fbpx

Uncategorized

Flag Poles and Crosswalks

One of the things that I did agree with in installing the greeter desk back in the lobby of city hall is it’s intended emphasis on hospitality. It’s important that we make hospitality a value at the center of our city. Judging by the comments of my fellow councilors who voted in favour of restoring …

Flag Poles and Crosswalks Read More »

Further Motions Regarding Mike Bradley’s Sanctions

Tomorrow’s meeting is going to be interesting! Further to the motion that I commented on from Sarnia Councillor Bill Dennis there is another motion by Dave Boushy that is identical and then takes it even further. There are two items that he added: e) Removal of the Workplace Investigation section from the www.sarnia.ca (all reports will remain publicly available); f) Staff …

Further Motions Regarding Mike Bradley’s Sanctions Read More »

Committee For Compensation Recommendations

Sarnia Councillor Bill Dennis Has a motion on the table at the next council meeting “that any compensation related matter (including eligible expense criteria or other financial reimbursement matters) for Sarnia City and City/County Council members be referred to a Committee of private citizens (to be established) for recommendations to be submitted to Council for their …

Committee For Compensation Recommendations Read More »

Suggestions On How To Talk About Struggling Neighbourhoods

The recent news of three business owners leaving Mitton Village is really heartbreaking that they found themselves unable to sustain their businesses in that area. It really sheds light onto larger set of issues that we face as a city. I’d like to make a few suggestions to guide our discourse about these things that …

Suggestions On How To Talk About Struggling Neighbourhoods Read More »

Choosing Your Own Salary

I have spent most of the last twelve years being the lowest paid staff of any of the businesses I am a co-owner of. I don’t make decisions based on my own financial gain, but in the best interests of the overall vision in which we are striving towards. So speaking of my own salary …

Choosing Your Own Salary Read More »

Lower Taxes Is Not The Answer

Lower Taxes! This is the mantra of the masses, propagated by politicians. It is a message of fear that attempts to shift the citizen’s focus away from what is actually going on. An honest politician has to catch themselves feeding into the narrative that lowering taxes helps keep more money in your pocket and continually …

Lower Taxes Is Not The Answer Read More »

Municipal Infrastructure Lending

Coming off the heels of my first budget city council meeting, a motion was made today to increase our contribution to reserves (aka. savings account) of $3.5 million (approx 1.5% increase of taxes) to start the process of tackling our looming $350 million infrastructure deficit. That motion was rejected with some of the stated reasoning …

Municipal Infrastructure Lending Read More »

The Difference Between ‘Having Debt’ and Being ‘In Debt’

Debt is a trigger word in politics, and when we use it, we end up using it no different than how the average consumer talks about credit card debt. In business however, debt is a tool, among many, for growth. We cannot speak of a multi-million dollar corporation’s debt as if they are “in debt” …

The Difference Between ‘Having Debt’ and Being ‘In Debt’ Read More »

My City Council Campaign

I ran for city council in Sarnia and I won! I’ll post a bit more often on my Facebook page. I’m excited! Here is a transcript of a 5 minute talk I gave at a Kiwanis lunch (it includes some of my thoughts on Mayor Mike Bradley’s sanctions.) Here is an interview I did on …

My City Council Campaign Read More »

Changing The Golden Rule

The golden rule that I’ve been taught my entire life is to do onto others as I would have them do onto me.  Jesus said it and most religions have some sort of similar proverb or guideline. I’ve recently begun to wonder if this is the best advice. Considering my privilege – the way that …

Changing The Golden Rule Read More »

Belief-Based Institutions Are Not Sustainable Or Effective

Art by David Hayward (Naked Pastor) I’ve been trying to understand and appreciate the role of institutions (the definition I’m using for institutions is “a society or organization founded for a religious, educational, social, or similar purpose)” in the world and my own life.  Whether it be corporations, churches, non-profits, governments or community groups.  I …

Belief-Based Institutions Are Not Sustainable Or Effective Read More »