By Pepper Parr
February 3rd, 2018
BURLINGTON ON
It is beginning to look like the little engine that could.
ECoB – Engaged Citizens of Burlington was formed in December to oppose the way the city approved the construction of a 23 storey tower opposite city hall.
They took on the city and the way it had approved the construction and made it known that they will appeal the city decision to the Ontario Municipal Board once the Planning department tells council that all the side issues – Section 37 benefits and site plan approvals have been completed.
Until that point there isn’t really anything ECoB can appeal.
ECoB public meeting to set out what they wanted to see from the city on changes to the downtown core.
The organization has always said they were more than a one issue operation. They might be small – and they are looking for more volunteers who can help with spreading their wings into all six wards of the city.
The have announced the holding of a Municipal Election Workshop, on Thursday, February 22nd from 7-9 pm at Tansley Woods Community Centre, 1996 Itabashi Way .
Lisa Kierns, early member of ECoB
ECoB has reached out to seasoned politicians and campaign managers to lead the workshops. Different speakers and material will be presented to help decide if running for office is right for anyone who has an interest.
The Workshop will include the distribution of information on how to organize an election campaign, whether or not they have run before.
The overall purpose of the workshop is to help all potential candidates be successful, and to encourage volunteers to come and learn how they can effectively support the candidate of their choice. We believe strongly in the democratic process.
First open public meeting – good turn out – but it was clear they needed more bench strength.
ECoB is demonstrating best practice and developing the workshop based on information from the Ontario government’s site and also using a variation of Democracy Kit’s self assessment guide,
The list of facilitators will be made public as they get closer to the event date.
Today they would like you to SAVE THE DATE and keep up to date with developments on the ECoB web site.
If you have questions – here is the contact point.
Background links:
Democracy Kit’s self assessment guide
This is a welcome initiative,it levels the playing field somewhat, between incumbents and new candidates, regardless of whether the incumbent is doing a good job or not. Citizens who wondered what EcoB is all about, now have a reason to engage. Now all that is needed is for some candidates to step back where a split vote is anticipated.
Very much agree, as I commented on the story about candidates from Feb 5, yesterday.
This is essential as we do not need split votes.
Excellent!!
Excellent example of community based citizen engagement. Something the Burlington planning department and most city councillors paid lip service to over the last few months. Kudos to ECOB!