The Virtual Postman Rings More Than Twice

His virtual back is hurting from all of the emails you are sending:

1)The latest traffic data shows that the Windsor crossings and the DRIC study in particular are following the same pattern as the Blue Water Bridge crossing. Fear of ever growing traffic, followed by a bridge, followed by diminishing traffic. There is no longer any traffic justification for another bridge!

2)The blog you wrote today regarding EC Row expressway was great. I personally believe that our expressway should be handed over to the provincial government and expanded to handle the influx of trucks entering the city. If you recall, in my note that I sent you a while back I stated:

EC Row as link to Bridge
Put maintenance into the hands of the provincial/federal governments and expand EC Row. The expressway is in drastic need of maintenance/repair, which would cost the city millions upon millions. By offloading these costs to the provincial/federal governments, not only would we no longer have repairs and maintenance costs for the expressway, but also a move in the right direction to solving the false preconceptions of the “border issues”.

It is the only pre-existing option that could provide access to the Ambassador Bridge and a new border crossing (if one is ever built). Windsor is the only city I can think of that refuses to have trucks on their expressway. Add that to the fact they want to remove them from city streets as well, we might as well tell ALL trucks, and the businesses they supply, they are not welcome to do business in our city.

After the embarrassing display our mayor put on during council on Monday regarding The Junction, not to mention the Ambassador Bridge, its already clear investment isn't welcome in Windsor. Very sad.

3) I have been faithfully reading your blog for the past few months and have to commend you on your "no holds bar" approach on various city matters. Its about time that someone writes what everyone else is thinking or has lack of knowledge in.

This letter is a friendly thank you for seeing the truth about how the city railroaded George and Chuck.

However there is another fact that I would like to point out about the possibility and most likelihood of the Junction going bankrupt. The Junction is one of Windsor's oldest buildings, being erected in the late 1800's. The building once house Windsor first streetcars (original tracks still remain under the floor), then house the Windsor Rollerdome and so on. George
understood the importance of this building in society and during various reconstructions kept in mind its historical significance . In doing so, The Junction as it stands now still has original brick, 120 year old sliding streetcar doors and a few original Edison lights.

The city is only looking at the business and has no concerns about what will happen to this building that once played a vary important role in our community. Much like the Capitol (a whole different story!). Today, it seems like most of our heritage is only being preserved if the city owns the building or has majority of say.

As you can tell I have very strong feelings towards the Junction and what will happen to it. I can tell you - Windsor will need to hire the best lawyers OUR money can by to get out of this situation they put themselves in. George and Chuck are very savvy business men and have largely documented every step they took and formal or informal steps from the city.

I have attached a photo of The Junction when it was used as Windsor's Transit in the 1930's. You can see the original wood sliding doors.

I look forward to your next blog!

4) Ed, is it me or just the thought.....
They are going to announce the probable, not firm new truck route for a crossing in August, I think?
Maybe I'm being petty, but why is it being presented just before elections?
Spend our money to fix a problem and buy votes.
The road could and should have been engineered years ago. Like when the Flibby's took office.
There was some kind of promise then I think? Or was I dreaming.
I can hear it now just as we go to the polls....
We fixed the border. Elect us to finish the job,.........by 2020.
Excuse me while I beat my head against my desk. It's not as painful as listening to more lies.

5) RE the Teflon memo...I know I have said this before but this is your best one yet!

Interesting Council Tidbits

I thought you might find these items of interest

OPEN MEETINGS V. IN CAMERA

For the second quarter, here are the results:

Open: 12 meetings, 33 hours and 43 minutes

In Camera: 12 meetings, 15 hours and 17 minutes with 5 hours and 55 minutes for the border file


LEGAL FEES

A lot of watermains could have been built with this and what have we really accomplished?

Council Wussed Out

It is really no wonder that this City is in such a mess in so many ways. Any business person who watched Council last night must have gagged!

When the going got tough, Councillors chose to save their necks instead of looking after the interests of taxpayers. Fall in behind Eddie. Unity above all. Now we see the kind of Councillors we have and what they will fight for.

The WUC website talks about "WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT. Water Main Replacement Levy is a 13% levy upon a customer's fixed meter & water consumption charge." Was the money used for the purposes for which it was taken from Windsorites--to replace water mains or not? That is the reason people got mad when they heard about "diversions!" Did rates increase abnormally high becuase money was not used for that purpose?

Not one of the Councillors asked the obvious question about how much WUC budgetted for new infrastructure and how much was spent. No one asked whether the levy was to generate additional funds for capital works and if so, was it used for operational purpose or capital purposes.

That was the simple issue that needed to be addressed to clarify everything that has been said and written over the past few days.

Councillors failed us, again by ignoring the issue! They let Eddie and the WUC Commissioners off the hook by an explanation that told us nothing other than we have a water main issue, something known for years.

There was such a love-in after the Mayor delivered his remarks on the WUC financial fiasco that I was waiting for the singing of Kumbaya to follow.

We got an explanation that does not satisfy or answer any of the questions but allows Councillors to wipe their collective brow and wuss out for another day. Why Councillor Junior, the Chair of the WUC was so relieved that we could spend a dollar a day (or $365 per year) so that we can be relieved when we flush our toilets.

And our Mayor, by golly if there is a need for better communications to taxpayers so that he can justify hiring all of those PR flaks, then this was it! He took the blame for that and he can spend another $250K to solve that problem. Whew!

Oh Councillor Halberstadt raised the possibility of an audit so that he can write something in his BLOG about it but did not press very hard to get one. I guess he knew he had no chance of getting the votes so why offend your colleagues or not even get a seconder and appear foolish. I am sure that he must be kicking himself now after the reference in today's Henderson column to Marra probably being the next mayor. Bill must be pleased too at the comment since he was so accommodating to Eddie at Council as well as the lead-off praiser of the Mayor.

Now the odd part about the Presentation is that Eddie neglected to talk about what the Acting General Manager Max Zalev discussed. I guess it was better to ignore what he said since it did not fit into what Eddie wanted to say. We received the Saturday Star explanation from Eddie and not the Friday "Funds Diversion" one or the A-channel News story.

Eddie said there was no Funds Diversion but that is not what his AGM said nor the Chair of the WUC. Eddie himself said (until the new story came out):

• "Money that was being raised for water main replacement was actually funding operation costs," Mayor Eddie Francis said Thursday."

HUH....isn't that diversion. In fact, Eddie admitted that the funds were placed in the General Revenues. Did you see him trace where the funds went as they left that account? Of course not, he could not do so. That is why he now says:

• "If this is what dollars are going to be established for, this is where the dollars will have to go."

A big point was made that 3 times the amount of money was spent on Capital projects than came in from the levy. DUHHHH...Amounts were already budgetted in the WUC budget for replacement! That is why so much more was spent! There was no co-relation between amounts. The levy was to fund shortfalls.

What's this BS about "shooting the messenger." The problem of the water mains has ben known for years. That's why we had the extra levy. Eddie has told us nothing new or dramatic although it is being presented as such. In 2002, it was suggested:

• "Mayor Mike Hurst said it was time to look at ways to raise the necessary funds and suggested a water rate increase or a tax increase were not the only solutions. He said the city could look at a special capital levy to be used solely for watermain renewal and rehabilitation."

Here is what the Star said back in 2003:

• "The Windsor Utilities Commission has some good news and some bad news for their residential water customers.
  
  First the bad news: The average homeowner can expect a levy of about $1.50 per month, or $18 annually, added to the water bill beginning today. Now the good news: there will be no increase in either consumption or fixed meter charges in 2003.
  
  The five-per-cent capital levy will appear as a separate line on water bills. The money generated by the levy -- $1.2 million to $1.5 million per year -- will be used for replacement and improvements to Windsor's ailing water main system.
  
  "We have to provide for the future," said Wayne Miller, chief engineer of the water division.
  
  "Many of the (mains) will reach the end of their useful life within 10 or 20 years."
  
  $6.5 million
  
  The need for a systematic replacement of the city's older water mains -- some of which are cast iron relics more than 100 years old -- is imperative, said Bill Prestanski, WUC marketing manager.
  
  It is projected the program will extend over 40 or 50 years at a cost of $6.5 million annually. A total of $5 million was approved for the water main program in 2002.

Here is what the 2004 WUC Annual report said:

• "We continued to invest in our aging infrastructure.We spent a total of $10.75 million in 2004; $9.5 million in capital improvements for the distribution system...
  
  Our capital expenditure program over the next 5 years is quite intensive. We are scheduled to spend approximately $40 million to improve our distribution system and water treatment facilities
  
  ...In January 2005, WUC initiated the development of a five-year business plan... This plan focuses on reliable delivery service, dependable water quality, infrastructure upgrades...
  
  On November 26, 2003, the Commission approved an increase of the water main replacement levy from 5% to 13% to become effective January 1, 2004. This provided additional water revenues of $1.8 million...
  
  The net income for the Commission in 2004 was $282,000, an improvement over the loss in 2003 of $48,000. The most significant factor was increased revenues from the water main replacement levy."

The point being made is that capital amounts had already been budgetted for capital projects as can be seen above. The levy was to generate additional funds needed. And it did. It was responsible for the net income of WUC improving from a loss to a profit but it seems not for the purpose intended.

Max Zalev (if he was the person on the A-channel news broadcast) admitted clearly that the levy funds on the water bills were used for operations. He said that, now, separate bank accounts would be set up and that levy charges will only be paid out for infrastructure capital charges and not for operations. That is diverting funds whatever else someone wants to say

Why didn't the Mayor address what Junior said in the Star story. He is the Chair after all and should know what he is saying:

• "Coun. Ken Lewenza, who is chairman of the Windsor Utilities Commission, said he didn't know how long the commission had been diverting funds.
  
  Officials were vague on the details about why a designated fee would be used for other purposes, or whether doing so is illegal...
  
  "I don't want to say I'm not concerned (about the practice). (The issue about whether the practice is fraud) hasn't been raised before. I would refer to legal on that question."
  
  Lewenza said he understood the commission started diverting the funds to pay for overhead costs to avoid raising water rates. He suspected it's been a practice for several years and said it appeared politicians didn't want to raise rates, so utility administrators had to find money somewhere."

I guess that Eddie forgot to deal with the last part about politicians being responsible. I guess he does not like to admit that it was his fault. That changed from Thursday too it seems.

You remember his comment that numbers were picked out of the air for rates. I would think that WUC people ought to feel very offended by that. The AGM stated:

• "Despite the economic and political change impacting the water business, our Commission and Management have established a performance metric that is representative of being “best-inclass.” To achieve best-in-class status requires ranking among the top 10 water treatment and distribution organizations in the Province of Ontario in several key financial operating measures."

That hardly sounds like an amateurish organization.

So now we can see what parts of the Teflon memo were used in the end by the Eminence Greasie to create the Mayor's talking points. He/she is smiling today:

• "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot" WHERE'S THE ISSUE (I had to clean up the language)
• Set up the Levy account so no more diversions
• No one went to Brazil with the money
• We have auditors already so who needs an investigation
• Who would set up an inquiry to investigate colleagues...there but for the grace of God go I!

There were several rough and tough Councillors who had spread the word before the meeting that they were going to demand an investigation or were going to support the motion in order to separate themselves from their colleagues for the start of their Mayoral run. They all backed off. They chickened out in the end. I know, I know...wait for the right opportunity. Yea, right!

So the crisis is over for Eddie and Council or is it? I heard about a group of people who met this weekend who have had enough. It was this event that was the catalyst to bring them all together. I wonder where it will lead. And guess where they met!

The Teflon Memo

My Inside Moles have done it again. They have raided the garbage bins around City Hall and found a memo from CREEME (Committee to Re-Elect Eddie Mayor for Eternity). This is clearly a rough first draft of talking points but it will be interesting to watch and see if any of the ideas outlined are followed through.

From: the Eminence Greasie

To: His Most Excellent Worship

RE: Blaming Others For It All

You carried out your assignement with near-perfection. In the middle of summer near a week-end and after Council already passed the matter, you held a public meeting to explain that the big increases in rates were everyone's fault but yours. And then to top it off, the beauty to confuse everyone, the next day you said there really was no problem anyway! Brilliant.

By the time anyone figures out what is going on, Liplock Schwartz will be issuing his Report and we can talk about your genius again and how only you are fighting for Windsor!

However, dear Excellence, have you forgotten the lesson I have taught you: when there is praise to be taken, stand out in front and take it. When there is blame to be taken, let others take it and be invisible. What do you think Ken Lewenza and Max Zalev are for! They are there to take the hit, not you. After all, why was Junior named Chair this year of WUC!

So far, both the Star Editors and Henderson have treated the matter as a non-issue. Since nothing was written, we can assume that the wusses on Council will do little tonight so we have 2 weeks of time to bury the story forever.

However, it's those damn seniors with their small pensions and the BLOGGERS whom we cannot control that we have to worry about. Here are a variety of ways that we can diffuse the issue and actually blame others for it:

WHAT THE F*** WHERE'S THE ISSUE

Oh sure on Thursday we thought there was a problem of the diversion of funds and not keeping our word but by Friday we determined there was none. So what if we cannot figure out things involving millions of taxpayers dollars, there is no reason to be concerned. Heck you only ran a small business not a gigantic operation so how can you be expected to know what to do. Books and records are merely numbers aren't they. People still have water after all.

MONEY WAS DIVERTED

Trust Account, general account. They are only accounts. So what if we told you one thing and did another. It's not like someone ran off to Brazil with the money after all. There was just some confusion which was cleared up overnight. The new bank account idea was great...call it the Levy account and everyone can go back to sleep.

HAVE THE CITY'S AUDIT COMMITTEE EXAMINE WUC

Now that would be a good idea. That's what Audit Committees do after all. The fact that Max Zalev is a member of the Audit Committee and WUC Acting General Manager is his problem not yours.

WHERE'S THE THANKS

After all of these years of keeping taxes and rates artificially low, you get no thanks. Now we are just bringing things back to where they should be since you may get another job elsewhere and don't care. We are just paying a tiny bit more for our delays. That's no reason to dump on you. Where's the gratitude for the past? So what if the FRAM oil filter commercial is correct: Instead of paying him now, we can pay him later. And how!

IT'S ALL HARPERS' FAULT

If he had increased the pensions to Seniors they could afford to pay the huge increase without moaning and groaning about it. Heck, they can go live in the County with City Administrators if they don't like the taxes and rates here. Just wait until we get amalgamation and fool them all!

IT'S ALL SANDRA'S FAULT

Sure you supported her nomination. But now that there is a crisis, she can be blamed for everything since she is the weak link and won't dare fight back. She is our scapegoat. You see, it is Provincial downloading that is at fault and is taking up so much money for taxes. The City should be given new ways to tax people just as Toronto is being allowed to do so. We need equality of being able to have new taxes imposed on Windsorites to protect politicians from their own mistakes.

IT IS ALL COUNCIL'S FAULT

Come on, get real. There were more of them on WUC Committees than just the Mayor. Why they outnumbered him. If they are so smart, why didn't they pick up on the problem. It's because they were part of it.

Do you really think that they are going to set up an Independent inquiry to examine themselves that might demonstrate that they were negligent or worse! Heck, there may not even be a quorum possible because Councillors could say they have a conflict of interest and cannot vote on the matter. Nothing like using the Procedural By-law to paralyze Council!

IF ALL ELSE FAILS

Blame the Bridge Co. Say that you have had to spend so much time fighting the City's "enemy" and preserving the citizens' quality of life that you just did not have the time to devote yourself to this problem. After all, you work so many hours a day now making the simplest things complicated like the Capitol Theatre!

As I have pointed out, if this tempest in a teapot is managed properly, you will come out smelling like a rose in the City of Roses. But for Heaven's sake, the only meetings that you can attend are the in camera ones from now on.

Your most humble and obediant servant,

Greasie

Windsor's Financial Fiasco

There are two people smiling broadly after the big Windsor Star headline: "Water fees diverted"

Yes a load has just been lifted from the shoulders of our two Cabinet Ministers, Sandra Pupatello and Dwight Duncan. Now they do not have to be worried about Eddie pressuring them any more before the election. He is self-destructing in front of them

He will have his own concerns that will take up time over the next few months when the Province sends in forensic auditors to examine the books and records of the Windsor Utilities Commission and Councillors finally stop being a bunch of wusses and hire outside legal and accounting firms to do a complete and thorough investigation of the WUC.

The Province has no choice...either money was diverted as the Star story claimed on Friday or it was not diverted as the Saturday story said. What it means is that the WUC, of which Eddie is a member, has no idea what is going on with millions of dollars of taxpayer money if the story changes that dramatically and that quickly, virtually overnight. Doesn't the WUC understand its own books and records?

However, something does not add up. What is the real story here?

First there was supposedly a diversion of capital money into the operations account. We were told that on A-channel news and in the Star. Then we were told in the Star that

• "In a presentation Thursday at an open house to explain a water rate increase, Francis said that the money collected from the water main replacement levy was going into operation costs. He implied that the money wasn't being spent on water main replacement, but it turns out, that wasn't true. After implementing the water main replacement levy in 2003 that brought in about $3 million in revenue, the utility spent about $10 million per year replacing water mains. But it should have been spending $20 million per year, Francis said."

However, in the 2004 WUC annual report, Victoria Zuber, the Finance Director said:

• "On November 26, 2003, the Commission approved an increase of the water main replacement levy from 5% to 13% to become effective January 1, 2004. This provided additional water revenues of $1.8 million."

This was after Maxwell Zalev, Acting General Manager, said in the Report

• "We continued to invest in our aging infrastructure. We spent a total of $10.75 million in 2004; $9.5 million in capital improvements for the distribution system...
  
  Our capital expenditure program over the next 5 years is quite intensive. We are scheduled to spend approximately $40 million to improve our distribution system and water treatment facilities..."

Doesn't that seem to be people who knew exactly what was going on rather than a disorganized mess with money going every which way?

What we saw, as the Mayor stated on A-channel news, is what we have always suspected with elected representatives. The problem arose because of politics at its ugliest. The issue was never addressed apparently since no one sees the water pipes. What took place using the Mayor's word was a "shell-game" and taxpayers were the victim. Of course, now that it has come out, the problems will be dealt with so it never happens again. Sort of like what happened with MFP. End of story it must have been hoped!

Didn't Eddie understand the irony of his statement? He just denounced himself in the strongest of terms! He was one of the politicians involved. The Senators in Ottawa recognized him for what he was: a politican and not in the flattering sense. Eddie still must think that we will believe what he said in his kick-off speech when he ran the first time for Mayor or is deluding himself:

• " OVER THE NEXT FOUR MONTHS I WILL ENGAGE THE VOTERS OF WINDSOR IN A DISCUSSION ABOUT OUR FUTURE, THE FUTURE OF WINDSOR. I WILL DO THIS NOT AS A POLITICIAN BUT AS A CITIZEN WHO WANTS TO SERVE YOU... I SAID TO YOU EARLIER THAT I AM NOT A POLITICIAN."

It is pretty clear from what the Mayor said that this is not inadvertence or mere negligence but is deliberate action on the part of someone. Whoever made the decision needs to suffer the consequences. The Mayor told us that numbers were picked out of the air for rates and were not based on any studies. Someone therefore must knowingly have decided that the rates were phony ones.

It is even more of a shock given what the Mayor said in the 2004 WUC Annual Report:

• "It is anticipated that the face of Ontario’s water industry will have a new look as the outcome of recommendations made on behalf of the Swain Report, which is scheduled for release in 2005. It has been suggested that there will be an unbundling of water rates, in much the same vein as had occurred in the electricity industry back in 2001-2002.
  
  With clarity brought forth on how water rates are established, the foundation will be laid for full cost recovery in terms of water services and, particularly, how they relate to infrastructure replacement projects."

Was it all for re-election? Keep the numbers down and then boost them after. We ought to be thankful to the WUC Chair/Councillor Ken Lewenza Junior for telling us previously what we should expect:

• "...there's very little wiggle room in the [2006] budget and taxpayers should not expect to see the frugality of the last two budgets repeated next year. "This is probably the last go- around," he said, adding that there will be either higher tax hikes next year or a reduction in services."

No doubt Gord Henderson must have been in shock on Saturday and found it easier to write about "Canada's penal system" rather than a major financial mess. Hmmmm I noticed that the Star used the word "fraud" in its first story. Was his column a Freudian slip?

Where is the Star Editorial in today's paper demanding that Council act tonight to do the right thing and clear the air. Can you imagine the noise if Mike Hurst was still the Mayor! Would the Editors be calling for resignations by now. I wonder why the Star is so silent on such an obvious issue.

The big loser, regardless what happens, is the Mayor. This financial fiasco clearly destroys the myth of Eddie as the successful businessman/lawyer. Trying to blame this mess on past Administrations is a nice attempt to divert attention except who was Mayor in 2004 when the rates increased from 5% to 13%? Yes it was Eddie. He was there when numbers were picked out of the air too. He was there when the money was diverted or was not diverted. Who knows---The WUC does not!

Eddie is a lawyer and he knows from Law Society rules that you do not put "Trust" funds into a "General" account to be used for other purposes. Eddie made this astounding statement at the WUC meeting for which he expected to be praised I am sure:

• "If this is what dollars are going to be established for, this is where the dollars will have to go."

Nothing like stating the obvious!

I assume it was Max Zalev on A-channel News who admitted that the levy funds on the water bills were used for operations. He said that, now, separate bank accounts would be set up and that levy charges will only be paid out for infrastructure capital charges and not for operations. Except perhaps there was no diversion. Doesn't he know?

Zalev may have his own problem too. He is on the Audit Committee of the City. In the circumstances, should he be allowed to remain a member while this matter is outstanding!

We have seen the Tunnel operation go down the tubes with Eddie as its Chair and yet Council allowed him to be the CEO of new Corporations respecting the Tunnel and the airport. And they allowed him to try to do a US$75M deal on the Tunnel when the Bridge Co. offered a fraction of that! Is it any wonder the Capitol deal is such a mess when it could have been solved easily months ago.

The Eminence Greasie will have to work wonders to save Eddie's career now. Wait until people actually see their new water bills! If you want to see everything there is to know about water bills in Windsor and elsewhere, check out http://windsormunicipal.blogspot.com/ The outcry will be horrendous.

Let's ask a few questions assuming there was a diversion:

• Do WUC 's financial statements have to be restated and for how many years back
• Do the City's financial statements have to be restated and for how many years back
• What assurance do we have that the books are proper today
• If this has been going on for years, have any dividends been paid from the WUC to the City that may now be improper
• It was said in the A-channel news report that the WUC admitted it was operating unsustainably.... Does that mean it was insolvent and money was diverted really for that purpose?
• What will KPMG do now? Will they revoke their Opinion Letter that "In our opinion, these financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Commission." Will they resign as auditors? Why didn't they catch the diversion if there was one? Should Council fire them if they missed it?
• Will Standard and Poor's put the City on CreditWatch and will the City's bond rating decrease which could then cause Arena financing problems
• Whose heads will be cut off or who will be the sacrifical lamb to take the fall
• Have the problems of Enwin really been cleared up

On Monday night, there is a Council meeting. Will Councillors work out a solution to this problem in camera over a lambchop or two? Or will Councillors refuse to discuss this matter in secret and have a full and open debate about next steps in public.

Poor Junior. What a baptism of fire as Chair. We should not blame Councillor Lewenza as WUC Chair for his unfortunate statement:

• "We've been focused on how do we fix it, we haven't been looking at blame," Lewenza said.
  
  "I don't want to say I'm not concerned (about the practice). (The issue about whether the practice is fraud) hasn't been raised before. I would refer to legal on that question..."

Instead of the diversionary statement re legal counsel, he should have acted decisively! Why all he needed to do was to have called up the Chair of another Commission in the area who is a governance expert and he would have told Junior what actions a Chair of a Corporation should immediately take in a situation such as this!

Junior better get advice quickly or he may wind up in serious trouble too.

Councillors who have been on the WUC may now be personally at risk as well given the standards that Board members face after the scandals in the corporate world. To protect themselves, they have no choice but to demand that an independent outside investigation be undertaken immediately along side of the Provincial investigation. They must do so on Monday. They also need to pass a resolution to call for a Provincial audit. They have no choice now.

The Municipal Affairs Act provides:

• Provincial municipal audit
  
  9. (1) The Ministry, upon its own initiative or whenever requested by any municipality expressed by resolution of its council, or on a petition in writing signed by not less than fifty ratepayers assessed as owners and resident in a municipality, may direct a provincial municipal audit of the financial affairs of the municipality.
  
  Extent of audit
  
  (2) Any direction given by the Ministry may extend to an audit of all the financial affairs of a municipality or may be limited to the financial affairs of any local board thereof, or to any specified phase of such financial affairs or to any specified books, accounts, registers, records, vouchers, receipts, funds, money or financial transactions, kept by or under the charge of any officer of the municipality designated by the Ministry. R.S.O. 1990, c. M.46, s. 9.
  
  General inquiry
  
  10. The Ministry upon its own initiative may make an inquiry into any of the affairs of a municipality. R.S.O. 1990, c. M.46, s. 10; 1993, c. 27, Sched.

Oh there is a silver lining to all of this for the Councillors. Here is Councillor Lewenza again:

• "It's been a long and drawn-out process," Lewenza said. "We are finding out things every day. We still need to do a lot of things to better run the utility."

That means many more meetings over the WUC and that means more payments for their attendance at Commission sessions. Why look how much all of them received as extra salary on top of their regular pay-cheque with Enwin's problems. Now that Enwin was fixed up, they can get some extra cash to fix up the WUC!

Such good luck! At least they will be able to afford the new rates.

Who's Afraid Of The Big Bad Bloggers

It seems that some people at City Hall are!

I was told some time ago by a Councillor that his access to my Blogsite was denied. It seems that Chris Schnurr has had the same thing happen to him if you read his BLOG today. I was also informed that another Councillor tried to get his IT group to block my emails as well.

I have still not yet received media accreditation from the City although I have received it both from the Province and the Federal Government.

I thought you might find this article of interest about Bloggers and local politics. Geeee, we in Windsor are tame by comparison. It's hilarious how the politicians, and now the media, try to smear BLOGGERS, including all of the lonely ones.

Hmmm I guess that must mean that Bloggers cannot be controlled as easily as the mainstream media in town. We are a big threat it seems. Allowing an opposite point of view must cause a problem for some.

However, just wait until next week when we BLOGGERs do our research and get our information down about the shocking water fees diversion scandal at City Hall. Is that just the tip of the ice-berg with more to come?

• Riled bloggers rant about local pols
  
  Christina Stolarz / The Detroit News July 24, 2007
  
  BROWNSTOWN TOWNSHIP -- Diane Philpot knows what people have said about her in online blogs. And, for the record, she says none of it is true.
  
  "I've heard everything from being a lesbian to everything else," said Philpot, the Brownstown Township treasurer since 2004. She said she has never seen the offending blog entry, but was told about it by friends. She said she was also told she was accused of stealing money.
  
  She has plenty of company -- she's among many local politicians who have suffered blasts from bloggers, ranging from their sexual orientation to their age, how much they drink, how much they weigh and their physical appearance.
  
  The Web logs are changing the nature of municipal campaigns and are forcing office seekers to find ways to counter what many find to be scurrilous attacks from gadflies who now have a new way to express themselves.
  
  "It's a difficult thing to be in politics in these times. You have to have a thick skin," said Charles Shaw, an Internet law attorney with Charles Regan Shaw & Associates PLC in Clinton Township. The blog posts "can transform public opinion whether right or wrong. You need to balance it and get the truth out there via a blog, campaign or a news story."
  
  Brownstown isn't the only place where blogs have become facts of life. They're part of the political fabric in Warren and Grosse Pointe Woods, for example.
  
  Philpot says she doesn't give the blogs a second thought because it would be a waste of time to defend herself online.
  
  Her only hope is that her critics have the courage to sign their names. Because as much as she agrees that public participation in local government -- even online -- is a good thing, she believes the philosophy has veered off course.
  
  "I think it's very out of hand and very inappropriate," Philpot said. "I don't think just because you're a public figure people should say lies and horrible, nasty things about you. The same decorum should apply to everyone. It's detrimental to the people who are out there trying to make a difference."
  
  While some messages posted on blogs highlight legitimate civic issues, others veer into hurtful personal attacks that some fear could discourage grass-roots participation in local government -- especially because there are few options for fighting back against anonymity.
  
  And the personal vitriol -- sometimes even generated from public officials to their opponents -- is only expected to continue as the Aug. 7 primary campaign draws closer.
  
  The only other way for a public official to combat these blog messages is after they turn threatening, said Shaw, the Internet lawyer. Then it becomes a criminal matter and can be handed over to a police computer crime unit to determine who is writing the posts and where they are coming from.
  
  Sometimes, blog moderators remove particularly nasty messages, or they don't allow such personal attacks on the sites.
  
  But many local officials, including Warren Mayor Mark Steenbergh, create their own blogs to counter cyber-lies. Steenbergh added a blog to the city's Web site in January to share his perspective on important city issues and policies.
  
  In Grosse Pointe Woods, Councilman Pete Waldmeir started his own blog to counter the "lies, distortions, character assassination and slander from garbage-blog losers." On his site, called Grosse Pointe Woods' Truth, he dares the "gutless trash" to leave their real names.
  
  "I call them the garbage blogs because nobody ever signs them," said Waldmeir, a former Detroit News columnist. "I wouldn't mind as long as people had guts enough to sign their names. There are laws against libel and slander, and this gives them a free ride ticket."
  
  Waldmeir posted this week that he believes he's "unmasked" the blogger who's attacked him and other Grosse Pointe Woods city officials. And, now, that site is down.
  
  Warren resident Henry Krzystowczyk said he likes to read the posts to try to figure out who the players are. "The blogging is a game," he said. "You have to take it with a grain of salt. I think what they're set up to do is give up misinformation, chastise and defame."
  
  Steenbergh agrees. While he thinks blogs play an important role in allowing public participation in city government, he also says they should be used to discuss important issues.
  
  "Once you've seen it, you know it's being used by people to further some hidden agenda," Steenbergh said. "If you're going to do something like that with interaction back and forth, you should talk about real issues and real solutions not just a bunch of gossip."
  
  Howell school board Trustee Wendy Day said she's often targeted on other "mean-spirited" blogs. They've discussed her alcohol consumption at social events, tattooed ankle and her weight, even though she's pregnant with her fourth child, she said.
  
  Still, Day believes blogs are an important alternative arena -- with fliers and underground newspapers -- for residents to express their opinions. But she says they don't hold any credibility because the messages are anonymous.
  
  "We're struggling to learn how to make them effective," she said. "As an elected official, people aren't going to like what you do. But, if you hold to your ethics I believe, in the end, there's a place to find mutual respect."
  
  You can reach Christina Stolarz at (586) 468-0343 or cstolarz@detnews.com.
  
  
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  
  Blog entries
  Here are some excerpts taken from resident-generated blog sites. The Detroit News removed names of elected officials in the entries.
  
  · "It is not 'correct' to call 'little people' a 'midget' anymore. With that said, I'd like to make an observation of XXX: A MIDGET in stature. A MIDGET of mind. A MIDGET of intestinal fortitude. A MIDGET of a politician. Make sure you put them lawnmowers on the right height for cutting (can you even reach the handles when you mow?)"
  
  · "As I watched him (a city councilman) up close last night, he looked so old and feeble."
  
  · "Don't forget she tried to 'Buy' votes. Ask her how she 'laid' the groundwork to get votes for council. Someone needs to check her little black book."
  
  · "It was fun to see the mayor put his foot in his mouth Find me a 'BIGGER' bigot. I dare you."
  
  · "The Mayor and Council remind me of the Capitol One commercials with the dirty and inept marauders tripping over themselves as they try to pillage and clobber their way to power. Thanks to FOIA, we know what's in their wallets."
  
  · "XXX said he was confused with the city hall elevator. OK XXX you press 2 for the second floor, 3 for the third floor, NOT TO HARD, even for a 70 year old."
  
  · "Is XXX's IQ over 70? Thought not."

A Few More Thoughts

Here are some quick thoughts for you

ARE THE VULTURES CIRCLING OVER THE JUNCTION

Somebody may be able to pick up this site for a song, a real bargain, if some resolution is not arrived at very soon.

My understanding is that the Junction is mortgaged and whoever is the financier may be getting a bit nervous these days for repayment.

The partners in the Junction cannot be too pleased either after pouring several hundred thousand dollars into refurbishment and now not being able to use the facility.

Get real, who would want to lease it with a fight to be expected with the neighbours if it is something that someone in the neighbourhood does not want. As for a sale....someone would have to be prepared to be a scrapper.

PLUS, the owners have to fight in court for the supposed by-law infractions for the Teen Function.

All this is not good news for George Sofos. And probably not good for the City if he sues and wins big time.

If a fly in a Culligan bottle is worth at trial almost $350K (although overturned on appeal and awaiting a Supreme Court hearing) and a cyclist received more than $800,000 in damages over a raised sewer grate, what would this business claim be worth if successful?

DETROIT-WINDSOR BUS SERVICE

You'd think from reading Eddie's remarks that the Detroit-Windsor transfer bus service is a huge success:

• "We can get Detroit, but we can't get the county."
  
  Mayor Eddie Francis rolled his eyes in frustration Friday at the thought that Windsor transit users can now travel on board Detroit-area buses, but can't make connections into the county."

Just so you know:

• "During an average week, between 30 and 40 passengers take advantage of the transfer exchange."

WHY WE DON'T NEED NEW BUSES

In doing some research on Transit Windsor, I discovered that

• "The bus fleet, which consists of 99 coaches, is on average 12 years old.
  
  "The useful life of a bus is 18 years," Williams said.
  
  A quarter of the fleet is 18 years old and two buses were bought 28 years ago. Administrators had hoped to buy six new buses this year at a cost of $2.7 million."

Our Mayor said on March 16, 2007

• "Before we buy new buses, I'd like to streamline practices," Francis said. "I move we not buy new buses and reconsider the issue in 2008. Before we add to services, we need to get a handle on the service we provide."

Then during final budget deliberations in early May:

• "In finalizing its budget, council did end up helping the landlords by re-directing a $1-million savings by agreeing not to buy any Transit Windsor buses this year and instead apply the money to reduce this year's multi-residential rate increase from 3.25 per cent down to 2.95."

VISITORS FLOCK TO OPENING OF NEW SANDWICH ART GALLERY


The new Sandwich Art gallery that opened over the weekend on Indian Road drew throngs of visitors from both sides of he border.

Residents from the Windsor and Detroit areas flocked to see one of the largest displays of interactive "urban art" in the world.

A spokesperson for the gallery stated that "We were thrilled that so many people came to see the murals that local Windsor artists created for the enjoyment of the community!"

WE HAVE AN URBAN VILLAGE NOW!!!

We must have one although I admit that I must have missed the ribbon cutting for it. At the opening of the new bus terminal, the Mayor said:

• "There is definitely an increase in activity in the Urban Village with the addition of the bus terminal. "

Or does he mean that his lack of action on economic development for years has turned Windsor into a village?

PAYING FOR OUR NEW EXPRESSWAY PARKS

If Sam gets his way and we have parkettes all along the new route to the border, I have a question.....who will pay for the ongoing maintenance of these parkettes? It won't be the Senior Levels I am sure. Their position will be that they paid for them and so Windsorites are responsible for the day-to-day costs as in Sam's NYC. However, there's a problem. Where is the money coming from to do so:

• City plan guts parks spending for sewers; Infrastructure the focus of 2007's capital budget;
  Dave Battagello, Windsor Star 04-10-2007
  
  "More of Windsor's bone-rattling roads and outdated sewers are to be fixed under the city's 2007 capital budget, which will be unveiled at tonight's council meeting.
  
  But the work would come at the expense of the city's parks and recreational facilities. Spending for new parks, playground equipment, trail upgrades and swimming pool renovations would be chopped from close to $10 million last year to roughly $2.5 million...
  
  "It's going to be tough," said Coun. Jo-Anne Gignac. "Nobody in Windsor would say our parks are unimportant. They are a focus of pride, but that comes at a big cost.
  
  "In moving forward, we are going to have to dialogue with residents on what they expect. We can't be all things to all people."
  
  Overall, funds for parks will fall from 14 per cent of last year's capital budget to five per cent.
  
  "The past several years, parks and rec certainly commanded a high budget," said Francis, pointing to work along the riverfront. "Our parks will be maintained. You will not see any new parks being built."
  
  Among the planned items cut in the proposed capital budget are $250,000 in playground equipment replacement, postponed until next year with funds only for repairs.
  
  Spray pad/water play additions to several parks across the city have also been cancelled indefinitely. Another $225,000 in tennis court and basketball court resurfacing was also cancelled this year and will likely be delayed for several years.
  
  More than $200,000 in work at Coventry Gardens to improve walkways, the fountain plaza and landscape restoration has been put off until next year. A planned $240,000 addition for a new Ojibway Park education centre has also put on hold until beyond 2012.
  
  No upgrades or renovations will be done at any of the city's swimming pools -- only repairs. One line of the budget indicates "should any major breakdown occur it could lead to a pool closure for the balance of the season."
  
  Colucci said Monday that is unlikely, noting the city has the ability to pull from its reserve funds in such an emergency.
  
  Aside from completion of the Peace Beacon at the foot of Ouellette Avenue, work on Windsor's riverfront parkland will be cut back under the proposed budget."

I wonder if Sam's artistic renditions will discuss this subject. Remember the outcry earlier this year about grass not being cut becuase students were not hired. Imagine what the City would look like with miles and miles of uncut parkettes.

And how can we have new parks when the Mayor said we cannot have any new ones?

Do you think the amnesia disease struck again or is my anti-Bridge Co. conspiracy theory looking better every day?

FONSI and Bridge History

The document from MDOT is dated 1997, ten years ago, in case you miss it on your first read-through.

Anyone who suggests that the US and Michigan Government officials were not aware of exactly what the Bridge Co. wanted to do with a second span is delusional. The Ambassador Gateway project was designed to accommodate a second span as the Bridge Co. is planning today with its Enhancement Project.

Don't you find the "partnership" language remarkable as well. We already have a "P3" deal don't we yet someone in Government has decided that Governments should have a different private partner. I guess the Bridge Co. being the #1 border operator is not good enough for some bureaucrats.

Interestingly as well, the US Government signed a "FONSI" on the project ie a report indicating that a proposed project is environmentally safe. I wonder how the Government can justify today saying that replacing one older bridge with another is a problem especially when the same plaza is being used.

This whole file is becoming curiouser and curiouser the more one discovers. You are welcome to join with my conspiracy theory that this is all directed to force the Bridge Co. to sell out.

• MDOT CLEARS THE AIR REGARDING GATEWAY PROJECT

Contact: Gary G. Naeyaert (517) 335-3084
Agency: Transportation

December 5, 1997
Statewide Media Reports Misrepresent Facts in Story About Ambassador Bridge

LANSING-Recent media reports about the Detroit International Bridge Company's Ambassador Bridge, the Gateway Project and access between Michigan's highway system and the bridge contain inaccuracies and do not reflect either current project plans or funding issues. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT ) is working diligently to ensure clear and concise understanding of the issue.

On October 23, 1997, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) signed a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) on the $100 million Gateway Project, providing approval to move the project to the design stage. Project objectives are threefold: to improve direct access between the Ambassador Bridge and Michigan's highway system, to accommodate future border crossing capacity needs and to accommodate access to a proposed private Travel Information Center/Retail Complex.

"The opportunity for FHWA and M•DOT to partner with the privately-owned Ambassador Bridge for these access improvements is one step closer to reality with the FONSI agreement," said State Transportation Director Jim DeSana. "This project is an ambitious and creative partnership between the federal government, M•DOT and the privately-owned Ambassador Bridge. We need changes in federal transportation law, which we expect in the reauthorization of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA), to allow for federal participation in the access improvements," he continued.

Under current federal law, public funds may not to be used to connect highways to a privately-owned bridge, like the Ambassador Bridge. Michigan transportation officials are working with federal legislators to ensure the new version of ISTEA, when enacted, allows for the potential for funding access improvements of this type.

Any improvements to the actual bridge, or a potential second span of the Ambassador Bridge, would be entirely the financial responsibility of the Detroit International Bridge Company and no public funds would be spent on the bridge itself.

"We will not fund improvements to the actual Ambassador Bridge structure or any potential second span," stated DeSana. If the Detroit International Bridge Company decides they want to build a second span, that's their decision and financial responsibility," DeSana concluded.

The Ambassador Bridge is the busiest international border crossing in North America, carrying more than 10 million vehicles. Direct access between Michigan's highway system and the bridge will facilitate international trade for the state of Michigan, the Midwest, including Chicago and St. Louis, and the entire U.S. via the interstate corridors of I-94, I-96, I-69 and I-75.

PACE Yourself

I have a feeling that Windsor will need more that a $250,000 PR team in the Mayor's Office to counter a negative story like this.

In effect the Detroit News is telling people NOT to come to Windsor. You'd think that the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel and Ambassador Bridge along with the City ought to be working together to get people to come over here and to worry about who gets the specific customer later. After all, if the pie gets bigger, then both can get more. Unfortunately, that is NOT how our Mayor/Chair of the WTC/CEO of the new Tunnel Corp thinks.

Good thing that the story did not encourage us in Windsor to go over for all of the bargains in Detroit since our dollar is so high. It could become "PACE" all over again.

Retailers are lucky the Star is not telling us about this!

• Day trips to Canada plunge to new low
  Security hassles, gas prices, exchange rate deter U.S. tourists from crossing the border.
  Andy Henion / The Detroit News
  
  The pain of a waning U.S. client base goes beyond Windsor's bars to the casino, hotels and eateries, says the local tourism office.
  
  WINDSOR -- Americans are taking fewer day trips to Canada than at any time in living memory, a major blow to border cities like Windsor that rely on tourists for their prosperity.
  
  Officials say a "perfect storm" of economic and social factors is fueling the downswing, including an unfavorable exchange rate, high gas prices, a year-old smoking ban at public buildings in Ontario and, perhaps most of all, border security issues.
  
  Tony O'Rourke of Detroit, for one, would love to dine in one of the city's renowned Italian restaurants, enjoy Point Pelee's sandy beaches or simply grab a pizza and beer with friends.
  
  Yet the social-services case manager hasn't made the trip in several years because of hassles at the border. U.S. customs agents would routinely search his car for up to 40 minutes, said O'Rourke, a 41-year-old Latino who believes he was singled out because he looks Middle Eastern.
  
  "It's all about comfort level," he said. "If I have other options for places to go and things to do, I'm going to choose the path of least resistance."
  
  The number of U.S. citizens driving to Canada for the day has dropped steadily each year for the past seven, hitting a record low of 13.7 million last year, according to Canadian government data for all U.S.-Canada crossings. The peak was 27.3 million in 1999.
  
  The downswing worsened during the first part of this year. The 3.2 million day-trippers from January through April -- the latest available data -- is the lowest tally for any four-month period since Canada started tracking the flow in 1972.
  
  The dearth of American visitors is a major blow to Windsor's $515 million-a-year tourism industry. More than 4 million of the city's 5 million yearly visitors are U.S. citizens -- most of them from Michigan, officials said.
  
  "It's as simple as saying that not enough people are filling seats in restaurants, they're not filling the hotel rooms and they're not enjoying the nightlife here like they once did," said Gordon Orr, managing director of the Convention & Visitors Bureau of Windsor, Essex County & Pelee Island.
  
  "We're definitely feeling it," said Chris Ryan, owner of Patrick O'Ryan's Irish pub in downtown Windsor. Business is down nearly 10 percent over last year at this time, but Ryan considers himself "one of the lucky ones."
  
  "Some are down 30 to 60 percent," he said.
  
  Border issues are key
  
  Most officials agree the trend is due in large part to a misconception of unbridled border congestion and confusion about the documentation needed to get across.
  
  The long lines at security checkpoints in the months following September 11 have largely disappeared, although the Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor Tunnel still back up at times. And those motorists singled out for a vehicle search, like O'Rourke, can expect longer waits.
  
  Further, a passport is not needed to drive across the U.S-Canada border, as many believe. A driver's license and birth certificate will suffice, though the Bush administration plans to start requiring a passport in the summer of 2008.
  
  Partying in Windsor -- where the drinking age is 19 -- is a rite of passage for many U.S. citizens such as Megan Single of Macomb, who recently celebrated her 19th birthday in the city. But if that means paying $100 for a passport in the future, she said, it may not be worth it.
  
  "Why would you waste all that money when you only come over here once in a while?" said Single, who thinks a birth certificate and license should remain sufficient.
  
  But several other factors are also helping keep Americans home, officials say. They include:
  
  Metro Detroit's soaring unemployment rate -- it was 7.2 percent in May, well above the national rate of 4.5 percent -- which is fueled largely by the automotive industry's decline.
  
  An unfavorable exchange rate. The U.S. dollar is worth about $1.05 in Canada, compared with $1.53 five years ago.
  
  Gas prices that hover well above the $3-a-gallon mark.
  
  A smoking ban at all public buildings and workplaces in Ontario that took effect June 1, 2006.
  
  The entrenchment of Detroit's casinos -- which have cut into Casino Windsor's client base.
  
  "With all these factors, it's being called the perfect storm," said Keith Andrews, vice president of corporate affairs at Casino Windsor, the city's biggest attraction.
  
  Flow to U.S. still strong
  
  Casino business is down 20 percent to 25 percent from last year, but officials hope a $400 million renovation and expansion, slated for completion early next year, will help reverse that. The casino also will change its name to Caesars Windsor.
  
  The 133-room Travelodge in Windsor is boosting marketing efforts on a smaller scale by offering a room deal that includes free breakfast and a $10 gas coupon. The hotel, which relies heavily on U.S. customers, is filling only about 50 percent of its rooms, said Angela Santin, general manager.
  
  "That number is not making us profitable," she said.
  
  Meanwhile, Canadians continue visiting the United States in relatively strong numbers. Nearly 23.5 million day-trippers came here in 2006, up 9 percent from 2004. And although January-April traffic was down 4 percent from the same period in 2006, it was still higher than the first four months of both 2004 and 2005.
  
  Hart Hodges, a Western Washington University professor who studies border issues, said Canadians historically have "put up with more" at the border to take advantage of large retailers in the United States. U.S. citizens, on the other hand, are more apt to skip the trip when the negative factors pile up.
  
  "At some point, you would expect Americans to say, 'Why bother?' " Hodges said.
  
  But keeping a steady flow of trade -- and tourists -- between the two countries is vital, said Sarah Hubbard of the Detroit Regional Chamber.
  
  "Strategically, it's in the best interest of our region and the U.S. to maintain a good relationship with Canada given their position flanking our country and as our largest trading partner," Hubbard said. "Americans may think they don't really need Canada, but I think they'd be surprised if that piece of our economy disappeared."

Windsor's Major New Museum Destination

There it was in the Star story, right at the end where the important stuff is always placed:

• "Other ideas talked about by council included...a new major museum somewhere in the city."

I told you yesterday about having a family destination location at the Junction incorporating a number of Windsor historical Landmarks including the Junction itself and the Chimczuk Museum which is the key element in the whole plan.

• "Joseph Chimczuk, an autoworker who bequeathed $1 million to the City of Windsor for a museum, library and archives, stipulated in his will that the money was to be used to "build a building."

The individual components could probably not succeed finacially on their own but together in a "destination" could make a success of it.

It works out fantastically from a financial perspective. There is around $3 million dollars in the Chimczuk Estate account that has been gathering for over a dozen years I believe. Those funds could be used to generate around $20M in grants from various Senior Level Government Departments I have heard. One needs cash to get cash and so Windsor is well-positioned! It makes Windsor's proposal look serious with real cash on the line.

Moreover

• "With more than $10 million in the bank, the Greater Windsor Community Foundation is still in need of donations and bequests in order to continue acting as the money manager for a variety of area charitable organizations, said the foundation's chairman....Freed admitted deciding how to spend Chimczuk's bequest has "become a little bit tricky because determining the exact needs, requirements and definition still needs some work." "

The Junction location is ideal, near both the Bridge and Tunnel so it would be a great tourist draw. It is near the University and the downtown so it has a large target market. It is a place for all age groups and can be used for school groups as well. It preserves Windsor historical landmarks while opening up a new one.

The amphitheatre could draw thousands to the City. With the Cleary, Capitol and other smaller theatres including the one for sale on E-Bay, it could make our City another Niagara-on-the-Lake or a Stratford over time given our nearby large market in the US. Imagine the music and theatre groups who could perform there! Just like at Ontario Place in Toronto.

The possibilities are huge and at hardly any cost to taxpayers if carried out properly. Former Mayoral candidate David Wonham is an expert in the area so he could be a good resource to the City as well.

George Sofos has already worked out artist's renditions of the site using an architectural firm in town. (See above) His plans have been submitted to the Mayor and Council some time ago I believe. David Wonham has met the Mayor on this as well but got a very cold reception. As he described it over a year ago:

• "Though he kindly listened to my presentation, and thanked me for it, he had no questions, expressed no personal opinion, certainly did not take ownership of the concept, but merely said that he would have to consider this at a Strategic Planning meeting in the indefinite future, to see what Council wanted to do about it.
  
  Assessment of meeting: not overtly positive. Felt either lack of leadership, or his interests lie elsewhere."

Now all of a sudden, the Mayor is interested in family attractions. Do you think it is because he is a new father? Heck, a lot of what Councillor Postma decides is based on her kids. This is his chance to make up for his attack on Councillors over the Junction and to allow the Junction owners to avoid a bankruptcy.

For the Ward 2 Councillors, it is a chance for them to do something positive for their Ward finally! It is time they started fighting for their Ward.

The Junction must be part of all of this. Why else would Eddie have put his neck on the line by speaking out at Council as he did.

West End Shocker

Oh my goodness. What a shock!

Is the Star wrong? If it is, an immediate correction is required! Has she moved? If so, when? Or has she lived there all of the time?

I thought that Mary Ann Cuderman lived in the McGregor-Cowan house on Sandwich Street not on Indian Road. You know the house...it's the one that received money from the City as a heritage building:

• $87,900 for a loan/mortgage
  
• $17, 630 grant for a cedar roof (I was not sure if she also got a requested interest free loan in the amount of $5,876)

and she was requesting "25% of the cost of restoring the main entrance door and sidelights of the house."

She had in the past appeared as well

• " before Council to speak in support of the use of the Ontario Heritage Property Tax Relief Program as a pilot project to assist the owners of designated heritage properties in Sandwich."

When she was in front of the Ontario Municipal Board in July 2005 to oppose the City of Windsor's approval of an application by Canadian Transit Company for variance from the provisions of By-law 8600, it was said in the decision:

• "The appellant, Mary Ann Cuderman resides at 3118 Sandwich Street, Windsor and she testified in opposition to the motion to dismiss. She stated that she was a lifelong resident of Windsor."

In April of this year, the Detroit Free Press said

• "Mary Ann Cuderman, ... lives in a 200-year-old home 2 blocks from the bridge..."

In passing, Ms Cuderman made a very damaging remark at the OMB hearing for those who think there is a need for more capacity. In other words, she was stating at the hearing that there was NO need for a DRIC bridge since the Bridge Co. had more than enough capcity to handle traffic:

• "She raised many concerns about the proposal. She questioned whether or not the expansion of the Bridge Plaza was necessary since only a short time ago there had been approval given for 3 new booths. An additional 6 booths would bring the total to 9. In her opinion, the additional 6 lanes were not required. She pointed out that the Deputy Prime Minister had asked for a 25% increase in capacity for Canada Customs to alleviate the slowdown for the quick and efficient flow of goods and services from the United States and Canada. She stated that 3 new booths, which had already been approved, would more than meet this capacity."

Perhaps DRIC should have listened to her on this issue. Why then Mary Ann has not supported the Bridge Co. Enhancement Project for all of this time remains a mystery to me since it is a "maintenance" project not a "capacity" project.

If Mary Ann moved from Sandwich St to Indian Rd. after mid-2005 or after April, 2007 you have to ask the obvious question: if the area is so bad, then why did she move there? Why would someone knowingly move to an area that could be impacted by a bridge and then complain about it? She knew what she was getting into. I would have to draw the conclusion that it is not as bad as the Ward Councillors are saying it is.

It's like the fellow in the Star story the other day:

• "Neil Misquitta peers over the backyard wall of his rented Indian Road home and shakes his head at the newly constructed hulk of bricks and steel -- massive customs booths to clear border trucks entering Windsor off the Ambassador Bridge...
  
  Misquitta and his family of four, ages nine months to 12 years old, are among the last remaining residents living among the weeds and boarded-up homes on the east side of the 700 block of Indian Road.
  
  Every house on the block borders on the new truck plaza.
  
  The homes were long ago purchased by bridge owner Matty Moroun...
  
  Misquitta, who expects to be relocated at month's end to another bridge company rental home on nearby Bloomfield Road, applauds the heritage plans because he loves the neighbourhood."

HUH....I don't get it...Why would he rent on Indian Road in the first place and then why would he relocate to another Bridge Co. home if it was so awful? I don't get it at all! Given his negative comments, I would have thought he would be pleased to look elsewhere in the City for a home. Again, maybe it is not as bad as some would have us believe!

Frankly, if Mary Ann moved to Indian and now lives there after 2005 or 2007 with all of the information she had about the border fight and given her opinion of the Bridge Co., then she knew what she was getting. She moved to the area by choice and why should any one listen to her complaints now. As I learned in first year law school "Volenti non fit iniuria." In English: "to a willing person, no injury is done."

I must admit that my first reaction after seeing the address where she lived was one of surprise. Perhaps the references in the Council Minutes to her Sandwich address were just to be used as her mailing address.

Some may now want to question the description of her as "a west-end community activist." After all, isn't she now just a NIMBY-type merely protecting her monetary interests and not looking out necessarily for what is good for Windsor or Sandwich in particular? Is she also in a conflict as an Indian Road resident and as a member of the Sandwich Heritage Conservation Task Force?

Frankly, one could write her off very easily and quickly. One could easily now explain away her opposition to the Bridge Co. as self-interest not Windsor's interests.

I don't think however that is fair or right to do. She is entitled to her point of view and the right to express it as is any Windsorite. It is no different than what the people along the STOPDRTP corridor did: opposed DRTP to protect their neighbourhood. She is doing the same for her area.

However, what we have to consider now is when she decided to live on Indian Road in order to decide what weight we should give her opinions and comments.

Family Fun City

We won't be Sin City any longer. And it is not because in Windsor one cannot have music and dancing together

I just heard the Mayor say on AM 800 this morning that one of the big items at the City's strategic session tonight is to develop a family destination: a family park where families and children can go to spend the time together eg Storybook gardens. (The other big item is keeping streets clean and attractive. So much for the border!).

Why it would not surprise me if he wants to have a brownfields redevelopment at the Zalev site and have that become a prime example of turning something horrible into a family area that will make Windsor a world-class destination City...like Sam's new road to the border.

Is this another new business that the City will run too--like the East End arena and the Tunnel?

Well I have a better idea for him and for Windsorites too. One that Eddie is very familiar with since it has been presented to him already. It is one that revitalizes a part of the City that needs help as it has been promised the moon but has received nothing so far, no arena, no urban village. The only actual success in that part of the City, in Ward 2, is a new Tim Hortons it seems.

How about this:

• Completion of a magnificent community park from the river to the international gardens near University: the Gateway public park
  
• The building of a huge amphithatre for plays and music just like in Liplock Sam's NYC, the Delacorte Theater, an open-air theatre located in Manhattan's Central Park
  
• A location for the Chimczuk Cultural Centre and Historical Museum
  
• A location for the City archives
  
• The new home for the Spirit of Windsor Engine 5588
  
• Home for a new Science And Tech centre
  
• Home for a Planetarium
  
• Home for an Aquarium
  
• Family Fun Centre and restaurant
  
• A new home for former bank facade at the corner of Ouellette Avenue and Riverside which now is in storage

Do you know where the ideal location for this massive redevelopment is: at the Junction on University Avenue, right beside the Gateway Park!

That's right, the place where nothing can be done! Even Brian Masse and his neighbours could not be upset as their homes sky-rocketed in value!

I'll tell you more about how it can be paid for without a big expense to taxpayers tomorrow!

Windsor's New Urban R&D Centre

I happened to read the story below about Wayne State's Tech Town.

It would not surprise me to see a similar announcement being made soon by the Province, City of Windsor and the University of Windsor!

Instead of a downtown Engineering Building complex, we would see an R&D Tech Centre with the prime tenant being the University Engineering Building or maybe the University would run the whole thing! I would expect that the Province would muscle all kinds of companies to locate there if they want funding from the Government.

A pipe-dream...maybe, but do you recall from our own lady Minister:

• "The McGuinty Government is accepting proposals for the fourth round of its Advanced Manufacturing InvestmentStrategy (AMIS), Minister of Economic Development and Trade Sandra Pupatello announced today...
  
  The $500-million AMIS program provides repayable loans interest free, for up to five years, to support investments in technology and innovation. The innovative projects announced to date under this initiative will generate nearly $400 million in new investments and support the creation or retention of about 3,000 jobs."

One example was:

• "Successful projects to date include:
  
  Skyjack Inc., Guelph (May 14, 2007) - Creation of a Centre of Excellence to facilitate industrial research and development, prototyping, testing and commercialization of new aerial work platforms and materials handling equipment. A loan of $2.48 million supports a total project investment of $24.79 million."

In addition, the Premier announced, to encourage green automotive technologies

• "a new $650-million Next Generation Jobs Fund that will leverage investments in green technologies that help to reduce greenhousegas emissions and improve environmental sustainability."

No wonder Eddie is supporting Sandra's re-election! And it's a good thing that the University is following Ed Lumley's "Think Really Big" strategy isn't it!

Perhaps Amanda Gellman's fund-raising job won't be so tough after all. And the Gazelle feeders might actually accomplish something.

Next stop, Tech Town

Tech Town, housed in renovated warehouses just north of Wayne State’s campus, is home to startups and established companies in life sciences, information technology, advanced engineering and advanced manufacturing. One company is into video-game creation. Another is a “bank” for human tissue samples for medical research.

Wayne State University launched Tech Town in April 2004 with General Motors Corp., Henry Ford Health System, the city of Detroit, the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and other state departments in the 12-block area between Wayne State University and the former GM headquarters.

Companies in area include Asterand, NextEnergy, Henry Ford Health and a Delphi Corp. spinout, SpaceForm. Economic development in the area exceeds $90 million.

Wayne State’s big plans

Wayne State University’s campus welcomed more than $170 million in projects since 2000. Among the highlights: a new $64 million home for the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences; three new residence halls; an $18.5 million welcome center and a $6 million university bookstore operated by Barnes & Noble; an addition to the law school; and a new recreation and fitness center. The newest $55 million residence hall, dubbed “The Towers,” just opened this year. Its tallest wing is 11 stories high, and it houses more than 900 students. Long a “commuter” school, WSU now sees a surge in interest in living on campus.

Scolded Like Children in Public

A "wuss" is defined as "A person regarded as weak or timid." "An offensive term that deliberately insults somebody regarded as weak or ineffectual." Do we have 10 of them on Council?

I am sure that you really like being told off by your boss. You try your best and then get dumped on. Can you imagine how small you would feel if your boss did that in front of your co-workers. How about if he/she did that in front of your customers and strangers too.

That certainly would be good for your self-esteem and would lower your worth in front of the others.

Can you imagine then how the Councillors must feel after being ridiculed by the Mayor at Council last Monday and on televison for all to see. It was as if they were children being scolded by a teacher for their stupidity at dealing with the simplest of matters.

The Star's comment hardly does justice to what the Mayor did:

• "Council appeared poised to do just that [to grant the Junction a one-year business license], but then Mayor Eddie Francis took the unusual step of removing himself from the chair of Monday's meeting in order to strongly oppose the option, which had been proposed by Coun. Fulvio Valentinis."

Can you imagine, Councillor Valentinis whom Henderson called "an educator and lawyer" being told off by a 33 year old "legal technocrat" who has never really practised law since he went right from Bar Admission to running for Mayor!

Our Mayor, if he was so clever, should have spotted the problem and not let it go to Council in the first place. Or he could have killed it in one second with a ruling from the Chair.

Yet he did not do either of those things. Gee, that gave him the terrific opportunity to perform his dramatic act to make sure the Junction was killed if anyone thought it could be saved. Who needs theatre at the Capitol when we have this show for free. I should ask the person who contacted me before if this was all "orchestrated" like a symphony in camera as well.

But it was more too. It allowed him to re-assert himself, to dominate his Councillors and let them know who is boss in case they forgot. It reminded them what their respective roles were. It is not enough for his ego that he forced Council to pass a motion in public that he is the "Voice of Council" on the border and that there may well be an Integrity Commissioner appointed who will be there if they dare step out of line. For a guy with so much power, our Mayor seems so insecure.

What was wrong with Councillors---are they so stupid that they did not understand the difference between heritage designation and the interim control by-law such that he had to remind them several times of it. How could they possibly follow what Administration said was a viable option in dealing with the Junction when he said it was not and that if they defied him then he would insist that Administrators be indemnified in case there was a lawsuit.

And the sad part was that they just sat there and took it with a couple of exceptions: Councillors Gignac and Halberstadt.

Why do we even need a Council when he is just so smart and they are just so dumb. No wonder he does not tell them anything significant. They cannot handle it. Remember what Mike Hurst said about the role of the Mayor and Councillors.

• "Hurst said that as mayor his mandate is to look at the overall picture that will be of most benefit to the city."Councillors don't have to do that but the mayor does," said Hurst. "

Well Eddie is taking that to the Nth degree. What an insult!

Oh there has been quite a change in what Eddie thinks about empowering Councillors from the time he first ran for Mayor:

• "EMPOWERING COUNCIL
  
  Portfolios
  
  City Councillors must become active participants, with the Mayor, in governing our City. Our Councillors come from diverse backgrounds that are rich in different life experiences. Many will have previously served as Councillors. We must leverage the depth and breadth of their knowledge and expertise to the City’s advantage."

The interesting point about the last Council meeting is that Eddie has put his neck on the line about the Junction, something he rarely does. He cannot hide behind Council on this one. He will be the #1 Witness if George Sofos decides to sue and George will not back off if he does. The animosity now runs too deep.

Our Mayor and Administration will have to explain why for instance certain saving provisions in the Official Plan were not presented as options to help George and why no one picked up on my suggestion re the CBO.

Let's see now....we have the Three Blind Mice and Councillor Gignac who have to be offended by the impudence of the Mayor. Councillor Hatfield is looking as if he is less and less pleased at what is going on. Councillor Valentinis cannot be thrilled at how he was treated. That already is a Council majority even not taking into account what I have heard about certain Councillors being very upset in camera as to how this City is being run or have ambitions to be the next Mayor and are looking for a way to separate from the pack.

Did Eddie overstep? Did he get carried away with his own power? Did he forget that he was one of the people who rallied Councillors to beat Hurst?

Will history repeat itself with Francis as Mayor? It will if six Councillors have guts and are tired of being treated as wusses. And Windsorites can only hope that Eddie's own foolish outburst caused that change.

Odds And Ends

Here are a few items that caught my imagination

HOW CAN MICHIGAN AFFORD A DRIC BRIDGE

Let's get serious for a minute.

Do you really think that any Legislator in Michigan other than Steve Tobocman and perhaps a few other anti-Bridge Co. reps will support DRIC? Michigan would have to pay hundreds of millions for new DRIC roads, plazas and a bridge. This is after Michigan agreed to pay for the Ambassador Gateway project. Moreover, Michigan also makes about $2B in matching Federal grants with the Enhancement project which they can use for their purposes.

If there was any doubt, this story should help ensure that the Enhancement project goes forward:

• Tough Mich. Economy Hits Companies That Build Highways
  
  July 9, 2007, WDIV news
  
  Some companies that build highways in the state are laying off workers, Local 4 reported.
  
  A weak Michigan economy in part has left less money available to fund infrastructure projects.
  
  Slagter Construction is a Grand Rapids-based road builder.
  
  It recently said it has cut its work force to 66 from 102 in the past five years -- and plans to open a Florida office for the first time.
  
  State funding for highway construction and maintenance is expected to drop 24 percent over the next four years -- to $1.23 billion in 2011 from $1.62 billion this year.

THE LEAKOR'S MEDIA FRIEND

It is amazing the stories that Today's Trucking has been able to break. They are a good source for border news I have found.

A few of us have been trying to figure out who the leakor is especially since most of the stories leaked are designed to hurt the Bridge Co. We have narrowed the choices down to a few people but it would not be fair to speculate on names until we are more certain.

It was interesting to read the story they did on the Bridge Co. in their online edition http://www.todaystrucking.com/news.cfm?intDocID=18161 "Stamper fires back." (I posted the poll results from that story)

You might want to take a look at it and judge for yourself. You might learn a fact or two that our local media has not told you.

WATCH YOUR WALLET

Now infrastructure funds are again being touted in the Globe and Mail as a good investment for the retail customer:

• "Toll roads, seaports and utilities may not seem like sexy investments, but they are part of what some see as an emerging, attractive asset class.
  
  Investing in infrastructure has become a hot sector in recent years for pension funds seeking steady cash flows to meet obligations to retirees.
  
  But more investment companies are jumping on the bandwagon to give retail investors a chance to profit too.
  
  Toronto-based Mackenzie Financial Corp. is the latest to join the infrastructure trend with today's launch of the Mackenzie Universal Global Infrastructure Fund."

We in Windsor are familiar with 3 infrastructure deals: DRTP, The Detroit/Windsor Tunnel and the new DRIC bridge. Would you invest in any of them today?

Caveat emptor

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO WINDSOR'S POST-EMPLOYMENT CODE

I see that Ottawa's new Conflict of Interest Act comes into force soon. We in Windsor are still waiting for how many years now for Councillor Postma to bring hers back to a public Council meeting for a vote.

GLAD WINDSOR TAXPAYER MONEY COULD HELP OUT

I am glad that Standard and Poor's and Dominion Bond Rating Services have ranked OMERS "AAA." You will remember how the contribution rate for municipaliites and their employees rose dramatically over the past few years to cover the OMERS deficit.

It's a nice position to be in isn't it? Make some investment mistakes and no worries---the taxpayer pocketbook is there to bail you out. No wonder the ranking is so high.

This is due in part to the fact that:

• "The Dominion Bond Rating Services said the C$48bn pension funds strong investment returns of 16.4% in 2006, coupled with the increase in contribution rates in January 2006, led to a 15.9% increase in net assets and helped lower the plans funding deficit.
  
  Standard & Poors cited the steady flow of employer and employee contributions into the plan and its prudent and conservative asset-management framework.

CHANGE THE POLITICIANS' DIET TO ELIMINATE HOT AIR

Given my past extensive research into bovine flatulence, a reader thought this story would be of interest to me. He wrote that if we could just alter the diets of politicians, who excrete the same substance as offending bulls, we might get somethimg accomplished. So for the pre-Council dinners, no more lambchops:

• Move to cut methane emissions by changing cows' diet
  David Adam, environment correspondent, July 10, 2007, Guardian
  
  Burping cows and sheep are being targeted by UK scientists to help bring down Britain's soaring levels of greenhouse gas pollution. Experts at the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research in Aberystwyth say the diet of farmed animals can be changed to make them produce less methane, a more potent global warming gas than carbon dioxide. Farmed ruminant animals are thought to be responsible for up to a quarter of "man-made" methane emissions worldwide though, contrary to common belief, most gas emerges from their front, not rear, ends.