Consider This (https://consider-this.ca/category/columns/page/5/)
Column for local newspaper
By Robert Washburn
Sometimes people can’t help themselves. It is like young kids who spot the wasp’s nest and must find a stick to poke it. The danger is obvious, but there is no stopping anyone, regardless of the danger, risk or consequences. This was the case last week at Port Hope council as politicians tried to introduce a new gun control bylaw. It is suppose to consolidate and update two previous bylaws written in the 1960s, leftovers from the amalgamation in 2001. Continue Reading →
By Robert Washburn
Candidates, pundits and experts tell us the economy is a critical issue in the federal election campaign. And, for all the sound bites and catchy phrases used, most voters rarely understand it. It is a confusing term. When talking about the economy, it can mean the gross domestic product (GDP), foreign trade, exports, and investment. Many of these terms get used regularly, but few understand how they work to affect our daily lives. Continue Reading →
By Robert Washburn
It seems both Cobourg and Port Hope councils are doing little to help themselves when it comes to working with citizens on critical issues. And, while politicians will be quick to assure residents everything is okay, there is reason for concern in the big picture. The first incident took place at Port Hope council Tuesday with the Rural Action Working Group’s recommendations. It was looking for a number of things, including a new name for Ward 2 and to start examining the touchy subject of representation. A couple minor items regarding steel guard rails and Internet service were also part of a package. Continue Reading →
By Robert Washburn
It may not be as bad as some other places like Toronto or Peel Region, but some Northumberland County parents are feeling the sting of the recent job action by elementary school teachers across the province. It appears regular report cards will be going home with all students in the Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board. High school students for the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board will also be unaffected. But, the elementary school students at the public school board will only get grades distributed by the administrative staff at the end of the school year. It is part of a job action by the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario where the teachers submitted written grades to principals, but refused to fill out computerized report cards or make comments. Continue Reading →
By Robert Washburn
Where, oh where have the Liberals gone? Oh where, oh where can they be? In a page straight out of the neo-conservative handbook, Premier Kathleen Wynne announced last week the Ontario government would sell off 60 per cent of Hydro One, the province’s electrical distributor, through a public offering. The government would retain control over the appointment of board members and individual shareholders will not be allowed to control more than 10 per cent of the shares. It is the latest in a series of policy decisions that make the Liberals look more like Tory-lite rather than true progressives. Continue Reading →
By Robert Washburn
In one of the most spectacular runs in recent local hockey history, the Port Hope Panthers rallied from a 3-0 series deficit to play a thrilling final game for the Schmalz Cup last Friday. The 1-0 loss to the Essex 73’s was heartbreaking. But it does not take away from a stellar season with a first-place record of 31-8-1. The next closest team, the Nappanee Raiders, was 18 points behind the Panthers. It was a glorious playoff run as the Panthers defeated the defending champions, Picton Pirates in five games and then went on to sweep away Nappanee in a mere four games to win the Empire Junior C Hockey League. Continue Reading →
By Robert Washburn
There is a difference between governing and running a business. Someone needs to tell Port Hope council. For the past 30 years, the neo-conservative moment has worked overtime to make sure we all believe government should be run this way at the very least, in a more business-like manner. Usually, it is interpreted as government being more efficient and cost effective. Since the fall election, it is apparent; the current council is looking to become more business-like. Continue Reading →
By Robert Washburn
As Northumberland Hills Hospital board waits for bids to close next week on its contract to undertake an operational review, it is striking how big a gamble officials are taking. Back in October, with just one quarter of the fiscal year under its belt, Chief Executive Officer Linda Davis and the board of directors knew a money crunch was coming. Within no time, the Local Integrated Health Network (LHIN) for the Central East area was notified. It immediately moved into action. Representatives were sent to review all aspects. Continue Reading →
It is hard to miss the new campaign office on King Street in Cobourg. Candidates have been stumping for months. Actual door-knocking started in earnest weeks ago, if not months. Then, tally the countless small events, dinners, barbeques and other gatherings across Northumberland and South Peterborough and it really hasn’t stopped since the last election for some candidates. The perpetual election campaign has steadily grown as a fixture in Canadian politics since the introduction of the pre-set election date in 2007. Continue Reading →
By Robert Washburn
A strategic plan is a tricky document. At first blush, it is brim with optimism and lofty goals. But, upon deeper consideration, it revealing in many ways. The Cobourg strategic plan for the next four years is sitting in draft form waiting for public input. To begin, the basics are covered: value for tax dollars, cost efficiencies, cost effectiveness, and a streamlined civil service. Continue Reading →