Wednesday, January 27, 2016

JUST BECAUSE IT IS QUIET HERE ...

Does not mean that nothing is being done.

It's just that there are many so-called "irons in the fire." For myself, I am busy with the US elections and working to help ex-pats like myself to vote in a Global Primary and to vote in the general election in November. I have become obsessed with the election and am very worried about the hatred and violence that has been evident, especially in the Trump campaign. To me, he is a dangerous egomaniac who must be defeated.

Meanwhile, the effort to save Fort Erie from the forces that are destroying it goes on behind the scenes. The actions of the cabal that brought about the lawsuit against four duly-elected councillors have not been forgotten nor forgiven. We carry on.

Twenty years after the C.A.U.S.E. recommendations were made public, a plan for the Bay Beach Properties has been accepted by council. Not exactly what those of us who remember the history of the property wanted, but many of us are cautiously optimistic. (Just don't try to sell off the parking lots and send us back to 2002 to fight that battle again. We do remember the crappy excuse used then: to fund a portion of The Friendship Trail.) Not going to work when there are parking problems in the Beach on sunny summer weekends.

So, please keep the remarks coming in and we'll report what we can. I think I've said it all by now, but I'm sure there will be lots more to say in the future.

I filed this under Déja Vu Department: Residents worry about possible new build on site of revered former library in North Buffalo. The old building is located on a now very busy and lucrative corner in my old 'hood. Big time developer wants to tear down the building (left to decay) and build a new one. Residents are afraid there will soon be a high rise (developer is a specialist in such developments) on the corner.  Stay tuned.

Saturday, January 2, 2016

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Glad 2015 is over. It was a tough one for many people, especially some who I care about a great deal. Many losses.

I'll leave it at that. So, what's in store for the New Year?

Can we hope that the Fort Erie EDTC is hauled on the carpet to explain the millions of dollars of taxpayer money spent and no jobs or real economic development? A bunch of pie-in-the-sky illusions does not bring jobs and prosperity to a town. They only bring ridicule and embarrassment. And speaking of embarrassments, the EDTC GM certainly brings that to the party. His foul-mouthed manner brings all kinds of interest to Fort Erie. His "other job" at the race track certainly gives him ample exposure to horse manure which he shovels to the locals in massive quantities.

But, enough about Jimmy. How about those Chamber Maids and C of C flunkies on council? They're right there for the regular folks, aren't they? We hear that a couple of them are discouraged because the Great Unwashed are keeping them busy with, I-don't-know, "problems." Sure cuts into social time with Chamber Colleagues. Oh Boo-Hoo.

Some good news: The Four were reimbursed for their legal fees, paid for the S.L.A.P.P. Lawsuit started by you-know-who and the former mayor-by-five-votes. Poor losers abusing the system to destroy the reputations of duly-elected representatives. A dark time indeed. And the darkness is still evident.

Got a chance to see the fine movie "Spotlight." It tells the story of a massive cover-up of pedophilia by priests in the Archdiocese of Boston, Massachusetts and the investigative reporters who uncovered the policy. Definitely going to win some Academy Awards. It points out what is needed for a society to function properly - an unbiased press that is not afraid to investigate and report the truth. That is in short supply here in Fort Erie.

Which brings me to the second movie that inspired me: "Trumbo." It's the story of a screen writer, who along with others in the movie industry in the late forties, was subjected to Blacklisting for being a member of the Communist Party. The fear-mongering and hatred for those who had a different political opinion was intense. (Reminded me how The Four were treated by a few after they were elected to Fort Erie Town Council in 2010.) In the end, the so-called Hollywood Ten prevailed but they paid a huge price, again, like The Four.

I just hope that 2016 brings awareness to the people of this great little town. Awareness of how self-serving people have been in control of everything and that nothing out of their wheelhouse is tolerated. Just remember the expensive billboards, fliers, ads, lawsuits and whispering campaigns that have been waged to stop anyone who dares to question the Powers that Be.

Take Care, Everyone.

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