Friday, March 20, 2015

THE GRAND DELUSION

I'm tempted to sit back and watch the new council squander the taxpayers' money in one ill-conceived scheme after another, but I can't stay quiet.

I will not even feel good saying, "We told you so" when taxes go up over 7% and the infrastructure continues to crumble.

The voters of Fort Erie had their say, mainly because they blindly believed that the Four Councillors (Bob Steckley, John Hill, Don Lubberts and Paul Collard) were the cause of all of Fort Erie's woes. Now that all but one are gone from council, it is quite apparent to even the most casual observer that they were hard-working, honest men. They read their council package and openly discussed and questioned it, which is what elected councillors are supposed to do in these parts. From Day One they were under attack by certain vested interests.


  1. Marina Butler, who later defeated John Hill in Ward 4, requested a Compliance Audit of Hill's election financials.
  2. Larry Graber, who is running for Rick Shular's Ward 2 seat, requested one on Paul Collard, who beat him in Ward 6 in 2010.
  3. Martha Lockwood was defeated by Don Lubberts in Ward 5, requested a compliance audit on him in 2010.
That's just for starters. Under the guidance of Jim Thibert and Mayor-by-five-votes Doug Martin, former Ward 4 Councillor Tim Whitfield (beaten in a landslide by John Hill) filed a Conflict of Interest suit against the Four Councillors. A couple of years later, it will finally be heard in court in April. So far, the suit has cost the councillors thousands of dollars of their own money to defend themselves. It could cost the taxpayers a lot more if the court rules in favour of the four.

Then, just in time for the election, the former developer of the controversial Bay Beach Project, filed suit against The Four for $10 million. So far, nothing new on that suit, but it achieved its purpose: to scare voters away from The Four.

So, now the Rump Parliament of Fort Erie is sitting, deciding how your precious tax dollars are to be used. New/old mayor Redekop is powerless over these Chamber of Commerce lackeys who are spending taxpayer money on all their "pet" projects. District School Board of Niagara asks the town to pay for a "state of the art" theatre (is their any other kind and what does that mean anyway?) on the new high school site. Poor DSBN. Can't afford to build one themselves. But Fort Erie is willing to pledge $500 K for start-up and cough-cough "fund-raise" for the rest. And if you don't believe that, I have a race track that needs another $500 K to limp through another season with conflict-challenged Jim Thibert at the helm. And then there's the Middle East Speedway (A.K.A. Canadian Motor Speedway) complete with Sharia Law financial backing and a lot of promises and excuses why not much has been done in the past several years. Remember when they blamed the NIMBYs for the delays? Settled years ago. Now it's the government, both provincial and federal for not giving them a bunch of money and building an entire infrastructure to support the speedway. The speedway will never be built, IMHO.

God knows what other projects the Chamber Maids and Lads have in the works. And their loyal followers are still singing their praises as if they are the answer to all Fort Erie's problems. I guess a 7.3% tax hike is A-OK for them. I guess they will support the new theatre financially. I guess they'll all go to the track and spend lots of money in the two score racing dates this season. I guess they won't mind their tax dollars will be going into building a private speedway that will not save the local economy and may well ruin what's left of it.

I guess they enjoy their delusion. Those of us with critical thinking skills sure don't.

48 comments:

  1. Did you see that summary of the articles of the budget passed a few weeks ago?Among other things $28,000 for watering of plants (hanging baskets? barrels?) How does this sort of thing quietly slide by? Contracs to friends of friends? Thats some expencive water in our opinion. Perrier by the case?

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  2. the rock band Styx has a song titled "The Grand Illusion". not quite delusion but maybe it should be Fort Erie's theme song. It is after all what is normal practice here. B@LL$hiting the local voter for insider $$$ and keep the ol boys club in power..

    maybe the band can do a benefit concert for Fort Stupid........(kind of like Live Aid but the money would mysteriously just drift away like it always does)

    "Welcome to the grand delusion, come on in and see what's happening, pay your price for the ticket at the door"............etc etc etc .......(could be sung at the start of council meetings)

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  3. What a strange waste that $28,000 for plant watering is when you think of it. That could have bought two thirds of a needless byelection, and all the nonsense that goes with that exercise. And since when does anyone call 3 candidates answering pre screened questions without interuption or constructive dialogue a debate? Think that is called a "town hall" although that term is sure in need of a change as well. Dog and pony show comes to mind.

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  4. just got around to reading Niagara This Week's article on the Regional Waterfront Enhancement Plan. "Regional staff said in a report to the Regional Planning and Development Committee that more research is needed in financial options and implications of expanding the program." Who do we know in regional staff? I know, doesn't Harry Slange and Rino Mostacci work there now?

    It already has been stressed that projects that qualify for funding will be decided by the local towns and cities, not the Region, so why throw a wrench in the process?

    Can we not consider long term environmental impacts first before private major developments are promoted on our precious waterfronts?

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  5. Meg is right, those two are there although we really dont know how you could call that "work there". They keep a couple of desk chairs warm and talk on the phone a lot. If thats work it looks like a lot of us are working pretty hard and steady. More financial options? Newspeak for "wheres the free money", in other words our taxes up for grabs IF the right person says so.

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  6. If the Ridgeway BIA gets $35,000 & the Crystal Beach BIA only gets $15,000 how much does the Bridgeburg BIA get from the Town.? The Budget will pass as is unfortunately due to the C oF C directed councillors. They do not seem to have a real handle on the Budget process or much else when it comes to council. The 7.3% increase is not likely the final number, will likely be north of 8%. The only way they can reduce the increase is to reduce services, capital expenses for infrastructure, sewer & water lines etc. as they will NOT vote to reduce the funding to the racetrack or to the EDTC budget. Does anyone really know what the true budget for the racetrack is?? It is fully funded by the Ontario taxpayers with some help from Fort Erie ratepayers. There should be a full unedited financial report available on line to see exactly where the $8 million dollars has been spent each yearfor the past 2 - 3 yrs. We only take Mr Thiberts word for what is needed etc. Maybe Mr Gates can get a hold of this to see if what is perceived as a need is really warranted. The by election will not change anything, the control by the 3 will continue. Can't wait to see what will happen when the new owners of the track come hat in hand for some kinda municipal funding, realty tax rebate etc. you can bet it is already being planned. & the votes are already in line.

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  7. view_from_the_beachMarch 22, 2015 at 6:00 PM

    With Rhino and The Hairy Slanges setting up camp in the region we hear the big money is on
    "Molinaro 2.0"
    And remember kidz..
    Not a damned thing has changed at Bay Beach

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  8. Some Good news: Did you know that the Singing Siren offers High Tea every Sunday in March? Hope it becomes a regular item. It sure is a treat to sit down to a choice of tea served in bone china cups on a fresh linen tablecloth. Great presentation of tea sandwiches and goodies accompanied by fresh-made scones with jam and clotted cream. A great treat for $15.00. Reservations a must.

    The Singing Siren, on Ridgeway Road near Erie also has the best weekend breakfast around. Heather and her friendly staff offer the best of British style cuisine. Must try the "mushy peas."

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  9. Story in The Times today about kinsmen pool possibly open by July?? Haha timing couldn't be better for Stephen Pasero

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    Replies
    1. score a big 1 for Pissboy. The local press, in particular the Times is manipulated constantly for the "proper voter response"(10 million reasons why??). I think it is Porgey who refers to it as the "FE Pravda". He couldn't be closer to the truth.

      As for ward 2, I don't know who would be worse,
      1)Pat you on the back stab you tomorrow never camera shy pool will not reopen Switch Hitter Steve
      OR
      2)Super Ol boy fingers in every pie including a club of Ol boy wannabe's, Larry I will comply Grabber

      Sorry John and George, Ward 2 isn't smart enough to vote for it's own best interest only for the Ol boys vested interests.

      Welcome to Fort Stupid were you too can pay big $$$ to keep useless pigs at the trough. We're open for business, monkey business once again.

      Delete
  10. Story is in regard to the URU (underwater...etc..) signing an agreement maybe and thats it. Pool open to the public? Theres sure to be some problem, pumps worn out, liability, staffing, probly even a paint job because the old tub just aint pretty enough. Open bu July? Which July. These are not details we havent seen before. Those types at the town hall have a way of adding so many layers of "what iffs" for a deal like this to go through quickly is almost impossible. Wish it wasnt so but...

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    Replies
    1. I think there's a clause in one of the many versions of the agreement that says that the town will be responsible for ringing the pool up to code. Whatever it was, it raised the alarm bells for me. Like the Mentholatum Building to Museum Storage fiasco that cost taxpayers thousands of dollars (which we cannot find an accounting of.)

      As for Passero, he's just doing what he's been doing all along = grifting off the people of Fort Erie.

      Delete
  11. At best, drift by on some hot summer night and see a few sour faced members of the scuba club and their friends and family enjoying their private pool. Open to the public? Good luck with that. Say goodbye to the only outdoor pool in a town of 30,000 plus (the other pool is in a private facility near town hall) being given to...no.. put upon a private club who with a look of confusion and some reluctance will maybe take on this responsability if.. free money is offered. Yes, paid, to have their private pool, thanks to the efforts of a shlub who would have liked to be mayor if he had his way. Gawd help us.

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    Replies
    1. There was a lot of strife in the Underwater Recovery Unit last year. Donna Wood basically staged a coup and took over. She is aligned with the C of C cult, so the taxpayers will end up paying a lot for the pool. Even the late Rick Shular voted against any further funding for the pool as it is beyond reasonable repairs. A whole new pool is needed. Perhaps that million dollars given to the race track and the DSBN theatre could have been given towards a new pool. Just as the fundraising for the theatre will probably fail, so too did the fundraising for the pool. And the lighthouse. Those "government grants" that the URU can apply for are merely possibilities and can take years to produce any funds - or fail entirely. Meanwhile, the town will probably have to pay to get the pool up to code and then the URU will "run it." A small (43) member redundant group of hobbyists will run the pool. There is no more need for a specific Underwater Recovery Unit; they are not called upon to aid in rescues/recovery. It's a social group at best, hardly qualified to run a town asset.

      Only in Fort Erie ...

      Delete
    2. There was a lot of strife in the Underwater Recovery Unit last year. Donna Wood basically staged a coup and took over. She is aligned with the C of C cult, so the taxpayers will end up paying a lot for the pool. Even the late Rick Shular voted against any further funding for the pool as it is beyond reasonable repairs. A whole new pool is needed. Perhaps that million dollars given to the race track and the DSBN theatre could have been given towards a new pool. Just as the fundraising for the theatre will probably fail, so too did the fundraising for the pool. And the lighthouse. Those "government grants" that the URU can apply for are merely possibilities and can take years to produce any funds - or fail entirely. Meanwhile, the town will probably have to pay to get the pool up to code and then the URU will "run it." A small (43) member redundant group of hobbyists will run the pool. There is no more need for a specific Underwater Recovery Unit; they are not called upon to aid in rescues/recovery. It's a social group at best, hardly qualified to run a town asset.

      Only in Fort Erie ...

      Delete
    3. So true that. Donna Wood staged a coup last year to take over the Underwater Recovery Unit, which is a redundant group of water enthusiasts, no longer having an official duties who retain the title which gives them more importance than they deserve. Just like their mentor, Stephen Passero who pulled off this Hail Mary Pass just in time for the Ward 2 election. Like the timing of the lawsuit against The Four came just before the October Municipal Election.

      At this point, it matters little who is elected in Ward 2. The train has left the station, heading for a massive trainwreck. Taxes will jump for sure and some people are already waking up. But it's too late. Way too late.

      Delete
  12. Fort Erie is Underwater (FU)March 24, 2015 at 2:20 PM

    Check out this year's budget. I believe there was $10,000 put in for the pool. The previous council put in $10,000 to make sure the pool was operational before the URU took it on.
    If this is the same money which wasn't spent then it should show in Reserves NOT as a NEW line item. So, the taxpayers are already forking over $10,000 to UNU (indirectly) for the pool.
    Further, the City of St. Catharines, in a cost saving measure, is recommending CLOSING ALL FIVE OUTDOOR POOLS. They are a money pit. Very few people actually use them except for swimming lessons, which are important but I would debate that point. From a recreational point of view, they are underutilized. Such a short season for such a large outlay of money. This is only my opinion. Why to we insist on opening any outdoor pool especially in a Town that realized only $6,500 income from the old one.
    Good money after bad.

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  13. Informedward2residentMarch 24, 2015 at 3:19 PM

    First of all, I take offence that you think that Ward 2 inhabitants are not smart enough to vote for what is best for its interests. If you live in the ward, you would know that the demographics range from seniors, to families of all educational and professional backgrounds and most are very politically informed. We know what the issues are specific to our area, but so far we are just hearing the campaign rhetoric. If you want our vote, you have to pound the streets, knock on our doors and actually listen.
    As for the Kinsmen Pool, there are many grants available that can be tapped into that could help revive it. Some are more accessible if the lead organization is charitable.
    As for closing outdoor pools, one must ask why the City of St. Catharines is considering the closure of theirs when Niagara Falls isn't.

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    Replies
    1. Fort Erie is Underwater (FU)March 24, 2015 at 8:08 PM

      NF has millions of dollars of gambling money. One of their outdoor pools was turned over to the city by the Lions' Club in NF. They couldn't maintain it. The other at Valley Way has a splash pad beside it that seems to attract many people. Believe me, those pools DO NOT BRING IN ONE DIME. FE has subsidized its parks and playgrounds (baseball, etc.) to the tune of about 90 - 95%. The arena is closer to 55% because hockey and figure skating are paying a goodly amount.
      Don't get me wrong. The town is obligated to provide them, as any town would be. Last year, a report come to Council that would have seen the user fees rise by about 5% in order to close the gap. Every group that as affected cried poor and some said they would pay more if the town took better care of them (baseball).
      Back to the pool: Yes, they can apply for grants. Those are one time only.
      Canadian Tire Jump Start will help. But again, I remind people of the tax increase we have now plus the one that will surely hit around 2017 when the reserves must be replenished and the shortfall for the theatre hits. Don't forget the millions needed for C.M.S.

      Delete
  14. Pound the streets? What is that?!! Knock on doors? Knock knock, whos there? Ward 2. Ward 2 who? Ward too dumb to use good english. "Grants available that can be tapped into" ? What? Like Maple trees? Its not that Ward 2 "inhabitants" are not smart enough.. it just looks like it when someone reads their postings. Oh, the candidates WILL listen, like a dog listens to a can opener, its just after all that listening and they've got their free lunch, those concerns expressed just seem to get forgotten. Not that anyone could blame them. Look at the lineup in council,all with their own personal wish lists. Maybe free english lessons for some of the Ward 2 citizens...anyone listening??

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  15. Huge tax increases for the next few years no matter what other strange projects or legal problems come along in the meantime. That doesent include possible unforseen emergencys (what we saw when the track couldnt get enough hay). Pay and play. In the historical interest of throwing money away into slot machines, now the town in a nostalgic sense throws it away with an eye to once was.

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  16. This pool issue is purely political to give Stephen Passero a leg up in the by election. The chamber maids have been able to bring this pool to the attention of the ward 2 voters by having $10,000 set aside for pool rehab. generating all kinds of media exposure. If the cost to rehab the pool is almost $200,000 then the $10,000 will do little to have the pool open by July of this year or any other year.
    This is POLITICAL BS being spread about for the benefit of Passero. With any luck the voters will see this for what it is & send him back out to the real world where he has to earn an honest living.

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  17. I Don't think Pools are a waste of money, it is better for the kids to get exercise than sit in front of the tv playing video games! Wouldn't it be great if each area in this town could get one provided to it? But realistically the cost to install and maintain are huge and this community cannot afford it! In the mean time I would rather see the money's spent for a Theatre be spent to replace the existing Pool at Sugar bowl park! Regarding the Theatre, Doesn't the school have a gym? Normally the Gym doubles as an auditorium and has a stage in most other schools!

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  18. Sure gettin a lot of mileage out of that dirty lookin cement hole with the cinderblock changehouse? down in the nether regions of the Shugarbowl Park. Guess when its the only public? outdoor pool in the whole area it counts for somthin. With any renovation that might be considered a splash pad with a firm base should probly be considered, similar to what was put in along the beer store trail in Ridgeway. Could get away from all that chain link fencing and make a place for the little ones who cant use the pool itself on a regular basis. Pretty nice for the parents too when they are able to get out to enjoy the park as a family. If Ridgeway got such a facility why not Sugarbowl? The pool can be a nice starting point but we hope it doesent become the be all end all at this time. What does it take to spray the kids on a hot summer evening? Not a lot..

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  19. My Family sometimes have reunions in Glossen Park off Union Road Cheektowaga they have a very simple and cheap splash pad, the kids just love it ! it is circular with a water pipe in the centre of it and is activated when the kids dance around within it, use's very little water and the kiddies have a great time on a hot day, this stuff is not rocket science. Everything here, is so bothersome, they don't even try.!!!

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  20. Fort Erie Needs councillors like this woman!! Yes, the Senior Staff make mistakes!

    http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2015/03/25/brampton-mayor-blasts-senior-staff-offer-wage-increase.html

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    Replies
    1. you're are kidding right, 23??....the 4 where just trying to hold spending at a reasonable level and look what happened to them. To think this bunch of CofC/ol boy lackeys would do anything other than feather their friend's respective nests goes way to far against the grain here in Fort Stupid. They were elected with an agenda to do exactly the opposite of what your insightful article suggests. NOT look out for the average hard working people who fund all of this.

      My apologies to Mr Lubberts of course. Must be hard working with the morally challenged who think nothing of the people they're supposed to represent or work for.

      Delete
  21. Very few new ideas quite Conservative in the towns approach to many things. The MILLIONS spent on that little improvement in Ridgeway along the trail is a good example. Then an award is given, to the designer or the guy that facilitated the writing of that fat cheque, or both? Has there been a single new park established in the entire townsite? A sportsfield is NOT a park no matter how they try to spin it or name it as such. Bay Beach waterfront park would be a nice start. OK, even there a few loudmouths try to take over once in a while with sandlot volleyball. Maybe the town needs to have a look at what some other communitys are doing without a lot of money spent and the results possible.

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  22. Conservative? Tell us about it! Every charity cookout :::: hamburgers/hotdogs::::: and this in an area thats been settled for way past 200 years by freethinking people. If the choice of cuisine is any indication these folks got a lot to learn. Frenchfry eating contest at the only summer "fest" (once a year)? Please!!!

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  23. SPECIAL MESSAGE TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE THE KINSMEN POOL WILL REOPEN THIS SUMMER:

    Don't hold your breath. Seriously. Come back on this blog and admit you were duped into believing what the Chamber Pots wanted you to believe. Meanwhile, get ready for a major hit to your family budget.

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  24. That little puddle wont open to any of the public any time soon except for some of the crazy kids that sneak over the fence and dare each other to swim in that toxic goo. One kid got pushed in and he's still trying to get that gung off him. Seriously, if they had any real class the Kinsmen would be trying to get their name removed from that mismanaged mistake. Cant keep an established swimming pool operating? What are they doing with the money we donate to that group? What a legacy for what is supposed to be a club for the betterment of the town. The one public swim pool in the whole town. Go figure.

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  25. Well I guess it is time for the councillors & Mayor to file their election expenses etc & declare who gave them money. Finally the light will expose who really runs this Town. Can't wait for the Audit requests to start as I am sure the paper work will NOT be in order. The chamber chicks & Mr Knutt will now see how harassment affects ones life. The shoe is on the other foot & I personally will take great delight in seeing them squirm & complain loudly about the unfair treatment.

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  26. Its unlikely that any of the forthcoming disclosures will reveal anything anyone couldnt have guessed up to this point. Not to mention any cash exchanged wouldnt be out there for anyone to see in any case. There will be a few small support donations that do no more than indicate a persons political affiliations, or representing somthing that can be pointed to in future when seeking some preferential treatment. Theres always a few of those, like asking in council for the bylaw cops to watch over the parking in front of some small business because a few bucks were thrown some candidates way during an election. (No names mentioned, at least not yet.) The "papers" wont be in order. Another great source of distractions, all the tsk, tsk, then further self serving business will quietly slide by. Its happened a number of "Times" before. Why should it be any different this time.?

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  27. Look at this article from a lawyer. I told you the Town shouldn't have been able to pay Thibert's legal fees and this article is something worth digging into.

    http://www.mcanshlaw.com/ban-from-city-hall/

    If you read that, there is something in there where a city employee tried to use city fees for lawyer fees and the guy took the town to court and the town STOPPED paying those legal fees.

    Cheers,


    Fred Bracken

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  28. I hope for the sake of the taxpayers that no audits go forward, the election rules are onerous and complicated and numerous in number. Even if a mistake is found at the cost of about $10- $20,0000 dollars for each audit, the candidate most likely will be encouraged to be more careful in the future. Anyone who runs a campaign will break some rules, it is next to impossible not to. It is like driving your car if you go one mile over the speed limit technically you have broken the law, if you do not keep the right amount of car lengths, if you change lanes without indicating, if you make a L hand turn into the far R lane when there are two lanes, all these scenarios the traffic laws has been broken, campaign laws are similar. let's hope we do not once again embarrass this town. Payback may be a motivating but it is very expensive and will lead to nothing but a huge expense for the municipality that has many needs that the money could be better spent..

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    Replies
    1. This attitude was not in evidence when Marina Butler and a few others requested the compliance audits. Too bad the taxpayers were not taken into account when Tim Whitfield filed his partisan lawsuit against The Four. If they are exonerated in court, the town taxpayers will be on the hook for thousands and thousands of dollars in court costs. There is also a possibility of a lawsuit generated by The Four against the town. The Molinaro Lawsuit will never see the light of day. They wrote their own agreement with the town and they failed to sell enough units to continue. The whole thing has been political since Day One. The taxpayers were never considered except as people to manipulate at voting time.

      Delete
  29. The Molinaros were embare-assed by the strange overpriced project they came up with and wouldnt float. If the place was better designed and priced, AND if the council members who saw a trainwreck in the making just said or did nothing, or worse encouraged this foolishness, Bay Beach and the surrounding neighborhoods would these days be treated to one huge muddy, noisy construction site, valued by few and a real $hitty way to see the last of the public lakefront get ruined for the enrichment of a few self centred fools. They got embarresed, and now they need to sic some legal nonsense of a few people to try to save face. Its as simple as that. It would have been the only thing Maydoug could point to and say was done on his watch. Sure was funny to watch his antics though. That weeping act was precious. Might have made the whole fiasco worth it.

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  30. Thank you Sharon , there is finally a response from the Kinsmen club regarding the neglected pool, including a brief history of its usefullness to the community on the ninja site. It shouldnt take such a discussion on a social network to finally get somone to at least defend their position. Might have been that spanking from the lions? So lets see results, The Strand seems to have wakened up a few quiet voices. Lets hope with respect this isnt a little cry of "please forgive us".

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  31. That weeping act, crying all of the way to the bank, $26 thousand dollars from Region, some money from the Police Board , $7 Thousand from Niagara Parks and $65 Thousand from the Town, may be more or less, but close.$100 Grand for a guy that only had a watch/clock repair certificate, for an 8 year period. and his side kick got his share from the Bingo/Gaming Corporation and Doug's spouse collected money from her Town job, Doug's son snagged a gravy job looking after Fort Erie and now Fort George NOTL. The taxpayers will have paid for his pension plan. also Russel's pension plan also .leaving behind a trail of carnage and little else as a lasting legacy. Taking credit for screwing all of the none profit bingo groups out of millions with their illegal road tax, on top of the highest bingo licence fees in the entire Region. This Town is not Camelot, it is Scamelot.!!!

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  32. Wouldnt you think a letter like that would show up on the Kinsmen's elaborate web site, not on the almost comatose ninja site? To say the UWU (underwater...) has way more members than the local Kins (at 45 people) makes one wonder. In a town of over 30,000 the Kinsmen cant round up more than 45 people?? Whats going on? Wonder less now why they couldnt keep a small pool open. To give it away to some private club doesent seem right either though. What about that splash pad idea? Too progressive for that bunch of ageing dinosaurs?

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  33. Public pools are very expensive to maintain. The Kinsmen were great to have it built but eventually the costs were beyond their financial capabilities. Old concrete pools need to be demolished & if the Town or whom ever has the money to build a new one it would make more sense. Certain folks have convinced the UW folks to take on this white elephant via a lease agreement. This group does not have the funds to bring it up to proper standards. What are the details of this lease contract? Are they responsible for the hundreds of thousands to make it useable for the kids? NOT Likely & if they are then who advised them that this was a good idea? Oh gee maybe the C OF C & crazy Stephen. I guess they have a pot of Gold hidden somewhere to pay for this. This whole issue is a political ploy to make Passero the savior of the pool to get votes.

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  34. Just reviewed the Ontario sunshine list. Well the FE EDTC salary for Mr Thibert is NOT disclosed.!!!! St Catharines is so why not FE. I am quite sure his salary fully funded by the taxpayers should be on this list. Again too much secrecy regarding this group. Also Heather Salter is now the Deputy Solicitor for St Catharines.

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  35. Another ploy suspiciously JUST prior to an election.
    Worked before.

    Uninformed voters deserve who they get.

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  36. See the headlines on both newspapers this week? What a great distraction that little pool is being used for. See some of the othe items passed in the budget? The money being thrown around? Already talk of needing money to pay instructors for "swim lessons". What ever happened to parent involvement in that sort of thing.? Theyre overthinking the whole thing already.

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  37. If that concrete bunker wasnt the only swim pool in the whole town it wouldnt get any attention at all. Some smart types would have filled it in with mulch and made it into a bait (worm) farm. It might come to that in the later years. Being the only swim pool in the entire town gives it somthing special. Could be the only worm farm in town with the right management, nothing to be ashamed of, unless of course your relatives are worms. Even then, the Kinsmen worm farm has a pretty nice ring to it.

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  38. The Province of Ontario is so far in debt , according to an article this week in the Toronto Star , the Province has embarked on doing what they did with the Hospitals in our Province, closing them down and consolidation, which is what happened here in Niagara, they have ordered all of the School Boards to consolidate and close as many schools as possible .ASAP also they want more private schools to take up the slack, our Town which should have told the DSBN to go and pound salt, has bought into pouring our property taxes into a Provincial scam job. The Toronto Star noted the Province gave a list of Schools they wanted closed down in the City, problem, their schools are overcrowded and they are using broom closets and every space they have to cram the students in, Our Town just like they did with the hospitals, have bought hook, line and sinker into the Dalton/Wynne downsizing program.

    ReplyDelete

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