Councillor “disappointed” and “dumbfounded” by column

March 19, 2013 · 0 Comments

(Re: Politics as Usual, March 12, Page 16)

After reading Ms. Collins-Mrakas’s letter in The Auroran last week, the first thing that came to mind was, “Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when we practice to deceive”.
Disappointment hit, then I was dumbfounded, and then I understood.
I am disappointed, because I could not understand how anyone could still suggest misinformation was being communicated by myself and fellow Councillors Ballard and Gaertner.
After being forced to communicate our thoughts through numerous letters in this paper and via social media because we were stopped at the Council table (most notably by not allowing my Lucid memo on the agenda) it’s beyond belief that our view is still being inaccurately portrayed.
Dumbfounded because it was a one-time Councillor who suggests that we were disseminating misinformation. Surely, after sitting at the table for four years Ms. Collins-Mrakas understands that it is what’s written in the motions before council that we vote on – not what someone says in a microphone.
Surely it’s clear that the report from Mr. Downey was received for “information” to help us make a decision. Surely it was understood that Mr. Downey’s recommendation to Council was to “approve” the “submission” from Lucid. It should also be understood that council changed the motion to include “approve in principal” and added, “that staff provide a full report to council”.
Yes, the decision was unanimous because of the additions to the motion. In addition, we made it clear we were looking for full references to be conducted and reported back to council.
Unfortunately, Ms. Collins-Mrakas, you failed to mention that.
If staff were not coming back with a full report with “all” the information, I am confident Councillors Ballard, Gaertner and I would not have supported the motion. Our support was conditional on receiving a report back from staff so as to protect the taxpayers and have a full and final debate and vote.
But back to the misinformation allegation. It has been explained ad nauseum that the Lucid submission contains a clause that reads:
“The Town’s investment will be $25,000 in return for a 25% (of net) return through proceeds arising through revenue streams generated under the terms of our Agreement Terms: 50% Due within 30 days from Agreement date. Balance within 60 days thereafter”
This was the submission that staff based their report on. This was a new clause that did not exist in the original submission.
This submission was never public nor formally shared with Councillors. In our initial letter, we tried to make it public, as it was part of the motion we were voting on!
Ms. Collins-Mrakas states herself that “I didn’t see it so I can’t comment on the details beyond the basics.” Perhaps a full review of the document would have been advisable before suggestion we disseminated misinformation.
And then I understood.
I understood that Ms. Collins-Mrakas is a big supporter of Mayor Dawe – nothing wrong with that. I also understood that there appeared to be a need to provide an opposing view – nothing wrong with that as well.
However, we cross the line, in my view, when we are suggesting people are purposefully misinforming the public to gain some kind of political advantage. I find that perspective disturbing.
I am in full support of constructive criticism. It is healthy and welcome at every turn.
I have no issue with people challenging my position on issues. I am certainly going to get some things wrong. But, you can be sure; I am not going to mislead the public with inaccurate information. I know I also speak for Councillor Ballard and Gaertner.
As I mentioned last week – let’s turn the page!