And not only did these officers CRAM-A-CRUISER, they went all out and crammed their Prisoner Escort Van!
They even let me look inside it but I was careful not to look in TOO deep... (I saw those movies where the door slams on the poor sap in the Deep Freezer with all the racks of beef, no thanks)
But it was all good news here. AND. I got to see a real Peel Regional Police car up close and MY, would I love to just take it down Glen Erin for a spin. The tires alone advertise a je ne sais quois "Don't even think about it"ness.
Big week. Two days ago it was Brampton's BABY BOYZ exporting their athletic dance-thing into Mississauga. Today, it's our Peelers at their best.
So we present this music video --simply called PEELnPROUD (I put it under "Faith and Spirituality" at Google Video).
Signed,
The (PEELers --Not just in our Mirrors) Mississauga Muse
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Click here for John Stewart's Blog
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Got to get to Brampton Court House. The writing's on the wall and I've concluded that I can't change things. But I sure can "bear witness" --and I have a "Duty to Report" on what will happen there today.
I'm Back. Ontario Court of Justice (Brampton) Report
I'm back and I couldn't be more disgusted. At age 57, I've finally had my eyes open to what's what. Everyone should go and sit in a courtroom at least once. Just pick a courtroom, sit there for a couple of hours and imagine that You're The One Up There.
How does it Feel?
Look, like really Look around.
You'll be struck by the number of kids who stand up before the judge. You'll be reminded just how many visible (gee, are we allowed to use that descriptor?) minorities wander the halls trying to negotiate a baffling system that's baffling even to Canadian-born'n'breds with university degrees.
Disclosure --I went to watch what they'll do to Don Barber.
Few people know as well as me what he's up against (my Freedoms of Informations are trickling in including one today). Don's father was also there and it was good to meet the elder Barber for the first time. I'm not sure how much I can say about what happened in the courtroom --nor do I really feel qualified. Like I said, it's all baffling -a kind of Ritualized Drama of Mutual Pretense with far too much of Canada squeezed out of it.
I actually felt ashamed.
I just hope that someone-somehow takes up Don Barber's cause. I owe him and so do a whole lot of other Ontarians only they don't even know it.
The Court --they don't let you take pictures --not even audio. I know why --bad enough to see/hear that once without replaying it.
I sit there watching kid-after-kid plead guilty and get sentenced and I think back to only last Thursday when the Peel Youth Violence Prevention Committee held its inaugural meeting.
<
"Bright Future For Peel Youth" Sure. Right. Because Saying Makes It So!
And wasn't it just yesterday that The Missisauga News ran an article with a colour photo of a smiling Pat Saito?
"Committee meets to combat youth violence
Chris Clay
Apr 1, 2007
Peel children and teens were given a clear message Thursday night.
'Youth are important and those of us living in the region really do care about them,' said City of Mississauga Ward 9 Councillor Pat Saito. 'We respect our young people and we need to reach out and let them know just that.'
Saito was speaking at a Peel Youth Violence Prevention Committee meeting at City Hall, where the committee unveiled its Peel Youth Charter.
The charter contains 11 key rights. These include a right to safe and supportive environments at home, at school, at work and in the community as well as a right to proper education and training, employment opportunities, an adequate standard of living and access to recreation and leisure activities....
Mayors of Caledon, Brampton and Mississauga (Saito signed on behalf of Mayor Hazel McCallion)..."
I was there at that meeting and my number one question is "Where was Hazel McCallion if Youth are so important and you really do care about them and plan on reaching out? Hmmmm Where was Mayor McCallion?
Second question. Why did no one ask that first question?
Well, I'm asking it now.
"Where was Hazel McCallion if Youth are so important and you really do care about them and plan on reaching out?"
Youth got a "clear message" Thursday night, all right. Kids know what's what.
The courtroom. One thing made me smile --yeah, just one thing. The backs of the benches had people's names carved in them. Have to tell you, wasn't that long ago, I'd be miffed at such lack of respect for a public institution. No more.
I'm still smilin'. Eloquent proof that "A man can be destroyed, but not defeated'' Hemingway would've approved.
Don Barber's next court appearance is April 23rd and I plan on being there. You see, I have a "Duty to Report"
Signed,
Ursula (I don't know why the "P" in "SUSPECT" wasn't completed) Bennett "We must employ every possible tactic to dissuade those who try to silence us with fear"
---The Mississauga News Editorial (2007-03-24) Click here for John Stewart's Blog
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Mayor Hazel McCallion --Her Words For the Record on Port Credit
At the March 28, 2007 Council meeting, Mayor Hazel McCallion provided councillors with a "7-page briefing" just moments before the actual meeting, outlining her views on Port Credit Library and Gray House. She said she did this because she felt strongly that she needed to put in writing her "position on The Library" so in the future there would be a record of exactly how events happened as they did.
She said:
"And I felt, as Mayor, that I should put on the record, the notes that I gave verbally in a more structured way, and more professional, because I know that some day this issue will come up. I would like to know that the Mayor of Mississauga at the time --I may not be around when it comes up--that the Mayor put forward her position, as to why she felt strongly that The Library should move for the Future of the Port Credit area --and, for the future of this great city...
...My reasons for it are now on the record of the City of Mississauga."
I felt strongly that it was important that future citizens would not just have the Mayor's 7-page "Port Credit history" missive to rely on. Why words-and-paper in a video-techno world? What better way for The Future to study The Past than by actually listening to the Mayor's precise words that March 28th morning in Council --with matching video of Gray House destroyed 48 hours later?
You're welcome, Future. Mayor Hazel McCallion speaks as Gray House isn't.
The Mayor's words that morning are actually worth "experiencing" twice --feel free.
Last. I provide --for The Record-- the response to Madam Mayor of Ward 11 Councillor (my councillor) George Carlson. Boy was I proud of him on last Wednesday.
Signed,
Ursula (Video mo' betta) Bennett "We must employ every possible tactic to dissuade those who try to silence us with fear"
---The Mississauga News Editorial (2007-03-24) Click here for John Stewart's Blog
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One of the great things about actually having video instead of just the minutes of a Corporation of the City of Mississauga meeting is you actually have video instead of just the minutes of a Corporation of the City of Mississauga meeting.
Going over Mayor McCallion's March 28, 2007 statements about the Port Credit library, she made mention of all the emails/comments she got from residents regarding the Pros of moving The Library to the FRAM development site.
Of all the Pros for moving The Library delivered that morning, here's my personal favourite.
"It was very interesting to read it [a compilation of all the Pro comments] --even to the comment about that it blocks the beautiful Memorial Park in Port Credit."
--even to the comment about that it blocks the beautiful Memorial Park in Port Credit"....
Whaa?
--even to the comment about that it blocks the beautiful Memorial Park in Port Credit"....
I just went to the mississauga.ca website and here's what it says about the Port Credit Library.
"Port Credit Branch Library
There has been library service in the Port Credit area since 1896. The current branch library building was built in 1962 and is located at the eastern edge of the Credit River, on the north side of Lakeshore Blvd. and west of Stavebank."
The Library "was built in 1962" and only on March 28, 2007 someone's gotten around to complaining that it "blocks the beautiful Memorial Park in Port Credit"?! Someone's kiddin', right?
Well, when I'm walking the indoor track at the YMCA, the Central Library blocks my view of the Square One parking lot but you don't hear me complaining about it. I even provide proof!
Anyway. At the March 28, 2007 meeting, regarding her 7-page "for the record" stand on the Port Credit Library, Mayor McCallion stated:
"on issues like this I feel that The Mayor has to put in writing so it'll be on the record for future reference the position on The Library."
Yesterday, I presented a compilation of audio clips of Madam Mayor's comments to the March 28th Council. I believe very strongly that on issues like this, I should also provide the entire 40-plus minute Port Credit Library (Debate 2) beginning with the Fram Development deputation to the signing of the resolution.
In this way there's no "he said she said" --just what happened from beginning to end.
Last, I want to end with the April 2nd, Mississauga News editorial, "Gray's bites the dust".
The Editorial begins:
"This city's track record for preserving its past is abysmal."
I'll have to take The Mississauga News' word for that one because I haven't been paying attention to the local political scene all that long.
The Editorial concludes:
"Who is to blame?
Politicians have enough clout to pressure developers to save landmarks. Developers could be less greedy. But it is the fault of the rest of us for standing idly along the sidelines while our heritage disappears."
What better cue to toss the demolition of Gray House onto here one last time?
Signed,
The Mississauga Muse "We must employ every possible tactic to dissuade those who try to silence us with fear"
---The Mississauga News Editorial (2007-03-24) Click here for John Stewart's Blog
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"ON THE RECORD" --Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion
Looks like there's two people who want something "on the record".
Anyone who watched the entire video of the March 28, 2007 Council second-debate on the Port Credit Library knows that Councillor Corbasson complained about Mayor McCallion's "7-page briefing" dumped on Councillors just minutes before that meeting.
For her part, McCallion minimized Corbisson's concerns saying they were just comments she'd made at the previous week's General Committee meeting now committed to paper. What follows are two video clips documenting the Mayor's stated-motivation behind that 7-page Port Credit library report (I've transcribed her words as well --"on the record").
"...I'd like these recorded for future reference because I feel so strongly that the decision made by the General Committee, is not, in my opinion, beneficial to the future of Port Credit and the future of Mississauga. And, on issues like this I feel that The Mayor has to put in writing so it'll be on the record for future reference the position on The Library."
"I don't go about lobbying, as well, for a decision. I just felt that today --I feel strongly about it and I know-- I was well aware that I don't think you're going to change the vote --on the issue.
And I felt, as Mayor, that I should put on the record, the notes that I gave verbally at the General Committee in a more structured way, and more professional, because some day this issue will come up and I would like to know that the Mayor of Mississauga at the time --I may not be around when it comes up--that the Mayor put forward her position, as to why she felt strongly that The Library should move for the Future of the Port Credit area --and, for the future of this great city. And that's why I did it."
And that's why she did it --for her position to be "on the record".
Well, boys and girls? The very next day after that the Mayor uttered these words, I went to the City Clerk's office and requested her 7-page "on the record" report that she insisted was "on the record" "for future reference".
My handwritten request for the report that the Mayor wanted "on the record"
Silly me.
Get this. Mayor Hazel McCallion's 7-page report that Councillor Corbasson complained was dropped on Councillors minutes before the March 28, 2007 meeting? Mayor Hazel McCallion's 7-page report that the Mayor denied was any kind of "lobbying" but purely "so it'll be on the record for future reference"?
That 7-page report?
"will have to be requested through FOI."
Yep. Direct email quote from City Clerk's office. Yes, Future Mississaugans --if they wanted to read ("the Mayor of Mississauga at the time") Hazel McCallion's "on the record" report on the Port Credit Library would have to get it through Freedom of Information.
Signed,
The Mississauga Muse
P.S. MESSAGE FOR "UATU"
I've read your excellent comments but haven't posted them although I certainly would like to. I'm seeking advice... Regarding my caution, you see, there are those are who try and "silence us with fear". It's working uatu, but not so much that I've quit "standing up" --I'm just standing very very --very carefully... "We must employ every possible tactic to dissuade those who try to silence us with fear"
---The Mississauga News Editorial (2007-03-24) Click here for John Stewart's Blog
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At the February 28, 2007 Council Meeting, Mississauga Councillor Nando Iannicca stated that he would "welcome a full review" of Enersource board appointee salaries.
At yesterday's General Committee meeting, it seems that taxpayers may not be getting that "full review" --or at least any concrete evidence that one has happened --or its validity after all. During "Councillor Inquiries" at the April 4, 2007 General Committee Meeting, the Commissioner of Corporate Services, Brenda Breault announced that The Corporation of the City of Mississauga would present consultant-Enersource-results "in camera" --that is, in secret --behind closed doors.
Upon hearing this, Councillor Carolyn Parrish asked Baker, "Why would that go 'in camera' if it's a public board and it's taxpayer's dollars that are paying it --why would that report come 'in camera'"?
Parrish is a master at asking questions that she already knows the answers to.
In response, Breault served up an impressive song-and-dance. Then Acting Mayor Councillor Nando Iannicca asked City Manager, Janice Baker to explain the complexity of "timing" of ...ummm.. er... well, it was very complex.
I give her credit --Baker did her best.
My favourite part of her Enersource-Ballad was Parrish's reaction when she was told that the next meeting for the Enersource Board will take place in upcoming May. After that, Baker revealed in measured tone, the Enersource Board (historically) don't see each other again until August some time (you know, what with vacations for this Board Member scheduled a tad differently than that Board Member and...)
--then-- well, really, when you check out the video (below) there's this explanation as to the Enersource Board Complexity-Logistics --and --well, you've got to see and hear for yourself what prompted Councillor Parrish to remark:
"If we find enough excuses we can keep this board in place until September."
Yep, "If we find enough excuses we can keep this board in place until September"...
Welcome to my World, Councillor Parrish!
Just so Councillor Parrish knows, yesterday Council approved all manner of changes made to the original "Records Retention By-law" that last had a "comprehensive update in 1996. Naturally, I was curious what changes were being made to perhaps gain an idea as to possibly why changes were being made at this time.
I had to pay $31.92 to have a copy of that 1996 By-law because mississauga.ca doesn't have it (or most other by-laws) online. When you examine page-after-page-after-page of Corporate records-information that is "RA" (Review Access) and "XA" (Restricted Access") compared to the meager "OA" (Open Access) you'll understand when I say that Access into The Corporation is also restricted to those who can afford the $5.00 in Freedom of Information Request fees and/or the 50 cents a page for photocopying ("537-96 "Schedule of Retention Periods for records" while "OA" was 56 pages times 50 cents plus tax)
I'll share this section of By-law 537-96 "Schedule of Retention Periods for records":
As you can see, I was interested in "Human Rights" but by luck "Utility Services" was listed conveniently above. Records to both are "RA" (Review Access) meaning "Approval of department manager and/or Freedom of Information Coordinator should be obtained prior to disclosing the records to the public".
FIVE BUCKS A *POP*
For someone like me to check out any potential Enersource-related material in that "Utiility Services" section would cost me five bucks a pop. But that's not my general concern. It's that other "Record Series Title".
Let's say you're on minimum wage or low income and you really-really-really need to know what's in The Corporate records under "Human Rights" --at $5.00 a pop and 50 cents a page...
I'm reminded of recent email I received from the Mayor's office:
"please be advised that the City treats all its residents fairly regardless of language or ethnicity."
Agreed --"fairly" because it's $5.00 a pop and 50 cents a page for Freedom of Information and photocopying whether you're a Board Appointee of Enersource (who's paid according to the Toronto Star $1,250 per meeting ) --or you're a single mom making the current minimum wage of $8.00 per hour.
MORE --ON SALARIES
In other (related) news, the "Public Sector Salary Disclosure 2007 (Disclosure for 2006) : Municipalities" was posted to the Net on March 31st and here are the salaries of The Corporation's Best-and-Brightest who sit at Council. In addition, I went through the trouble of hunting down their 2005 salaries for comparison. (We all do what we're good at.)
Having observed/studied Council since June 14, 2006, I can say there are those worth easily triple that. Others?...
Signed,
The (Anyone who wants a copy of By-Law 539-96, just holler) Mississauga Muse
"We must employ every possible tactic to dissuade those who try to silence us with fear"
---The Mississauga News Editorial (2007-03-24) Click here for John Stewart's Blog
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"The aim of the internet-based World Mayor project, which was launched by City Mayors in January 2004, is to raise the profile of mayors worldwide by honouring those who have served their communities well and have made significant contributions to cities nationally and internationally. "
"Hazel McCallion interviewed by an international audience
City Mayors invited those who participated in World Mayor 2005 to put questions to Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion. The Mayor was runner-up in World Mayor 2005. From the many questions received, a representative selection was forwarded to the Mayor. Below, she replies in detail, as well as with candour and thoughtfulness."
One question struck me most --this one "From Pradheep, Mississauga".
"We hear constantly of cronyism and corruption on every level of government throughout the world. What steps did you take to prevent it in Mississauga?"
--Pradheep, Mississauga
"Mayor McCallion replied:
First of all, corruption and cronyism stem from a number of factors such as lack of accountability, a weak reporting structure and ambiguous or non-existent corporate policies and procedures etc. What we have done at the City of Mississauga is put into place measures to try to prevent corruption before it happens. We have an accountable and transparent governance system in place; procedures open to public scrutiny; a strong internal audit system; a responsible and effective senior management team; provide the public with access to information; allow public access to Council and committee meetings, and we have ensured that all employees and elected officials are made aware of the expected standards, polices and corporate procedures. We feel that these measures are an effective way to address the issue of corruption and cronyism."
Over the next weeks, perhaps even months, we will explore the list of assurances that Mississauga's Mayor gave to Pradheep as part of the 2005 World Mayor Contest.
I'll leave readers with this thought from my hero on this Good Friday, 2007.
"To be persuasive we must be believable; to be believable we must be credible;
credible we must be truthful." --Edward R. Murrow
Signed,
Ursula Bennett
"We must employ every possible tactic to dissuade those who try to silence us with fear"
---The Mississauga News Editorial (2007-03-24) Click here for John Stewart's Blog
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Yesterday I mentioned that Mayor Hazel McCallion was runner-up in the 2005 World Mayor Contest. I also wrote that Madam Mayor was presented with a series of questions --one of which was raised by Pradheep of Mississauga:
"We hear constantly of cronyism and corruption on every level of government throughout the world. What steps did you take to prevent it in Mississauga?"
--Pradheep, Mississauga
"Mayor McCallion replied in part:
What we have done at the City of Mississauga is put into place measures to try to prevent corruption before it happens. We have an accountable and transparent governance system in place; procedures open to public scrutiny; a strong internal audit system; a responsible and effective senior management team; provide the public with access to information; allow public access to Council and committee meetings..."
Today, I'd like to focus on the Mayor's comments that "we" (meaning The Corporation of the City of Mississauga) "provide the public with access to information;"
First, regarding the statement that "we" "provide the public with access to information", while the Mayor makes this sound like The Corporation of the City of Mississauga has granted citizens access to information because of The Corporation's enilightened commitment to democracy, fairness and cooperation, the fact is, Ontario guarantees "access to information" as a right under the Province's "Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act R.S.O. 1990, Chapter M.56: where the Act states right from the Get-Go:
"PART I
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
Access to Records
Right of access
4. (1) Every person has a right of access to a record or a part of a record in the custody or under the control of an institution unless,
(a) the record or the part of the record falls within one of the exemptions under sections 6 to 15; or
(b) the head is of the opinion on reasonable grounds that the request for access is frivolous or vexatious."
So Access to Information isn't a gift bestowed via the benevolence of a municipality but rather The Province guarantees "access to information" as part of a citizen's basic rights.
Moving Forward.... I direct your attention to Part 4(b) of the Act that "Every person has a right of access" to information... unless (b) the head is of the opinion on reasonable grounds that the request for access is frivolous or vexatious."
While my investigation is still ultra-preliminary, there appears to be two main factors that help identify truly enlightened local democracies from their municipal-black-boxes-brethren.
The First is (you got it) Part 4(b) of the Freedom of Information Act: that is how quickly (and frequently) a municipality plays the ol' "frivilous and vexatious" ("F 'n V") card on citizens making Freedom of Information Requests.
The Second, (and more important) factor is what proportion of a municipality's total files/records/documents are classified as "OA" or "Open Access" where "Open Access" simply means you show up, smile and walk out with what it was you were asking for. You know, like-- open-Open.
Related topic.
Surfing the net today, I discovered a November 2000 report called "Routine Disclosure/Active Dissemination A Best Practice in the City of Mississauga". This report was produced by The Corporation and the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.
It was a fun-read --especially this part:
"Although the City of Mississauga puts a lot of effort into making members of the public aware of their rights of access to records, the City only receives about 10 to 15 "formal" requests under the municipal Act on an annual basis --because information and documents are made widely available to the public."
Tomorrow the Easter Bunny will explore the validity of this statement.
Signed,
Ursula Bennett
"We must employ every possible tactic to dissuade those who try to silence us with fear"
---The Mississauga News Editorial (2007-03-24) Click here for John Stewart's Blog
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Yesterday's Blog quoted the following from a November 2000 report called "Routine Disclosure/Active Dissemination A Best Practice in the City of Mississauga".
"Although the City of Mississauga puts a lot of effort into making members of the public aware of their rights of access to records, the City only receives about 10 to 15 "formal" requests under the municipal Act on an annual basis --because information and documents are made widely available to the public."
This Blog ended with the promise that "tomorrow":
"the Easter Bunny will explore the validity of this statement."
In our own efforts to inform citizens, we begin Read It Now, an investigative programme that explores issues that are happening now --like this very minute. The Host of Read It Now is our ever-vigilant-ever-investigative-political analyst Sheep-dog-Watchdog, "Murrow".
MURROW: Good morning, and Happy Easter to those of you who celebrate this religious tradition. The 2007 Read It Now Easter report is coming to you directly from inside the Council Chambers of The Corporation of the City of Mississauga. With me today to help celebrate Easter 2007 is the "Mississauga Easter Bunny".
Thank you for consenting to this interview, Mississauga Easter Bunny. I'm sure that Read It Now readers thought there to be only one Easter Bunny. Perhaps you could enlighten them. Why are you designated as the "Mississauga Easter Bunny"?
MISSISSAUGA EASTER BUNNY (M.E.B.):Thank you, Murrow and hello to all readers of Read It Now. It's always great when people show an interest in local matters like how tirelessly your Easter Bunny and the Easter Bunny's Staff work so hard and tirelessly for the Mississauga children this time of year.
MURROW: Yes, many children look forward to your Easter deliveries, Mississauga Easter Bunny but please allow me ask my question again. Why are you designated as the "Mississauga Easter Bunny"?
M.E.B.: Excellent question, Murrow, excellent indeed, --and I'm glad you asked it because I believe in the rights of citizens to ask excellent questions. No question about it. And of course I'd be more than happy to answer. I, as the Mississauga Easter Bunny, believe that it's vital for the public to have input into Easter traditions and practices, let me assure you. After all, I'm here to Keep Tradition Alive by Moving Forward --no question about it.
MURROW: Yes, the Easter Bunny has a long admirable tradition of delivering Easter treats to children all over the world. But please allow me ask my question a third time. "Why are you designated as the "Mississauga Easter Bunny"?
M.E.B.:With all due respect, Murrow, I will try and answer your question again even though I've already answered it twice before. Why was I designated the Mississauga Easter Bunny? I was designated the Mississauga Easter Bunny during the Inaugural Meeting of the Corporation of the City of Mississauga on January 2nd, 1974.
MURROW: With equal all due respect, Mississauga Easter Bunny, the readers of Read It Now will not accept "I and my staff work so hard and tirelessly", and "It's vital for the public to have input" and "I was designated the Mississauga Easter Bunny during the Inaugural Meeting of the Corporation of the City of Mississauga on January 2nd, 1974 " as answers to my question --and I repeat it for fourth time-- with emphasis, WHY are you designated as the "Mississauga Easter Bunny"?
M.E.B.:I believe that I've answered your question thoroughly, Murrow. I believe that I've answered your question candidly and with admirable patience. If you or your readers wish to know more about my Mississauga Easter Bunny duties, I suggest that they visit the City Clerk's office and file a Freedom of Information request form.
MURROW: But I only asked one question, "Why are you designated as the Mississauga Easter Bunny?" I don't understand. In a November 2000 report, called "Routine Disclosure/Active Dissemination A Best Practice in the City of Mississauga" it stated that Mississauga has succeeded in "implementing a "culture of openness" through its Routine Disclosure/Records Dissemination program". Here, take a look.
M.E.B.:Murrow, if you insist on creating a disturbance, I will have to ask that you leave immediately.
MURROW: But I only asked one question, "Why are you designated as the Mississauga Easter Bunny?"
M.E.B.: Murrow, if you continue your disturbance, you will force upon me no other choice than to summon Corporate Security and remove you.
MURROW: But what about "openne.--"
M.E.B.: GUARDS!
*END TRANSMISSION*
Thank you, Murrow. On a final note, I have a message for the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada who phoned me last night. Regarding your CHIRPY-SMUG "Thanks that's what we wanted to know" when I said "I'm a liberal" --some advice, there dude.
A telephone query is exactly like filling out a Mississauga Freedom of Information request form. Exactly.
Y'uh need t'uh ask the precise question there, buttercup... and y'uh didn't.
Signed,
Ursula Bennett "We must employ every possible tactic to dissuade those who try to silence us with fear"
---The Mississauga News Editorial (2007-03-24) Click here for John Stewart's Blog
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I know I promised at least one Blog a day. I know I even wrote that there was so much to write about that I'd try to go to two or even three (as breaking news). I know that for the first time, yesterday, I failed to make a Blog entry.
Today, this will have to substitute for a real story.
The thing is, I now understand the demands of investigative reporting --especially for a small news agency that can afford only one reporter to cover something as big as their city hall. And especially the time-demands if the investigative reporting of that investigative reporter is to enlighten readers (meaning digging deep --researching deep).
I always keep in mind what Edward R. Murrow said:
"To be persuasive we must be believable; to be believable we must be credible; credible we must be truthful." --Edward R. Murrow"
Here's the thing. I was part of the "silent majority" for decades" when it came to municipal governance. All my adult life, I simply believed what I was told in those regular Councillor updates and City press releases.
"To be persuasive we must be believable; to be believable we must be credible; credible we must be truthful." --Edward R. Murrow"
Thing is, what I am learning is just so IN-credible that it's difficult for someone as non-reporter-y as me to know how to deal with it. I have no training in journalism. I feel like I'm in this vast Black-Hole-Black-Box chasm blundering around in absolute-black.
I take a step and *WHACK* --bang my nose. *WHACK* ding my knee on something sharp. *THUNK* fall flat on my face by some unseen obstable. And that was just yesterday!
"To be persuasive we must be believable; to be believable we must be credible; credible we must be truthful." --Edward R. Murrow"
How is it possible to be "believable" when I don't even believe what happening to me myself? Please, Mr. Murrow, would you answer that for me?
Signed,
The Mississauga Muse
"We must employ every possible tactic to dissuade those who try to silence us with fear"
---The Mississauga News Editorial (2007-03-24) Click here for John Stewart's Blog
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Well, now I've missed two-in-a-row. Couldn't be helped.
I've spent almost every waking moment since last Wednesday researching Mississauga ByLaw 537-96 --a toxic piece of work that deals with "Records Retention" but a bylaw that would more appropriately be called "Records Destruction". I tried so hard to oppose it. I even went up in front of Council today to try and get Councillors to defer it --because I was certain Councillors didn't understand the implications.
It's now a Done-Deal.
And just like at General Committee the Wednesday before, they passed this Blight without a single word of discussion and one of the reasons they gave was that their handling of records was "standard" for both private and public corporations.
I'm not sure if they thought they were serving that up as reassurance or an excuse. Either way, the effort to research and write, just to be prepared to go up there.... it's like skating on gravel.
Plus my doctor prescribes beta-blockers to kill my stage fright. They work great --you could put me up in front of a firing squad and I don't think my heart would Blip.
Trouble is one of the the side effects is such fatigue once they wear off.... Another negative is I'm too pooped out to even be crabby about it.
Signed,
The (They deked me out again) Mississauga Muse
"We must employ every possible tactic to dissuade those who try to silence us with fear"
---The Mississauga News Editorial (2007-03-24) Click here for John Stewart's Blog
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Got a comment yesterday from reader, Wayne Nagy, I guess motivated to write because I apologized for my inability to keep up with my Blog-a-day-plus promise.
Wayne wrote:
"Ed Murrow would most likely say it's the quality of the blog, not the quantity?"
Agreed, Wayne. The thing is, Ed Murrow would also remind us that quality demands a stupendous amount of rigorous research and digging. Murrow was a hound-dog if nothing else.
Funny, but it's only this morning that I had this revelation that to be an effective watchdog you have to be a committed hound-dog first. (I have Mississauga Council to thank for that vital insight)
Going up in front of Council yesterday took everything I had --I mean it. It was a Trial-by-Fire that had its own rich rewards.
"You can't fight City Hall" --you hear people say it so often and to such an extent, that this statement, while it is simply Opinion, is actually regarded as Fact.
The statement, "You can't fight City Hall" is accepted by people with the same resignation as "The only certainty in Life is Death and Taxes".
I guess the fatigue-crash which is a side effect of the beta-blockers I have to take to calm the fear enough to go up in front of Council, drove me into a deep hard sleep because I woke up with all kinds of ah-hahs.
The biggest one is me now understanding how to define this Blog.
This Blog is going to be about RELATIONSHIPS. Yeah. Because when you hear Mississauga Council (that's elected officials and also the senior staff you'll see televised on Rogers) a familiar theme they'll chirp is how local government is the closest, most relevant and most personal government to citizens.
Council will say, when people have problems, it's Mayor and Councillors they'll turn to, not their M.P.P.'s or M.P.'s.
Mississauga Council's frequent refrain is "We are the most important level of government".
It all came together during the night --months of hearing Mississauga Council insist "We are the most important level of government" plus my own experiences yesterday up in front of them plus my coma-like sleep equals Relationships.
In Mathematical terms:
Them + Me = Relationship.
You see, I woke up this morning knowing with absolute certainty that local government really is the most important level of government for citizens.
In Mathematical terms:
Them + Us = Relationships
Yeah. Relationships.
And then there's Wayne Nagy's comment last night --it must've been rolling around in my sleep as well.
"Ed Murrow would most likely say it's the quality of the blog, not the quantity?"
It naturally follows that it's also the Quality of the Relationships that citizens have between themselves and their City Halls --that is EVERYTHING.
In Mathematical terms:
Relationships(Quality) = Everything
or:
R(Q) = E
I'm certain that I had to experience for myself what it's like going "up there" --in front of Council-- to really comprehend, how many-many Mississaugans simply would not be able to. It took me sitting in on Peel Regional Council meetings to know that what with demographic changes, it will be a growing number of citizens who won't be able to as well --because of language challenges and certainly for some, cultural barriers. (In some countries if you even peep a peep of discontent it's your last peep.)
In addition, I'm convinced that I attempted the Impossible yesterday. I tried to stop a Records "Retention" (misnomer --it establishes a schedule for information Destruction) ByLaw from passing through Council --Impossible.
Here's the thing --and it's now the foundation for this Blog. What if instead of defending Information, I was trying to defend Myself in front of Council? Or -- What if instead of defending Information, I was trying to defend the Rights of Others in front of Council?
Relationships.
What if I were Tom Moreno in front of Council --what happened to him? You remember...
"Sometimes all it takes to end a standoff in the city of Mississauga is for the 85-year-old mayor to simply turn up.
'It's the mayor. Come on down,' said Hazel McCallion to a man perched on a roof with a rope around his neck and staring down heavily armed Peel tactical officers.
'He waved at me and even blew me a kiss,' said McCallion when she arrived at the scene Thursday and ended a five-hour standoff between Peel police and Thomas Moreno, 65.
Earlier in the day, City of Mississauga officials arrived at Moreno's Port Credit home to clean the outside of his property, because a city order to clean up the house was about to expire. But Moreno, who is known locally as 'Tom the junk collector,' misunderstood the clean-up order, thinking they were going to evict him and tear down his house, the Mississauga News reported yesterday.
City officials confirmed there were never any plans to demolish the house."
Later the article stated:
"Peel police were called to the scene at Queen St. West, off Mississauga Rd., at 11 a.m. and tried to talk to Moreno, but he just shouted obscenities."
What happened to Mr. Moreno --like where is he today? How's he doing --he's a senior. I want to know.
And this part of the Star:
"misunderstood the clean-up order, thinking they were going to evict him and tear down his house, the Mississauga News reported yesterday."
Relationships.
And then, of course there's Don Barber....
What if I were D-- never mind, I know that already.
Portrait by: Laurie Kallis Photo: Courtesy Mississauga News- Random Access
And what if I were plenty of others?
And then of course, there's me.
Local Government --Relationships.
R(Q) = E
Signed,
The Mississauga Muse
"We must employ every possible tactic to dissuade those who try to silence us with fear"
---The Mississauga News Editorial (2007-03-24) Click here for John Stewart's Blog
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"Hazel McCallion
An International Tribute to Lifetime Achievement"
I have the ticket right here. It cost me $318.00. Here. Take a peek.
Front --
and back.
$318.00. It's ticket 0663.
We couldn't afford two. I asked my husband if it was ok for this ticket to be both my birthday and anniversary gift. He agreed. Additional plan was for me to rent something formal or check out a Goodwill --because the last remotely formal attire I owned was something I was forced to wear back in 1973.
I figured this would be the event where they'll roll out that life-size statue of the Mayor. I mean what bigger event is someone's Life Time Achievement Event? And it was Mississauga History, I mean, face it.
Now, it'd be my hope that anyone who's been reading here from the first Blog entry to now would understand why I had decided to spend $318.00 to be uncomfortable with people who can afford $636.00 a couple.
My plan was to videotape the entire thing and post it to Google Video and YouTube to share here so that other Mississaugans could "be there" and see the rarified-elite's Mississauga. It was my way for Mississauga families on minimum wage (you remember them) and low income to see their Mayor being honoured by an international group.
I know it's "international" because it says so right on the ticket.
"AN INTERNATIONAL TRIBUTE TO LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT"
I wanted all Mississaugans to be at that tribute and have that Event-Video posted to the Internet so it'd be there for years and years --you know, like a Future Record?
While we-all know that not everyone in Mississauga can afford a computer, they could "experience" their Mayor's LifeTime Achievement Event through the Internet at their local library.
That was my only motivation.
Before I committed to a ticket I emailed the hosts of the event, the Mississauga Board of Trade.
Taking photos and video is allowed, however, it should be done so without disrupting the program. We will have a professional photographer and videographer present at the event, as well as the media.
Regarding taking pictures and video at the event, the policy for the evening has changed. Unfortunately, guests are no longer permitted to take videos or photographs.
Thank you for your understanding,
I guess I understand...
Signed,
The Mississauga Muse
We must employ every possible tactic to dissuade those who try to silence us with fear"
---The Mississauga News Editorial (2007-03-24) Click here for John Stewart's Blog
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Well, the Mississauga News weighed in on the Mayor's "Hazel McCallion An International Tribute to Lifetime Achievement" mega-ultra-extravanganza-glitteratti yesterday. Check this out:
THE MISSISSAUGA NEWS
Legendary tribute
Joseph Chin
She has served Mississauga as mayor for almost 30 years. Now the Hazel McCallion Rose ensures residents will forever remember her contributions to the city.
The flower - pink with blushes of white and yellow - was unveiled before some 1,000 guests who gathered at the Mississauga Convention Centre Friday night to honour the mayor.
Well, I prepared a video too. I figured if I had to return my ticket because the Mississauga Board of Trade had changed its video and photography policy, the least I could do was be there anyway videotaping the Mayor International Tribute parking lot!
So here is the YouTube version of events outside the Mayor's "Hazel McCallion An International Tribute to Lifetime Achievement" evening.
(You may need to click twice for these Videos and adjust the way-cool music to your liking.)
And here's the Google Video version for you Googlers.
Signed,
The Mississauga Muse
"We must employ every possible tactic to dissuade those who try to silence us with fear"
---The Mississauga News Editorial (2007-03-24) Click here for John Stewart's Blog
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Well, the good news is it sure didn't take me long to understand precisely why "You Can't Fight City Hall". The bad news is that I've concluded that the multitude of reasons people usually give for "You Can't Fight City Hall" aren't the Top Five Reasons.
And that's not just bad news for me --or you, but bad news for everyone.
The greatest absolute top #1 reason why people can't fight city halls is that city halls control Information so carefully, so rigidly, so meticulously, (and almost as contemptuously) that you couldn't be blamed for thinking city halls have read "The Bush Administration Guide to Making Sure THEY Don't Get At What We Got" Manual including All Three Appendices.
Information Control... will be a major theme here, because, face it, Information Control is also about Relationships.
Dictionary Definition:
Entry Word: control
Function: verb
Text: 1 to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression) [you must learn to control your temper]
Synonyms bridle, check, constrain, contain, curb, govern, hold in, inhibit, regulate, rein (in), restrain, tame
Related Words bottle (up), repress, suppress; arrest, interrupt, stop; block, hinder, impede, obstruct; gag, muzzle, silence
Wow, all that municipal magnanimity --or is it?
And the issue isn't just controlling Information --as in holding back (or in the case of newly passed By-law 537-96, Retaining and Destroying Information), it's also how Information is funneled to us.
The pic above from the World Mayor website was part of an interview where Hazel McCallion answered numerous questions about Mississauga governance. As you can see, she stated, "We... provide the public with access to Information; allow public access to Council and committee meetings."
That's what I mean about how Information is conveyed to people. The Mayor says, "We... provide the public with access to Information;" but fails to mention that municipalities have no choice.
The Province guarantees citizens access to Information through the 2001 Municipal Act. This part:
253. (1) Subject to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, any person may, at all reasonable times, inspect any of the records under the control of the clerk, including,
(a) by-laws and resolutions of the municipality and of its local boards;
(b) minutes and proceedings of regular, special or committee meetings of the council or local board, whether the minutes and proceedings have been adopted or not;
(c) records considered at a meeting, except those records considered during that part of a meeting that was closed to the public;
(d) the records of the council...." etc
As for the mayor's statement, "We... allow public access to Council and committee meetings." That too is not a choice left up to a municipality but again, is guaranteed as a right in the 2001 Municipal Act. This part:
239. (1) Except as provided in this section, all meetings shall be open to the public. 2001, c. 25, s. 239 (1).
Exceptions
(2) A meeting or part of a meeting may be closed to the public if the subject matter being considered is,
(a) the security of the property of the municipality or local board;
(b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees;
(c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board;
and then a whole pile more etc's...
See? That's what I mean. It's like taking credit for allowing Mississaugans to take a trip to Brampton. It's not out of Mayor/Council benevolence but just part of our rights as Canadians. Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms lets Mississaugans visit Brampton and even Caledon!
There exist major concerns regarding Information Control in Mississauga and also how the Message Itself is delivered. And then there's By-law 537-96 --ho boy, there's no more important issue in Mississauga. Bottomline, By-law 537-96 is The Information Bylaw.
One more example of an Information Manicure, --Meeting Minutes. The Minutes of any meeting will do nicely but it's best to select the most recent set of minutes newly-arrived just this weekend.
In the Wednesday, March 28th Council meeting minutes, it states:
"Mayor McCallion circulated a copy of her briefing notes on her position regarding the relocation of the Port Credit Branch Library and asked that these notes be recorded for future reference."
"be recorded for future reference"....
What neither the Mayor nor the Minutes say is that if a member of the public wishes to see Madam Mayor's "briefing notes on her position" that were to be "recorded for future reference", a citizen will have to fill in a Freedom of Information request!
I know --because I asked for them and got this response. See?
"Date: Fri, 30 Mar 2007 10:01:07 -0400
From: @mississauga.ca
Your second request for the document re: Port Credit Library page 7 [sic] will have to be requested through FOI." [Freedom of Information]
Really.
Signed,
The Mississauga Muse.
"We must employ every possible tactic to dissuade those who try to
---The Mississauga News Editorial (2007-03-24) Click here for John Stewart's Blog
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When you go to the PPAG website over along the right hand side you can see listed all manner of social issues facing Peel today:
Some of these include:
"Addictions, Body Image, Children, Disabilities, Diversity, Education, Employment help, Faith, Harm Reduction, Health, HIV/AIDS, Housing, Immigrant opportunity, Job search help, Jobs paid, Jobs, volunteer, Lakeshore Corridor, Legal stuff, Lobbying, Mental Health, Mothers, Muslim, Newcomers, Parenting, Peel Youth Village, Seniors, Services to help you, Social Service needs, Woman abuse, Women, Youth, Youth shelter"
But none of these social issues are more important than the implications of Mississauga By-law 537-96 "The Information By-law".
Here's why.
This week and next, The Corporation will undergo a major thrust to "ACTION" Records. The Corporation will not only "ACTION" all manner of Mississauga records, but because The Corporation is part of Peel Region, you can bet there's potential of "ACTION"ing of records relating to Peel as well.
"ACTION"ing of Records relating to --you guessed it:
Addictions, Body Image, Children, Disabilities, Diversity, Education, Employment help, Faith, Harm Reduction, Health, HIV/AIDS, Housing, Immigrant opportunity, Job search help, Jobs paid, Jobs, volunteer, Lakeshore Corridor, Legal stuff, Lobbying, Mental Health, Mothers, Muslim, Newcomers, Parenting, Peel Youth Village, Seniors, Services to help you, Social Service needs, Woman abuse, Women, Youth, Youth shelter"
Emails or paper relating to these issues judged to be "Non-Records" ---gone. Emails or paper relating to these issues judged to be "Records" past their retention date --gone.
"ACTION"ed.
Any ability to evaluate Mississauga government or departmental effectiveness over time --gone, because longitudinal data ("working papers, rough notes, etc) --gone.
"ACTION"ed.
And I fail to see how anyone can Move Forward with a flawed or non-existent sense of Past, except a Past approved for "Retention". How in the world can you ever legitimately assess your missteps --when any evidence of them are "ACTION"ed?
The only other question I have is the degree to which other municipalities "ACTION" their past...
Hmmmm I wonder how these two Mississauga images go together...
Nope. Not quite there yet.
Ah! PERFECT!
Signed,
The Mississauga Muse
"We must employ every possible tactic to dissuade those who try to silence us with fear"
---The Mississauga News Editorial (2007-03-24) Click here for John Stewart's Blog
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OK. You-all remember that just two days after Council voted to keep Port Credit Library, FRAM Development bulldozed Gray House. Yep, KRRR-UNCH just like that.
Ready?
Remember how on Wednesday Council passed "The Information By-law" 537-96 and how I expressed concern that this left the path wide open for The Corporation to shred and delete anything it decided was a "Non-Record"?
Well, just three working days later --Today-- I went to The Big Yellow and -whaaaaaa?-- I see a POSTER!
A "Clean Up" Poster that encourages Corporate Staff to "ACTION" "obsolete electronic documents" (yes, the very kind of "obsolete electronic documents" that I've requested as part of my Freedom of Information filings)--and-- you guessed it, "emails" (Newly passed By-law 537-96 added email for the first time as a provision. By coincidence I also requested access to "emails" as part of several Freedom of Information filings.)
Yes, yes, YES! --a mere three days after passing the Records "Schedule of Retention" By-law, the Corporation has a Records Destruction Poster up at Level B2.
And they call it "RECORDS ACTION WEEK"!
"ACTION"
They aren't destroying, shredding, deleting records, they're actioning them! ("actioning" must be in the glossary of "The Bush Administration Guide to Making Sure THEY Don't Get At What We Got" Manual including All Three Appendices)
The caricature of a horned devil is a nice touch --I guess in some way he's meant to personify that evil that can come back to bite Corporate Staff if they leave a "Non-Record" or Past-Best-Before document undeleted.
Looks like The Shredder and Mr. Delete Key will be goin' for the ol' time-and-a-half the next while.
*sigh*
What's a poor chump like me to do? (Unfortunately, everything that comes to mind involves lengthy prison terms...)
So, I guess I'm left to just pose for City Council and smile.
I also have to practice stifling. And I mean practice of lot of stifling. Tons upon metric tons of stifling because the last thing I need is to bust out into maniacal laughter the next time I hear "Trust, Quality and Excellence" when the inevitable Corporate Awards are being handed out at some future Council meeting.
Signed,
The (*GASP*! Could it be that Don Barber is right?) Mississauga Muse
"We must employ every possible tactic to dissuade those who try to silence us with fear"
---The Mississauga News Editorial (2007-03-24) Click here for John Stewart's Blog
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