Media jobs are evaporating like water puddles on a hot tin roof, but journalists don’t garner much sympathy. Reporters, auto workers, Bay Street traders — the economic carnage is everywhere so complaints about cutbacks at newspapers and broadcast outlets are generally dismissed as self-indulgent whining.
Then somebody like York University professor Robert MacDermid comes along with a powerful reminder of why dwindling media scrutiny matters. MacDermid, an expert in political campaign financing, recently released his latest analysis of corporate contributions to municipal election campaigns in the Greater Toronto Area. Once again, his research suggests the development industry — most obviously in the suburbs — picks its candidates, co-ordinates financial support for the chosen and usually ends up with friendly faces on council.
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Tag Archives: Municipal governance
Bill Sandison address to St. Thomas council, Jan. 19-09
I appreciated what little time I was given this evening to share the findings from the 2008 Ontario Municipality Comparison. Unfortunately I was only able to get halfway though my deputation, so I have attached the full transcript below for your information. I sensed that the results were unwelcomed by the chair and it may be worthwhile for you to watch the December broadcast of Politically Speaking regarding the $80,000 as I did not invent that number.It is not my credibility that is in question.
I was not advised how much time I had to make the deputation, but sense it was less than 10 minutes. I was not aware there was such little interest in the facts, but sometimes the truth is just too difficult to face.
If you have any questions, please give me a call at 519-207-0819.
Bill Sandison
2008 Ontario Municipality Comparison Study
Population Range 30,000 to 45,000
I would like to thank council for allowing me to make a deputation this evening on the results of a study conducted through December and January in conjunction with Ontario Municipalities within a population range of 30,000 to 45,000 people.
I would also like to thank those in attendance and those watching at home for sharing their time this evening to listen to my deputation.
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Landmines of being a mayor
George Cuff
I have previously offered some thoughts as to what responsibilities and obligations accompany the role of the mayor. Hopefully, some of those musings resonated with those holding this important position (or at least those who actually read the materials!) and will be of some benefit to their councils and communities. Unfortunately, there are other instances where the role of mayor has become diluted by a misapprehension of the role.
Achieving role clarity by elected officials is often a struggle. This is due in part to the misconceptions of those accepting political office, and in part to the lack of concrete direction and/or advice pertaining to how such roles are expected to be performed.
This month’s column, then, is not focussed so much on what a mayor is expected to do, but rather a description of the pitfalls that many council leaders so readily experience. The following list is not intended to be exclusive nor all encompassing – experience teaches that new pitfalls are being added regularly!
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