We Stand Our Ground

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Committee Members.? Not Yet":

Cllr Buck, coming out of the 28 Feb. meeting, the parameters, terms of reference, etc. are what was proposed to be settled by the March 27th meeting. You seem to be suggesting that the new cultural services agreement was expected to be ready at this time. Not so, but progress towards that goal has certainly been made.

Your desire for immediately breaking the contract full stop ('keeping the corporation safe'?!) is not going to happen, you have to admit.

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This is an interesting comment. It's source can only be guessed.

What was properly before Council on February 28th was a multiple clause resolution,  moved by Councillor Able, seconded by Councillor Pirri.

Several speakers, including the Mayor spoke in support of the motion  with seemingly  rational conviction. 

The Mayor in particular, spoke at  length of his personal efforts over the past year to bring the problem to a resolution.

 He spoke of  dedicated  attempts by  town staff to persuade the  Centre Board the agreement was unsatisfactory and needed to be changed.

The Mayor emphasized the full extent of the  efforts and concluded they had all been for naught. He gave every sign of support for the Abel/ Pirri resolution.

After debate concluded , nothing more was needed but to call the vote.  It  was not called.

Instead a  change  was proposed,  To everyone watching , it appeared  to be  prompted by the Mayor.

The Chief Financial Officer was brought  round from the opposite side of the table to huddle with the Mayor and  CAO, to  work out
details of whatever they had in mind. 

There was no clarity.

It was not an amendment.

It was undignified maneuvering,and  degrading capitulation to the  manipulators and noise-makers. 

By sleight of hand , without  due notice, the Able/Pirri  motion  was neutered before our very eyes . 

Since the 2011 budget, I have opposed continuing funding a non-accountable board to use a  town-owned facility and  public resources  for  purposes  not  endorsed by the community.

I have not  presented a resolution to terminate the agreement. I supported one.

The Mayor has a web site. A move to present things  in a more favourable light , would best be presented on his own web site.

I assume that's its reason for being.

As is the reason for this post  to present  the town's affairs  as I see them.

Without fear or favour.