North Perth Advocate

SOMETHING FOR NORTH PERTH TAXPAYERS TO CONSIDER

2012-02-02T09:28:00.000-08:00

I enjoy reading the Stratford Beacon Herald daily and read with unbelievable interest an Editorial written by John Kastner. I will try to give you a view of what it included. Sorry Mr. Kastner but I am just on the learning curve with this computer and I am using your words but can not define them as quotes, have not figured out how to yet so assume all are quotes from your great article.
A task force in St Marys charged by the Mayor to take a hard look at the Stonetowns recreation costs has come back with some stunning suggestions. It says the town is in bad shape financially and that desperate times call for desperate measures. To that end the task force is saying the best solution is to close the brand new aquatic centre at the Pyramid Recreation Centre for at least 2 years. The task force concluded that the towns recreation budget is bleeding red ink and had a deficit of almost $2 million in 2010. The vast majority of the $2 million deficit - $1.3 million - went to the pool. According to the task force, closing the pool for 2 years would save $663,000 - and if you are questioning the math you are not alone. It is pretty much universally agreed that the primary job of government at every level is that it spends its taxpayers money wisely. Now, one can debate the initial decision to include a pool in the Pyramid Centre in St Marys. It was a contentious issue there and Stratford city council was faced with the same question when the Rotary Complex was approved. Stratford opted against a pool and given the dilemma in St Marys, many taxpayers here are probably saying thank heavens. That aside, the reality is that swimming pools are very expensive to build and even more expensive to operate and St Marys is not the first community to have buyers remorse. That is fine, but if the task of a municipality is to spend tax dollars wisely then how does mothballing a multimillion dollar facility figure into the equation. And what happens structually to a pool that is closed for 2 years. The fact is if you are in for a dime you are in for a dollar and once you go for the pool route and build it you are pretty much committed to running it. If it is true that St Marys can simply no longer afford to operate its pool, that is tragic and shame on the council that bit off more than the town can chew. But similarly, if the current council is just throwing in the towel and saying it is easier to close the pool than to find a way to make it work, it should hang its collective head as well. The job of council is to spend tax dollars wisely, and a public pool sitting empty is not only symbolic of a failure for a previous town council, but the current one as well.
Well written Mr Kastner
And North Perth taxpayers take notice of what he has written. The Municipality is in the process of deciding what it is pretending it can afford for a new recreation complex. The Municipality should be doing more research, not only into the costs of running such a huge expensive complex but whether the taxpayers can actually afford the long term affects. If they do not they will be in the same boat as St Marys and will have to hang its collective heads

Council looks at 7.5% budget increase

2012-01-30T12:40:00.000-08:00

Tonight the Municipality of North Perth continues it long exhausting budget talks. Last week in the Listowel Banner in an article written by Andrew Smith, Councilor Warren Howard is quoted as saying "he suggested being a little tighter with this year's budget in light of the municipality's financial position." But Councilor Paul Horn responded by highlighting the importance of economic development and following through with the studies that are already paid for. Mayor Julie Behrns agreed with the need to improve the community as a whole".

For those of us that pay attention to municipal politics, like me, Councilor Howard is right on with his remark. The Municipality has extended itself to the end of the rope and financially is not really in a position where a tax increase would be even a dream, it is reality. Taxes will be increasing and by how much? Councilor Horn is correct to want all the expensive and useless studies put to use. Including the expensive and usless study to get the new arena that most people do not want ...:..........and why you say........ because no one can afford it. Get a grip North Perth.......my money tree is empty......that would be your tree too........ and it is empty!!!!!!!!

Just my opinion

A BLOG OF INTEREST

2012-01-27T10:57:00.000-08:00

A very interesting blog, great reading by an interesting man. Check it out

http://waterlooregionadvocate.blogspot.com/

THE STORY OF HYDRO BILLS ENDS................

2012-01-27T03:33:00.000-08:00

It all started with a renovation to my building in December of 2010. We decided to update the hydro and put in new outdoor services for both stores. We had an outstanding bill for hydro and they were getting ready to disconnect the hydro. So I let them, saving me the $195.00 disconnection fee. Renovations took place and due to circumstance beyond my control the renovation came to a screaming halt. The new services were outside instead of inside, the smart meter was disconnected from the building and there was no wire from the hydro pole to the building. No hydro at all, anywhere. Then the bills for hydro started coming in, estimated for hydro usage.
Which brings me to here. It has taken over a year and many phone calls to my hydro provider, oh heck, Hydro One, after what I have been through I will use your name, to finally get them to bring my bill down to zero after hounding me for the $1000.00 approximately that they said I owed for hydro usage at a property, that had no hydro.When I refused on several occasions to pay the outstanding bill bill they would send out a hydro crew with two men to disconnect the already disconnected hydro. Yes I was laughing in my head. I was also laughing when more hydro staff was sent out to make sure I was telling the truth when I repeated the story about no meter, no hydro, for the I do not know how many times. After months go by and I am still trying to get the bill corrected I am told that the bill will not be corrected until I hand over the smart/dumb meter. I was accused of holding it hostage and for some reasons I do not understand it is very important for them to get it back. After what seems like forever and many calls with Hydro One and frustration taking over I filed a complaint with the Ontario Enegry Board and within a month the issue was resolved. I felt that Hydro One had a contract with me to deliver hydro and for that service I would pay the bill. There was no hydro delivered so why should there be a bill. But it took me over a year and some really rude and nasty hydro employees and the Ontario Energy Board to get the issues resolved. Oh and the other laugh in my head was when Hydro One made an offer to cut the bill in half. SERIOUSLY..............
So yesterdays phone call from the very friendly Hydro One employee was the reason I stand my ground for what is right. My bill has been corrected which is all I wanted in the first place.
So the moral of the story is to stand your ground for what you know is the truth. As much as people do not want it to be the truth it still is
..

LETTER BY RON SCOTT - GREAT READ

2012-01-25T05:53:00.000-08:00

http://cambridgeadvocate.com/archives/north-perth-has-become-nazi-germany/

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

2012-01-22T13:15:00.000-08:00

Thought for today is..........

There is book smart..........

AND THEN THERE IS SMART

SOMETHINGS JUST MAKE YOU WONDER..........

2012-01-22T06:45:00.000-08:00

Mississauga resident banned from complaining to anyone but the mayor
Posted: 20 Jan 2012 09:24 AM PST
This ran in the Star……….. comments invited below
Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion has issued a directive forbidding a former resident’s association president from contacting anyone at City Hall but the mayor with her concerns, which range from bylaw violations to the city’s 311 service.
"The last time I checked, we live in a democratic country," said an incredulous Jean Overell, whom McCallion described as having been disrespectful to city staff while filing her numerous complaints.
　
Overell appeared at Wednesday’s council meeting seeking an explanation as to why she has been cut off from speaking to her own councillor, or anyone but the mayor’s office. She was first informed about the arrangement in mid-November, by the mayor. When she made a call to McCallion in December to air a complaint, she said, McCallion "bullied and intimidated" her for calling.
McCallion later told the Star: "It’s not bullying. I took a very strong stand."
"The policy that I put in place will remain, that you will call the mayor’s office," McCallion stated, after Overell asked how such an action could be taken. The mayor had said earlier that Overell’s calls to city staff and her ward councillor, Pat Mullin, were "far too numerous," kept them from dealing with other work, and that Overell’s behaviour violated the city’s Respectful Workplace policy.
Overell has made many complaints over the years, mostly about bylaw violations by construction work in her neighbourhood, where infill development has exploded.
She acknowledged to the Star that she had been "irate" with 311 operators a couple of times for not following through on her calls, but said, "I am always respectful when dealing with staff" and her councillor.
Mullin later told the Star that it was the mayor’s decision to deal with Overell exclusively. She said the unfortunate situation is due in large part to tension over constant construction that residents are dealing with.
"Wards 1 and 2 have had major impacts because of infill near residential streets. You will get five, six trucks at a time — you’re talking about established neighbourhoods," Mullin said.
"We have tried to talk to developers about not building on Sundays, not parking on streets. Builders have to understand that you can’t parachute into communities without abiding by the bylaws. I sympathize with residents. There are some streets in my ward where every house has been rebuilt."
That includes Overell’s street, which Mullin acknowledged has been "invaded" by an "onslaught" of development.
As to the heavy-handed action of cutting Overell off, "I have left it with the mayor," Mullin said. "I don’t do that ordinarily."
The councillor declined to comment on Overell’s conduct, even when told that Overell had complained Mullin wasn’t doing her job properly.
During council Overell said, "We need respect, not bullying at city hall. Is it city policy that residents are routinely banned from speaking to city hall and city staff?"
McCallion replied, "I was offering you a sort of deluxe service, to contact me and not call councillors or staff."
Since Overell isn’t legally compelled to follow the mayor’s instruction, McCallion was asked what would happen if someone else is contacted about a complaint. "You will have to wait for that decision," the mayor replied.
http://www.thestar.com/news/mississauga/article/1117901–mississauga-resident-banned-from-complaining-to-anyone-but-the-mayor

MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY AS I UNPACK

2012-01-19T13:57:00.000-08:00

It is not how much you do, but how much love you put into doing it.
Watch out, I bite.
If I agreed with you we would both be wrong.
I could promise to be good ..................but why.
Do not blame me my evil twin did it.
Lead me not into temptation.........I can find it myself.
Believe in the beauty of your dreams.
A mothers heart is a garden of love.
A daughter is just a little girl who grew up to be a friend.
A son may outgrow your lap but never your heart.

MONDAY MORNINGS............

2012-01-16T13:41:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday to all.......my day started with a phone call from the Listowel Ontario Provincial Police. Just what everyone wants....right or am I wrong. It appears that the Municipality of North Perth has made a frivolous complaint to the Police that this 5 foot 2 inch girl is threatening and could be somewhat deranged and could cause harm to the employees of North Perth because of some emails. Now is it that the EMPLOYEES are concerned they will get a paper cut if they print the emails or is it that sticks and stones will break my bones or that words will ALWAYS hurt me. Some of us know that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome. SERIOUSLY NORTH PERTH HAS IT WORKED UP UNTIL NOW, I am still here and this did not help your situation any. Just shows that you think bullying works.......and bullys are just cowards.

WOW! !!!!!!!!

2012-01-15T08:59:00.000-08:00

It is amazing to me, at 6:13 this morning the North Perth Advocate had it's 10,000 view. It is amazing to me, a small town girl, that people are reading what I put on the site. Thank you all for taking an interest in things I find that are interesting. Come back again soon for a whole new year of intersting stuff. And please feel free to comment on anything, I enjoy the feedback and it helps me to bring different ideas together in one place

Sherrie

NEW ARENA NORTH PERTH -SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

2012-01-13T16:35:00.000-08:00

AS SEEN IN THE STRATFORD BEACON HERALD AND THE LISTOWEL BANNER

Stop the Arena Discussion
When is the Council of North Perth going to send a message to the Arena Committee with respect to understanding basic financial principles? This committee needs to be told if you don’t have the money you can’t spend it. But wait, all they have to do is keeping taxing the living hell out of us. There needs to be a taxpayer revolt or better yet, a clear direction to council to terminate this committee and it’s mandate.
The issue of the a new arena keeps coming to the forefront and various studies keeping costing us money when we know;
· We don’t need it
· We can’t afford it
· We can’t afford to maintain it.
And who is this proposed arena for? Council’s “New Complex Committee” believes they need it for the Listowel Cyclones .
North Perth is obviously too embarrassed to post their 2010 financial statements on the municipal website but based on the Financial Information Return (mandatory reporting required by the Provincial Government), North Perth now owes over $20,000,000. Yes, that is right folks 20 million dollars in short and long term debt. They only tax $7.5M annually and revenue sources like government grants are becoming as extinct as the dinosaurs. And if 2010 was less than stellar financial performance you can bet 2011 will be worse.
Let’s get this straight, the new arena is going to cost $17M plus pushing our debt and interest payments to their absolute maximum. This committee, is looking to us as taxpayers to pay the bill for something we as citizens will likely use once or twice a year or probably never. We have already built a Taj Mahal Fire Hall, new renovations to the municipal offices and now a new arena? If the existing arena needs fixing, then fix it!
The recent estimate is that it will only take $3M update our existing facility extending it useful life by15 to 20 years. It make me wonder how did we let the building and it’s facilities get in such poor condition. It makes me wonder if this was not scheme to force a new super facility onto the taxpayers?
What the community should be concerned about are the principles of transparency and accountability in a public meeting/forum not within a questionnaire that manipulates the public true feelings into distinct categories that fits the agenda of the New Complex Committee.
I seen have plenty of waste in our community over the past 5 years, but this is one project that this community doesn’t need and it can be stopped now. Council, look at your financial position and make a rational decision and terminate the discussion, planning or consultant report and this “runaway committee with respect to building a new arena.
Ron Scott

EDITORIAL BY SHANNON BURROWS -LISTOWEL BANNER

2012-01-13T16:16:00.000-08:00

Wind energy issue will not blow over
January 11, 2012
The Listowel Banner has been carrying weekly editorial coverage recently on the local wind energy debate in the forms of interviews, photos, questions and answers and letters to the editor.Wind turbines are coming to North Perth and many folks don’t want them here. It’s time large companies stopped assuming this opinion is due to ignorance and began realizing it’s because these folks have, in fact, done their homework.They have to. Many feel they have no one to depend on but themselves when it comes to making the right decision about industrial wind turbines. Wind power companies and green energy proponents will say one thing, the government will say another, and industrial wind turbine opponents will say something different still.It comes down to this: many people want to err on the side of caution and say no to industrial wind turbines. It’s a good position to take in any arena where doubt lingers. One local farmer has come right out and said doubt has plagued him since he agreed to have a wind turbine, and now he regrets doing so. This newspaper does not claim to have the answers when it comes to wind turbines in this community. We’re striving to provide both sides of the wind energy debate, talking to those for and against, and giving both parties space on the front pages of our paper. But we must insist those questioning the development of large turbines here in North Perth are not even slightly as uneducated or fearful of change as many companies would have us believe.Look at a couple of common points discussed in the wind energy debate, such as the creation of low frequency noise (LFN).Information provided by www.yes2wind.com explains LFN: “All noise travels through the air in ‘wave-like’ movements. LFN has long wavelengths that can travel further than high frequencies and often sounds like a deep rumble. HGV diesel engines create a certain amount of LFN. Although some wind farms create LFN in certain conditions, expert investigators have concluded that it is barely audible, is far less than road traffic, and is not a health issue.”Yet, many would beg to differ.It’s documented that at least 30 Ontario families claim to have been forced from their homes due to adverse side effects caused by nearby wind turbines and namely, LFN. These kinds of contradictions are rampant throughout the wind energy debate, leaving the public at a loss as to whom they can trust. Would that many families opt to uproot and leave their homes simply to prove a point? Would they go to those lengths to maintain their stories? Seems unlikely.The Banner received a copy of a letter by Eric Gillespie, a Toronto lawyer, addressed to the minister of the environment, among others. In it, Gillespie claims the MOE’s media release, “Expert Report Confirms No Direct Health Effects from Wind Turbines,” fails to provide full and accurate disclosure of potential health effects. Gillespie illustrates his point by stating the release refers to an MOE backgrounder claiming, “The best available science shows there is no direct health risk from wind turbine noise.”But expert testimony provided during a 2011 Ontario Environmental Review Tribunal led the ERT to decide: “This case has successfully shown that the debate should not be simplified to one about whether wind turbines can cause harm to humans. The evidence provided to the tribunal demonstrates that they can, if facilities are placed too close to residents. The debate has now evolved to one of degree.”Is the province being negligent in its report? Was it an error? Or does it simply wish to bring an end to this long-winded debate? Which, by the way, isn’t about to blow over anytime soon. Either way, again, the public feels they must take it upon themselves to become educated on the subject in order to make the best choices.This may be a small community of regular folks, but they don’t hate change, progress or technology. They do love their land, families and good health. They are, rightly so, wary of anything that might compromise that. With all the evidence out there supporting cause for their concerns, how anyone can blame them is well beyond us. Invenergy Canada is hosting a come-and-go information session at Veky’s Jan. 11 and 18 in the morning. We’d be wise to attend.- S.B.

TO THOSE THAT KNOW ME

2012-01-09T19:06:00.000-08:00

I continue to unpack and today is a great day, I have curtains and 19 episodes of Popeye,. I love marianne faithful and carol king is on repeat. Could not be a better day when music makes your day. Thank you, I am back for all that care and thank you for caring

THE ONE PER CENT SPEAK

2012-01-08T10:26:00.000-08:00

A Letter From The One Per Cent
This ran on the Huffington Post…….. comments invited below
Ben Johnson
Toronto-based writer and performer
I’ve been asked by a representative from the infamous one per cent to deliver this letter to the 99 per cent and the Occupy movement protesters.

Dear 99 per cent,
On behalf of the one per cent, we just wanted to send you a sincere and heartfelt thank you for your recent efforts at the “Occupy” protests.
We, the wealthiest people in the world, are extremely grateful you took to the streets to get the word out about the insane lack of parity in wealth distribution in the United States and Canada, and we are glad that you gave the issue of corruption in the world’s financial markets a global stage.
No really, we are.
The truth is, yes, of course it’s pretty awesome being this wealthy. I’m dictating this to my personal assistant right now, who is riding shotgun while I’m speeding down the highway in my Ferrari throwing caviar out the window — I’m not even eating it! I bought this caviar just to huck it at other, lesser cars. What’s more, this is the only thing for which I use this particular car.
Sure, I’m living the dream now, but to level with you, before you guys started the Occupy movement, we were all just a little bit uneasy with the situation.
What I mean to say is, being able to buy and sell most of the other humans on the planet is great, but can you consider the relative unease that comes with amassing so much wealth and power, so quickly, so easily?
Put yourself in our shoes made from Iberian Lynx for a minute. It’s estimated that today we, the one per cent, control 40 per cent of the world’s wealth and that just 25 years ago, the corresponding figures were 12 per cent and 33 per cent. Surely, we all thought in this meteoric rise to history’s worst balance of wealth, someone, somewhere, would take notice and do something soon.
It’s been nerve-racking waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Yes, we still routinely gathered to laugh at the poor as we drank the world’s best scotches out of the hollowed-out skulls of endangered species, but it was not without the odd shaking hand or niggling doubt.
Once in a while, lighting one of the world’s finest cigars with flaming copies of corporate tax legislation, one of us would look around the country club, wave a diamond-studded sceptre, and shout, “Surely, it can’t be this simple to dupe so many people?! Some day they’ll come for us!”
And it really killed our buzz.
But now, thanks to your “protests,” we know we’re safe.
What I mean to say is that, thanks to your efforts, we now know there is absolutely nothing to fear and that we are comfortably entrenched as the ruling class.
Watching both the left and right wing media relegate coverage of your protests to short interviews with weird, fringe characters and watching how easy it was for the general public to simply ignore your efforts while they continued sucking down our corporate coffee-chain beverages and downloading music for which we pay artists a mere pittance, we breathed a collective Courvoisier-scented sigh of relief.
We dodged a real bullet.
Without a doubt your “movement” represented the largest potential threat to our ridiculously over-the-top well-being that we have ever had to face (sure, we had some anxiety when Obama was elected, but we’ve straightened all that out now).
I mean, the movement had real, scary potential. According to the communist information-sharing site Wikipedia, the Occupy movement started on September 17, 2011 and by October 9, protests had either taken place or were ongoing in over 95 cities across 82 countries, including over 600 communities in the United States. And yet…we’re still here, living large.
In fact, we’re hard pressed to find any unifying mission statements, any clear leaders within the movement, and, thankfully, any change in the situation you purport to be protesting at all.
Sure, the movement seemed like a big deal, but in reality, nobody really noticed.
Things are pretty much the way they were before.
So…thanks!
Before you guys, headlines like this one in the National Post revealing that Canada’s CEOs make an average worker’s salary in just three hours would have been met with shushes, attempts to oppress the news, and possibly even hostile takeovers of the news source just to raze the organization responsible.
But now, thanks to your impotent efforts, we know that no one really cares how wealthy we get. We’ve seen your efforts and have been reassured that our face-meltingly stupid levels of wealth — amassed in a time where an estimated 25,000 people die every day because of hunger — are safe.
Now we can read headlines like the one in the Post with open, public, and enthusiastic high fives (conducted of course by our butlers while we look on from comfortable seats atop our saddled albino elephants).
So we just wanted to say thanks. I mean we always knew we were virtually unstoppable, but it’s nice to be just a little more sure of ourselves.
Fight the power and so forth. We think it’s hilarious.
Sincerely,
The One Per Cent

UPDATE OF CFDC SCANDAL- STRATFORD BEACON HERALD

2012-01-06T09:22:00.001-08:00

Plaintiff in suit accepts some allegations
By DONAL O'CONNOR STAFF REPORTER
In statements of defence filed with the Ontario Superior Court the owners of Planet Lovers (P'Lovers) deny allegations brought by Perth Community Futures Development Corp. that their company benefited from funds misappropriated from the development corporation.
But the statement of defence submitted by company co-owner JD Graham does admit he breached his fiduciary duties at Community Futures to obtain personal financial benefits from the corporation.
The defendants, JD Graham and Susan Graham, also state they have "insufficient knowledge to plead" to a number of other specific allegations made in the statement of claim from Community Futures.
As reported earlier, the statement of claim alleges that JD Graham, when he was employed as loans manager with Community Futures prior to the end of April 2011, fraudulently diverted loan advances for legitimate borrowers to his company or personal accounts.
The development corporation alleges more than $540,000 was fraudulently diverted to the detriment of Community Futures and is seeking $1 million in recompense and damages from the defendants.
None of the allegations has been proven in court.
In their separate statements of defence, the Grahams deny that their company, in which they have shared ownership, benefited from alleged misappropriation of funds by JD Graham.
In her statement, Susan Graham denies receiving any personal benefit from misappropriated funds or that Planet Lovers (1394561 Ontario Limited) gained from JD Graham using personal and company bank accounts as a vehicle to deposit such funds.
The Grahams' Stratford and London stores continue to operate under conditions imposed by a court injunction. JD Graham is no longer a director of the business.
mailto:doconnor@bowesnet.com

ATWOOD...COULD NORTH PERTH SCREW YOU ANYMORE

2012-01-02T04:15:00.000-08:00

Water rate increase approved by council
December 21, 2011

NORTH PERTH – Residents of North Perth will be facing higher water and sewer rates after council approved an increase be phased in. Frances Hale, director of finance, presented a report at the Dec. 12 meeting of North Perth council, providing details on the increased rates. Hale said the increase was recommended after a study by BM Ross was presented to council in January this year, showing the rates needed to keep the water and wastewater system self-sustainable. After an initial proposal from Hale was deemed too high by council, a second option was presented a week later. "I do stress my concern that we are taking quite a time to catch up to the rates that we should have today," Hale said. "However, I do also understand council’s concern."Based on an average water usage of 18 cubic metres, a water and sewer customer paying $79.43 bi-monthly in 2011 would pay $87.94 next year, an increase of about $50 a year. The scheduled rate for 2016 is $129.35 bi-monthly for the same usage. Hale said other municipalities are facing the same increases as North Perth, and the rates are comparable with theirs. "We might have a little higher percentage increase, but compared to some of our neighbours, we’re still very reasonable," Hale said. "I just had a look at Stratford and we’re not crazy in comparison."... Please read more in this weeks Listowel Banner

LOOKING BACK AT 2011 by SHANNON BURROWS - Listowel Banner

2011-12-31T02:39:00.000-08:00

Looking back at 2011
December 28, 2011

For a small municipality, North Perth saw its share of news over this last year.From the tragic passing of two local volunteer firefighters, to encouraging word of new businesses and developments coming to the area, from the feel-good and human interest photo spreads of local events, to the controversial topic of the day concerning wind energy, The Listowel Banner has brought it all to you.In this edition of The Banner, readers will find part one of our annual year in review — the stories, good and bad — that made local headlines in 2011.To coincide with this annual reflection, we’ve compiled a list of the Top Ten Most Memorable North Perth Quotes.
10. "We come here for many reasons, whether we are here to cheer on survivors as they walk the victory lap, or to remember loves ones we have lost."Kathleen Mack, 2011 Relay for Life chairperson.
9. "As Christians first and farmers second, we believe we should do something to share our abundance with those who are hungry."Farmer John Tollenaar on the local Harvest for Hunger initiative and record-breaking attempt.
8. "I wanted to return the respect and pride in Canadian troops that disappeared in the 1960s and ‘70s, after the Vietnam War. My goal was to take the mural across Canada."Artist Dave Sopha on the Portraits of Honour.
7. "That’s the first time in Silver Stick history two teams from the same centre have won the same year, that’s phenomenal."-Minto Atom Rep head coach Dale Litt on his club and the Minto Midget Reps both winning regional Silver Sticks in late 2011.
6. "I could see the red bolt so I knew. I had seen the flash of red in the window; it was very strange. I knew we were hit with lightning, but still I was thinking, ‘was that lightning?’"Listowel resident Tracey Robson, after her home was struck by lightning in September.
5. "Not wearing seat belts is the biggest killer for teens (in Perth County). Not cancer, not your heart, not West Nile."RN Jim LeSouder at the Listowel District Secondary School IMPACT assembly.
4. "I see no signs of any desire to reduce the deficit, like it was supposed to be happening . . . we’re certainly not reducing the deficit, we’re adding to it."Elma ward councillor Ken Buchanan, reflecting on his first year on council.
3. "How about that?"Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece, on winning the local riding in October’s provincial election.
2. "It was absolutely amazing. What a great testament to these two men. This is a great community and we pull together in good times and in bad. We celebrated and we grieved together. We’re a family and that’s what gets us through."Tami Chauvin, president of the Listowel Kinette Club, on the community’s tribute to fallen firefighters Kenneth Rea and Ray Walter.
And the Most Memorable North Perth Quote of 2011:1. "God bless you, Kenny and Raymond, you’re our heroes."North Perth Fire Chief Ed Smith, speaking at the funeral of Rea and Walter.- S.B.

THINGS TO THANK GOD FOR IN EVERY SEASON

2011-12-26T14:10:00.000-08:00

A heart full of joy
the gift of faith
blessings to share
friends and family to love
the miracle of Jesus
Gods amazing grace

A HINT FOR NEXT CHRISTAMS - BY A .A .MILNE

2011-12-24T14:58:00.000-08:00

Obviously there should be a standard value for a certain type of Christmas present. One may give what one will to ones family or particular friends, that is all right. But in a house -party there is a pleasant interchange of parcels, of which the string and brown paper and the kindly thought are the really important ingredients, and the gift inside is nothing more than an excuse for those things. It is embarrassing for you if Jones has apoligized for his brown paper with a hundred cigars and you have only excused yourself with twenty- five cigarettes; perhaps still more embarrassing if it is you who have lost so heavily on the exchange .
And now I am reminded of the friend of mine, Willliam by name, who arrived at a large country house for Christmas without any present in his bag. He had expected to neither nor receive anything but to his horror he discovered on the 24th that everybody was preparing a present for him, and that it was taken for granted that he would require a little privacy and brown paper on Christmas Eve for the purpose of addressing his own offerings to others. He had wild thoughts of telegraphing to London for something to be sent down, and spoke to other members of the house-party in order to disover what sort of present would be suitable.
"What are you giving our host?" he asked one of them.
"Mary and I are giving him a book."
William then approached the youngest son of the house, and discovered that he and his next brother Dick were sharing in this, that, and the other . When he heard this, William retired to his room and thought profoundly.
He was first down to breakfast on Christmas morning. All the places at the table were pilled high with presents. He looked at John's place. The top parcel said "To John and Mary from Charles." William took out his fountain pen and added a couple of words to the inscription. It then read " To John and Mary from Charles and William," and in William's opinion looked just as effective as before. He moved on to the next place. "To Angela from Father," said the top parcel. And "William" wrote William. At his hostess' place he hesitated for a moment. The first present there was for "Darling Mother, from her loving children." It did not seem that an and "Williams" was quite suitable. But his hostess was not to deprived of William's kindly thought, twenty seconds later the handkerchiefs " from John and Mary and William" expressed all the nice things he was feeling for her. He passed on the next place............
It is of course impossible to thank every donour of a joint gift; one simply thanks the first person' whose eyes one happens to catch. Sometimes Williams eye was caught, sometimes not. But he was spared all embarrassment; and I can recommend his solution of the problem with perfect confidence to those who may be in a similar predicament next Christmas

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE AND HAVE A HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR

2011-12-24T08:40:00.000-08:00

WHY IS MUNICIPALITY OF NORTH PERTH STAFF EXEMPT FROM BUILDING PERMIT

2011-12-15T16:49:00.000-08:00

Why is Municipality of North Perth Staff Exempt from Building permits

Just when we thought it could not get any worse in our community, it does! Our municipal Clerk has now been discovered renovating a home without a building permit. It has been more than one person who has noticed that there is no building permit prominently posted in the front window of the house or anywhere could be seen on the property.

I personally confirmed on December 12th and 13th with the municipal Building Inspector that indeed there was no building permit issued. He said that it is up to the person to make application and that he was not going to investigate the issue. This begs the question, why are there laws for the residents, who have in the past faced hefty fines and not for the municipal staff?

But wait, it gets worse! The municipal clerk’s husband somehow (and without advertising the position in accordance with our HR Bylaw) was hired as the “janitor” for the municipality. And now the municipality gives him untendered building and renovation contracts for a business he runs “on the side”. Is any of this sounding a little like conflict of interest or grossly unfair to the other small businesses in our community? Well, if you said YES, you are right.

When I attempted to obtain a copy of the invoice for Mr. Berfelz’s contract services company in the renovation of our local library, I was again, outright refused access to this information. This invoice and alleged “quote” was discussed in open council . Despite the provisions of the Municipal Act in particular Section 253 and our own Accountability and Transparency Bylaw (as required by Section 270 of the Municipal Act) public information regarding cosy employment/business relationships is denied.

More recently, the municipality changed auditors. It was stated in the council meeting that the Management Letter was scathing and that the auditors were not interested in providing their services any longer. This should raise some eyebrows in the same manner as it has with councillor Ludington who persistently challenges our Treasurer regarding increased water and sewer rates for Elma. This is despite our Treasurer telling the public only 18 months previously in a mandatory public meeting that the utility rates will NOT increase. The staff of the Municipality of North Perth believe they have an endless source of income, YOU and ME! They also believe that we will not question their conduct, manner of doing business and rampant property tax increases.

All of this should draw the concerns of the ratepayers of North Perth as indicated in my previous letter to the editor. Not only does staff conceal information that is owed to the public and councillors, but some have been running the operations and using municipal funds for their own personal gain. I maybe wrong in some assumptions, but I thought this type of government behaviour is alleged to be occurring in “third world countries” not Canada or more specifically North Perth. Although, I must say in today’s Globe and Mail the headline is “Former French president Jacques Chirac found guilty of corruption”. Let’s face it, none of us are deeply surprised at the French court conviction, but possibly surprised that a court with all of the politics involved would finally go that far for convict their former Prime Minister (and what about former Canadian Prime Minister, Brian Mulroney). We know it can happen anywhere and any time and that is the biggest part of the reason we are in worst economic turmoil in modern history. I, amongst others keep seeing disturbing behaviour within our own local government and for the sake of good governance we keep asking questions of our municipal representatives and our staff. Unfortunately, my questions fall on deaf ears. That is why I am circulating a petition for an in-depth audit of our municipality under Section 9 of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs Act.

RON SCOTT

A CONCERNED CITIIZEN

2011-12-09T15:56:00.000-08:00

December 5, 2011

Municipality of North Perth
330 Wallace Ave. N.,
Listowel, ON †††N4W 1L3

Attention: Mrs. Mayor & Council

Dear Mrs. Mayor & Council:
Re: Perth Meadows

This letter is to formally identify my concern, protest and pending action to stop the further investment in the Perth Meadows Development.

It is clear by Section 106 that North Perth invested in a commercial enterprise in 2008 in the amount of $2.5M in order that the development could be started. This in terms of the Municipal Act is referred to as “bonusing”. The restriction of bonusing in the Municipal Act was to stop municipality’s from supporting businesses with tax dollars.

The fundamental reason for this legislation was to avoid a precedence whereby any business could come forward to any municipality in Ontario for preferential financial treatment (loans, grants and tax reductions) that would be ultimately supported by local, Provincial or Federal funds. This sets an unfair advantage for some businesses and exposes local governments to immense risk.

What is deeply concerning is that the recent resolution to invest another $5.5M is an ongoing breach of Section 106 of the Municipal Act and has pushed the debt of the municipality to unprecedented levels that will fall on the shoulders of the tax payers. It is apparent that this development is not financially viable as a standalone enterprise however, the Council of North Perth is now exposing the municipal corporation not only to a total debt of $8.0M for a condominium development but the operational costs that has caused this business to effectively fail.
What is also of concern are the conflicts of interest of the council members who are part of the board of directors of this corporation and their voting on this matter. I am as are others deeply concerned for the cost of the continuing failure of this business to be now supported by the taxpayers of North Perth. Not only are we making our taxpayers vulnerable to the debt and potential loss of investment, but we are exposing our finances to the unsustainable costs of the enterprise that will no doubt add to the municipality’s deficit.
In a recent discussion with MMAH representative Pearl McDougall the quotation in the Listowel Banner was out of context, in particular since the municipality is not buying property but instead investing in a private commercial enterprise (a condominium development).
With the deepest concern for the financial viability of our municipality, I hereby put the council of North Perth on notice that I will be challenging this recent investment and breach of the Municipal Act in order that our community is saved from financial ruin

Ron Scott

LETTER FROM CONCERNED PERSON OF NORTH PERTH

2011-12-07T05:49:00.000-08:00

Municipal Staff Refuses to Show Invoices to Council or the Public

I have on several occasions requested to see the financial information of the Municipality of North Perth only to be refused by the Municipal Staff. The most recent attempt was met with the following email response on November 17, 2011 from our Treasurer;

The Municipality does not circulate invoices to Council or public review.

This outright refusal should raise the deepest concern to the citizens of this community as it relates to our right to access to our financial information and our ratepayers as “watch dogs” for the possibility of fraud or misappropriation. As a matter of interest you can get a copy of the Prime Minister of Canada’s (Honourable Steven Harper) expense report and receipts at no cost (online access), but you cannot get copy of invoices and expenses related to our on local government. If something seems terribly wrong with this picture, you are absolutely right.

We already know that staff are using the municipal credit cards for personal purchases despite the fact the bylaws do not permit staff to have corporate credit cards. The citizens and council should be deeply concerned as in recent years we have heard through the media about employees and executives of other corporations that have bilked their respective companies of millions if not billions of dollars. In my opinion is the root of our current economic climate, lack of accountability and transparency.

There should be no reason why any member of the public should not be able to look at invoices (at no cost) to see if indeed they are real and from real companies. Instead we have an administration whose mantra is concealment at any cost even to the people who they report to, the councillors. I like others voted for councillors who were going to invoke change, instead we have more of the same as before and staff keep getting away with interest free loans, and are allowed to make PERSONAL purchases using the credit card sponsored and guaranteed by us the ratepayers.

I for one believe the conduct of municipal staff is reprehensible and a travesty related to its municipal credit card fiasco and establishing costly barriers charging it’s citizens ($5.00 per request) to see the invoices that are incurred in the operation of this municipality.

What do you have to hide municipal staff and more importantly, when is this council going to “grow a set” and stand up for it’s citizens rights to the financial information of which we paid hefty taxes to operate this corporation.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

2011-12-05T13:17:00.001-08:00

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

RE: SMALLEST ISSUES CAN BE CHALLENGE FOR MUNICIPALITIES
by John Kastner
Stratford Beacon Herald
Saturday, December 3,2001

I read with interest your point of view on the continuing issues with the Municipality of North Perth and Perth County. Not only was there an unfortunate change in Provincial leadership with former municipal council member Randy Pettapiece getting voted in but also the majority of municipal council was voted out and a new council was voted in. People were looking for major change.Whether they got that change is still debatable. The Municipality of North Perth has had many issues that still need to be fixed, one of which is being business friendly, hence the loss of 650 jobs when the Campbell Soup Plant closed down due to municipal politics. As a previous business owner from North Perth who had road block after road block placed in front of her to stop my business from continuing , I am personally aware of the major issues and I think that North Perth is finally trying to allow businesses that are unique and will benefit the Municipality to open and they are taking a stand against Perth County trying to decide what they, as a Municipality, would like for their community. And about time, but too late for me. Julie Behrns the Mayor of North Perth and previous Warden of Perth County will have her hands full dealing with this issue and all the issues left by the previous council and needs to take leadership to make North Perth a better place to live for all and to allow business to open with out all the road blocks that are now in place that make it impossible for business to succeed in North Perth. Perth County is an unneccesary road block and only leads to the Ontario Municipal Board and a lot of money spent to allow you to legally do what you want with your own property.
The insurance business that wants to open is on a one block street that is one block away from a municipal parking lot and library and a factory, across the street from a law office, a few houses away from a resturant in a house and just houses away from what previously was a B&B. The person wants to run her business from her home and do it legally....What is wrong with that? Provincial Polcy Statement or a flawed Master Growth Plan that shows that North Perth has an over abundance of commercial, residential and industrial land or using these two documents in real life situations. Sometimes common sense should be used, if it was not dead, to make decisions. Where is the line drawn for the commercial district in North Perth, half way across the road, 3/4 across the road, at the sidewalk, it all just seems like a waste of time and money to argue this small point and it should be an easy decision, unless of course you involve government bureacracy, the stumbling block for any business. And if a Municipality or County can not make such a simple decision about a home based business why would we allow them to make such a major, possibly health related issue with regards to wind farms. Common sense is dead, but maybe it is time to bring it back.
JUST MY OPINION

WE SHOULD BE EMBARASSED

2011-12-03T15:01:00.000-08:00

this ran on IFpress.com………… comments invited below

By Christina Blizzard, QMI Agency

The Red Cross moves in to help a beleaguered community where children are
living in squalor in tents, sheds and a trailer.
Where can this be? Haiti? Some Third World country in Africa? Not at all.
Welcome to Attawapiskat–an aboriginal community on James Bay, here on your doorstep. Welcome to Shameful, Ontario.
Shameful, because while children are peeing in buckets, while raw sewage is being dumped in ditches, two levels of government are bickering over who should deal with it.
Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence is frustrated. She declared a state of emergency in the community a month ago–and nothing happened. “It’s a crisis we’re facing in our community and it’s time for the government to accept and understand what’s going on and deal with it because no one is stepping in right now,” Spence told reporters.
The community needs new housing, but the feds haven’t given enough money to build it.
Ironically, the great hope for the community was the nearby De Beers diamond mine.
About 100 members of the reserve work there, but they can’t build homes because the Indian Act prevents them from getting mortgages, says Timmins-James Bay MPP Gilles Bisson.
The community’s school was pulled down several years ago because it was contaminated with gasoline from a dump. So 400 children go to school in portables on a massive brownfield site. They start to drop out in Grade 4.
According Bisson, five families live in tents; 20 more live in backyard sheds. About 90 people are shoehorned into a massive construction trailer. The Red Cross announced this week it would move in to provide temporary help to the community. According to a physician who works on the reserve, children suffer from frequent infectious diseases, as well as lice and scabies, because of the close quarters. The children suffer frequent burns from makeshift wood stoves.
The temporary homes have no electricity and aren’t hooked up to sewers, so families are using buckets for toilets–dumping waste in the ditch.
“I often have to remind myself that I’m in Ontario and why are there two sets of standards for on-reserve and off-reserve health care?” said Dr. Elizabeth Blackmore.
The trailer is a disaster waiting to happen, says Bisson. It comprises forty 3-metre by 3-metre rooms. One family lives in each room. The doors are chained at night for security reasons.
“These are people. They’re citizens of Ontario and Canada. And we can’t treat people this way,” he said. “The province is unwilling to take the lead because they’re afraid they may get stuck with the bill and the feds don’t want to do anything — so they’re staring each other down,” he said.
One of the options is evacuating people to Timmins, but Spence says she can’t do that alone. She’s asked for help from the military and from both levels of government.
Kathleen Wynne, the minister responsible for aboriginal issues, says there’s been “confusion” about who has responsibility to send in emergency services.
“It’s extremely important to me that all of us who are involved be doing everything we can. But we can’t operate without the federal government,” she said. “I’m willing to work with them, but the federal government has to step up to the plate.”
Enough’s enough. This is a disaster waiting to happen. Politicians must stop pointing fingers — and end this shameful situation — right now.

christina.blizzard@sunmedia.ca

http://www.lfpress.com/comment/columnists/christina_blizzard/2011/11/28/19028356.html

COUNTY OPTS FOR OMBUDSMAN

2011-11-25T05:24:00.000-08:00

This ran on Orangeville.com………… comments invited below

By Chris Halliday

Facing a choice between the province’s watchdog or appointing an independent closed-door meeting investigator for 2012, Dufferin County is going with the former.
Last Thursday (Nov. 10), county council agreed to select the Office of the Ombudsman of Ontario as its closed meeting investigator for 2012, should any need for an investigation arise.
The provincial watchdog is the investigator for complaints in many municipalities across the province, except for those deciding to appoint their own — the county, as well as several other municipalities in Dufferin, including Melancthon and Mulmur, jumped on the Local Authority Services (LAS) train in 2011.
So why has the county changed course in 2012, you might ask?
“The Ombudsman won’t cost us anything and we think that they’re capable,” remarked Amaranth Deputy Mayor Walter Kolodziechuk, chair of the county’s General Government Services (GGS) Committee.
“We’ve seen some of their reports that they have submitted elsewhere and we think that they were appropriate reports, professional and we decided to go with them.”
On top of those potential cost-savings, it also appears to take the Ombudsman less time to complete a report when stacked up beside LAS, the GGS committee chair added.
“They’ve been dealing with these sorts of things all along. We see that the reports that they have put in seem to be timely,” Kolodziechuk said. “We think that we would get quicker service here, plus like I said, we’re always looking at the expenses and this will save a few dollars, not much, but some.”
LAS is a service provided by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). The county didn’t have to foot any bills for closed session investigations conducted by LAS in 2011, however, Melancthon and Mulmur did.
It is not known whether the county’s recent decision to select the Ombudsman will perhaps push, or convince, any other municipalities in Dufferin to follow suit. But Kolodziechuk explained, at least one municipality in Dufferin may be considering the Ombudsman this time around.
“I think all the municipalities were kind of feeling their way, the same as the county, and this will be coming up again in budgets for this year,” Kolodziechuk said. “It will be interesting to see, I know in our municipality (Amaranth), we’ll certainly look at it.

LEST WE FORGET

2011-11-10T16:41:00.000-08:00

The first chapter of In Flanders Fields and Other Poems (a 1919 collection of poems by John McCrae) gives the text of the poem as follows:
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS DAY

2011-11-04T18:57:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful idea. Doing random acts of kindness for one day of the year. Sorry I think it should be everyday and that is what I do. Hold doors open for people, say hi and just be a great citizen of the community. My move has been very hard but something that was not very hard was deciding on what to do with my free digester. Muelensteen Tires in North Perth holds a green day every year and gives away green products to help us be good to Mother Nature and be responsible for our waste. Last year was rainbarrels and this year was digesters which is one step up from a composter. When I read the letter to the editor in the Listowel Banner about the vandalsim of the composter at Central Public School I decided to donate my digester to them so it would be put to good use. They were so very happy to get it and I am sure they will put it to good use and learn lots of information on how to be responsible for the waste we all produce and how not to pollute the area we live in, also known as taking care of Mother Nature. If you took part in random acts of kindeness day, and it did not hurt, keep it up. Our communities need it. And I am back

MY FAREWELL TO ATWOOD / NORTH PERTH

2011-10-26T19:50:00.000-07:00

WITHOUT PREJUDICE

TO THE RESIDENTS OF ATWOOD AND NORTH PERTH

IT IS WITH DEEP SADNESS AND REGRET THAT WE ARE CLOSING DOWN OUR BUSINESS AND LEAVING ATWOOD. THE MUNICIPALITY HAS MADE OUR TIME HERE A NIGHTMARE AND REFUSES TO CORRECT THE MISTAKES THAT WERE MADE. THE NEW COUNCIL IS NO DIFFERENT THAN THE LAST, JUST DIFFERENT FACES ( sometimes two faces). WE WILL NO LONGER TRY TO MAKE AN EFFORT TO STAY AND RUN OUR BUSINESS. WE HAVE EXHAUSTED ALL OUR OPTIONS AND MY HEALTH, WHICH HAS NOT BEEN GOOD THE LAST FEW YEARS, IS MORE IMPORTANT AND I MUST PUT IT FIRST. SOMEONE ELSE WILL HAVE TO WATCH OUT FOR THE TOWN. GOOD LUCK !!!!
WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE RESIDENTS OF ATWOOD AND THE SPECIAL PEOPLE THAT HAVE SUPPORTED US. WE WILL MISS ALL OF YOU AND LIVING HERE IN THIS GREAT COMMUNITY. TO THOSE THAT DID NOT SUPPORT US AND DID NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT WAS BEING DONE TO US, WE ARE DISAPPOINTED THAT YOU ALL HAD AN OPINION, BUT NEVER TOOK THE TIME TO FIND OUT THE TRUTH BEFORE YOU MADE CRUEL AND UNINFORMED JUDGEMENTS AND DECIDED NOT TO SUPPORT US.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR FRIEND, NEIGHBOUR AND SUPPORTER FROM THE BEGINNING MAXINE SCHOLL. YOU HAVE BEEN A GREAT FRIEND AND HAVE BEEN THERE FOR US FROM THE START AND HELPED US IN MANY WAYS AND WE WILL MISS YOU AND YOUR FRIENDSHIP.
THANKS TO BERT CLARK WHO HAS BEEN VERY HELPFUL IN MANY WAYS AND A GREAT MAN OF THE COMMUNITY.
THANK YOU MR BROUGHTON FOR SOME REALLY GREAT DISCUSSIONS AND A GREAT HISTORY LESSON. YOU ARE A WISE MAN.
AND TO OTHER NEIGHBOURS, THANKS FOR BEING SUCH GREAT PEOPLE AND FRIENDS.
AND FINALLY TO THE MUNICIPALITY OF NORTH PERTH, THANK YOU FOR THE EDUCATION, THE FRUSTRATION AND THE VIEW OF MUNICIPAL CORRUPTION THAT MADE LIVING HERE HELL ON EARTH. YOU COST ME MY BUSINESS, YOU COST ME MY HOME, YOU COST ME MY INVESTMENT. BUT WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND AND IN TIME IT WILL COME AROUND AND BITE YOU IN THE ASS. BE SURE OF IT.

SINCERELY AND SADLY
SHERRIE McTAGGART

MISSING IN ACTION

2011-10-14T09:24:00.000-07:00

I have been M.I.A lately and will be again for awhile. I have had a relapse in my health and I am closing down my business and packing and getting ready to move away from this vortex. When I am finally settled in a place I will again begin posting. Thanks for still checking out my blog and I will be back soon. Sherrie

A VERY SAD TIME

2011-09-19T11:06:00.000-07:00

READERS: Had questions on whether to post this. It has been a long battle that has been documented here. I am not finished and will not quit the battle but need to make choices. I must place alot of the blame on a corrupt Municicpality but also others and myself. If you have any questions just let me know.

September 12, 2011

PERTH COMMUNITY FUTURES DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

RE: CAHILL ANTIQUES
199 Main Street
Atwood, Ontario
N0G1B0

It has now been 6 years since we started our business and it has been a hard long battle. We have invested everything we had including all of our savings to try and make this a thriving business. I have suffered and have lived without the neccessities of life all in an attempt to save what I considered my business and my home. Although I was in a what I thought was a business partnership with the Perth CFDC to acheive a thriving business and a home I was left to fend for myself without any help or support from my partners in business and left to pay all costs including legal fees and fines. This property consumed all my time and now has become a huge waste of my efforts.

It is with the most sadness and deep, deep, deep regret that I must now hand over what I worked so hard for, my property, to the Perth Community Futures Development Corporation. I hereby today September 12,2011 reliquish my property for the amount owing to the Corporation. We will be vacating the property on or before November 1, 2011 and will give up our interest in 199 Main Street Atwood Ontario and the keys will be deposited with the Corporation. I will continue to offer the property for sale and will do my due diligence to make sure that the property is taken care of.

SUIT ALLEGES FRAUD

2011-09-12T06:11:00.000-07:00

Suit alleges fraud by former employee
Perth Community Futures Development Corp. seeking $1 million in damages
By LAURA CUDWORTH, Staff Reporter
Stratford Beacon Herald
Perth Community Futures Development Corporation has launched a lawsuit against a former employee alleging about $540,000 was misappropriated.

Perth CFDC is seeking $1 million in damages for fraud, conspiracy, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract and fraudulent misrepresentation from its former lending manager, John-David (JD) Graham.
His role as lending manager gave him sole authority for issuing cheques on loans approved by the organization, the statement of claim says. Graham worked at Perth CFDC from 2001 until April of this year.
Perth CFDC employees first became suspicious in early August when they spoke to an individual at a diesel repair shop about the business's loan. Perth CFDC was told that although Ultimate Diesel Repair had applied for a loan it had never received any of the funds.
"They were directed to accounts which appear to be under the control of Mr. Graham," said Andrew Phillips, lawyer for Perth CFDC.
Other allegations include the approval of loans to non-existent people or that loan advances were fraudulently diverted into Graham's personal or business accounts. The statement of claim also accuses Graham of creating fraudulent invoices from legitimate suppliers, authorizing payment and diverting the funds. In addition, the claim alleges Graham diverted loan payments made by companies which had obtained legitimate funding from Perth CFDC.
Graham declined to comment on the allegations Tuesday other than to say, "It's a misunderstanding that's going to be corrected."
None of the allegations made by the plaintiff have been proven in court.
Perth CFDC successfully sought an injunction last week to freeze Graham's assets, his wife's assets and those of Planet Lovers Ltd., (P'lovers), also named as 1394561 Ontario Limited.
The injunction is temporary and will be addressed again in court Thursday. Phillips is confident the injunction will be extended.
He stressed the investigation is in the early stages.

Perth CFDC general manager Nigel Howard declined to speak about the lawsuit yesterday, but a statement was issued through Phillips on behalf of the organization.

"We wish to assure the public that Perth Community Futures Development takes this matter extremely seriously. We have notified the Ontario Provincial Police and a very thorough forensic investigation is underway. At this time it appears the allegations of fraud are limited to one former employee. Perth Community Futures Development is confident the impact on current operations will be minimal."
OPP confirmed a fraud investigation has been started.
The affidavit of Joan Marie Gerber, business adviser for Perth CFDC, states with payments applied to incorrect accounts the total impact could reach between $700,000 and $1 million.
Perth CFDC is a non-profit organization guided by a 12-member board of directors that encourages local entrepreneurship and grassroots economic development.
Perth CFDC has provided support to more than 150 businesses and has had a financial impact of about $10 million on the local economy.
As recently as February the federal government gave Perth CFDC $1.1 million to help rural businesses here.

FROM A GREAT FRIEND

2011-08-26T10:29:00.000-07:00

The path of the Light Warrior is lonely;
Filled with loss, rejection and pain.
The Light Warrior illuminates the darkest of corners and;
stands steadfast while others wane.

The Light Warrior carries no sword or shield;
For their Light leads the way.
No darkness can penetrate it's warm glow and;
nothing can withstand its rays.

Courage outshines fear and;
Love triumphs over suffering and trial.
The Light Warrior is armed with Truth and;
Strength will always prevail.

There is little reward for the Light Warrior;
Here in this misery.
Except their light burns ever brighter;
For the enlightened ones to see.

Walk on with courage Warrior of Light;
For our numbers are few.
Shine your light more brightly;
So we may see justice, peace and truth.

Know that you are loved and honoured;
For the sacrifice you make herein,
Nothing on earth is as valuable,
as the Light you hold within.

COUNCIL HAS HARD ISSUES TO RESOLVE

2011-08-18T06:06:00.000-07:00

To the Editor
RE:Lack of change frustrating
I read with interest the views of Bill Smith from Monkton last week in the Banner. I must agree with his view that the taxpayers decided with the last election that change was needed in North Perth.
The previous council was dysfunctional at best, as I have learned personally over the last few yeaars. With the new council we are looking for an honest and transparent municipal council that is capable of making the hard decisions that are fair to all taxpayers of North Perth, not just the selected few.
A Code of Conduct would be a great start, but just that a start. Much more needs to be done to correct some of the issues I have personally witnessed. Council needs to take back control of the municipal office to avoid further embarrassment for mistakes that are made.
I think we have voted in some very good and capable people for council who now have some very hard issues and mistakes from the previous council that need to be resolved. And although they are hard decisions, they should be resolved to be fair to all.
I think Smith spoke for alot of taxpayers in North Perth in his letter and hopefully council is listening. We are willing to give them a chance to make the changes that are needed, but we do need to see that changes are being made.
Sherrie McTaggart
Atwood

THE BIG SALE IS HERE !!!!!!!!!!!

2011-08-14T08:26:00.000-07:00

For all those people like me who love to knit or crochet the big sale is here again. From August 15 to 27 the annual Spinrite Tent Sale will be giving us incredible savings. New this year on August 20 "Moonlight Yarn Mania" with an outdoor movie on a 25 ft screen. Eat, Pray, Love with Julie Roberts will be showing and the tents will be open until 10 pm. On Saturday meet the designers from 11am to 3pm and from 5pm to 10pm it will be the first annual knitout so bring your knitting or crocheting and lawn chairs and knit while you watch the movie. For anyone who has not attended this event it is a great way to stock up on all kinds of yarn and accessories and great savings.

NORTH PERTH DOWNTOWN IDEA

2011-08-10T04:47:00.000-07:00

A Community Improvement Plan and Streetscape Design Project for three North Perth communities is moving forward.
CAO Kriss Snell says volunteers groups currently invest a lot of funds and effort to enhance the appearance of the downtown areas in Listowel, Atwood and Monkton but no defined plan or coordination exists.
Snell indicates the process will involve the hiring of a consultant and opportunities for public input.
He stresses the importance of establishing what is the "best bang for the taxpayers dollars" when it comes to things like street signage as well as lighting and tree replacement.
Snell estimates the North Perth Community Improvement Plan and Streetscape Design project will cost between $25,000 and $30,000 dollars.
He is hopeful already secured funding through the Province's Rural Economic Development Program can be reallocated to cover half the cost

LETTER TO THE LISTOWEL BANNER

2011-08-02T08:49:00.000-07:00

Subject: LETTER TO THE EDITOR

In reference to the correction last week in our local newspaper,it seems once again our Listowel Banner seems to have a problem doing something as simple as reporting the facts.Even more worrisome is the accomplishments or the lack thereof,of our recently elected council.

Over the past 4 years we had a council that was dysfunctional and many of those who were defeated last October were at best self serving or upholding the interest of their friends instead of the general population of North Perth.

In 2010 we fixed that ,by electing essentially a new council with the hope they would clean up the messes of the past.Well so far our hopes were misplaced as evidenced by the fact that many old issuse remain outstanding as indicated in the letter by Mr.Scott

I have spoken to a couple of councillors' things don't seem to be progressing and l can only suspect that is because we still have the same administration.There are many of us if not the majority of our citizen, that have been frustrated by the bloated, lack of customer sevice crew we currently have in our town hall. The councillors that I voted for were going to fix that . Nothing has been done to date.

The councillors I voted for were going to pass a Code of Conduct for council so we would finally have accountability and transparency.Nothing has been done to date.

The councillors I voted for were going to clean up the messes of the past council and the Scott legal issue was one of them, and yet again, nothing has been done to date.I was told by one councillor that staff have said council cannot make any decision regarding this legal isssue.It seems to me that the tail is wagging the dog.It is council that should be telling staff what to do and what can be done instead if vis a versa.

So what has council accomplished?? I keep looking for answers but as each week passes and the letters to the editor in the local paper,the answer is obviously, nothing ! We voted for change, we voted for people who will take charge, and voted for people who will move this coummunity forward.

It is time to live up to your election promises and make a difference

Bill Smith
Monkton

DEVELOPING WINGS OF PATIENCE,PERSEVERANCE

2011-08-01T08:25:00.000-07:00

Developing wings of patience, perseverance
By IRENE ROTH
We all wish that our daily struggles would go away. But when the going gets tough, many of us wish we could develop wings and just fly away from all of our trials and tribulations until things settle down and we can once again return to some semblance of peace and tranquility.

However, as most of us know, it doesn't usually quite work that way. Most of us go through periods of extreme hardship in our lives. And then, if we're lucky, we go through periods which are less trial-filled and we could just sit back and relax a bit more. However, what if we're like some people (hopefully a very few) who have constant trials to endure. What then? How can we build wings of patience and perseverance to help ourselves get through these times? Well, here are a few tips that can help us along.

1. Be patient. Sometimes our problems will go away if we take them one day at a time and try and focus on as much positive energy as possible. Psychologists say that what we focus on ends up growing. So, if we focus on only the negative aspects of our life, they will grow. If, on the other hand, we choose to stay positive even when trying times occur, we will probably feel better and be much better able to handle the difficulties that we are facing.

2. Practise perseverance as much as possible. It is always easy to give up and to say: It's over....I'm out of here! However, it is much harder to try and persevere amidst hardship. It is never easy to persevere, and the bigger our problem, the harder it can be to practise perseverance. However, perseverance is important so that we don't feel totally destroyed by a situation. If we are impatient, we will only be badgering ourselves and we'll feel increasingly out of control.

3. Try to make the best out of even the most difficult situations. It is never easy to hope for the best, much less to bring it about. But many times, a positive attitude can help substantially when we're in the middle of very difficult and trying times. You may even want to try taking a deep breath and saying a prayer. Sometimes standing back in this way can really help us to come to terms with a bad situation.

4. Try not to think that the worst case scenario will happen. Instead, prepare for some really good things to happen, even if we're not sure that they will. They just might. you never know. But if we think that the worst case will happen, guess what folks...the negative things will occur. It'll be hard in the beginning because it is easier for us to be negative than positive. But once we taste the positive effects of a positive overall attitude, our life will change for the better.

So, hard times will come folks. We have little control over most of those times. But we do have control over is our attitude and how we will handle the hard situations as they come into our lives. So, let's stay positive and hopeful. It will work wonders for all of us!

Irene Roth has a master's degree in philosophy from York University, Toronto, specializing in psychology, character development and ethics. She is currently working on her doctorate in philosophical psychology. She has over 200 published Ezine articles on all aspects of character development and self-esteem issues for teens and adults. She lives in Stratford with her husband.

THE GREEN THING

2011-07-23T19:44:00.000-07:00

The Green Thing
In the line at the store, the cashier told an older woman that she should bring her own grocery bags because plastic bags weren't good for the environment.

The woman apologized to him and explained, "We didn't have the green thing back in my day."

The clerk responded, "That's our problem today. Your generation did not care enough to save our environment."

He was right -- our generation didn't have the green thing in its day.

Back then, we returned milk bottles, soda bottles and beer bottles to the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same bottles over and over. So they really were recycled.

But we didn't have the green thing back in our day.

We walked up stairs, because we didn't have an escalator in every store and office building. We walked to the grocery store and didn't climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had to go two blocks.

But she was right. We didn't have the green thing in our day.

Back then, we washed the baby's diapers because we didn't have the throw-away kind. We dried clothes on a line, not in an energy gobbling machine burning up 220 volts -- wind and solar power really did dry the clothes. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing. But that old lady is right; we didn't have the green thing back in our day.

Back then, we had one TV, or radio, in the house -- not a TV in every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief (remember them?), not a screen the size of the state of Montana.

In the kitchen, we blended and stirred by hand because we didn't have electric machines to do everything for us.

When we packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, we used a wadded up old newspaper to cushion it, not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap.

Back then, we didn't fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the lawn. We used a push mower that ran on human power. We exercised by working so we didn't need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity.

But she's right; we didn't have the green thing back then.

We drank from a fountain when we were thirsty instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle every time we had a drink of water.

We refilled writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, and we replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull.

But we didn't have the green thing back then.

Back then, people took the streetcar or a bus and kids rode their bikes to school or walked instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service.

We had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And we didn't need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest pizza joint.

But isn't it sad the current generation laments how wasteful we old folks were just because we didn't have the green thing back then?

Please forward this on to another selfish old person who needs a lesson in conservation from a smartass young person.

The Green Thing writer unknown

YOU'RE ALL ALONE AGAINST THE BUREAUCRACY

2011-07-14T05:13:00.000-07:00

You’re all alone against the bureaucracy
Jul 14th, 2011 | By Staff | Section: Politics
This ran in the Toronto Sun ………. comments invited below

By Alan Shanoff ,Toronto Sun

There is a good reason for the Ontario Municipal Conflict of Interest Act. We want municipal politicians to act for the public good and not to make decisions or attempt to persuade others to make decisions based on self interest.

So you’d think this legislation would be user friendly and have stiff enforcement procedures.

As Michael Baillargeon, a 64-year-old marketing consultant, can attest, that couldn’t be farther from the reality.

The truth is no authority is prepared to take responsibility for the enforcement of the legislation and, as currently interpreted, the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act (MCIA) forces ordinary residents to act as investigator and prosecutor.

When Baillargeon believed Toronto Catholic District School Board trustee Oliver Carroll violated the act, he couldn’t persuade anybody to take action. Not the Ministry of Education, not the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, or the Catholic school board.

He said, “no authority was willing to assist or act; all I got were eloquently transparent excuses.”

He had to either let the matter drop or retain a lawyer at his own expense to investigate and prosecute. He hired a lawyer and took action. This was no minor expense, as it included drafting a court application, affidavits, attendances at cross-examinations and in court.

I don’t see how this could be done without expert legal assistance or for under $50,000. And if he lost, Baillargeon could have been on the hook for legal expenses incurred by Carroll.

As Baillargeon correctly states, “the legislation is not designed to deter contraventions, but is designed to deter enforcement.”

It’s no wonder conflict of interest applications are about as common as Toronto streets without potholes during winter.

Once Baillargeon started the application, no one at the Ministry of Education would take his calls and he says he was treated as an adversary.

At the same time, Carroll proclaimed the application was “frivolous and vexatious” and he’d be “absolved of any wrongdoing.”

Well, last month Superior Court Justice Jane Kelly released a decision declaring Carroll violated the conflict of interest rules multiple times when he “participated in discussions, moved and voted on motions in circumstances where there was clearly a conflict of interest.”

The 10 conflicts were “serious and indefensible.” Carroll’s daughter is a young teacher and his son had recently applied to be on the list of approved supply teachers, yet he participated in discussions and votes that could have benefited his children.

The details are mind boggling. He even introduced a motion requiring Toronto’s Catholic school board to pay the legal costs of trustees charged under the conflict of interest act.

The act is also overly generous to municipal politicians. It requires that legal action be taken within six weeks after the facts come to one’s attention. That’s a ridiculously short period.

The other problem is there is a defence if the politician can show he acted with “inadvertence” or was merely guilty of a good faith “error of judgment.”

Those are two huge loopholes which make it very risky for anybody to take action under the conflict of interest act.

Carroll, however, was unable to successfully use these defences because he knew or ought to have known he was conflicted. He, along with all other trustees had received two legal opinions which “addressed the issues of conflict of interest.” He attended at a meeting where a lawyer explained the legal opinions.

Worse, he was warned he should not partake in any matter where his or his children’s financial interests could be affected.

How anyone could have ignored the obvious conflicts shows the extent to which the culture of entitlement has infected certain trustees of the Catholic board.

POSSIBLE APPEAL

Carroll is reported as having announced an intention to appeal. If so, there will be more legal expenses and risks for Baillargeon. It will be up to Baillargeon to respond to the appeal. Shockingly, we not only leave it up to private citizens to enforce this legislation but we also expect them to continue paying for a lawyer and funding the costs of any appeal.

If we are serious in our desire that municipal politicians abide by conflict laws then we must give enforcement powers to an official body.

We can’t count on the Michael Baillargeons to be there for us.

http://www.torontosun.com/comment/columnists/alan_shanoff/2009/03/01/8576261-sun.html?utm_source=sharing&utm_medium=addThis&utm_content=You%27re+all+alone+against+the+bureaucracy

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY..........

2011-07-10T19:31:00.000-07:00

EVERBODY WANTS TO CHANGE THE WORLD........BUT NOBODY WANTS TO CHANGE
TOLSTOY

OMBUDSMANS REPORT

2011-06-27T13:40:00.000-07:00

OMBUDSMAN CALLS FOR OPEN GOVERNMENT: ANNUAL REPORT 2010-2011

In his Annual Report, released on June 21, Ontario Ombudsman André Marin is calling on the government of Ontario to embrace the worldwide trend toward open government, noting that many of his investigations of government organizations revealed a lack of transparency and accountability to Ontarians.

“Ontario has an opportunity to be a leader here,” Mr. Marin says in the first annual report of his second five-year term as Ombudsman. “When government decision-making remains closed, those it serves are left frustrated and anxious.”

The rise of social media and unprecedented public access to real-time information has had repercussions around the globe – raising public expectations of transparency in government, says Mr. Marin. “The days when governments could control the message and choose how to manage public information are gone,” he says, urging the government to think pro-actively about releasing information instead of simply reacting to requests.

The Ombudsman cited several examples of how his work revealed government decisions that were less than transparent – the best known being the expansion of police powers for last summer’s G20 summit in Toronto. As his December 2010 report, Caught in the Act, documented, the province quietly passed a new regulation under wartime legislation and failed to warn the public about it, contributing to massive violations of civil rights. The province has since pledged to scrap the Public Works Protection Act and better inform the public in future.

Another such case was detailed in Mr. Marin’s August 2010 report The LHIN Spin, after he found Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) had, contrary to their public-engagement mandate, illegally allowed closed meetings for “education” purposes. All LHINs have since changed their bylaws and adopted new guidelines for community engagement.

Other areas of the Ombudsman’s report that touch on the “open government” theme include:

Long-term care home inspections (page 39): While the province was posting inspection results online as promised, the information was often grossly outdated, inaccurate and incomprehensible.
MUSH sector oversight (page 12): Unlike any other province, Ontario shields Municipalities, Universities, School boards and Hospitals (as well as long-term care homes, children’s aid societies and police) from Ombudsman scrutiny, meaning Mr. Marin’s office had to turn away 1,963 complaints about these organizations this year.
The report also includes summaries of many of the thousands of individual cases resolved by the Ombudsman and staff, as well as examples of serious issues that his office flagged and dealt with proactively in meetings with senior officials from the most complained about organizations.

As in previous years, the exposure of lack of transparency in such cases has ultimately led to better governance, Mr. Marin says, citing examples such as his 2006 probe of the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation’s secretive methods, his 2007 investigation of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation’s initial disinterest in insider wins, and his 2009 revelation of the arbitrary funding cap on the cancer drug Avastin.

INFORMATION ABOUT GONORRHEA

2011-06-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

The Centre for Disease Control has issued a warning about a new virulent strain of this old disease. The disease is called Gonorrhea Lectim. It’s pronounced “Gonna re-elect ‘em,” and it is a terrible disease.

The disease is contracted through dangerous and high risk behaviour involving putting your cranium up your rectum. Many victims contracted it in 2007 when they re-elected Dalton McGunity’s Liberals in Ontario and are now starting to realize how destructive this sickness is.

It’s sad because Gonorrhea Lectim is easily cured with a new drug just coming on the market called Votemout. It’s pronounced “Vote-em-out”. You take the first dose in 2011 and don’t engage in such behavior again; otherwise, it could become permanent and eventually wipe out all life as we know it in Ontario.

Please pass this important message on to all those bright folk you really care about

NORTH PERTH TO HOST PORTRAITS OF HONOUR

2011-06-03T08:50:00.000-07:00

An amazing event is coming to North Perth. On Wednesday June 8, 2011 the Portraits of Honour national tour will be at the Listowel Memorial Arena from 3 pm to 9 pm. Portraits of Honour art display by Cambridge resident David Sopha is a national tribute to our falllen soldiers and includes Kurtzville native Master Cpl Anthony Klumpenhouwer who died in April of 2007 while on duty in Afghanistan in April 2007. Admission is by donation for the Military Family fund.

CHANGE........

2011-05-26T07:38:00.000-07:00

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever does.
Margaret Mead

HURON PERTH LANDOWNERS ASSOCIATION

2011-05-19T09:33:00.000-07:00

Huron-Perth Landowners: Do you know your rights?
Find Out!
Monday, June 13th
8:00 PM
Crystal Palace
Mitchell Fairgrounds

Special Guest Speaker: Elizabeth Marshall
on Crown Land Patent Grants
No admission fee. Donations welcome.

For more info call: Cindy 519-887-6718 or Karen 519-345-2582

LIFE AFTER CAMPYLOBACTERIOSIS JEJUNI

2011-05-16T06:55:00.000-07:00

I have been missing in action for the last month battling the illness caused by the bacterial infection Campylobacteriosis that I contacted from contaminated water. It is a horrible illness that I will have to live with for the rest of my life and it has completely changed my way of life. I now have severe food allergies or as my doctor said "sensitive to food" and if I eat the wrong foods I am sick for days or weeks. I have lost most body fat and some muscle mass and used to be able to lift 50 lb cases at work and now have a hard time lifting a bucket of water. Although the bacteria has been killed with antibiotics the damage it has caused is what is causing the illness now. It has destroyed my ability to digest certain foods and if the food enters my body it goes into "get it out mode". I have been forced to always know where a bathroom is and hardly leave my home when sick. When I have ingested the wrong food I will go for days without eating because it will not stay down, water does not even stay down. It has been a long process of food elimination and now have had to learn a whole new way of eating and cooking. Turkey bacon is not bacon and tofu cheese is not cheese and enough ground chicken to make 2 burgers is about $6.50. It is a whole new way of life that I am slowly getting used to and I thank all the people who have been concerned and helped me while I have been confined to my home, especially my talk show guys who tolerate my emails, Gary Doyle and Jeff Allan of 570 news. Clean drinkable water is essential for life, because if it is contaminated it will take your life away. Thanks all

MUNICIPAL ELECTION FAIRNESS

2011-04-15T07:07:00.000-07:00

Municipal election fighters gets legal reprieve
Apr 11th, 2011 | By Staff | Section: 2010 Municipal Candidates
This ran in the KW Record……… comments invited below

Two “passionate” Cambridge residents got a quick lesson in law and a legal reprieve when they took their battle to redo the Cambridge municipal election to court Monday.

Justice Donald Gordon agreed to adjourn the case until next month to allow the pair to pursue hiring a lawyer to present their arguments in proper legal documents for the courts to consider.

The Kitchener Superior court judge said the information presented to him Monday, such as newspaper articles, was unsworn evidence which he could not consider.

Debbie Vitez and defeated council candidate Thomas Vann say the Oct. 25 election was bungled, with seniors and disabled people denied convenient voting areas and having to wait over two hours to vote because of long lines and problems with ballot counting machines.

“We are just two passionate taxpayers” who have no clue about legal procedure, Vitez told the judge. “We just kind of bungled our way through this.”

Vann told Gordon that he is willing to go into debt to hire a lawyer so the concerns of seniors who came to him with their election night problems can be heard in court. The legal costs are estimated at $20,000.

But Gordon warned the pair that the longer this case takes to get to court, the less likely that their request for a new election will be granted as elected councillors have already been in office for six months.

“We want a new election. That is why we are here,” Vitez said in an interview after court.

At the end of Monday’s brief court appearance, Vann said Cheryl Zahnleiter, Cambridge’s assistant city solicitor, approached him about meeting with city staff to explore an alternate solution rather than taking the issue to court.

Vann said that is the first time such an offer has been made. He said he will consider it.

At court, Zahnleiter said the city will be asking the courts to order Vann and Vitez to pay legal costs the city has incurred in this matter.

“I am quite upset especially since we are fighting for the people who have difficulty representing themselves,” Vann said.

FROM THE CAMBRIDGE ADVOCATE

2011-04-08T04:07:00.000-07:00

From: Gary J Rolko…Listowel Honda
Apr 4th, 2011 | By Staff | Section: Announcements
Hello Everyone,

For those that are unaware, tragedy struck our town on March 17.

While battling a terrible blaze, two of our volunteer firefighters lost there lives.

In memory of Ray Walter and Ken Rae, I will make a donation for every new or used vehicle I sell, too both

The Ray Walter Memorial Fund and The Atwood Firefighters.

This will continue for the entire month of April/11.

Your support is greatly appreciated.

*2011 Honda Civics…0.9% financing up to 60 months, 0.9% lease rate up to 48 months, plus $750 gas card on all Civics*

*2011 Honda CRVs…0.9% financing up to 60 months, 0.9% lease rate up to 48 months*

*OAC, valid until April 30/11*

Gary J Rolko

Sales & Leasing
Listowel Honda
519.291.2490
877.323.9333
gary@listowelhonda.com
www.listowelhonda.com

FIREMAN'S PRAYER

2011-03-18T07:19:00.000-07:00

When I am called to duty, God,
wherever flames may rage,
give me strength to save a life,
whatever be its age.
Help me embrace a little child
before it is too late,
or save an older person from
the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert,
and hear the weakest shout,
quickly and efficiently
to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling,
to give the best in me,
to guard my friend and neighbor,
and protect his property.
And if according to Your will
I must answer death's call,
bless with Your protecting hand,
my family one and all.

~~~~~~

Fireman’s Prayer

A VERY SAD DAY

2011-03-18T06:04:00.000-07:00

It is with deep sadness we mourn the death of two of our volunter firefighters who put their lives on the line to protect our community. A fire at a dollar store took these men from us and now a community mourns.

HAPPY ST PATRICKS DAY

2011-03-17T07:29:00.000-07:00

PROPERTY RIGHTS IN ONTARIO

2011-03-13T09:43:00.000-07:00

Scott Reid, Conservative MP for Lanark-Frontenac-Lennex and Addington.

I have long been a believer in the importance of entrenching property as a Charter right. That’s why I was happy to conduct a short interview with Mr. Reid this past week on the details of his resolution, and the intended consequences of his legislative efforts.

Canadians with a knowledge of constitutionalism in our country may be surprised to learn that this resolution is even being attempted. Previous efforts at constitutional change have produced divisive results in a nation which seems unable to come to an accord on its own constitution.

Mr. Reid and Mr. Hillier however hope to use a less famous avenue to effect constitutional change: Section 43.

“Unlike the American constitution which has one amending formula,” said Mr. Reid, “Canada has five separate amending formulas… the relevant one (in this case) is Section 43.”

“Section 43 is the process that is used for amending the constitution in so far as it applies to one province… in practice, what you are really doing is amending the constitution of the province (in question).”

Essentially, alterations to the Charter can be made when the legislatures of both a particular province and the federal government concur to that change. The amendment then only effects the particular province in which it was initiated: in this case, Ontario.

Through Mr. Hillier’s motion in the Ontario Legislative Assembly, and Mr. Reid’s mirroring motion in the House of Commons, Ontarians could be the first Canadians endowed with Charter protections for private property.

What, precisely, would this constitutional amendment entail?

The wording of the motion is as follows:

That, in the opinion of this House, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms should be amended to enshrine property rights for Ontarians, as follows:–

1. The following section is inserted after section 7:

7.1 (1) In Ontario, everyone has the right not to be deprived, by any Act of the Legislative Assembly or by any action taken under authority of an Act of the Legislative Assembly, of the title, use, or enjoyment of real property or of any right attached to real property, or of any improvement made to or upon real property, unless made whole by means of full, just and timely financial compensation.

(2) Subsection (1) refers to any Act of the Legislative Assembly made before or after the coming into force of this section.

2. This Amendment may be cited as the Constitution Amendment, 2011 (No Expropriation in Ontario without Compensation), and reference to the Constitution Act, 1867 to 1982 shall be deemed to include a reference to the Constitution Amendment, 2011 (No Expropriation in Ontario without Compensation).

Legalism aside, I asked Mr. Reid what exactly the consequences of property rights protections would be.

“It is purely to protect landowners from losing part or sometimes all of the value of their land. If the government wants to take title from your land, they are required to offer full compensation.”

“One example relevant for farmers: let’s say in order to protect the province’s water and keep the quality pure, we can’t have nutrient waste running into water courses. You used to run your land right up to the end of a stream, but now you must keep the cattle coming from X metres around the stream. That’s a legitimate objective. But the fence isn’t free, and he (the farmer) now can’t use that land. You suffer two losses, and depending on the shape of the water course… some people have lost a quarter of their land.”

Property rights protections are especially important for Ontario’s farmers. Land ownership in rural areas goes beyond simply the control of property: land is directly tied to household income. Losing grazing area for cattle can significantly hamper the ability of a farming family to put food on the table. Through these resolutions, the Government of Ontario will now be required to offer compensation for that loss of income resulting from new land regulations and expropriations.

I asked Mr. Reid whether or not he intended to see property protections spread to other provinces.

“The short answer is yes. There is a saying from the USA: the states are a laboratory for democracy. Hopefully it will be copied everywhere.”

At the provincial level, the proposed amendment is in for a fight. “Because these are amendments that relate to Ontario… once it is passed in the (Ontario) Legislature, historically Parliament respects the decision,” said Mr. Reid.

“The real fight is in Queen’s Park. The Liberals are against this… a Liberal MPP stood up on the day of the announcement and criticised it. He worried about patent law, but this law clearly deals with real estate. They did a knee jerk reaction because it came from the opposition.”

Despite the battle shaping up in Toronto, feedback has been more positive in the halls of Ottawa.

“(I’ve gotten) good feedback from the colleagues I’ve spoken to in the House. I’ve tended to speak to rural MPs… (this amendment) is vital to their interests.”

Many Canadians would be surprised to learn that constitutional law already uses some aspect of property rights. Achieving Royal Assent on August 10th, 1960, Progressive Conservative Prime Minister John Diefenbaker’s Bill of Rights featured property rights in Section 1(a): “enjoyment of property, and the right not to be deprived thereof except by due process of law.” The Supreme Court has in the past been willing to use the precedent of the Bill of Rights in its rulings. I asked Mr. Reid then why he felt a Charter protection was necessary.

“The Bill of Rights is a federal law, quasi-constitutional,” said Mr. Reid, “… The Bill of Rights has no effect on the province of Ontario or on the actions of municipalities, who are frequently the worst abusers of property rights.”

It is only fair that the government compensate those who suffer a loss of land due to their government’s own regulations. Expropriations are the worst abuses of these powers. How fair is it for the government to sweep in and claim your property, without at least paying you fairly for it? I applaud Mr. Reid and Mr. Hillier for their work to empower landowners everywhere. The most important part of these changes is to protect those rural landowners who rely so deeply on land for their livelihoods. No farmer should be deprived of the ability to provide for their families because their government determined the “public good” overrode their ownership. When the necessity of the public good takes hold, landowners at least deserve a just compensation for their losses.

Very soon Ontario will have property rights. Hopefully one day all Canadians will have them too.

The preceding column is syndicated from the National Citizen’s Coalition.

BOOK WORTH READING

2011-03-13T09:30:00.000-07:00

By Debbie Vitez-Cambridge Advocate

This is about a book I just read called Deadly Allies : Canada’s Secret War, 1937-1947 by John Bryden, and it was written in 1989.

This book is about Canada’s secret war from 1937 to 1947, but it also kind of extrapolates (I think that’s the right word) up to 1989 a bit.

When I was talking to the librarian about not liking bees, cause I don’t like bees and I thought it would be a good idea to reduce bees, she got me this book to read to learn how to reduce the bees.

And this books talks about what Canada was up to like on:

Canada did not have the bomb, but it was a world leader in bacteriological warfare and very knowledgeable in chemical warfare. [1]

They [, Emlyn Llewelyn Davies and Otto Maass,] had built in Canada an impressive chemical and biological warfare establishment, and for the foreseeable future it was there to stay. [2]

And then the author goes into later on, like during his time when he was writing the book:

. . . the genetic research now being undertaken even in private labs poses dangers far greater than all the deadly organisms developed in the Second World War combined. Mutants similar to the AIDS virus can now be deliberately, or accidentally, created. [3]

When I was reading the book I learned about this dude Sir Frederick Banting.

It talks about this Banting guy in the book:

Nobel laureate, saver of hundreds of thousands of lives through the discovery of insulin, [Sir Frederick] Banting had written what turns out to be the blueprint for bacteriological warfare research for the next two decades. Even within four years, before the war was over, his ideas for infected bullets and shells, the rearing of disease-carrying insects and the aerial spraying of deadly bacteria became weapons of reality. [4]

His co-discoverer of insulin friend Charles Best also went into biological warfare:

Even Charles Best, Banting’s co-discoverer of insulin, became an adviser to the Defence Research on biological warfare after the war. [5]

I got the idea of doing spraying of the bees to reduce their population, like how it talks in The First Global Revolution about reducing the population, from Banting and his aerial spraying idea.

Population control, necessary as it is, must be planned in terms of human well-being. It is of paramount importance that all countries striving for development should design their population policies. These policies have to be based on detailed exploration of the demographic growth prospects in relation to resource availability and development aims, including the standard of living which each country hopes to achieve. Only through informed assessment of such prospects can development planning be realistic. If the public is to respond to population control needs, it must be given sufficient information to understand the dangers of overpopulation for the individual and the benefits that would flow from population growth restraint. Such conditions are necessary if population planning is to be implemented with humanity. [6]

[James] Craigie, [Richard] Hare, [Dudley] Irwin, [Colin] Lucas and [Philip] Greey all offered suggestions on how to dry and revive infectious bacteria, and what should serves as a carrier. Sawdust took the lead over powdered carbon, starch or sand, and within the week [Sir Frederick] Banting was back in Ottawa asking for an airplane for an experiment in aerial dispersal. [7]

Banting sounds kind of like a nut from reading some of his diary in this Deadly Allies book:

. . . [Sir Frederick] Banting scribbled in his diary about killing “3 or 4 million young huns — without mercy — without feeling” and watching the Germans “wriggle & stew in their own juice — even as they with cruel and evil eye would see us of inferior heritage and stock wriggle.” [8]

The idea of spraying bees can happen, cause it gives an example of being able to do aerial spraying in the 1940′s:

If retaliation was ordered, explained Dr. [Tom] King, the plan was to infect the peat and then fly the bomber in a series of hops — Vancouver, Hawaii — to Japan. There it would disperse its deadly cargo. Five years after Banting’s original sawdust experiment on Balsam Lake in Ontario’s cottage country, the weapon he had only imagined had become reality. [9]

So during World War II spraying weird stuff from planes was a reality.

It talks about other examples of spraying like on pages 95 and 96:

[William] Hagan spoke for the animal disease specialists and they put the cattle disease, rinderpest, at the top of the list followed by the sheep sickness, Rift Valley fever. The latter virus dried well and was very infectious to man. It might be spread by releasing infected mice and other small animals, it was suggested, and be confused in man with influenza or dengue fever. It was not deadly but it could be sprayed over a city and might incapacitate the population, or an army, for up to two weeks. [10]

So for the spraying of the bees I was thinking that you can’t just get rid of every bee, cause then you wont have them to pollinate stuff like apples. I don’t like apples, but I’ll just use an apple as an example.

Say you just have one apple to grow. You only need one bee to pollinate that one apple. All the other bees are just wasted space. So you got to use some of the modern sprays to reduce the population of bees to get rid of that wasted space.

. . . the genetic research now being undertaken even in private labs poses dangers far greater than all the deadly organisms developed in the Second World War combined. Mutants similar to the AIDS virus can now be deliberately, or accidentally, created. [11]

You can gets planes to spray stuff to eliminate the immune system of one type of bee so then they’re gone. Then carefully spray another spray to slowly knock off the other bees with something like cancer.

You don’t want to just dump all the spray on the bees cause then you might get rid of all the bees, which will cause problems for you and you don’t want that as Earth Emperor. So keep giving the bees cancer until you just got one bee to pollinate that one apple.

People might complain about it, but I don’t think it’ll happen, cause in The First Global Revolution it says that people get their thoughts from the media. So as long as the media doesn’t say anything about the aerial spraying going on then you’re pretty good.

. . . the media are one of the main agents in forming public opinion and the thinking of individuals. [12]

And in the Deadly Allies book it talks about that people in Canada don’t care. That’s why most Canadian people don’t know about Canada doing the bacterial warfare stuff. So if people don’t know about labs making AIDS then I don’t think they know about the aerial spraying going on above their own heads.

Perhaps the majority of Canadians do not really care. Surely the real disappointment is the fact that the situation has enabled Suffield to keep its secrets all these years. [13]

If people do start looking into the aerial spraying then you just have Freedom of Information Acts around the world, like Canada’s, where people have the right to request documents, but they don’t have the right to actually get the documents.

Unfortunately, Canada’s Freedom of Information Act defeats this principle. Under the avowed aim of giving citizens rights of access to government documents, both current and historic, it gives only the right to request documents, a right which people have always had. It does not give them the right to get them. It even systemizes secrecy. It allows government departments legally to withhold information indefinitely — forever — for specific defined reasons that cannot be challenged because the person seeking the document cannot see its contents and has no way of determining whether the withhold decision is appropriate or not.

. . .

One of the most effective ways of keeping historians from probing awkward corners of the past is to do what has been done in Canada, the United States and Britain: give the national archives of the country responsibility for looking after records that have not been declassified. Since the archives staff has first consult the department concerned before anything can be released, an extra layer of decision-making is automatically imposed on the retrieval of sensitive material. Add to that chronic understaffing and lack of expertise by access staff, and government agencies such as Canada’s Department of National Defence can prolong secrecy without having to take responsibility for it. The same situation exists in the United States. [14]

If people start asking questions about the aerial spraying then you can just lie to them. John Bryden gives a good example on how to lie to people:

Perhaps the most insidious principle of secrecy that operates in all three countries [, Canada, the United States and Britain,] is the requirement that documents received in confidence from other governments not be released without prior approval. With countries as closely allied as Canada, the United States and Britain, that means that the paperwork pertaining to any weapon exchange, or mutual research or defence planning, can remain forever secret if one party or the other forbids release. Theoretically, and perhaps with some probability, that enables the United States to store prohibited weapons in Canada, at Suffield, and then claim with some truth that it has no such weapons stockpiled. Canada, in turn, can also claim it doesn’t have the weapons because the United States owns them. Nixon set out to destroy all biological warfare weapons in 1972. Did that include whatever the United States might have had at Suffield?

. . .

Perhaps Canada has adopted Britain’s logic for claiming, as it still does today, that it has never had any biological weapons or toxins. Britain never had the anthrax because it was made in Canada; Canada never had the anthrax because it was made for Britain. The same probably applies to all that botulinus toxin; perhaps it has never officially existed in Canada because it belonged to someone else. The only way to eliminate this kind of nonsense among nations is by saving all documents, and having a policy of timely disclosure. [15]

If people start complaining about the aerial spraying then you can lie to them by saying that the spray coming out the back of the planes is normal. Or you can say it’s just to help stop man-made global warming, which was just made up by the people in the last book I read called The First Global Revolution.

In searching for a new enemy to unite us, we came up with the idea that pollution, the threat of global warming, water shortages, famine and the like would fit the bill. . . . The real enemy, then, is humanity itself. [16]

That’s it.

Daniel Kemp

Footnotes:

1. John Bryden, Deadly Allies : Canada’s Secret War, 1937-1947 (Toronto : McClelland and Stewart, c1989

YES TO POT, NO TO DEBT CLOCK

2011-03-10T06:36:00.000-08:00

Yes to pot, no to Debt Clock? Canadian Taxpayers Federation

Posted: 09 Mar 2011 01:49 PM PST

Dear Supporter:

Which of these things is NOT allowed on Parliament Hill – smoking drugs or the CTF’s National Debt Clock?
You guessed it. The bureaucrats in the Department of Canadian Heritage have banned the CTF’s National Debt Clock from Parliament Hill when it arrives in Ottawa on March 17th. Bureaucrats called it a “prop” and cited fears of leaks from the generator.

Yet, every April 20th thousands flock to the hill to smoke marijuana. In 2006, a Christian youth group held a rally with a giant video screen suspended by a crane. Even coffins were paraded around on Parliament Hill.

But not the National Debt Clock.

The truth is, bureaucrats and many politicians don’t want to see the clock and hear the message that Canadians want spending controlled and the federal budget balanced.

And we’re not about to let them off the hook.

E-mail the Minister of Canadian Heritage, James Moore, and ask him to tell his bureaucrats to allow the National Debt Clock on the Hill.

When we asked the Prime Minister’s Office for help getting permission, they said NO as well.

E-mail Prime Minister Harper and ask him to allow the National Debt Clock on the Hill.

Finally, send an e-mail to Opposition Leader Michael Ignatieff asking for his help to get the Debt Clock on the Hill.

Let’s get this clock on the Hill where every MP can see it and hear the message. Thanks for your support.

–Courtenay, Shannon, Troy and the rest of the team

PS: When we drafted the budget for the debt clock tour, we budgeted for gasoline prices to average $1.05/litre. With the recent unrest in the middle-east, gas prices have spiked, forcing us to dig up some more dollars to cover the costs. Can you chip in a few bucks to help us get the clock to Halifax? If you’re unable to chip in a donation at this time, please join the CTF at no cost to receive issue and Action Updates.

HOW A COMMUNITY SHOULD BE

2011-02-25T19:50:00.000-08:00

I ask my readers to indulge me in this post. It is not the usual but it is something that I need to post.
I have a wonderful elderly neighbour who had major hip surgery done a few months ago. She has been a wonderful friend since the day we moved to this property and we help her anyway we can. She is just a wonderfully kind, caring and honest woman who lives alone and although she has family, we live right next door, where her best friend used to live and we love her friendship and help her anyway we can. When I can I cook enough food I take some to her, we bring wood in for her to keep her fire going, shovel the snow, go to lunch with her, take her to appointments and help her with any problems she has if we can. If she had not had the help of another wonderful woman she would not have been able to recooperate in the home she has lived in for so many years and would have had to go to a nursing home. The care she received from this wonderful woman made such an amazing difference. She gave care and companionship and was there for her while she got better. The personal support was just not there from the normal mainstream healthcare that we expect and this woman, a stranger took it upon herself to help this woman out 24 hours a day until she was better, without the expectation of financial gain, but out of the goodness of her heart,and I personally on this blog would like to thank her for giving of herself to help someone else.This is something that is really lacking in our communities these days. Helping each other just does not seem to be important anymore. I would like to provide this womans name to let people know who this wonderful woman is, but can't, but I want to thank her for all the help she has given my neighbour because people who do good things do not hear often enough what a great job they have done and how much what they have done is so greatly appreciated. THANK YOU

HAPPY FAMILY DAY ONTARIO

2011-02-21T13:01:00.000-08:00

I HOPE EVERYONE HAS A GREAT FAMILY DAY. AND PARENTS REMEMBER THE KIDS GO BACK TO SCHOOL TOMMORROW !!!!!!!!!!!

TAXED TO DEATH

2011-02-18T07:34:00.000-08:00

On the front page of my local weekly paper the headline reads "North Perth unveils 6.9 per cent budget increase."
We are already the highest taxed in all of Perth County and now are looking at even higher taxes. Hydro has gone up, food prices are going up, gas prices are going up and everything else has gone up thanks to the HST and Dolton McSquinty and his flying monkeys. How much more do they think that jack and jill taxpayer can afford to pay. My income is not going to go up and my money tree is empty. Enough already, I am mad as H E double hockey sticks and I am not going to take it anymore !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LANDOWNERS GEAR UP TO PROTECT THEIR RIGHTS

2011-02-16T06:54:00.000-08:00

This ran in the Sun

By Brian Lilley, Parliamentary Bureau

OTTAWA – A group dedicated to protecting property rights for landowners said it is encouraged by the legal victory of an Ontario family that faced massive fines for “improperly” using their own land.

The Ontario Landowners Association has plans to keep pushing for recognition of property rights after a town council in Clarington, Ont., dropped charges, and possible fines of $50,000, against the Jaworski family.

The family’s crime: hosting 72 people at their farm for a seminar on freedom.

“It’s good to see landowners win a case like this,” said Deborah Madill, executive director of the Ontario Landowners Association.

The OLA is trying to educate landowners across Canada about a little known legal document called Crown Land Patents. The patents are the original contract between the crown and the person who acquired the land from the government as Canada was settled.

Those contracts are still in effect today, even for people owning small suburban lots that form only a piece of the original property.

Bob Mackie wasn’t among the lucky contenders. He has been fighting an attempt by the Niagara Escarpment Commission to shut down his archery business. The NEC ordered Mackie to stop all archery activities and remove a sign, portable classroom and an addition on his home.

He lost his case before a Justice of the Peace and was fined $15,000.

“The Justice said she did not have authority to rule on the Patent Grants,” Mackie told QMI Agency.

Mackie points to his patent, dating back to 1798, as his legal defence. Land patents have been upheld by the Supreme Court and in several Superior Court decisions, but Mackie said many court officials don’t know how to deal with the patents.

“Most times, a simple issue is dragged out so long that the defendant is bankrupted or gives up,” Mackie said.

The OLA claims that holding a copy of the patent for your land can help fight intrusive bylaws that might infringe on your property rights, such as bylaws outlawing the cutting down of even a single tree on private property.

Not all land is covered by a land patent, but the often-ancient documents do apply across Canada and the OLA has been working to build resources to help landowners exercise their rights.

Do you have an overly intrusive bylaw in your town? Email us – brian.lilley@sunmedia.ca

http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2011/02/15/17288966.html

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY ................

2011-01-31T05:57:00.000-08:00

FACTS DO NOT CEASE TO EXIST BECAUSE THEY ARE IGNORED
ALDOUS HUXLEY

BY MICHAEL CAHILL - CAMBRIDGE ADVOCATE

2011-01-30T19:34:00.000-08:00

What We Have Here Is…
Jan 29th, 2011 | By michaelcahill | Section: Politics
It will come as no surprise to you that I was, (as usual) relaxing in the reading room of my club. I had just set down my glass of Bushmills and was about to open the Cambridge Times when my access to fresh air was suddenly impeded. The cold, bony fingers of the club librarian were slowly closing around my throat as 90 lbs of tweed skirt, and angry womanhood knelt upon my chest. Before I lost consciousness I managed to blurt out, “What we have here is, a failure to communicate.”
Earlier in the day I had merely suggested that the Dewey decimal system was the work of an obsessive compulsive who failed to find a spot on the shelf for a “Facebook.” I stand corrected.
That being said, I can’t help thinking that communicating is something of a lost art. Here is an example. Steven Harper’s Conservative minority junta, no, umm, dictatorship, no, ahh, “government” has expressed an interest in consulting with the opposition leaders on the content of the upcoming budget in March, (stop me if you have heard this one before). Mr. Layton has noted in press reports today that yes, he had a telephone call from the P.M. on Dec. 17 and has heard nothing since. Apparently, Mr.Ignatieff reports having a similar experience.
Perhaps Mr. Harper is a shy and complicated individual. Maybe this explains why not one member of the Conservative caucus will speak publically, answer an e-mail, or tie his shoes without approval from the P.M.O.
My favourite example of timely, and effective messaging is Minister of Finance (and gifted Mickey Rooney impersonator) Jim Flaherty. After taking credit for the fiscal policies of Prime Minister Paul Martin, cutting 2 percent of Government revenue off the GST, and digging a $56 billion dollar deficit hole he is telling us citizens that we should save more and avoid risky debts loads. Kudos to you Jim, kudos.
Before you get the impression that I have some sort of bias against the authoritarian regime of Mr. Harper, (which i hope is obvious by now, and shared by roughly 60 % of Canadians) let’s share the blame equally.
I have many friends on Facebook. Barack Obama, Oprah, Beyonce, and of course, Mandy Richardson. I receive posts, messages, and videos from them at least 2 to 3 times a day. I am also friends with Jack Layton, Michael Ignatieff, Bob Rae, and a number of others. What do I hear from them? Nothing.
In the year 2011, the medium is now officially the message. The traditional, geriatric media has failed to communicate to you what is really going on. Your federal politicians have failed to use the media available to them to communicate with you because of apathy. Because of apathy, and of self centered parochialism you won’t take the time to communicate with them.
A federal election is coming, send a message.

BY JOE LETHBRIDGE - CAMBRIDGE CITIZEN

2011-01-30T19:18:00.000-08:00

Like the wings of a butterfly
January 29, 2011
By joel
Like the wings of a butterfly upon my cheek

A gentle and innocent kiss I seek

A warm embrace in loving arms

To protect me from the world’s harms

We will lay upon the tall green grasses

Staring at the sky as the daylight passes

You grasp my hand and hold it tight

This is the love that feels so right

The kiss that felt like a feather; gently touching my skin

How that would feel; I don’t know where to begin

You hold be tight against your chest

A feeling of closeness ; that feelings the best

Tears stream down my face

I never want to leave this place

I feel safe in your arms as you hold me close

To have genuine love ; I want that the most

Joe Lethbridge

ELMIRA ADVOCATE - BY AL MARSHALL

2011-01-23T07:25:00.000-08:00

Posted by Al Marshall at 8:39 AM 0 comments Thursday, January 20, 2011
A WARNING TO CITIZEN GROUPS AND ACTIVISTS (The Elmira Lesson)

Do join together. There is strength in numbers.
Do not delegate all responsibility/authority to only one or two members. Disaster lies in this route.
Do demand accountability and transparency of the other stakeholders such as M.O.E., local government etc..
Demand twice as much accountability and transparency from your own members. Outside dishonest forces can damage your group but inside dishonest forces can tear you apart.

The standard operating procedure for dishonest forces is mock or psuedo public consultation. The ONLY way they will agree to and participate in it is if they've got it rigged to start with. Why do you think Uniroyal/Chemtura came back to the CPAC table in 2000 after storming out a year earlier? They stormed out over criticism of their unacceptable air emissions particularily affecting the Duke St. residents. The CPAC Chair in private discussions convinced them that CPAC would be a happier place for them. At the time as a CPAC member I questioned why concessions or negotiations were necessary to bring them back. Why do you think since that time both Chemtura and the Ministry of the Environment have publicly stated that CPAC is one of the best and most knowledgable public advisory committees in the province? Do you really think it's because CPAC have held their feet to the fire? I don't think so. Here is my prediction. Within six months of the first public CPAC meeting in 2011, Chemtura will either threaten to walk out or will do so. This for me will be a strong indication that we are on the right track to actually clean up Elmira and restore our drinking water aquifers. Chemtura will come back but this time without CPAC selling the farm.

NORTH PERTH-HIGHEST TAXES IN PERTH COUNTY

2011-01-23T07:06:00.000-08:00

Ontario Cities Have Highest Property Taxes
Jan 22nd, 2011 | By Debbie Duff Vitez | Section: Politics
CAMBRIDGE ADVOCATE
This ran on the Canadian Free Press………… comments invited below

By Kevin Gaudet Tuesday, January 22, 2008

A new report out of Edmonton shows that Toronto takes the dubious honour for having the highest property taxes in Canada. However, a few other Ontario cities place just behind it at the top of the list. Beleaguered tax-paying homeowners in Ontario have suffered from high rates for years, yet they are still facing large rate hikes this year. The Edmonton report is proof enough that municipal governments should hold the line on spending and give taxpayers a break.

The detailed property tax report issued by the City of Edmonton reveals that some Ontario cities rank the highest in Canada when it comes to property taxes. The cities of Toronto, Ottawa, Brampton, Hamilton and London take five of the top six spots on the list for the highest average property taxes paid. This is something most homeowners in these cities know intuitively every time they pay their tax bill. Now they have it confirmed by an objective report which compared over 30 municipalities across Canada.

Toronto ranked first with the highest taxes paid at $3,912, followed by Brampton at $3,826. Ottawa was third at $3,532; Hamilton and London were fifth and sixth at $3,305 and $3,078 respectively. St. John’s Newfoundland deserves credit for taking last place with the lowest average tax at $1,540, and Surrey, BC was second last at $1,814.

This sad but helpful property tax news is timely as city councils across Ontario are in the early stages of preparing their budgets. As well, Premier McGuinty’s freeze on assessments for homes expired at the beginning of 2008. Not only will tax rates be going up, but for the first time in a few years homeowners will take a second hit if their home value reassessment shows an increase above the average increase. Assessment changes will take effect for 2009 property tax rates.

What is especially helpful about the Edmonton report is that it compares property taxes in a dollar value instead of as a percentage. Some mayors, like Toronto’s Mayor Miller, try to defend high property taxes by hiding behind what appears to be a lower rate than other cities. This is hiding because the average value of a home is high in Toronto so the total taxes paid for a Toronto homeowner are higher. When paying taxes one cares less about the rate paid or the details of the complicated formula used. Instead, one cares about how much money is being taken year over year. That is the only comparison relevant to a taxpayer, not whether the rate is 0.82 in one city versus 1.15 in another city.

The main reason for high and growing property taxes in Ontario is that municipal spending is out of control. Municipalities have a spending problem not a revenue problem. While mayors continue to clamour for more and more money from many sources, their appetites for spending grow unchecked. Data from Statistics Canada shows that municipal revenue across Ontario has been running at three times the rate of inflation. In 2006 municipal revenue was up 6.3% while inflation was only at 2.0%; in 2005 revenue was up 7.2% and inflation was only 2.2%. Despite Ontario municipal revenues ballooning from higher taxes, more transfers from other levels of government, higher user fees and new taxes in Toronto; mayors continue to complain that they don’t have enough.

It is interesting how mayors can work together cooperatively when it comes to demanding transfers from other levels of government or getting new taxing authority from the province. If that same energy were transferred to creating efficiencies and reducing costs, the report out of Edmonton might show a different – and welcome – conclusion.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY..........

2011-01-22T07:58:00.000-08:00

FIRST THEY IGNORE YOU, THEN THEY RIDICULE YOU, THEN THEY FIGHT YOU, THEN YOU WIN.
MAHATMA GANDHI

DALTON LEAVES US TWISTING IN THE WIND

2011-01-21T08:56:00.000-08:00

BY MICHAEL DEN TANDT - STRATFORD BEACON HERALD, JANUARY 11, 2011

Dalton McGuinty has been oh, so quiet lately. It's as though he knows these are his last months in power.
Even last week, after the permier let slip he doesn't plan to serve another full term, it wasn't him who emerged to spin and recant. His underlings did that. Over the years McGuinty has grown adept at limiting contact with the unwashed. Like Mike Harris before him he understands that as you age in power, less is more.
It's easy enough now, eight years in, to jump on the "dump Dalton" bandwagon because, well, he's an incumbant carrying the baggage of two terms. Even politicians who haven't sided over multiple scandals and raised taxes and boosted energy prices and broken numerous promises have a tough time after eight years. Right?
But even by these standards, McGuinty is in a league of his own, I would argue-because of the contrast between what he represented when he took office, and what he represents now.
Conservative partisans like to talk about the Mike Harris era as though it was a golden age of no-nonsense populism. That's wrong. Harris had some good ideas but he was mean, high-handed and divisive. The forced almalgamations, the pitched battles with unions and teachers, left a bitter taste.
That's why, when McGuinty came along in 2003 promising a different way, Ontarians paid attention. Where Harris conservatism was hard, McGuinty would be soft. Where Harris Conservatism was unyeilding , McGuinty would compromise. Ontarians bought it and gave him a majority. And then another.
For months now, turning into years, Ontarians from one corner of the province to another have raised concerns about wind turbines and the Green Energy Act. I live in Grey County, on Georgian Bay, where a large wind farm is planned.
For weeks our local newspaper has run letters, guest columns, personal accounts, from people concerned about all aspects of the development-health, property values, the turbines' inefficiency as a mass power source, defacement of the rural landscape, the impact on wildlife. The list is long.
The local medical officer of health wants a moritorium on wind farms pending further study of the effects on health. The area MPP has called for a pause. So has the MP. Ditto the municipality of Meaford, in which the proposed development, Silcote Corners, is located.
To all this Queen's Park has responded with deafening, crushing silence. It's as though they think that if they pretend not to have heard, no one can blame them for not listening.
Based on the calls and letters I've received, many of those involved in the fight against industrial wind are liberals by inclination. Most are retired professionals. Not many are pleased at the prospect of Tim Hudak, the conservative leader, taking power.
Hudak remains an unknown. And his own position on the Green Energy Act is weak. He says only that planning power should be returned to municipalities. This does little to address the fundemental problems with industrial wind energy.
But here's a bet: Come October, voters in rural and small-town Ontario will turn out in droves to vote for Hudak, warts and all. They'll put up his signs on there lawns. They'll knock on doors for him. NDP Andrea Horvath will get a boost also. For the Liberals, it's decimation time.
That is the future that gentle Dalton has wrought, in his soundproof cocoon. So he's quiet these days, enjoying the moment. Small wonder.

RECOMMENDATIONS- CAUGHT IN THE ACT- by ANDRE MARIN

2011-01-14T07:27:00.000-08:00

Accordingly, I am making the following recomendations:
1. The ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services should take steps to revise or replace the Public Works Protection Act. If the governmemnt wants to claim the authority to designate security areas to protect persons, an integrated statute should be created that could be used not only to protect public works but also provide proper authority for ensuring the security of persons during public events when required.
2. The Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Safety Services should examine whether the range of police powers conferred by the Public works Protection Act should be retained or imported into any revised statute, including whether it is appropriate to give police the authority to arrest those who have already been excluded entry to secured areas, and whether it is appropriate to authorize guards and peace officers to offer conclusive testimony, whether righ or wrong, about the location of security boundaries
3 The Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services should develop a protocal that would call for public information campaigns when police powers are modified by suboordinate legislation, particularly in protest situations.
4. The Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services should report back to my Office in six months' time on the progress in implementing my recommedations and at six month intervals thereafter until such time as I am satified that adequate steps have been taken to address them

CONCLUSION OF CAUGHT IN THE ACT

2011-01-14T06:51:00.000-08:00

THE CONCLUSION FROM ANDRE MARIN
PARAGRAPH 273
It is therefore my conclusion, pursuant to subsection 21(1) of the Ombudsman Act, that the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services promoted a regulation that "appears to be contrary to law" and not "in accordance with the provisions of any Act". It is also unreasonable to support the adoption of that regulation, given that it conferred unnecessary and constitutionally suspect police powers in the volatile and confrontational context of inevitable public protest. Moreover, the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services unreasonably and unjustly failed, in advance of its enactment, to ensure both proper consultation with stakeholders and that the citizens of this province were aware of the highly exceptional police authority that had been conferred.
Paragraph 274
The government has already announced that the Public Works Protection Act will be reviewed, with full input from stakeholders. This is a welcome step in the right direction. I am making two specific recommendations that I believe should be considered in the context of this review.
Paragraph 275
My third recommendation is intended to address the Minister's failure to ensure proper communication of a regulation that effectively increased police powers. Generally, police authority is conferred through enactment of legislation, accompanied by the openness, transparency, and accountability inherent in the democratic system of government. There is a real and insidious danger associated with using subordinate legislation, passed behind closed doors, to increase police authority, and I believe that this practise should be sedulously avoided. However, I recognize that there may be rare, and urgent and pressing circumstances that justify using a regulation to bolster police authority. In the event that this occurs, it is imperative that the public be properly advised. In fact, in any case where police powers are extended, and particularly in protest situations, I believe that the public should be fully informed.

CAUGHT IN THE ACT - THE G 20 SUMMIT REPORT

2011-01-09T09:41:00.000-08:00

BY THE OMBUDSMAN OF ONTARIO, ANDRE' MARIN - DECEMBER 2010
1. Regulation 233/10, passed to enhance security during the G20 summit, should never have been enacted. It was likely unconstitutional. The effect of Regulation 233/10, now expired, was to infringe on freedom of expression in ways that do not seem justifiable in a free and democratic society. Specifically, the passage of the regulation triggered the extravagant police authority found in the Public Works Protection Act, including the power to arbitarily arrest and detain people and engage in unreasonable searches and seizures. Even apart from the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the legality of Regulation 233/10 is doubtful. The Public Works Protection Act under which it was proclaimed authorizes regulations to be created to protect infrastructure, not to provide security to people during events. Regulation 233/10 was therefore probably invalid for having exceeded the authority of the enactment under which it was passed. These problems should have been apparent, and given the tremendous power Regulation 233/10 confered on the police, sober and considered reflection should have been given to whether it was appropriate to arm officers with such authority. This was not done. The decision of the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services to sponsor the regulation was unreasonable.
2. Even had Regulation 233/10 been valid, the goverment should have handled its passage better. Regulation 233/10 changed the rules of the game. It gave police powers that are unfamiliar in a free and democratic society. Steps should have been taken to ensure that the Toronto Police Services understood what they were getting. More importantly, the passage of the regulation should have been aggressively publicized, not diclosed only through obsecure official information channels. Perversely, by changing the rules of the game without real notice, Regulation 233/10 acted as a trap for the responsible- those who took the time to educate themselves about police powers before setting out to express legitamate political dissent.
3. All of this makes for a sorry legacy. The value in hosting international summits is that it permits the host nation to primp and pose before the eyes of the world. Ordinarily Ontario and Canada could proudly showcase the majesty of a free and democratic society. The legacy of the passage and administration of Regulation 233/10 is that we failed to do that well.

THE ' N ' WORD

2011-01-09T08:09:00.000-08:00

IS IT RIGHT TO REWRITE MARK TWAIN'S MASTERPIECE
A new version of Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn drew fire by replacing the word "nigger" with the word "slave" and "Injun Joe" with "Indian Joe" to make the book more acceptable to teachers. (In Twain's day, changing words to make literature more politically palatable was called "bowdlerization" after Thomas Bowdler, an English physician who published a "cleansed" version of William Shakespeare's work he deemed more appropriate for 19th century women and children). It isn't often that a new edition of a 19th century novel draws such heated condemnation.
Meanwhile papers were also abuzz this week with debate over the use of the "N" word after a U.S. anchorman sued WTXF-Philadelphia, which had fired him for using it ( he was querying whether the station should use the term 'N-word" or the word itself to cover a story about the NAACP holding a mock burial of the word). And Thursday night, two Ontario minor hockey teams- The Napa Auto Parts and Austin Trophies- played against each other for the first time since the Napa coach pulled his team from the ice in November after a memeber of the opposing team yelled the "N-word" at one of his players. The teams tied, and the coach hopes they all learned a lesson.
Mark Twain's book Huckleberry Finn is No 4 on the list of of most banned books in American schools.
Attempting to sanitize the book is not the answer. Intelligent and sensitive discussion with students would be a better response. Trying to protect students from the full ugliness of racisim by softening that language does a disservice to them.
Sticks and stone may break my bones but names will never hurt me.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL

2010-12-31T19:23:00.000-08:00

THANK YOU TO ALL THAT READ THIS BLOG. AND THANK YOU TO ALL THAT COMMENTED. ALL COMMENTS ARE WELCOME. I HOPE YOU ALL HAD A GREAT CHRISTMAS SEASON AND MAY YOU ALL HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE NEW YEAR. DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE
SHERRIE
NORTH PERTH ADVOCATE

LETTER TO SANTA

2010-12-25T07:17:00.000-08:00

Have a safe and Merry Christmas
Dear Santa
I have been a very good girl this year. I ran in the municipal election, I gave to those that needed it, I helped my neighbour. I ask for nothing for Christmas but for others. Could you please help Dolton McSquinty and his flying monkeys find the yellow brick road to the wizard so they can find a brain. And PLEASE do not let him get voted back in. I will leave you a beverage and goodies when you stop by, but please no gifts.
Thanks
Sherrie in Atwood

MY LOVE TO THE MAN WHO TAUGHT ME THIS

2010-12-24T19:12:00.000-08:00

GOD GRANT ME THE SERENINTY TO ACCEPT THE THINGS I CAN NOT CHANGE
THE COURAGE TO CHANGE THE THINGS I CAN
AND THE WISDOM TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE

T' WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

2010-12-24T17:12:00.000-08:00

It was the night before Christmas and all through the house not a creature was
stirring ..... except me.
Dog is sick from eating all the cookies, room mate finally found something to do after 2 months of being laid off and asleep at 7, like always and I am totally exhausted. It is Christmas Eve at 8 pm and I hope to sleep in tommorrow. To everyone who reads this blog, may the spirit of the season over take you, may you be blessed with people who care, may you all have a wonderful day tommorrow and lets all remember all the ones we wished were still here. And to all the people who know they are important to me, "May you all have a safe and Merry Christmas"

AND THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS

2010-12-22T19:04:00.000-08:00

CAMBRIDGE ADVOCATE
ELMIRA ADVOCATE
NORTH PERTH ADVOCATE
h1rippoff
THE GARY DOYLE SHOW on 570 news
JEFF ALLAN SHOW on 570 news
101 7 the one for news

AGAIN SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT AND YOU DECIDE

2010-12-22T18:39:00.001-08:00

Application filed today in superior court requesting a new election for the city of Cambridge
Dec 22nd, 2010 | By Debbie Duff Vitez | Section: 2010 Municipal Candidates

Early this afternoon an application(s) under section 83(1) of the Municipal Elections Act was filed with the Superior Court of Justice challenging the the 2010 Cambridge election process and its results.

The Applicants, Thomas Vann and Deborah Vitez, list the irregularities of the process as:

A. inaccurate/incomplete information;

B. inconsistent/inappropriate planning;

C. mal-functioning equipment;

D. lack of accommodation for aged, infirm, and disabled persons; and

E. A lack of adequate communication between the Returning Officer for the Cambridge 2010 Municipal Election (Mr. Alex Mitchell) and the candidates, as well as the public

The Applicants state that:

The rights of the electorate were so encumbered prior to and during the Cambridge 2010 Municipal Election (October 25, 2010) as to warrant a new Municipal Election in Cambridge, Ontario. It is in the spirit of ensuring that these issues are reviewed, addressed, and redressed that we respectfully submit to the Superior Court, a request for a nullification of the results of said election. We further request that the people of the City of Cambridge be permitted to fully exercise their franchise with amply accessible (in number and in amenities) Voting Stations, Polls, and an old-fashioned, more reliable, human counted ballot method of determining who will represent them.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT AND YOU DECIDE

2010-12-21T22:33:00.000-08:00

December 18, 2010 (WITH OUT PREJUDICE )

Municipality of North Perth
330 Wallace Ave. N.,
Listowel, ON N4W 1L3
Attention: . Mayor & Council
Dear Mayor & Council:
Re: Improper Conduct of Municipal Staff
Bylaw Enforcement Violations

I would request this matter be dealt with immediately at the December 20, 2010 council meeting in open session as new business.

I am in the unfortunate position of having to inform Council of deceitful conduct of staff regarding the passing of Bylaw 89-2010. I am also informing Council that this matter specifically involves Councillor Paul Horn and his disregard for the Municipal Act, the Planning Act and local bylaws.

For those who are not aware, I appealed the above said bylaw to the Ontario Municipal Board. (OMB) Mr. Horn using the services of the municipal solicitor and paid for by the municipality brought a motion to dismiss my appeal. That motion was granted however, I have since appealed that decision to Division Court and to the OMB. My appeal of this zoning application are far from frivolous nor vexatious and the details of my concerns have been filed with the municipality and the OMB.

This issue started when Bylaw 89-2010 was presented to Council at the July 26 2010 council meeting. At this meeting the Clerk and the Mayor illegally signed the bylaw as if it was passed. Ms Berfelz and Mr. Hollinger’s signatures were affixed to the bylaw itself despite the fact the bylaw could not be deemed as officially passed until the appeal period had passed or an appeal was dealt with through the OMB or the courts.

It is asserted that the Clerk and Mr. Hollinger deceitfully signed Bylaw 89-2010 as if it was officially passed. Councillor Horn in a continuing act of deceit delivered this bylaw to the Ontario Motor Vehicle Inspection Corporation (OMVIC) as evidence that the municipality had officially approved his zoning application in order to obtain his “dealer licence” concealing the fact that there was an outstanding appeal.

In addition to the above, our CAO Mr. Snell has alleged that the OMB provided the advice that the municipality did not have to close Mr.Horn . In telephone conversation with OMB legal counsel Stan Floras he asserted that;

a) The OMB does not provide advice to anyone outside of their organization, and;

b) The advice alleged to be given was false as the bylaw should not have been signed or released until the appeal period was over or the appeal had been defeated or abandoned.

To make matters worse, municipality staff has ignored my complaints regarding their actions and the fact Mr. Horn had opened his used car business illegally. I have demanded that they have this operation closed but to date are ignoring my complain and the obvious gross bylaw infraction. It is asserted that by this abdication of duty or refusal to address the bylaw infraction, staff is effectively party to this gross breach of laws and conduct.

I would draw your attention to Sections 123 and 380 the Criminal Code that states;

MUNICIPAL CORRUPTION

123. (1) Every one is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years who directly or indirectly gives, offers or agrees to give or offer to a municipal official or to anyone for the benefit of a municipal official — or, being a municipal official, directly or indirectly demands, accepts or offers or agrees to accept from any person for themselves or another person — a loan, reward, advantage or benefit of any kind as consideration for the official

(a) to abstain from voting at a meeting of the municipal council or a committee of the council;

(b) to vote in favour of or against a measure, motion or resolution;

(c) to aid in procuring or preventing the adoption of a measure, motion or resolution; or

(d) to perform or fail to perform an official act.

Influencing municipal official

(2) Every one is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years who influences or attempts to influence a municipal official to do anything mentioned in paragraphs (1)(a) to (d) by

a) suppression of the truth, in the case of a person who is under a duty to disclose the truth;

b) threats or deceit; or

c) any unlawful means.
FRAUD
380. (1) Every one who, by deceit, falsehood or other fraudulent means, whether or not it is a false pretence within the meaning of this Act, defrauds the public or any person, whether ascertained or not, of any property, money or valuable security or any service,

(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to a term of imprisonment not exceeding fourteen years, where the subject-matter of the offence is a testamentary instrument or the value of the subject-matter of the offence exceeds five thousand dollars; or

(b) is guilty

(i) of an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or

(ii) of an offence punishable on summary conviction, where the value of the subject-matter of the offence does not exceed five thousand dollars.As you can see the conduct of staff members Kris Snell and Pat Berfelz is indeed serious as is the conduct of Councillor Paul Horn who should be leading by example instead of exception. Not only are these individuals in serious violation of the legislation it is asserted that they are collectively in violation of the criminal code.

I would also draw to your attention the fact that the municipality paid for Mr. Horn’s legal costs through the use of municipal legal counsel Mr. O’Melia. I have made several efforts to determine if Mr. Horn has at least paid the municipality back for these legal costs however, I have been denied information from Mr. Snell and Ms Hale.

I am therefore requesting of council as follows;

1. The formal correction of Bylaw 89-2010 as NOT PASSED removing the signatures from the bylaw.

2. Formally informing OMVIC that the zoning on the Horn property has not been approved.

3. An investigation into Councillor Horn’s debt to the municipality regarding legal expenses and possible fraud charges related to his misappropriation of municipal funds.

4. An order and direction to staff to close the operation of Councillor Horn until such time as the appeal has been dealt with fully and completely

5. The termination of staff as identified with cause for their improper and illegal conduct related to this matter.

6. A demand for the resignation of Mr. Horn for his improper conduct related to the use of municipal resources (money and lawyer).

This is a very serious matter that questions to the core the integrity of the municipal offices and puts a dark mark on this new councils term of office by the conduct of one its own, Councillor Horn. It was apparent that the election mandate of this council was “time for change” and this issue is the first opportunity to draw a line in the sand and make stand for good governance, honesty and integrity.
Ron Scott

EXPLANATION FOR POSTS

2010-12-13T19:11:00.000-08:00

I have included 2 different versions of the Obituary of Common Sense and although both are similar they are both different. It is a perfect time of year to reflect on how Common Sense has been lost in our world. And after my loss this year of a wonderful man and consultant, I have gone back to it to try and make sense of such a great loss. And one of my favourite men and talk show host does not allow this term to be used anymore because he feels it has been lost in out society. Maybe it is time to bring it back. Something for all of us to think about.

OUR BEST FRIEND VERSION 2

2010-12-13T16:43:00.000-08:00

Today, we mourn the passing of an old friend by the name of COMMON SENSE.
Common Sense lived a long life, but died from heart failure at the brink of the Millennium. No one really knows how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He selflessly devoted his life to service in schools;hospitals, homes, factories and offices, helping folks get jobs done without fanfare and foolishness.
For decades, petty rules, silly laws and frivolous lawsuits held no power over Common Sense. He was credited with cultivating such valued lessons as to know when to come in from the rain, the early bird gets the worm and life isn't always fair.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn), reliably parenting stratigies ( the adults are in charge, not the kids) and it's okay to come in second.
A veteran of the Industrial Revolution, the Great Depression, and the Technological Revolution, Common Sense survived cultural and educational trends including feminism, body piercing, whole language and a new math.
But his health declined when he became infected with the "if -it-only-helps-one person-it's-worth it" virus. In recent decades,his waning strength proved no match for the ravages of overbearing federal legislation.
He watched in pain as good people became ruled by self-seeking lawyers and enlightened auditors. His health rapidly deteriorated when schools endlessly implemented zero tolerance policies, when reports were heard of six year old boys charged with sexuall harassment for kissing a classmate; when a teen was suspended for taking a swig of mouthwash after lunch; when a teacher was fired for reprimanding an unruly student. It declined even further when schools had to get parental consent to administer aspirin to a student but couldn't inform the parent when a female student is pregnant or wants an abortion.
Finally Common Sense lost his will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband, churches became businesses, criminals received better treament than victims, and federal judges stuck their noses in everything from Boy Scouts to professional sports.
As the end neared, Common Sense drifted in and out of logic but was kept informed of developments, regarding questionable regulations for asbestos, low flow toilets, smart guns, the nuturing of Prohibition Laws and manditory air bags.
Finally, when told that the homeowners association restricted exterior furniture only to that which enhanced property values, he breathed his last.
Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents Truth and Trust; his wife Discretion; his daughter, Responsibilty; and his son Reason. His three stepbrothers survive him; Rights,Tolerance and Whiner
Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone

OUR OLD FRIEND COMMON SENSE VERSION ONE

2010-12-13T16:33:00.000-08:00

The Death Of Common Sense
12-13-10

Obituary
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.
He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:

- Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
- Why the early bird gets the worm;
- Life isn't always fair; and
- Maybe it was my fault..
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge). His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.

It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.

He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers:
I Know My Rights
I Want It Now
Someone Else Is To Blame
I'm A Victim
Not many attended his funeral because
so few realized he was gone..
If you still remember him, pass this on.
If not, join the majority and do nothing.

WINTER IS HERE.........

2010-12-02T09:02:00.000-08:00

I am looking out my window as the light fluffy flakes of snow fall to the ground. I live in what people affectionately call the snow belt. 4 months of unpredictable stormy weather and bone chilling temperatures to come. Last winter was a good winter and although we hope for another one like it, we know it is unlikely. And finally at noon a snowplow/road grader finally comes by to move the several inches of snow on the road. Lets see how badly he snows me in this year. My unique property, my home ( and previously a horse barn) is very close to the road and most years I have to dig my way out the front door, which is six feet from the road. Not much room to pile the large amounts of snow we get.
Well he is back to do the second run on the street,my side, and surprise, it may be a good year. He did not move the snow any farther than neccessary. I may not have to dig my way out. YET

THE VIEW OF LISTOWEL ???????

2010-11-28T17:03:00.000-08:00

With the permission of Joe Lethbridge of The Cambridge Citizen

When city folk go to Smalltown-A parody of sorts
November 26, 2010
By joel
When city folk go to Smalltown
This past weekend a friend and I went to Listowel , a town of about 3500 . We drove through the hamlet of Conestogo and up Highway 86 . We stopped along the road and stepped out of the cab of the truck and stood on the gravel and looked skyward .

Emblazoned with stars . I counted at least six shooting stars and my friend had seen about the same . Some were vibrant ;while others were shadows we could see above the light cloud cover.

We arrived in Listowel and toted our backpacks and blankets into the trailer. After unpacking we walked up Main Street and gave him the grand tour; speaking like a deep south tour guide.

Standing at the edge of the street we seen a sign .

“Raise hand and point ” to cross. I pointed at a riding lawnmower in the window of the local Home Hardware

“That there is the mode of transportation in this small town”

I thought he would get embarrassed but he just smiled and laughed,saying “OMG ! ”

We went to Tim Horton’s Donuts. There was no seating,only two round tables but no chairs. I would soon find out why there were no chairs.

We crossed Main Street and checked out a few stores.

Walking back up Main Street ,a car was parked and a boy about 16 was smiling at us through the window.

As most often; I smiled back . We continued walking and passing the car. When we were adjacent to the passenger window, the boy quickly reached over and locked the door. What a welcome !

We stopped in Giant Tiger and picked up some required eating. Willy Wonka chocolate covered pop rocks for a quarter a pack . Turns out they merely fizzled . There was no POP in the pop rocks. As a kid growing up on Willy Wonka I was pissed ! Willy Wonka had become corporate and did not care about us kids anymore. Okay !! SO I am not a kid but in my mind I am

I digress.

We left Giant Tiger and passed a grandmotherly type woman sitting in her car. She flashed us ! No ; she flashed us a huge and seemingly genuine smile. .

As we passed the car ; that fiesty grandma quickly yanked her purse from the passenger seat, locked the door and held to it tight on her lap; as though it was a Bingo Dabber at a bingo hall.

We walked back towards the trailer.

“gimme a piggy back ride ” I yelled and jumped up on my friend’s back .

That lasted but a minute. We didn;t wanna share our big city ideas of fun with the townsfolk .

Okay . so back to why Tim Hortons has no seating in Listowel. A proven fact as it was proven when my friend and I were in Listowel

I think there are no seats in Listowel because I aint to sure if they looks kindly on city folk coming to town. Maybe they should consider having a Welcome Wagon or at least a Welcome Riding Lawnmower .

Next time I may venture there on my own riding lawn mower or tie up my horse to a parking meter , downplay on what I wear; settling on blues or browns only and play the part of a local .

I almost heard the townsfolk on their porches with a loud send off .

“Y’all don;t come back. Ya hear ! ” and I can almost swear I heard loads of buckshot coming through the air ; ready to hit us in the ass. Lucky for us ; we were not on a riding lawn mower or maybe we would have left with souvenirs of buckshot in out city asses.

* In actuality Listowel does have quaint shops . I suggest bringing a deck of cards and a can or two of beans and weiners as most folk seemingly head off to bed at 7 pm.. and maybe a lawn chair if you want to sit and enjoy your piping cup of Timmies@

IT IS WITH DEEP SADNESS ............

2010-11-24T10:26:00.000-08:00

On November 16 2010 at the age of 67 my friend and business consultant Bruce Karcher passed away after a very short and sudden illness. He was my rock for the last few years and has helped me through some very tough times in my fight. He was a kind and caring man and helped in many quiet ways, not expecting anything in return but knowing he was doing the right thing. I learned alot from this wonderful man and he will be deeply missed. My thoughts are with his family and the world will be a sad place without him

RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS DAY

2010-11-11T05:36:00.000-08:00

Friday Novemeber 12 has been chosen as Random Act of Kindness Day. It was started many years ago to promote doing random acts of kindess for one day of the year and is being celebrated in many communities. I do feel it is a great and powerful idea. It is one day to slow down and see the people around you and help without expecting anything in return. I have been doing this for years but not just on this day ,but everyday. We as a society should not need one day to be kind to our fellow man. It should be any day. So on Friday try to do one act of kindnes and it will be paid forward and it just might makes this a better place to live.
JUST MY OPINION

REMEMBERANCE DAY, LEST WE FORGET

2010-11-11T05:28:00.000-08:00

THE POPPY
The blood red poppy of Flanders is immortalized as an emblem of sacrifice and remembrance for the honouring of the thousands who laid down their lives for those ideals which we, as Canadians, cherish.
The poppy calls upon us to remember not only those who have died, but those they left dependent, and those who still suffer from honourable wounds and disabilities. The poppy challenges us to serve in peace, as in war, to help those who need our help, and to protect those who need our protection.

SOMETHING FOR PEOPLE TO THINK ABOUT

2010-10-29T18:12:00.000-07:00

Please respond to this new post... Please leave your comments and share any stories you wish to share about your voting experience
on October 25/2010
Cambridge Ontario, polling Stations Reduced from 238-50, Voting Public not Notified!..Seniors/Handicapped left stranded, Voters turned away! Local and National Press ignoring our story?

http://cambridgeadvocate.com/archives/cambridge-ontario-polling-stations-reduced-from-238-50-voting-public-not-notified-seniorshandicapped-left-stranded-voters-turned-away-local-and-national-press-ignoring-our-story/

Then please send it to everyone on your mailing list.

CAMBRIDGE DESERVES A DO OVER.. Our right to a fair vote was encumbered....

LANDSLIDE WIN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-10-29T12:06:00.000-07:00

Deputy Mayor and Warden of Perth County won the election for Mayor with a landslide win against Mayor Ed Hollinger. Official results show that Julie Behrns received 2428 votes and Mr. Hollinger received 1097 votes. In the Listowel Ward the vote was 1066 for Behrns and 705 for Hollinger. In Wallace Ward it was 418 to 107 and Elma Ward was similar with 763 to 205. I guess the people have spoken up loudly and they want change. Good luck Julie Behrns on bringing neccessary change to North Perth.

ELECTION RESULTS

2010-10-26T09:13:00.000-07:00

Well North Perth has spoken and we now have a new mayor and a lot of newcomers. Only 4 of the previous councilors will be returning. I will not becoming a councilor this time but would like to thank all of my supporters who voted for me. I had a hard time deciding to run because I feel that I can make change better outside of council, as I have been doing in the past. I now will have the freedom to continue to do this. I just wanted to make sure that someone who lived in this community was running for the better of the community. Matt Duncan, Dave Ludington and Ken Buchanan are all in for an enlightening 4 years and will do a good job at serving our community. I wish them the best and will help them in any way that I can.

ATWOOD CANDIDATES MEETING

2010-10-23T06:41:00.000-07:00

The Candidates meeting held at the Elma Public school, out side of town, was well attended with approxiamtely 150 people. It was not held at the Community Centre located in town because the Municipality would not waive the $400.00 fee. Questions were taken from the audience and many were well answered by the candidates. After the Q&A candidates took some time to mingle and talk to the audience. Many questions were about the $21 million dollar debt and how to get it under control and the proposed rec complex. Bill and Sue did a great job arranging this event.

ELECTION DAY

2010-10-22T18:23:00.000-07:00

OKAY PEOPLE YOU HAVE YOUR DAY TO VOICE YOUR OPINION AND IT IS MONDAY. GET OUT AND VOTE......IT TAKES BUT ONE VOICE........TO MAKE CHANGE.
MAKE CHANGE HAPPEN AND VOICE YOUR OPINION

QUESTIONS FOR CANDIDATES

2010-10-13T06:31:00.000-07:00

WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ON A NEW RECREATION CENTRE BEING BUILT IN LISTOWEL?
I think that more thought should have been put into the recreation complex many years ago and if the need was there, then budgeting for it should have happened. Planning to build such a large complex without any funding available is not logical and is a waste of time. Even if funding covers most of the cost to build it, it will still be on the backs of taxpayers to keep it running including taxpayers who will not be using it. Taxpayers money is already being spent on this endeavour and this should not have been done until North Perth was in a better financial position. I also think the location is wrong and that it should be centrally located to allow children to walk to the arena and not have to be driven everytime.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE AUTOMATED WASTE COLLECTION PROGRAM BEING PROPOSED FOR NORTH PERTH?
I do not feel that the automated garbage system for North Perth is neccessary. It has not been requested by the taxpayers and many oppose it including me. It has not been researched enough and I do not feel it will have any cost savings at all, but will increase taxes. I do not create alot of garbage and do not want to keep my garbage for weeks at a time especially in summer. I also do not think it is fair to ask our elderly to haul such large containers, especially in winter. It was a poorly thought out idea.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO BRING MORE TRANSPARENCY TO COUNCIL, AND IS A CODE OF CONDUCT PART OF THAT ?
A code of conduct is absolutely neccessary for North Perth. It is neccessary for government to be open, honest, accountable and transparent to the taxpayers who elected them to work for the people. Several issues in the past , including conflict of interest issues, would have been avoided if the rules were clear and concise and were being followed. The code of conduct that was previously submitted to council was a good document and should have been implemented by council. More people may attend council meetings if they felt they were welcome to be part of the process and that their views were bing listened to.

HOW WOULD YOU FACILITATE FUTURE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN NORTH PERTH?
Future growth for North Perth needs to be done in a more logical process that takes into account the huge debt left from the previous council and all of North Perth not just Listowel. Other parts of North Perth also need to be locked at for future develpoment to make loogical use of all of North Perth. High taxes will hinder any expansion of business. This and other issues makes North Perth not business friendly. We have an empty, unneccessary industrial park that was a waste of money and we should be supporting our existing businesses and encouraging them to expand. Our Economic Development Department through Perth County has done a good job defining what is needed but due to the economy it should be updated.

AS A MEMBER OF COUNCIL, HOW WOULD YOU APPROACH THE PROJECTED $21 MILLION DEBT THE MUNICIPALITY IS FACING?
It is unfortunate that the previous council put the municipality into such a huge debt and have locked the municipality into future, expensive projects. This will make it hard for the next council to make many decisions but the most important decision should be to get the debt down. It is time that North Perth live within its means, like the taxpayers have been forced to do and if cuts are neccessary then they need to be done. Excess needs to be stopped and any future spending must be absolutely neccessary and not more of a fincial burden to the over taxed citizens of North Perth. All in an effort to finally give the taxpayer a tax break instead of more increases.

WHAT SERVICES IN NORTH PERTH WOULD YOU ADD TO OR IMPROVE UPON?
Unfortunately with the huge debt improving services in North Perth can not be done unless it can be done without any money. Past experience has shown me that the Municiaplity could do a better job with customer service, access to information and applying the rules fairly and consistantly to all. It will take creative ways to improve services without any money but it can be done. Our service clubs have always been good at improving the community and they should be continued to be supported

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

2010-10-07T11:49:00.000-07:00

Legislature should be an exact portrait, in miniature, of the people at large, as it should think, feel,reason and act like them.
This cannot happen without a fair and just electoral system----in a society that knows what is going on------and in a society where people stop taking a passive role in democracy and actually start participating
John Adams

HOW DO YOU SPELL DEBT....NORTH PERTH

2010-10-06T17:03:00.000-07:00

Being involved as much as I have in the last few years and knowing, I am surprised that the Deputy Mayor Julie Behrns and Warden of Perth County has finally come out and stated how far in debt North Perth actually is,........... $21 million dollars in debt and they are only able to borrow $1.8 million until that debt is paid. And as she said it will take 40 years to pay this debt off. Does anyone other than me think that is to big a debt for our community???????? REMEMBER THIS WHEN YOU VOTE.

MEET THE CANDIDATE FOR ELMA

2010-09-30T08:52:00.000-07:00

I have been a resident of Atwood for over 5 years. I was born and raised in Listowel but moved away in my teens. After my divorce I moved my children back to Listowel so they could live in a small town and not the city. My five children are now all grown and I have 3 grandchildren.
After our children all moved out we decided to buy a property in Atwood and open an Antique Store and this is where my education started about municipal politics. I have learned alot in 5 years and feel it is time to put it to use for the betterment of my community, as I have been doing all along. It was a hard decision to make. My personal issues with the municipality are personal and running for council is business. But my personal issues have given me a great education.
I stand for fair, honest, transparent and accountable government. I am not running against any other candidate but running with them for better representation for the Elma Ward in North Perth. I will not be polluting the country side with plastic signs trying to get people to vote for me. I will not be accepting donations and will not be using large amounts of money for my campaign during these hard economic times.
I will stand up for and represent the taxpayers of Elma for a better North Perth

DEPUTY MAYOR ACCLAIMED

2010-09-28T08:23:00.000-07:00

Vince Judge has been acclaimed as Deputy Mayor for North Perth. I called him and had a great discussion with him on his outlook for North Perth. I think he is one of the right people to help North Perth get back on track.

IT IS OFFICAL

2010-09-02T07:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at 1:56 I signed the paper work to register to run for Council and represent Elma Ward. As has already been questioned here about the reason for running and it being self serving I would like to make clear that I am very adamant that my issues are personal and running for Council is business. I am doing this because North Perth needs a huge change and better representation from all of North Perth and not just Yes men and the old boys club. Better decision need to be made and putting everyone in North Perth into major debt is not the way.
It is time for change

LOOK OUT NORTH PERTH

2010-08-31T16:21:00.000-07:00

Okay, for the last 4 years, due to the situation I have been put into, I have had a wonderful education about municipal politics and how it should run. I have learned this by finding out that North Perth does not run that way. I have scarificed alot, taking a stand in what I believe in and have suffered financial losses along the way, among other things. But it would be a waste for me not to make use of what I have learned and I want to put it to some use.
So after much thought about what I have learned and what I believe in and my belief that it truly is time for a change in North Perth, I have decided that I will be filing with the Municipality of North Perth, tommorrow, that I intend to seek the nomination and run for council member for Atwood/Elma Township.
Not sure how many people actually read this but I am sure that you get that I am doing this for the right reason. I look forward to representing the PEOPLE and bringing change to not only North Perth as a whole but helping the town of Atwood develope into the thriving community it should be

IT REALLY IS TIME FOR A CHANGE IN NORTH PERTH

2010-08-26T10:56:00.000-07:00

The issue with Emily saving the trees was stuck in my head so I did some research. Back in December the Municipality brought forward a by-law to amend a by -law "WHICH MAY BE CITED AS THE ZONING BY-LAW OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF NORTH PERTH." They passed this off as just being a "housekeeping by-law" and of no real importance, I should know better by now. But if anyone like my self has read it, they would have realized it is a 14 page document that makes many changes in North Perth without consultation, hearings or the knowledge of most taxpayers and some people that it affects. It is not a housekeeping by-law.
To my point about Emily, deep inside the document on page 13 is a paragragh that states in part "That all woodlots that are between 1 hectare(2.47 acres) and 3.99 hectares (9.86 acres in size in the Wallace ward and the Elma ward of the Municipality of North Perth shall be removed from the Agricultural zone and placed in the Natural enviroment Resources Zone 2. By being placed in this zone the permit uses are conservation,forestry and existing uses.
Ironic that they passed this by law but forgot to include Listowel and the woodlots there, or the 6 acre woodlot that Terrier Inc wants to turn into a subdivision Kinda makes you wonder how up and up our Council is. Only time and an election will tell

UPDATE ON PLEE TO SAVE TREES

2010-08-26T09:31:00.000-07:00

12 year old Emily Qureshi from Listowel is taking her concerns about a proposed subdivision to the Ontario Municipal Board. She has made an appeal to give Terrier Inc Draft Plan Approval . She is concerned about the impact on the wooded portion of the 6 acre property where the subdivision is planned. Allowing the subdivision to advance goes against North Perth and Perth County by-laws with regards to woodlots. But as alot of us know in North Perth......some can and some can not. Good going Emily, you are a wonderful example for all.

SOMETHINGS TO REMEMBER BEFORE VOTING

2010-08-25T07:21:00.000-07:00

In case some people have forgotten some of the things that the sitting council has done during their term here is a list of some of the things I can remember.

-the debt in North Perth has gone frome $3million in debt to $26 million in debt
-illegally constructed an ashpalt recycling plant, spending thousand of dollars only to have to put it back to the farm land that it was
-$80,000.00 crosswalks that are not working and need repair after only a couple years
-an empty industrial park that cost a fortune to service and an investment that did not pay off
-Urbanski fiasco
-several lawsuits
-higher taxes in tough economic times with no regards to tax payers
-inflicting a financial burden to the residents of Atwood for a government mandated sewer project that they did not budget any money for
-the loss of the Campbell Soup plant and 650 jobs
- an expanded dump that is paved
-the loss of many good municipal employees
-questionable conflicts of interest and questionable use of policy and procedure
-the treatment of some taxpayers ie search warrants, stop work orders and the forcing of businesses to close,bullying
-a woodlot that will now be a subdivision against the wishes of tax payers
-poor planning
-lies, corruption,misuse of taxpayers dollars
- eloborate spending on unnecessary municipal buildings, vehicles, cellphones and blackberries
-not voting in the much needed code of conduct

Just to name a few things that I can remember. So if my readers have more, lets get the word out so people do not forget come election time. And this year get out and vote your opinion counts and it is the way to make your opinion known.

HERE ARE A COUPLE MORE DECISIONS MADE BY THIS COUNCIL THAT ARE QUESTIONABLE
-the price paid for a Fire Training Trailer that was to be used in North Perth as well as Perth County, that never leaves Stratford and can not be used in North Perth
- thinking that they needed to buy the Listowel Golf Course, that was not making money but close to bankrupcy
-no money for training the volunteer fireman, but money to build a Fire Department that is way to extravagant
-not allowing the Atwood Firemen, with their own money, to build a necessary shed for storage and when it was partially finished telling them to take it down