Candidate for the office of Mayor comments on the election race so far.

opinionandcommentBy Peter Rusin

September 20, 2014

BURLINGTON, ON.

From time to time during the municipal election the Gazette will run items in which candidates put forward their thoughts and view on the election campaign.

We are not interested in running your platform but do want to hear from you if you have something to say on the way the city is run and how you would try and do things differently. This feature is limited to those people who are not currently on city council.

It has been a week now since I registered as candidate for mayor. In that time we have been receiving only positive support which is somewhat interesting; nobody has said anything negative or unjustifiably critical. We have received invitations to meet with people, groups, other political candidates, etc. There has been a refreshing tone of curiosity, and the process we hope is at least engaging the electorate and elevating issues. People are taking this seriously.

Rusin walking dog

Rusin walks his dog regularly in Spencer Smith Park.

I would like to share four notable and very distinct inquiries from a sampling of regular citizens, and some personal opinions:

The first was from a long time city employee concerned about being without a contract now since June and worried about the future. We discussed an assortment of issues important to him and his union brother and sisters. I think he felt better after our chat, because he had a chance to voice his opinions, and perhaps he felt that there was some hope in the future to be treated with a bit more respect than under the current regime at city hall.

The second was from a homeowner completely frustrated by the treatment from the mayor’s office; she felt like being treated with disrespect dealing with what she considered relatively minor issues resulting from the impacts of the flood; all this person wanted was a feeling of respect and not simply receiving template responses from junior mayoral staff.

“Try calling city hall and get a live voice on the other end of the phone” was another concern. According to this individual, a variety of staff attended the property to review the complaints, but, then asked her to come in person to pick up a blah-blah letter from the mayor’s office. It probably would have taken less city staff time and resources if she was treated with a bit of respect, instead of seventy unanswered emails.

Two different people, one from the inside and one from the outside; asking to be treated with a little bit of respect. So, is this city functioning in a caring and inviting way like the mayor proclaims, or, is that not quite how this city hall regime conducts its civil service duties?

Does city hall have a duty to provide service like a government or conduct itself in the style of some sort of exclusive private country club?

The third was a series of questions from a person asking: “are you for the gay community? I realize this is a divisive issue for some in the community but it is extremely important to me that our leaders are not afraid to be transparent about their loyalties and honest about what they will actually effectively stand for”. Answer: 100% in favour of the gay and LGBTQIA community; don’t really understand why this would be an issue.

I remember when I was a victim of discrimination as an immigrant child and the feeling of being a lesser person; but that actually helped shape who I am today. All people are equal. I have enjoyed some of the best dinner parties and conversation with my gay friends; definitely not boring, unlike some of my friends who are straight. I hope I am clear and transparent on this topic.

Rusin - direct into camera - hard look

Peter Rusin is very hard on crime – and particularly on drugs.

Another question from the same person: “is the city planning to promote any programs to help decrease the amount of drug activity apparent around our streets and parks? Answer: Part of the Rusin Quality of Life Enhancement platform is the prohibition of the sale of drug paraphernalia in retail and convenience stores across the city. This will help protect our children, police, justice system, and also keep our streets and neighbourhoods safer and free from drug related activity. The current council has ignored this topic for the past eight years under Goldring’s watch. I will be facing this head on and will see to fighting the drug problem; whatever it takes.

 

St. Paul Street resident wants to see Waterfront Trail extended through lakeshore property the city already owns.

St. Paul Street residents wants to see Waterfront Trail extended through lakeshore property the city already owns.  Rusin has yet to form a view on this situation.  City council voted to sell the land to private interests.

The fourth was a lengthy email I received from a former childhood neighbour of mine, and it made me pause a little bit more than usual: “how does your platform of preservation of green space relate to our food and preservation of farmlands or planning for affordable healthy food”; “ever since that house next door to your parents and my parents has been built, my dad and I have observed a few trees taken down, robins did not return this year, sparrows are gone”; “I have huge concerns about the waterfront and the access for all in Burlington”. “I felt that since you took a proactive stance in running for mayor I would be proactive in letting you know”.

I have not answered her yet, but, I will form my answer to her questions into the platform on these topics soon.

These people now have their voices heard and their right to vote restored. I am so proud and humbled to be a part of this process.

 

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8 comments to Candidate for the office of Mayor comments on the election race so far.

  • For the record, I am the frustrated homeowner with 70 unanswered emails and phone calls.

    After my phone call to him, about a week later,Peter called me and asked me if he could come my home to see the issue. What I expected was a quick 5 minute visit and it resulted in a conversation that lasted over 25 minutes. We spoke about my frustrations and the lack of integrity and efficiency at City Hall. Then we took my issue and to correlated it to the large issues facing the City. A do nothing City Hall that is unable to manage its costs, increase efficiency and pass the buck attitude.

    He has a firm handle on the issues. I loved his no nonsense approach. He is a very practical and lean thinker. Who cares if he did not smile in the photo! There is really nothing about City Hall to smile about right now.

    We both had a good laugh, when I said if this is not resolved in a month, you could inherit my problem. He said, well it certainly wont take 70 emails and city hall visits to get a response.

    He promised nothing, I asked for nothing.

    For the record: The Mayor and my current councillor were invited to my home several times..they were part of 70 unanswered emails. My councillor is my neighbour, it would not have been out of her way.

    TIME FOR A CHANGE!

  • Dave Marsden

    Mr. Pepper Parr states there were four candidates for office present at the September 22, 2014 Burlington Council meeting, one of whom was Candidate for Mayor Peter Rustin. Mr. Pepper Parr knows Mrs. Marsden Candidate for Mayor well, having talked to her in the past about issues she and I have delegated on at Council and before Council Committees as Community Health, Safety and Accessibility Advocates.

    I believe the community is owed an explanation from Mr. Pepper Par as the owner operator of the Burlington Gazette as to why he is only providing the community with comments from four of the five candidates for municipal office who were present at the September 22, 2014 council meeting. Mr. Pepper Parr could not have overlooked Mrs. Marsden’s presence at Council given she was the only one of the five “Newbies” to make a delegation and he was provided with a copy of her delegation by myself.

    A published apology to the community in a Thursday Burlington Post (the only Post delivered to apartments) would I believe be appropriate and Mr. Pepper Parr should remove himself from any upcoming role he may have in upcoming All Candidates Meetings. There is no room in this municipal election for perceived media bias.

    Dave Marsden
    Campaign Manager for Anne Marsden (Candidate for Mayor)

    Editor’s note: There isn’t a windmill out there tat the Marsden’s won’t tilt at.
    Ms Marsden is running for the office of Mayor. Our objective with the piece was to get comment and reaction from people who were running for office who had no experience and had not attended a council meeting in the past.

  • Tony Pullin

    A funny game, these politics. I’m sure that it is difficult for any candidate to say anything here without some wrath or criticism from what proves to be a sophisticated readership/votership. I would encourage all candidates to project their voice, but, for good or bad, just lay it on the table. This electorate will not be placated with motherhood statements. Hats off to those few who at least, have had the savvy to embrace this readership. Saying nothing may be worse than saying something wrong.

  • Peter Rusin

    Thanks Cliff, you can thank the Gazette for the grumpy cat photos. Those facial shots are pretty ugly I agree, but, they were likely captured in time to my response as to how I felt about the wasted millions by the Goldring regime we discussed during the interview. When you think about how much mismanagement this little city has experienced in the last eight years, there really is nothing to smile about. I’m not here for a beauty contest.

  • Cliff

    Mr. Rusin states: “In that time we have been receiving only positive support which is somewhat interesting; nobody has said anything negative or unjustifiably critical.”

    1. I do believe in a previous article on this candidate, there were negative comments made. And now there’s Bob’s reply.

    2. “Unjustifiably critical”? A ridiculous statement, Sir, for you know that is purely subjective on your part.

    Keep spinning, Mr. Rusin.

    By the way, it wouldn’t hurt if you smiled when you get a photo opportunity. Every shot of you on this website depicts you as looking rough, hard and mean – dare I say, like a bully. We don’t need another Rob Ford in this province.

  • Bob

    Is this a fluff piece or what? Russin has said absolutely nothing!

  • Great Man destined to be a Great Mayor. What are others personal thoughts on this?