July 24, 2004

City Council - One Year On - 2004

A year ago taxpayers elected a new mayor and a reconstituted council. How have they fared? Have we been well served? Are we better off now than we were when they came to office? There is no doubt that they inherited a mountain that we asked them to climb. They have not yet been able to reach the peak of that mountain but they have struggled mightily to reach the present level. Could they have done better? Certainly. Below is this taxpayer’s report card.

Mayor Francis

He hit the ground running and accepted the difficult mandate handed to him. He has fully established himself in his leadership role. His drive, enthusiasm and businesslike approach to the many difficulties he inherited have been nothing less than extraordinary. In my thirty-five years in Windsor, no other mayor has so completely involved members of council in all aspects of this city’s governance. No longer can councilors excuse their non-performance with that time old cry: “I didn’t know!” They are now in full possession of the facts. Why has the mayor been unable to climb a little further up the mountain? The answer to that lies in the performance of individual members of council. I will deal with that aspect later. Summing up, Mayor Francis can hold his head high and should be congratulated for a job well and truly done. As we athletes say: Way to Go Eddie!!! He gets A+.

Councillor Zuk
It is painfully apparent that political party dogma drives Councillor Zuk and that is a shame as her early performance was so promising. She must realise that she will be unable to fulfill her electoral responsibilities if she continues to place political aspirations ahead of this city’s needs. She gets a B.

Councillor Lewenza
Here we have a councillor who feels compelled to play to his limited constituency. He also finds it difficult to leave his political affiliation outside the council chamber. He has the potential to serve all of his constituents well but so far he has not been able to rise to the challenge of his elected status. He gets a B-.

Councillor Postma

This councillor has been unable to establish a meaningful presence on council. She finds it all too easy to involve herself in trivia and so far appears to be a good example of the “Peter Principle”. She has not shown that she can be a major player in the foreseeable future. She gets a C.

Councillor Wilson
After too many years on council, his performance has become lack luster and jaded. A compelling example supporting the need for term limitations. He certainly deserves our thanks for his long service but his current performance cannot be overlooked. With all due respect councillor it’s time to move on. He gets a C-.

Councillor Jones
What can be said about this gentleman? Whatever the subject, he cannot resist the chance to give us his idea of a scholarly homily. So far his contribution has been less than sparkling. His one meaningful contribution was the introduction of the “Whistle Blower” hot line. He needs to sublimate his politics to the common good. He gets a B-.

Councillor Valentinis
This long-term councillor has managed to retain a lively interest in council affairs. He has and continues to be the voice of reason and is well aware of his obligations to all the citizens of this city. He gives us that comfortable feeling of stability. He gets an A.

Councillor Cassivi
This councillor has a long and distinguished presence on council. During the Hurst era he seemed to lose his enthusiasm. However, since the change in leadership he has emerged as a re-energised and productive senior member of council. He is to be congratulated on his thoughtful contribution. He gets an A.

Councillor Brister
A newcomer to the municipal scene he has brought a real professional attitude to council. His zeal is truly astonishing as he leads the fight to control the massive debt that was inherited from previous councils. His has been a sterling performance. He gets an A+.

Councillor Gignac
Another newcomer to city council she has proved to be a resounding success. With a quiet and dignified approach she has made a considerable contribution to this first year of progress. She certainly gives the taxpayers a feeling that our affairs are in capable hands. She gets an A+.

Councillor Halberstadt
Another senior member of council who retains his edge. Nothing slips by him and his contribution has proved to be invaluable. No sacred cows escape his attention. His presence gives this taxpayer a feeling of comfort. He serves the taxpayer with great diligence. He gets an A.

What can be said about council members as a whole? With certain exceptions they can be awarded an A for effort. Never in my experience have I seen a council that has been so engaged and one that has put in such long hours fulfilling their obligations as elected representatives. The citizens of Windsor can be well satisfied that they are getting their moneys worth from this council.

This having been said, I have come to the conclusion that an important reason that the mountain climb has not been more successful is the insertion of party politics into our municipal affairs. It has become increasingly obvious that council has completed their first year separated into two distinct blocks. At a time of crippling debt and the need for strict fiscal discipline we have members of council who cannot leave their party political affiliations and ambitions at the municipal door. Thus, we have a constant personal posturing that does little to help the fight to reduce debt and the heavy tax burden that plagues this city. They must shed their political shackles in order to deliver the unbiased service that is expected and necessary.

The path to the mountain peak is overgrown with the pleas of special interest groups and sacred cows. To be successful, council must concentrate on their basic mandate. What is best for all citizens of this city can be illustrated by this question. A multi-million dollar arena or the same multi-millions invested on our crumbling infrastructure? The answer is too obvious.