Haldimand "Kudo's to the Regional News and Gary McHale"

Kudos to Chris Pickup, editor/owner and publisher of the Regional News this Week. More on this in a moment.

For those of you that receive regular updates from Caledonia Wake up Call and Gary McHale from Canace, you would have received via email last week Gary’s profound apology to the Regional Newspaper.

This apology came about when Gary McHale spewed his mouth off about the Regional Newspaper "refusing" to print Toby Barrett’s news releases. I looked for this apology in the Regional Newspaper today and it is not there? It is obvious that Chris Pickup owner of that newspaper was not concerned at all about his "accusations" that may have damaged the reputation of her newspaper.

Here is the apology;

February 19, 2009
Apology to Regional News:

Recently I sent out an email that stated the Regional News had refused to print a Press Release from Toby Barrett.

It was an unfortunate choice of words that gave the impression that the Regional News had taken a side against Mr. Barrett and/or his proposed inquiry. This did not reflect the truth in regards to the Regional News. I am well aware that many media receive hundreds of news items per day and they are unable to print all of them.

I do not know the political views of the Regional News, if any, and I understand that items printed by the paper that are written by me are my stated views, and not theirs.

I would like to offer my most sincere apology to the Regional News and to its owner/publisher Chris Pickup, for any harm, embarrassment and/or inconvenience caused by my inappropriate choice of words.
Gary McHale

Chris Pickup’s editorial in the newspaper today explains how she feels about Gary McHale and his cause. Although Chris states that Gary’s opinion is his own; she is supporting his efforts by giving him "free space" in her newspaper. Is this wrong? Not in my opinion, it is her newspaper.
Once again Kudo's to Chris!

She goes on to say that the Regional News this Week "does not pay" McHale for his "columns", and his "viewpoints" are his own. She ends off by saying; "I believe he, and we, deserve to have his voice heard". Once again Kudo’s Chris!

Now as you may know my blog is called "Haldimand’s Unheard Voice". Why, well I felt and still feel sometimes that my voice is not heard. When I write a blog I give others the opportunity to voice their opinions, and that is what most blogs are about, "opinions".

Newspapers have the same thing, called the "editorial page", where you can write a letter to the editor and hope that it is printed. I am sure that newspapers get so many letters each week it would be impossible to publish them all, so the decision of what to print is up to the editor of that paper.

So once again Kudo's to Chris for taking a strong stand on behalf of Gary McHale's views.

In doing this Chris is helping to build Gary McHale's business, Canace. It is no secret that Gary McHale speaks on behalf of Canace. Canace is an "incorporated" business that sells a service and is supported by donations. Canace in turn supports McHale financially. This is a "business".

The Regional Newspaper in the past has published more than one letter to the editor in regards to donations for Gary McHale. With your monthly donation of say $5.00, you become a member of Canace. Gary McHale is not speaking on behalf of himself; he is speaking on behalf of the people that support him financially.

Oh I almost forgot; Kudo's to Gary McHale for your weekly column!

So my question to Chris Pickup is what about all of the advertisers that keep your paper in circulation? They all "sell a service" of one kind or the other. Will you now afford them all free space in your newspaper?

Haldimand "What Happens when You Lie?"

What Happens when you Lie?

Well I think that if you ask "10" people you will get "10" different answers.

I found this exercise very educational and enjoyable. I went to Wikipedia for a few answers. This is what I found;

"Propaganda"

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Propaganda is the dissemination of information aimed at influencing the opinions or behaviors of large numbers of people. As opposed to impartially providing information, propaganda in its most basic sense presents information in order to influence its audience.

Propaganda often presents facts selectively (thus lying by omission) to encourage a particular synthesis, or gives loaded messages in order to produce an emotional rather than rational response to the information presented. The desired result is a change of the attitude toward the subject in the target audience to further a political agenda.

"Bullshit"

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Bullshit (also bullcrap, bullplop, horseshit, bullbutter) is a common English expletive. It may be shortened to "bull" or the euphemism B.S. The term is common in American English. In British English, bollocks is a comparable expletive, although bullshit is now a commonly used expletive in British English as well.

As with many expletives, it can be used as an interjection (or in many other parts of speech) and can carry a wide variety of meanings. Most commonly, it is used in connection with incorrect, misleading, or false language and statements. While the word is generally used in a deprecating sense, it may imply a measure of respect for language skills, or frivolity, among various other benign usages.

In popular philosophy, Harry Frankfurt among others described the word bullshit as related to but distinct from lying

"Lies "

The various types of lies include the following:

"Fabrication"

A fabrication is a lie told when someone submits a statement as truth, without knowing for certain whether or not it actually is true. Although the statement may be possible or plausible, it is not based on fact. Rather, it is something made up, or it is a misrepresentation of the truth. Examples of fabrication: "The dog ate my homework", or "I did unplug the iron".

"Bold-faced lie"

A bold-faced (often also referred to as bare-faced or bald-faced but have slightly different meanings) lie is one which is told when it is obvious to all concerned that it is a lie. For example, a child who has chocolate all around his mouth and denies that he has eaten any chocolate is a bold-faced liar.

"Lying by omission"

One lies by omission by omitting an important fact, deliberately leaving another person with a misconception. Lying by omission includes failures to correct pre-existing misconceptions. A husband may tell his wife he was out at a store, which is true, but lie by omitting the fact that he also visited his mistress, although it is disputable whether or not this is actually a lie. In most cases, the person has not directly denied a truth, but merely omitted some part of what transpired.

"Lie-to-children"

A lie-to-children is a lie, often a platitude which may use euphemism(s), which is told to make an adult subject acceptable to children. A common example is "The stork brought you" (in reference to childbirth).

"White lie"

A white lie would cause no discord if it were uncovered, and offers some benefit to the liar, the hearer, or both. White lies are often used to avoid offense, such as complimenting something one finds unattractive. In this case, the lie is told to avoid the harmful realistic implications of the truth. As a concept, it is largely defined by local custom and cannot be clearly separated from other lies with any authority.

"Noble lie"

A noble lie is one which would normally cause discord if it were uncovered, but which offers some benefit to the liar and assists in an orderly society, therefore potentially beneficial to others. It is often told to maintain law, order and safety. A noble lie usually has the effect of helping an elite maintain power.

"Bluffing"

Pretending to have a capability or intention which one does not actually possess. Bluffing is an act of deception which is rarely seen as immoral, because it takes place in the context of a game where this kind of deception is consented to in advance by the players. For instance, a gambler who deceives other players into thinking he has different cards to those which he really holds, or an athlete who indicates he will move left and then actually dodges right, is not considered to be lying. In these situations, deception is accepted and indeed expected as a tactic.

"Misleading/Dissembling"

A misleading statement is one where there is no outright lie, but there still remains the purpose of making someone believe in an untruth. "Dissembling" likewise implies presenting facts in a way that is literally true, but intentionally misleading.

You can read more at; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lie

We’ve all heard these famous quotes; (I am sure there are more, so if you know one please post away!)

“If you tell the truth you don’t have to remember anything”

“If you tell the truth it will set you free”

“Once you tell a lie, you have to lie to cover up that lie, and eventually you believe your lie to be the truth” (I like that one the best because my mother used to tell me this one)

“Liar, liar, pants on fire”

And if you are religious, “Lie and you will go straight to Hell”

So what happens when one tells a lie? Well I believe that it all depends on the type of Lie! (Wow I can't believe that I said that!)

I recently had a conversation with our 5 year old grand daughter about her first loose tooth, and I told her to not forget to put her tooth under her pillow for the Tooth Fairy. Was this a Lie? Well according to Wikipedia it is a "Lie-to-children" lie, which is much different then say a "bold face" lie.

It is when a lie is told intentionally to the masses is where I have a very serious problem, especially when it is directed at someone I care about.

Unfortunately these types of lies do have their purpose: “to discredit an individual”, "to take someone down", "to make me feel good". I can tell you from my personal experience, it doesn’t feel very good when this happens to you!

So is it okay to Lie? Does an apology after a Lie make it all better? Why do we get so upset when someone tells a Lie about someone we care about?

I read about a blog that stated before anyone read it that their blog was all full of lies, when in fact that was a lie, because the blog was full of truth about the lies!

Haldimand "Dion introduces Interest Free Green Mortgage Loans"

I thought this was interesting. Dion introduced a plan that would hopefully make all homes in Canada more energy efficient by 2030.

Would you go for this "tax free loan"?

I believe that this is part of the parcel in the "Green Shift Plan" (carbon tax) that Dion has promised Canadians. Now a question I have to Ontarians. Dalton McGuinty a few weeks ago announced that he now supports a "Carbon Tax" for Ontario. How will we weather in Ontario if the Liberals form our next government and hit us with the "Green Shift Plan", and along comes McGuinty with his "Carbon Tax Plan"?

I am not familiar with the workings of the "Carbon Tax" that was introduced in BC that started July 1, 2008, except for the fact that their gas prices increased 2.3 cents per litre!

I personally do not see this "Carbon Tax" "Green Shift Plan" having anything to do with "reducing" emissions or helping mother nature. These plans will only make those who pollute, charge the end user more for their emissions, and they can well afford it!

Dion give your head a shake!

Liberals promise homeowners $575M in incentives to 'green' homes
Last Updated: Friday, September 12, 2008
CBC News

With sun-soaked greenery as his backdrop, Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion promised homeowners $575 million worth of incentives to make their dwellings more energy efficient if his party is elected in the Oct. 14 federal election.

Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion announces that if elected, his party would expand federal subsidies for making homes more energy efficient during a campaign stop in Burnaby, B.C. (Adrian Wyld/Canadian Press)"The average Canadian homeowner can reduce the amount of energy their home uses by 20 to 40 per cent," Dion said outside a housing co-operative in Burnaby, B.C., during a campaign visit Friday.

Under the four-year proposal, the Liberals would offer homeowners $10,000 in financial support for investing in energy-saving measures such as insulation, weatherproofing and more efficient heating systems.

Up to $10,000 would also be available to homeowners as an interest-free "green mortgage loan" to help with up-front costs and major retrofits.

A $140-million fund would be created to help upgrade low-income housing.

"We have a plan to help people to adapt, to help especially middle- and low-income Canadians," Dion said.

Aims to retrofit all homes by 2030

Dion warned that energy costs seem likely to remain high and Canada needs to think of long-term solutions.

"This is the world in which we are," he said. "It is why the countries that have decided to do a green shift in the '90s are more energy efficient and are resisting better to these kinds of difficulties."

With the investments, the Liberals hope to retrofit 50 per cent of all Canadian homes by 2020 and all homes by 2030.

Also, Dion vowed to beef up Canada's building code standards for energy efficiency and set tough new standards for home appliances.

The Liberals said the proposal would help Canadians combat rising energy bills and create jobs in a faltering economy.

Dion made his pitch in Burnaby, one of the areas in B.C. where Liberals hope to pilfer seats from the New Democrats. Liberals hold seven of the 36 seats in B.C.

The NDP has denounced the Liberal's Green Shift plan to tax carbon emissions while cutting income taxes.

Green Shift an 'unfair double hit' for B.C.?

Dion plan faces a tough sell to voters in B.C. who are already contending with a provincial carbon tax that kicked in on July 1 and added 2.3 cents to the price of a litre of gasoline.

At an overcrowded town hall meeting later Friday, the so-called Green Shift program took centre stage.

"Aren't we going to take an unfair double hit?" asked one concerned resident.

Dion responded that he would seek to find a solution, noting that he served as intergovernmental affairs minister for eight years and knows how to negotiate with provinces.

British Columbia is seen as one of the key battlegrounds for determining Liberal fortunes in the election.

The Liberals won nine of B.C.'s 36 seats in the 2006 election, but now hold seven of the ridings
David Emerson crossed the floor to join the Conservatives shortly after he was elected in the Vancouver Kingsway riding. He is not running in the 2008 race.

Blair Wilson was also elected as a Liberal but then quit to become an Independent last year and shortly before the election call, chose to sit as Canada's first federal Green MP.

The Conservatives hold 18 seats in B.C. and the NDP have 10.

With files from the Canadian Press
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canadavotes/story/2008/09/12/dion-retrofit-proposal.html

Haldimand "Will our next PM be a Veggie or a Fruit"

No veggie status for Harper, he'd rather be a fruit

Stephen Harper says he's sweet and colourful, just like a fruit.

The prime minister made the comment yesterday during a campaign stop inside the Peak of the Market produce warehouse on King Edward Street, where he was surrounded by cabbages, carrots, potatoes, cucumbers and other Manitoba-grown vegetables.

After a dozen or so reporters asked questions related to Harper's announcement about reducing the diesel excise tax, Mark Jardine, a City-TV reporter from Winnipeg, used the last question to address the elephant in the room.

"Just because this hasn't been asked and you're standing in front of these beautiful Manitoba, locally grown vegetables ... if you were a vegetable, what type of vegetable would you be and why?" Jardine said.

Harper, as well as everyone else in the room, laughed.

When Harper was just about to answer, he laughed again.

He then replied, while scratching his head, "I really don't know how to answer that one. I've never been asked that question before and I have a feeling that I can't win by answering that question. Let me say this, I would choose if I had to instead to be a fruit.

"It's just what I am, sweet and colourful."

Sun Media later asked the other party leaders what type of vegetable they would be.

"Spinach or Chinese choy, because it's the new kind of strong, full of iron and vitamins," said NDP Leader Jack Layton. "My mother-in-law feeds it to me whenever I'm home."

Green Party Leader Elizabeth May said she would be an organic artichoke, because "it's green, locally grown, and has a big heart."

Liberal Leader Stephane Dion's camp could not be reached for comment, while the Bloc Quebecois did not respond to the request.

http://www.winnipegsun.com/canadavotes/news/2008/09/10/6718151-sun.html

Haldimand "Job Opening, Pays Big, You just need to know How to Communicate"

As I was quietly playing a game of solitaire on my computer my husband called out to me that he found the perfect job for me! It seems that Haldimand County is going to be advertising a new position in a few weeks. Haldimand will be looking for a "Communications Manager". This position pays extremely well.....$86,000.00 a year salary....plus....$8,600.00 a year for travel and professional development and a cell phone! Total cost to the taxpayer for this new position $94,600.00 a year...not bad! Oh and this individual will also receive $5,000.00 for office furniture.

Karen Best of the Chronicle wrote a story regarding this and it is on the front page of this weeks Chronicle. (I will provide the link at the bottom) The editor of the Chronicle also wrote "Miscommunication" that appears on page 4. This is also a must read. Here are a few of his comments on this issue; The hiring of a specialized communication officer in the County of Haldimand is one giant step in the "wrong direction"! (I couldn't have said it better myself!) In a municipality like Haldimand with a population of just over 45,000, this is completely out of line! (Again I couldn't have said it better myself!) Haldimand has to look to the future. By paying a generous wage within a fairly small tax base, council is setting the bar very high for future employees and setting itself up for much higher operating costs in the future. Another interesting article in the Chronicle this week..."Native land claims dispute "clouds" county's future". "Council members react to economic impacts". Now the way I see it is that our Council is creating an "economic impact" for it's residents by once again "hiring" another person that is not needed in a county our size.

This is a new position as currently we do not have anyone in any such position, or do we? Well I can think of just a few. Our "7" "Elected Officials". But it seems that they are not "communicating" with their constituents.

Huge Kudos to Councillor Boyko and Grice as they voted against this proposal!

When I was writing this something came to me, A Manager has to "Manage" someone, so in saying that there will more than likely be yet another new position coming open in Haldimand County, an "Assistant" to the new "Manager".

So what exactly is this new position? What is this new managers job description? Well according to the Council "endorsed" job description, the communications manager will manage "media relations" and release "emergency information". This new manager will also "inform" the public about "county programs", services, and emergency issues in order to encourage "participation" in "Municipal government"! This new manager will also develop county "Polices" and procedures including "media relations protocol", "advertising policies" and will "train" people how to talk to the media and provide communication advice to council members and staff!

This is an outrage and I would hope that I am not the only one that feels this way! This position is nothing more than an "overlap" of high paying positions that already exist in Haldimand County!

I did a bit of research and checked the websites for Norfolk County and the County of Brant and neither of them have a "Communications Manager". So I have a suggestion for Haldimand County, why not call someone in one of these counties and ask them for a few suggestions!

In my opinion this current council in "Haldimand County" is "not" being fiscally responsible to it's ratepayers, and I believe that a few of these members of council should start worrying now about their positions in 2010! It is time for a big change, I hope that it will not be too late come 2010!

Here is the link to the article by Karen Best, it is a must read! http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1147882

Here is the article by the editor called "Miscommunication", it is also a must read!
http://www.dunnvillechronicle.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1147906

Haldimand "Have Your Say"

I thought I would do something different on my blog. I would like to hear what you have to say on the issues. I am often called by someone who's letter never gets into the local papers, or when someone simply asks me to post on their behalf. Here is your opportunity to have your voice heard.

If you are going to post a long letter, the best way to do it is copy and paste your document into the comment section. Sometimes you will get disconnected if you have the comments box open too long. Blogger does not have spellcheck.

If you do not have a Blogger account and you want to sign your name, click the anonymous box and sign your name on the bottom of your post.

We look forward to hearing what you have to say!

Haldimand "Kudo's to Councillor Grice"

*********************UPDATE******************************************************

Friday May 30th, 2008.

Something was just not sitting right with me when I wrote this blog. The first problem that I ran into was actually believing what I had read as the "whole truth". Now anyone who has written a letter to the editor and had it edited for print finds out very quickly the "truth" can change by taking out a word here and there.

I called Councillor Grice to ask him a few questions but we have played telephone tag. So I called Mayor Trainer to ask her a few questions about that meeting on May 16th.

This was the conversation I had with Mayor Trainer;

I informed Mayor Trainer that I had written a blog about the meeting in her home with government officials and the fact that I agreed with the stand that Councillor Grice took. Boy I can tell you that when you need to know the truth you need to go directly to the "source".

As it turns out the Deputy Minister had no problems meeting at the Mayor's home. This was in no way an "official" type of County business. It was an informal meeting that started with a meeting of residents that live on "Sixth Line" in Haldimand County prior to going to the Mayor's home. After a "one hour" meeting at the Mayor's home at 2:00pm, the group went to meet with others at the Hagersville Tim Hortons. So there you have it these government officials were at three meetings in Haldimand County the same day.

Mayor Trainer found out this information about the other meetings at the Liaison Side Table Meeting that took place the following week, and "prior" to the Council Meeting this past Monday where Grice criticised the Mayor for having the meeting at her home. I asked Mayor Trainer if Grice new this information and she said Yes. So what was the rant all about?

Another thing to add is that Councillor Boyko was in fact at that same meeting on May 16th at Mayor Trainers home, yet the reporter left this information out of the article! So Counciller Boyko spoke with first hand experience that the Deputy Minister didn't have a problem with this.

Now I still haven't had a conversation with Councillor Grice on this "clarification" of the events that took place. When I do I will post what his comment was.

In the meantime my "apologies" to Mayor Trainer and Councillor Boyko for not getting the facts straight. But in my opinion this was a good exercise. I wonder what else we read that is really "NOT" the " WHOLE TRUTH".

************************************************************************************

The Regional Newspaper reporter Bill Jackson wrote an article this week that has me scratching my head and wondering just how professional is our council? Actually in a way I found the story a little bit amusing at the same time.

Mayor Trainer, Councillor Grice and CAO Don Boyle met with Lori Sterling, Ontario's Deputy Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Provincial Representatives Doug Carr and Chris Mahar on Friday May 16th.

This meeting took place at Mayor Trainer's home. Councillor Grice criticized Mayor Trainer for her choice of location. Grice made the following statement at a council meeting on Monday;

"How are we being seen by the province?" Grice asked his colleagues at the council table, noting that "respect deserves respect" when it comes to the number one issue facing Haldimand these days. He told The Regional News that Ontario's representatives were introduced to Trainer's dogs and that a cow was grazing at the side of the driveway while the meeting was in progress.

Well I can say one thing the picture in my head right now of these people being introduced to Mayor Trainer's dogs certainly put a bit of a different view on how our local politicians conduct County business. I wonder was the cow a milking cow?

Now Mayor Trainer at this point in the meeting took a stand and basically said to Councillor Grice;

You can choose the meeting location when you become mayor, but that "this is my style...I go with my style."

Grice said it was inappropriate to hold the meeting at a council member's home and said it should have been held inside council chambers in Cayuga, or at another county location. Boyko said the deputy minister was pleased to meet at the dining room table, a different setting compared to the norm, and found Grice's comments "disturbing. "That wasn't the sentiment, Grice asserted."What do you expect them to say?"

I totally agree with Councillor Grice on this one. Exactly what kind of meeting was this? Where was the rest of Council? Bill Jackson doesn't say in the article what this meeting was about, or what was talked about at this meeting. In my opinion County business needs to be done in a business setting, especially when you consider this was not a meeting of a "private company" this was a meeting concerning "County business".

Councillor Sloat stated publicly that he could care less if the meeting was in a tent and called Grice's comments trivial and almost Insulting. However Grice stood his ground and said both Sloat and Boyko initially asked the mayor to have the meeting in an office setting. Now you have to remember that this was being discussed at a council meeting and obviously Sloat and Boyko were not expecting Grice to clarify in public what their initial comments were, and I am sure their initial stand was not stated publicly.

Grice continued on and makes the following statement;

"She has to have it at her house because it's grandma day. That is unprofessional and does not put us in a good light with counterparts at the provincial level. If you want respect you've got to give respect, whether or not you like the Party or not..."

Now apparently Councillor Delimonte never made any comments until after the Council meeting was over. Delimonte agreed with Grice but never made a comment publicly, instead he made this comment to Bill Jackson after the meeting was over;

Councillor Tony Dalimonte said he agreed with Grice. The business of the municipality should be held at the municipality, it's as simple as that," he said."There's no issue more serious right now than credibility at the provincial level."

So I wonder why Councillor Dalimonte didn't stand up for Grice in public?

I for one will say "Kudo's" to Councillor Grice for standing up and saying what some of us are thinking right now! In my opinion Grice is totally bang on!

Haldimand "Some Politicians are just Politically Drunk"

When I was in Dunnville the other day having a chat with a friend about politics, he said something to me that has not left my mind since. It actually makes a lot of sense when you look at what is happening all around us in the world of politics.

I am always asking questions in regards to why do "Politicians" do what they do. Or another phrase I like to use is that they "talk the talk, but don't walk the walk". Sometimes I will ask why has that person changed their position now that they are elected? Regardless we all have our own opinions on politics, whether it is "local", "provincial" or "federal".

So back to what my point is here.

When we were talking about local politics this person said to me that his father once said to him when he was elected as a town council member, not to get "Politically Drunk".

So I spent a bit of time last night googling "Politically Drunk" and a couple of websites and blogs had articles posted about the "abuse" of certain politicians. Most of these were in regards to money issues.

So I thought of what some of our "local" politicians have done and said in the past and I have come to the conclusion that some are in deed "Politically Drunk".

Here in Haldimand County our council members don't make a huge amount of money, but what they do have is the "power" over the "people". In my opinion this is what is seems like. They are elected on a few promises and then they seem to forget what they have promised to the people.

Now most of you haven't spent time sitting at a council meeting and actually why would you? I have spent many a time in the council chambers. At most there is one resident who goes to all council meetings, a few press, staff and unless there is a delegation that is it that attends.

All council members know who I am but for a few because I ran in the last election, am vocal on local issues and write a blog, I am not worth the ground that they walk on. This makes me feel very uncomfortable, but I go anyway. As a "resident" of this county I deserve to be treated "respectfully" but some cannot get past their "personal" vendetta towards me. So do I believe that some on our council are "Politically Drunk"? Yes I do, as over time I have stopped going to council meetings. Is this right? No.

I will give you one example of what happened the last time I attended Council. Minister Michael Bryant was here speaking to council about the native issues. Our council was given about an hour to directly ask questions to Bryant. Once council warmed up the questions were very good and Councillor Sloat made an excellent statement. As I have said many times I call it as I see it. When the press were talking to some residents, Sloat was standing there and I thought here is my opportunity to say to Sloat that his statement said it all...well...Sloat in front of a few people looked and me and said "I can't talk to you" and turned his back and walked away. Too bad he did that as I had more than a few questions from the people that heard what he said to me. They couldn't believe that an elected official could be that "disrespectful" to a resident.

Our council recently admitted that they are still doing business behind closed doors. Our council has been their own judge and jury. Our council has passed bylaws that supersede other bylaws. Our council recently denied a resident of Cayuga her right to speak. Our council has basically decided without our say that a Nuclear Plant should come to Nanticoke. Has Haldimand County Council become "Politically Drunk"?

When McGuinty was re-elected he promised all Ontarions that his government would be more "transparent and accountable" to the people. Legislation was passed in January of this year to make our "local council" more "transparent and accountable" to the people.

I believe that McGuinty at the time was in deed "Politically Drunk".

Maybe it is time that McGuinty look into legislation that would make a "politician" responsible to the people if they become "Politically Drunk".

Well that is my opinion, what about you, do you know someone that is "Politically Drunk"?

Haldimand "How Big is Your Wallet?"

This will interest a few of you out there that love crunching dollars, but I must warn you, you will need a very strong coffee for this read, as I find that we indeed pay our employees very well here in Haldimand County!

Each year Municipalities must disclose all employees that are paid over $100,000.00 a year. In 2005 Haldimand County had "4" employees over $100,000.00, and in 2006 "5" employees over $100,000.00. Now in 2007 Haldimand County jumped to "10" employees being paid over $100,000.00 a year, this amounts to a total of $1,139,629.00 paid out to "10" out of approximately "800" employees.

I stopped to do some errands and a few things came to me while I was out. Sometimes I start writing a story and when I stop for a bit, I think of what I have written and all of a sudden my direction changes. Well this is what happened to me today. I was simply going to do a story on the fact that we have "10" employees in Haldimand County that are paid over $1000,00.00 a year.

Here are a few things that came to mind. In the last "2" years Haldimand County has had a lot to deal with, it seems to be one thing after another. I remember being at a Council meeting in early 2006, when staff spoke of the challenges they face in hiring quality people, we don’t pay enough. So in some cases staff are being hired with "11" weeks paid holidays their first year of employment. Most of us can only dream of getting a perk like that!

We have been told more than once in the last "2" years Haldimand County has lost millions upon millions of dollars in direct relationship with the ongoing Native issues. The County recently applied for $56 million dollars in funding to try and make up for this shortfall. We are seeing businesses struggle to just stay afloat and businesses that just had no choice but to get out, some have gone bankrupt. We have seen development come to almost a complete stop, and I am sure for many in Dunnville, their hopes were high for employment at either Walmart or No Frills. We are now facing yet another increase in Water and Sewer rates, which will certainly hit many residents in Haldimand hard, especially those on a fixed income. This does not even reflect the increase amount of money that we are now putting out of our pockets for higher food prices, higher gas prices, and so on.

We have "6" Council Members that earn approximately $35,000.00 a year give or take a few dollars. Council members get a 2.5% increase each year the same as non-unionized employees. I have always believed that locally elected officials do not earn enough for what they do. Just imagine having to put up with people like myself, or receiving phone calls night and day, going to community events and the list goes on and on. So in comparison to what our General Manager of Corporate Services makes, there is a gap of about $116,000.00 dollars a year give or take a few dollars.

Now to stop beating around the bush as to where I am going with this, Karen General received about $28,723.28 more in 2007 than in 2006, and Hugh Hanly received about $27,109.68 more in 2007 than in 2006. Yes do read that again! When was the last time you received a raise over the cost of living, and that’s if you were even fortunate enough to get that! Now neither one of these individuals gives themselves a raise, it is voted on by "our" "elected council". There are people out there working there asses off making in a year what these people received in raises, this has got to make your head spin!

I am not saying that these individuals are not worth what they are paid, but in saying that the hard working residents of this County pay their wages. I am not saying that the County needs to start laying people off, or decreasing wages, but raises like this are just criminal, and irresponsible!

Here are the figures that Haldimand County released in 2006 and 2007 for Karen General and Hugh Hanly;

Karen General; (2006) Salary $122,454.26 (2007) Salary $151,177.54, this does not include the taxable benefits.

Hugh Hanly; (2006) Salary $103,959.12 (2007) Salary $131,068.80, this does not include taxable benefits.

Well according to the above figures it looks like Haldimand County is quite "wealthy". So I would ask you this. Do you think that our "elected officials" are being Fiscally Responsible?

One thing I can say is thank goodness for the "Public Sector Salary Disclosure Act", or we would never be privy to this information.

Here is the list of Haldimand County Employees that made over $100,000.00 in 2007.

Karen General Manager Corporate Services: Salary $151,177.54
Hugh Hanly Manger Community Services: Salary $131,068.80
Betty Mathews-Malone (not a full year): Salary $104,204.90
Bill Pearce CAO (not a full year): Salary $128,398.42
Jim Dover Manager Human Resources: Salary $102,243.97
Debra Jackson CEO Libraries: Salary $100,724.62
Wilma Koziello Manager IT: Salary $102,280.54
Janis Lankester Clerk: Salary $102,257.95
Daniel Robinson Fire Chief (not a full year): Salary $115,744.68
George Vanderwindt Manager Building: Salary $100,527.72

The above Salaries do not include taxable benefits.

Steve Miazga, General Manager of Planning left last year, his Salary was $112,858.30 in 2006. His replacement is not on the list above as he did not work the whole year in 2007, so there are actually "11" employees that make over $100,000.00 a year.

Now for the fiesta, our highest paid employee in Haldimand County of course is our CAO. Don Boyle came on board with Haldimand County in the fall of 2007. So if his salary is in line with the former CAO Bill Pearce, who earned $138,606.21 in Salary for the year 2006, plus expenses of $6,748.98, and if he had received an approximate 20% raise to keep in line with Karen General and Hugh Hanly, our new CAO makes approximately $166,3247.45 plus expenses. Not bad for a Municipality of about 42,000.

Haldimand "The Law is the Law?"

THE LAW IS THE LAW?

I hope this makes its way around CANADA several times over!!!

So if the CANADIAN government determines that it is against the law for the words "under God" to be on our money, then, so be it.

And if that same government decides that the "Ten Commandments" are not to be used in or on a government installation, then, so be it.

And since they already have prohibited any prayer in the schools, on which they deem their authority, then so be it.

I say, "so be it," because I would like to be a law abiding Canadian citizen.

I say, "so be it," because I would like to think that smarter people than I are in positions to make good decisions.

I would like to think that those people have the Canadian Public's best interests at heart.

BUT, YOU KNOW WHAT ELSE I'D LIKE?

Since we can't pray to God, can't Trust in God and cannot post His Commandments in Government buildings, I don't believe the Government and its employees should participate in the Easter and Christmas.... celebrations which honor the God that our government is eliminating from many facets of Canadian life.

I'd like my mail delivered on Christmas, Good Friday, and Thanksgiving & Easter. After all, it's just another day.

I'd like our Government to be in session on Christmas, Good Friday, Thanksgiving & Easter as well as Sundays. After all, it's just another day.

I'd like ALL Representatives to not have to worry about getting home for the "Christmas Break." After all ~~~it's just another day.

I'm thinking that a lot of my taxpayer dollars could be saved, if all government offices & services would work on Christmas, Good Friday & Easter. It shouldn't cost any overtime since those would be just like any other day of the week to a government that is trying to be "politically correct."

In fact....

I think that our government should work on Sundays (initially set aside for worshipping God...) because, after all, our government says that it should be just another day....

What do you all think????

Haldimand "This May Help You Decide on Oct. 10th"

For those of you that are still unsure of who is going to get your vote on October 10th, I thought this might help you. I came across this as I was looking for something else. This was read on Q107 last year. I changed a few words to reflect the Province of Ontario, and the year.

Although it is early for holiday greetings, I thought it was appropriate. Which Greeting would you send? The following may help you make that difficult choice on October 10th, if you are still undecided, Every Vote Counts!

For all my Liberal Friends:

Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my Best Wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of other, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year of 2008, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make Canada great. Oh, I don’t mean to imply that Ontario is necessarily greater than any other Province in Canada, nor is Canada the greatest county in the Northern Hemisphere. Also, this wish is made without regard to race, creed, colour, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee.

By accepting these greetings, you are accepting the aforementioned terms as stated. This greeting is not subject to clarification or withdrawal. It is freely transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for herself/himself/others, and is void where prohibited by law and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wisher to the wishee. This wish is warranted to perform as expected within the usual application of good tidings for a period of one year or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first, and warranty is limited to replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wisher.

For My Conservative Friends:

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family. May the true meaning of Christmas be first and foremost in your thoughts and actions this coming year.

Haldimand "The Second Building of Noah's Ark in 2007"

I received this in an e-mail today from a friend down the road, it is a different angle on politics, but a good one. So I thought I would share this with you.


In the year 2007, the Lord came unto Noah, who was now living in Canada , and said, "Once again, the earth has become wicked and over-populated, and I see the end of all flesh before me. Build another Ark and save 2 of every living thing along with a few good humans.

He gave Noah the blueprints, saying, "You have 6 months to build the Ark before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights."

Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard, but no Ark.

Noah!" He roared, "I'm about to start the rain! Where is the Ark?"

"Forgive me, Lord," begged Noah, "but things have changed. I needed a building permit. I've been arguing with the inspector about the need for a sprinkler system. My neighbors claim that I've violated the neighborhood zoning laws by building the Ark in my yard and exceeding the height limitations. We had to go to the Development Appeal Board for a decision.

Then the Hydro One demanded a bond be posted for the future costs of moving power lines and other overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark's move to the sea. I told them that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing of it. Getting the wood was another problem.

There's a ban on cutting local trees in order to save the spotted owl. I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls - but no go!

When I started gathering the animals, an animal rights group sued me. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. They argued the accommodation was too restrictive, and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space.

Then the Ministry of the Environment ruled that I couldn't build the Ark until they'd conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood.

I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Human Rights Commission on how many minorities I'm supposed to hire for my building crew. Immigration and Naturalization are checking the Visa status of most of the people who want to work. The trades unions say I can't use my sons. They insist I have to hire only Union workers with Ark-building experience.

To make matters worse, Revenue Canada seized all my assets, claiming I'm trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species.

So, forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least 10 years for me to finish this Ark."

Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky.

Noah looked up in wonder and asked, "You mean you're not going to destroy the world?" "No," said the Lord. "The government beat me to it."

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".