By Pepper Parr
December 19th, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s that time of year when people get together to get caught up. You have lunch with people you’ve not seen for a good part of the year that is coming to an end.
Your plans, their plans and what the kids are doing – they all get covered.
Sports – not much can be said about what the Leafs are doing. The American election will take up some time – most of us seem to have the feeling that the best we can do is wait it out – maybe the guy will fix some of the problems down there.
Local politics will get many people going – except for the dyed in the wool Tories – most people just shake their heads over the McKenna nomination.
What about city hall? Well members of council did stand up to staff and reject the recommendation that the ADI Development Group application for Official Plan and zoning changes be approved for a property they want to develop in Alton.
That is expected to be made final at the city council meeting Monday evening.
The question then might well be – how fast can the ADI group file an application with the Ontario Municipal Board.
Few have anything good to say about the “road diet” that New Street was put on – other than why did six of the seven council members vote for it?
Ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward and Mayor Rick Goldring at an event in Spencer smith Park
Those with a bent for the world of politics will say to their friends – well you should run for office. And that is what apparently happened last week. We got the following from a reader who has been in Burlington for well over 20 years and lives south of the QEW.
“Out to lunch today for an Xmas luncheon with a bunch of very influential people. They suggested that I could mount a campaign to beat both MMW and Rick Goldring ! Surprised me. Seems to me that more people are pissed off then I thought! Not my intention but what are your thoughts? Could we make it happen!!!!!
Our reader went on to say that: “Their feeling as expressed to me was why should they have to choose between a true green party candidate or a liberal without having a conservative on the ticket?
“They are pissed off with the better than us attitude of our current leaders! They say they have become arrogant and way too confident because in their opinion they as a group were all re-elected.”
Interesting note. No names for you – not at this point. There may have been more wine than usual at that lunch.
Wouldn’t it be a novel idea to bring back common sense to Brant Street.
Rick Goldring is way past his best before date. He stands for nothing, he represents nothing, he lacks the courage of his convictions, he is fickle, and he blows whichever way the wind blows. Moreover, he has demonstrated appallingly bad judgement on several issues, and not just the road diet.
Marianne Meed Ward, as Hans has correctly pointed out, is one of the better councillors. She communicates well, she is bright, she cares, she has compassion, and she is genuine. However, she lost a lot of support over the road diet issue. Not one of her better decisions.
I’ve had a chance to work with Paul Sharman directly over the past few years. People may not agree with everything he says and does but here’s why I like him: 1) he is straight-forward; 2) he is honest; 3) he has guts; 4) he has the courage to take a stand on contentious issues; 5) anytime I have ever communicated with him he has responded quickly; 6) he has common sense.
As for the rest, time and tide have past them buy. To quote Donald Trump “Time to drain the swamp”! Roll on October 2018!
It would be shame to lose MMW – she has the best intellect by far on council and works very hard for the best interests of the city.
I live north of the QEW and wish that I could vote for her.