THE STRAND BLOG

GOOD NEWS FOR NIMBYS

2012-01-31T12:48:00.001-05:00

One down; two to go.

The marina development on the Niagara Parkway is dead in the water.

In a John Robbins exclusive on Niagara Bullet, a six-year-old, $120-million-plus public-private partnership to redevelop the Niagara Parks marina ... has been scuttled.

The Niagara Parks Commission refused to renew its memo of understanding with a Kuwaiti-based developer who had planned to cut up the parkway into a massive development and marina. There is a NPC marina on the river on the proposed development site.

Neighbours will no doubt rejoice, as they should. The Niagara Parkway is one of the most scenic and intelligent uses of the road between Fort Erie and Niagara Falls. One need only look across to the American side of the river to see the opposite.

The annoucement was greeted with shock by Kim Craitor and Hizzoner from Fort Erie. Martin, ever the friend of big, intrusive developers:

Mayor Doug Martin, who sits on the NPC board as a representative for Fort Erie, said his position with the NPC makes it difficult for him to comment.
“From a town perspective though, this is a project we really embraced,” said Martin. “I hope we can find a way to get this back on track.”

No, Dougie, the residents of your community do not want:

"tripling the number of berths, as well as the construction of a luxury hotel, a 500-seat restaurant, tourism-themed shopping outlets and a 150-unit condominium development."

Peter Cormos once called it "the “Disneyfication” of public parkland."

Nothing wrong with improving the over fifty-year-old marina. Turning it into a massive development is totally out of character with the surrounding area.

Sound familiar?

A BLAST FROM THE PAST

2012-01-28T15:14:00.000-05:00

A wintery day led me to do a little housekeeping; getting rid of old newspapers and documents going back several years. They were all neatly contained in banker's boxes, but I really need to downsize and the internet makes it easier to recall information from the past. I came across a front page article that appeared in The Buffalo News on June 9, 2009. There I was, sitting on my fat ass with the infamous Bay Beach Sign. Further down in the article, the paragraph on the left jumped out at me; I scanned and enlarged it. This is what set off a lot of red flags to the people who were in attendance at the Crystal Beach Fire Hall when Mostacci spoke on May 7 of that year.

This was his vision for the Bay Beach waterfront. Not ours; his. This came from a man who commuted to work at town hall from Grimsby. This is the man who set the development of our public land into motion and this is the man who fled town to move on to another town and I'll bet he moved his family with him this time.

Now, he's gone, after leaving behind a contentious mess. How did a non-elected official have so much power in a community's future with little or no accountability to the people who pay his salary? He had already taken Ward 5 councillor Martha Lockwood on a junket to Port Credit to show her what could be done to Crystal Beach - before he even brought up the possibility of developing the Bay Beach Properties. This scheme was in his head for a long time; he waited until Doug Martin was elected and he sprung his idea (where did that come from anyways?) on council first chance he could, using the excuse that selling portions of the Bay Beach Properties would bring in much-needed revenue. Then the scheme, under his direction, morphed into a Public Private Partnership (P3) and the rest is history.

All it took was a vote on council and the game was afoot. No matter what the opposition did, it was not enough to stop the juggernaut of the Mostacci ~~Dream~~ Nightmare. Focus groups were formed and when the town didn't like the results, it set up another one. The results were skewed to make it look like people were all in favour of giving away public waterfront land to a developer who made grandiose promises that were subsequently chipped away by regulations and common sense. Remember, the original plan was for two towers. The developers knew that they wouldn't have two towers; they rigged it so that they seemed to make a generous concession by scaling back to one tower. How very kind of them.

So, in a little over a week, the next chapter in the on-going dispute will play out in Superior Court in Toronto. Mostacci should be there, but he probably won't. He has already moved on and has no intention of further defending his grand idea.

We are left with the clean-up. And clean it up we will.

SITE OF OUR OUTHOUSE IN THE SAND

2012-01-18T21:11:00.001-05:00

Mike Insalaco visited Bay Beach recently and took a bunch of pictures. Here's what happens when it gets windy and the lake does not freeze over thanks to warmer temperatures.

Somewhere beneath all this shove ice is the site for our promised outhouse in the sand.

PETE CHANNELS NEWT

2012-01-17T12:46:00.001-05:00

After his poor finish in the Iowa caucuses which he blamed on the negative ads coming from a Romney super PAC, Newt Gingrich vowed revenge. The ads in question highlighted the fact that Newt was ousted from the Speaker of the House of Representative position and was forced to pay $350,000. in reparation for possible ethics violations. Revenge is mother's milk to old Newty, who led the impeachment crusade against President Bill Clinton for lying about an affair, while he was being serviced by a woman who was not his wife. Newt's second wife was in the hospital at the time.

Newt has asked for, and received, forgiveness from his God, as now represented by the Catholic Church which grants more forgiveness to new recruits than it does to its long-term ~~believers~~ sheep.

Newt was as good as his word; his super PAC, an "arm's length political action committee" has been flooding the airwaves and internet with a video propaganda piece slamming front-runner Mitt Romney. Newty's "arm's length" minions really trashed the Mittster. Ads are now appearing all over South Carolina in anticipation of the state's primary coming up on Saturday.

So, the damage has been done. A lot of damage. Not only to Romney, but to the Republican Party. Newt doesn't care. His massive ego was bruised in Iowa and he lashed out, thinking little of how his words would effect his party's chances in the upcoming elections.

So, last Friday morning, Newt Gingrich called on a "super PAC" that supports him to withdraw commercials it ran in South Carolina criticizing Mitt Romney and his old company Bain Capital.

Does this sound familiar? The whatever-it's-being-called-this-week Bay Beach Project has its own super PAC, namely the OBB crowd. They meet regularly at the OBB. They even had a "victory luncheon" last April with town officials, who were no doubt expressing their gratitude for all the help in discrediting me and others who are against the condo tower project on public land. Last week, Peter K. the PAC's self-proclaimed leader went into full Newt mode and lashed out at me and by association, friends of mine who are totally innocent in this whole issue.

And he did this on his restaurant's Facebook page! Naturally, the blowback was swift and intense. Some have even vowed to boycott his restaurant and have told friends and family of his latest antics. (I do not agree with the public boycott of someone's business, regardless of their political stance, but I can certainly understand the sentiment behind others doing so.)

So, Peter went into damage control à la Newt with his laughable ghost-written rationale for his nasty words and lies. Just like Newt. After the damage was done.

In other news ... Today in Wisconsin, history will be made when a fork-lift truck rolls into government offices to deliver petitions gathered to recall governor Scott Walker. It is reported that structural engineers had to be called in to make sure the floor could hold the boxes containing and estimated 750,000 signed petitions that, once verified, will result in an election and a new governor for the state of Wisconsin. The petitions are said to contain well in excess of the 540,208 signatures required. This was the result of a massive effort by ordinary citizens who are disgusted by Walker's stripping of union rights and program cutting measures. This is also another example of how people can change the course of their town, state or country by gathering together and working for a common cause.

Peter and his OBB group are still smarting from the 2010 municipal elections where citizens organized to make some changes in the government of Fort Erie. So that is why the OBB super PAC is lashing out at certain new councillors. By doing so on his restaurant's Facebook page, Peter has jeopardized his family business's reputation. Nearly all his partners in this behaviour have no jobs or businesses to protect. They are free agents and can slander with impunity. And they will surely abandon Peter when the kegs run dry.

Think about it.

FUN WITH FILMS

2012-01-16T14:21:00.002-05:00

UPDATE:

I saw The Descendants and it is a very, very good film. Family drama but there's another issue: whether the descendants of early Hawaiian settlers should sell off a major parcel of land on Kauai to a developer. Must see movie. There are stunning shots of the beauty of this paradise.

I also saw Iron Lady and major awards will go to Merle Streep because she gives an uncanny, memorable performance as Margaret Thatcher. Streep goes way beyond a mere impersonation; she totally becomes Thatcher.

OK, so I forgot the ® after Oscar® but I'm getting into the award season in a big way. We are fortunate enough to live in a time where movies can be downloaded and watched on a number of devices. We, in Fort Erie are especially blessed with the wonderful Boutique Theatre in Ridgeway where we can enjoy great movies from very soft easy chairs. Also in Ridgeway, we have a great video store. Life is very good for movie buffs.

So, I sat before my warm TV to watch the Golden Globes last night because it is usually a precursor to the Big One - the Academy Awards. Nominations for Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science will announced later this month with the awards ceremony on February 26.

Last year, my "predictions" for the major awards was spot on. I'm like the horse player or pro sports bettor - except there is no money involved and the "losers" are just as good as the winners. It's the nominations that are important. The rest is politicking by producers and distributors to get bragging rights and ad advantages should their films win.

Last night, there were few surprises in the film categories. I have seen some of the films and the performances nominated but I'm anxious to see The Artist and The Descendants. I had the chance to go see War Horse yesterday, but I'm not very good at animal-related films. I was traumatized by Bambi when I was five years old and never quite got over it. I do hear that it is an excellent movie; it is based on a book and stage play (can you imagine that? A stage play?)

In an earlier comment I did forget Midnight in Paris which I totally loved. Anyone who believes that 1920s Paris was a very interesting place where artists, writers and entertainers gathered and interacted would also love this fantasy.

Of course, the esteemed Meryl Streep will win accolades for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher, but I read in the reviews that the script is weak. Roger Ebert gave it only two stars in his review. I usually agree with his assessments and have since way back when he and the late Gene Siskel had their show on PBS. Poor health has also taken Ebert from the airwaves, but he can still write excellent reviews.

The wonder that is The Artist has the critics raving. It's in black and white and is basically silent - like the real old movies of yore. It won a Golden Globe in the best comedy or musical category. Unfortunately, there is no such separation in the best movie award at the Oscars®. I think that it will be a toss-up between The Descendants and The Artist.

The Help, which is a superb adaption of a great book should get some awards, although it is up against stiff competition in the acting categories. So many great performances by women in 2011. Octavia Spencer won a Golden Globe last night as outstanding supporting actress in a drama for The Help. Well deserved, but the ensemble cast of the film should be eligible for a special award, which they should receive at the Screen Actors Guild awards at the end of the month. Jessica Chastain is an actress to watch. She played a pivotal role in The Help and then turned it all around as Brad Pitt's long-suffering wife in Tree of Life.

Personally, I would like to see Tilda Swinton win an award for We Need to Talk About Kevin which, so far to me, was the most unforgettable performance and movie of the year. Devastating. And a shout-out to John C Reilly, who has an impressive resumé as a cast member in award-winning movies. Well, he's in two major contenders this year: Carnage and We Need to Talk About Kevin. (He was also hilariously funny in Cedar Rapids.) He's the true definition of a character actor.

So, I'm enjoying this award season. It certainly helps get through a long winter. Just think of it as the Super Bowl for movie geeks.

Sure beats talking about local politics. On that note, I will say that the dark side has quieted down, except for some comments by a guy who seems to have no other place to vent - ever since they were warned to cut out the crap.

They should chill out and watch a good movie. Might I suggest Sunshine State?

YOUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK

2012-01-13T23:06:00.000-05:00

It has finally been revealed how much in taxpayer dollars was spent by the EDTC to sue me for slander.

$35,000.

Just savour that for a moment. Your tax money was used to bring a suit against a blogger. This course of action was voted for by the board of the EDTC with Mayor Doug Martin and former Councillor Sandy Annunziata voting to spend taxpayer dollars to sue me for slander.

Nothing more to say about that. I did want to address the latest coming from the dark side/Jarvis Street Brigade. Apparently I'm being accused of posting anonymous comments on my own blog. The "proof" of this was in a response to a remark that I am accused of never having posted. Except that I did post the nonsense and now I know who sent it in. No surprise there. It's fairly easy to figure out the origin of many postings. The trolls all have "tells" in their grammar, phraseology and spelling.

And the attacks on my friend have continued. She has even been accused of being a member of the FOCB which she has never been. Please leave her alone, you fools. She has a lot more on her plate than to be upset by your lies and baseless accusations.

Normally, I would laugh at the ravings of the trolls, but the attacks on my friend are outrageous. As outrageous as wasting taxpayer money on a frivolous lawsuit.

WAS IT SOMETHING I SAID?

2012-01-12T19:17:00.000-05:00

NEWS FLASH: According to a reliable source, it is reported that the EDTC spent $30-35,000. to sue yours truly.

Bwah! Must have been. Whatever it was, it sent Moneyballs over the edge. He even went so far as to brag about helping a cancer charity when he did not. And he calls me a liar. He and his friend trashed a local volunteer and cancer patient. And he accuses me of slander.

I saw a news blurb that says that the Peace Bridge Expansion is dead in the water. I can't help thinking that if weren't for local nimbies and obstructionists, there would now be a spanking new bridge across to the States, a privately funded bridge that would have brought jobs and commerce to Fort Erie. It was called the Ambassador Bridge like its counterparts in Detroit.

Shortly after the Ambassador Project was announced the Peace Bridge Authority jumped up and said that a companion bridge to the over seventy-year-old bridge would be built. And the Bridge on the River Lie began and continued on for a decade and ended, just as predicted, with a whimper - and a blurb in the news. Anyone remember all those meetings and the angst when people decided that the Ambassador's location idea was the best place for a new bridge? Add to that the quick purchase by the PBA of the Coal Docks and the old Mentholatum Building and the later disposal of the properties as the Attorney General of New York started to ask questions about why the properties were bought by the PBA as they were not necessary to the Peace Bridge expansion. And then the town bailing the PBA by taking over the Mentholatum Building and spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to bring the place up to code?

Eventually, the Ambassador people got the message and pulled up stakes and left town.

How unfortunate that the town leaders, including the mayor were so against the Ambassador Bridge, since they are all for development in Fort Erie. Just not the Ambassador Bridge development.

UPDATE: Article on the Ambassador Bridge owner who was jailed in Detroit.

WE'RE STILL OPPOSED

2012-01-10T15:05:00.000-05:00

Yes, we don't give up easily. After all, some of us have been fighting to save the Bay Beach Properties for over ten years, practically since it was bought. And we will not give up until the bitter end.

Yes, I received the links to articles about councillors being sued by developers. The difference in the Bay Beach situation is that there are so many things wrong with the deal that anyone who voted in favour of it should be sued. You might want to look up the term S.L.A.P.P. Lawsuit while you're surfing the 'net for links that support your argument.

We started out the year with a shot across the bow of the OBB, especially the owner who did not disappoint. When pushed, he always says something stupid on Facebook. That's because he's getting more attention than he ever received in his life and it has gone to his head. Most smart restaurant owners are too busy working to find the time to pontificate on Facebook about local issues.The operative word is "smart."

I know that some people were wondering why the Bay Beach issue was brought up once again at Monday night's (January 9, 2012) Council in Committee Meeting, but, one has to wonder why the town is so reluctant to share the so called "final draft" of the site plan. It is good to question the "site plan" as there were serious mistakes made on previous versions of the plans. The answer put forth by Heather Salter does not inspire confidence that there wouldn't be surprises in the so called "site plan."

And the reason why many of us are suspicious is that we have been lied to before by the developers, certain departed town staff and others. As I pointed out in The Strand, Ron Tripp was aware that the Ministry of Natural Resources (which has still not issued a permit to build) required a toad habitat to be set aside and the developers decided to use almost all the public property on the south side of Erie for that purpose. Which, of course, wiped out many of the so-called "amenities" we were supposed to get in exchange for giving a large portion of the property to the Molinaros.

Then, we can go back to the very beginning when the "focus groups" were put together and the results skewed to make it look like there was support for the condo towers when there wasn't. Then came a second waltz around the dance floor until they got all the dancers in lockstep.

Then there was a phony poll of the Crystal Beach businesses that was later denied. The site plan that included a property on a side street and a balcony that appeared; was "removed" and returned while the Molinaro's architect said that an agreement with the next door family was never reached and on and on.

The pro-condo people only had to change one vote or the deal would have been cancelled, so they set their sights on the weak link and made sure he turned away from his promise to the people who worked and voted for him. That's politics, folks. At least, it's the dark side of politics.

Is it any wonder that John Hill and Don Lubberts want to see this "final draft of the site plan?"

Quick! Before it changes again!

WHAT HAVE WE HERE?

2012-01-03T12:42:00.000-05:00

Niagara Commercial Properties - Industrial and Commercial Real Estate in Niagara Canada

UPDATE: Oh dear! Our totally committed and over zealous restauranteur has put his Fort Erie property up for sale and is planning to leave town! (Boy, did this statement ever bring out the trolls! For publishing this information and commenting on it, I have awakened the crazies on Facebook - with their lies and childish name-calling. Get some better material, boys. We all need a good laugh.

It's official, according to the commercial real estate listing above. I wonder if Peter K. will blame the four councillors for his bailing out on the town he is supposedly so proud of. Or will he blame his leaving on being thrown off the board of the Bridgeburg BIA for posting insulting comments about elected officials on his restaurant's Facebook page? Or was it his general bad attitude because he didn't get an award from the local Chamber of Commerce? Or was his "creative writing" on documents that was finally the last straw? (Peter still has not come up with an excuse/reason for his handwriting skills on legal documents that defy the space and time continuum.)

No, he's a hypocrite, taking his leave before the storm hits. As the carefully constructed web of lies starts to unravel and the desperation of a few begins to make itself evident, the rats are quickly leaving the sinking ship. Think Rino Mostacci and Harry Schlange.

This is rich in irony. While those of us who want to make this town better and are trying to prevent a major mistake at Bay Beach, remain in town, the self-appointed leader of the pro-Molinaro contingent decides to blow this Popsicle stand. So much for all the promise of a shot in the arm to the local economy from that development, the marina on the Parkway and the Not NASCAR Speedway. If we are to believe Peter K. and his friends, the streets will run with money once these developments are complete. So, why not stick around to enjoy the bonanza, Peter? Oh, that's right. He's selling his restaurant property, but plans to stay in Fort Erie, paying rent - once he pays off his brother who finally has had enough of the BS.

Peter wants to take advantage of the "investor" who is buying commercial properties on Jarvis Street. Is this the one who has the listing that is from Toronto? Is this the same one that was involved in Thorold?

A correction: the property at 35 Jarvis Street is owned by Peter and Sam; the property at 41 Jarvis (Old Bank Bistro) is owned by Costa, Peter and Sam. Which brings the question: why would Peter want to sell the restaurant property? There are many answers coming back from people who know the restaurant business and the real estate business and it doesn't add up with the statements made by Peter for all to hear. (BTW, Peter is not listed as an owner on any property in Niagara Falls.)

Peter has publicly stated that he was through with Fort Erie and was moving "his operation" to Niagara Falls.

Many of us are hoping that the properties sell so the family can move on. Peter has done a lot of bragging about what he has. He has access to a lot through his father, who worked hard and built the business for his family. Peter is the recipient of that hard work. He has probably worked to maintain it, but it was handed to him by his father. Not many people have that opportunity and Peter should be grateful that he was born to it. Instead he brags about it as though he was responsible for it all.

Such hubris often precedes failure.

From The Island of Misfit Toys ...

2011-12-20T22:46:00.003-05:00

Some of us don't quite fit into the mold that has been used millions of times to create people who follow others' agendas and talking points.

We are the ones who asked the off-the-wall questions of our parents and were never completely satisfied with the answers provided.

It was the same in school - and in church. Always asking questions and testing the limits of patience and tradition, which we took as something that was our birthright. We came from families that encouraged open rebellion and we reveled in stories of iconoclastic relatives' exploits. We were brought up to take nothing for granted and to learn, question and evaluate an issue, not on what we were told, but what our guts and mind tell us.

So, some of us ended up on the Island of Misfit Toys. In my case, I've been on the island a long time, having earned my place back in the turbulent 1960s. We questioned a war; we questioned racial inequality and, I organized a group of women into a powerful force within a very repressive work place. Along the way, I learned that some people don't like to be told that they're hawkish, racist, sexist fools.

So, it doesn't surprise me when I receive what I can only guess are "drunk written comments" on my blog calling me everything, including the anti-Christ. So 1969, really.

The Bay Beach situation will play out as all such issues do eventually. There will be an ugly scar on the landscape of Fort Erie's psyche regardless of the outcome. Time will tell as to whom was really right on this issue.

Of course, speaking from my perch on the Island of Misfit Toys, I know that the now re-christened development sits like a large lump of coal in my Christmas stocking.

Editor's Note: This season has brought a lot of heartache to friends and neighbours with the untimely loss of loved ones. I understand your grief. And I have you in my thoughts and prayers.

TRISH ROMANCE GETS HER WAY IN NOTL

2011-12-14T01:08:00.000-05:00

In a situation reminiscent to the Bay Beach Project, a developer rules over the concerns of the people of the community. This time, the "developer" is well-known artist Trisha Romance who often used local settings as backdrops to her pricey limited edition prints and watercolours.

Romance’s inn plan narrowly wins approval in Niagara-on-the-Lake

By Suzanne Mason QMI Agency

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE — Lord Mayor Dave Eke broke a tie on council Monday by voting in favour of zoning changes to allow The Romance Inn and Art Centre to be built on the Randwood Estate.

Ms. Romance and her husband Gary Peterson will soon begin converting the property into an inn, art centre and entertainment centre. But four Niagara-on-the-Lake councillors spoke out against the zoning changes. And they were backed up by the partisan audience.

But it was to no avail. Developers seem to rule in this time we live in, especially developers who are well-known in the community and the world beyond. And, those opposed to the hasty approval of the zoning change no doubt will be called "obstructionists." Questions and concerns are glossed over and the threat of the OMB loomed large over the meeting. Then they were told that changes could be made when the site plan comes up for approval. (We know how well that worked out in Fort Erie.) And like the people of Port Dalhousie and Fort Erie, the people of N-O-T-L will have the bitter pill of not-smart development to taste for eternity.

And I still have to ask the question: why is the whole rezoning/site plan approval process so sloppy and confusing? Why are there major gaps and unanswered questions left whenever there's a controversial development? Why can the planners, etc. not stop long enough to answer questions and concerns and make sure that everyone gets the information in a timely manner?

BAY BEACH DEAL REALLY SMELLS NOW

2011-11-28T17:19:00.001-05:00

And we thought the Bay Beach deal smelled bad when it was first foisted on the people of Fort Erie. Now it smells to high heaven. Smells so bad that the mayor and certain staff members are pushing hard to divest the people of their public property before the deal goes completely toxic and is stopped as a result of a court ruling.

On December 5, if Doug Martin has his way, the incomplete Bay Beach Site Plan will be accepted and, as soon as the Ministry of Natural Resources signs off on the Toad Allowance, it's "Let the building begin!" and the Molinaros will take possession of our public waterfront property.

Meanwhile, those of us whose sense of smell hasn't suffered self-inflicted ruin, will be assailed with a miasma of even more disgusting odours than the original smell of a dirty deal that has permeated the entire landscape of town. A dirty deal that, in order to convince people that it is not a dirty deal, those who stand to gain by the deal have had to create anonymously written blogs; anonymously published and paid for mail-outs; and anonymously paid for billboards. And it still stinks.

A change at council; OMB appeals; signs, a rally; numerous presentations at council and a dedicated group of people who keep pointing out that the deal smells, soldier on, despite a concerted effort to shut them down. However, no amount of Febreze will take away the lingering odour of backroom sweat and unfiltered greed wafting from town hall. The little players in this drama troll the internet and lob invective at those opposed to the Molinaro Deal. They will do almost anything to gain favour with the dealmakers (as long as they can hide behind their anonymity.) For their work, they are allowed a certain amount of egress to the inner circle. Of course, they will be summarily dumped once their usefulness is done. They are the serfs to the lord of the manor who wants to take the last piece of public beachfront property in Crystal Beach and place a fortress, a vertical gated community on the people's land. They stand, clutching their forelocks, desperate to prove to their sponsors that their anonymous ramblings are making a dent in the opposition.

But we know when a smell gets so bad that nothing will cover it up - no distraction can overcome a malodorous pile of bad planning.

The needed studies to make an intelligent decision on the site plan are strangely missing.

"Examples include the Stormwater Management Report, Environmental ImpactStudy (to assess beach erosion), Tree Preservation Plan (for nearbyneighbours' trees), drawings showing the height of the"underground" parking garage, and a drawing showing what theeast side of the building will look like (East Elevation)."
-Marcia Carlyn

No wonder it smells! They haven't even checked all the boxes on the form yet. Yes, they're trying to rush this one through, thinking that, if they move fast, the smell won't be noticed.

Got news for Hizzoner and friends: It stinks. It was rotten from the get-go and we know it. Soon, we hope, a Superior Court Judge will also get a whiff.

Court date February 8, 2012.

A THOUSAND LITTLE PIECES

2011-11-11T12:43:00.001-05:00


Former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky (AP)

On this particular Remembrance Day, my thoughts are distracted by recent revelations of possible sexual abuse of young boys by former Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky and the apparent cover-up of the abuse by university officials, including the revered head coach of the Nittany Lions, Joe Paterno.

The victims of these alleged crimes join thousands, if not millions of children across the world who have been abused by men of power and privilege. They suffered in silence, or when they did speak up, they were further victimized and called liars.

We do not lay wreaths on the graves of those who committed suicide or died as a direct result of the abuse. Mostly, we ignore the problem until the headlines scream at us and we can't look away from the issue any longer. As soon as this latest scandal blows over, we will probably return to complacency until the next revelation. Or, we can behave like the fans of "Joe-Pa," the high priest of the Church of the Pigskin God who was fired for apparently doing little or nothing while the abuses went on for years. We can defend and support these men and those who cover up for them like the Penn State fans who took to the streets and "cried foul" when their hero was fired, completely forgetting the young victims who had no voice when they were allegedly abused by Sandusky. In the Penn State football locker room. Witnessed on one occasion by another coach who did nothing to stop or report the incident to police. Until the next day.

In this upside-down world we now live in, where idiocy is championed (see Rick "oops!" Perry;) sexual harassment shrugged off (see Herman Cain;) war crimes are ignored and people who prey on young children often remain in positions of power and influence, we have to wonder how our values got so screwed up that such behaviors are tolerated - and even celebrated.

Anyone who is not aware or directly privy to details of predatory behaviour towards young children is either in deep denial or part of the problem.

In my own life, I can recount stories and incidents of such abuse. Earlier, I wrote of my own mother's crusade against a boy scout leader she suspected of abuse. She was right, as it turned out, but she took a lot of flak for her relentless campaign to expose the abuse. (Today, she would probably be sued for harassment.)

There is a lot of anecdotal evidence and gossip about sexual abuse of young boys in the Catholic Church. There was even a scandal at my home parish in Buffalo. The matter was deftly handled and the miscreant disappeared into the Church bureaucracy - the Vatican's own Predator Protection Program.

Then there were the cover-ups at the university I attended which was also a member of the Church of the Pigskin God. I did not hear of pederasty, but there were gang rapes; serious assaults and other major crimes committed by the football elite - all covered up for the sake of the Pigskin God (and the fat checks from the alumni.)

I also remember a very well-known and powerful local political figure who liked "young boys." The stories were incessant and very believable, yet the man, a married, Catholic father continued on, riding his high horse into political fields and being a kingmaker. No one dared expose this man. Yes, I was in a position to know about his crimes, but I did not possess the power, or the courage to do anything about it. I was not as brave as my mother.

Unfortunately, this is not an American-centric situation. Canada has had its share of sexual abuse scandals. The treatment of Aboriginals in church-run schools is gut-wrenching; the Maple Leaf Gardens scandal; and even a couple of home-grown incidents should make us all realize that the criminal acts so far exposed are just the tip of the iceberg. The devastation is immeasurable; the evil unfathomable. The pattern is the same: power = abuse = cover-up = death of innocence.

This Remembrance Day, I'm going to say a few prayers for all the victims of childhood sexual abuse, for they are the forgotten ones.

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." (Edmund Burke)

ARE YOU SURPRISED?

2011-11-04T11:28:00.001-04:00

John Robbins of Bullet News has the exclusive:

Company looking to invest $45M in Fort Erie turned down for provincial aid

Well, that was a big surprise. Not. And for all the reasons I pointed out a couple of days ago on this blog. Yes, I know there were 340 jobs promised but this promise has taken place in at least one other community and the deals have fallen through. The reason given by the province is that the company GreenSafe has not done business in Ontario for three years. My Translation: any excuse will do because this company has no track record and why do they think they can get $10 million for an "idea?"

I also notice that Robbins pointed out, as I did that "The Liberals have also come under heavy fire from both opposition parties earlier this week for past financial support given to another Niagara-based company – video game software developer Silicon Knights Inc., of St. Catharines – which just announced it has laid off 45 people, more than half its workforce."

Until the dust settles on the Silicon Knights story, the province must be a bit reluctant to hand over millions of dollars based on a proposal. That is a good thing. Jobs are a good thing, but they must be secure, well-paying jobs - a rarity in today's tough market.

The Conservatives have also funded companies that have gone under or moved, like Robbins reports in his story about the Niagara Falls Chef Boyardee plant that closed and left after major funding from the Tories.

As I opined in the earlier post: there are companies that can smell desperation in a community and Fort Erie is desperate for jobs. That is no excuse however, for a community to jump on board any idea or proposal based solely on a company's PR campaign. It would seem that if GreenSafe were such a good deal, the company would have been up and running a long time ago.

What about this?

Fort Erie handle declines

More bad news. Are you surprised? Someone has to take aggressive steps to bring highly skilled jobs into Fort Erie - not just the minimum wage jobs at a gambling facility. As soon as the backstretch closes, there are many lay-offs. The large employment figure bandied about with regard to the track and slots is very misleading. Most employees now are part time, their hours being cut due to low attendance and fewer gamblers. We already have the Pharma plant in severe jeopardy with little or no hope of saving. Hiring a "consultant" to look into the matter was a waste of the taxpayers' money. (Please do not misunderstand my pessimism as anti-Fort Erie. The unemployment crisis has been going on for several years. In fact, I wrote a piece for a local newspaper in 1992 that could almost be reprinted word-for-word today. The headline read: Fort Erie Unemployment has reached "critical mass." And, you know what? Some of the same people were in positions of authority in this town back then and still are. Almost laughable if it weren't so tragic.)

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE DROP DEAD/THREAT BY GREENSAFE?

2011-11-02T11:57:00.000-04:00

Well, the hobgoblins, witches and monsters have returned to storage for another year and Fort Erie is enjoying a beautiful Indian Summer. Along with the Halloween costumes and decorations, has the GreenSafe deal also been relegated to the scrap heap? Not a peep from them as their extortionate deadline has come and gone.

What is it about Fort Erie? Does the desperation for jobs give off some kind of secret scent that draws speculators? And this company had the balls to demand that the province and feds cough up $10 million on a promise of 340 jobs. And the town was given a month to find the funding ... or else. Ironically, GreenSafe gave Halloween as the "drop dead date."

So, what happened? GreenSafe, to date, is a company without a location, having been in business for over three years.

"The company came close to a ground-breaking in Caraquet, N.B., in October 2009, but plans fell apart."

Hmm. Perhaps the town of Caraquet suffered the same fate for not coming up with the money in a timely fashion. Note the date. Two years ago. No other town has jumped on the GreenSafe bandwagon in the ensuing two years.

And then, the news in the Niagara Falls Review that "A St. Catharines video-game development studio that received a $4 million federal job creation loan 18 months ago has laid off more than half its staff." Oh snap! "The indebted Government of Canada gave Silicon Knights a $4-million loan in April 2010 that was supposed to have immediately created 65 new jobs, on top of the then existing 100 positions." Forty-five employees will lose their jobs in the lay-off. No word yet as to what happened to a $1 million grant from the province or a proposed $2.5 million "job grant."

What this says that, despite government funding and assurances, companies go under and cannot fulfill the promise of jobs. Please keep this in mind before you blindly follow those flashing shiny objects (in this case jobs) that are often waved in front of our elected officials and the EDTC. It is up to our elected and non-elected officials to separate the wheat from the chaff; the real from the scams.

And pardon me, if I get a hinky feeling every time some new developer or purported "job creator" blows into town; gives a press conference; appears at council and promises jobs galore for our highly unemployed and unemployable population. And then demands money.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2011-10-29T14:41:00.000-04:00

I hope that everyone enjoys this Halloween season. In many communities across North America, corn mazes are cropping up for the enjoyment of children of all ages. I found this picture of a maze and it seemed appropriate for Fort Erie. How cool is this?

I have read two other reports of the Town Hall Meeting held on Thursday evening in Ridgeway, hosted by Ward 4 Councillor John Hill. One was from an attendee, perhaps one of the gaggle of women in attendance who support Marina Butler and her employee, Martha Lockwood. One of them was sending updates of the meeting to others via her Blackberry. So important that someone felt compelled to give live coverage to the OBB boys back at their clubhouse. That person's account was skewed towards her personal opinion. Frankly, so was mine, but I did get the facts and dialogue right. (Except for the location of a " touchable" lighthouse.)

The second account was presented as an editorial comment by Fort Erie Times editor Kris Dube and much of what he said mirrored my observations. He was complimentary of the initiative and, more importantly, the bahviour of all those in attendance.

To me, that was the most important aspect of the whole exercise. People can come together and exchange ideas and ask questions without devolving into childish behaviour and insults. We have seen some examples of rowdyism and disrespect at recent town meetings while the mayor often loses control of a meeting. Fortunately, that did not happen on Thursday night.

It is hoped that last week's Facebook Fiasco and the blowback that the OBB crowd received for their foolishness will cause those who do possess working brain cells to look into the issues before they follow the preachings of people who have an agenda. And that includes me. I still stand by everything that I have written and welcome any reasoned challenge. Rather than spell out my so called "lies," some prefer to dip into the murky waters of defamation of character which, when last I checked, was actionable. Everyone knows my financial situation does not warrant spending money on a lawsuit, but recently, I have been approached by legal representatives who do want to assist me in filing a suit regarding my previous lawsuit with the Fort Erie Economic Development and Tourism Corporation. New information has come to light.

I think that some of those who read my blog and website do not understand the basic nature of blogs/websites. The internet has provided people like me a fairly inexpensive way to express our opinions and concerns about any number of issues. I have been writing about local politics since 2002. Newer blogs have devoted themselves to trashing me, rather than offer viable alternatives to my opinions. Simply calling someone a liar is not productive. Showing proof or offering valid information is the best way to provide the people with alternatives so that they can make a reasoned opinion on an issue.

Until such time as bloggers reveal their true names, their postings lack credibility. People with brains and who are critical thinkers do not need to hide behind an avatar.

Sharon Bowers, Editor

HOMETOWN BLUES

2011-10-25T12:32:00.000-04:00

A group of residents in West Lincoln is working hard to prevent the installation of wind towers in their area. They feel that the wind energy turbines will do great damage to their health, environment and their property values.

Port Dalhousie is about to undergo a transformation with the building of a tower and all new business district despite a protracted David and Goliath battle between a group of residents and the developer.

Fort Erie has two on-going challenges: the Molinaro Project and the Canadian Motor Speedway that have been discussed to death in the local media and this blog.

The question one might ask is: "Why is this going on and what is the reason for the disconnect between local governments and the people ?"

I can only offer my thoughts regarding Fort Erie, but I do believe the other communities share a common thread. It is not as simple as the charge that these people are "anti-development." It's not that those in opposition do not want any changes to their way of life. It is not a case of class warfare either. I believe that the opposition to these projects is a direct result of a more educated and aware populace, many of whom cut their teeth during the turbulent 1960s and who have learned and lived that old screed, "You can't trust anyone over thirty." Now, they're way over thirty and do not like being dictated to by developers and complicit local politicians. This is very evident in Fort Erie which once enjoyed fiscal abundance due to thriving factories; a world famous amusement park; a popular horse track and a massive stockpile of tax dollars thanks to American summer residents who only graced the town with their presence for three months of the year.

The divide between the "locals" and the American summer residents grew as the economic situation in Fort Erie began to dim with the closure of factories and the amusement park. Crystal Beach took the hardest hit; it then became a "welfare dumping ground" for the province. Property values plummeted and areas were red-lined by mortgage lenders. Groups like The Friends of Crystal Beach and the Crystal Beach Improvement Area sprung up in the early 1990s, dedicated to cleaning up Crystal Beach and making the town enforce property standards. It was a rough ride but they made great strides towards bringing the Beach back from near distinction.

Meanwhile, the demographics of Fort Erie started to change. Those born and raised in Fort Erie were becoming a minority as people immigrated or migrated to Fort Erie. Retired, well-educated people chose to buy into the quieter, less frantic lifestyle offered in Fort Erie. Its nearness to the United States was a bonus. Hometown people, who moved away in search of better employment opportunities returned upon retirement. The American presence waned as subsequent generations of original cottage owners chose other venues for holidays. Fort Erie opened its arms to refugees from troubled countries and many of these new arrivals stayed on in the area. A large influx of people from the GTA, escaping huge housing costs chose to live in Fort Erie and commute, either physically or digitally to their jobs in Toronto.

To those who did not like change, this was very upsetting. Some homegrown residents felt entitled to a superior position on local issues and quickly dismissed the opinions and the desires of these "newcomers." They do not take into account that the new arrivals may possess much more experience and knowledge about municipal affairs and what constitutes good town planning. Heck, many of them have even read books by or met the late Jane Jacobs, the acknowledged maven of city planning.

There was bound to be a clash. The homies were quite content with the way their local government ran. They knew or were related to the town movers and shakers. The town, being one of the largest employers in the area, offered a decent job - if one knew the right people. Other, not so fortunate young people, took their educations and their dreams elsewhere, reluctantly, because many wanted to remain in Fort Erie, but there was no future. Unless they liked working at the racetrack or in some minimum wage job like Wal-Mart. Pretty grim prospects for the youth of Fort Erie unless one was plugged in to the old guard..

The local politicos decided that a twelve story tower would be the catalyst to bring prosperity to Crystal Beach; a not NASCAR speedway would bring hundreds of jobs to the town; and a marina, cut into the scenic Niagara Parkway would bring much-needed tax money to the dwindling coffers of the town. In past years, this would have gone through without a hiccup, but, thanks in large part to the "new blood" in town, there has been loud and well-organized opposition to these projects.

Some remembered a developer's intent to put a golf course on the Niagara Parkway in Fort Erie several years ago that would have disturbed sensitive wetlands and nearby property owners. That development was shelved after the neighbours won an OMB appeal. It was the first salvo across the bow of the old guard at town hall, but they failed to heed the warning.

And so the battle wages on. The marina seems to be in limbo, nothing new there; the Molinaro Project is to be argued in Toronto Superior Court early in 2012; and the OMB hearing regarding the Canadian Motor Speedway will also take place early in the new year.

Some of those who are angry about the opposition to the projects fail to see that this is a true example of democracy in action. The election of 2010 was another example of that. While they rail against four councillors who were elected by large margins, their anger is wildly misplaced. They should be angry that those who agree with their stance but did not vote; they should be angry that the failed policies of previous administrations did not go unnoticed by the voters; they should be angry that these developments will not keep the town's youth from exiting for better opportunities; and they should be angry with themselves for their previous complacency.

Unfortunately a small group of these people has chosen to express their anger in unproductive ways. They wage smear campaigns against four duly-elected councillors; they erected an insulting billboard on the main road and they behave so badly on Facebook that even former supporters are deserting them. They are showing themselves as childish, ignorant and against the very principals upon which this great country was founded.

Is this how they want their children to view them as a role model? In this digital age, postings on social media can be preserved for eternity. Do they really want their children to read this stuff when they grow older?

One of the homie group has now anointed himself as the "keeper of the truth." His truth. His delusion is now complete. And completely dangerous. This is an example of a person who has become so invested in an issue that he loses all perspective.

I know that I will be very upset if the condo project goes ahead; I will mourn for a while and then get on with life, as will the others who are opposed to the tower. I'm sure I'll find some other issue to keep my fingers busy on the keyboard.

IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR

2011-10-20T23:43:00.000-04:00

The yearly angst-filled discussions have begun in earnest in Fort Erie and already, the naysayers are railing against the four councillors because it is estimated that taxes will rise 9% in 2012.

A hike in taxes is never good news, especially in a town that is suffering from record unemployment; house foreclosures; and poverty levels.

Those who blame The Four for the tax increases must not have been paying attention back in 2008.

So, I'll refresh their memory:

"The Town of Fort Erie's operating and capital budgets for 2008 have been rubber-stamped.

On Monday night, Fort Erie Town council and staff approved its budget, which will result in local taxpayers seeing an 11.74 per cent increase on their tax bill owed to the Town of Fort Erie. This will be a monthly increase of $6.69 per month for the owner of a $138,000 home, which is the average assessment in Greater Fort Erie.
To some people this is far too high of an increase, though Mayor Doug Martin said in last week's edition of The Times that the real increase is only 3.85 per cent on the average taxpayer's bill, since the Niagara Region and school board's tax rates will stay at zero for 2008.
Martin told The Times last week that in order to fix the problems that have angered several Fort Erie residents, money needs to be allocated towards making the situation better, whatever it may be. He used the condition of some of the roads in Fort Erie as an example.
"Everyone has said...we're not putting enough money into fixing our roads," said Martin.
"Well, it costs you so many dollars to have a status quo budget...if you want to do more you have to put money into it," said Martin.
Costa Koutroulakis, the proprietor of a small business on Jarvis Street, is not impressed with the approved tax increase for a few reasons. He was not the only person in attendance on Monday who stepped up to the podium and expressed their concern. There were seven other residents who thought the tax hike was too much.
"I am extremely disappointed and shocked that we are looking at an 11.74 per cent local tax increase this year," said Koutroulakis.
He is also upset about this being the second large tax hike in two years, totaling the increase to 21.54 per cent over the last 13 months. Last year's budget brought on a 9.8 per cent increase for local taxpayers.
On Nov. 19, 2007, Town council passed a recommendation initialized by Ward 2 Coun. Rick Shular, to limit the increase in taxes to four per cent.
"Today we are faced with an almost 12 per cent increase...how can this happen?" said Koutroulakis."

Meanwhile, Costa's brother, Peter Koutroulakis spends his off time on Facebook trashing The Four councillors who were duly-elected in 2010. Where was Peter back in 2008? Or, for that matter, 2009?

Times are tough - and for many Fort Erie residents, they're about to get tougher.

Council approved its 2009 consolidated operating budget Wednesday, approving a 5.9 per cent increase in the amount of property tax the town needs to collect. The impact on the homeowners' total tax bill - which includes the region - is expected to be 3.8 per cent.
Final approval could come March 9.
Fort Erie's financial operating plan currently stands at $16.4 million, which will cost the average homeowner about $85 more in 2009 compared to last year, or slightly more than $7 per month.
That's based on the average property. Town hall considers $145,000 to be the average assessed value of a home in Fort Erie.
"We're in a recession. These are tough economic times. People are unemployed, some are on welfare and many are losing their jobs," said Coun. Ann-Marie Noyes.
"I can't be in support of this kind of increase."
Noyes called for a cut in staffing levels and questioned the hiring of a co-ordinator to assist in the town's War of 1812 bicentennial celebrations, as well as the extension of a health and wellness co-ordinator contract position.
"Hard decisions have to be made and staffing is one of them - that's the biggest driver of our budget," Noyes said after the meeting.
"No one likes to see staffing cuts, but this should be a belt-tightening, back to basics budget.
"I have a hard time hiring anybody in this economic climate."

Mayor Doug Martin didn't agree.

"The easy thing to say is, 'Let's just cut staff.' But what do those people do?,"
Martin said to Noyes. "Where are you going to cut the staff and what will happen to those staffed services and programs?
"Give me an alternative. Give me specifics."
Martin said much of the tax increase is beyond council's control.
Town staff predicts a shortfall in bank interest income of $254,000, and a reduction in
building permit revenue of $72,000.
"The tax increase for municipal purposes is almost at zero," Martin told The Review. "But with the reassessment of Nordic (Gaming, the slots owner) and the shift from the commercial portion of that (property) to the residential, that's half a percentage point on taxes right there.
"Also, we as a council made a conscious decision during our strategic planning to reduce our reliance on gaming. We're also addressing the need to put more money in the ground ... that has been neglected for a number of years."
Council will continue reducing its dependence on gaming revenues to cover base services by $82,000 and shift $75,000 of economic development funding to the levy, resulting in a one per cent increase in the budget.
The town will spend $450,000 to address its infrastructure gap, increasing the levy by nearly three per cent. An infrastructure gap is the difference between the current condition of a municipality's roads, sewers and facilities, compared to where it should be.
Council sliced its commitment to fund the Economic Development and Tourism Corp.'s GTA marketing campaign.
The marketing campaign contribution would drop to $20,000 from $85,000 in 2008. They will contribute $250,000 from this year's gaming revenues to the EDTC as part of a non-refundable deposit for the purchase of the Fort Erie Race Track from owner Nordic Gaming.
The contribution is subject to the EDTC securing other financial resources.
Meanwhile, Sunday library hours will continue in 2009 at a $10,000 cost.
Council decided not to put $10,000 toward the Santa Claus parade. Instead, politicians hope service clubs and organizations can operate bingos and raise the necessary funds to ensure the popular event takes place this year.
A lack of money put the future of the parade in doubt last year. But a committee of volunteers came together to secure enough private sponsorships to cover the cost of the event, which turned out to be a success.
There was also a lengthy debate about a $22,000 request from the town's business improvement areas for watering floral planters. The request, which was approved by council, will be for labour and water costs to be divided equally amongst the Bridgeburg, Crystal Beach and Ridgeway BIAs, as well as the Stevensville Kinettes.
"I love to have flowers in every community, but I have problem allocating tax dollars to it, especially in the economic world we live in right now," said Coun. Bob Steckley.
"In talking with my constituents, they feel that if business people think this will improve their neighbourhood and bring business to their district, then they should be the ones ponying up."
But many of Steckley's colleagues didn't think the request unreasonable.
"This is a beautification program to support our local business districts, not just $22,000 to water plants," said Coun. Sandy Annunziata.

Any questions?

THIS SURE NEEDS SOME 'SPLAININ'

2011-10-15T11:05:00.000-04:00

Will someone please explain this to me?

Fort Erie, a horse track near Buffalo, N.Y., listed a $50,066 payoff for a recent superfecta. The "super" is a wager that requires a bettor to correctly choose a race's first four finishers in order.
But digging a bit revealed that all superfecta wagers on the Fort Erie race totaled only $6,784.
There were no other dollars in the pot.
Most tracks offer dime wagers on superfectas. Though only a few dime bets might nail a superfecta, many tracks still act like there was a $1 or $2 superfecta payoff. Fort Erie did it for the race in question.
Say a track lists a $160,000 superfecta payoff. In truth, only four dime patrons have won $2,000 bets. Magnifying the four dime wins into a $2 payout presents a fictional $160,000 bonanza.
Misstated superfecta payoffs wouldn't fit the description of truth in packaging. Why should we be led to believe Oklahoma's Remington Park made a $143,890 superfecta payoff with only $9,468 in the wagering pool?
Streaming text of "changes" or "corrections" is another practice in desperate need of repair. On in-house screens, tracks display changes before and during programs. Changes are supposed to be an increase in a horse's assigned weight, a jockey switch, a medication alteration or an equipment change, such as "blinkers" to focus a horse's vision.
Instead, tracks clutter their essential changes text with shameless promotions and silly updates. It's fair to ask: If a track plans a garage sale of used stable items, should that event also stream with legitimate changes?
In this decidedly decentralized sport, most tracks function autonomously. If they do things well, they keep doing things well. If they do things poorly, expect more of the same. There's no correcting authority beyond rules enforcers. They have little say in vision or innovation.
Failure to establish a national racing commissioner's office continues to weaken the sport. Absent a commissioner, a national oversight group could evaluate the sport head-to-toe, suggest improvements and almost surely upgrade the sport's future. One immediate change would be never to mislead the customer on superfecta payoffs.
So here we are, three weeks from racing's main event, the Breeders' Cup. BC week could include a valuable, idea-swapping forum for track owners, presidents and other senior officials. They could meet in a hotel room or seclude themselves at the host track after the conclusion of the first day's races. They could collectively address the sport's challenges.
But not this year.
Probably not next year, either.

Well-known sports writer Hal Lundgren points out a practice in the horse racing industry that seems to be a violation of truth in advertising, but it is not. But it should be, according to him. It also partially explains the stories I've been hearing all summer of "pay-outs that don't seem right."

I know next-to-nothing about the horse racing industry or betting for that matter. So, my antennae went up when I read this article because it seems to give people the false impression that there are huge pay-outs at the Fort Erie track, when, in fact, the "huge pay-outs" are the result of some tortured mathematical equation known only to handicappers and track officials.

So, all you racing aficionados, your homework is to explain this article in a way that makes me feel that the taxpayer money and gaming money is being used wisely at the Fort Erie Race Track.

ME THINKS THEY PROTEST TOO MUCH

2011-10-11T11:31:00.000-04:00

(Apologies to William Shakespeare)

I've been on a Thanksgiving binge for the past couple of days, enjoying great food with great friends. I did not waste one minute even thinking about the Fort Erie Economic Development and Tourism Corporation's use of taxpayer money to defend itself in the Fort Erie Times.

But I do have to now comment on the EDTC's over-reaction to the amended motion passed on September 26 which informs the EDTC that the town council wants to return employees of the EDTC to the town. That would mean that the corporation's employees would become town employees, like they were before 2007 when the then Martin-controlled council voted to second EDTC employees permanently to the separate, "arm's length" corporation.

Many of us LOL'd at the lengthy manifesto that appeared in the October 8 edition of The Times. Especially when the long list of Fact or Fiction in all its crammed glory appeared on the page. Lots of the "concerns" addressed were the basis of the slander lawsuit against me. Certainly, the ad was not directed at me. It would seem that the EDTC has been on the receiving end of a lot of questions and concerns from average non-blogging Fort Erians. So, it proves that there are people out there, besides me, expressing concerns for the "rogue" corporation. Hmmm who called it that? I've been pretty silent about the EDTC since the decision. Guess there are others out there have critical thinking skills.

If the EDTC is doing such a crack job and the people have complete trust in the operation, why does the EDTC feel it is necessary to defend itself? I really laughed when the ad kept mentioning John Hill as a member of the board. As though his questioning of the EDTC's make-up is a betrayal. Perhaps, being on the inside, he realizes that there is little transparency in the corporation. Anyone remember when Ann Marie Noyes, when she was a councillor, wanted information on the policies of the EDTC? And she was told that she could no longer ask questions directly of Jim Thibert, general manager of the EDTC, but had to go through Doug Martin and Sandy Annunziata who were the two members of council who sat on the EDTC board? How's that for transparency?

The whole reason for the slander lawsuit against me was to shut me up because I was raising questions and issues about the EDTC, including publishing anonymous comments from an "insider" at town hall. The EDTC went so far as to sue Google to get the IP address of the source's computer. Last I heard they were still waiting for that info.

The lawsuit was successful because I was not able to appear in court in Toronto to defend myself. And that was because I was given only ten days to prepare. And that was because I was not informed of the lawsuit until ten days before the hearing. And that was because I was not properly informed when the lawsuit was filed. Remember, taxpayer money was used to file the lawsuit against me because the EDTC board made the decision to sue me. Behind closed doors.

Remember the two full-colour glossy magazines that were marketed to Toronto and other areas? The ones that cost taxpayers $150,000 each? What do we know of their impact? Were they successful? Were they worth the money? We do not know that because Jim Thibert only reports to council when he wants to. Otherwise, the public is in the dark until they read a carefully spun public relations release in the local media.

So, the full page ad is merely another example of the EDTC's efforts to silence any dissension or legitimate questioning of its policies or decisions. The EDTC has a great deal of influence on the future of Fort Erie, yet it operates with little input or transparency. We all understand the need for discretion regarding sensitive negotiations with businesses, but that secrecy need not be carried through to all aspects of the corporation. The taxpayers have the right to see how their money is being spent.

The repatriation of the employees of the EDTC is just a start in making the corporation more transparent.

I TOLD YOU SO!

2011-10-06T12:30:00.000-04:00

Once again Doug Martin goes to bat for Jim Thibert, this time at the regional level.

"The mayors of St. Catharines, Welland, Niagara Falls, Port Colborne and Fort Erie met Tuesday with the Region's economic development task force to look for common ground in the often testy debate on a replacement for the ailing Niagara Economic Development Corp."

"A group of Niagara mayors say want to see their local economic development officers put their stamp on plans for a new regional economic model." St. Catharines Standard

The Regional "Council is expected to vote on a plan that will be a transition to the one-stop-shopping model Oct. 27."

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This initiative has been in the works for several years. It has come to the forefront because of a statement by Brock University President Jack Lightstone several months ago:

"I'm not here to defend the Niagara Economic Development Corp.," said Lightstone, a board member of the beleaguered regional agency.
"I'm advocating blowing up the system — and that includes the entire system."

He said local politicians need to find the "gumption" to create a "one-stop shop" for prospective new businesses looking at relocating to Niagara.

(Or "one window" approach as stated by Canadian Motor Speedway spokesman, Mr Mohammed at the September 26 Fort Erie Council meeting in his defence of continuing the Fort Erie Economic Development Corporation as a stand alone, "arm's length" organization.)

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Further in the St. Catharines Standard article:

"Of Niagara's 12 municipalities, only the five at the meeting have economic development officers. Only one of those five mayors, Port Colborne's Vance Badawey, backed the Region's plan."

Once again, Vance Badaway shows leadership and vision for the future of the entire Niagara Region while his Fort Erie counterpart continues to defend and protect his embattled EDTC and its general manager, Jim Thibert. At best, Thibert has done an adequate job, however, his failures outweigh his successes. But he is a master of self-promotion as evidenced by the parade of fans that sang his praises at the September 26 meeting. Some in the audience that night were persuaded to show loyalty because they had been given misinformation about their job status should there be any changes at the EDTC. It was especially poignant when the union leader of the doomed Pharma plant in Fort Erie begged the council to keep the EDTC as it stands because "we can't stand any more instability." Now, that is truly sad that the people at the Jarvis Street plant believe that the EDTC (and Jim Thibert) are the only entity capable of saving their jobs. It will take an upward turn in the entire world economy to make anyone feel secure in their jobs.

After all the political posturing is complete and back room deals are made, the future of local EDTCs will be put into place. A projected date for amalgamation has already been offered - October 2013.

In the meantime, it is suggested to those who believe that Jim Thibert and the Fort Erie EDTC in its present form is doing a great job, please do some research. Check out what happened with the golf course and why then mayor Wayne Redekop was furious over Thibert's gonzo press conference. Find out what happened to the $2 million that the province gave to the EDTC for "tourism initiatives;" and talk to current employees at the race track. For starters.

Note to certain members of the opposition: your attempts to hack into my website have been duly noted and dealt with. It must really bug you that people read my sites, because you spend an inordinate amount of time reading and parsing every thing I write.

PS.I also have to give a shout out to the writers, bloggers and commentators who helped bring attention to the lies and dysfunction of Sarah Palin that played a large part in her decision to not seek the presidency of the United States. They are real heroes. And my inspiration.

RIP Steve Jobs

WHO'S THE LIAR?

2011-08-25T15:53:00.000-04:00

I've been called a liar a number of times this week. And, as it turns out, everything I wrote is true. In one case, I only commented on something another poster sent in about a new auto research centre at McMaster University in Hamilton. Yes, the same research centre that was alluded to by the Canadian Speedway spokesmen as headed for Fort Erie as part of the proposed Not-NASCAR oval.

Even back then, a spokesperson for Mac denied that the university had any concrete plans to locate the research centre at the track. The suggestion that the research centre would be part of the new track was strictly a public relations ploy to give job-challenged Fort Erie more incentive to support the track, which would be situated in a quiet farm area of Fort Erie. The whole project is in limbo right now; there is no new activity from the developer and the case before the Ontario Municipal Board has been delayed by the raceway consortium which is apparently still gathering data for the hearing. Amidst persistent rumours that the project has failed, the latest announcement from Mac shows that those "expected 200 jobs" will stay in Hamilton. From the article in the Hamilton Spectator:

McMaster Automotive Resource Centre
What: A collaboration of university, industrial and government researchers studying advanced automotive hybrid and electric powertrains, batteries and lightweight materials.
When: Expected to open at the end of 2012
Where: In 88,000-square-feet of space at the 177,000-square-foot Careport Centre in the McMaster Innovation Park.
How much: The project is expected to cost $26 million. The federal government has contributed $11.5 million and the university has committed $9.5 million.

It would have been nice for the research centre to be located in Fort Erie, but it looks like the people at McMaster have been working for a long time to secure funding for the project. So, I was called a liar for commenting that it looked like that part of the development had failed.

I was called a liar, as was Marcia Carlyn, for publishing the diagram sent to the Ministry of Natural Resources by the Town of Fort Erie in answer to concerns about the threatened Fowler's toad. The plans for a twelve story condo on publicly owned lakefront property has put the natural habitat of the toad in jeopardy. Another reason that the project should never have even started. But, certain people and former and present town lawmakers want to give away a large portion of the property to a developer in exchange for four toilets and a couple of urinals. That's putting it as plainly as it can be put. What was supposed to be public open space now has to be reserved as a toad habitat because the Fowler's toads' home will be destroyed if the condo tower is built. So, it seems that the people will be left with a wooden walkway that winds past the condo tower down stairs (what? No wheelchair access?) to the beach where the four toilets and two urinals may be located within the 100 year flood line. Of course, the town will be liable to maintain and repair the toad habitat, the boardwalk and the washrooms within the flood line. The town figures it will make about $200K per year in tax revenues from the condo dwellers. The town has not released the projected costs of maintaining the property. Of course, when I or others point this out, we are called liars. In fact, Marcia Carlyn was called a liar by a departing town official within hearing of a number of people at the Open House.

The line from that Jack Nicholson movie comes to mind, "The truth? You can't handle the truth!" That's the problem with those who follow in lock-step behind the developers, they can't handle the truth. So they call us liars.

FUNDRAISER DISHES PASTA AND PAR-TAY!

2011-08-21T16:03:00.001-04:00

Fuller coverage of the successful spaghetti dinner and silent auction held in Ridgeway on Saturday, August 20, 2011 will appear in The Strand later. Right now, organizers are basking in accolades for the great turnout and fun times at the fundraiser. The spaghetti dinner, silent auction and entertainment event was put together raise money to cover legal expenses incurred in the fight to keep the Bay Beach Properties in public hands. It has been a long battle and the end is nowhere in sight as participants in a lawsuit await a court date to be set in Toronto. At the crux of the lawsuit is whether the town and the Molinaros had the right to enter into an agreement to cede a large portion of the south shore of the Bay Beach Properties to the Molinaros in exchange for a promise of new washrooms located within the flood line on the sand beach and other "amenities."

The latest information, extracted from the Ministry of Natural Resources through a Freedom of Information request shows a completely different story than what the people of Fort Erie were led to believe about the property in contention. And the mayor and senior staff do not want to include this information at the open house schedules for Wednesday, August 24 at town hall. I plan to publish a picture of the diagram which shows the very limited access that the public has to the upland portions of the property and the smaller available area for people on the beach itself. Added to that is the fact that the town will have the onus to maintain the large parcel of the land that will be set aside for the Fowler's Toad which inhabits the area. This whole reapportionment of the property to accommodate the toads would not be necessary except for the fact that the toads' natural winter hibernation spot would be destroyed if the twelve story condo is built.

Once again, the people of the community lose, all because of greed by certain townspeople who want to see Crystal Beach become another condo-lined wall all the way to Point Abino (as promised by now departed-from-Fort-Erie-although-he-never-lived-here town planner Rino Mostacci.)

So, take a good look at the pictures I will post on The Strand and see where your tax dollars will be spent in Crystal Beach. Not to improve business there; not to fix the beach; not to bring back services to the people of the Beach; not to boost tourism; but to give a developer the opportunity to place a high rise on pristine waterfront property that once belonged to the people. Oh, and those washrooms that we were promised in exchange: not going to happen. Here's what will happen if the Molinaros have their way: the condo will be built first; then all the outdoor barriers surrounding the condo; then the toad sanctuary; then the gate at the entrance to the property; then a twenty foot wide entrance/access to the beach; and then oops! we can't built those washrooms because they're within the flood line. Sorry. Too late, fools.

I TOOK A STEP BACK.

2011-08-16T17:40:00.000-04:00

When I started The Crystal Beach Strand almost ten years ago, mine was the lone voice offering an opinion that differed from other available media. Back in the winter of 2002, the powers that be in Fort Erie thought it would be a good idea to sell off the north portions of the newly-acquired Bay Beach Properties in order to fund a section of the Friendship Trail. I saw it happen on Cogeco and I was shocked.

So I looked for some coverage of this in the local media and there was nothing. Did I miss something? So, I started The Strand through a free website offered by Yahoo. Didn't know much about setting up a website or running a blog, but I felt compelled to draw attention to this possible sale of public lands to a developer. Along the way, I took some cheap shots at local "community organizers" whom I thought were running Crystal Beach like it was a high school clique. (Unfortunately this is not a rarity; it happens all too often in this small town.)

Then, in 2003, the sale of the north section of the Bay Beach Properties was once again on the table and it looked like it was going to be sold to a developer. The 1996 C.A.U.S.E. Study, which to me was like a blue print for the future of Crystal Beach, recommended that the so-called Bay Beach Properties should be bought if it becomes available (2001 it was bought by the town with lottery money.) The only reason the prestigious panel could find to sell off the upland (north) sections is to purchase more waterfront property. So the petitions started and people flocked to council chambers for a show-down in July of 2003. And the people of Crystal Beach held a meeting where candidates were asked their position on the sale of the properties. Even candidate for mayor, Wayne Redekop realized that this issue could be a deal-breaker for his candidacy and he promised that he was against the sale of any of the property. Tom Lewis, the young man who started the petition against the sale of the north sections, later was elected to represent Ward 5, where Crystal Beach is located.

And The Strand went on a break for a few years while the issue was seemingly put to rest in the Crystal Beach Neighbourhood Plan of 2005 that was approved by council with Redekop's vote. Zoning laws were written in to prevent any high rise development. And the Bay Beach Properties were to remain public.

We all know that those aspects of the neighbourhood plan were systematically stripped when a new regime took over town hall in 2006. It didn't take long for the Bay Beach Properties to be thrown on the table for sale and development. And we all know that the Molinaro Group, developers of high rises, were anointed to build a pair of twelve story high rises on the land directly facing the sand beach. I went back to The Strand and bought a website through Yahoo and have tried to get people to realize that public beachfront land is being taken away from the people and "given" to a high rise developer with the help and encouragement of town staff and council in direct opposition to the people's wish.

So, here we are now: a divisive election, in which the Bay Beach Issue played a large part, has changed the power structure of the Fort Erie Town Council. And there are some people who are now hopping mad that this council is not behaving as they would want. Those who were elected promised a new look at the Bay Beach Issue and other problems. So, I decided to take the summer off as the Bay Beach Issue is now in the courts and everything I could say at this time would be redundant. In the meantime, the rhetoric from the few disgruntled voters has been ramped up into an alarming degree. The four have been dragged over the coals by this very small, small-minded group of people whose candidates did not win in the election. Of course, they have a perfect right to express their opinion, as I have over the past ten years.

What they don't have a right to do is publicly harass and threaten those councillors. One even uses a government grant to publish a newspaper that is totally devoted to the destruction of "the four." Others used money to anonymously erect a misleading and insulting billboard in town.

As someone who has survived numerous on-line attacks and even a frivolous lawsuit that was taxpayer funded, I can only offer that this outrageous behaviour by the few shows that the four councillors must be getting too close to the truth about what is going on in this town.

Which is why I started The Strand in the first place.

HAVE PEOPLE GONE COMPLETELY CRAZY?

2011-08-07T22:34:00.000-04:00

This just in:

Here is some information I have found out.

A young gentleman has been putting this Anti-American poster on businesses, the mailbox and on street posts on behalf of his father, who apparently lives above JK Katts. I would ask everyone to watch for them and tear them down ASAP.

Yes, anti-Americanism is alive and well in Ridgeway, brought to all by some paint-eating lowlifes.

I just spent the past two weeks watching another bunch of window-licking tea baggers try to put the US in default. And these people call themselves "patriots." Oy veh.

For the next couple of days, I will be caught up in the Wisconsin recall elections where another Koch-sucking tea bagger will hopefully see his majority in the Wisconsin State House wither away.

But really. What's with the anti-American crap that is being posted in Ridgeway? I really have to see one of these posters. Sounds like the guy is blaming Americans because he has been forced to live in a hotel that has seen more than its share of losers and miscreants over the years.

If you see anyone putting up these posters, please call the police. I'm sure the business owners in Ridgeway and elsewhere would not appreciate this insult to a large portion of their customer base.

In the meantime, I'll go back to watching the living civics lessons being played out on cable TV.

Schlange Blows Town

2011-07-21T23:21:00.000-04:00

Just when I thought I could relax, Fort Erie Town CEO Harry Schlange leaves his post and his $171,000.+ job for a position in Ottawa.

That's two. Mostacci and now Schlange. Good news for some of us. Two overpaid non residents who took their sunshine salaries to spend further down the QEW will quickly become a distant memory.

Perhaps a town of 30,000 with a full time mayor doesn't really need a CEO. Good way to save close to 200K right there. If the "accomplishments" listed on his parting press release are any example, it sounds like he was grossly overpaid.

Now, maybe the town can hire a local person to do his job. Maybe even Carolyn Kett who should at least be given the right of first refusal. She is more than capable of the job - if she wants it.

What I like about this is that it comes on the heels of the choice of a firm to conduct an internal review of town hall. Many look forward to the recommendations of the consultant.

OK. On the lighter side. Shall we make a formal pool of who goes next? (I know a lot of us were right about Mostacci and Schlange, but there are others who need to move on down the road.)

.

HOT SUMMER

2011-07-19T17:43:00.000-04:00

Sometimes you just have nothing more to say. You just don't want to read the same old crap any more. It has been all been said and it's almost done. The Bay Beach Issue that is. And frankly, that was the whole reason I started The Strand and this blog. Along the way, I wandered into other issues, but the Bay Beach Issue was it. And, it remains it to me.

Right now, I am just enjoying retirement: reading a lot; catching up on some fine movies; watching current events and avoiding it. The courts will decide the fate of Bay Beach. Whatever happens, those of us who are opposed to the Molinaro Project can take a bow for the hard work and for the passion we exhibited in fighting for a cause we believed in. That will not change, despite the outcome.

So, I'm going to enjoy the hot summer; take it easy and let others work themselves up into a lather.

See you in September. (Maybe)

Sharon

WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON?

2011-07-06T10:10:00.001-04:00

Americans have traditionally enjoyed summers in Fort Erie, some can trace their presence back to the Nineteenth Century. Those who don't own cottages have often rented or are day-trippers. Yes, the American presence has been strong through several decades and generations. It is fitting that the summer season kicks off for some in May around the Victoria Day/Memorial Day festivities; the season really slips into high gear over the Canada Day/Independence Day weekend. Tourism is the life's blood of Fort Erie; has been for at least a century. Businesses and factories have come and gone, but the tourists and summer residents return, year after year.

This year, American cottagers are on the receiving end of a lot of abuse from a few local bigots who have access to the internet. Even people like me who went through a long, expensive process to become a permanent resident are on their hate list. In my case, it's because I write about local issues - especially the very contentious Bay Beach Issue.
I must say that I am very upset about the behaviour of the few and their relentless campaign to drive Americans away from Fort Erie. They are doing a great disservice to their community by their rants and threats against people who have chosen to spend their time in Canada and who support the local economy and have done so for years.

Someone needs to get a grip on reality. Canadians and Americans have been sharing the great beaches in Fort Erie for years. We have a lot in common and, as an American who spent summers here before choosing to become a landed immigrant, I loved the fact that people from two countries could get along so well. I grew up around Canadians. My godmother was Canadian and family "cousins" were Canadian. Best friends all through school were Canadians. When I was little, I often used to say that I wished that I was born in Canada and that some day I would move to Canada. I achieved that dream over twenty years ago and I have absolutely no regrets.

My apologies to fellow Americans who are on the receiving end of this unnecessary and hateful sentiment from a very few unpleasant people.

Editor's Note: On that note, I'm going to take a break for a while. The Bay Beach Issue will soon be in the courts. I have no more to say on the subject that hasn't been said a dozen times over. I have achieved one of my goals: to help wake up the people of Fort Erie. I believe that has happened as evidenced by the October elections. As far as the corruption that I have often alluded to, others will have to come forward to expose it. We know it's there; just need to prove it. What I need to do now is step back and follow other dreams before I run out of time. Will be back on The Strand and here from time to time as necessary.

ACT II - FORT ERIE FOLLIES

2011-07-01T01:50:00.000-04:00

July 12. 3:00 p.m. Town Hall.

Performance of Act II of The Fort Erie Follies.

As reported in the Fort Erie Times, the audit committee will meet to determine if the next round of seven requests will go further. Earlier requests against Councillors Hill, Lubberts and Collard will go forward to audit.

Don't expect much to happen to the mayor, Whitfield or Passero. The audit committee is made up of town clerks from other communities and they all know Fort Erie's town clerk, Carolyn Kett. Expect that audit requests for Steckley and Noyes will go forward. It is how these things work.

I will be very surprised if it turns out otherwise.

Have you had a chance to read the town's Statement of Defence? I will post the others later on Friday. I did notice a lot of typos and misinformation. Very sloppy work. Says that the 12 story building will have 7 units. Of course, the big one, that the amusement park closed in 1983 instead of 1989 is there. Other inaccuracies as well. Is this the best they've got?

Also notice that no one has written in to this blog in defence of the Statement of Defence. They just go on the attack against me for printing it, calling me a liar.

Ho-hum. Sometimes, it just gets so tiresome. I look forward to the day that this is all over one way or the other.

WHAT THE SIGNS REALLY MEAN

2011-06-20T17:24:00.002-04:00

Why are certain people having trouble understanding the meaning of the sign on the left? They must have limited reading comprehension skills because it's very clear to most people. The Bay Beach Lands, as they are commonly called, were bought from the Rebstock Family back in 2001. The money for the purchase came from lottery revenue. It had been part of an overall plan to buy beach front property as it became available. The people who pushed for this sale used the 1996 C.A.U.S.E. Study recommendations as their guide.

In 2003, the town sought to sell off the north parking lots to fund a section of the Friendship Trail. That idea was quashed through a petition and a number of delegations to council by concerned citizens. Although the C.A.U.S.E. Study did suggest that the north sections of the property might be sold, the study also stated the money from the sale of the north sections be used to buy other waterfront properties as they became available. Then mayor, Wayne Redekop wisely chose to promise that the properties would not be sold. That was backed up by the Crystal Beach Neighbourhood Plan in 2005.

We all know what happened in 2007, almost as soon as Doug Martin and a new council took office. It was suggested by then town planner, Rino Mostacci that the town's budget shortfall be made up by the selling of the Bay Beach Properties and, almost instantly a plan was hatched to send out feelers to developers.

Fast forward to 2011 and it is still a hot button issue. We've been reassured that the sand beach will remain public, but, discrepancies in the site plan and the sale documents give many of us a cause for alarm. At the very least, it is a sign of an incredible lack of attention to details. A mistaken PIN would give title of a property a block away to the Molinaros. The actual line where the Molinaro's purchase would end and the public beach would begin is also in question.

So, to explain it again, for those who do not understand a simple imperative sentence: We want the property, known as The Bay Beach Properties to remain in the hands of the public. We do not want any portion of the property sold or exploited by a developer. Do I make myself clear?

THE WAR AGAINST THE FOUR

2011-06-18T21:48:00.000-04:00

Martha Lockwood didn't take her own advice to "move forward" from the municipal election of 2010. No siree! She just joined up with her new employer, Marina Butler and put in an election compliance complaint against the guy who beat her 2 to 1. Marina, a sometimes employment provider for the Town of Fort Erie, filed against Ward 4 landslide victor John Hill. And rounding out the first round of complaints is Larry Graber, who lost to Paul Collard in Ward 6.

It sure looks like a bunch of sore losers' revenge to me. Couldn't ask for a recount; the three councillors won by healthy margins, unlike the complainers' mayoral candidate, who squeaked by with a mere five votes. Unheard of for an incumbent who usually gets an automatic thirty percent bounce.

But the balance of power on council has definitely taken a marked shift. Now there are four. Four who were elected because the people were unhappy with the representation on council from 2006. Incumbents Tim Whitfield (Ward 4) and Lockwood (Ward 5) were thrown out. Ward 3 councillor Bob Steckley hung onto his seat despite a well-financed campaign waged by Chamber of Commerce head cheerleader Kimberly Zanko. Paul Collard won Ward 6 after Ann Marie Noyes chose to run against Martin and lost by a mere five votes. Ward 2 remained with Rick Shular despite strong opposition from Yellow Shirt maven Sue Saltzer. And Stephen Passero filled in perfectly for the opportunistic Sandy Annunziata - right down to the hunger for higher office so apparent in his actions.

So the War Against the Four is now in full swing with the help of a bunch of Facebook Flunkies; a disgraced newsman and a few hangers on. Nowhere near the number of supporters for the four, but loud and abrasive nonetheless.

So, they've taken to filing complaints against the three or four, hoping they can mine enough information to oust the four from office. Nice work if you can get it. (Of course in the case of a few of them, it is their only work. Besides hanging out at a friendly restaurant, sucking up the beer and the oxygen in the place.)

But hold! The tide has turned and complaints are coming in from the other side. What did they expect? That the voters who worked for and cast their ballots for the four will let a group of losers rob them of their choice to represent them? Is this not the reason for elections? To determine who will represent the people of this town? And the losers, who failed to get enough people to vote for themselves or their chosen candidate, are trying to disrupt democracy with these jacked-up charges which may just blow up in their faces.

Pot: meet kettle.

THE REVENGE OF THE HERD

2011-06-10T20:59:00.001-04:00

They finally made it to the cool table. A couple of decades later. But it was well worth it. All it took was a willingness to put themselves out there as the "loyal opposition" which includes such activities as Facebook rants; blog ravings; public displays of disrespect and open confrontation with councillors with whom they disagree. Along the way, they managed to call for the blowing up of the QEW and the Peace Bridge; set up a phoney Facebook page for a councillor; used a clip from a copyrighted movie about Hitler to make fun of people who oppose the Molinaro Project; made cartoons of others and generally took the discourse down to grade school level in their quest to rewrite their personal history putting themselves at the "cool Table" in their school lunchroom.

Most of us have moved way beyond that, but these unfortunate folks never progressed past their small town frame of reference. Most have little formal education beyond high school. They live in a world of seething jealousy over those who can afford a summer home in Fort Erie - mostly Americans. How dare the summer residents have a say in what happens in Fort Erie?! Come on over, spend your money; pay taxes and utilities; support our businesses, but take your opinions, keep them to yourself and go home in September.

Even town staff and the Molinaros worry about the loose cannons that roll up and down the deck of the ship called Fort Erie. The recent ouster of Peter Koutroulakis from the Bridgeburg BIA was greeted with relief by some town staffers, according to reliable sources (that will remain anonymous for obvious reasons.) So too, the Molinaro legal team was concerned about the lack of control they had over Peter who volunteered to speak on behalf of the Crystal Beach Gateway Project at the recent OMB hearings.

They realize that they created a monster in supporting and encouraging the likes of Peter and Patti Carver. A few pats on the back on Facebook by the Molinaros has vaulted the herd into a position they have been longing for for years. They now meet and converse with each other as "insiders" not realizing that the people who gave them this power are worried that the blowback, when it happens, will severely affect their position.

So, they will continue on, ramping up their efforts, until they do something so egregious that it reflects badly on their creators. It can't some soon enough for me.

HANGING OUT THE WASH

2011-06-03T11:52:00.001-04:00

Time to get the summer clothes out of storage and hang 'em high! Summer is unofficially here. Lots happening (and not happening) in town.

What's not happening right now is:

The Molinaro Group has asked for more time to respond to the Statement of Claim filed last month by John Keenan on behalf of a group of Fort Erie taxpayers. Molinaro's lead lawyer (Michael Valente of Scarfone Hawkins) indicated he may need until June 9th to file a Statement of Defence, sixteen days beyond the May 24th deadline. The lead lawyer hired by the Town of Fort Erie (Timothy Hill of Aird & Berlis) met the deadline and filed a Statement of Defence on May 24th.

The Canadian Speedway. When the project was first announced, the spokesman for the Canadian Speedway expressed frustration at the lengthy process to approve the construction of the NotNascar track. Ironically, the consortium was granted a delay in April to prepare for an OMB appeal. It may resume this June. The appeal to the OMB was initiated by a group of residents near the proposed site and environmentalists. In the meantime, many, if not all, of the property owners who did enter into purchase agreements with the speedway, have not been paid their December 2010 installment. Many believe that the track project has failed, due to the collapse of Dubai's money market.

This is happening:

Donna Martin to retire as receptionist/staff at town hall. As many know, she is the wife of mayor Doug Martin. Best of luck to her and it is hoped that she enjoys a long and healthy retirement.

One request: Can you please take your husband with you into retirement?

Actually, there is a widespread rumour that he will step down soon. And Stephen Passero has already expressed his willingness to sit in the mayor's chair should he retire early. Hold on, Stephen. A by-election is called for if Martin steps down before two years into his term. Wouldn't that be interesting?

Ontario Health Minister Deb Matthews now calls for an investigation into the HIP (Hospital Improvement Plan.) Nice touch coming close to an election. Meaningless. Another case of the fox tending the hen house.

Skateboard Park opens on Garrison Road. Bad location. Bad idea. What do I know? Nothing about skateboarding except it can be very dangerous. I still have memories of a wild ride down the main driveway at the University of Buffalo on a skateboard and a very embarrassing dismount onto the asphalt. I remember being shocked at the cost of a tricked out skateboard when I took a friend and her three boys to a skateboard shop in Buffalo a few years ago. I remember that one of those boys was badly injured in a skateboard accident. So, I'm not a big fan of that form of recreation, but I hope all goes well with it anyway. (As I write this @ 2:08 p.m. I just heard on my scanner that a skateboarder was injured in Welland.)

Summer residents are back, complaining about the high prices. Welcome to our world. Meanwhile, a lot of people I know are traveling over to Buffalo to shop and buy gas. Will definitely affect local businesses. Can't blame them though. Everything is cheaper over there - event flea treatment for pets. We may have universal health care for people, but veterinary services here in Canada are outrageous. A lot cheaper stateside.

Got a laugh out of the "picture scandal" around George Lepp. Contrast that with the Congressman Anthony Weiner's similar situation. In Canada, it's a one-day news event. In the US, some are calling for an "investigation" because Anthony Weiner refuses to say that the underwear picture is not one of him. Probably wants to believe that the well-endowed underwear-clad Twitter picture was him. As his old pal, Jon Stewart said the other night on The Daily Show, "there's more Anthony than Weiner, if you know what I mean."

This just in: Peter Kormos, NDP MPP from Welland will not seek re-election. Bummer. He's one of the good guys. Does his constituency work; speaks out in parliament; advocates for the people and makes waves when necessary. Hope the NDP candidate who succeeds him (Eric Gillespie perhaps?) can fill his big shoes.

Also, failed to mention that the Port Tower development looks like it will finally get started as merchants in the soon-to-be-razed buildings in Port Dalhousie have received 30 day eviction notices. Long fight that divided a community, similar to the Bay Beach Issue, has been declared over with the developers winning. The local merchants are resigned to their fates and some hope to return to the commercial part of the development which includes a 17 story tower with condos and a hotel, theatre and commercial section. The development will raze heritage buildings. An OMB appeal was won by the developer, just like most OMB appeals.

And then there's the bus wreck I have been following: Sarah Palin's Hysterical History Tour. Absolutely fascinating in that skeevy way that one feels when gawking at a horrific accident. Then the follow-up on the blogs and certain media. Such fun. Yet so scary at the same time.

This is going to be an interesting summer all right.

MEMORIAL DAY

2011-05-29T20:55:00.002-04:00

This weekend, we pay tribute to well over a million American men and women who died in service to their country. Originally called "Decoration Day," it was enacted after the Civil War to honor the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in that great struggle (a staggering 623,000 casualties). After World War I, the commemoration was extended to honor those who died in all wars. As you pause to honor the memory of deceased soldiers this weekend, please do not forget the many living veterans who have also served. And never forget the powerful chiastic words:

"All gave some, some gave all."

Dr. Mardy Grothe



U.S. Soldiers Mark Memorial Day (from The Daily Beast) U.S. soldiers marked Memorial Day in Iraq and Afghanistan with solemn flag-raising ceremonies, candlelight vigils, and prayer. In Iraq, where about 46,000 soldiers still remain, 100 people gathered at the headquarters of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, holding candles as Black Hawk helicopters swarmed overhead. In Afghanistan, where about 94,000 soldiers are stationed and where 1,400 U.S. service members have died since the beginning of the war there, troops raised flags in honor of the fallen. President Obama is scheduled to give an address on Memorial Day. 300 Soldiers from War of 1812 lie in unmarked grave in Delaware Park: Read story HERE.

QUICK! I NEED SOME EYE BLEACH!

2011-05-23T23:24:00.000-04:00

An unplugged friend asked me to visit the River of Bull Diatribes to make copies of some posts for some people in anticipation of a possible class action lawsuit. I never go there as a rule, although people have sent me screen shots of particularly interesting comments, but I was still a bit surprised at the level of vitriol directed at the four councillors and others, including myself.

I almost chocked on my coffee when I read that someone took offense with my characterization of their campaign as a jihad. Bwah! This coming from people who staged their own Springtime for Hitler video extravaganza making fun of the people who are opposed to the Molinaro Tower on public waterfront lands.

I spend as little time as possible in the minds and thoughts of this group of constant complainers. Their "cause" is much like the causes of other splinter groups. These people spend an inordinate amount of time obsessing over their perceived enemies. Such groups become a living organism, soon out of control, feeding on their own sense of outrage. They develop their own mythology and probably already have their own code words and jargon. They are in constant contact with others members of the group. Soon, however, the group will begin to implode, as all such groups eventually do. Egos will clash and the rhetoric will become more harsh as each jockeys for postion as the Alpha male.

In the meantime, I have to go bleach my eyes.

NEW COUNCIL SUFFERS FROM OBAMA SYNDROME

2011-05-18T21:37:00.001-04:00

They can't seem to do anything right. Just like Obama. He delivered a health care bill and people demanded that he produce his long form birth certificate. He finally gets Osama bin Laden and the opposition tried to take credit for it. He has done a very good job despite constant sniping from the right wing. Yet, it's never enough and it's never right. The new council has been in office less than six months and already the crepe hangers are predicting the demise of life as we know it in Fort Erie. The opposition has selective amnesia about the good things that the council has done. The most important being the voting to put aside funds for a much-needed operational review. The voting for the new budget, as recommended by staff, with few revisions. And the long-delayed restoration of the Point Abino Lighthouse, a promise made when the town bought the heritage building in 2002. Yet, these guys cannot catch a break.

In Patti Carver's mind, the key to Fort Erie's future is more development, especially the completion of the Molinaro Tower on the Bay Beach Properties. Yes, Patti would like to see more development. She is a representative for a developer. We'd all like to see more development, except some of us would like to see more completed developments before people go looking for new places to develop. And smart development that takes in the character of a neighbourhood and its neighbourhood plan.

Take a look at this article:

Regional finances hitting 'the wall'

Niagara has too much development potential -- and you're paying for it.

Taxpayers have paid to service thousands of acres of land across the peninsula for developments that haven't actually yielded any houses or businesses yet, regional councillors were told during a committee meeting Thursday.
That's a problem for a cash-strapped government that is already short an estimated $292 million in needed infrastructure cash over the next four years. "We can't afford to do business like this anymore," public works commissioner Ken Brothers said during a special session called to talk about regional growth plans. "We are at the wall ... we have more 'asks' than funding available."
Brothers said part of the problem is the Region has been "burned" in the past by agreeing to extend water and sewer lines to greenfield sites for ambitious development projects that end up stalling, or that go forward more slowly than anticipated.

And this:

Canada’s
Housing Bubble
An Accident Waiting to Happen
David Macdonald

Canadians are becoming increasingly concerned
that, like our neighbours to the south, there may
be a housing bubble in Canada.
While the prospect of a bubble has been
downplayed by the Bank of Canada, a number
of economists have warned that Canada’s housing
market is overvalued1, which is bankers’
conservative way of suggesting a housing bubble
may be afoot.
The CIBC warns a housing correction is in
the cards, which is a milder alternative to a fullblown
bubble bursting — though there are signs
of trouble on the horizon.2
For instance, the OECD finds Canada has the
highest consumer debt to financial asset ratio
among 10 OECD countries, including the U.S.3
The Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage
Professionals estimate about 375,000 mortgage
holders in Canada are already challenged
by their current payments and may not be able
to handle higher rates.4

So, there are hundreds (50+ in Fort Erie alone) of developments that have been approved, serviced and ready to build that are not even started. There is a housing bubble looming on the horizon and some people in Fort Erie think that all our problems will be solved with even more development - especially a twelve story tower that is going to signal the rebirth of Crystal Beach.

If you believe that, I know of some prime property in Florida that you can pick up for a song. (In fact, you can buy almost any piece of property in Florida right now for a song thanks to the housing bubble that burst in that state and others.)

I KNOW I SHOULDN'T DO THIS, BUT ...

2011-05-03T11:58:00.000-04:00

I can't help it. I'm fascinated by all things political and the federal election results last night were exciting, My mind went into overdrive thinking of the possible ramifications of the Conservative sweep, the NDP surge and the Liberal drubbing as the results came in.

First off, I think that the Tory victory will serve as a harbinger of a Tory victory in the Provincial elections on October 6, 2011. Dalton McGinty may as well start packing as Tim Hudak will be moving into the premier's office n the fall.

And Ignatieff, the biggest loser in the race, has just stepped down from his position as leader of the Liberal Party. He may as well pack up his carpetbag and head back to the States. He has led his party to ignoble defeat, not only to the Conservatives, but to the lowly NDP. Epic fail there.

There was something arrogant about him and for him to look more arrogant than some Tories is no mean feat. I always thought that the Grits were the party of regular folks, but he came off as an elitist; what some of us call a "limousine liberal." Harper just is what he is: the poster boy for the Conservatives. Perfect. And now he has a mandate on which to build his party's strength for the next four years. Somehow though, there is a good chance that he will blow it by pandering to the fat cats who put him in office. It certainly wasn't the majority of Canadians. The low voter turnout is inexcusable. Shame on anyone who could vote and failed to do so. Canada even has Advance Polls to accommodate everyone. And still a majority stayed home.

I'm heartened by Jack Leighton and the NDP's second place finish. Hopefully, they will serve as the ballast to keep the Conservatives from going too far right in the coming years. It could turn out to be a near-perfect blend of two wildly different political philosophies that may result in a delicious recipe for change.

At least we can all hope. As for the future of Ontario under Hudak? Remember he was an acolyte of Mike Harris and the Harris years were not kind to the regular folks. Dalton McGinty rode in on a wave of discontent over Harris's slash and burn policies. And then McGinty screwed things up even worse. If Tim is observant, and a student of history, he will take a good, hard look at the Harris policies that worked (maybe there are some) and those that failed and make adjustments to his platform. I think he is being disingenuous in promising the re-opening of the ERs in Fort Erie and Port Colborne and resurrecting the mid-peninsula highway. These promises may come back to bite him. Stay on track regarding the heavy taxes and loss of jobs. It is all about the economy.

In a few short months, I will be helping to get out the vote in the US elections. Just as a reminder, I am committed to assist Americans living in Niagara to vote in US federal elections. You must register to receive an absentee ballot in, either the last county you voted in or your county of birth. You will need a birth certificate or passport as your ID. Once you get your ballot, you will henceforth receive notification and information as to how to apply for the next election. One needs to reapply every two years for their ballot. Ballots will not automatically be sent to you. Next election is a big one: Presidential, one-third of the Senate and all of the House of Representatives. In 2008, I conducted one of the first-ever primaries held outside the US. It was held at the Crystal Ridge Library and over fifty people participated in the Democratic Party Primary. In 2012, there may not be a need for a Democratic Party primary as Barack Obama will probably run unopposed for the nomination.

WELCOME TO OUR WORLD

2011-04-28T10:28:00.000-04:00

Yes, I watched the Fort Erie Town Council meeting last night and I'm still in shock. WTF happened to civility and cooperation? It wasn't much in evidence on Tuesday night in town hall.

So I got to thinking: what if someone just moved to the area and decided to watch the proceeding to get an idea of what Fort Erie is like? A presentation about Community Living that was sincere and heart-warming. Good start. Then a woman came forward, a business owner on Jarvis Street, talking/berating council for ousting a member of the Bridgeburg Business Improvement Area. To a newcomer, it would appear that the ousted member Peter Koutroulakis did nothing but express his opinion about certain councillors on "social media.". The woman also accused Ward 3 Councillor Bob Steckley of lying when he was quoted in the local media as saying that Peter K. had been warned about his offensive remarks by Ward 1 Councillor Stephen Passero. The woman said that Passero never warned Koutroulakis, so he should be re-instated on the BIA. (Later, when the issue came up, not one of the four who voted to oust Koutroulakis asked for a reconsideration, so the ouster stands.)

And it went downward from then. Ward 5 Councillor Don Lubberts asked a seemingly ridiculous question about voter "accessibility" in the last election. He was asking for clarification on what the voter accessibility committee will look into. He was treated with thinly-veiled contempt by the mayor and town clerk. To many, it did seem like a meaningless question, but to others, it may have answered questions they might have. Don Lubberts speaks and questions like the regular guy he is. He may not have a full grasp of the picture, but he certainly does not give up, despite being treated with disdain by others around the table.

Then, Ward 6 Councillor Paul Collard asked about a motion he wished to bring forward as to when it would be done. He was told to bring it up under "New Business" later in the agenda. The back and forth began and the motion: to keep the defense of the recent Notice of Claim in house, defended by town solicitor without the added expense of additional legal costs for another attorney. And then it got really ugly. Because of the twenty day timeline to respond, Collard and Ward 4 Councillor John Hill thought that council should decide how to proceed as soon as possible, even if they have to go into closed session. More back and forth and then Don Lubberts asked the obvious question: has the town solicitor hired outside help with the lawsuit? Town solicitor Heather Salter defiantly answered, "Absolutely!" So, the whole motion was moot, according to her. She cited the town by-law that allowed her to hire outside legal assistance at her discretion. (Up to $25,000.) Hill even asked for a cost projection ASAP from Salter and was given an excuse that "she's very busy."

The audience was very vocal and, against the mayor's own stringent rules about behaviour, was allowed to get away with clapping and hollering. Seems that he especially ignored the reactions from the audience that mirrored his own opinion.

Then Passero threw down the gauntlet, letting loose with a tirade against certain councillors who, he feels, are trying to disrupt council. He called out a councillor who, as he stated, "met privately with the lawyer for the taxpayers who filed the recent lawsuit." He warned that he "did not ask questions he did not know the answer to." The refrain was picked up by the mayor who went on a similar tirade against those on council who are "trying to frustrate the process." The mayor expressed his own frustration at the spate of lawsuits and opposition to the ZMolinaro Project. He wished that the Bay Beach Issue would finally end "and we could move on." Paul Collard explained his motion; he was hoping for an opportunity to discuss the options to defend in such a way that would lower the costs.

Of course, the $20,000. for a third party review of the possible repeal of the by-law amendment that granted the Molinaros the go-ahead to build a twelve story condominium on publicly-owned beach front property was brought up. Considering the angst with which that expenditure was finally approved, Bob Steckley mentioned that it was odd that the town is willing to spend more money for outside help in this latest law suit but didn't want to spend it to explore the options from someone other than Salter who was intimately involved in the negotiations with the Molinaros. It is just that close involvement that would have stood her in good stead in this latest lawsuit as it is based on the contract and its possible flaws.

I was told that after the meeting, there was much conversation just outside town hall. And I'll bet there was much discussion in the homes of those who watched the debacle on Cogeco.

I just hope that newcomers to the area do not judge the town by its council meetings.

BTW, they were even worse before the latest election. Here's an example.

THE WOMAN WITH THE NAZI TATTOO

2011-04-25T19:49:00.001-04:00

Every neighbourhood has one and ours was Chuckie Hurst. He always wanted to play Hitler games, even though the rest of us had no interest in perusing that line of play. We were the first wave of the post World War II Baby Boom; the war was still a recent wound, too recent to be playing games about. Our street had already had its share of war stories: Mr. Savage liked to show the kids his wooden leg, a souvenir of being shot down over enemy territory; our third floor apartment was rented to a veteran and his British war bride while he attended UB on the GI Bill; a returning soldier sought refuge at our house when his mother refused to open her door to him and his Japanese war bride and most families had lost at least one loved one in the war.

Our next door neighbours were Orthodox Jews. Our families shared a party line and an over-the-fence friendship that lasted for years until they moved away. We were all part of an interesting mix of Catholics, Jews and WASPS on our North Buffalo street, back when people were too polite to carry their prejudice out in the open. Except for Mrs. Hunt who would not let her children play with us "Catholic hooligans" but eventually placed her daughter in an all-girl Catholic school. The Langbert boys were often at Hebrew school when we played on the street so they missed Chuckie's attempts at recreating the Third Reich on Crescent Avenue. Of course we didn't know the whole story in those days; adults did not speak much of the war in our presence, and when they did, it was in hushed tones and usually punctuated with the phrase, "Thank God it's over."

But we knew the Langberts were very different because of their religion. And we knew that somehow their religion had something to do with a terrible time in the war. On Friday evenings, as the Langberts sat down to what my brother, observing them through an upstairs window, called a "Technicolour meal," we were also observing our own religious tradition: meatless meals. We carried on our various religious traditions without fear of recrimination - or incarceration and death. We were safe in America.

It wasn't until I was about twelve and I read The Diary of Anne Frank that it started to come together for me. The Nazis, often humourously portrayed in the Saturday afternoon matinees at the North Park Theatre, killed millions of Jews and others by putting them in concentration camps and gassing them. It shook me to my core. These same people, who were represented by my neighbours and many of the shopkeepers on nearby Hertel Avenue, were killed because they were Jews. If the Langberts had lived in Germany or other countries taken over by the Nazis, they might have been killed.

The familiar stores and shops of my youth were on Hertel Avenue, a major shopping centre for North Buffalo. We became used to the Hebrew symbols over meat markets and grocery stores. To us, that meant that the quality was high and the owners were always in the store. My mother's famous St. Patrick's Day Dinner was made of corned beef from a Kosher butcher on Hertel. We seldom had to venture out of the area for provisions and, before the days of two car families, stores within an easy walking distance were a necessity as well as a luxury.

Our family always took its dry cleaning to a place called The Band Box, run by a very quiet couple who cleaned, pressed and repaired clothing and linens. They were always pleasant and they remembered each of their customers, asking, "How is your mother?" and such in heavily accented English. I never thought twice about their story until one very hot summer day when I went into their shop and was almost overwhelmed by the heat that radiated from the large pressers that the husband operated, seemingly night and day. The woman had rolled up her sleeves in the heat and that's when I noticed the crude numbers tattooed on her left forearm. Those numbers; the ones I had read about and saw pictures of in certain books. The old world numbers were faded against her wrinkled skin, but they jumped out at me and I probably gasped and then turned beet red. Nothing more was said about the tattoo ever. I went back to the store many times and continued the casual and pleasant relationship with the couple.
One day, I ran into a neighbour coming in as I left the shop and waited outside for him to conclude his business. Knowing he was somewhat of a curious gossip, I asked him what he knew about the couple who owned the shop. He told me (he was brave enough to ask) that they met at a concentration camp and that all their respective families were lost in the Holocaust. They married and came to the States and to Buffalo where they did have some relatives who had emigrated from Poland years ago. They had two children whom I never saw in the store.

Years later, when I was living in Canada, I read about the store closing and the couple was to retire. The story of their ordeal and survival was told in a small blurb in The Buffalo News. A few months later, within a few months of each other, they died.

To those who are too young to remember the very real people who suffered under the Nazis: please take the time to educate yourself on the horror of those times - not the glories. The lesson is one that should never be forgotten or made light of.

First They came... - Pastor Martin Niemoller

First they came for the communists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a communist.

Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a Jew.

Then they came for me
and there was no one left to speak out for me.

DISGRACEFUL PART TWO

2011-04-21T19:25:00.001-04:00

The Red Butt crowd has exploded into mass hysteria over the lawsuit filed against the town by a group of taxpayers. Of course, the only way the RBs know how to behave is to attack the people who filed the lawsuit, just as they have attacked the four councillors who are against the Bay Beach Proposal. The people who filed the lawsuit are exercising their rights under the law. They believe that the Bay Beach deal was wrong from Day One and I agree with them. The Red Butt crowd filed a post written in the past by one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit. He sent me his response and I will print it here. As a person who has struggled with and overcome mental illness, I can fully understand his frustration and his outrage at this cheap shot, probably taken by someone whose own self-loathing causes him to lash out at others who suffer from mental illness.

Who are these people?

I am Derek Crane. I do have a bipolar disorder, something that I tried to keep a secret since I found out in 2004. But its out and now you might as well know the rest. I also suffered from PTSD as well.

Before being diagnosed I got into trouble a lot. I was always fighting and I attempted suicide, which a lot of people are now wishing I succeeded which landed me in the hospital in 2003. After diagnoses I struggled for many years after while the doctor tried to find a medication that worked. I also took anger management and I do counseling regularly.

The letter I wrote (reprinted by the Red Butt crowd) was in anger and frustration over a tenant who trashed a place I rented to him. In the past year, I have gone through some very personal difficulties. I had a hernia operation last march, and at the moment I am very stressed and in pain.

But that doesn't mean I can't care about an issue and have legitimate reasons for my concerns. I have my anger under control I am seeing a doctor at the moment actually. I admit it I have made mistakes. I am going through a depression right now and I struggle on a daily basis, but this does not make me dumb or an idiot. I know right from wrong and this condo is, after I've done a lot of research, is something I believe is wrong.

That letter is my past, but the person I am now is honest, trustworthy, caring, and a loving man with feelings. I am sorry for my past, but I can't change it, it is what it is. I am exercising my legal right to fight this condo, but none of you have the right to harass and bully anyone.

derek crane

Famous people with Bi-Polar Disorder. Click HERE.

They have already incurred the attention and the wrath of several groups of people, especially those who were directly affected by the Nazis and the Holocaust. They have been reported to the Canadian Mental Health Association for remarks made about me and my mental illness. They are afraid that the truth will come out about the Bay Beach Proposal and their friends and benefactors will not be shown in a favourable light.

Hopefully, the truth will come out and this issue will be laid to rest. And the people of Fort Erie can continue to enjoy the full benefits of their lake front property at Bay Beach.

The Bay Beach Properties belong to the people now - and forever.

DISGRACEFUL

2011-04-15T09:00:00.000-04:00

I know, coming from me, it would seem to be the height of hypocrisy, but bear with me on this:

I DID NOT PUT MY BLOG OR THE STRAND IN EVERYONE'S MAILBOX.

Anyone who visited my website or blog did so of his or her own volition. They did not receive my message unsolicited.

The flyer put out by the group represented only by Kimberly Zanko had, in one of its sections, the graphic on the right. It is designed and directed towards anyone who was opposed to the Bay Beach Project, especially the four councillors had recently voted to repeal the by-law amendment that would have allowed the building of a twelve story tower on public waterfront parkland.

Ironically, the flyer was distributed to many a day after council voted to take the advice of a third-party lawyer and go ahead with the project.

So, basically, this whole expensive billboard and mass mailing was for naught. The question still remains: who paid for this? Inquiring minds want to know. From the attributed remarks that appeared inside, it would seem that the majority were supporters of and donors to the re-election of Doug Martin, who was very much in favour of the Molinaro Project.

What I was really appalled at were the various words and terms used in the graphic pictured. The one that jumped right out at me was: welshers. Did someone not realize that welshers is a pejorative term, akin to gypped, that is unacceptable in today's sensitive society? According to the Morris Dictionary of Word and Phrase Origins, The term welsher became common in Britain during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries in the argot of race-track bettors. 'It was ENGLISH bookies who, having too many long shot winners against them, fled over the border to 'boondock' Wales to become the original welshers and escape irate bettors looking for their payoff.'

That was the worst, but there were others, thrown in to relay the message that those who oppose the Bay Beach development can be blamed for or be categorized as:

crooked
anti-development
bad-reputation
no-future
repeal
regional-outcast
rundown-beach
stigma
dishonour
breach
retribution
lawsuit
renege
poor-economy
violate
status quo

And, in a tribute to to the Middle Ages: causing a taxe-hike.

So sayeth Kimberly Zanko and the unknown people she represents.

Perhaps what happened to me might serve as a template for dealing with this flyer. Much more serious to use Canada Post to disseminate questionable material. If the people behind this flyer are proud of their work and feel that their efforts are just and worthy, why are they so reluctant to come forward and take responsibility?

Hiding behind a woman is always reprehensible - even if she is a willing token.

2008-05-10T17:33:00.005-04:00

2008-04-18T11:22:00.004-04:00