Election 2010

Recent Posts

New council must walk fine line or repeat the past

By: |

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

By: |

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

By: |

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

Campaigns avoids controversy leaving voters sleepy

By: |

The municipal election in Cobourg is a huge disappointment because if failed to address properly any of the controversial issues facing the town. The debates, the candidate, the signs have mainly given neutral information. No one has provided a clear vision for the long-term future of the town; nor, have any of the candidates tacked the tough issues. Nobody has demonstrated the leadership the town deserves. (more…) Continue Reading →

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

Whatever happened to the hospital issue during the current municipal election

By: |

A mere six months ago, a grassroot campaign was started to recapture the public agenda from Northumberland Hills Hospital. Two citizen groups were founded, public meetings were held and publicity campaigns were launched as people tried to push out an autocratic regime bent on reducing services. The initiative ended when efforts to get new board members elected failed during a tightly controlled annual general meeting. Since then, the citizen groups have gone quiet. The hospital and its board marshal on like a triumphant army with their scorch earth policies. Continue Reading →

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

Clock is ticking on municipal elections

By: |

With the potential for some excitement in the Cobourg mayorality race after local lawyer Martin Partridge filed his papers yesterday, the timing suddenly seemed significant. In the past,  the first day after the Labour Day weekend in September was often considered the official start day for municipal elections in Ontario. Generally, candidates would wait and file in late August for a tactical advantage. While major urban centres like Toronto might see some political action prior to this, for the vast majority, this was the case. Election Day was always the second Tuesday of November, giving candidates about 10 weeks of campaigning. Continue Reading →

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

An interesting race gearing up in Alnwick/Haldimand Township

By: |

The political landscape in the township of Alnwick/Haldimand is becoming very interesting, very quickly as preparation are underway for the 2010 municipal elections. After decades of crushing dominance by former reeve/mayor Bill Finley, he has stepped down, leaving a massive vacuum for the top spot. The trickle down effect is also leaving some big holes to fill on council, so everything is quiet fluid. One-term councillor Art Jeninga was one of the first out of the gate in early June to announce he is running for mayor. He is looking to streamline council business and produce some efficiencies within the process. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Election 2010, Election 2010, Politics