Syd posts his email address and invites questions, so I thought I would ask him what was on my mind at the time ... Yesterday.
I am pleased that this candidate has ticked my boxes for what I am presently thinking about commercialisation and sewer systems.
Good on him!
RT, a nickname I use because I like art and my name is Arthur. I am also known as Woosh to some, since I am a bit of a head full....
On 30-Aug-10, at 11:47 AM, Woosh wrote:
Syd!
Thank you for putting yourself forward as a candidate for Mayor of Lambton Shores.
As a potential voter, I would like to know what your positions are regarding commercialisation of the front at Grand Bend and regarding the development of a sewerage system for Grand Bend.
Any information you can give of your vision for the future of Lambton Shores would be welcome.
Thank you,
Woosh
On 30 Aug 2010, at 03:11 PM, Syd Fletcher <promise@xcelco.on.ca> wrote:
Hi Arthur:
Re: Commercialization of the waterfront at Grand Bend
Commercial interests should not be allowed on the waterfront. It needs to be left open to the public.
One time events such as the Summer Games sailboat racing should be allowed as they would draw people to the area.
If the Ministry of the Environment mandates a sewer system for subdivisions in Lambton Shores then we would have no choice in the matter and would have to proceed.
There should absolutely be no thought of a 'grinder' system - ever. It is a poor solution at best.
My understanding from Carl Belkie is that the Ministry has no intention of mandating a sewer system. I also understand from the meeting on Thursday night that the present council has applied for a grant to do the sewer. If that does come through (and I cannot believe that that will happen before the new council comes in) then it would be the new council's position to say politely, "We made an error in applying for this grant. We will not be accepting it. We have found that we cannot afford to put up the balance of money that would be needed for the project."
I believe that we need to take a very strong look at the process of consultation that is being used to make decisions about major projects such as the sewage system and the water lines which were put into the former Bosanquet Township area. Firms which have a vested interest in proceeding with a project should not be allowed to be the main 'opinion' on said projects.
We need to set up a system of community committees which would (in conjunction with council) come to a consensus on future projects - e.g. if a committee of residents and business owners had had appropriate say in the design of the main street in Grand Bend, I have no doubt that it would look considerably different as opposed to those who like things to 'look pretty' instead of 'pretty and utilitarian' for the people who are using them.
Finally, we need a council and bureaucracy which understands the difference between the 'letter of the law and the intent of the law'. The example I use here is in the treatment of the young couple who were starting up a trucking business just to the north of Forest. The planner told them that they had to pave all around the building and put in curbs. They asked if they could be given a couple of years grace, until the business was started. They were told, "No, it has to be done right now." They took the issue to the OMB which agreed totally with them and said that the municipality was being high-handed with them.
I'm hoping that the new council will begin to deal with issues using common sense, thinking more about people than about projects.
Good day to you sir! Hopefully this helps you understand where I stand on some of the current issues.
Respectfully,
Syd Fletcher
On 30-Aug-10, at 9:10 PM, Woosh wrote:
Hi Syd!
I like your answers and would ask whether I might post them on my blog with favourable comments by myself!
Arthur
Will ye no think kindly on those who would be your friends! May the sun shine with your thoughts, today, and happiness grow in your heart! May you allow yourself some peace of mind.
Syd responded:
Certainly.
Syd
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
May the rain fall upon your fields
And until we meet again
May He hold you in the palm of his hands
(Irish blessing)
Syd's blessing above.
And mine follows:
Will ye no think kindly on those who would be your friends! May the sun shine with your thoughts, today, and happiness grow in your heart! May you allow yourself some peace of mind.