Ward Boundary Teamwork
I’m reminded of my son’s show with hamster duck and turtle, “Whats gonna work? - Teamwork”
Although I was disappointed I couldn’t be there in person, I was happy to hear about the 8-2 vote in favor of reconsideration of a note and file report and to fix a problem that needed fixing. In my opinion thats not the real story, the real story is the team of individuals that came together to make a change in Windsor’s municipal landscape that will cause noisy reverberations next year.
You had a former candidate of the Green Party, Past president of a Liberal riding association and former liberal, Conservative (I don’t know exactly how they would describe themselves, for that matter, Andrew either) gathering signatures driving the petition.
When you have people from across the political spectrum come together like they have over the past two weeks, you know change is in the wind. When you have people who don’t even necessarily like one another working on the same project, you can’t deny the potential.
Two minor disappointments were the two councilors who voted against what they knew was the right thing to do to protect their political hide. Sure we all know that happens, but not to this blatant in your face extent.
Secondly, I was disappointed that candidates in waiting did not take up the charge more. Next November, when they come to my doorstep, I’m going to ask them what they did during this petition drive. Either they didn’t care or they didn’t understand how important this could be to their campaigns and municipal politics in Windsor. Either way, it denigrates their worthiness to run.
I regret my hastily written letter to the editor didn’t have the punch I wanted it to have and Andrew’s editorial was a bit too angry for my taste. (But hey, these are nitpicks, after the fact. What matters is we did which better than nothing)
Tonight, I relish the fact that the work we did together made a difference and that no member of this team could have been dispensed with.
This is the true joy in life - being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; being a force of nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. ~George Bernard Shaw
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bravo!
For the record, Conservative and proud of it! BTW, I claim the cute furry thing with the blue cape as my character.
Great job by everyone involved. This was a true community effort, but we’re not done yet. We now have two more weeks to continue collecting signatures for submission. There were 373 signatures verified out of the first batch of 522 submitted to the City. We submitted a further 150 last night and during the Council meeting an individual showed up with another 10 signatures. The petition was a strong motivator for Council reversing itself, we must ensure that we keep the pressure up. The last thing I want to see on August 10th is a repeat of the July 13th meeting. I think the community has spoken loud and clear in favour of immediate change and I want to make sure that Councillors continue to hear that message.
I guess that makes me the ugly duckling of the group
Well, used to be that I was the turtle, but now I’m just nobody
Actually I view myself as fiscally conservative and socially liberal. I do not believe there is a political party that represents these views
I have started my next petition sheet and will lumber on until August 10
Sorry to break it to you Mark, but you just desribed yourself as a Green!
How’s it feel to be a marginalized outcast?
Now it’s off to the organic granola store for you? Oh, and no SUVs are allowed - only Birkenstocks!
Excellent work, all of you!
Was it an 8-2 vote on all the motions? Were there any amendments?
Conservative here too… Sorry Mark.
Alan, yes, all motions were 4-2. With Brister and Postma (who obviously have the most to lose), being the lone no votes on all four motions. We had a chance to speak with several councilors after and before the meeting, and what a difference a few weeks make. Keep your eyes peeled as hopefully there will be another open house as well.
In the meanwhile, let’s keep the signatures rolling, as the petition is a nice back up plan to any dithering or stalling. It’s good to have the OMB option to fall back on.
I say. I say, “A hearty well done lads!” Can the mayor, city council along with the Windsor Star dismiss the bloggers in this city anymore as just nuisances … I don’t think so!
Now it is up to us to keep everybody’s feet to the fire and get real change in this city.
Count me as Conservative as well (uh oh! Chris is being surrouned : ) ).
Anyway, though I am not a proponent of the 10 ward system I would rather that than the self-serving status quo. Plus this is a big moment as once again residents have stepped up to the plate and done what should have been done in the first place.
Way to go to those who went as delegates both times and to those who wouldnt let this issue die on the vine!
I’m all over the map on the political spectrum. Liberal usually aligns best with my moderate philosophy. But I can be convinced to vote conservative from time to time. I once even voted for Sid Ryan representing the NDP in Oshawa. Oops! - now I’m really in Windsor’s doghouse.
Great job, really fun to watch! I agree with Paul though, “the job is not yet done.” You either need to see the change take place or have the OMB option. Oh man! – that was a great radio show guys. Awesome!
I have prepared some suggested revisions to the Ten Ward Option from the Final Report (http://citywardmaps.googlepages.com/Windsor_Revisions.pdf). Please look them over and let me know what you think. Some of the proposals are influenced by Business Improvement Areas within Windsor(http://www.citywindsor.ca/documents/InteractiveBIAMap.pdf).
For those wishing to do some ward refinement yourself, here is a map giving population counts for Planning Districts and smaller areas within the city (http://citywardmaps.googlepages.com/Windsor_PopCounts.pdf).
Enjoy!
Come on now Chris? I thought Greens ate tree bark, didn’t believe in deodorant and didn’t shave?
He sounds more like a Progressive Conservative. You now, the conservatives that actually cared about people while being fiscally responsible. : )
I’m a centerist and I can be bribed!
Check out this comment in a Windsor star story
“Ward 2 Coun. Caroline Postma said the 101-day strike was so frustrating that her name may not be on the ballot in 2010.”
Sorry, I gotta call it what I see it. I believe this is a cop-out that has a lot more to do with Ward Boundary review. If not, explain the 4 votes against ward boundary review.