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Mayor explains public conduct policy as council grapples with interactions between staff, politicians and residents

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The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

If you go into many retail outlets or any place that provides customer service, you will see signs warning people about rude behaviour. It appears some people forget their manners. At a recent Cramahe Township council meeting, staff and politicians grappled with bad behaviour. It is one of a host of municipalities struggling to set boundaries for interactions between the community and the people who serve it. Council introduced a public conduct policy at the behest of the Ontario Ombudsman. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Cramahe Township, Democracy, Politics, Social Justice

Chief discusses major steps Alderville is taking towards self-determination in housing and band elections

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Alderville band council 2024

The show:

Alderville First Nations are taking several significant steps to empower them in critical areas. There are historic barriers to Indigenous people owning homes on First Nations reserves. In this interview, Chief Taynar Simpson will talk about how members can purchase land and own their homes. Next, you will hear Simpson outline how the community moves towards self-determination in electing its band council. Historically, First Nations faced a prescribed process mirroring settler’s forms of democracy. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Conversations Towards Reconciliation, Alderville, Conversations Towards Reconciliation, Democracy, Housing, Indigenous People, Politics, Social Justice

Here is a chance to have a greater say in how Cobourg is run, says deputy mayor

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Victoria Hall

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

People have said local governments should be run like a business for many years. It should be efficient and cost-effective. And taxpayers should be treated like clients or customers, ensuring excellent service and accountability. Then ask anyone who has gone before a local council as a delegation to ask for something. You get 10 minutes to speak. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, #Cobourg, Community, Democracy, Politics, Social Justice

Governance model boon or bust for Port Hope

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Normally, stories about restructuring governance models are boring and nobody really cares, except for political junkies. But, Port Hope is taking a bold step forward with its plans to rejig the town’s bureaucracy. No doubt, many smaller municipalities will be watching very carefully, as should local residents, since this could revolutionize municipal civil services. The position of chief administrative officer no longer exists. The management of the municipality is now being done by five directors, each responsible for one area of governance: finance, planning, parks, recreation and culture, works and engineering, and, finally, police and fire. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Columns, Democracy, Politics

Listening to Northumberland commuters important to Via’s future

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Change is never easy. But, the mismanaged communications by VIA Rail toward local commuters is unnecessary and insulting to those who depend on the service, demonstrating once more how disconnected the independent crown corporation can be from the public it suppose to serve. During a passionate plea to Cobourg council two weeks ago, Bill Pracwecki sought support as VIA Rail attempts to introduce an e-ticketing system, meant to streamline the system and save money. (more…) Continue Reading →

Filed under: Columns, Community, Democracy, Politics

Budget process must be open, not closed

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The issue of transparency in local government dates back to the earliest days of Cobourg. In 1831 edition of the Cobourg Star, one of the first and longest serving newspapers for the community, a letter to the editor refers to the need for a more open council. Not much as changed in 180 years. Still, municipal councils appear to get away with a lot because the public is ignorant of the rules and nobody really holds politicians or bureaucrats accountable. The issues made the pages of local newspapers this week as Port Hope council circulated its justification for closed door or in-camera meetings. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Thinking Out Loud, Democracy, Economy, Politics

New council must walk fine line or repeat the past

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The municipal post-election hang over begins this morning, waking up to a new council for Cobourg, feeling a bit groggy. Mayor-elect Gil Brocanier will have two incumbents on council and four new faces. Stan Frost was acclaimed as deputy mayor and Miriam Mutton will be the new senior councillor, once again riding on top of the polls to victory. The new faces are: Forrest Rowden, John Henderson, Donna Todd and Larry Sherwin. On the surface, it appears to be a big change from the last council. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Election 2010, Thinking Out Loud, Democracy, Election 2010, Politics

A letter from a citizen journalist: debriefing election coverage

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Dear “Friends”

I would like to thank each and everyone of you for being part of this
initiave in local “citizen journalism”. I have had many years of
political experience and, quite frankly, last night’s “little
experiment” in online social media journalism, well, was the most fun ever. However, in that regard I have a few awards to pass out–and kudos and
raspberries–as an entirely disinterested and dispassionate participant
in this event. Frankly, I’m embarassed to say I knew nothing about this
municipal election. I think Mr. Washburn recruited me for this effort
simply because he knew I was a fast typer

My job was to track down the candidates and interview them as the
results came in and post their comments to “Cover-It-Live”–a nice piece
of “citizen journalism” software for live coverage of events such as these. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Community Voices, Election 2010, Democracy, Election 2010, Politics

Cobourg municipal election night 2010 panel

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In the spirit of hyperlocal journalism, Consider This is hosting a live election night panel for Cobourg starting at 8 p.m. on Oct. 25. Joining me will be Cobourg community activist, fellow blogger and former politician Ben Burd. We will also be joined by local communications consultant, and former political staffer Scott Lamberton and community activist Deb O’Connor. Expect the unexpected as other guests may be joining us. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Election 2010, News, Community, Democracy, Election 2010