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| Shirley Wallington Grace speaks at Fort Erie Council |
"Almighty God, father of all mankind, the source of all that we can hope to have, grant that we may be worthy custodians of all that has been entrusted to us.
And so the Invocation begins. Standard for such things. Humble and hopeful, elected officials and town staff listen in respect, but, do they really get the message?
Not according to Shirley Wallington Grace at the November 17 Regular Council Meeting and last of the present term for some. Shirley, of course was talking about the treatment of four councillors who have been the target of "a diabolical plot" to destroy them. Certainly not in keeping with the spirit of the Invocation.
May we bring to our council chambers minds that think and hearts that feel so that, in our deliberations we may display imagination, wisdom and courage and the will to do our work for the good of all."
Notice that outgoing mayor Doug Martin is not even paying attention to Shirley's presentation. This has been a common occurrence during council meetings when someone the mayor does not agree with speaks before the group. That is, if he is not pounding the gavel to shut them up. When one of his "chosen ones" spoke, they got away with disrespect and slander against the Four on a regular basis.
One good thing was that the usual suspects were missing a few members of their clown car. As a result, there were no loud outbursts and fifth grade foolishness as has been the case over the past couple of years. Again, the mayor allowed this behaviour to go on unchecked.
Later, each councillor spoke about the past four years as the term comes to a close. Don Lubberts thanks his supporters and helpful staff. Rick Shular pontificated on his years on council. taking credit for his"policies" which were really just voting along with the mayor on everything. Although Rick may be a master of changing his face into a variety of poses and using his standard Malapropisms in his speeches, he will go on to gyrate with apples and oranges for another mute four years.
John Hill gave an impassioned speech about the good things that have happened in the past four years and his part in them. He proudly listed his accomplishments and thanked his wife and family in an emotional close to his speech. He presented himself as a man who tried to do the best for the people despite organized opposition and lawsuits.
Paul Collard spoke of his commitment to the people of Stevensville and his hopes for the completion of project started under his watch such as the Official Plan for Stevensville and the prospect of bring transit to his community. Another good man taken out by the "diabolical plan" of certain people.
Bob Steckley spoke about the harassment that placed a great strain on his family life and warned that on December 1, some people will be receiving phone calls. He plans to tell these people the truth about what he thinks of them. Like the others who have been under attack for so long, he has behaved with class.
When it was Stephen Passero's time to speak, I left the chambers as I cannot bear the sight of that man. The only good thing from this past election is that he is out, out, out. It's only a matter of time when he receives his consolation prize for running for mayor from his handlers.
And goodbye to Mayor Martin! Worst mayor in recent history and he has some strong competition. Ignorant, rude and short-tempered. Nasty man who will not be missed. There was applause when The Four gave their speeches, none when Martin ended his.
That tells it all.
