Thursday, April 24, 2014

TO THE FUTURE

It's all gone now, except for the cement pad and a portion of wall. Time to start planning for the future and how the whole property can be beautified and made user friendly.

It's what many of us wanted for a long time. Not the demo of the snack bar, but the sign that this property is back in the hands of the people and not up for grabs to a developer.

We can only hope that the property is no longer in jeopardy of being taken over by a high rise developer. It is the last piece of good public beachfront property in Crystal Beach. The Town of Fort Erie almost made the biggest mistake in its history. Put a fork in it; it's done.

The struggle to retain the beachfront property for the people has cost a lot of people in this town dearly. They were only trying to do the right thing but they attracted all kinds of trouble for their efforts: compliance audits, lawsuits, harassment and a silly blog that is written by puerile twelve-year-olds.

LOOKING FORWARD TO THE MUNICIPAL ELECTION

Well, doesn't Ms. Kett get her well-used nose out of joint when questioned about the upcoming election procedure?  Hey, the guys were just trying to make sure that the integrity of the ballots is maintained from the voter to the tally. In the past, certain events have raised questions about that.  Always good to let the people who run the election that "we have our eyes on you."  No need to get sniffy about it. Odd she doesn't do what many communities do: swap with another community to run their election while someone from another community runs our election. 

Kudos to the people on Buffalo Road and the councillors who supported their effort to have the proposed sidewalks changed from east to west thus saving money for the taxpayers.


REGARDING THE INTEGRITY COMMISSIONER'S DECISION:

Let's go to the Way Back Machine HERE.  

It's from 2008. Please read it carefully. This was the dysfunctional council of the day.

37 comments:

  1. IT AINT OVER YET!!

    the dirt bags are bidding their time is all. Dirty Doug and his collage of thugs(the ones with suits and the more common expendable scuzzballs he employs) will be back, likely after October. They will lay low for now, crawl back to their respective rat holes and await more favourable circumstances.

    SUPPORT THE FOUR SAVE THE BEACH!!for that matter save the whole town.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Did you catch the article about the Integrity Commissioner's ruling? The one started by Leslie North over her horrid "performance" at town council a couple of months ago. She provoked the councillors with her inflammatory rhetoric which was backed up by Martin.

      Delete
  2. I wonder if the same group of six Whitfield financiers funded Leslie North. If they have excess money on their hands I wish they would contribute to the Towns legal bills... After all they are the ones directly responsible for costing the taxpayers money. Its a surprise the list of names has not yet been made officially public when their names have circulated all around town for a week now,

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  3. paying attention and taxesApril 25, 2014 at 4:31 PM

    OMG, I was at that meeting. Leslie North's presentation was beyond doubt intended to smear four councellors not discuss her topic of budget. That the Integrity Commissioner noted that mayor martin's ruling to allow her to continue her tirade is RIDICULOUS. She was Out of Order.

    Who the heck do we think was behind her tirade in the first place?

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  4. cokie, the names cannot be made "officially public". Those names are only privy to the judge, counsels, and defendants.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Aren't the backers names listed in court documents now public domain?

    Who are they?

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  6. The defenda
    nts names have been smeared all over front pages so how dare the six accusers hide behind The Mayor and Tim Whitfields skirts...Their names are known to many many in Town and spreading on the net daily and they must be given the same print space as the defendents in the frivolous law suit. Its time for the four Councillors to stop being noble and release those names before they get posted.

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  7. Sorry cokie, but if the names of the supporters are spread daily on the internet, there is some kind of ethical breach of our legal system. Could you direct me to the internet publication of their names. I am truly interested, as I have no clue who they are.

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  8. I am aware of some of the names of people who paid toward the lawsuit, but the councillors were given the option whether to make the names public and, to date, that has not been the case. All are operating under the advice of their lawyers and they have so far chosen to keep the names confidential. If the names are out in the public domain, so be it. It is hard to keep much confidential in this small town.

    And that goes both ways.

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  9. only dirty dougie and the dirtbags would even think of sueing the democratic process.

    Most people cannot think at that low a level. And the best part is we even have to pay for the priviledge!! As for Ms Kett and her nose being out of joint, like was said, want to take any question out of the next election, let someone from another town count the ballots and not let them fall out of their car at a convenient time and place.

    For the first time in decades the ol boys network are not allowed unrestricted slurping at the public trough and they don't like it. Too bad there rats. Your days are limited.

    SUPPORT THE FOUR SAVE THE TOWN SAVE TAXES.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If the case goes forward, it is highly likely that some very embarrassing and damaging admissions will come under oath - not from the defendants' side. The campaign to usurp the very foundation of the democratic principle will not be ignored.

      The people at Fort FOX News are always talking about the 4-3 vote in council. Well, for years and years, it was a 4-3 vote or 5-2 vote when Redekop was mayor. And, before that, it was mostly a 5-2 vote as most on council followed in lock step behind Teal. The problem for the GU is that the votes don't go "their way."

      Delete
  10. Interesting reading in the Post this week regarding the integrity commissioner's decision, it boils down to the councillor's error was not challenging the mayor's decision which allowed the delegate to continue her speech, if they did it would have been a non confidence motion for the "four" would have had enough to overturn the mayors decision: this would have been priceless, the mayor should thank all of them for not bringing it to a vote which would have overruled his decision: that would have been an embarrassment: The four need to know that this is what the proper procedure is when they disagree with the mayor's decision, and I agree with the integrity commissioner's decision: If they use this procedure it will be interesting to see if the mayor continues to make decisions and comments that berate the four, he may just smarten up and leadership may be the result.

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  11. Sharons words of "usurping the democratic process" brings to mind that one of the six donors to the frivolous lawsuit is a candidate for the coming Nov. election. Certainly a conflict of interest if she is trying to bring pressure on a sitting Councillor not to run or discourage other citizens not to run for Council when the constant threat of lawsuits hang over their heads. Many community minded citizens look at the situation and say who needs this shit. Its one way to get an unopposed seat. Always question a persons motves.

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    Replies
    1. As well as very close ties to Jim Thibert. The whole lawsuit was designed to scare people away from running or seeking re-election. They thought the guys would either fold up or hire a local attorney. Didn't happen. They hired a Bay Street lawyer who is an expert on municipal law and won't take any crap from the likes of Hurren.

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  12. If that is the same donor that also came after John Hill at the Compliance Hearing, mmmm?
    You always said politics was a blood sport.

    Steckley, Hill, Collard and Lubberts are all gentlemen and duly elected don't forget..

    ReplyDelete
  13. The lawyer Mr Hurren has been involved with the Good Ole Boys club, reminds me of the Chicago days of yore when lawyers made a good living as mob lawyers, Hurren has been sucking up to the "Establishment" for over 35 years years, It would be nice to see him get what is coming to him.!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Interesting too that Hurren donated to Martin's election campaign in 2010. Also interesting is the change of leadership at the Chamber of Commerce. President and Vice President changed; both are on reported to be on "the list."

      Again, I have not seen "the list" but I do have it on good authority some of the names on the list.

      Delete
  14. If Councillors didn't tell the truth in their depositions or were purposely misleading, is it perjury?
    Did they have to swear an oath not to lie?

    Lawyers when questioned, can they get reprimanded if caught to be untruthful?

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  15. Well the idiot blog now professes that those on the list are proud to be on the list and are so well respected in this town, and therefore gives credibility to this nonsense law suit. Well if they were so proud to be sponsors of Whitfield's ( or those really behind this ) crusade, why all the secrecy, why did it take a court order to disclose the names???? I for one when reviewing the list ( whenever that is) will closely look at the agenda of those listed. I doubt very much that their quest was not to improve this town but to once again regain control of this town and create an atmosphere of fear among those interested in running in the next election to think twice for they may also be sued for what ever reason and may be looking at financial ruin if they find themselves in disagreement with the good old boys club. I hope this is not the case and applaud all who will put forth their name and know that a significant majority in this town do not like the constant "bullying" of the four. The idiot blog will continue to insult and bully, and spread lies and conspiracy theories regarding all those who they or their handlers do not agree with. If the idiot blog is against you , you must be doing something right and I will definitely consider voting for you, and if you are supported by the idiot blog I will be very reluctant to vote for you, for any positive association with that blog is a determent to your campaign. I wish it wasn't so, but the effort and energy they ( idiot blog) and their handles have taken since the last election to discredit those who they did not want elected, and even those who were almost elected speaks volumes.

    ReplyDelete
  16. ninjaism of the yearApril 28, 2014 at 8:37 AM

    Quoted directly from their hatesite

    "This is about a 4 -3 voting bloc that represents small foreign special interests and not the people of Fort Erie."

    Anyone that believes this horseshit deserves all that comes their way!!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. So then, the four got elected by Canadian voters and then they switched allegiances to the foreign Americans?

    Why are the ninias so adamant that a condo gets built on the Bay Beach public waterfront? If they love waterfront condos so much, they could have had one at the coal docks. But then Sandy Annunziata stopped that one with no public outcry.

    Or is it no longer about the condo development, just the fact that martin and the old boys are confronted with councillors who think for themselves and for the betterment of the public?

    I am so looking forward to the Conflict of Interest decision!

    ReplyDelete
  18. It only recently that the Chamber of Commerce stopped getting payoffs from the Fort Erie taxpayers the last time was when Anne Marie was on council, she took a dim view of a business group asking for handouts at budget time, they were asking for $2000.dollars , why ? who knows but they have gotten millions of our money, over the years, I spoke out at council, and Dougie, Mikey and the rest scoffed and made fun of my presentation, so Martins backing of Leslie North is not out of the realm for tyrant running council meetings.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You must also remember that Kimberly Zanko was the spokesperson for a "group" that sent out a flyer to everyone in Fort Erie as well as erected a billboard with the intent to dismiss those who were against the condo tower on the public Bay Beach Properties. From the article:

      "Zanko ensured that the Town, the EDTC and Chamber were not involved and said she made her involvement with the group clear, when she was identified as a spokesperson in the Mar. 19 edition of the Times."

      Nice work for the former president of the Chamber of Commerce and political candidate. She, along with another of Jim Thibert's "girls," Marina Butler have actively worked to unseat duly elected (by far more than the mayor's five vote margin) councillors.

      The connection between the CofC and the campaign to unseat the four councillors is very clear, even to the most casual of observers.

      Delete
  19. An Alert to the Voters of Fort Erie. There are dark forces at work to have a hand picked slate of candidates elected to council in the coming election. Conspiracy Theorists only need to look at what has transpired over the last four years.
    When all "The Chosen Ones" of the good old boys were not elected the harassment started.
    Get the four out of office using any method possible. Despite their utmost efforts they failed. The dark forces lied, smeared and sued to no avail.
    And now we have registered candidates Zanko, McDermott and Butler.
    Their supporting blog has started a smear campaign against any and all who they sniff as possible credible candidates to run against their choice s.
    If they can harass sitting Councillors not to seek reelection and discourage any potential candidates it will leave the coast clear for their chosen slate to walk into our Council chambers and truly take over our Town.
    They don't have the intelligence to have plotted this out four years ago but nonetheless this is the result of their attacks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And there you have it! The agenda for the past four years. Marina Butler asking for compliance audit on John Hill; sue a blogger who writes in opposition to the Old Boys' Club; flyer in everyone's mailbox and a couple of billboards attacking the four councillors; smear campaign; stalking; anti-four councillor blog; bogus police reports; lawsuit; media aided smear campaign; mayor convincing people to back a lawsuit against the four; former councillor signing on to vexatious lawsuit; Facebook pages overtaken with negative comments about the four; harassment; the list goes on.

      The only way to stop these people is to continue to support and elect people who promise to break up the stranglehold the Old Boys' Club has had on this town for generations.

      Delete
    2. You crazy people will find patterns in anything. You ought to stick to finding faces in your cat's urine stains before YOU start talking about hateful smear campaigns. YOU are Person-Zero in this disease outbreak, Madame Editor.

      Delete
  20. Marina Butler was also quoted in that ridiculous flyer by the Citizens of Fort Erie for a Better Future, or whatever, same group also responsible for the hateful billboards against the four.
    It was so distasteful that no one wants their name connected with it.
    I remember that citizen who writes that hateful little paper was dancing around council chambers with that trashy flyer the Monday Council meeting, the night before they were in everyone's mail boxes.

    More connections!

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  21. THE TIME IS NOW FOR THE VAST MAJORITY TO TAKE THEIR OWN TOWN BACK FROM THESE OUTRIGHT LIARS AND THIEVES.

    thats you dougie and anyone standing near you. ...you and your fellow conspirators have ripped us all off long enough. ...there is a bus leaving for burlington be on it.

    ReplyDelete
  22. The idiot blog aka ninja's must really be worried, now it is Sue Salzer and |Anne Marie Noyse who they are after. Both candidates in the last election, both who ran excellent campaigns, almost winning. What B.S from the idiot blog.. Give the people some credit they knew who they were voting for and why. I know people who worked on her last campaign an they were instructed not to speak negatively regarding other candidates but talk about her position on issues. I am sure it does not take a rocket scientist to understand no candidate for mayor would promote and other candidate for councillor ( Ward 6) with the opposition sign in their yard. Of course she will be supporting the other candidates in that ward. The idiot blog will be turning the heat on Noyse , But I have confidence in the electorate to know "garbage" when they see it, and that is what the idiot blog is great at, is creating garbage.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So far, Noyes is the only candidate for mayor and she hasn't declared yet. It appears that Redekop is out of the running. Stephen Passero (a.k.a. Eddie Haskell) has been running for mayor for four years. He still hasn't declared. Martin? Does he really want to test the voters again? His win by five votes was way too close for an incumbent who usually benefits from a 30% edge. Shows there were a lot of people who voted against Martin rather than for Ann Marie Noyes.-

      As to the attacks on Sue Salzer, especially by "Just an Observer" (a.k.a. Marina Butler,) there is no reason for those attacks, except to disparage a community activist. Sue has done nothing to deserve such treatment; she merely stated an opinion. The ninjas go on the attack against anyone who calls them out for their bullying. Their name itself is an indication of their desperation to be considered some kind of vindicating heroes. They are merely a bunch of wannabes who pander to some in power in order to feel important. Attacking a senior citizen who worked tirelessly to save our local hospital is a new low for these bottom feeders.

      Finally, Sue is right. The ninjas are committed to scaring anyone but their favoured candidates from running. We all know of their harassment and bullying. Just observe them at a council meeting. They possess a gang mentality. They are an angry bunch of thugs.

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    2. I suspect that those cowards who are disparaging Sue have never done a positive thing in their lives. Just imagine if they took even a tenth of that negative energy and put it to good use. Sue has given much to this community and well, I also wonder if they are just plain jealous of her, since she has gained much respect for her community work and tireless fight to save our hospital and since so many will come to her defense and not theirs. Of course, I would suggest she send them a cease and desist, but hey, impossible to do when you are fighting cowardly, unknown (still to be confirmed who they all are) enemies. I mean, who would you send it to? They will call those of us on here who are defending her and others cowards because we come on here with nicknames to defend, but, thing is we have to go underground to defend because if you dare state the truth as Sue did the ninjas will go to town on you and they are relentless and will stop at nothing, including lies, bullying, slander and intimidation. Funny how they also use nicknames and hide but when we do it on here it becomes a topic of discussion on their blog. And no, even though they claim to be in the open they are not...or nicknames would not still be getting used by them. Think about it. And yes, I highly suspect that is why many good people will not run..not because they have dirty laundry, something to hide, or are trying to feed misinformation to the public, but because of the above mentioned dirty tactics that will be used against them if they don't follow lockstep with the powers that be, and will be judged unfairly and disparaged publicly by the last people in the world that should be judging others. Who needs that nonsense when you are just trying to serve the public, because you care about your community. Such a sad state of affairs...it really, truly is.

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    3. "Ninja Digger", a.k.a. Lesley North, "Just and Observer", a.k.a. Peter Koutroulakis and we all know "Sensei Ron", a.k.a. Greg Bonito.

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  23. LMAO @ What nonesense.

    "that is what the idiot blog is great at, is creating garbage."

    are you talking about their writing or dining out on jarvis........ or maybe both?


    ReplyDelete
  24. LMAO @ What nonesense

    "that is what the idiot blog is great at, is creating garbage."

    Are you talking about their writing or dining out on Jarvis, or maybe both?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Love your shows, Gordon. Especially Kitchen Nightmares where chefs serve up thawed frozen food, microwaved that they call "fresh." However, there are a number of restaurants on Jarvis Street and we don't want to give people the impression that we're disappointed in all of them. Only one, run by a big-mouthed ass-kisser is worthy of our concern. Sad really that a small, insignificant man uses his family's reputation and business to gain attention for himself. Especially when he was nothing but a voiceless worker bee when his father was in charge. Everything he has is because of his family and he has ruined his family's good name with his foolishness.

      Delete
  25. Why isn't Molinaro's sales trailer gone yet? It should have been out of there "as soon as the weather permits," which was a long time ago, and before the toads come out of hibernation, which can be as early as May 1--TOMORROW.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Just came home from The Falls via the Niagara Parkway. Lovely drive; lots of homes and property for sale there. Why don't the Molinaros build their high rise there? beautiful view; close to Buffalo; etc. Oh, I forgot. Some of the movers and shakers who live there made sure that no high rises will be built along the Parkway -etc. for that marina further down. (The one that will probably never be built.)

      Delete

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