Posts
According to a recent public poll,
66 per cent of Barrie residents are
dissatisfied with city council’s decision
to hike property taxes by 2.3 per cent in 2010.
I can certainly understand why people are
not happy. We are just coming out of the
worst recession since the Great Depression
and thousands of people in Canada have lost
their jobs. This is not the time to ask
Barrie residents to dig deeper into their
wallets to pay increased property taxes.
It’s very unfortunate that the mayor and
council couldn’t keep tax rates flat at this time.
The average tax increase for the City of
Barrie since 2001 has been a staggering 4.7
per cent. The cumulative effect of a
4.7-per-cent tax increase over 10 years
is unacceptable and people cannot afford
this trend to continue.
Based on a study published in Canadian
Business Online, June 4, 2009, Barrie
was ranked well down the list of Ontario
cities with 17 other municipalities having
less expensive tax rates – cities like
Toronto, Markham, Kitchener, Waterloo,
Collingwood, Guelph, Kingston, Brampton,
and Ottawa to name a few. The study used
2007 tax rates and average property values.
Regardless if we have moved up or down a
position or two on the list, the point I
am making is that we have much room for
improvement.
Joe Tascona
Mayoral candidate
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Hamilton blames city for loss of Y project
Hamilton blames city for loss of Y project
Barrie Advance, February 18th
BARRIE -Barrie just did not have the political
will to make a deal with the Y, says a YMCA of
Simcoe Muskoka board member.
Rob Hamilton, a former mayor who’s seeking the
city’s top political job again, says the city
let the Allandale project go.
“It was a knee-jerk reaction because people
thought the Y got preferential treatment,”
he said, adding making any number of strategic
city-core projects work required little from
the city but commitment and a willingness to
work with business in tough economic times.
Officially, the Y said the deal was unaffordable
– a sudden change of tracks after almost two years
of financial research, visioning and design work on
the project. But Hamilton said a little more
political will and vision would have ensured the
project could have succeeded.
“The Y didn’t walk away and pull the plug. They
just did not get a deal they could live with,”
he said of the Jan. 27 decision to pull out of
what was to be a $50-million live-work-learn-play
project.
“The Y could be a real focal point for community
living. I firmly believe the deal could have been
done if the city had said we really want the Y
there for reasons that benefit the city. I don’t
think there was the follow-through to make it happen.”
While city council endorsed the idea of a
partnership with the Y, council was not unanimous.
A vocal opponent was Mayor Dave Aspden.
According to Hamilton, three key issues quashed
the project: the cost of the land, development
charges and parking. Although the Y initially
agreed to $2 million for the entire nine-acre
site, the city subsequently decided to retain
ownership of the 1905 station and the area in
front of it, the prime two acres.
For the remainder of the site located primarily
beside the rail yard, Hamilton said the city
wanted $700,000. The city also demanded the Y
provide at least 200 parking spots and, due to
the configuration of the development, those spots
would have had to be either above or below ground.
The city also refused to offer any development
charge discounts or deferrals, the former mayor said.
Barrie Advance, February 18th
BARRIE -Barrie just did not have the political
will to make a deal with the Y, says a YMCA of
Simcoe Muskoka board member.
Rob Hamilton, a former mayor who’s seeking the
city’s top political job again, says the city
let the Allandale project go.
“It was a knee-jerk reaction because people
thought the Y got preferential treatment,”
he said, adding making any number of strategic
city-core projects work required little from
the city but commitment and a willingness to
work with business in tough economic times.
Officially, the Y said the deal was unaffordable
– a sudden change of tracks after almost two years
of financial research, visioning and design work on
the project. But Hamilton said a little more
political will and vision would have ensured the
project could have succeeded.
“The Y didn’t walk away and pull the plug. They
just did not get a deal they could live with,”
he said of the Jan. 27 decision to pull out of
what was to be a $50-million live-work-learn-play
project.
“The Y could be a real focal point for community
living. I firmly believe the deal could have been
done if the city had said we really want the Y
there for reasons that benefit the city. I don’t
think there was the follow-through to make it happen.”
While city council endorsed the idea of a
partnership with the Y, council was not unanimous.
A vocal opponent was Mayor Dave Aspden.
According to Hamilton, three key issues quashed
the project: the cost of the land, development
charges and parking. Although the Y initially
agreed to $2 million for the entire nine-acre
site, the city subsequently decided to retain
ownership of the 1905 station and the area in
front of it, the prime two acres.
For the remainder of the site located primarily
beside the rail yard, Hamilton said the city
wanted $700,000. The city also demanded the Y
provide at least 200 parking spots and, due to
the configuration of the development, those spots
would have had to be either above or below ground.
The city also refused to offer any development
charge discounts or deferrals, the former mayor said.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Mayor Dave Aspden has stepped down as chairman of Barrie's police board.
Mayor Dave Aspden has stepped down as chairman
of Barrie's police board.
Doug Jure, the new chairman, says Aspden
contacted board member Coun. Jerry Moore and
himself about a conference call board meeting,
with a secretary, Wednesday from 10-11 a.m.
"It was his feeling that his assuming the chair
was causing undue conflict and friction," said Jure.
"He voluntarily stepped down."
Moore then nominated Jure for chairman,
Aspden seconded the motion, and Jure accepted.
Aspden remains the police board's vice-chairman.
Wednesday's meeting took about 10 minutes.
"I think he (Aspden) made the right move,"
said Jure. "We still have to deal with the
recruitment ads and that seems to be the
source of the controversy."
The mayor could not be reached for comment
Wednesday by the Examiner.
"This latest fiasco has given the City of Barrie
a black eye once again,compliments of the mayor,"
said Coun. Michael Prowse. "I believe the mayor
stepping down as chair of the police board is
the minimum expectation Barrie residents have."
Aspden was involved in placing newspaper
advertisements for Barrie's next police chief,
which ran Feb. 6, 10 and 12 in The Globe and Mail,
without Moore and Jure's knowledge or approval.
A recruitment committee struck by the board had
also not approved the ads.
Rick Jones resigned as police board chairman
Feb. 9, allowing Aspden to automatically take
the chair.
Barrie councillors have demanded that Aspden
explain his actions. Their questions are being
handled by the police board.
Police Chief Wayne Frechette, who is retiring
Sept, 1, 2010, said Aspden stepping down as
police board chairman was not unexpected.
"It's not surprising, given the furor of the
last week or 10 days," said Frechette.
Asked if Aspden's action will affect the way
he does his job, the chief said it would not.
"Not at all," he said. "I will do what I do
until Sept. 1."
Moore said Aspden made the correct choice by
stepping down.
"I believe it was the right thing to do
because as I've said before, I feel
the chair should be a civilian," he said.
Coun. Barry Ward said he agrees with Moore's
position, and that it applies to any mayor,
not just Aspden.
"In Mayor Aspden's case, it was even more
inappropriate to hold the position as chair
because it was obvious he had lost the
confidence of the other board members,"
Ward said. "I appreciate the mayor making this
decision for the good of the board and the city."
"I think in light of the situation the mayor
did the right thing by stepping down as chair
and should be congratulated," said Coun. Rod Jackson.
"Now the police board can operate without a
cloud of negativity and with the confidence of
the force it directs and the residents it serves."
Coun. John Brassard agrees, but he took it a
step further.
"I think the mayor not being chair is the only
way that the board remains functional for the
remainder of its term," he said.
"I also think it would be prudent if he (Aspden)
removes himself from any recruitment process for
a new chief of police, given what has occurred over
the last couple weeks. That would eliminate any
doubt that there was an attempt to manipulate the
hiring process for a preferred candidate."
Brassard said that would be a matter for the
police board to decide.
Moore and Jure are drafting a report about
the police chief recruitment ads that will be
presented to the police board at its Feb. 23 meeting.
Jure says the report will be presented in the
open-door part of the meeting. A report will
then go to city council and likely be discussed
at its March 1 meeting.
Jure said it's important to clear up this matter.
"It's very serious. We (the police board) have an
agenda - recruiting a new chief of police," he said.
"That has been compromised by the mayor's ad."
Jure said the police board also has to negotiate
a new contract with the Barrie Police Association,
which represents city officers.
"This is not just optics," he said. "There are
other matters that will come out of our address (report).
"There needs to be a clear delineation between
the chief's role and the board's role, and the
relationship between the city and the board."
The police board has also asked city council
to appoint its community representative, to
replace Jones, as soon as possible - since
the board is now down to three members, which
is still a quorum.
Jure said the city will advertise for the
position, review applications and council
could pick Jones' replacement in early April.
Police board member Don MacNeil has been
directed by (OCCPS) not to attend board
meetings until a criminal assault with a
weapon (a TV remote control) charge against
him has been dealt with.
MacNeil is scheduled for a status hearing
in June and a trial in August.
of Barrie's police board.
Doug Jure, the new chairman, says Aspden
contacted board member Coun. Jerry Moore and
himself about a conference call board meeting,
with a secretary, Wednesday from 10-11 a.m.
"It was his feeling that his assuming the chair
was causing undue conflict and friction," said Jure.
"He voluntarily stepped down."
Moore then nominated Jure for chairman,
Aspden seconded the motion, and Jure accepted.
Aspden remains the police board's vice-chairman.
Wednesday's meeting took about 10 minutes.
"I think he (Aspden) made the right move,"
said Jure. "We still have to deal with the
recruitment ads and that seems to be the
source of the controversy."
The mayor could not be reached for comment
Wednesday by the Examiner.
"This latest fiasco has given the City of Barrie
a black eye once again,compliments of the mayor,"
said Coun. Michael Prowse. "I believe the mayor
stepping down as chair of the police board is
the minimum expectation Barrie residents have."
Aspden was involved in placing newspaper
advertisements for Barrie's next police chief,
which ran Feb. 6, 10 and 12 in The Globe and Mail,
without Moore and Jure's knowledge or approval.
A recruitment committee struck by the board had
also not approved the ads.
Rick Jones resigned as police board chairman
Feb. 9, allowing Aspden to automatically take
the chair.
Barrie councillors have demanded that Aspden
explain his actions. Their questions are being
handled by the police board.
Police Chief Wayne Frechette, who is retiring
Sept, 1, 2010, said Aspden stepping down as
police board chairman was not unexpected.
"It's not surprising, given the furor of the
last week or 10 days," said Frechette.
Asked if Aspden's action will affect the way
he does his job, the chief said it would not.
"Not at all," he said. "I will do what I do
until Sept. 1."
Moore said Aspden made the correct choice by
stepping down.
"I believe it was the right thing to do
because as I've said before, I feel
the chair should be a civilian," he said.
Coun. Barry Ward said he agrees with Moore's
position, and that it applies to any mayor,
not just Aspden.
"In Mayor Aspden's case, it was even more
inappropriate to hold the position as chair
because it was obvious he had lost the
confidence of the other board members,"
Ward said. "I appreciate the mayor making this
decision for the good of the board and the city."
"I think in light of the situation the mayor
did the right thing by stepping down as chair
and should be congratulated," said Coun. Rod Jackson.
"Now the police board can operate without a
cloud of negativity and with the confidence of
the force it directs and the residents it serves."
Coun. John Brassard agrees, but he took it a
step further.
"I think the mayor not being chair is the only
way that the board remains functional for the
remainder of its term," he said.
"I also think it would be prudent if he (Aspden)
removes himself from any recruitment process for
a new chief of police, given what has occurred over
the last couple weeks. That would eliminate any
doubt that there was an attempt to manipulate the
hiring process for a preferred candidate."
Brassard said that would be a matter for the
police board to decide.
Moore and Jure are drafting a report about
the police chief recruitment ads that will be
presented to the police board at its Feb. 23 meeting.
Jure says the report will be presented in the
open-door part of the meeting. A report will
then go to city council and likely be discussed
at its March 1 meeting.
Jure said it's important to clear up this matter.
"It's very serious. We (the police board) have an
agenda - recruiting a new chief of police," he said.
"That has been compromised by the mayor's ad."
Jure said the police board also has to negotiate
a new contract with the Barrie Police Association,
which represents city officers.
"This is not just optics," he said. "There are
other matters that will come out of our address (report).
"There needs to be a clear delineation between
the chief's role and the board's role, and the
relationship between the city and the board."
The police board has also asked city council
to appoint its community representative, to
replace Jones, as soon as possible - since
the board is now down to three members, which
is still a quorum.
Jure said the city will advertise for the
position, review applications and council
could pick Jones' replacement in early April.
Police board member Don MacNeil has been
directed by (OCCPS) not to attend board
meetings until a criminal assault with a
weapon (a TV remote control) charge against
him has been dealt with.
MacNeil is scheduled for a status hearing
in June and a trial in August.
JOE TASCONA WEBSITE LAUNCH!
Joe Tascona launches new website
Barrie, On, Feb 18, 2009… Barrie mayor candidate Joe Tascona has launched a new website www.joetascona4mayor.com in his efforts to reach as many Barrie voters as possible and get his message heard.
“You can’t rely solely on traditional communication vehicles such as print and broadcast anymore,” said Tascona. “People are more and more turning to social media to get their news and information. I plan on reaching as many people as I can so that on October 25th, , they’ll know exactly what a vote for Joe Tascona will do for them.”
Joe Tascona has 17 years of political experience at both the municipal and provincial level. He served on Barrie City Council from late 1991 to 1995. From 1992-1995, Joe earned a reputation as a tax fighter. During that same four-year term, Council approved 4 annual budgets of zero % tax increases.
-30-
For further information:
Contact Mike Quinn
Campaign Manager for Joe Tascona
(705) 737-4570
mquinn07@rogers.com
Barrie, On, Feb 18, 2009… Barrie mayor candidate Joe Tascona has launched a new website www.joetascona4mayor.com in his efforts to reach as many Barrie voters as possible and get his message heard.
“You can’t rely solely on traditional communication vehicles such as print and broadcast anymore,” said Tascona. “People are more and more turning to social media to get their news and information. I plan on reaching as many people as I can so that on October 25th, , they’ll know exactly what a vote for Joe Tascona will do for them.”
Joe Tascona has 17 years of political experience at both the municipal and provincial level. He served on Barrie City Council from late 1991 to 1995. From 1992-1995, Joe earned a reputation as a tax fighter. During that same four-year term, Council approved 4 annual budgets of zero % tax increases.
-30-
For further information:
Contact Mike Quinn
Campaign Manager for Joe Tascona
(705) 737-4570
mquinn07@rogers.com
WHAT BARRIE VOTERS ARE SAYING!
MESSAGES RECEIVED FROM BARRIE VOTERS!
****************************************
Derek McLean
You were a great MPP and you'll
make an amazing mayor. You should
have 4 votes just from our house alone.
We were all supporters of yours when
you were a MPP and that will continue.
This city needs a big spark to return
it to its glory days. Good luck!
Derek McLean
Barrie On
*****************************************
Krystie Ann
Hi Mr. Tascona, I have been reading
up on your site, and am really impressed
with all you have done for our community.
And appreciate your life story and experiences.
I have never been overly interested in politics
to be honest, but in the last few years I have
begun to really educate myself, and truly admire
those trying to make a difference. And support
you all the way!
Krystie Ann
Barrie On
********************************************
Ken Hebbard
Glad to see you running for Mayor
Alex sent me your facebook (known
him for a few years)
I myself am a veteran 25 yrs CFMSS
served overseas on several missions
I am presently a member of the ministry
team of Mapleview Community Church (music)
Affliated with SPEBSQSA -SAI -DCI
executive producer / Director M.Mus
and RVP/Partner with my spouse for a
financial firm in Barrie and Cornwall Ontario.
Work with several charities in Barrie and Ontario
(just so you know who you are talking with)
Let me know if I can be of help
Ken Hebbard
Barrie On
************************************************
David Bell
Hi Mr. Tascona;
I am a talented local website desiger,
would love to help you with your campaign website!
All the Best! Make it a great day!
David Bell
Barrie On
**************************************************
Glenn Walsh
Hey Joe,
Good luck with your bid to be Mayor, if
you need any volunteers or some help feel
free to send me a message.
Glenn
Barrie On
***************************************************
Andrea Khanjin
I am glad to hear you are running for
Mayor! Good Luck.
If there is anything I can do from
Ottawa, do let me know. So far I have
just been spreading the word to family
and friends.
Andrea Khanjin
Barrie On
****************************************************
Kevin Gale
Hi Joe,
On behalf of QT Inc. thanks for joining
the race. I notice from your profile you are
a Royal Legion member, I am delighted to
share community with you. How did your Haiti
fundraiser do?
Kevin Gale
Barrie On
******************************************************
Erin-Lorna Quenneville
I would just like to say it is about
time someone who actually CARES about
our city runs for mayor. You are ready
to work and commit yourself as a mayor
for "ALL" people of Barrie not just the
ones who you think matter. As a mayor
it is your duty to see that everyone
can live happily and equally and work
together as a community to help our city
flourish. I put all my faith and trust
into your campaign for Mayor and hope
that people follow along in this. When
you were MPP you addressed matters that
were brought to you attention in a quick
and precise manner and you never stopped
until the end results were positive. Those
are the exact attributes and qualities we
need in our Mayor. I believe in you
Mr. Tascona! You have my vote!
sincerely
Erin Quenneville
Barrie On
***********************************************
George Sardelis
Joe,
Its been far too long since we have seen
each other. I hope all is well with you
and your family. Best of luck on the mayoral
race. I know you will come out on top.
George Sardelis
Barrie On
************************************************
Tina Molinari
good luck in your mayoral race. My sister
and her family live in Barrie, I will tell
them to vote for you.
Tina Molinari
Barrie On
***************************************************
Steve Troian
Ran a few years ago in Ward 10 against
Tom Moore........We need you in office!
Steve Troian
Barrie On
****************************************************
Ben Davy
Best of luck to you, Joe!
We need tax cuts! Many have promised,
but none have delivered. Barrie's growth
needs to pay for itself - it's been on
our backs for too long. For years now
we've been paying more, and getting less.
Counting on you to deliver, Joe!!!
Ben Davy
Barrie On
*****************************************************
Please share your thoughts with Joe on what you
believe are the important issues you are concerned
with in Barrie.
****************************************
Derek McLean
You were a great MPP and you'll
make an amazing mayor. You should
have 4 votes just from our house alone.
We were all supporters of yours when
you were a MPP and that will continue.
This city needs a big spark to return
it to its glory days. Good luck!
Derek McLean
Barrie On
*****************************************
Krystie Ann
Hi Mr. Tascona, I have been reading
up on your site, and am really impressed
with all you have done for our community.
And appreciate your life story and experiences.
I have never been overly interested in politics
to be honest, but in the last few years I have
begun to really educate myself, and truly admire
those trying to make a difference. And support
you all the way!
Krystie Ann
Barrie On
********************************************
Ken Hebbard
Glad to see you running for Mayor
Alex sent me your facebook (known
him for a few years)
I myself am a veteran 25 yrs CFMSS
served overseas on several missions
I am presently a member of the ministry
team of Mapleview Community Church (music)
Affliated with SPEBSQSA -SAI -DCI
executive producer / Director M.Mus
and RVP/Partner with my spouse for a
financial firm in Barrie and Cornwall Ontario.
Work with several charities in Barrie and Ontario
(just so you know who you are talking with)
Let me know if I can be of help
Ken Hebbard
Barrie On
************************************************
David Bell
Hi Mr. Tascona;
I am a talented local website desiger,
would love to help you with your campaign website!
All the Best! Make it a great day!
David Bell
Barrie On
**************************************************
Glenn Walsh
Hey Joe,
Good luck with your bid to be Mayor, if
you need any volunteers or some help feel
free to send me a message.
Glenn
Barrie On
***************************************************
Andrea Khanjin
I am glad to hear you are running for
Mayor! Good Luck.
If there is anything I can do from
Ottawa, do let me know. So far I have
just been spreading the word to family
and friends.
Andrea Khanjin
Barrie On
****************************************************
Kevin Gale
Hi Joe,
On behalf of QT Inc. thanks for joining
the race. I notice from your profile you are
a Royal Legion member, I am delighted to
share community with you. How did your Haiti
fundraiser do?
Kevin Gale
Barrie On
******************************************************
Erin-Lorna Quenneville
I would just like to say it is about
time someone who actually CARES about
our city runs for mayor. You are ready
to work and commit yourself as a mayor
for "ALL" people of Barrie not just the
ones who you think matter. As a mayor
it is your duty to see that everyone
can live happily and equally and work
together as a community to help our city
flourish. I put all my faith and trust
into your campaign for Mayor and hope
that people follow along in this. When
you were MPP you addressed matters that
were brought to you attention in a quick
and precise manner and you never stopped
until the end results were positive. Those
are the exact attributes and qualities we
need in our Mayor. I believe in you
Mr. Tascona! You have my vote!
sincerely
Erin Quenneville
Barrie On
***********************************************
George Sardelis
Joe,
Its been far too long since we have seen
each other. I hope all is well with you
and your family. Best of luck on the mayoral
race. I know you will come out on top.
George Sardelis
Barrie On
************************************************
Tina Molinari
good luck in your mayoral race. My sister
and her family live in Barrie, I will tell
them to vote for you.
Tina Molinari
Barrie On
***************************************************
Steve Troian
Ran a few years ago in Ward 10 against
Tom Moore........We need you in office!
Steve Troian
Barrie On
****************************************************
Ben Davy
Best of luck to you, Joe!
We need tax cuts! Many have promised,
but none have delivered. Barrie's growth
needs to pay for itself - it's been on
our backs for too long. For years now
we've been paying more, and getting less.
Counting on you to deliver, Joe!!!
Ben Davy
Barrie On
*****************************************************
Please share your thoughts with Joe on what you
believe are the important issues you are concerned
with in Barrie.
City tax hike unacceptable
According to a recent public poll,
66 per cent of Barrie residents
are dissatisfied with city council’s
decision to hike property taxes by
2.3 per cent in 2010.
I can certainly understand why
people are not happy. We are just
coming out of the worst recession
since the Great Depression and
thousands of people in Canada have
lost their jobs.
This is not the time to ask Barrie
residents to dig deeper into their
wallets to pay increased property
taxes. It’s very unfortunate that
the mayor and council couldn’t keep
tax rates flat at this time.
The average tax increase for the City
of Barrie since 2001 has been a staggering
4.7 per cent.
The cumulative effect of a
4.7-per-cent tax increase over 10 years
is unacceptable and people cannot afford
this trend to continue.
Based on a study published in Canadian
Business Online, June 4, 2009, Barrie
was ranked well down the list of Ontario
cities with 17 other municipalities having
less expensive tax rates – cities like
Toronto, Markham, Kitchener, Waterloo,
Collingwood, Guelph, Kingston, Brampton,
and Ottawa to name a few. The study used
2007 tax rates and average
property values.
Regardless if we have moved up or down a
position or two on the list, the point I
am making is that we have much room for
improvement.
Joe Tascona
Mayoral candidate
66 per cent of Barrie residents
are dissatisfied with city council’s
decision to hike property taxes by
2.3 per cent in 2010.
I can certainly understand why
people are not happy. We are just
coming out of the worst recession
since the Great Depression and
thousands of people in Canada have
lost their jobs.
This is not the time to ask Barrie
residents to dig deeper into their
wallets to pay increased property
taxes. It’s very unfortunate that
the mayor and council couldn’t keep
tax rates flat at this time.
The average tax increase for the City
of Barrie since 2001 has been a staggering
4.7 per cent.
The cumulative effect of a
4.7-per-cent tax increase over 10 years
is unacceptable and people cannot afford
this trend to continue.
Based on a study published in Canadian
Business Online, June 4, 2009, Barrie
was ranked well down the list of Ontario
cities with 17 other municipalities having
less expensive tax rates – cities like
Toronto, Markham, Kitchener, Waterloo,
Collingwood, Guelph, Kingston, Brampton,
and Ottawa to name a few. The study used
2007 tax rates and average
property values.
Regardless if we have moved up or down a
position or two on the list, the point I
am making is that we have much room for
improvement.
Joe Tascona
Mayoral candidate
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Questions linger over chief ad
Barrie councilors will be following the money
which paid for a controversial newspaper ad
seeking applications for the next city police chief.
Mayor Dave Aspden was involved in placing the
advertisement, which ran Feb. 6, 10 and 12 in
The Globe and Mail.
Rick Jones resigned as police board chairman
before the second ad appeared, allowing Aspden
to take the chair.
But Coun. Jerry Moore and Doug Jure, the police
board's other members, didn't know about the ad
being placed and say their board didn't approve it.
The question now is who pays for the ads, which
could cost more than $6,500.
"The fact that we have this ad running repetitively
in a national daily newspaper that was approved by
nobody, paid for by a mystery source and void of
any of the typical disclaimers or wording, never
mind the spelling and grammatical errors, is
frustrating and embarrassing," said Coun. Rod Jackson.
"Where does the buck stop? Why won't the mayor
answer the questions without a 'Red Herring'
diatribe? Enough of this nonsense!"
Jackson asked Aspden on Feb. 8 who authorized
the ad and who paid for it.
"He dodged the question then as he continues
to now," said Jackson. "Clearly he knows and
is withholding the information, which is terribly
concerning to me. What is the big secret?
What's he hiding? What is he afraid of?
"If he (Aspden) made an innocent mistake or
poor judgment call, admit it, apologize and
let us move on with the business of managing
the city," he said. "People will forgive
mistakes. They won't forgive hiding your mistakes." "
Aspden could not be reached for comment on
the weekend by The Barrie Examiner.But on Feb.
8 the mayor said he "had something to do with
it (the ad)," and that Jones also knew about it.
Jones himself said he was aware of the ad going
in, but not the mechanics of placing it and its
wording.
He said he takes responsibility for it nonetheless,
although that wasn't why he resigned, Jones said.
Jackson isn't the only city councilor, however,
who wants answers.
"I know the cost of running the advertisement
would run into the thousands of dollars,"
said Coun. Barry Ward. "I don't know who paid
or will pay for it, but I would never support
the city footing the bill since we did not
authorize it."
"I'm sure the police services board will be
talking about that (who pays), but I can tell
you I'll be keeping an eye on how this is paid
because it definitely shouldn't be coming from
the city's budget," said Coun. John Brassard.
"When the bill comes in, then we will know
(who placed the ad)," said Jure, a civilian
member of the police board. "There's no authority
to pay for the ad.
"An expensive item like that would require a
motion from the board."
City staff say Aspden does not have a corporate
credit card on which he could charge the ad's cost.
The Globe and Mail could be sending the city,
or the police board, and invoice for the ad.
"There is no way I will allow the citizens
of Barrie to pay for this fiasco, and I hope
and expect the police board will take the same
approach," said Jackson.
"I am not aware of the cost or how it was paid,
but the Barrie police board never authorized it
or authorized payment of the ad," said Moore.
It asks for applications for the position of
Barrie police chief. Wayne Frechette, the current
chief, retires Sept. 1, 2010. The police board has
a recruitment committee of Aspden, Moore and Jure.
It didn't authorize the ad either.
The ad could only be withdrawn or altered by
the person who placed it. Attempts by the city's
human resources department to determine this
were blocked by the Globe's confidentiality clause.
City councilors have expressed a number of
concerns about the ad, which Moore and Jure
will take to the board during its Feb. 23,
closed-door meeting.
A report on those findings is expected at
council's March 1 meeting.
which paid for a controversial newspaper ad
seeking applications for the next city police chief.
Mayor Dave Aspden was involved in placing the
advertisement, which ran Feb. 6, 10 and 12 in
The Globe and Mail.
Rick Jones resigned as police board chairman
before the second ad appeared, allowing Aspden
to take the chair.
But Coun. Jerry Moore and Doug Jure, the police
board's other members, didn't know about the ad
being placed and say their board didn't approve it.
The question now is who pays for the ads, which
could cost more than $6,500.
"The fact that we have this ad running repetitively
in a national daily newspaper that was approved by
nobody, paid for by a mystery source and void of
any of the typical disclaimers or wording, never
mind the spelling and grammatical errors, is
frustrating and embarrassing," said Coun. Rod Jackson.
"Where does the buck stop? Why won't the mayor
answer the questions without a 'Red Herring'
diatribe? Enough of this nonsense!"
Jackson asked Aspden on Feb. 8 who authorized
the ad and who paid for it.
"He dodged the question then as he continues
to now," said Jackson. "Clearly he knows and
is withholding the information, which is terribly
concerning to me. What is the big secret?
What's he hiding? What is he afraid of?
"If he (Aspden) made an innocent mistake or
poor judgment call, admit it, apologize and
let us move on with the business of managing
the city," he said. "People will forgive
mistakes. They won't forgive hiding your mistakes." "
Aspden could not be reached for comment on
the weekend by The Barrie Examiner.But on Feb.
8 the mayor said he "had something to do with
it (the ad)," and that Jones also knew about it.
Jones himself said he was aware of the ad going
in, but not the mechanics of placing it and its
wording.
He said he takes responsibility for it nonetheless,
although that wasn't why he resigned, Jones said.
Jackson isn't the only city councilor, however,
who wants answers.
"I know the cost of running the advertisement
would run into the thousands of dollars,"
said Coun. Barry Ward. "I don't know who paid
or will pay for it, but I would never support
the city footing the bill since we did not
authorize it."
"I'm sure the police services board will be
talking about that (who pays), but I can tell
you I'll be keeping an eye on how this is paid
because it definitely shouldn't be coming from
the city's budget," said Coun. John Brassard.
"When the bill comes in, then we will know
(who placed the ad)," said Jure, a civilian
member of the police board. "There's no authority
to pay for the ad.
"An expensive item like that would require a
motion from the board."
City staff say Aspden does not have a corporate
credit card on which he could charge the ad's cost.
The Globe and Mail could be sending the city,
or the police board, and invoice for the ad.
"There is no way I will allow the citizens
of Barrie to pay for this fiasco, and I hope
and expect the police board will take the same
approach," said Jackson.
"I am not aware of the cost or how it was paid,
but the Barrie police board never authorized it
or authorized payment of the ad," said Moore.
It asks for applications for the position of
Barrie police chief. Wayne Frechette, the current
chief, retires Sept. 1, 2010. The police board has
a recruitment committee of Aspden, Moore and Jure.
It didn't authorize the ad either.
The ad could only be withdrawn or altered by
the person who placed it. Attempts by the city's
human resources department to determine this
were blocked by the Globe's confidentiality clause.
City councilors have expressed a number of
concerns about the ad, which Moore and Jure
will take to the board during its Feb. 23,
closed-door meeting.
A report on those findings is expected at
council's March 1 meeting.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Majority of Barrie Citizens Oppose 2010 Tax Hike
Majority of Barrie Citizens Oppose 2010 Tax Hike
Tascona Promises to do better if elected Mayor
Barrie, On, Feb 4, 2010… According to a recent E-Poll conducted by the Barrie Examiner, 66% of Barrie residents are dissatisfied with City Council’s decision to hike property taxes by 2.3% in 2010.
“I can certainly understand why people are not happy,” said Joe Tascona, who was the first person to register for Barrie’s mayoralty race. “ We’re just coming out of the worst recession since the Great Depression. Thousands have lost their jobs. This is not the time to ask Barrie residents to dig deeper. It’s very unfortunate that the Mayor and Council couldn’t keep the tax rates at zero increase.”
Tascona also points out that the average tax increase since 2001 in the City of Barrie has been a staggering 4.7%. “The cumulative effect of a 4.7% tax increase over 10 years is unacceptable,” said Tascona. “People can’t afford this. We need stronger leadership in Barrie and we need to cut out the fat because it’s always there if you look hard enough.”
Joe Tascona has 17 years of political experience at both the municipal and provincial level. He served on Barrie City Council from late 1991 to 1995. From 1992-1995, Joe earned a reputation as a “tax fighter” and during that same term, Council approved 4 annual budgets of zero % tax increases.
For further information :
Contact Mike Quinn
Campaign Manager for Joe Tascona
(705) 737-4570
Mquinn07@rogers.com
Tascona Promises to do better if elected Mayor
Barrie, On, Feb 4, 2010… According to a recent E-Poll conducted by the Barrie Examiner, 66% of Barrie residents are dissatisfied with City Council’s decision to hike property taxes by 2.3% in 2010.
“I can certainly understand why people are not happy,” said Joe Tascona, who was the first person to register for Barrie’s mayoralty race. “ We’re just coming out of the worst recession since the Great Depression. Thousands have lost their jobs. This is not the time to ask Barrie residents to dig deeper. It’s very unfortunate that the Mayor and Council couldn’t keep the tax rates at zero increase.”
Tascona also points out that the average tax increase since 2001 in the City of Barrie has been a staggering 4.7%. “The cumulative effect of a 4.7% tax increase over 10 years is unacceptable,” said Tascona. “People can’t afford this. We need stronger leadership in Barrie and we need to cut out the fat because it’s always there if you look hard enough.”
Joe Tascona has 17 years of political experience at both the municipal and provincial level. He served on Barrie City Council from late 1991 to 1995. From 1992-1995, Joe earned a reputation as a “tax fighter” and during that same term, Council approved 4 annual budgets of zero % tax increases.
For further information :
Contact Mike Quinn
Campaign Manager for Joe Tascona
(705) 737-4570
Mquinn07@rogers.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
