHOULD BE MADE ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS.

AT LEAST ONE OF THESE FOUR INDIVIDUALS SHOULD HAVE BEEN MAN ENOUGH TO REALIZE DURING THIS ORDEAL THAT THEY WERE TOTALLY OUT OF LINE, AND HAD GONE TOO FAR. ELLEN CRADDOCK DESERVES A PUBLIC APOLOGY BY THESE 4 COUNCIL MEMBERS. IF THEY ARE NOT "BIG" ENOUGH FOR THE JOB, THEN THE MAYOR NEEDS TO APOLOGIZE ON THEIR BEHALF.

I ATTENDED THE COUNCIL MEETING ON MARCH 29TH, WHEN THESE COUNCIL MEMBERS WERE ASKED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCILLORS BOYKO AND COLE HOW THEY ALL HAPPENED TO BE THERE AT THE SAME TIME, AND WITH PRESS IN TOW.

I WAS ANGERED AND DISGUSTED BY THEIR ARROGANCE WHEN THEY RESPONDED BY SAYING THAT THIS WAS NOT PLANNED, AND WAS A COINCIDENCE.

WHEN COUNCIL STOPPED FOR A 15 MINUTE BREAK, I WAS IN THE FOYER WHEN ONE COUNCILOR WAS ASKED BY AN INDIVIDUAL HOW HE HAPPENED TO BE THERE AT THAT TIME, HIS RESPONSE "I WAS OUT FOR AN ICE-CREAM".

AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED THIS WAS A QUORUM OF COUNCIL, THE ONLY PERSON MISSING WAS THE COUNTY CLERK. IT IS CLEAR TO ME THAT THESE 4 MEMBERS OF COUNCIL HAVE ABUSED THEIR POWERS AS ELECTED OFFICIALS AND SHOULD BE ASHAMED. WE NEED TO REMIND OURSELVES THAT "WE" ELECTED THIS COUNCIL AND "WE" HAVE THE RIGHT TO DEMAND RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP".

IT SEEMS STRANGE TO ME HOW THESE 4 ELECTED OFFICIALS TALK ABOUT "THEIR" RIGHTS AS A CITIZEN, AND YET IN THE PAST YEAR, THEY DON'T SEEM TO THINK THE RESIDENTS OF HALDIMAND COUNTY HAVE ANY RIGHT TO TELL THEM WHAT TO DO!

IT IS TIME WE DEMAND THIS COUNCIL TO DO WHAT THEY PROMISED DURING THE ELECTION PROCESS! WE WON'T BE FOOLED AGAIN!


This letter speaks for it self of what had occurred at the hospital, again many letters were published regarding the actions of council members.

The public was outraged once again! Councillors Sloat, Delimonte, Paterson and Ashbaugh told the public they were all there at the same time with the press in tow by chance, and that they had their rights as citizens. The public was outraged at the actions of these Council members, and the letters to the editor carried on for a few weeks.

One letter was from the Dunnville Chamber of Commerce, requesting that the County and the Hospital ask the Ontario Provincial Police to enter into an investigation regarding the councillors conduct. The Chamber also requests that contact be made with Municipal Affairs for their direction as to the status of these four councillors while this review is being conducted.

To this day, no public apologies were given and to my knowledge no further investigations were done.

The following incident happened during budget deliberations in 2005, everything seemed to have been going well, but behind the closed doors of Mayor Trainer’s office it was a different story. Mayor Trainer was the only member of council to vote against the budget. Obviously she upset a few councillors.

According to Mayor Trainer and witnesses within earshot of her office, the mayor was hollered at and made to feel uncomfortable by Councillors Sloat and Paterson in her own chambers.

What I recall of that incident was that Councilor Sloat and Paterson came into her office, closed the door, and were verbally attacking Mayor Trainer as she sat at her desk, because she voted against the budget.

Residents were once again outraged, and letters were published in local papers for a few weeks asking for these council members to be made accountable for what they had done.

These council members denied that they ever raised their voice, or even cornered the Mayor. This issue was never resolved.

In May of 2005 the Chronicle regarding this incident in her office interviewed Mayor Trainer.

The headlines read "Smarten up and act as the adults that your are". One comment made by Mayor Trainer was, "They made quite a scene about how I had voted on the budget and how dare I go to the newspapers when four councillors went to the hospital". Her voice quivered with emotion and her face was pale, as she said she had the right to vote as she wished and said the councillors hollered at her in loud voices.

In an article published by the Chronicle on May 11th, 2005 this was stated. "In a time when faith in government at all levels is very low, it is disheartening to hear stories of our elected officials not getting along. However what is worse is the complete lack of respect shown by councillors to each other in Haldimand".

Once again it seems there is a pattern.


I would caution the lawyers that are representing Haldimand County one thing, be very careful whom you call as witnesses! Witnesses should be credible!

If I could be so bold as to predict the outcome of this lawsuit, Haldimand County will settle "behind closed doors", and the lawsuit against the Mayor will go to full court!

Haldimand taxpayers will pay once again!

Haldimand "FLICK OFF"

It is definitely a time for change come October 2007, and I personally look forward to marking the ballot for change! What were they thinking when they endorsed the name "FLICK OFF"?

Please take the time to visit the big movement "FLICK OFF". At http://flickoff.org/home, I am beginning to understand why things aren’t getting done in this province. I agree that we have serious issues with the environment, but "FLICK OFF"?

I spent a lot of time on this Website, and couldn’t help but make a few comments. Please take the time to visit this site. The following are some excerpts that I must say I couldn’t believe I was reading. Are You Ready?

ARE WE FLICKED? Well…Yeah. Global warming is affecting biodiversity, food systems, economies, human and animal like, and our living habits. This is why everyday folk have to commit to change. Kyoto was fun for a while, but let’s face it, government and big business aren’t racing to meet their targets.

The Ontario Government is in partnership with a few companies, (you can check them out on the Website) but this site is a government site. So obviously this statement was made by one of the partners. I am getting a little confused, maybe it’s all the flicking that I have been doing.

SPREAD THE WORD; "FLICK OFF" is about action, You need to tell your friends, tell your parents, tell co-workers, bosses, employees, their kids, your kids, your MP, the PM, the grocer, the baker, the "candlestick- maker, just kidding"-tell them all to "FLICK OFF"!

They have got to be kidding! This is actually a Government site that you and I pay for! You bet that I will be sending a letter or two!

THE WORK CONFLICT ; there is a good chance you don’t work in an office. (That’s too bad-they’re really fun) But for those of you in offices, you probably have the easiest chance to get going with your new "FLICK OFF" maneuvers.

The office can be your best forum for change. But wherever you work, these tips are valid. So long as you contribute to society, trust us! There’ll always be a way for you to make your mark.

This is our government speaking to Us? Well I don't know about you, but I certainly have a new understanding of Government policy. The thing that frightens me the most is that "FLICK OFF" is actually targeted for the younger generation, as they are advertising a "FLICKER OF THE WEEK" contest.

I can only imagine how many people can’t wait to use their "FLICK OFF" maneuvers with their bosses and co-workers! Hopefully they don’t go too far and are brought up on charges of some sort! But I’m sure we don’t have to worry, we can make the Provincial Government "Accountable" for "our" actions when we all start "FLICKING OFF EACH OTHER".

"FLICK OFF" AT WORK; Teleconference, We’re in the age of the Internet. There are many creative ways to do your work without really "being at work". TelePresence and video conferencing will cut down on the pollutants you’d waft around commuting to and from your job. Come on, haven’t you always wanted to go to work in you pj’s?

RECYCLE AT WORK; It’s ridiculous that we even have to say this. There are so many shops, restaurants and other such workplaces that don’t recycle. If you’ve got a dumb workplace like that, couldn’t you please just take your soda can out with you at the end of the day so you can pitch it in the right place? Or just be ballsy and try to implement recycling. Start a petition. People love those…

What kind of message is this? I wonder how many out there actually get paychecks for working in their pj’s. I think a reality check is needed here. Our Government and their partners are actually calling workplaces "dumb"? Right now I am just about speechless!

But I will go on with more from the "FLICK OFF" program. Oh and the writing is on the wall …coming soon the official whistle blower "FLICK OFF HOTLINE". Where you can "FLICK OFF" whomever you want to the government, feel good about it, trust us, we are creating jobs!

The "FLICK OFF" online store will be opening soon. In the meantime, you can purchase "FLICK OFF GEAR" at the Roots store online. Our ACTION KIT is your first all-purpose-global-warming-crime-fighting tool. It's got ring bands; stickers; handouts you can toss at strangers; a book that teaches the basics on global warming; and even a stencil—so you can spread the word on the street. (Roots is one of the official partners of the "FLICK OFF" campaign.)

Yes you heard that right, the online store, ROOTS! The gear includes a stencil to use on the street?!!! Oh and don't forget to toss those handouts at strangers. I don't know about you but I can't wait to see all the graffiti! Is Our government actually promoting vandalism? Stencilling on the street, really, with what I ask, Chalk? Our Government and their partner’s are asking us all to "Join the Movement".

CANADA’S FIRST EVER FLICK-FEST, in the coming weeks, "FLICK OFF" will announce a nationwide challenge to see which community in Canada can cut their emissions the most per capita. The contest, starting soon, will last over the summer. The winner will be treated to a massive FLICK-FEST- a carbon-neutral music festival featuring awesome acts and maybe even a few surprises.

Wait a minute, I am a little confused now, I thought that this was a program from the "Ontario Government", and this is a Canada wide contest? I wonder what this will cost us? Maybe someone can enlighten me on what a carbon neutral music festival is. Well I had to go back and check the site again. Get real a "FLICK FEST"? I can't even say what I am thinking right now.

"The McGuinty Government is proud to be part of this coalition that empowers Ontarians to take Action". You can e-mail the "Flick off Team" at flickoff@environmentaldefence.ca. You can check out the other partners on the official Website.

I know I have ranted on about this issue, but it disturbs me that the McGuinty Government has ignored Caledonia residents, Haldimand County residents, Six Nations residents, Haldimand's recent policing issues, and all who have been involved.

Well Mr. McGuinty, I can tell you that a lot of us "ARE FLICKED OFF" and we will remember you in October 2007, when we "FLICK YOU OFF".

Haldimand County Council "Let Us Help"

When would you ask for Help? I can give you a few examples of when I personally would ask for help. I am a welder, but if my welder breaks down, I would ask a person who repairs welders to fix it. If my car’s transmission were to die, I would ask a mechanic to fix it.

I like to think in simple terms, so I have come up with an unusual idea. What if Haldimand County Council was to ask us for our help? http://haldimandcounty.on.ca

In “defense” of our elected officials of Haldimand County, they do need our help. The problem is they haven’t asked us. Council has taken a lot of pressure regarding the issues of policing lately, and has all but admitted that the present issues of policing are beyond their control. The following are a few examples of what has taken place in the last couple of months, that have convinced me that Haldimand County needs all the “help” we can get.

Gary McHale, http://caledoniawakeupcall.com/ Merlyn Kinrade of Caledonia and Mark Vandermaas http://voiceofcanada.wordpress.com asked to appear as a delegation to speak to Council about OPP activities in Caledonia. They were denied by Council based upon Section 7.35 of the procedural by-law as in the opinion of Council the subject of the presentation is "Beyond the jurisdiction of the County".

Our Council has been pressured by the public regarding “closed door sessions” with the OPP Commissioner. Obviously our Council is unable to supply us with information as the “closed door sessions” are protected under the “Municipal Act 2001”. In other words their meetings are confidential, and council members would be in breach if they gave out any information to the public.

A town hall meeting was held in Caledonia in February of 2007. Councilor Grice held this meeting to hear residents in his ward regarding issues in Caledonia. In attendance were Councilor Sloat, Mayor Trainer and MPP Toby Barrett. Here are some comments, questions and answers from that meeting.

Remark by Councilor Grice: I’m hoping for at least three things today: First, that we as a community come a little closer together to provide a “common voice” to draw attention from the “Ontario government”. Second, I hope that some frustration is relieved tonight. My big concern is about trying to find out how we can move forward. If we can come up with a few good ideas I can work on, that Marie can work on, that Toby can work on, then we’re going to accomplish something.

Question: Council never, ever supported Gary McHale. They don’t support Vandermaas. Is there any reason why council doesn’t support those two individuals that, indeed, have kept Caledonia on the map?

Answer (Grice): I have no problem with freedom of speech. My problem is people like Gary McHale, like anyone else, probably shouldn’t ever exist if the issue was dealt with already. Do I support Gary McHale? Is that the question? Does he serve a purpose for some of those in Caledonia? Yes. At the same time there are those in Caledonia that say we want nothing to do with Gary McHale. I’m not denying that Gary McHale’s presence – at times – is not necessarily a bad thing for Caledonia. At the same time there are those that would say I don’t want anything to do with Gary McHale because of the bad light he brings to Caledonia.

Question: Caledonia is part of Canada. Gary McHale and Mark Vandermaas are Canadians.

Answer (Sloat): My fellow councillor is getting beat up all of a sudden on this Gary McHale situation. I’m going to tell you, I personally will never support any individual, native, non-native, Irish, Polish, German - I don’t care where you’re from – that openly admits that he’s coming to Haldimand County in order to get arrested. Therefore, he’s going to break some laws to get arrested. If Gary McHale has a message, then the residents of Caledonia should be able to bring forth that message.

Question: You don’t support Gary McHale because he comes to town to be arrested? He comes to town because it’s Two Tier Justice, and the sooner you realize it the better off we’ll be.

Answer (Sloat): We have said that from day one we have a one-tier justice system, but we have a two-tier application of that justice system. That’s the problem. I don’t care about Gary McHale. I don’t need Gary McHale to tell me that.

Question: We need Gary McHale and more people like him, and we need Haldimand County Council to get up and tell the people in Caledonia and indeed all of Haldimand to rally around those people.

Answer (Grice): We have batted the Gary McHale question to death and it won’t solve a darn tootin’ thing for Caledonia. This isn’t about Gary McHale. Get over Gary McHale. Get over everything and let’s work for Caledonia. This will only be solved with us. Your point is exactly correct – we should rally around…something. We shouldn’t have to worry about when he is going to show up so I can make my voice heard. I’m not answering the Gary McHale question! I’m not here for Gary McHale. I’m here for Caledonia. If you have a question about Caledonia – something we can do to make it better for Caledonia ask me that question! I’m not talking about Gary McHale.

Question: I’ve lived in three countries and I never lived in a country where the police are told where and where not they can go. I just never lived anywhere where there’s no policing because there’s a small group of people saying ‘you can’t come here’ and the police stay off, or they decide not to go. So who’s accountable?

Answer (Grice): The OPP will have to remain accountable. I can’t stop what they are doing as a councillor. I wish I could. Council supported the resolution that staff be directed to prepare a report to be presented no later than April 16th outlining a framework for reviewing options for policing in Haldimand County. So council is trying to hold them accountable by doing this.

Question: Why have you not sued the OPP for breach of contract when the Sixth Line is a prominent example of policing that is not being upheld according to standards that are normal within any community?

Answer (Sloat): Boy, this is a tough one. Our Police Services Board and our legal team and others have told us that, contractually, we have no legal avenue or recourse with the OPP. We have absolutely no say in ‘Operations.’

Well I have definitely come to the conclusion that Council has “no jurisdiction” regarding policing, as they have stated to the residents of Caledonia during this town hall meeting.

The following is what Toby Barrett had to say to the residents of Caledonia that night. His words are simple, but powerful. We all need to listen and follow Toby’s suggestions.

You need to reach out to the media to keep Caledonia on the radar screen. There are dozens of federal and provincial MP’s and MPP’s within a 20-minute drive that you can approach.

Why not come down to my office and protest on my front yard and get some media? There are lots of politicians in St. Catherines and Hamilton and Brantford and Kitchener. Take the battle to their front.

Write letters to the editor. We do have to force the government’s hand.

The issue was raised regarding an Inquiry into Caledonia. The Ontario Legislature passed a motion for an inquiry into Caledonia. You’ve got to reach out to other people. The most important thing is to think up some action steps.

Toby Barrett hit the nail on the head! http://www.tobybarrett.com

Just imagine what we could accomplish if we put all of our differences aside, and worked as a "TEAM”? Here's a thought; If every member of our council were to get 100 people involved that would be "700" people, just imagine the possibilities!

Haldimand County Council this is not a problem that you can solve on “YOUR OWN”.

Haldimand "We heard you Loud and Clear"

You’re voices were heard and all should be proud!

It was a well-planned, well-attended peaceful convoy to Queen’s Park on Wednesday May 2nd, organized by Dan Roberts of Caledonia. All I know about Dan Roberts is that he is a resident of Caledonia, and he is fed up with the lack of “accountability” from the Provincial Government. When he spoke to CH News on Tuesday, what I heard him say, or rather how I interpreted what he said was “I am just an ordinary person that nobody knows”.

Well Dan what I would like to say to you is this “You are truly a humble Man”. You have stepped up to the plate, and you “walked the walk”, not just talked the talk, as it seems that some of our local elected officials did by not joining you and your convoy yesterday. It is individuals like you that make a difference. You weren’t looking for fifteen minutes of fame; in fact you probably didn’t even take the time to think ahead, you just knew that something needed to be done. Congratulations Dan you should be very proud.

I promised myself a long time ago that I would “never” write another letter to the editor, as I always seem to get myself into so much trouble being so verbal. Well because of Dan Roberts and everyone who banded together in support of Haldimand County yesterday, I was driven to do just that! Write a letter to the editor. So in case my letter is not published, here is what I said.


To the Editor
Thursday May 3, 2007

Re: Convoy to Toronto

“Kudos” to everyone who participated in the convoy to Queens Park! Your voice was strong, and loud, You should be “Proud”. You have made a difference

A special thanks to MPP Toby Barrett, Mayor Marie Trainer, Councilor Grice, and to convoy organizer, Dan Roberts of Caledonia. You have made a strong stand and sent a clear message on behalf of the residents of Caledonia and Haldimand County, demanding the Provincial Government for a resolution, as they are the present owners of DCE.

It is amazing that “our” Premier was just down the road, and didn’t have the guts to walk a block! Oh and what about the rest of Haldimand County Council? Where were You? No excuse is good enough for not representing your County! You had lots of time to clear your busy calendars! We haven’t forgot that many of you “promised” if elected you would fight for a resolution to the Caledonia Issue! I am sure that many of us are wondering what you did on Wednesday May 2nd!

Many talk the talk, but don’t walk the walk!

Haldimand "Kudos to those who Dare"

Kudos to all out there who get involved! Kudos to those that publicly voice their opinions, and their concerns! Kudos to those who stay the course! Kudos to those that believe we can make a difference!

I am very passionate when it comes to supporting individuals that choose to get involved, especially, when the involvement is of a public nature. This could be speaking before your local council, or writing a letter to the editor. Most people don't get involved, but they will support "You". It is not that they don't want to be involved, it is because it is risky business to be publicly verbal. I know this for a fact!

I will give you an example; In 2004 Haldimand County Council and Staff decided to sell our Hydro Utility without informing the public. Although according to legislation, this process was to be a "public" process, council proceeded with most decisions behind closed doors. Myself and others banded together to fight to save our Utility. We were given one shot to be heard. Eleven amazing people chose to be heard at a public meeting held by council.

My point is that the eleven people that spoke that night stayed the course, our belief was that it was a bad business deal, and we never swayed from the reasons why we fought! We never made it personal! We never once thought of the consequences of being publicly verbal! We all gave a tremendous amount of our personal time, but the end result was worth the effort.

Many of the people that were involved in the Hydro Issue knew each other, some didn't particularly like one another, but that was put aside, as we all had a common goal. This was a valuable experience for me, as it proved to me that there are individuals that can set aside personal feelings to deal with business. This is the attitude that is needed to be successful.

We may not always agree with what someone has to say, or what they stand for, but what we are guilty of is not getting all the information before making a judgement. I can't totally blame the individual for this, as we deal with the facts or information that is passed on to us, whether it is via a public meeting or the press. Too often we are fed partial information, and we are forced to read between the lines. This is dangerous, as we are sometimes mislead. I have been guilty of this myself.

Now to my main point. Caledonia has been the focus for a lot of people in the last year or so, many have been praised and many have been crucified for their efforts and their public involvement. Whether it be Gary Mchale, Mark Vandermaas, Merlyn Kinrade, Toby Barrett, Tim Hudak, Caledonia residents, or anybody that has been verbal, we all have a common goal! Being passionate in voicing our opinions, staying the course, and not giving up.

"Kudos to all those who Dare" You do make a difference!