Year 2009

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=90 BGCOLOR="#006699" TEXT="#080000" background="044785a3.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Speaking Out</B></FONT><B>    </B><B> |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Speaking Out"><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Speaking Out"><U><B><IMG SRC="03b0e0e0.png" border=0 width="14" height="14" ALT="up" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A><B>   </B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="14" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" WIDTH="14"><B>     </B><A HREF="id41.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="2008"><U><B><IMG SRC="02f0e0e0.png" border=0 width="14" height="14" ALT="previous" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A><B>  </B><A HREF="year_2010.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Year 2010"><U><B><IMG SRC="0300e0e0.png" border=0 width="14" height="14" ALT="next" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=210 BGCOLOR="#FFCC66" TEXT="#080000" background="045d2b03.jpg"> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=390 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <I>Year 2009</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Dec. 31, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>H</B><FONT SIZE="6" COLOR="#009999" FACE="Arial" ><B>a</B></FONT><B>p</B><FONT SIZE="6" COLOR="#009999" FACE="Arial" ><B>p</B></FONT><B>y</B><FONT SIZE="6" COLOR="#009999" FACE="Arial" ><B> N</B></FONT><B>e</B><FONT SIZE="6" COLOR="#009999" FACE="Arial" ><B>w </B></FONT><B>Y</B><FONT SIZE="6" COLOR="#009999" FACE="Arial" ><B>e</B></FONT><B>a</B><FONT SIZE="6" COLOR="#009999" FACE="Arial" ><B>r</B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Dec. 24, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>M</B><FONT SIZE="6" COLOR="#009999" FACE="Arial" ><B>e</B></FONT><B>r</B><FONT SIZE="6" COLOR="#009999" FACE="Arial" ><B>r</B></FONT><B>y</B><FONT SIZE="6" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE="6" COLOR="#009999" FACE="Arial" ><B>C</B></FONT><B>h</B><FONT SIZE="6" COLOR="#009999" FACE="Arial" ><B>r</B></FONT><B>i</B><FONT SIZE="6" COLOR="#009999" FACE="Arial" ><B>s</B></FONT><B>t</B><FONT SIZE="6" COLOR="#009999" FACE="Arial" ><B>m</B></FONT><B>a</B><FONT SIZE="6" COLOR="#009999" FACE="Arial" ><B>s </B></FONT><B>T</B><FONT SIZE="6" COLOR="#009999" FACE="Arial" ><B>o</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="6" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT><B>A</B><FONT SIZE="6" COLOR="#009999" FACE="Arial" ><B>l</B></FONT><B>l </B></div> <div> <B>F</B><FONT SIZE="6" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>r</B></FONT><B>o</B><FONT SIZE="6" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>m</B></FONT><B> t</B><FONT SIZE="6" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>h</B></FONT><B>e </B><FONT SIZE="6" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>T</B></FONT><B>o</B><FONT SIZE="6" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>l</B></FONT><B>n</B><FONT SIZE="6" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>a</B></FONT><B>i </B><FONT SIZE="6" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>F</B></FONT><B>a</B><FONT SIZE="6" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>m</B></FONT><B>i</B><FONT SIZE="6" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>l</B></FONT><B>y</B></div> <div> <B>Dec. 22, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>I Smell a Rotten Deal for Taxpayers</B></div> <div>      Last weeks announcement of a <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$9,200,000</B></FONT> windfall for a developer who will be building what is referred to as Affordable housing some say is a good thing. But when one does the numbers on what taxpayers are getting for their money it smells real rotten. The owners of the Barrie Rd. property a former industrial site which has yet to be cleaned up  have managed to score a gift of <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$9,200,000</B></FONT> from federal and provincial taxpayers. They also have scored up to another <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$1,540,000</B></FONT> from Orillia taxpayers over the next 10 years. But when you do the numbers it is one of the most blatant giveaways of taxpayers money I have ever seen or heard of. This my friends is of Pinocchio Scandal quality tax money waste.</div> <div>      The proposal is to build 77 apartment units that will be leased at 70% of current Orillia rents. This reduction amounts to a saving for the tenant of</div> <div> $150.. mo. 1 Bedroom</div> <div> $176   mo. 2 Bedroom</div> <div> $182   mo. 3 Bedroom</div> <div> For the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$9,200,000</B></FONT> the landlord will keep the rent ratio for 20 years at which time who knows what will happen as these units while paid for by tax dollars remain privately owned. I suppose in 20 years the owner will receive another subsidy as poverty will not be eradicated and indeed might even be worse by then. Much is being said about how wonderful this gift to a single developer is for the poor but I disagree. One only has to do the numbers to see how  the only people who lose are the needy and of course taxpayers. Once more the poor and taxpayers are carrying the burden for the greed of the rich.</div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >     So let's do some calculations. </FONT>Forty of the 77 subsidized units will be dedicated to seniors, 25 for the disabled and 12 for individuals and families of limited means. The average reduction in rent for each apartment from market cost will be a mere <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$169.00</B></FONT> per month. If you take 20 years which equals 240 months and multiply that by 77 apartments times the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$169.00</B></FONT> that equals a mere <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$3,123,120</B></FONT> cents in subsidized rents for the poor. But the cost to the taxpayer is <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$9,200,000</B></FONT>. Three times more than what the poor receive in rent subsidy.</div> <div>      So how on earth can this be construed as a good deal for the poor, disabled or seniors ??? Not to mention for the taxpayer??? Sorry folks but this is a terrible deal. This represents a transfer of public money for nothing on a scale unseen in Orillia to date. For <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$9,200,000</B></FONT> we could have three times the units for the next 20 years by simply subsidizing market price rents for <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>231</B></FONT> units. Don't forget that the developers obligation for this rent ratio ends at the end of year 20 years. At which time he can put his hand out for more tax money or start renting at market price while dislodging the poor anyway. For anyone to call this a wonderful deal they obviously did not do their homework. But the subsidy doesn't end there for the landlord. You see, he will realize another windfall of <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$20,000</B></FONT> times 77 units which is another <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$1,540,000</B></FONT> in forgiven property tax which will be paid by Orillia taxpayers over the next 10 years. Simply put this deal does very little to address the need for affordable housing while reaping huge unwarranted profits for the developers and their friends???? </div> <div>       So let's recap. <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$9,200,000</B></FONT> plus <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$1,540,000 </B></FONT>equals <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$10,740,000</B></FONT> of taxpayers money poured into a privately owned development. A very poor use of public money. Once more folks we need a Forensic Audit of this deal. It is a poor excuse for public spending. But hey i guess Santa came early for this developer if this happens???? Wonder if it's too late to stop this outrage???? </div> <div>      I did a bit of digging to find out what a project like this could be built for when I saw the $15,000,000 to $16,000,000 price tag. Here is a project that was built in Ottawa. I know it was back in 1995 but the cost per square foot is what is important. </div> <div>  </div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="671" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 362 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="7751ab60.jpg" border=0 width="282" height="182" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="378"><div> Synopsis</div> <div> The Conservation Co-op located in downtown Ottawa is an example of a “green” multi-unit building. But unlike many other buildings using energy efficient technology, the Conservation Co-op was constructed within the confines of strict social housing guidelines and budget, and did not use overly complex technology. The final cost of the Conservation Co-op was <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$645</B></FONT> per square metre (<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$60/square foot</B></FONT>), and included such energy efficient features as: low wattage fixtures, exterior site lighting using photovoltaic lamps, building orientation for maximum solar gain in the winter, summer solar shading using sunscreens and fin-walls on balconies, double-glazed argon filled lowE windows, above normal wall and roof insulation levels, separated balconies to eliminate thermal bridging, use of heat recovery units for all suite ventilation, and, individually metred in-suite high (90%) efficiency gas heating units.</div> <bR> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> Please visit the web-site for this project and see what social housing is really all about.</div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/inpr/afhoce/tore/afhoid/cote/buenefho/buenefho_005.cfm#impact" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/inpr/afhoc"><U>http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/inpr/afhoce/tore/afhoid/cote/buenefho/buenefho_005.cfm#impact</U></A></div> <div> Nothing that happens in Orillia ever makes any sense. If this mayor and city management have a hand in it, one can automatically assume there is something wrong with it and the numbers prove that indeed that is the fact. This is another project that simply stinks. </div> <div>      On top of all this evidence that this project is not in the best interest of the poor or taxpayers I have heard or seen nothing which shows that the site is being cleaned of any hazardous materials. You see folks when the first building was built by this developer, council allowed for the property to be divided. At that time all contaminated soil was pushed over to the eastern lot. For the first 3 years almost nothing could grow on this land and now they want to build on it??? Will this former industrial property be cleaned to a standard that allows residential???? Where is the MOE in this story???? Are they allowing this building to be built on a former industrial site without cleanup???? Don't believe me, but please believe what you find if you check out this project. Make yourself heard as someday one of you or many of you might end up living there. So why are the politicians doing this deal???? Can't they do the math??? Follow the money folks.</div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#CC00FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>One More Reason To Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Audit the Library Project as Well </B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >   </FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >    </FONT></div> <div> <B>Dec. 18, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>"I receive legal advice on a myriad of considerations"</B></div> <div>      Once more Stevens gets caught in his own web of deceit and corruption. Once more some people think he just might have gotten away with it again? But as next year begins the noose around Pinocchio's neck is tightening. The last 9 years is finally to catching up to him as more and more people see him for what he really is and the kind of company he keeps. His support now consists of only those whom he could incriminate in all the sleaze that will eventually sink him. But one day even those people will abandon him and set his boat adrift as supporters of  Doug Little did denying ever having known him.</div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >     One can see his confidence dwindling as he finds himself having to explain his words and actions more and more. Because he doesn't know who knows what and when things will be made public, he is working to setup scenarios that might be useful in future court proceedings. You know, so he can twist the truth to try and justify the lies and corrupt things he is or has been involved with. He is forced by all the lies and coverups to tell people things like  "Stevens told reporters he </FONT><B>received legal advice before deciding to resign</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >". Realizing that wasn't enough he adds "</FONT><B>I receive legal advice on a myriad of considerations</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >.</FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >" </FONT><B>A Myriad of considerations</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >????? Boy for mere mortals like us that seems onerous doesn't it???? Why would an honest man who has only love in his heart for Orillia need to get legal advice on a </FONT><B>Myriad of considerations</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >???? Why would an honest man decide to resign who still insists and still " </FONT><B>doesn't believe he crossed any lines</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >" Resign after he "</FONT><B>received legal advice before deciding to resign</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >". An honest man who continues to say "</FONT><B>I feel that it is unwarranted</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >," yet he decides to resign instead of simply letting an investigation clear his name?????? </FONT></div> <div>      "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Stevens was not pressured by the board to resign and the board's acceptance of his resignation should not be construed as a finding of guilt, said MacNeil</B></FONT>". So if there is no guilt or even findings then how come his resignation was tendered and why was it accepted???? Folks this is what is wrong with Mariposa and why nothing will ever change as long as people like these board members keep getting appointed. Either these people live in a drug induced hallucination or they are as big a liars and as dishonest as is Pinocchio???? If there is no guilt then why did the board and Stevens want an investigation stopped???? That's right folks, had Bonnie and Clyde been bankrobbers in Orillia and officially pledged to resign from robbing anymore banks the Orillia Police Services board might have ordered all investigations to cease as they no longer were bank robbers???? Naturally in and only in the public interest??? Well, that is what this board is claiming about Stevens isn't it??? "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>In a release issued on Monday afternoon, the police services board stated its members and the mayor "believe that this resolution is in the best interests of the community and policing in Orillia</B></FONT>." Imagine that??? Who'd a thunk it, that it would be in the best interest of our community which is riddled with drug dealers, gangsters, prostitutes, guns and money laundering that a member of the police board who has connected <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>himself</B></FONT> and also happens to be the mayor should not be investigated for these self admitted connections?????? Imagine it being in the best interest of policing in Orillia to not investigate this admitted connection by the man himself and under oath in a sworn document to boot???? Anyone else scratching their heads trying to figure out how not connecting all the dots could be beneficial to the community???? </div> <div>      Now just because Pinocchio decided to resign why should that  compel the board to drop an investigation??? I read the regulation and nowhere in it does it say where an investigation is automatically stopped upon resignation?? In fact, nowhere does it say an investigation should be or could be stopped upon resignation??? So the decision by the board to end an investigation which according to them hadn't even begun seems odd doesn't it. But who would the board negotiate with to not even begin an investigation and why???? Was Pinocchio's lawyer present when the negotiations were going on???? If there was no guilt or fault found then there could not have been any investigation to shut down or anything to negotiate in the first place???? Yet this claim that Pinocchio's resignation was in the<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B> best interest of the community and policing</B></FONT> then makes no sense????? By the way, who is paying for all this legal advice that Pinocchio speaks of??? Is it coming from the police budget????? Is it coming from city coffers???? Anyone want to make a bet ????? This decision could have only been a political one that actually has the best interest of Pinocchio and accomplices and the worst interest of the community along with the credibility of policing in Orillia and area at heart. </div> <div>      So let's recap. We have a mayor who in his past life had some real legal problems concerning tens of thousands of dollars having gone missing, who has proven himself to be a compulsive liar and is automatically appointed to oversee the police force by virtue of being mayor??? The same mayor who removes, or as I like to call it steals councillor's personally addressed mail, sits on the police board overseeing the police whose job is to arrest thieves???? We have a mayor and police board member who is notified by the police about their armed operations a half hour or more before they happen on property owned by the same mayor's "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Very good friend</B></FONT>" and yet the board is not curious enough to even start an investigation???? We have a board member who tries to talk the police out of carrying out their lawful court ordered duty as a member of the police board not to mention as the mayor, yet the board is not the least bit interested in investigating the matter and nor is city council???? We have a mayor/board member who under oath swears to what he did, but the board claims there is no guilt or fault so no investigation will take place??? How many mere mortals have been convicted on much less????? The same mayor and board member who the local constabulary didn't bother to investigate in a meaningfull manner on the land deal behind Wal Mart.  <a href="HTMLobj-1910/ISSUE10.pdf"><u>ISSUE10.pdf</u> </a>    <a href="HTMLobj-1911/ISSUE12.pdf"><u>ISSUE12.pdf</u> </a>  </div> <div>      Yet this same board will not issue a taxi license to a 65 plus year old man, who as a 17 year old was convicted of assault (pushing a girl into the lake) and had never been in trouble before or in the following 48 years because they are concerned for the public's safety????? Yet the same board isn't interested in what their own member had done regarding tens of thousands of dollars, never mind what he has just done????? Ah!! Orillia don't you just love it???? Come on back folks as Orillia's latest multi-million dollar head scratcher has just been announced and as usual the numbers don't add up once again????  Yup!!! the noose around Pinocchio's neck is tightening. Just one more thought. Did Pinocchio as a board member cast a vote for accepting his own resignation??? After all he was still a board member until the vote took place wasn't he????  We know that he did cast a vote Monday night at council for his own replacement by Speers on the board, which by my reckoning is a conflict of interest. Did Pinocchio take part in the behind closed doors decision by council to appoint Speers and did he vote there as well????? Another clear conflict even though it was behind closed doors unless he reclused himself isn't it????? <A HREF="http://www.canlii.org/en/on/laws/regu/o-reg-421-97/latest/o-reg-421-97.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.canlii.org/en/on/laws/regu/o-"><U>Police Services Board Code of Conduct</U></A> </div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>   <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#CC00FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>One More Reason To Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Audit the Library Project as Well </B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >   </FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Dec. 15, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> "<B>There's zippity-do you can do.</B>" </div> <div> <B>    </B> Sorry folks but that is simply not true. Interfering with a police investigation and using one's public office in most jurisdictions (except Orillia) would be considered in the least a serious breach of the law, as well as a breach of public service trust and ethics. But in Orillias' Old Boys Network it is Zipitty Doed under the filthy carpet that is local politics. How can anyone have faith in law enforcement and their overseers when a blind eye is all they have for insider's transgressions.</div> <div>      We are not talking about a questionable land deal here. We are not talking about political lies and cover up. We are talking about the very basic tenet of a Democracy that we are supposed to live under equal rule of law for all without political interference. According to the board this very clear breach of the law, admitted to by the perpetrator in a written sworn statement, given to a court and sworn to be the truth and nothing but the truth simply does not even deserve a cursory investigation. We are talking about connections to drugs, guns and cash, for that is what was found in the raids. We are talking about police informing private citizens (non police) about their up coming operations against armed serious criminals a half hour or possibly more before it's execution. </div> <div>       Organized crime, drug dealing and violence is running rampant in and around Orillia with police claiming a lack of resources. One would think that police would have better things to do than for two or more officers taking the time to inform the mayor of a police operation? Why did they do it?? Why would they continue informing Stevens even when he identified the subject of their raid as being his very good friend??? Why did they continue to speak with him, passing information, even after Stevens interfered claiming his friends couldn't have anything to do with criminal activity??? Stevens is a seasoned politician who knows that what transpired was illegal. He knows that political interference is a no, no. He knows that as a Police Services Board member he had a superior and powerful position over the officers. Yet he continued speaking to the officers defending his friends? Did the same officers notify the other board members??? Did these officers notify anyone else????? Isn't this board even curious about these curious goings on??? Why are they not curious??? </div> <div>      Bad enough that this happened, but  for the board to cover it up and sweep it under that filthy carpet is simply reprehensible. What is also reprehensible is how council on Monday night swept this filth under the carpet as well. Not one word during the acceptance of Steven's resignation and the appointment of Bumboy Spears, who couldn't be a worse person to appoint for the citizens of Orillia to this board. Instead of appointing a man like Speers who accommodates questionable behaviour by Stevens and staff consistently we need Police Board members who will make sure that behaviour like Stevens will not be tolerated and a price is paid for transgressions like this. Instead it is business as usual. It sure is getting harder and harder to be able to tell the honest law abiding citizens from the crooks. This board which is obviously stacked can't even Reprimand this guy never mind getting to the bottom of this mess as the board  actually praises him?????</div> <div> "On the board since first being elected mayor in 2000, Stevens will be <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>missed</B></FONT>, said MacNeil. </div> <div> "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>His knowledge and guidance in the past has been greatly appreciated by me and the rest of the board</B></FONT>." </div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >But hey folks </FONT>"<B>There's zippity-do you can do????????</B>" <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >In my mind each and every board member is as much responsible for discrediting the board and police services and the good people of Orillia as is Pinocchio. Does Orillia not have any worthy people to serve the public who actually have some spine and moral ethics????? Seems not.</FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <div> Facing near-certain? <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><U>Reprimand</U></FONT> by the Orillia Police Services Board and a strong possibility of a Solicitor General Investigation????, Stevens resigned from the OPS Board on Dec. 14, 2009.  His hand picked successor Paul Spears his very own backpocket boy, will fight any board members to cover over this mans' illegal actions and behaviour.</div> <bR> <div> These very words were written about another despicable shallow man who also claimed he was not a crook, but history has proven over and over again that he indeed was the worst kind of crook.</div> <bR> <div> <B>"Facing near-certain </B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B><U>impeachment</U></B></FONT><B> in the </B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B><U>House of Representatives</U></B></FONT><B> and a strong possibility of a conviction in the </B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B><U>Senate</U></B></FONT><B>, Nixon resigned the office of the presidency on August 9, 1974.</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B><U>[6][7]</U></B></FONT><B> His successor, </B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B><U>Gerald Ford</U></B></FONT><B>, would issue a </B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B><U>pardon</U></B></FONT><B> unto President Nixon."</B></div> <bR> <div> Once more the inner circle decides to do nothing and turn their collective heads. Do they not dare hold him accountable because they themselves might become incriminated????? Is this non action taken to cover up for Pinocchio or for themselves???? We can not trust the politicians. We can not trust city management. We can not trust the police and we can now not trust the Police Services Board to do the right thing. Welcome to Little Chicago North. Can drive by shootings be far off?????</div> <bR> <div> Here are some interesting links.</div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/torontopolice/index-old.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/toront"><U>Toronto's Finest Corruption</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/600/police_drug_corruption" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/600/"><U>http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/600/police_drug_corruption</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="http://gritsforbreakfast.blogspot.com/2006/04/on-texas-side-too-corrupt-cops-operate.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://gritsforbreakfast.blogspot.com/20"><U>http://gritsforbreakfast.blogspot.com/2006/04/on-texas-side-too-corrupt-cops-operate.html</U></A></div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>One More Reason To Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Audit the Library Project as Well </B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Dec. 11, 2009 </B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Bullsh*t Baffles Brains</B></div> <div>      On October 20 I wrote  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>Let the Scam Games Begin/ Orillia Wins Fool's Gold</B></FONT> .   Lori Koughan and Andrew Fortini of Shore & Tilbe reported to council on the increase in costs for the Library Project. With the disclosure by Angelo Orsi and Pat Kehoe of their Peer Review Results I thought I would share scenes of that evenings shell game show.</div> <div>      For years I have been explaining to folks about how councillors allow themselves to be hoodwinked by Mayor Pinocchio and Management. In reviewing the tape of that night I decided to show everyone examples of why and how councillors are bum rushed into voting for these crazy projects. Truth is these guys don't really know what they are voting for. A really good example is Smirking Joe Fecht who admits just such a fact. The rubbish that is fed to council is beyond belief. Check out the video so that you can see how these hucksters work the suckers. <A HREF="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQOs9GhyVNY" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQOs9GhyV"><U>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQOs9GhyVNY</U></A> </div> <div>      Next we have Ralph Cipolla questioning a 300% increase in the price of this project. You see like with the MURF council was baited and then the switch happened. In the begining this library was sold based on a <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$9,000,000</B></FONT> price tag. Once the rubes bought in, the escalation began. Just remember how the MURF started at under <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$20,000,000</B></FONT> and ended up at <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$75,000,000</B></FONT>. As I said, the library is <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>MURF 2 the Sequel</B></FONT>. Watch the video and pay attention to how Lori Koughan tries to remove in people's mind <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$350,000</B></FONT> claiming it is not a cost because, that money came from a different source but still taxpayers money. She also injects the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Bull Crap </B></FONT>about  a supposed reduction because of Value Engineering????? Remember what Fecht was asking about this Value Engineering and how he really couldn't understand it. Lori also then claims they are not asking for anymore money yet they are there reporting on the increase in the costs????? Watch the video <A HREF="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RE8rgeoPE1M" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RE8rgeoPE"><U>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RE8rgeoPE1M</U></A></div> <div>      Ralph with his statement about the $9,000,000 panicked the darkside. The last thing they want is to bring up the begining which will show people how they operate. So, Paul Spears is signaled to act. Out he comes with the statement about how that was two years ago and much had been added to the project. You know the standard <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>bullsh*t</B></FONT>. People are realizing that what is proposed at a moderate cost quickly balloons into projects that make no sense. But Spears makes the mistake of calling on Brian Jewitt to explain this glaring increase. He realizes at the last minute that maybe Jewitt was the wrong <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Shill</B></FONT> to call on and try's to change his request to Koughan, but their timing is off and Jewitt answers. Because they lost their place Jewitt forgets the script and then tells the truth. He tells us that the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$9,000,000</B></FONT> was really never a realistic figure, Watch the video, <A HREF="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiiQJuTo4zw" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiiQJuTo4"><U>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiiQJuTo4zw</U></A></div> <bR> <div>      Ralph once again asks uncomfortable questions that the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Shills </B></FONT>would rather not answer. He makes a statement that staff was warned that there were water problems on this property. He wants to know why soil testing didn't happen before the contract for the design done??? Ralph has finally seen how ridicules this project is being handled. He states that any building he has been involved with, soil testing always preceded the design. Once again there is really no answer forth coming except Lori's ridicules statement that had the soil testing been waited for, then the project would have been delayed a couple of months. She claims that is the normal way projects proceed. Huh????? Come on how stupid do these people think we are???? As with the MURF where testing was the last thing they wanted to do because, they knew once done the truth would come out <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>MURF 2 the Sequel </B></FONT>is the same. Watch Ralph's question <A HREF="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHFBct55b34" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHFBct55b"><U>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHFBct55b34</U></A> and then make sure you watch Lori's answer. <A HREF="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pCnlc43Xjw" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pCnlc43X"><U>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pCnlc43Xjw</U></A></div> <div>      Fogarty then starts his questioning and wants answers. In Fortini's statements to Fechts' inquiry he made a mistake in his attempt to bullsh*t. Mike picked up on it and wanted to know how prices can be going down and up at the same time. Fortini was now stuck with spinning more fairytales. His answers to Mike made as much sense as Koughan's did about soil testing??? Watch the first of the next four videos. <A HREF="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ms7pLk984QU" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ms7pLk984"><U>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ms7pLk984QU</U></A></div> <div>      Mike's next inquiry was about why all costs for this project wasn't being shown as a total???? You see there is this method staff and their hired guns have of always confusing issues. Nothing is allowed to be simple and straight forward. Take the cost of <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$800,000</B></FONT> for renovating the Gill St. property or for that matter the cost of <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$1,200,000</B></FONT> to purchase the property. This <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$2,000,000</B></FONT> expenditure is separated in a separate budget so that people can be fooled into thinking the project is less money. It is all an <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>illusion </B></FONT>meant to deceive and cover up the truth. Mike wanted to know why this significant amount of expense wasn't being shown as a cost of this project. Lori Koughan injects the standard answer which blames council. She says council approved this money in a separate budget. True enough but it was staff who brought this stuff to council in different pieces so that councillors or the public wouldn't choke on the true cost. Anyway here is this exchange. <A HREF="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQic_sJHzMA" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQic_sJHz"><U>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQic_sJHzMA</U></A> .</div> <div>      In following up on Fontini's claim that prices are up, prices are down and how the budget could be up 5% or down 5% it is easy to see how councillors can become confused. Mike, and I am sure most other councillors heard the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>bullsh*t</B></FONT> that Frontini was spreading and simply didn't understand it.  Mike asks the question 5% of of what???? This question is a real good indication of how consultants and staff mix up answers to inquiries by councillors in order to all the better scam councillors and us. So look at the exchange in this next clip. <A HREF="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNe_Q-0Tx7I" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNe_Q-0Tx"><U>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNe_Q-0Tx7I</U></A></div> <div>      Mike's next line of inquiry was about how money in lieu of parking was being handled. You see, in the real world if a developer develops there is a price to pay for parking spots. Either they provide so many spots per square foot or cash to the city which goes to or is supposed to go to develop public parking. So as a legitimate question to try and peg down the real total cost of this project Mike asked where is the money coming from in lieu of parking spots??? How is this significant expenditure being handled???? Folks this item alone is hundreds of thousands of dollars yet it is nowhere to be found in costing of this project. More<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B> flim flam</B></FONT> to fool council and the public. Koughan simply said she doesn't know and could not give an answer. But she is the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>project manager</B></FONT>. You see these amounts are even more significant because the project not only doesn't create new parking spaces but actually removes 70 existing . For staff to keep the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>illusion</B></FONT> up, they simply claim they don't have an answer because another staff member is not here who might have the answer. It is an old trick of laying blame or excuse for not answering a embarrassing question. Watch the clip  <A HREF="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hY7Lfi1NnpU" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hY7Lfi1Nn"><U>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hY7Lfi1NnpU</U></A></div> <div>      Fogarty's last inquiry was about the cost for burying the power lines. Even in this, staff and consultants have created an<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B> illusion</B></FONT> about it's true cost to the city. They display <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$600,000</B></FONT> as being the cost while the truth is it is <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$800,000</B></FONT>. What they do is cut from the real cost over <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$200,000</B></FONT> which OPC is paying for. That way they can show a lower than actual cost of this project. But Mike is on to them and <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Speaks Out</B></FONT>. After all there is only one shareholder of OPC who would have received the money in dividends anyway had OPC not spent it on this project. Watch the clip which is a very good example of how the Browns, Koughans and their hired consultants mix up these costs like a dog's breakfast. Watch the clip <A HREF="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8X_8CsAQPK4" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8X_8CsAQP"><U>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8X_8CsAQPK4</U></A></div> <div>      The best example of how <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Bullsh*t Baffles Brains</B></FONT> is this next item. Maurice Macmillan asked what I think was the best and most direct question of the night. His question while way back in Oct. had the most relevance one to what was about to go wrong for these clowns last week. His question put staff and their so called experts on notice that, here is your chance to tell us what you know. Here is your chance to come clean, because if you don't bad things will happen. Maurice asked the question, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Explain to me the Risks in dealing with the water problems on this site</B></FONT>. Fortini goes into a long convoluted load of <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>bullsh*t</B></FONT> double talk in his effort to make the question go away. But in among the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>bullsh*t</B></FONT> there was the truth and should have made Fortini and staff fess up to do their due diligence. </div> <div>      Fortini in his effort to bamboozle Maurice explained how the soil on this site is so bad that caissons have to be used in order to hold the building up. While the question was about risk of working on this site Frontini avoided answering it. He spouted gibberish in his attempt at confusing Maurice. To the credit of Maurice at the end he again clearly once again brings up "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Risk</B></FONT>". Unfortunately instead of insisting that Frontini answer his question Maurice was worn down and actually in a confused state said his question was answered which was anything but true. On reflection I hope Maurice will view his attempt and see once and for all how these people screw with councillors minds and scam the taxpayers. Watch the video but make sure you wear your rubber boots because Frontini in his effort to not answer this simple question and to cover up what he along with staff knew about the risk to the Opera House he spread it wide and deep. It was confusing enough and Maurice backed down. Too bad. Watch the clip. <A HREF="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eT-1z5vOAGg" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eT-1z5vOA"><U>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eT-1z5vOAGg</U></A></div> <div>       If one reviews tapes over the years from MURF council presentations these library presentations, information and how they are presented are a <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>carbon copy</B></FONT>. Here we have a project that starts out at <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$9,000,000</B></FONT> and today sits at <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$28,000,000 </B></FONT>when all costs directly related are added. The MURF started out as a <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$20,000,000 </B></FONT>project and it's budget sits at <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$75,000,000</B></FONT> and counting. Folks! until we get 5 councillors who are honest and work for the benefit of the city nothing will change. Until we have 5 councillors who stand up to Boss Hogg and Pinocchio, this city can never prosper. On Oct. 20 there was an attempt by Fogarty, Cipolla and Macmillan but in the end the effort did not continue. When Oris' and Kehoe's information came out one of these three should have called a Special Council meeting and removed Pinocchio from the chair. They then should have suspended Koughan and Brown and appointed an outside person to take over the project. First order of business for this person should have been to begin a <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Forensic Audit </B></FONT>of the budget. Find out all the seedy details and for the  first time in 9 years get a true and honest picture of any project that Pinocchio and management have been involved with. Then make a complete and honest report to the people. It's time to cut off the two headed snakes' heads. It's time to have a <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Forensic Audit </B></FONT>followed by a <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Law enforcement investigation</B></FONT> in conjunction with a <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Judicial Inquiry</B></FONT>.  Enough is enough and we won't take it anymore. Hope this item will turn on some lights in people's minds. Remember folks "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>accidents happen in Orillia but nothing ever happens by accident</B></FONT>". These scams are well thought out years in advance by those who stand to personally profit.</div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>One More Reason To Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Audit the Library Project as Well </B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div>  </div> <bR> <div> <B>Dec. 08, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>As Predicted Library is </B><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>MURF 2 the Sequel</B></FONT></div> <div>      When people are dismissed as irrelevant they get their backs up. When people are told they are nothing more than wannabe's, trouble makers, rabble rousers and obstructionists they get their backs up. When people are lied to and are told they simply don't understand and just don't know, they get their backs up. When perfectly good ideas and critique is dismissed and pushed aside by  nonsense excuses, people get their backs up. Now all that is from the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Book of Murf</B></FONT>. Rather than having learned from their experience with committed citizens, mayor, city management and councillors once again couldn't imagine there being any smart enough people who could stop their quest for ????</div> <div>      But like with the<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B> MURF</B></FONT> this project <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>MURF 2 the Sequel</B></FONT> was born of a lie and had as it's main proponent not a realistic need but a manufactured one. The same as the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>MURF</B></FONT>. While as with the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>MURF</B></FONT> there were few or any who were actually against it, the problems were the process and the insistence of where it was to go, come hell or high concentrations of toxic chemicals. The library had support as well, but process and location along with cost was a problem. But when Lies and Cover ups became the order of day as it was with <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>MURF</B></FONT> people got their backs up. Thank goodness that people did get their backs up, and decided to act. Otherwise the damage and possible disaster to the Opera House would not have been prevented.</div> <div>      Once again it turns out that councillors were not informed and were actually misinformed in every decision they have made. Now not all councillors were misinformed just the key ones who Boss Hogg and Mayor Pinocchio haven't been able to consistently control. It is now time for those councillors who have been deceived to stand up once and for all and fight back. Mike Fogarty has been making an effort lately and needs support. Ralph Cipolla has actually been making some noises that one could interpret as starting to wake up. But unfortunately the insiders who reside in the back pocket of Boss Hogg, Mayor Pinocchio and senior management like to play politics while projects burn.</div> <div>      Who are these people??? Well Smirking Joe Fecht whom I am sure has been told by the boys he can count on being the next mayor. Watching this guy, it is easy to see how he's always given to siding with the darkside. One has to watch council meetings more than once in order to see the slight of hand or lip that goes on. Fecht is by far the best at it. He is very good at bringing forward issues that differ knowing full well they don't have a prayer succeeding and don't make sense anyway. Watch his performance on the library over the last year and you will see how sneaky this guy can be and is. Yup! mayor material if I ever saw one. Problem is we would be trading in our dearly loved Pinocchio simply; for another only worse??? I will bet a dollar to a donut that Smirking is very high on the list of the Doug Lewis/Doug Downey Election Team. Paul Spears is another who is close to the asses he kiss being in that hip pocket. Once again listen and watch this guy. He never has an idea about anything unless it is to pay more compensation to city management. He never questions reports that are blatantly wrong and will support Boss Hogg literally every time. His favourite saying is we have professionals we need to trust. Even when those professional have been caught in lie after lie and cover up after cover up. </div> <div> Lying Lauer is the next one. Now he is actually better at fooling some people but is the most obvious once you know what to look for. Lying votes on most controversial matters twice. Once for the camera and viewers and the next ????? who knows? Again watch him and you will see he puts his hand up cautiously while keeping an eye on the chair. I f the chair goes to look he will drop his hand. Then while others are voting  and the chairs attention  is turned from him he will again move his hand up ever so slightly so that he can claim either pro or con. I named this type of voting the Lauer unenthusiastic heil. Seriously watch him. It is comical and it is easy to spot once you know what you are looking for. He is also very good at saying he was against something using double talk but ending up voting for it anyway. Here are two examples from his own web-site over the last few weeks.</div> <div> <B>Nov. 30 meeting</B></div> <div> Councillor Fogarty raised a concern about a letter sent by the Mayor, to the Attorney General referring to a situation currently in the courts. The letter was sent on City of Orillia Housing Committee letterhead and did not in fact represent the views of the Housing Committee. It was decided that the Mayor would write a letter making that fact known and that the opinions expressed were his personally and did not reflect the opinion of the Housing Committee or the City of Orillia.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B> I supported this action and as a member of the Housing Committee,</B></FONT> I view the committee's <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>failure to make that recommendation at the time as an oversight</B></FONT>. Then he goes on to question his own support</div> <div> <I>(</I><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>For What It?s Worth- I am not convinced that this item can be classified as a point of order and think it should have probably appeared under enquiries. The option that a Councillor has to challenge a point of order I believe should be contained to the meeting at hand and is a procedural tool to ensure the smooth and legitimate running of a meeting. Although the ensuing discussion resulted in an action it did not alter the order of the meeting.</B></I></FONT><I>) This man is pretty good at flapping his gums and really saying nothing.</I></div> <div> <B>Nov. 09, 2009</B></div> <div> Council received a deputation from developer Al Langman who is considering a Hotel/ Conference Centre/ Condominium development at the corner of Laclie St. and Tecumseth St. To allow this proposal to go forward, the proponent through his representation, asked Council to include a portion of parkland in the Downtown Intensification area of the new Official Plan due to be approved in December of this year. <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>I supported a motion put forward to make the change after indications from staff suggested that we as a City would not be compromising our ability to protect the identified parkland</B></FONT>. Mr. Langman is a local developer with several successful developments in the City and <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>I feel Council is right to allow the proposal to come forward</B></FONT>. <I>(For What It's Worth- </I><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>earlier in the Official Plan process I had tried to have the entire section from Neywash to Tecumseth east of Laclie removed from the Downtown Intensification district</B></I></FONT><I>. I lost that argument and expected to hear from concerned residents in the area. Having heard none at the time, it may be fortunate that this project has come forward at this time and in this way, given that it has alerted residents in the area of the potential for some pretty significant development. With this announcement we are starting to get that feedback) </I>Looks to me like he's against and then he is for it then he is against and finally he is happy that people will come out against it????? If any of you are interested go to this guys web-site and read this stuff. It is priceless as an insight into how compulsive liars and sneaks behave. <A HREF="http://www.timlauer.ca/ctw.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.timlauer.ca/ctw.htm"><U>http://www.timlauer.ca/ctw.htm</U></A> </div> <div> Lying writes: <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>This site has been created to provide the rationale behind the decisions and actions I support at Orillia's Municipal Council Meetings</B></FONT>.</div> <div> In reading what Lying writes and watching each of his performances several times at council, the only rationale to his words and behaviour is to mislead. One needs to tape this guy as it was necessary to tape Pinocchio in order for people to catch him miscounting votes. </div> <bR> <div> <B>Blaming the Messenger:</B>    </div> <div>      As with the MURF guns are trained on (Kehoe and Orsi) the messengers because the message shows their incompetence. Here is my insight.</div> <div> Lori Koughan:</div> <div> Koughan said it's "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>unfortunate</B></FONT>" that <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Kehoe and Orsi didn't share the Inspec-Sol Inc. report earlier</B></FONT>. City officials saw it for the first time on Friday afternoon, she noted. </div> <div> Andrew Frontini: Expert????</div> <div> At the end of the day, Frontini is confident his design will be workable without modifications. <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>But he wishes the peer review had not come forward so late in the game</B></FONT>. </div> <div> Julie Langpeter: Packet Apologist</div> <div> "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>It's unfortunate this information is coming so late in the game, but it is good that council is taking the time to consider the implications of this peer-review</B></FONT>".</div> <div> Ron Stevens:</div> <div> "Despite the<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B> fact this last-minute objection</B></FONT> may delay the project, Stevens said he has respect for Kehoe and Orsi and doesn't see their action as frivolous". </div> <div> Get ready for more of the same as this theme will be running rampant. Instead of answering the basic question of why was this report not done by the citie's experts and staff right in the begining they are trying to insinuate that Orsi and Kehoe are some how at fault for the delay by not doing their study earlier???? Unfrigging believable.</div> <div> But Pat and Angelo as with those of us who fought to get reports, documents and information on the MURF were stonewalled, so have they. People like Brown, Koughan, Jewitt, Stevens and even the paid experts delayed and even outright refused information. Why even today there are reports that Patrick still hasn't received reports we are all entitled to. Yet these people try to blame him and Angelo.</div> <div> "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>We chose to do due diligence</B></FONT>." </div> <div> "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Kehoe said he and Orsi wanted to review tender documents and had requested a series of library project reports, the latter of which Kehoe said he hasn't seen. Also, Kehoe said they'd asked for a structural assessment of the Opera House, which they haven't received either</B></FONT>". </div> <div> Thanks to Pat , Angelo and I am sure others who helped avert another disaster by City management, mayor and those councillors who reside in the back pockets has been averted. It is also noteworthy that Councillor Evans wanted to vote to continue with awarding the tender because he is sure everything will be fine.</div> <div>      It is time that councillors begin an inquiry of their own, not only about this mess but all the messes created by Ron Stevens, Ian Brown, Lori Koughan and all senior management and their so called experts. It is time that these councillors remove Stevens from the chair as Ramara Township Mayor Bill Duffy was removed. It is time that a full <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Forensic Audit </B></FONT>was begun to get to the bottom of the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$10,000,000's </B></FONT>of millions wasted by Mayor and city management??? and find out where it has gone??? It is time to ask for a <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Judicial Inquiry</B></FONT>. It is time for councillors to finally do their <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Due Diligence</B></FONT>. </div> <div>      If they are defeated in this quest by the backpocket boys then, as many as there are of them who truly want to put an end to the madness, must request for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and or the Attorney General to take responsibility.</div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>One More Reason To Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Audit the Library Project as Well </B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div>  </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Dec. 06, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>All Concerned Citizens Need to Speak Out</B></div> <div>      The following is long but needs to be read by everyone. If you don't understand the technical stuff then ask for an explanation. If Pinocchio and his supporters go ahead with what I called <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>MURF 2</B></FONT> earlier in the year then only those who don't <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Speak Out</B></FONT> will have to bear  responsibility along with the mayor and those councillors who voted to proceed. So make sure you read the following submitted by Dick Sleep and add your voice, not only here but to the Packet, Orillia Today and to every person you meet. Write, e-mail and phone.  Don't let these people divide the community like they did with the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>ExMURF</B></FONT>. They are wrong and bull headed with <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B> MURF 2 </B></FONT>as they were with the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>ExMURF</B></FONT>. They were wrong on it and they are wrong on this. So Please <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Speak Out </B></FONT>and let's speak with one voice. Enough is Enough and we won't take it anymore.</div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <bR> <div> December 6, 2009</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Kelly Smith</div> <div> Chief Building Official, Building Code & Permits</div> <div> City of Orillia</div> <div> 50 Andrew Street South, Suite 300 </div> <div> Orillia, Ontario</div> <div> L3V 7T5</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Kelly,</div> <div> On Monday December 7<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> 2009, the City of Orillia Council Committee will meet to consider the tender submissions for the Library/Market Square Development and potentially make a recommendation for ratification by Council on December 14<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> 2009.</div> <div> The Library Building is to be constructed on the Market Square property adjacent, and in very close proximity to the Orillia Opera House, a historic building designated as a Heritage site on September 27<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> 1978 under the Ontario Heritage Act.</div> <div> It is with great concern and relevance that a permit to construct or demolish any existing buildings be withheld pending receipt of information required to properly assess the potentially catastrophic impact this development may have on the adjacent Heritage building (The Opera House)</div> <div> Following a thorough examination, including a peer review of the City of Orillia soils engineering report for this project, it was noted that this report <U>does not</U> address the potential impact construction and demolition activities may have on adjacent buildings and infrastructure. Please find following a summation of the evidence received:</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Soils Engineers Ltd.</B> (Attached)</div> <bR> <div> Report for the City of Orillia (June 2009)</div> <bR> <div> Purpose:<B>     </B>Soil Investigation to “determine the engineering properties of the disclosed soils for the <U>design and construction of the proposed project</U>.</div> <div> Key Points</div> <div> Sand Fill - ...”amorphous in structure and it's in loose condition indicating it will be prone to collapse in steep excavations, particularly during wet conditions.”</div> <div> Silty Clay Till - ...”susceptible to impact disturbance”</div> <div> Sandy Silt - “...highly water erodible...wet sandy silt is susceptible to impact disturbance....stable in damp to moist conditions but will slough if it is in a dry or wet condition”</div> <div> Fine Sand - “Susceptible to migration through small openings under seepage pressure”</div> <div> “...the yield (water) from the silt and sands will be moderate to appreciable and will be persistent.. recommend that the ground be pre-drained, either by pumping from closely spaced sump wells or if necessary, by the use of a well point dewatering system”</div> <div> “....perimeter sub drains and damproofing of the perimeter basement walls will be required in order to provide a dry basement”</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Report to Council Committee</B> (September 28<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> 2009)</div> <bR> <div> Library/Market Square Project Class “A” Costing</div> <bR> <div> “The geotechnical analysis that was carried out by Soil Engineers Inc. found that the soils beneath the proposed library <U>will require the use of specialized foundations</U> (caissons) in order to provide the level of support required”.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Additionally, a second “peer review” report was commissioned by Mr. Angelo Orsi that substantiated our concerns:</div> <div> <B>Inspec-Sol Inc </B>(Attached)</div> <div> <B>Review Geotechnical Report and Provide Engineering</B> <B>Opinion </B>(November 19, 2009)</div> <bR> <div>  </div> <div> Purpose:     Assess the potential for impact of the library development on the adjacent historical building known as the Orillia Opera House.</div> <bR> <div> Key Points.</div> <div> The (Soils Engineers Ltd.) report does not address potential impacts of the library development on the Opera House</div> <div> Report does not provide sufficient geotechnical information to safely design and construct the library development</div> <div> ...”depths (boreholes) are insufficient to assess the possible presence of poorly consolidated soils or adverse hydrostatic conditions below the proposed library basement.”</div> <div> The Soil Engineering investigation did not include the installation of monitoring wells to collect accurate groundwater levels.  Water level measurements were based solely on measurements collected at the time of drilling. Seasonal water levels should be investigated.  </div> <div> …there are no water level measurements at the proposed library basement level near the Opera House.  </div> <div> …report may significantly underestimate the groundwater impact on the development and surrounding infrastructure.  This could result in underestimating the requirements for excavation shoring, the potential for basal stability and the need for dewatering.</div> <div> ...the Report does not address the need for shoring, nor provide recommendations for shoring design.... shoring system should include minimizing levels of vibration that may be produced during installation</div> <div> ....the Report notes the need for dewatering, but does not assess the impacts of dewatering.  Impacts could include settlement to surrounding structures and infrastructure</div> <div> ....impact on the groundwater table should be assessed from long term dewatering from perimeter drains.  As above, impacts on groundwater levels could result in settlement and impact on local infrastructure and building structures such as the Opera House.</div> <div> ...the Report does not address the potential impact to adjacent buildings such as the Opera House from construction-induced vibrations.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Orillia Opera House</B></div> <div> It should be noted that in 1895, the Orillia opera House was constructed with only the technology of that period and without benefit of this latest geotechnical information. In addition, the existing foundation walls and footings survived a catastrophic event in 1915 and it must be assumed, until a full structural assessment proves otherwise, has already been compromised. </div> <bR> <div> Key Points</div> <div> Building was constructed (completed) in 1895</div> <div> In July of 1915, fire “gutted” the building; only the heavy masonry walls, the basement and the main floor structure remained.</div> <div> Restoration/Reconstruction was completed in 1917. Interior design and layout changed, <U>building was reconstructed using existing foundation walls, footings and masonry exterior</U>.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Inquiry </B>(December 3<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >rd</FONT> 2009)</div> <div> Lori Koughan, Library Project Team, Manager of Special Projects </div> <bR> <div> <I>“Is the Library Team in possession of a Structural Engineering assessment, and if so, was a copy of this report forwarded to the Architects for consideration in the design, preparation of tender documents and construction of the library building? </I></div> <div> Not aware of the existence of such a report. Library team did not commission a separate report and is unsure as to whether such a report for this building even exists.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Recommendations:</B></div> <div> It is our opinion that given the aforementioned we believe that the City has not conducted sufficient testing and analysis to support the safe construction of this facility in such close proximity, and without potentially compromising the integrity of the adjacent building. </div> <div> In addition we believe that a comprehensive study <U>MUST</U> be conducted to establish general ground water elevations incorporating full four season data. Such data will be necessary to establish the changing ground water elevations and the respective hydrostatic ground pressure arising from same.</div> <div> This information becomes especially significant once existing ground water levels are altered through the dewatering process to construct the new library as noted in the Soil Engineering report. Any alteration to ground water levels by pumping or diverting ground water may potentially cause settlement to the adjacent buildings and infrastructure. </div> <div> Also arising from the construction of this facility, the Soil Engineering report fails to address any issues of vibration. Demolition, excavation, drilling caissons, construction traffic and general soil compaction operations may create vibrations that would prove to be damaging to the Opera House.</div> <div> We would strongly suggest that a CAHC (Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals) qualified structural engineer do a thorough assessment of the Opera House building. This inspection should include a comprehensive inspection with a full record of all pre-existing conditions on all building elements above and below grade. In addition, all additional geotechnical information collected should again be reviewed and interpreted for potential impact by CAHC qualified Geotechnical and Structural Engineering specialists. The protection and preservation of the Opera House must be a paramount consideration prior to any construction activity.</div> <div> Additionally, we would strongly suggest that City of Orillia staff as well as members of council be made aware that the awarding of this contract at this time may be premature and may in fact result in a cancellation penalty or damages sought by the successful candidate should further investigation of the site conditions and their potential impact result in an unreasonable delay, substantial design amendments, retendering or cancellation. </div> <bR> <div> Further, all parties involved should be aware, and are hereby notified by way of this communiqué, that proceeding without first <U>fully</U> investigating and addressing any and all concerns may be considered negligence and as such may result in a full assumption of liability should any loss or damages occur as a result.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Sincerely,</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> _____________________                         _______________________          </div> <div>       Patrick F. Kehoe                                      Angelo Orsi</div> <bR> <bR> <div> CC:  </div> <div> Mr. Pete Bowen, Chair, Orillia Municipal Heritage Committee</div> <div> The Honourable Garfield Dunlop, MPP Simcoe North </div> <div> The Honourable Aileen Carroll, Minister of Culture</div> <div> Ms. Sarah Cossette, Ontario Ministry of Culture</div> <div> Mr. John Stevens, Ontario Ministry of Culture</div> <div> Mr. Sean Fraser, Ontario Heritage Trust</div> <div> Mayor Ron Stevens, City of Orillia</div> <div> Councillor Ralph Cipolla, City of Orillia</div> <div> Councillor Joe Fecht, City of Orillia</div> <div> Councillor Wayne Gardy, City of Orillia</div> <div> Councillor Maurice McMillan, City of Orillia</div> <div> Councillor Michael Fogarty, City of Orillia</div> <div> Councillor Paul Spears, City of Orillia</div> <div> Councillor Don Evans, City of Orillia</div> <div> Councillor Tim Lauer, City of Orillia</div> <div> Mr. Ian Brown, City manager, City of Orillia</div> <div> Mrs. Lori Koughan, Special Projects, City of Orillia</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>One More Reason To Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Audit the Library Project as Well </B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Dec. 05, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>How Much More Must Orillians Edure of Mayor Pinocchio???</B></div> <div>      Once more the<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B> Nay Sayers</B></FONT> can say "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>We told you so</B></FONT>". Pinocchio and his rabid supporters for projects that make no sense while much better alternatives were available dismissed those who warned them. Calling anyone who dared question their ideas were relegated to the trouble maker heap. Denied access to committees and even <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>FREE</B></FONT> speech in that bastion of democracy the council chamber. Any questions about any project or matter concerning city business is met with the wall of <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>FOI</B></FONT>. Throughout City Hall every employee walks on tinder hooks if, they are unfortunate enough to have to speak with those of us marked by the sign of Pinocchio. I along with others have been subjected to this as we go about our legitimate business at City Center. Whichever counter we are at and whomever we are talking to, there always seems to be someone who shows up within earshot to make sure the clerks say nothing. One can feel the tension in these people as their eyes dart side to side looking for who might be behind the pillars spying on their actions and words. A terrible place to work for anyone who wants to serve the public honestly and to the best of their ability.</div> <div>      Today we the<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B> Library Project Nay Sayers</B></FONT> who are not against a new library, but against the location and cost have come out in full armor to force Pinocchio and his supporters, to finally do what should have been done right from the begining. Like with the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>ExMURF</B></FONT>, huge sums were spent while building nothing only to resist having to say we made a mistake. Council along with their high priced experts were warned of not so stable soil , under ground streams and Artesian wells. As with the MURF people who knew and know begged them to proceed with due care and caution. People said please save the Farmers' Market. People begged to take the Opera House into consideration along with the heritage theme of the downtown. Please save the parking. But as with the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>ExMURF</B></FONT> all to no avail. They refused to listen, even when their own architects came back with an additional <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$500,000 </B></FONT>cost to shore up the structures foundation because of soil conditions which was not found until much later in the process. Proper testing should have been done from the getgo . Problems would have been evident before millions of dollars worth of contracts were signed with Shore, Tilbe. Only once committed to this contract, was the truth and additional cost released and only when they had no choice. Even then they didn't bother to peer review. Sound familiar folks????</div> <div>      Once again the burden of their <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Errors in Judgement</B></FONT> have been placed on the shoulders and backs of taxpayers and individuals. as with the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>ExMURF</B></FONT> it was we the dissidents who fought for and paid  with our own money to expose the truth. While we spent our time and money Pinocchio and his supporters wasted<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B> tens of millions of dollars</B></FONT>. The harder we pushed the more they wasted. Today we have another potential disaster avoided because there are those of us in Orillia who actually care. Thanks to Pat Kehoe who didn't go away, because he knew what could happen, another potential disaster has been at least avoided if not stopped. I am sure the more he looked into this project as we with the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>ExMURF</B></FONT> he found more and more problems. Anyone remember when Pat gave his deputation last spring and the mayor said, he was sorry but it was too late to change course. Pinocchio used the exact same words 4 years before when he was asked not to bury the pond and to hold back on the dig and dump <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$2,2000,000</B></FONT> waste at the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>EXMURF Site</B></FONT>. In testament to Pinocchio's and councils' arrogance we have a <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$2,200,000 </B></FONT>pile of dirt slowly sinking into the loon sh*t as more and more toxins are squeezed off site going farther and farther North, South, East and West possibly contaminating even clean areas of the city.</div> <div>      Looks like Pat Kehoe and Angelo Orsi have formed their own "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Citizen's Coalition</B></FONT>" with others I am sure, to right a wrong before disaster consumed the Opera House. But unfortunately Pinocchio and councillors didn't listen and another <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$2,000,000</B></FONT> of our hard earned money  on buying and renovating the Gill St. property unnecessarily has been wasted. As with the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>EXMURF</B></FONT> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>we told them so</B></FONT> once again, but they refused to listen. While Stevens refused to listen and believe that Kehoe and others had genuine concerns and dismissed him as well us all, today his Pinocchioness has modified his view.</div> <div> "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Despite the fact this last-minute objection may delay the project, Stevens said he has respect for Kehoe and Orsi and doesn't see their action as frivolous</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >". </FONT></div> <div> "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>I feel they have genuine concern. I have accepted it as genuine concern</B></FONT>." Well aren't Pat and Angelo lucky that Pinocchio finally accepts their concern as genuine?????</div> <div>      Pat and Angelo have put up a web-site which  everyone should check out. Lots of great information <A HREF="http://www.saveouroperahouseorillia.ca." TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.saveouroperahouseorillia.ca."><U>http://www.saveouroperahouseorillia.ca.</U></A> Make sure you check out the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>A picture is worth a 1000 words </B></FONT>button. You see folks only a block away we have already had a heritage building collapse from construction activity. Shouldn't these people have known to do proper testing instead of hurrying to start this ill thought out project??? Looks like Pinocchio's time in office will end the same way as it began. With lies and yet another scandal. Orillia simply can not afford him for another year. Council should be asked to remove him from the chair and take charge of the city and it's management. Boss Hogg is as much to blame for this mess as are the politicians. Pinocchio's and Brown's alliance has cost Orillia taxpayers <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>tens of millions </B></FONT>with more to come and hundreds of millions in bad publicity for our community. We are a laughing stock around the world. </div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>One More Reason To Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Audit the Library Project as Well </B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div>      </div> <div> <B>Dec.03, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Cover-Up Part Two</B></div> <div> <B>Housing Committee</B></div> <div> <B>Established: </B><I>1992</I></div> <div> The City of Orillia Housing Committee consists of four members of Council. Prior to the Committee’s formation in October 2002, a Task Force on Affordable Housing presented the findings of its study to Council highlighting the rental-housing crisis in the City, particularly in regard to affordable rent.</div> <div> The Committee’s mandate is as follows:</div> <div> • To identify the needs and barriers to the creation of housing, affordable housing and accessible housing and to recommend to Council possible initiatives and strategies for the creation of housing units. </div> <div> <B>Regular Meeting Date:</B> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>4th Wednesday of each month at 4:30 p.m</B></FONT>. in the Orillia City Centre. From City web-site</div> <bR> <div> Current Committee members:</div> <div> Ralph Cipola: Chair</div> <div> Don Evans</div> <div> Maurice MacMillan</div> <div> Tim Lauer</div> <bR> <div>      My item on Nov. 27 regarding this sordid cover up affair asked some very basic questions. I had hoped that the Packet might take their responsibility to the community seriously and they would seek answers themselves. I had hoped they would actually do a proper investigation and start looking after the interest of their readers. But with now 5 days of virtual silence it seems they along with councillors, committee members, city management and maybe the PSD board are hoping it has been buried.</div> <div>    I have now begun to answer the questions posed. My first question is answered as the Housing Committee meets on the 4th. Wednesday of every month which they did on Nov. 25, 2009. But the announced time of the meeting is 4:30 pm. Yet on the 25th these guys actually changed the time to 9:30 am. It seems no members of the public attended. Most likely because if one announces regular meetings for 4:30 pm and then holds them at 9:30 am I guess people wouldn't know to show up. My next question was whether minutes were taken. Ms. Rabbits was kind enough to forward a DRAFT copy of the minutes Date stamped: Wed, 2 Dec 2009 10:13:11 and forty minutes later at 10:53 sent me a revised one. Hmmmmmm?????</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CITY OF ORILLIA HOUSING COMMITTEE HELD IN THE BROOKS BOARD ROOM ON</B></div> <div> <B>FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009 AT 9:30 A.M.</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="778d34e0.png" border=0 width="211" height="78" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><B>Present:          </B>Councillor Ralph Cipolla, Chair</div> <div>                Councillor Don Evans          </div> <div>                Councillor Tim Lauer</div> <div> Councillor Maurice McMillan          </div> <div>      <B>               </B></div> <div> <B>Also Present:     </B>Edward N. Starr, Principal, SHS Consulting</div> <div> <B>     </B>Jodi Ball, Senior Research and Policy Analyst, SHS Consulting</div> <div>      Ian C.R. Brown, City Manager</div> <div> Debrah A. Rabbitts, Executive Assistant to the Mayor & Council, Recording Secretary</div> <div> <B>______________________________________________________________________</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>CALL TO ORDER</B></div> <bR> <div> The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:35 a.m. </div> <bR> <div> <B>2.     WELCOME SHS CONSULTANTS</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>     </B>Mr. Cipolla welcomed Mr. Starr and Ms. Ball to the meeting.</div> <bR> <div> <B>APPROVAL OF AGENDA</B></div> <bR> <div> Moved by Don Evans and seconded by Tim Lauer that the agenda be approved as written.   CARRIED</div> <bR> <div> <B>DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF</B></div> <bR> <div> None declared.</div> <bR> <div> <B>SHS CONSULTING - DEVELOPMENT OF AN AFFORDABLE ACTION PLAN FOR THE CITY OF ORILLIA</B></div> <bR> <div> a)  Study Team</div> <div>           b)  Study Area</div> <div>           c)  Consultation Approach</div> <div>           d)  Information Needs</div> <div>           e)  Custom Tabs</div> <bR> <div> Mr. Starr and Ms. Ball reviewed with the committee the work plan and the objectives.  SHS Consultants will create a series of recommendations for actions by Orillia City Council that are within its jurisdiction and which, if implemented, will lead to an increase in affordable, cost effective rental and homeownership opportunities in the community.  Deadline for completion March 31, 2010. </div> <bR> <div> <B>MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MEETING</B></div> <bR> <div> Report to Council re suitable sites for proposed affordable housing project.</div> <bR> <div> The draft report was reviewed and several changes were suggested.  Revised report submitted to Council Services for the next Council Agenda.</div> <bR> <div> <B>APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> Moved by Don Evans and seconded by Maurice McMillan that the minutes of October 14, 2009, October 21, 2009, October 28, 2009 and November 20, 2009 be approved as written.   CARRIED</div> <bR> <div> <B>8.     CORRESPONDENCE</B></div> <div>           </div> <div> Memo from Ali Chappel, Intermediate Planner re Application for Site Plan Approval: YMCA - Addition (300 Peter Street West) </div> <bR> <div> Received as information.</div> <bR> <div> Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) Funding Opportunity</div> <bR> <div> Received as information.</div> <div>  </div> <div> <B>OTHER BUSINESS</B></div> <bR> <div> A letter of reference signed by the Mayor on the Housing Committee letterhead was discussed and appropriate action was taken.</div> <bR> <div> <B>10.     NEXT MEETING     </B>January 26, 2010 or at the call of the Chair</div> <bR> <div> <B>11.     ADJOURNMENT     </B>The meeting was adjourned at 11:20 a.m.</div> <bR> <div> Revised Draft Minutes?????</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CITY OF ORILLIA HOUSING COMMITTEE HELD IN THE BROOKS BOARD ROOM ON</B></div> <div> <B>FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009 AT 9:30 A.M.</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="779d74d0.png" border=0 width="215" height="77" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><B>Present:          </B>Councillor Ralph Cipolla, Chair</div> <div>                Councillor Don Evans          </div> <div>                Councillor Tim Lauer</div> <div> Councillor Maurice McMillan          </div> <div>      <B>               </B></div> <div> <B>Also Present:     </B>Edward N. Starr, Principal, SHS Consulting</div> <div> <B>     </B>Jodi Ball, Senior Research and Policy Analyst, SHS Consulting</div> <div>      Ian C.R. Brown, City Manager</div> <div> Debrah A. Rabbitts, Executive Assistant to the Mayor & Council, Recording Secretary</div> <div> <B>______________________________________________________________________</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>CALL TO ORDER</B></div> <bR> <div> The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:35 a.m. </div> <bR> <div> <B>2.     WELCOME SHS CONSULTANTS</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>     </B>Mr. Cipolla welcomed Mr. Starr and Ms. Ball to the meeting.</div> <bR> <div> <B>APPROVAL OF AGENDA</B></div> <bR> <div> Moved by Don Evans and seconded by Tim Lauer that the agenda be approved as written.   CARRIED</div> <bR> <div> <B>DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF</B></div> <bR> <div> None declared.</div> <bR> <div> <B>SHS CONSULTING - DEVELOPMENT OF AN AFFORDABLE ACTION PLAN FOR THE CITY OF ORILLIA</B></div> <bR> <div> a)  Study Team</div> <div>           b)  Study Area</div> <div>           c)  Consultation Approach</div> <div>           d)  Information Needs</div> <div>           e)  Custom Tabs</div> <bR> <div> Mr. Starr and Ms. Ball reviewed with the committee the work plan and the objectives.  SHS Consultants will create a series of recommendations for actions by Orillia City Council that are within its jurisdiction and which, if implemented, will lead to an increase in affordable, cost effective rental and homeownership opportunities in the community.  Deadline for completion March 31, 2010. </div> <bR> <div> Mr. Starr, Ms. Ball and Mr. Brown excused themselves from the meeting after the consultant's overview of the project.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MEETING</B></div> <bR> <div> Report to Council re suitable sites for proposed affordable housing project.</div> <bR> <div> The draft report was reviewed and several changes were suggested.  Revised report submitted to Council Services for the next Council Agenda.</div> <bR> <div> <B>APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> Moved by Don Evans and seconded by Maurice McMillan that the minutes of October 14, 2009, October 21, 2009, October 28, 2009 and November 20, 2009 be approved as written.   CARRIED</div> <bR> <div> <B>8.     CORRESPONDENCE</B></div> <div>           </div> <div> Memo from Ali Chappel, Intermediate Planner re Application for Site Plan Approval: YMCA - Addition (300 Peter Street West) </div> <bR> <div> Received as information.</div> <bR> <div> Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) Funding Opportunity</div> <bR> <div> Received as information.</div> <div>  </div> <div> <B>OTHER BUSINESS</B></div> <bR> <div> A letter of reference signed by the Mayor on the Housing Committee letterhead was discussed and appropriate action was taken.</div> <bR> <div> <B>10.     NEXT MEETING     </B>January 26, 2010 or at the call of the Chair</div> <bR> <div> <B>11.     ADJOURNMENT     </B>The meeting was adjourned at 11:20 a.m.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> But what is most interesting is the less than adequate minutes concerning the infamous letter. A subject that should have garnered some heated banter if indeed the letter wasn't sanctioned by the committee says nothing. One would think that if the statement made in the minutes</div> <div> "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>A letter of reference signed by the Mayor on the Housing Committee letterhead was discussed and appropriate action was taken</B></FONT>", there would be some significant words about what the "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>appropriate action</B></FONT>" actually was??????</div> <div> Now how can appropriate action be taken if none are mentioned in the minutes???? More important no action was mentioned by any committee member on Monday night. In fact Lying Lauer was the only one who shed a light on the lie that "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>appropriate action had been taken</B></FONT>". As his microphone was being interfered with enough came through to get a very clear picture. Yes the microphone problems are part of the cover up. he made the statement that they did discuss this issue and he "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>thought after the meeting that it should have been clarified</B></FONT>"? So here we have Lying Lauer stating that their discussion did not clarify, yet the minutes without any information about the discussion says that "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>appropriate action was taken</B></FONT>"??? So which is it??? Certainly not clear from the Draft or Revised minutes.</div> <div> Another interesting point is who took these less than adequate minutes??? Why, it was Ms. Rabbitts the very person who it ends up the committee is blaming for the "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Error in Judgement</B></FONT>"???? Isn't it a conflict to have her actually being present during that discussion on her own inappropriate actions to do with this scandal and actually taking the minutes???? It is also interesting that Boss Hogg was present at this particular meeting. Was he involved in the discussion on this matter???? Did he have input into the "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>appropriate action was taken</B></FONT>"??? </div> <div>      This folks is how you are governed. Backroom meetings are only a part of it. They manipulate the process so it can be claimed that a public meeting had been held and it was the publics fault for not showing up. They then make sure to talk about the very matter that most concerns the public and simply not put it in the minutes. Yup! we are governed by a Mob. Conflict after conflict, stonewalling after stonewalling, mis-information after mis-information, lies after lies and even lies about lies, illegal after illegal closed meetings and now a direct link to insider criminal police operations/investigations. Is it any wonder the bad guys are winning the fight against crime???? If the liars and mis-informers are taken into the confidence of the police before their operations even begin, then as I said the other day, we have a very serious law and order problem. If every councillor except Mike Fogarty helps to cover up and supports the perpetrator of misdeeds, then it looks like there are more <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>accomplices</B></FONT> (Wise Guys) than there are Good Guys. Yup! we will never win the war on drugs, crime, embezzlement, fraud or corruption as long as city hall is rife with those who cover up, manipulate and lie so much, that there seems to be no truth left to discern. Same "sh*t" different day. Until you elect Honest people who will work for the public interest nothing will change. Unless there is a complete change of city management starting from the top down, nothing will ever change. Two Thousand and Ten is our opportunity to shed this city of the "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Backroom Boys/ Wise Guys</B></FONT>" influence. Folks don't be afraid of costs to deal with Orillia's management crisis as there are never any costs if changes are made for "Cause". Seems to me there is much "Cause". More to come so please do return.</div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>One More Reason To Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Audit the Library Project as Well </B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <div>   </div> <bR> <div> <B>Dec. 01, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>The Anatomy of a Cover-Up Orillia Style</B></div> <div> <B>  </B>   Once again mayor, councilors (except Fogarty) Housing Committee Members (Cipola, Evans, Lauer and MacMillan)  city management along with the Packet and Times, Orillia politicians official apologist and cover up voice, have banded together in this Oh! so familiar <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Bullsh*t Waltz</B></FONT> of the slimy. See no evil, hear no evil and never speak of evil and to these people it never happened.</div> <div>      Mike Fogarty who is blossoming to be his own man has over the past while found his gonads. He is starting to do the right thing against some pretty big odds as mayor, councilors, city management and the Packet have circled their wagons to mitigate damage. <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Good for him</B></FONT>. Last night Fogarty asked for a simple correction to be made. All of council, mayor and city staff know that it was improper for the mayor to send a letter pretending to be from the Housing Committee. Especially when he isn't even on this committee. When the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>sh*t</B></FONT> hit the fan last week Deb Rabbitts was made the sacrificial scape goat. Without objection she has taken the blame for the "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Error in Judgment</B></FONT>". Of course there was no error Because if Ms. Rabbitts didn't know his Pinocchioness wasn't on the Housing Committee then surely he must have? Yet he, I assume read the letter before he signed it?? Would it not have been prudent of him to go to Deb and say "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>I will not sign this letter because it has false claims in it</B></FONT>".   Deb I find that you have made an "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Error in Judgment</B></FONT>" and being an honest man I simply can not be party to such a lie. Deb you must immediately see to it that this letter is not sent out, as it will surely mislead people. But like in the TV show "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Mission Impossible</B></FONT>" Mayor Pinocchio also said that should the truth surface the real truth will be disavowed by the Chairman so if you take this assignment you will be to blame all by yourself Ms. Rabbitts.</div> <div>      Since last Thursday when the Packet wrote of this latest scandal, which will likely turn into a criminal investigation as the truth comes out, great effort has been expended to shut the story down. I had a couple of phone calls from people and one face to face on Friday with individuals who were quite upset at the Packet. I told all three that it was expected behaviour for the Packet, judging by their past operandi. How many times have I written here about the Packet looking after their own bottom line I said??? So no one should be surprised as it was a given that the cover up would happen and it has. Nothing in Friday, Saturday or Monday's paper regarding what may well become a huge political/criminal matter staining Orillia's reputation once more. Why even in today's Packet there is very little meat on the bone of this story. Surely with 4 days of investigation time the Packet must have received some new information to report or even a letter to the editor pro or con??? Yet today very little to report except that  "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Committee members have publicly accepted the explanation offered by Stevens and Deborah Rabbitts, executive assistant to mayor and council. The pair say the letter was printed on the committee's letterhead by mistake</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >". Looks like Cipolla, Evans, Macmillan and Lauer actually believe that it was 100% the fault of Ms Rabbitts according to this??????? You see, there is only one person who typed the letter, chose the letterhead and printed it. " Why according to them, the mayor must have been duped into signing this letter without a chance to read it and surely Ms Rabbitts must have covered up the letter head so he couldn't see it????? Well how else can one explain the fact his Pinocchioness signed the fraudulent letter. It is or is it not his signature??? If it is not, then the letter is not only Perjury but it must be Forgery as well???? See I told you it will become a huge criminal matter. Why it looks like there could be Forgery involved which is criminal. Isn't it????</FONT></div> <div>      Anyway none of them wanted anything to do with Mike's request and as is the custom of John Swartz who runs the cable show and coincidentally works for the Packet as well Hmmmm..., he simply shut down the cameras while a deal was made to cover over the pile. Even with this deal made out of the public eye off camera, they had to edit out some of the sound. You see when Lying Lauer went to talk about the Committee's discussion of this scandal his microphone mysteriously started to breakup. Yup! he who controls the press, cameras and the microphone controls the world???? Good thing we have <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Speaking Out</B></FONT> and all those many people who <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >Speak Out </FONT>if not publicly themselves through <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Speaking Out</B></FONT> by passing on their info.</div> <div>      There is only one more cover up that the citizens of Orillia must not allow to happen. That is the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Police Services Board</B></FONT>. It is easy to see  that there is great effort to make this scandal go away. The last thing they want is a proper investigation by the Attorney General. Last week I wrote that the PSD was the wrong people to investigate themselves. Yes themselves, as Pinocchio is one of them and so is Lying Lauer who is on the record for trying to cover this up. Like councillors last night who were working feverishly to stop censuring Pinocchio because he is not only one of them but is their leader, the PSD will do the same. The same is true of the local OPP doing this investigation. After all, it was one or more of them who approached Pinocchio with what should have been secret classified information wasn't it??? Why, according to Pinocchio under oath that is what he has said in the affidavit. These are not allegations but a sworn statement that it is the truth and nothing but the truth. </div> <div>      What this AG investigation should be after is information on how Mayor Stevens, Police, Councillors, city management could be connected to drug dealers and drug kingpins. Because, if the police announce their business and intentions to known friends of people they are investigating or whose property they are about to seize, then we have a huge law and order problem. The AG must investigate individual councillors who have gone out of their way to shut down public discussion and in turn knowledge of what actually happened and their attempt to whitewash what can only be described as some very dirty business. The AG must also investigate members of the PSD and find out whom among them are or have been brought into Police operations and why?? And of course the members of the force who passed on this confidential information.</div> <div>      Lot's of questions will never be answered and I will bet a dollar to a donut that all the stops have been pulled out to make sure that those at the very top will be protected at any cost. The first casualty is Ms. Rabbitts, judging by last nights One Act play. At this point one can not trust anyone. At what point of protecting and covering up does a person become an "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Accomplice</B></FONT>" to the actual bad guys????? So once more we have cover up, lies, backroom deals, intimidation and generally a good dose of Skullduggery. Nothing new but simply more of the same which we have lived with for the last 9 years since Pinocchio stole the hearts and more of Orillian's????????? </div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>One More Reason To Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Audit the Library Project as Well </B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> <B>Nov. 27, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>"It is an internal matter at this point," said Coun. Tim Lauer</B></div> <div>      Aw! looks like the band has struck up the "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Bullsh*t Waltz</B></FONT>". The problem with these people is that all public business in their eyes is an "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Internal Matter</B></FONT>". That is why they hold illegal in camera meetings. That is why they do not reprimand staff for lying to the public. That is why they treat all of us with such contempt. We are to be seen so that our pockets can be picked but not heard. As far as I am concerned any current members of the police services board are the wrong people to look at any wrong doing. This matter should be, no, must be handed over to the Solicitor General to be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Pinocchio must be relieved of his seat on the board as of yesterday. While at it, it might be a good idea to relieve Lying Lauer as well, seeing that he doesn't seem to think that influencing officers of the law to protect ones friends by a PSD board member who are involved with a criminal investigation, concerning drugs and weapons sends the wrong message to society. The Solicitor General should appoint two new arms length board members so that the board can function but certainly not, anyone from this council. They are all tainted.</div> <div>      I say tainted because the second verse of the "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Bullsh*t Waltz</B></FONT>" is the story on the reaction of the Housing Committee.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>"Letter was an error in judgment: housing committee"</B></div> <div>      What a load of crap. This letter was and is a fraud period. It was supplied as evidence/exhibit to be used in a court hearing. Simply put, the letter is "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Perjury</B></FONT>." Two seasoned and politically experienced people like Rabbits and Pinocchio simply couldn't of both had such a huge "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Error in Judgment</B></FONT>." No, this was premeditated and carried out with the hope that no one would notice. The same as everything that comes from this mayor, council and city management. </div> <div>      Once again, instead of holding this guy responsible for the outright fraud of preparing and signing this fairytale letter, councillors and their appointees are circling the wagons to protect Pinocchio's and their own asses. The more things change in this town the more they stay the same. If this behaviour by the mayor and staff was a one off you might be able to argue "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Error in Judgment</B></FONT>". But we have had 9 years of this crap. Each time their "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Error in Judgment</B></FONT>" escalates and they never seem to learn anything from them. "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>I do letters of reference all the time for individuals that call</B></FONT>." said Debra Rabbitts. But as the mayor's and council's Executive Assistant surley she must have known that it was inapropriate to use the Housing Committee's letter head? She must have known the mayor was not on that committee? Maybe it's time for someone to audit all these letters of references she talks about. You know to see if there are any other "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Errors in Judgement</B></FONT>"?????</div> <bR> <div>      There was no<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B> Error</B></FONT> and the only <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Judgment</B></FONT> used was that they judged they could get away with it. This town has finally reached a crisis of confidence that these scoundrels can not repair or cover up any longer. I have been saying for years  that we are governed by the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Mob</B></FONT> . Maybe now Orillians will finally see how the underworld is connected to those who call themselves the upper crust. Have we finally become New Jersey North???? At what point of supporting and covering up do people actually become <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Co-conspirators</B></FONT>????? In her book <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><I>On the Take: Crime, Corruption and Greed in the Mulroney Years </I></FONT>Stevie Cameron touches on Orillia and a connection to the Mob. <A HREF="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stevie_Cameron" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stevie_Came"><U>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stevie_Cameron</U></A></div> <div>      When I read the mayor's own words about his close friend and what he said to the police and then what he wrote to the court in his <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Perjury</B></FONT> letter, I nearly gagged. </div> <div> "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Stevens noted that Reilly "provides accommodation for the forgotten individuals; the homeless, the seriously mentally ill; recovering addicts and alcoholics" and others who live "at or below the poverty line"</B></FONT>."</div> <div> I got news for you Mr. Mayor. Homeless people, mentally ill people, recovering addicts, alcoholics and others who live at or <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>below the poverty line</B></FONT> do not have $Six thousand dollars in cash. They do not have thousands of dollars worth of cocaine or a 350 handgun. We know what kind of people have those things. In the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Perjury</B></FONT> letter which was written after Pinocchio had the facts on what was found in the seizure, he still repeated the "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Bullsh*t</B></FONT>" he tried on the police officers . One thing to say something in the heat of the moment but it is quite another when one is writing a cold and calculated letter in the hopes of fooling the courts. That my friends can only be seen as a <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Perjury Letter</B></FONT>.</div> <div>      "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Orillia's housing committee has decided to take no action regarding a letter signed by Mayor Ron Stevens under their letterhead and sent without their knowledge or approval</B></FONT>".  So when was the committee meeting called that discussed this fraud? Was it open to the public? And if not why not? If it was public, was it attended by anyone from the public and were they allowed to <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Speak Out</B></FONT>? Was there an agenda published and where can it be found so that the public might be able to see it? Were there minutes kept and are they available to the public?</div> <div>      Once again these people are trying to make a silk purse from a sows' ear. But no way boys, as nobody  believes you anymore. You have lied, cheated and ripped us off way too many times. Like the boy who cried wolf once too many times, you scoundrels will be eaten by the Electorate next year.  </div> <div> Then the new council will do what should have been done 9 years ago. You know, hold all of you responsible. There will be a <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Judicial Inquiry </B></FONT>right after the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Forensic Audit</B></FONT> followed by a proper <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Independent</B></FONT> police investigation. The new council and mayor will immediately appoint committees made up of qualified people who serve the people, not those who appointed them. Yup! I can feel what is coming just like one feels a summer thunder storm in the air.</div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>One More Reason To Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Audit the Library Project as Well </B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div>  </div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Nov. 26, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Who can we turn to? Who can we TRUST to clean up Corruption????</B></div> <div>      For years I have been fighting to expose the seedy underbelly of Orillia politics. Since the day I found out that Mayor Pinocchio took illegal campaign contributions back in the 2000 election, I have been putting together a puzzle. Tuesday's revelation of an affidavit by the mayor and his fraudulent use of the Orillia Housing Committee letterhead fills in a big chunk of the puzzle. Thank you Mayor Pinocchio.</div> <div>      In order to put this part of the puzzle in context we need to go back to 2000. You see it is illegal under the Municipal Election Act for related companies to donate more than I believe $1,000 to a candidate. It is incumbent on the candidate to know the law and abide by it. The mayor a seasoned politician with a seasoned political team broke the law in accepting a $5,000 donation from related companies. When the Packet broke the story, instead of the mayor taking responsibility he blamed it on others. Went down to City Hall, wrote a cheque for the illegal portion of the donation and claimed no big deal.</div> <div>      A number of people including myself were most concerned that this guy could simply get away with this clear breaking of the law. In fact a number of people petitioned for council to review this matter and set up some sort of inquiry. We were not only refused but were attacked. As I sat in chamber listening to people like Gardy, Ann-marie Alexander and others on council attack people who were there only for transparency and democracy to take place most of us left dejected with many never to show themselves or be heard from again. I was disappointed but continued on and started asking questions. The more questions I asked the more corruption came to light. But for the most part I waged no public campaign but only collected information and evidence.</div> <div>      But then along comes one Mr. Doug Downey. This guy decides that he is above the law he voted for and to save face on his outrageous Conflict of Interest faux pax I decided Enough was Enough. I took him to court and chastised all councillors and mayor for daring to support his conflict and virtually dismissing it. That got my dander up and  I began to really look into Orillia's closed door politics. It was easy to see how only certain people were ever chosen for committees over and over again. It was easy to see how certain businesses were treated favorably while others could rub salt. Upon comparing notes with others and collecting more and more evidence of nepotism, collusion and even down right border line criminal behaviour I came across the land deal for 12 1/2 acres behind the former Wal Mart store. This deal stunk to high heaven. I decided to ask for a police investigation. Supplying all my evidence to the police, Packet and Orillia Today naively I thought there would be a genuine effort by all three to investigate honestly and report to Orillia the goings on.</div> <div>      Instead I came to realize that Orillia's OPP were less than enthusiastic to have my complaint. I found exactly the same attitude when I dropped into the Packet offices and spoke with Colin McKim and Mark Bissett. Instead of asking me questions on the documents I passed to them Colin wasn't interested in anything except to make silly excuses for mayor and council. In the 40 minutes I spent there neither of these men had one question about my evidence and I left knowing that they would do nothing to right a wrong, but would be working diligently to try and cover over or dismiss me as some radical nut bag. With Orillia Today while there was less dismissal there was very little enthusiasm as well.</div> <div>      To bring you up to speed on this travesty here is what I wrote about this land deal for the  first time in Nov. 2002   <a href="HTMLobj-1914/ISSUE1.pdf"><u>ISSUE1.pdf</u> </a>  . As I collected more evidence and information which took many months I stepped forward to lay the complaint. They accused me of doing it for political reasons but the truth is the last piece of the puzzle only came into my possession a couple of weeks before I decided to lay the complaint. You see between the start and when I was able to accumulate the evidence a friend had joined me to help out. Doug Peddle is a real shmooser and where I had been identified as a danger to the clique at City Hall Doug was an unknown. People seemed happy to give him documents because they thought it was safe to do so. Anyway, I laid the complaint and presented our evidence. I then wrote the story in <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Speaking Out </B></FONT>so that there would be historical evidence. Here is that article  <a href="HTMLobj-1915/ISSUE10.pdf"><u>ISSUE10.pdf</u> </a>  . Then as what turned out to be <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Not</B></FONT> an Investigation by the OPP I wrote this  <a href="HTMLobj-1916/ISSUE12.pdf"><u>ISSUE12.pdf</u> </a>  . Once again Pinocchio seemed to have gotten away with this outrageous scam.</div> <div>      I am tenacious if nothing else and I persevered on collecting information and proof. Then along comes the Mother of All Scams called MURF. Doug and I worked diligently to get documentation and evidence. Even though we had become almost immune to the dirty dealings of Pinocchio we were still shocked and outraged by what this man, council and city management were wanting to do to the people and especially the children of Orillia. It's one thing when the harm is about money but this was an attack on the health and well being of the entire community. We couldn't just walk away from it and live with ourselves. While Pinocchio, Boss Hogg and their bum boys may not have a conscience we do. You see we got a hold of the appraisal on the Molson property and it contained the smoking chemical gun. Up until then no one except Pinocchio, Boss Hogg and councillors had known about what this property contained. Next we got a hold of the Transfer Agreement and knew we had to get others involved by letting them see the evidence. Very hesitantly I produced the evidence again to the Packet and it was rejected like the land deal evidence had been. That is when we approached the likes of Millard, Clune, Clooney and others to form the Citizen's Coalition. More and more evidence mounted and others joined in. Some were ringers planted by those on the other side but we prevailed.</div> <div>      As time went on Pinocchio and city management became more and more bold in their behaviour and actions. Each time there seemed to be no consequence to what they did so they cranked it another notch. From withholding and lying about the Molson Environmental Report to withholding crucial information from council it self to even stealing personal mail from councillors mailboxes. It seemed like no one except a few was holding them responsible. The police weren't interested. Why the police were recruited by the Mayor down at Couchiching Park during Canada Day to threaten and harass Kelly Clune and Jenine Baker. They were approached by a police officer while sitting under a tree eating their lunch and told to get out of the park or be arrested. Seems Pinocchio didn't like the "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Pig Trough</B></FONT>" the ladies had brought down to the park. They made a complaint, but after well over a year of trying to get justice they were dismissed.  The Ministry of Municipal Affairs weren't interested. Why?????</div> <div>      But all  bad things must come to an end. On October 30 Pinocchio gave an Affidavit in an effort to try and protect the interest of his friend and benefactor and or to try and cover his tacks. You see what I have been saying here in these pages for so long about this guy is now being proven true by none other than Pinocchio himself. My assertion that the police were not acting independently and doing their job properly on the land deal is now ringing true. While the OPP refused to investigate or even interview Pinocchio on the land deal, the same police take the mayor into their confidence about a high risk police operation. Yup! Pinocchio was told about a Swat Team take down a half hour or maybe even hours before it happened. Now doesn't anyone find that odd???? Why on earth would police go to Pinocchio and give him this confidential police information before it took place??? Information so precise that even the name of the owner of the properties in question was discussed with him. Why??????</div> <div>      Here is what the Packet wrote on Monday about what Pinocchio said after the raid in 2008.</div> <div> <B>"At the time, Stevens characterized the bust as "unnerving," and noted police had been watching the address for some time. </B></div> <div> <B>"It's very dangerous for the police officers. When they've got to go through that door, no matter how well they're equipped, that weapon is in there." </B></div> <div> The story then goes on with this.</div> <div> <B>In the affidavit, Stevens also suggests he was blind sided by the plan to seize Reilly's properties just half an hour before the operation's execution. </B></div> <div> <B>"When the police officers revealed to me that it was properties belonging to Mr. Reilly which were the target of the seizure, I was shocked and expressed my disbelief to those officers, stating that 'Mr. Reilly provides decent accommodation to those who need it.' I spoke in defense of Mr. Reilly at that time, but to no avail." </B></div> <div> <B>In his statement, the mayor says he's known Reilly for at least 10 years, "both professionally and personally, and we have developed a strong friendship." </B></div> <div> Why would the police take Pinocchio into their confidence on such a dangerous or any take down??? Who were these police <B>officers</B> as the mayor claims there was more than one informing him (<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>"When the police officers revealed"</B></FONT> ). So if you read my story in Issue 12 on the investigation of Pinocchio or more like lack of, a very clear picture comes into view. Are the Orillia OPP independent of political interference???? It seems not as the mayor, who as a member of the Orillia Police Services Board is not allowed by law of trying to influence police did so with impunity. At the same time police are also forbidden by law from approaching and divulging police operations to anyone not authorized to know. So who authorized for the mayor to be informed? Did these officers report that the mayor attempted to influence them from proceeding with their duties? Did the officers caution the mayor that he was breaking the law???? We need a Forensic Audit a Judicial Inquiry and an Independent Police Investigation on all the goings on over the last almost ten years this guy has been around. Deal after questionable deal involving ten's of millions of dollars gone from the public purse with nothing but more costs to show for it. We need to Impeach this guy and clean up the stench that is everywhere in this town once and for all. (<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >more tomorrow</FONT>)</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>One More Reason To Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B></div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Audit the Library Project as Well </B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Nov. 24, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Fogarty on Right Track</B></div> <div>       Sorry folks but I don't believe for a minute that Orillia could support Langman's Hotel Convention Centre as presented. At $55,000,000 the only thing that would make money are the condo sales. The hotel would bleed to death in red ink within 5 years. Sure you could fill the rooms in summer but costs are there in all 4 seasons. What draw does Orillia have that would prompt people to come here in October, November, December, January, February, March or April? Especially to stay at a high end hotel with high end pricing during weekdays? </div> <div> This project isn't even waterfront. It's across the road from a park. Other than nice views on the water side there is nothing to offer guests. I believe that this is all about the Condos and the hotel is a white elephant. Seventy-five condo's at average selling price of $500,000 makes this a very nice tidy project. Without the hotel you could add another 75 condos with those at lower cost but still in the $300,000 range.</div> <div> Personally I think that we should disregard the hotel as being for real and help this guy build the condo's. Make sure the height is no more than 6 stories and that he supplies at least 1 1/2 parking spaces underground for each unit. Then demand that he develop a pay parking lot for at least 75 to 100 cars for public use.</div> <div>      We would have residential intensification one block from downtown, adequate parking for owners and public parking. That is a win, win to me. </div> <div> There is no shortage of hotel rooms in Orillia right now or in the distant future especially this time of year. Building condos on this location takes nothing away from the park but adds an awful lot to our business core. Calling the railroad bed and the former Co Op property parkland is an awful big stretch of the imagination.</div> <div> So if Al Langman wants to build condo's then let's accommodate him. As for people's views of the lake being impeded that too is a stretch. With towering trees along all the streets, who actually has a view that a six story building would block?? No one I bet. Unless people stood on a ladder on top of their roofs, Naw! even then they wouldn't have a view.</div> <div> Come on Orillia, finally an idea that makes sense with a bit of tweaking. If Langman can buy up the property from private owners then let him have this land at market price and wish him well. Orillia will be collecting taxes on 150 condos with a combined value of at least $52,500,000. I would think that would add close to a million dollars to the tax base without it costing the city a penny. In fact the city stands to reap huge development charges as well, without actually having to develop any new services. </div> <div>      Last night Mike Fogarty spoke common sense and should be credited with doing his homework. Pinocchio, Lying Lauer, Smirking Joe Fecht ganged up to spread panic in the community. Their talk of selling park land to developers is nothing more than a political ploy. One only has to walk the block from the Royal Oak north to Tecumseth to the rail right of way and back to the Royal Oak to see almost no one would be adversely affected. There are a half dozen houses of which two are used by businesses. Walking west on Tecumseh there are only about 4 homes. If that whole block is developed there would be almost no effect on neighbors as simply there would be none. The houses across Tecumseth St. would be no more inconvenienced by this project as this road is one of two entrances into the park and has been for as long as anyone can remember.</div> <div>      With the Front St. Plaza and a hotel, motel in the area, it would compliment the business core by bringing more people into high density housing. For those who are upset about developing this block I ask you to walk it. There is no better area in all of downtown Orillia except the Legion that is better. In fact what would be even better is if the Legion, Liquor Store and Schacters' property to Front could be developed the same and framing the Port of Orillia between the  two projects. That folks is common sense and good planning. With these two or even one project it would be a stepping stone to finally intensify density in the core once and for all. Both these areas are set back from the waterfront which would be protected forever as real parkland. </div> <div>      Allowing this type of development has no downside as far as I can see with few if any people being disrupted compared to the benefits we all would derive. Anyway get out on that walk and check it out. Now, of course all this would depend on Mr. Langman being able to buy up the surrounding property but I am sure he will find willing sellers. Maybe to sweeten the deal he could offer these people an even trade for one of these luxury condos for their home. He would give up less than 10% of the units he could build. Win, win as far as I can see it. But I am sure Langman already owns most of those properties or has options on them anyway or else he would never have come out publicly. but that is his business. My business is to make sure that the City gets the best deal for everyone involved.</div> <div>      While mayor and those councillors who are talking silly, Mike Fogarty's idea of looking at this project and having public discussion is far above what we are used to as Orillia Politics. This discussion should have begun when council was first made aware of any interest. Instead like with all things in Orillia, Pinocchio and council kept it under wraps holding closed door meetings, which quite frankly seems to me as illegal under the Municipal Act. As all this is nothing more than conceptual council discussion should have been done in the open right from the GitGo. So Mike keep up the good work, you are making lots of sense, and don't let up your campaign to include the public, in reasonable discussion. While Pinocchio and his little group try to scam people about parkland that is not, you need to form a coalition with those who supported your motion and work together to neuter their hyperbole.</div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Audit the Library Project as Well </B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Nov. 16, 2009 </B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Here is Another Excellent Idea </B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT></div> <div>      My last article was about ideas that our city could benefit from. Doug Lewis claims that people who Speak Out are One Trick Pony's and simply are not worthy of office. Of course Doug doesn't bother to listen to anything anyone says unless they are  attached to him by a political umbilical cord. For Doug the only people who are worthy are the likes of his clone Doug Downey. That's why they both have irons in the fire together.    </div> <div>      Doug couldn't be more wrong about the people of Orillia. Innovation and ideas abound. But if you won't listen and simply ignore people out of hand then the problem is him not the people of Orillia. Anyway I received a request from one of Orillia's involved citizen's with an idea that has legs and should be considered. Dick Sleep has been an active member of our community involved with all sorts of causes. From volunteering at the hospital to Meals on Wheels to his latest of joining the Legion Executive to help it through a rough spot in it's current history. He is full of good ideas.</div> <div>      Dick was the guy who spent many hours lobbying to have a Twin Pad Arena built. He researched sites that would have made excellent locations but mayor and council weren't interested. He lobbied Angelo Orsi and worked tirelessly behind the scenes. He was an advocate to locate the Twin Pad on the David H. Church property which would have been the best choice. But mayor and council decided that because they screwed up on the Community Center they had to hurry and build out in Westridge claiming there was no time as we needed ice capacity right away. Today we know that the reality is that even 3 ice surfaces can't be filled and the almost $900,000 spent on the Community Center will only be used for about two years before it will either have to be mothballed or torn down.</div> <div>      Anyway Dick doesn't let grass grow under his feet and he is onto another idea that has huge benefit to our community. Please read his e-mail and follow the link to find out about his proposal which would involve the public, schools and even those who use and benefit from the food bank.</div> <bR> <div> Hi All, </div> <div> I just submitted an idea to the Aviva Community Fund,(Aviva is my Insurance Co.) a competition that could result in a positive change in Orillia. If my idea receives enough votes, it will have a chance of sharing in $500,000.00 to bring the idea to life. I would really appreciate your help in pushing my idea to the finals.Pls vote for my idea at <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf4170" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/"><U><U>http://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf4170</U></U></A></FONT>. Should you think its a good idea pls fan it out to members in your address book. The more the merrier and thanks in advance. </div> <div> Dick</div> <bR> <div>      I am delighted that Dick came up with this  idea. You see, for a long time now I have been saying that people are losing their knowledge and ability to grow their own food. Most of us older people grew up with at least one garden and sometimes even two which supplied much needed fresh vegetables to our tables. Many hours were spent by myself and siblings digging, raking and planting row after row of vegetables. Then as the earth gave life to the seeds, we spent many hours watering and weeding and finally harvesting almost on a daily basis. We didn't do it because there wasn't produce available. We did it to save money for other grocery items we weren't able to grow ourselves. But I am afraid that the skills taught us by our parents and grandparents is not being handed down to today's generation. This idea of Dick's could be a real revolution in teaching children the rule of self sufficiency.</div> <bR> <div>      You see folks I am proud to report that my daughter and son in law this year took up gardening. Yes they decided back in February to start their seeds and grow their plants for their brand new adventure. Both Anne and I couldn't of been more proud. Here we thought that what we had learned and tried to pass on to our children was going to die. But they proved us wrong these young people who we find actually have a great interest in growing their own produce. You see as our kids were growing we always had a garden in one form or another and while there wasn't much interest shown at the time they were learning as this years garden proved. But what was also interesting is the pride and excitment they had for the process and the harvest. They ate much of their harvest but actually shared most of their bounty with others. That is what Dick's idea is all about. It's to first teach the skills being lost and then sharing the bounty with others. So please make sure you check out this Idea <A HREF="http://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf4170" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/"><U>http://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf4170</U></A> and support Dick to get it off the ground. We all win and a generation will benefit from the skills aquired.</div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Audit the Library Project as Well </B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Nov. 09, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Here is another idea for Mayor and Council to Ignore</B></div> <div>      In the last 10 or so years I have shared with mayor and councillors quite a number of good solid ideas which they have chosen to ignore. I have suggested a fix for city transit over 10 years ago which would have improved service and reduced costs to taxpayers while creating jobs. Unfortunately it fell on deaf ears. I proposed developing the downtown into a place where people live by supporting redevelopment. All those old homes surrounding the downtown need to be turned into nice affordable living space. One developer tried to do it when he proposed to turn the old Orange Hall into small 3 to 400 square ft. units but was turned down by the mayor and council elitists. Why I believe one of them was Golden Boy Downey? You see they figured they could never be comfortable living in a nice efficient affordable unit, so no one should have a chance of actually doing it. Seems there isn't enough tax money in it for them???? I then suggested what I would do with the MURF site in order to make it pay for it's own clean up. My idea was to take the 36 acres and create a Georgian Downs North. Yup! run the ponies and open slots with all three surrounding Townships partnering with us. Profits would be shared and Orillia's share would go to the environmental cleanup of the site. We could hire Manjikaning (Rama) to operate it for us as it has been their ambition to take charge of the Casino anyway. But that fell on deaf ears as well.</div> <div>      I also floated the idea of making both Mississaga St. and Colborne one way streets which would allow for more parking as well as leaving room for more use of the street for business. Not just for cafe's and restaurants but for retail as well as stalls in the summer months. You know more like a European experience. But, no one seemed interested. Then there was the suggestion of using that 52 acres of land between Hwy 11 and Westridge Blvd which can not be built on (buildings) because it is there to hold that 100 year storm down pour for flood control. My idea was to put outdoor facilities there that a flood every hundred years wouldn't hurt anyway. That fell on deaf ears and instead of doing it on this land they are doing it on University Ave. You see I wanted to build a ten to 20 acre nice deep pond which would hold more water than would ever be needed and put in tennis courts, soccer fields, football fields, walking trails, baseball fields and even use the mini lake for kayaking, canoeing or just a nice paddle boat ride on a sunny summer day. Not interested said they, yet they use prime grade 1 agricultural land to do exactly the same thing. Big difference is the local home owners will have to walk too far so they will use the car to get there because it's even farther out. But then it was my idea so these guys run as far and as fast as they can from anything I say.</div> <div>      Then of course my idea of becoming the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#009900" FACE="Arial" ><B>Green Energy Center </B></FONT>of Ontario didn't arouse any interest from them either. While Welland listened and acted (Welland politicians and many from around Ontario actually read Speaking Out), our own Mayor Pinocchio simply claimed he had no vision and yet was re-elected?????? Boggles the mind doesn't it??? So here goes guys, one more for you to ignore. We own 36 acres of the most expensive land in Simcoe County and maybe in all of Ontario except in our two or three major cities. The only way this land can affordably be cleaned up is to have the land pay for itself. Seeing that you guys are allergic to horse dodo (but revel in Bullsh*t), let me suggest once more a <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#009900" FACE="Arial" ><B>Green Energy</B></FONT> plan.</div> <div>       Let's get the OPC to invest some of that profit they make every year and build us a Solar Farm right in the middle of Orillia. At .80 cents per KW this land would become a Goldmine for Orillia. It's flat and now pretty much treeless. The land is useless for human habitation or even park use unless a Geothermal blanket is laid down with about 5 feet of clean fill put over top of it. But Solar Panels I am told are immune to VC, VOC's and all those other nasties lurking below. As the sole owner of the OPC Orillia would not only start getting paid most of the profits from this lucrative power generation but actually being able to tax the land which now produces nothing but expense.</div> <div>      This in itself would be enough to make any thinking person take notice, but just think of the spin offs. Here would be an opportunity as I said back in 2004. Involve Georgian College and yes Lake Head University. Say isn't that the same advice I gave free of charge to Orillia and which was accepted and implemented by Welland??? Why, I do believe it is. Anyway, it's not too late boys as the land is there. It needs to be cleaned so have the profits clean it up while Orillia becomes a <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#009900" FACE="Arial" ><B>Green Energy Center</B></FONT> of Simcoe County if not the province inspite of you missing the first boat. Then encourage companies to partner with OPC for their expertise on power generation and distribution. Say looks like a win, win to me doesn't it???</div> <div>      As the profits roll in some of it should be used for expanding the Solar business by installing units on every available roof in the community. Don't think that solar panels are ugly as some earlier sets may have been. Today there are even roof shingles that are actually photo voltaic. Yup! fellah's this may have been the long way around to my proposal back in 2004 but you have a chance to redeem yourselves and in time for the next election. As the only councillor who has a calculator Maurice Macmillan might be able to help you to figure out the profits. Such an installation could make lots of profits guys. Imagine .80 cents per KW Guranteed instead of the .025 cents OPC is getting for it's power on those negative days they told us about a few weeks ago?? Boggles the mind. Looks to me like the infrastructure is all there so cost would be minimal. The power source is right in the center of where it is consumed so loss of power would be almost non existent from transmission leak. No new wires to string and energy as <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#009900" FACE="Arial" ><B>green</B></FONT> as the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#009900" FACE="Arial" ><B>Emerald Isle</B></FONT>. Why I bet this land could prove to be even more productive than anyone could imagine.</div> <div>      Imagine? While we are producing zero emission energy and building high tech jobs we could invite companies who specialize in cleaning up toxic sites to partner with Georgian and Lake Head in developing clean up technology with all of it's spin offs as well. Imagine good paying jobs based on Technology instead of jobs at McDonalds and Tim Horton's? Now that is a novel idea don't you think??? If we are not careful Orillia could actually be on the receiving end of prosperity instead of always supporting others prosperity???? You know, like Molson's, Lake Head , those special Developers and of course the backroom boys. Yup! Orillia is on the Cusp of turning a Sows' Ear into a Silk Purse. Only problem is that Pinocchio and the Puppets have no Vision. Oh! well there is the election next year isn't there???? I hope I haven't caused any headaches for mayor and councillors in asking them to use their Imaginations???</div> <div>      So from you Doug Lewis, it would be interesting to hear what your ideas are for this community. How do you propose to create prosperity for all??? What are you wanting to do for the environment? How do you propose to bring industry to town? What are your plans for the downtown core? The silence from you over these many years has been deafening. I have watched you preside over the devastation of Canada's industrial base during your time in the Mulroney Government. I have seen the systematic destruction of the Canadian economy from coast to coast by you and Mulroney and the destruction of the middle class. I have seen government you were in corrupted like no other since Confederation and you dare to give advice. Shame on you and those who fill only their own pockets at the expense of the most vulnerable. What are your plans Doug Lewis except to gain Power at any cost????</div> <div> "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="TimesNewRoman" ><B>Quite frankly I don't care what the policies are,</B></FONT></div> <div> <B>I don't care what the constitution says and</B></div> <div> <B>I don't care who the leader is going to be</B></div> <div> <B>as long as we have a united conservative</B></div> <div> <B>party that moves forward. United we</B></div> <div> <B>stand and WIN, divided we fall, that's all</B></div> <div> <B>there is to it</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="TimesNewRoman" >".</FONT></div> <div> Now you are calling for a united mayor and council. Tell us Doug, whose bidding will they be doing??? Yours??? Doug Downey's??? Please, tell us what "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="TimesNewRoman" ><B>Irons</B></FONT>" you have in the fire? From past performance I can tell you all it will most likely be us who gets burned by those irons so watch out folks???? Yet the Packet runs this guy's tripe and even his picture without so much as a comment on it's content???? I'm not surprised.</div> <div>      "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Social activists often consider their interests as a "hill they have to die on" and cannot put their raison d'etre aside to deal effectively with the other important issues</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >". Doug Lewis </FONT></div> <div> So Doug, I have yet to hear what issues are important from you??? All I have heard is you don't like the Oro/Medonte building department or that you don't like the stop lights between your house and where you are going?? Tell us what is important and how you propose your candidates will deal with them??? Yes we have all heard your despise for social activists. Your dislike of those you call activists is simple. It's  because you fear them for what they know and their audacity to inform the public of what people like you are doing to them.  But I have never heard you get involved at least publicly in any issues important to the public at large. So Doug where do you stand on </div> <div> 1. The Environment?</div> <div> 2. Global Warming?</div> <div> 3. HST?</div> <div> 4. Public Transit?</div> <div> 5. Affordable Housing?</div> <div> 6. Downtown Development?</div> <div> 7. The Offical Plan?</div> <div> 8. Snowplowing/Snow removal</div> <div> 9. Parks and Recreation?</div> <div> 10. The 5 lane road to nowhere?</div> <div> 11. The $26,000,000 plus library?</div> <div> 12. The purchase and renovation of the Gill ST. Bar and it's coming destruction?</div> <div> 13, The selling of city land for a fraction of it's true value?</div> <div> 14. The purchase of land by the city for double it's market value?</div> <div> 15. The stealing of councillors personally addressed mail?</div> <div> 16. The systemic withholding of information from councillors?</div> <div> 17. Council holding closed door meetings in contravention of the Municipal Act?</div> <div> 18, Mayor and council stacking advisory committees with mostly those who agree with them?</div> <div> 19. Ian Browns performance as to do with Laura Lee's departure as City Clerk?</div> <div> 20 What about Joe Fecht's behaviour with the Defunct Orillia Ability Association?</div> <div> 21. What about conflict of interest especially to do with the Defunct Orillia Ability Association???</div> <div> 22. The SOS at Soldiers?</div> <div> 23. What about converting city buses to Natural Gas to cut pollution by 80% while saving fuel costs???</div> <div> 24. Your partner Doug Downey's Conflict of Interest while on council?</div> <div> 25. Your getting the job to terminate / wind down the Orillia Ability Association inspite of your wife having been on the board of directors???????</div> <div> There is more Doug, and we, those nasty activists are involved and interested in everyone of them and then some. We are not one trick ponies regardless of what you say or attempt to spread your bull dodo about. You have heard us as we speak truthfully and clearly, but we have not heard from you except to criticize and try to denigrate us but never debate our ideas because we dare to <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Speak Out</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >,</FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT>and you are afraid to deal with real issues. You prefer to have people around who follow blindly and never question what is going on. Sort of like the previous hospital board who ignored the people when they <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Spoke Out</B></FONT> about management??? Or like the Orillia Ability board who heard what was going on but faithfully did nothing because they were your kind of people. So you despise people like us because we ask questions and demand answers. We do not tolerate cover up and we certainly don't put up with lies or liars. You Doug are afraid to be exposed as <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>The Emperor Has No Clothes</B></FONT>. Doug I figured out a long time ago that indeed you have no clothes and represent nothing except self interest and greed. You and those who surround you are the reason why Orillia doesn't live up to it's motto of Progress. And you propose to do what???? <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>We can't hear you</B></FONT>?????????</div> <div> jim tolnai </div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Audit the Library Project as Well </B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Nov. 08, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Mayor council lose Opportunity once more</B></div> <div> <B>(Sad part is they didn't even try)</B></div> <bR> <div> Good morning Ralph </div> <div> Several years ago I wrote an item on Speaking Out about green energy  <a href="HTMLobj-1917/ISSUE21.pdf"><u>ISSUE21.pdf</u> </a>  . Naturally you guys ignored me but I persevered and suggested you look into a company called <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#009900" FACE="Arial" ><B>Kinergy Power</B></FONT> a couple of years later. I told you how this company had a product that would have a large part to play in the future of <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#009900" FACE="Arial" ><B>GREEN Energy</B></FONT>. Naturally mayor and council ignored me once more. I gave you information about this <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Canadian</B></FONT> company that was looking for a community with vision to help it realize their dream of producing energy from energy that is being wasted, therefore making it free and carbon neutral. </div> <div> Council and mayor ignored my plea to at least meet with these people to see if there couldn't be an opportunity for Orillia. This company has struggled but finally there is an opportunity for some real success. Unfortunately Orillia will not be involved with this success because as the mayor once said, he and his council have no vision when speaking at a Chamber breakfast right around the time I pleaded for them to have a look at <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#009900" FACE="Arial" ><B>Kinergy Power</B></FONT>. </div> <div> It seems the mayor and council of Welland Ont. have decided to become involved and Welland wins while once again Orillia loses. While you guys were dumping <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>10's $$$ of millions of dollars</B></FONT> into the West St. <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Non MURF</B></FONT> and dumping <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$13,000,000</B></FONT> too much into the Fish Tank library whose cost just keeps climbing even before a shovel has hit the ground, Welland was working to actually create opportunities for business and in particular for <A HREF="http://www.kinergypower.com/news.shtml" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.kinergypower.com/news.shtml"><U>http://www.kinergypower.com/news.shtml</U></A>. Sad day for Orillia because you guys didn't even try. Now three years later we don't even have a hole to show for the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$15,000,000</B></FONT> wasted on West St. Now that Teletech has laid off 60% of their workers and maybe putting Orillia's investment in the building housing them in jeopardy, Now that you have officially opened the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$6,000,000</B></FONT> plus road to nowhere and all the other waste that boggles the mind, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#009900" FACE="Arial" ><B>Welland</B></FONT> has taken the initiative. Initiative not taken equals <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Opportunity Lost</B></FONT>. Once more because of Pinocchio's and council's lack of vision Orillia loses once again. </div> <div> By the way Ralph since my original article in 2004 about Grid tied solar, the Ontario government is guaranteeing <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#009900" FACE="Arial" ><B>.80 cents per kW </B></FONT>for power generated by solar. That is guaranteed, while OPC is selling at least some power for less than it's cost to produce????? Had mayor and council started to develop what I suggested, this town could have already been benefiting to the tune of hundreds if not thousands of jobs. Instead you and your friends have done nothing except to piss away many <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>tens of millions of dollars</B></FONT> that is now lost forever, not to mention the tens of millions that will have to be spent cleaning up the toxins you squeezed off the West St. site. You have sat around arguing about whether you would dig a hole and install signs supplied by  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#009900" FACE="Arial" ><B>Kids for Turtles</B></FONT> and turning them down because the cost might be as much as $200??? Unfrigging believable. </div> <div> Thanks Ralph for NOTHING </div> <div> jim tolnai </div> <div> <U>http://www.kinergypower.com/news.shtml</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> <U>http://www.speakingout.biz/id23.htm</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > Issue 21</FONT></div> <div> Note: I am upset with Ralph because he actually contacted these people back in 2006 at my urging and then did nothing. Ralph's problem is he shows up for everything but never does anything. To me that is worse than ignoring things. It's worse because his showing up and giving lip service is a far worse betrayal of our community than those who simply sit like bumps on a log and act stupid.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Audit the Library Project as Well </B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Nov. 05, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Must Urge Business to Give Us a Choice</B></div> <div>      I received the following and hope you will all consider some very good advice. hopefully you will  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Speak Out </B></FONT>as the Canadian Economic Train is going down hill and the breaks are not working. Please read the following and become pro active. Urge your favorite retailers to identify Canadian merchandise with as simple a thing as a Maple Leaf label on the shelf. This would be a wonderful marketing program that could only help people to support Canadian producers of everyday goods. So please get active and <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Speak Out</B></FONT>.</div> <bR> <div> <B>A physics teacher in high school, once told the students that while one grasshopper on the railroad tracks wouldn't slow a train very much, a billion of them would . With that thought in mind, read the following, obviously written by a good Canadian.</B></div> <div> <B>Good idea . . . One light bulb at a time . . . </B></div> <div> <B>.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Check this out . I can verify this because I was in Lowe's the other day for some reason and just for the heck of it I was looking at the hose attachments . They were </B></div> <div> <B>All </B><B><U>made in China</U></B><B> . The next day I was in Home Hardware and just for the heck of it I checked the hose attachments there. They were made in Canada. Start looking.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>In our current economic situation, every little thing we buy or do affects someone else - even their job. So, after reading this email, I think this lady is on the right track . Let's get behind her!</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>My grandson likes Hershey's candy . I noticed, though, that it is marked </B><B><U>made in </U></B></div> <div> <B><U>Mexico</U></B><B> now. I do not buy it any more . My favorite toothpaste Colgate is </B><B><U>made in </U></B></div> <div> <B><U>Mexico</U></B><B> now. I have switched to Crest .. You have to read the labels on everything .</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>This past weekend I was at Wal-mart . I needed 60W light bulbs . I was in the light bulb aisle, and right next to the GE brand I normally buy was an off brand labeled, "Everyday Value. " I picked up both types of bulbs and compared the stats - they were the same except for the price. The GE bulbs were more money than the </B></div> <div> <B>Everyday Value brand but the thing that surprised me the most was the </B></div> <div> <B>Fact that GE was </B><B><U>made in MEXICO</U></B><B> and the Everyday Value brand was made in - get </B></div> <div> <B>Ready for this -in Canada in a company in Ontario.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>So throw out the myth that you can not find products you use every day that are made right here </B></div> <div> <B>.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>My challenge to you is to start reading the labels when you shop for everyday things and see what you can find that is made in Canada - the job you save may be your own or your neighbors!</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>If you accept the challenge, pass this on to others in your address book so we can all start buying Canadian, one light bulb at a time! Stop buying from overseas </B></div> <div> <B>Companies!</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>(We should have awakened a decade ago . . . . . . )</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Let's get with the program . . . . Help our fellow Canadians keep their jobs and create more jobs here in Canada.</B></div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Audit the Library Project as Well </B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> <B>Nov. 04, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>More Library Cost Revealed</B></div> <div>      Monday night councillors learned that cost increases for this ill thought out library are different than the Energizer Bunny. Instead of keeping going like the Bunny the cost increases just keep on Coming and Coming and Coming. After Monday night's presentation by the library CEO Dawn Silver and it's consultant, taxpayer pain is assured for many years to come.  <a href="HTMLobj-1918/Library_Consultants_Report.pdf"><u>Library_Consultants_Report.pdf</u> </a>  A project that started out with a <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$9,000,000</B></FONT> price tag has ballooned into an over <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$30,000,000</B></FONT> plus cost. As with the MURF the library too had it's begining's based on lies and they are finally seeing the light of day and the lies continue.</div> <div>      In watching Dawn Silver and her consultant Monday night, I was not surprised by their lack of sincerity. They both spoke gibberish in a clumsy effort to cover up the truth of what this new library really means to taxpayers which their report shows. They worked hard to dismiss the facts and costs that are actually in the report. To direct questions of costs they used double talk and failed miserably to answer them in an effort to make light of their own findings. Even Pinocchio's direct question as with councillors was given the Emperor has no clothes treatment. I have been writing here for the last year as to what taxpayers can expect to spend on this new ego driven facility. Those costs are now being admitted by the very people who denied them and took my name in vain. On Dec. 02, 2009 I wrote about the true cost of this library. But I also wrote about the increased operating costs that would surely come with it. I wrote about how today's libraries are on the cusp of change because of the Internet and technology. I argued that instead of putting these millions into an Ego build we should spend the money on making our library the best not the biggest or shiniest. Why I even suggested that the $10,000,000 extra being spent on the Fish Tank should be used to buy Internet capable computers for each household and the balance spent on creating the best library any community the size of Orillia ever had and we would still have money left over. </div> <bR> <div>      Surprise! surprise! Monday night the libraries' consultant told us that today's library's futures are in electronic services and even hinted that this buildings size might be overkill. One of the things she said was,  because of size more staff was needed???? Her report says that ideal staffing for this behemoth should be 31. Compared to the current 19.5 staff that represents a Whopping!!!! 63% increase in staffing cost. Wow!!! did no one see that coming???? Not according to mayor and council even though they all faithfully read Speaking Out every day. The mayor tried to ask Dawn Silver about extra costs for two management positions in particular contemplated and she skated around him like a real pro. Why, Pinocchio even asked the question a second time and Dawn again left him in her dust. Or was that really Smoke and Mirrors??? It was a delight to see Pinocchio having his methods of spreading crap spread on him. In fact the only councillor who actually had a calculator on his desk was Maurice Macmillan. Maurice asked how much 12 employees would actually cost. Once more the Smoke and Mirror girls tried using that almost always successful play of "Bullsh*t Baffles Brains" and sort of succeeded but not quite.  Maurice had a confused look on his face but he persisted. As Dawn and her "Expert" tried to skate around Maurice by reducing the number of people in their very expensive report down to  5 or 6 Maurice did some calculating. By Maurice's figures staffing costs will increase by $300,000 annually. But the VERY EXPENSIVE REPORT claims that 12 more staff are needed. So just how good or useful is this VERY EXPENSIVE REPORT if it's conclusions can be disclaimed on the very night it is being given and by the very people who wrote it????? That means using Maurice's  numbers operating costs will increase by $600,000 per year just for labour. Wow!!! didn't see that one coming did we???? </div> <div> Last Dec. 02 and 03, 2009 I wrote two articles dealing with these very issues. I predicted back then the real cost not only for the construction but also the increase in operating cost. I also predicted as this Experts report says that the heart of libraries now and for the future are the electronic services and access by people via the Internet. Here it is almost a year later and some Expert has been paid tens of thousands of dollars for advice that council got for FREE right here on Speaking Out. But it's only money and there is plenty of that and Pinocchio and councillors know where to get it anyway. Click the articles I wrote  <a href="HTMLobj-1919/Library_Articles_Dec._02_03_2009.pdf"><u>Library_Articles_Dec._02_03_2009.pdf</u> </a>  There are more costs coming so hang on as a whole bunch of other requests will be forth coming. You all have a nice day and please do come back. </div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Audit the Library Project as Well </B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >  </FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Nov. 02, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>More on Swine Flue</B></div> <div> What if the government is lying about the number</div> <div> of Swine Flu cases to bolster its case for mandatory</div> <div> vaccination of school children and government</div> <div> employees?</div> <bR> <div> It appears they're cooking the books in a massive</div> <div> way and are actively obstructing the news media's</div> <div> attempts to get the real numbers.</div> <bR> <div> For example, in Alaska only 1% of all people</div> <div> reported as having Swine Flu actually had the</div> <div> disease when actually tested for it.</div> <bR> <div> The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has</div> <div> this data, but flat out won't release it.</div> <bR> <div> Video: </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.brasschecktv.com/page/731.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.brasschecktv.com/page/731.htm"><U><U>http://www.brasschecktv.com/page/731.html</U></U></A></div> <bR> <div> Kelly Clune</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Nov. 01, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>And the Rich get Richer</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="6d152820.png" border=0 width="850" height="642" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="6d252820.png" border=0 width="850" height="642" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="6d352820.png" border=0 width="850" height="642" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="6d452820.png" border=0 width="850" height="642" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="6d552820.png" border=0 width="850" height="642" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="6d652820.png" border=0 width="850" height="642" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="6d752820.png" border=0 width="850" height="642" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="6d852820.png" border=0 width="850" height="642" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="6d952820.png" border=0 width="850" height="642" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="6da52820.png" border=0 width="850" height="642" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="6db52820.png" border=0 width="850" height="642" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="6dc52820.png" border=0 width="850" height="642" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="6dd52820.png" border=0 width="850" height="642" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="6de52820.png" border=0 width="850" height="642" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="6df52820.png" border=0 width="850" height="642" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="6e052820.png" border=0 width="850" height="642" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="6e152820.png" border=0 width="850" height="642" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="6e252820.png" border=0 width="850" height="642" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> hmmmmmmm.......</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Breaking News</B></div> <div> Just received a copy of Mike Fogarty's letter to Mayor Stevens and thought I would share it with you. Mike leaves no doubt about being upset and asks direct questions and demands an answer. Stevens claim that he was not aware is shot down as the date and time clearly proves our mayor is as usual less than honest. By the way my information is that the mayor has still not answered Mike's question "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>If so, why was this decision made and with what authority?</B></FONT>" So Mr. Mayor under what authority did you direct the Clerk??? I thought the Clerk worked for Brown not the mayor??? So let me get this straight. This whole mess was caused by Brown because he did not want a subordinate (Clerk) to sit in on his own Review and orders this Subordinate to withhold the report from councillors who asked for the investigation to be done in the first place???? Boggles the mind doesn't it???? If the Clerk reports to Brown then in fact the mayor does not have the authority to direct the Clerk unless it is done in collusion with Brown???? But because Brown works for Council he certainly has no authority of withholding anything without councils permission?? Yea! I know it does get complicated. To uncomplicate it is simple. Brown and Mayor are caught again breaking the rules and process the mayor likes to refer to when it is convenient and dismisses them when not. Like I said that leaves a FREE for ALL.</div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <div> -----Original Message-----</div> <div> From: <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><U>mfogarty@bell.blackberry.net</U></FONT></div> <div> Date: Thu, 8 Oct 2009 20:36:16 </div> <div> To: Ron Stevens<<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><U>rstevens@city.orillia.on.ca</U></FONT>></div> <div> Subject: Closed Session Report</div> <bR> <div> Good day, </div> <bR> <div> It is my understanding that you have informed the Clerk that she is not to release the report issued by John Craig regarding the Closed Meeting investigation until the Thursday before the meeting at which it will be discussed. </div> <bR> <div> Is this the case? If so, why was this decision made and with what authority? The report contains complex information and is available for us to review in detail now why would you decide not to release it to council?</div> <bR> <div> This process has been followed in the past, when reports were available they were released, I am both curious and confused as to why this would be different?</div> <bR> <div> We have had the report in our possession for well over 1 week and just today met the criteria Mr. Craig established to allow us to release the report. </div> <bR> <div> I urge you to reconsider and release the report to Council members. </div> <bR> <div> Thank you for your prompt response to this matter. </div> <bR> <div> Michael Fogarty</div> <div> Councillor, Ward 3</div> <div> City of Orillia </div> <div> Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Oct. 30, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Schoolyard antics cause for action</B></div> <div>  Teviah Moro's editorial "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Boys, wash up before city council</B></FONT>"  once again does a disservice to Orillia taxpayers. While the Packet plays it's usual role of fooling many of the people most of the time Orillia is burning fanned by the Packet's lack of commitment to it's readers. With serious matters to be investigated and reported Tevio and the Packet once again ignores the real issues. The issues have been and are one of lies, deceptions, nepotism, backroom deals, secret meetings, environmental contamination, wasted tax dollars, questionable contracts and much much more.</div> <div>      Teviah and the Packet will never get it until their virtual monopoly on city advertising is ended once and for all. At council this week discussion took place on informing the public. The clerk claimed that the city had done extensive adverting in the Packet suggesting that everyone should be aware of the matter. One councillor pointed out that the Packet doesn't reach everybody and was concerned that the Orillia Today was not used as a vehicle to inform residents. I myself have been saying the same thing, only I have been saying it for years. I came to the conclusion that the Packet always dismissed anyone who took mayor and city management to task and managed to incorporate their propaganda into stories as the only truth. Never do or did they question the stupid and counter productive decisions that came from Andrew St. in a real meaningful way. I have written here and believe it to be true that the Packet looks after their bottom line and be damned with the people.</div> <div>      This schoolyard editorial is just another example of the Packet trying to take the heat off mayor and management on the more serious matters. Where is the story of outrage about the Mayor and Brown withholding the Craig Report? Where is the investigating reporting on the New Path <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$500,000</B></FONT>???? Has the Packet even bothered to investigate the statements made by New Path. Has the Packet bothered to investigate the cost of removing <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>12,000 </B></FONT>cubic yards of contaminated soil??? Of course not. Why??? Could it be because it may piss off those at City Hall who sign the advertising cheques??? Has the Packet bothered to check  with Revenue Canada to see if what New Path said about their investments being used as collateral for the $500,000 loan is true???? Why not???? Remember New Path president Glen Newby stated they had investments that would be used as collateral against the loan, Had the Packet checked they would have found the investments more than a little short of <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$500,000</B></FONT>.  <A HREF="http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/ebci/haip/srch/t3010form19-eng.action?b=108094335RR0001&e=2008-03-31&n=NEW+PATH+YOUTH+%26+FAMILY+COUNSELLING+SERVICES+OF+SIMCOE+COUNTY&r=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cra-arc.gc.ca%3A80%2Febci%2Fhaip%2Fsrch%2Fbasicsearchresult-eng.action%3Fs%3Dregistered%26amp%3Bk%3Dnew%2Bpath%26amp%3Bp%3D1%26amp%3Bb%3Dtrue#section_e" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/ebci/haip/srch/"><U>Newpath 2008 Financial Information</U></A> If the Packet had of bothered to investigate they might have reported that New Path only had  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$ 314,188</B></FONT> in long term investments at the end of 2008. That is a far cry from being able to secure a <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$500,000</B></FONT> loan from public monies. But the Packet once again failed miserably.</div> <div>      Then of course there was nary a word on the new testing for contaminants to North East and North West  from the MURF site. How come???? Well could it be because they were ordered to keep as quiet as possible??? Why does a supposed news organization act in this manner???? Why don't they tell the story that people deserve to know????? Their coverage today is the same as it was six years ago during the fight to stop building directly on top of one of the most contaminated sites in the world. They are reporting or should I say lack to report the same way they did six years ago. So nothing has changed as the great cover up continues and be damned with the people.</div> <div>      Today people have finally realized that Enough is Enough. It doesn't take long to engage people in a survey on what they think of their mayor, city management and council. The majority are not happy with any of them. The Blackberry issue is a smoke screen. The real reason Mike Fogarty is pissed off is because mayor and city management are not allowing him to do his job. Unlike the Packet he wants to get to the truth of what happened to the tens of millions wasted. He wants to stop this mayor and city manager from manipulating the system that should be there to protect the taxpayers. Pinocchio wrote in his letter " <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>I think it is important that the public is made aware that some Orillia city councillors are making a mockery of the order, structure and processes that are in place to ensure that our city runs fairly and efficiently</B></FONT>". The order structure and processes the mayor speaks of are only important when others are winning the argument and he along with city management are caught doing their dirties. The mayor can fail to count the votes of councillors, he can withhold crucial information and documents, he can hold closed meetings in contravention of the Municipal Act, steal/remove councillors personal mail and Lie Like Quadafi the Packet never once accused him or Brown of being childish. But they did not hold them responsible for their outrageous behaviour in a meaningful way either. Yet when people stand up to these bullies, con men and liars they call it childish????</div> <div>       Enough is Enough as even one of the biggest supporters of Stevens from day one Angelo Orsi now realizes that this man has been a disaster for Orillia. Unlike the Packet, Orsi can add up the tens and tens of millions pissed away. He can see the corrupt behaviour and skullduggery that is bringing Orillia to it's knees. Orsi can see that the mess left behind by the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Dynamic Duo</B></FONT>  will be a burden to Orillia's growth and prosperity for years to come as his future is tied to that prosperity in a big way. Long after Pinocchio and Brown have been released, taxpayers will still be paying for what they have done to us, not unlike what happened with Doug Little. We as citizens and taxpayers need to make sure that those who have made all these millions disappear with nothing to show for it are held personally responsible. For that, we need to have that <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Forensic Audit </B></FONT>followed by a Police (anybody but the OPP) Investigation followed by the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Judiciary</B></FONT>. In order for Orillia to move forward we need to get Stevens' and Brown's legacy off our backs once and for all. If we don't, then Orillia is doomed to make the same errors of judgment in who we entrust with our governance. </div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >  </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Oct. 29, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>The citizens of Orillia deserve better than this</B></div> <div>      Mayor Pinocchio's letter to the Editor in today's Packet is one more example of why this man has to be Impeached. He has been the worst mayor in the history of Orillia and has cost taxpayers many tens of millions with nothing to show for it. He is a bold faced liar with at best questionable conduct and at worst Criminal behaviour. This man who began his all too long Orillia political career by accepting Illegal Campaign Contributions has burned a wide swath of destruction of financial, political, environmental, trust and integrity on this community. With this letter he is true to form with his hypocrisy trying to lay blame on anybody and everybody but himself for what he has done.</div> <div>      He starts this blame game with " <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>I think it is important that the public is made aware that some Orillia city councillors are making a mockery of the order, structure and processes that are in place to ensure that our city runs fairly and efficiently</B></FONT>". Pinocchio claims that Mike Fogarty spread false claims that his Pinocchioship was withholding the Craig Report. Gee!! I wonder why or where would Mike get this from???? Could it be because his Pinocchioship had withheld reports in the past???? I do believe he has. Let's see, there was the report of the MOE on the MURF which he withheld even though council was voting on a further <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$5,000,000</B></FONT> expenditure which his <B>Pinocchioship</B> wanted and voted for. Except for Pinocchio and those councillors he confided in, all the others were voting blind and without the knowledge that the MOE had rejected the MURF site for the third or was it the fourth time???? So excuse us your Pinocchioship but if Mike made the mistake of thinking you are as underhanded and devious as you are, then it was an honest one. Don't be too hard on the councillor as he was just trying to do his job wasn't he???? </div> <div>      Had your deviousness and dishonesty been only a one off you might have a point but as we all know it wasn't. After all wasn't it you Mr. Mayor who stole all councillors mail???? Why! I do believe it was. And wasn't it you who lied along with Boss Hogg Brown about there being a Confidentiality Agreement with Molson about the Environmental Report on the West St. property????? Why! I do believe it was???? Using it as the excuse to Withhold the document from public scrutiny. Only to finally admitting it never existed after all. Why isn't that what Mike could legitimately call a lie????? In your rant you chastise Mike that his accusation  "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>is an insult to my integrity and to the integrity of this council</B></FONT>". Mr. Mayor are you so misguided and deceiving of yourself as well as all of us that you actually believe you have <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Integrity</B></FONT>???? Come on Pinocchio I have been watching you for these past 8 years and have seen no sign of any. So for you to claim that what is not there can be insulted is an insult to our intelligence. Then in order to try and cover up your lack of integrity you claim Mike was insulting all councillors integrity. Sorry your Pinocchioship but this is between you and Mike. He never accused council of withholding this report. In fact he accused you of withholding the report from all councillors. So don't try to muddy the water and suck in those puppets so you can try to change the objective which is to show you for what and who you are.</div> <div>      You bring up a valid point when you wrote this, "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>All reports coming into city hall are received by the city clerk for inclusion in agenda packages for either the next council or council committee meeting. These packages are delivered to councillors on the Thursday before the meeting date. The reports are then posted on the city's website on the Friday before the meeting, at which time they become public documents</B></FONT>". Well I'll be. There are rules and procedures according that statement, Right???? <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >Pinocchio continues on in explaining these rules when he writes "</FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>These are not my rules, or my processes. These are policies which have been discussed and voted on by all of city council</B></FONT>".  So Mr. Mayor then whose rules were you following when you withheld the MOE Report before council voted for that additional <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$5,000,000</B></FONT> for a project that had been turned down for the third or fourth time????? Did your Pinocchioship break the rules and process which you claim isn't yours but all of councils. But Mr. mayor you made your own rules/process and failed to inform councillors that you not only were withholding crucial and critical information which their rules clearly states must be followed, but encouraged them to vote for these monies and voted yourself with the full knowledge of what the document contained. To now complain that you followed the rules is anything but credible. Sir! when you yourself only follow the rules when it is convenient for you then there are no rules and it is a Free for All.</div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >     His Pinocchioship continues on spinning more bullsh*t than an Otaco Spreader could hold. "</FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>I explained this process to Packet & Times reporter Colin McKim, and also explained to him that it </B></FONT><B>would not be fair or proper procedure to deviate from our current policy until such time as council decided on a new policy and procedure</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >". Not be fair and proper?????? But Your Pinochiooship are you saying that when you deviated from </FONT><B>fair or proper procedure </B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >as outlined above</FONT><B> </B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >you were not being </FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B> fair and proper</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >???? But I recall you telling councillors and TV land that you would not apologize and that you would do the same again?????? </FONT></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >     Then his Liarship goes on "</FONT><B>Coun. Fogarty has told the media that he sent me an email requesting a copy of this report. I apologize that I was not available in the office on the Friday to view this email</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >". This line is some what troubling. It seems the mayor actually has to go to his office in order to retrieve E-mail. Now correct me if I am wrong but Mike sent an E-mail not Snail mail didn't he???? Is it only His Pinocchioship in the world who can not retrieve his E-mail from anywhere else except the office???? See folks this guy is a compulsive liar and simply can not help himself. Like Mike has a learning disability His Pinocchioship has a Truth Telling disability. He simply can't do it. I am sure there is a name for it like "</FONT><B>Truthaphobia</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >". Seems there are more than one on councill and city management with the same disability Eh!?????</FONT></div> <div>      Pinocchio then goes on to blame Fogarty for his own lack of E-mail acumen "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>However, I did spend the entire day before sitting less than a metre from Coun. Fogarty and he made no mention of his desires. Nor did he pick up the phone to call me about the issue</B></FONT>". E-mail etiquette Your Pinocchioship is simple. I send you an E-mail and it does not bounce back it is your turn. You were sitting less than a meter from Mike all the day <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>before</B></FONT> so please man up as it was you who screwed up. Don't forget, if what you are saying is true (and I doubt it) then it makes Fogarty's argument of the Black Berry's usefulness even more legit and your argument for getting rid of them at meetings a false one. I can only hope that, Mike after this tripe His Pinocchioship has fed us will show proof that he in fact did E-mail this clown. That's the beauty of E-mail there is not only a date stamp but a time stamp as well. Like with snail mail once the envelope is in the collection box it is deemed delivered. Mr. Mayor that letter is deemed delivered whether you open the envelope or not. Mike Fogarty wanted to do the right thing and the mayor sucker punched him. Now the mayor is complaining because he got caught once more lying and hiding documents from councillors who had and have a legitimate right to them. </div> <div>      If Staff can have this document so that they can comment then why not councillors????? After all Mr. Mayor you said it yourself  "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>It is the job of council to set policy and the job of staff to carry out those policies. And it is the mayor's job to ensure that staff carries out the policies set out by council through the city manager's office</B></FONT>". I wonder if you and Mr. Brown could show us the Council Policy which says that <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>staff gets a copy and can go ahead and comment in effect creating a report without council asking for such report or comments</B></FONT>????? I thought it took a vote of six councillors to get a staff report????? Was a vote taken? Where? and When????? But I am afraid that such policy does not exist nor was there a vote taken was there??? Another example of Pinocchio and Brown making up their own rules and breaking the rules of council at will. This whole matter is nothing more than a clumsy attempt to try and whitewash this report. Mike Fogarty got pissed off and rightly so. He was elected to do a job and that job involves being informed. Anybody who impedes his or any other councillors infomation flow is in breach of their duties to council and to taxpayers. That includes Mayor Pinocchio and Brown. So Mr. Mayor  Mike, I am sure is not insulting your Integrity because in order to do that you would actually have to have Integrity to begin with???? Damned if I have ever personally seen any sign of Integrity in you to date? One thing I do agree with you is  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>The citizens of Orillia deserve better than </B></FONT><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>"YOU"</B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >  </FONT></div> <bR> <div>  </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Oct. 24, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Lying Lauer Lives Up to His Name</B></div> <div>      A couple of years ago Lying Lauer decided to publish his own web-site in order to inform people of the truth of what is really going on with council and city management. It seems Lying was not happy with what I have been reporting claiming that people were not getting the truth from us. So as he wants only the truth and nothing but the truth reported he decided to report after each council meeting on the goings on. Truthfully naturally right????? Of course in Lying's world pigs can also fly without an airplane.</div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >     Monday night saw the cost for the new library jump by </FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$2,206,000</B></FONT>. The report by Shore Tilby and Lori Koughan is available on the cities web-site <A HREF="https://orillia.civicweb.net/contentengine/launch.asp" TARGET="_top" TITLE="https://orillia.civicweb.net/contentengi"><U>https://orillia.civicweb.net/contentengine/launch.asp</U></A> Starting on Page 61 of the report we were told that the increase in costs were</div> <div> "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>The Project Cost Consultants Cm2R has undertaken the Class "A" costing for the</B></FONT></div> <div> <B>project based on tender documentation at 70% completion. A summary</B></div> <div> <B>comparison of the Class "A" costing to those previously undertaken at the</B></div> <div> <B>Schematic Design Phase and the Design Development Phase is attached.</B></div> <div> <B>Council at its meeting held on May 11, 2009 approved a $22,653,000 budget</B></div> <div> <B>based on the Design Development Phase costing ($18,375,000 construction,</B></div> <div> <B>$4,278,000 soft costs).</B></div> <div> <B>The Class "A" report estimates an increase in the estimated construction cost of</B></div> <div> <B>$1,321,000 and soft costs of $240,000 as compared to the Design Development</B></div> <div> <B>costing</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >". As you can see there is a cost increase of </FONT><B>$1,321,000 and soft costs of $240,000</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" > That my friends adds up to </FONT><B>$1,561,000</B></div> <div> That is followed by a further increase </div> <bR> <div> "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>The geotechnical analysis that was carried out by Soil Engineers Inc. found that</B></FONT></div> <div> <B>the soils beneath the proposed library will require the use of specialized</B></div> <div> <B>foundations (caissons) in order to provide the level of support required. This</B></div> <div> <B>more complex form of building foundation results in a premium cost included in</B></div> <div> <B>the Class "A" costing contributing an additional $500,000 to the cost of the library</B></div> <div> <B>construction. Savings cannot be realized for this component of the project</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >".</FONT></div> <bR> <div> Even without a calculator one can add <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$1,561,000</B></FONT> and <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$500,000</B></FONT> to find that the increase is <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$2,206,000</B></FONT></div> <div> But according to Lying Lauer's Honest it's the Truth Web-site he reports to his constituents the following.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Library Costing</B></div> <div> <B>Council received as information a report from the Library Project Team indicating that the final costing exercise performed by Shore Tilbe indicates that the City can anticipate a tendered price $700,000 higher than previously reported. A volatile construction market that had seen a significant drop earlier in the year has rebounded and prices have returned to pre-recession levels. Representatives from Shore Tilbe also indicated that the tendered costs have been coming in lower than their conservative estimates. The project goes to tender on October 23</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>rd</B></FONT><B>. </B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.timlauer.ca/ctw.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.timlauer.ca/ctw.htm"><U><B>http://www.timlauer.ca/ctw.htm</B></U></A></FONT></div> <div> So Lying Lauer has made an increase of <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$2,206,000</B></FONT> into <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$700,00</B></FONT>. Yup! this man is a financial genius. With a wink, wink and nod, nod he has managed to reduce an increase fictionally speaking of course by <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$1,506,000</B></FONT>. This amazing man who can work wonders and walk on water while continually lying at the same time is smart like streetcar. I mean who but an unadulterated compulsive liar could work such an astounding miracle????</div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >     But it gets even better. Mike Fogarty </FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Spoke Out</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" > on Monday night demanding to know why the cost of  renovating the Gill St. </FONT><B>Second Last Scam</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" > to the tune of some </FONT><B>$700,000</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" > isn't added to the cost for the New Library????? That's right folks these guys are once again flubbing the numbers. So not only has the costs for a new library which was touted as </FONT><B>$9,000,000</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" > doubled it has actually tripled. When Ralph Cipolla asked Brian </FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >(I have never been involved with a project that didn't cost more) Jewitt about the original estimate, Brian admitted that estimate wasn't the truth anyway. So if you add </FONT><B>$2,206,000</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > plus </FONT><B>$700,000</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > by anyone's calculations except Lying Lauers the Library cost just this week has increased by </FONT><B>$2,906,000???? </B></div> <div> To add insult to injury we have council told that they should not have believed the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$9,000,000 </B></FONT>cost which won their support, because it was not  realistic and they should have known that. Yup! our problem is that because council believes Liars and are then put into a position of having to continually lie to try and save face now must OK! these extra costs. Seems the taxpayers are in a Catch 22 aren't we????? Liars lying to Liars who then lie to the taxpayers while our pockets are picked once again. Hmmmm! Only in Orillia you say?????? Do you know when Lying Lauer is Lying????? When his lips are moving or he's writing. By the way these scammers have now decided that because of all these cost increases seem to be bothering people they will no longer bother telling us about them until it will actually be spent. Now doesn't that make all of us feel better??? You know the old saying "What you don't know won't bother you until, you know about it, so we won't tell you, until you have to pay for it??????? Right???? Thank You so much?????</div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >  </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Oct. 21, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>I Hope Everyone Who Reads this Will Speak Out</B></div> <div>      The following is a series of letters to the editor in the Barrie Examiner. I can not tell you the outrage I felt when I read the first letter from Rachel Payett had me steamed pretty good. You see Rachel needed the help of the Barrie Food Bank for the first and I hope the last time during Thanksgiving. I could comment before but will hold my tongue until you read all three letters that make up the trilogy, so here they are with my comments to follow.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Food bank failed to deliver </B></div> <div> Recently, I had the unfortunate experience of visiting the Barrie Food Bank. </div> <div> When I left my home that morning, I was greatly humbled by my need to access the service provided by the Barrie Food Bank. </div> <div> A friend had mentioned the food bank and urged me to go and seek assistance. I did, after much hesitation. I normally do not need this service. </div> <div> However, I enrolled at York University in September and have had to cover my own expenses for school supplies and travel to Toronto while I wait for my OSAP funding. </div> <div> This extra expense and regular household expenses, and my daughter's school expenses, have proved too much financially and I realized with Thanksgiving just around the corner, a little extra help would be much appreciated. </div> <div> Which brings me to the reason of my letter. During my intake at the food bank, I was informed I made too much money and would be denied approval for assistance. </div> <div> I began to explain my situation and was abruptly told that it was, 'Too bad, you're not approved.' </div> <div> I left feeling as if perhaps something more should have or could have been done. I then proceeded to ask to speak to a director or someone who would as least take the time to listen to me. </div> <div> The lady who did my intake overheard me talking to the receptionist, then pulled her aside and proceeded to have a whispered conversation. The receptionist then re-informed me I was denied and there as no one else I could speak to. </div> <div> I then asked how I could appeal a decision, or contact a member of the board of directors to voice my concern at the treatment I received. Subsequently, the woman, who did my intake came out of her office told me to leave in a raised voice. </div> <div> I think it is also important to note she did this is in a crowded waiting room. Not wanting to cause a scene, I said thank you and left.</div> <div> On the food bank's website, the organization states, 'Our mission is: To provide temporary food relief to individuals and families of our community who are in need, and to serve as a resource to encourage and guide them along the road to self sufficiency. In our treatment of those who come to us for assistance, we strive to demonstrate compassion and respect for their dignity, and to serve as a source of encouragement.' </div> <div> My question is how was this achieved in my treatment that day? Where was the compassion and respect for my dignity or that of my daughter's? </div> <div> How was my emergency situation attended to? </div> <div> I was yelled at and dismissed; I was humiliated and degraded in a room full of people. There was no compassion or understanding of my situation or even a willingness to try and understand it. </div> <div> This is unbelievable as it was Thanksgiving weekend and my family would have no food to celebrate. </div> <div> I have never before accessed the food bank's services, and believe it will be a long time before I work up the courage to ask for any help again. </div> <div> In closing, I am sorry to have to say this organization failed to deliver on its mission statement, and in writing this letter, hope that there are others out there that do not have to suffer the humiliation of this sort of treatment. </div> <div> I<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > am also forwarding a copy to Barrie MP Patrick Brown and Barrie MPP Aileen Carroll, in the hopes that this will not happen to another person. </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Rachel Payette Barrie</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I>Saying no isn't easy for Barrie Food Bank </I></div> <div> Since Rachel Payette was declined assistance, I can understand how she feels from her perspective that the Barrie Food Bank failed to deliver. </div> <div> Out of respect for the privacy of Ms. Payette, I cannot comment further on her personal affairs and the reasons she was refused. </div> <div> However, I would like to explain the policies of the Barrie Food Bank. </div> <div> We are not government funded in any way and our supporters want to be sure that we are assisting those in greatest need. </div> <div> We review the income and expenses of the applicant in a confidential interview, and assistance is provided to everyone who has a genuine need, not necessarily everyone who asks. </div> <div> Most people who come to a food bank desperately need our help, but there are those rare occasions when we have to say no because the income of the individual is adequate and there is no verifiable emergency. </div> <div> From personal experience, I can testify that saying no never gets easier, and it is one of the hardest parts of our job. </div> <div> It would be far easier to accommodate everyone regardless of income and thus avoid this kind of controversy, especially in a public forum like the newspaper. </div> <div> In my opinion, we are only doing our job in focusing our services on those who are in greatest need, and we are indeed delivering on our mission in as responsible a manner as we can. </div> <bR> <div> Dennis Willer Executive director Barrie Food Bank</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I>Dear Mr. Willer </I></div> <div> (Re: Saying no isn't easy for Barrie Food Bank, in the Oct. 17 edition of the Examiner) </div> <div> An open letter to Dennis Willer, executive director of the Barrie Food Bank </div> <div> Mr. Willer, I'm sure you don't have a clue about how Rachel Payette felt after being denied food at the Barrie Food Bank. </div> <div> We know how you are funded. </div> <div> According to your 2008 tax return (available on the government's Canada Revenue Agency website), the Barrie Food Bank's total revenue was $299,233 which included $11,845 in interest/investment income. </div> <div> That means the cash value of donations equals $287,388. You spent $53,000 for part-time labor /employees and $172,000 on salaries, wages and benefits. You have a balance of $371,698 on deposit. </div> <div> I don't see a specific line where you actually purchased any food. </div> <div> You did, however, spend $45,857 on office supplies and expenses and $15,823 on donated/purchased supplies and assets. </div> <div> Is that the food part?</div> <div> Who made you chief accountant for the needy? You wouldn't even give Ms. Payette a jar of peanut butter. </div> <div> Thank goodness for organizations like the Grocery Assistance Program (GAP), an alternate food bank where the hungry can actually go and make a withdrawal. </div> <div> I only hope that those supporting you will finally get it. </div> <bR> <div> (Editor's note: A Canada Revenue Agency financial statement document for the Barrie Food Bank, obtained by the Examiner, shows it spent $15,181 on food for the year ending March 31, 2008. This is the most recent information available.)</div> <bR> <div> If anybody reading the above letters don't get pissed off at the way Rachel was treated you simply could not have a heart. Here is a woman who placed her trust and self dignity in the hands of at least 3 people who claim to have compassion and was let down miserably. I can only imagine that Rachel is not an exception and this indignity has been played on many others by these same people many times. </div> <div> Sure there are scam artists who try to put one over on the Food Bank and other organizations. But to treat Rachel and her immediate need in the way described is unforgivable. Mean spirited comes to mind. Congratulations to Michael Procher for standing up to Willer and Speaking Out and Speaking up for every Rachel in Barrie. Good for Rachel for Speaking Out and standing up for herself and her self dignity.</div> <div>      Now to the meat and potato's. Here is an organization that asks for donations in the name of the poor and needy only to pay themselves with more than half of what comes in. I am sick and tired of these charlatans claiming to have only the concern for those in need and then lining their own pockets. Out of $287,388 donations people were paid $225,000 for distributing or not as in Rachel's case food to the needy. Only $15,181 was actually used to buy food. Folks something is wrong with this picture and it is not Rachel who is the Scam Artist. Here is the link to the Revenue Cananda Site for this organization <A HREF="http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/ebci/haip/srch/t3010form19-eng.action?b=106962251RR0001&e=2008-03-31&n=COMMUNITY+FOOD+FOUNDATION+OF+BARRIE+INC.&r=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cra-arc.gc.ca%3A80%2Febci%2Fhaip%2Fsrch%2Fbasicsearchresult-eng.action%3Fs%3D%2B%26amp%3Bk%3DCOMMUNITY%2BFOOD%2BFOUNDATION%2BOF%2BBARRIE%2BINC.%26amp%3Bp%3D1%26amp%3Bb%3Dtrue#section_e" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/ebci/haip/srch/"><U>Revenue Canada Link</U></A></div> <bR> <div>      Once I get a hold of something it gets me looking at things closer to home. So I decided to have a look at our very own Sharing Place to see how it's performance would stand up. Not very well I am sad to say. My understanding is that there is only one paid employee who just happens to be our very own Don Evans. If I am reading the return correctly it seems that Mr. Malarkey Evans is pulling down a cool $51,000 for a job until he won it was done by volunteers. So Don seems to have 2 part time jobs one as councillor and the other at the Sharing Place, which  brings in a nice round $74,000 annually for a guy who I believe also collects his pensions. While some are turned away at the Sharing Place 25% of revenues slides smoothly into Mr. Evan's pocket if indeed he is the only paid employee. If his pay is less then I am sure I will be corrected. But it certainly is what it says on line 4880 of their return. Then there is also on line 5010 an expenditure of $19,800 for Management and administration expenses. So just how much are the poor getting from the $199,000 raised in 2008????? For me this is nothing more than a bunch of Malarkey. Here is the link to  <A HREF="http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/ebci/haip/srch/t3010form19-eng.action?b=131482291RR0001&e=2008-06-30&n=THE+SHARING+PLACE+ORILLIA+INCORPORATED&r=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cra-arc.gc.ca%3A80%2Febci%2Fhaip%2Fsrch%2Fbasicsearchresult-eng.action%3Fs%3D%2B%26amp%3Bk%3Dsharing%2Bplace%2Borillia%26amp%3Bp%3D1%26amp%3Bb%3Dtrue#section_e" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/ebci/haip/srch/"><U>Revenue Canada Link Sharing Place</U></A> Quite frankly it is time that the public got an insight to the dark underbelly of where these organizations spend our donations and who gets what. It's too bad that it takes someone in need who had the gonads to Speak Out like Rachel did only because she said Enough was Enough. We should all say Enough is Enough starting today. </div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >  </FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Oct. 20, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Let the Scam Games Begin/ Orillia Wins Fool's Gold</B></div> <div>      It was only a matter of time before those involved with the Library Scam were going to be back with their hands out looking for more dough. Last night Shore Tilbe along with Brian (I have never been involved with a project that didn't cost more) Jewitt, Lori Koughan and Dawn Silver Library CEO let the boom drop regarding the library cost. Back in may they asked for a budget of almost <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$23,000,000</B></FONT> to build the library and it's soft costs. Last night the "Suckers" us, learned that tis the Scamming Season and councillors simply sat on their thumbs and rotated.</div> <div>      It seems that in a matter of just five short months the library project cost has increased by <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$2,040,000</B></FONT>. That is a monthly increase of <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$408,000</B></FONT> and a shovel hasn't even touched the ground. How on earth can this be tolerated by anyone never mind councillors???? Like with the MURF, like with the Fire Hall, Like with the Twin Pad Arena like with everything these guys touch simply hits the highs. This unjustified increase in cost represents an increase of 9.2% in just 5 months. That is almost 2% per month.  The double talk they tried last night may work on simple minded folk like council but it holds no water with thinking taxpayers.</div> <div>      Andrew Fontini spoke from both sides of his mouth with non of it believable to anyone but a simpleton. One minute he said costs were going down and the next minute he claimed costs were going up. Then he trots out this ridiculous statement that they were saving us over $300,000. His justification for these savings was that we would get an inferior facility than what was promised. He claimed our saving would come from less expensive materials which would allow for less labour???? Now how is that a saving??? Wouldn't a saving be if we got the same thing for less money???? This is the same guy who claimed there could be no changes made to his fish tank design to conform to heritage and only  his vision mattered  yet he now changes the design to try and fool us into believing he is saving us money. Once more the Carpetbaggers have fooled the fools. Unfrigging believable. </div> <div>      But this didn't end our collective pain as Lori Koughan introduced another Carpetbagger who fleeced us for an additional $166,000. What a wonderful way these experts have of making money. As reported here and as far back as 2004 the plume is moving and moving in all directions. First the experts get paid for disturbing a toxic site by digging and dumping when they should have done nothing and get paid Oh! let's say millions??? Even though mayor, council and city management were warned not to disturb the site until it was properly delineated the experts advised to go ahead anyway. Now that the harm has been done they come back with out stretched hands saying that if we don't give them the money then the MOE will order us to do it anyway. Looks like any resistance would be fool hardy. </div> <div>      Not true. If I were on council and ruler of Orillia these expert's <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Asses</B></FONT> would be kicked all the way to the city limits and told never to show their faces again. It's time to take command and control once and for all. The next step would be to call a senior staff meeting and have security escort them from City Center. Next I would call for a Forensic Audit and have a Judicial Inquiry started in conjunction with a thorough police investigation done by an independent police force from the OPP. I would then hire a top notch Legal team to stop at nothing in retrieving the tens of millions that has gone by the bye over the last 8 years, holding all involved financially responsible. Please don't tell me it isn't possible. It is possible if there is will. After all white collar crime is so out of control that Harper is bringing in legislation to jail these type of thieves once and for all.</div> <div>      Here is a letter from one of our readers that was copied to us addressed to Ralph Cipolla regarding last night's circus. </div> <bR> <div> Hi Ralph: </div> <div> Concerning the Craig report dated Sept 30th, which for some reason (?) had been withheld from Councillors until the weekend, it was really good to see you grab this issue and give it a damn good shake last night.</div> <div> There is one point that intrigues us though. As we both recall, you clearly asked the Clerk as to <B><U>who</U></B> had approved the decision to send Craig's letter <I><B>firstly</B></I> to Staff for a couple weeks rather than straight to Councillors for heads-up & then their referral to staff, if thought appropriate. Increasingly, and not just because of Doug Lewis pointing to the obvious, the public's perception is that part-time Councillors are being set up and danced silly by full-time Staff. It is a tough job you Councillors have - and it must be a bitch to feel you're getting the royal mushroom treatment, and pretty embarrassing to be yet again stranded in a 'last-to-know' state, eh? Like, one would have to be pretty numb were one not to wonder as to what other messes are being cooked up out of sight by the hired help, eh? </div> <div> Also, as we recall, you also followed <I>that</I> question up by clearly asking the Clerk as to <B><U>who</U></B> was the lead writer of the anonymous "annotated" rebuttal of Craig's opinion. Same result. Zilch. With spin.</div> <div> (By the way, one wonders as to why didn't any other Councillor pick up on these two key corporate accountability concerns raised by you instead of getting spin-dried by Jackson as she went into hyper-centrifuge mode, fogging and obfuscating interminably yet <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B><U>never answering</U></B></FONT> your well put and clearly articulated concerns.) </div> <div> This again cuts to the heart of one of the key issues that Doug Lewis addressed viz. <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B><U>who</U></B></FONT> is in charge??? Is it our elected representatives?? Or is it Staff (under Brown direction and control)!!! But alas...Jackson is no Laura Lee... and if last night was an example of what to expect, one can well project her usefulness upon Brown's chess board - God help us all. </div> <div> Also, did you know that after the break, (and after Gardy had inadvertently flummoxed Joe's initial motion recommending how to proceed on the issue) - that starting at approx 10:05 and for approx 5-6 minutes the auditorium TV monitor went blank, then blue, then to test-pattern, cutting out your two problematic questions and all of Jackson's non-response spin, the TV signal only recovering during Spear's subsequent comments. Maybe the signal cut-off was only an in-house glitch, and not across the public feed; or maybe it was Rogers way of protecting its customers from what might be troubling issues before bedtime. I'll be checking with others as to this 'glitch' and were you yourself interested in finding out if someone had purposely done a public black-ball slice job on you, probably Jim Tonlai has recorded the session.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> ... Keith </div> <bR> <div>      Unanswered questions, double talk with a good portion of lies and bullsh*t and the council Bozo's buy in without so much as a whimper. Last night in just a little over a half hour council spent another <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$2,206,000</B></FONT> of our money with not one cent being scrutinized or justified by them. Last week they pissed away <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$500,000</B></FONT> in about 10 minutes on a project that didn't answer even the most basic question.</div> <div>      This week we are told that more testing must be done because there is flow North East and North West off the MURF Site. Last week Mr. Newby from New Path told us there had been drilling done on the site they want to buy and nothing was found?? So what the Hell is going on???? Newby hadn't even the most basic information on this property yet we are to believe he had actually done test holes for contaminants???? He hadn't even called in the MOE at that point who might have told him that indeed they believe there are toxins flowing North East which is where this property is located. What a Frigging Mess. And the Circus continues. Anyone want to bet our News Organizations won't report on this outrage in a meaningful way??? Why is the Packet misleading people by reporting the testing to the North East is only to Queen St when the report clearly says to Western Ave.????</div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >  </FONT></div> <div> <B>Oct. 17, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Here is What I wrote back in December of 2004</B></div> <div> <B>Danger Danger????</B></div> <div> by: jim tolnai Dec. 2004</div> <div>      What does it take for people to wake up and smell the coffee. We have a major industrial dump site in the heart of the city and council seems not to care that proper cleanup is not done.The consequences will be devastating to our environment, health and pocket book. According to the cities own experts who have not done a thorough program of test holes there seems to be a large plume of vinyl chloride directly under the foot print of the MURF building. All anyone has to do is look at the results of three test holes. All of them exceed the MOE limits by as much as 82,000 times</div> <div>      You see three test holes were done back in Sept. and Oct. These holes were done north to south in a straight line. All of them showed excedence by thousands of times and the middle one was actually showing exceedence of 82,000 times higher than safe levels. But the city chose not to order further holes east and west to establish the size of the plume. This decision goes a long way to explaining why excavation only went down four feet instead of the eight feet originally announced. You see the contaminants are in the ground water below the four foot level. Had they hit this contaminant they would have had some major problems so it seems that if we don't hit it, how can it be there???  But what are the dangers of not dealing with these contaminants? In researching other similar sites I have posted two examples on the www.speakingout.biz web-site on the Vapour Migration page.</div> <div>      I will attempt to educate you and possibly council on the consequences of not dealing honestly and safely with these toxins. The first example of a disaster taking place is in Endicott New York. You see IBM has a plant there that spilled toxins on their property not unlike the MURF site. Since 1980 IBM has been frantically trying to save the drinking water supply from contamination. You see once this stuff is in the ground water it will travel for miles contaminating as it goes. It takes years but the process although slow goes on round the clock. IBM realizing the problem did the following.</div> <div> "Since 1980, IBM has sought to protect the village drinking water supply by halting the spread of groundwater contamination. That process involves the use of pumping wells to capture the contaminated groundwater so it can be treated to remove the VOCs. Although groundwater data indicate that this program has been effective, it typically takes many years (possibly decades) to clean up the groundwater. IBM is currently evaluating possible actions to expedite groundwater source containment and removal. They are also evaluating potential enhancements to the groundwater remedial program that would shrink the plume as quickly as possible so that it is under fewer buildings as time goes on. The results of that evaluation are expected by the end of 2003".</div> <div> Further problems were encountered as IBM  the State of New York and Broome County realized the following.</div> <div> "In Fall, 2002, New York State, Broome County and IBM determined that there is a potential for migration of the VOCs from the groundwater through the soil as vapors into buildings above. Consequently, the Agencies and IBM developed an action plan to determine whether vapor migration related to the groundwater contamination is occurring, and, if so, to cut off the vapor migration pathways. The results of the investigation indicate that vapor migration has impacted the indoor air in buildings above the plume. As of July 2003, IBM had identified and offered to install vapor mitigation systems at 480 properties in the Village of Endicott and the Town of Union. The agencies estimate that 85 to 95 % of the buildings which need mitigation systems to intercept the IBM-related contaminant vapors have now been identified".</div> <div>     <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > How much more evidence do people need that what is happening down on West St. is just not right. What will it take for people to understand that this stuff has short term effects but that the long term effects are far worse. As this stuff creeps underground over the years it will affect any building it comes into contact with that has cracks in it's foundation. Not only that but as the MURF will be built directly above the plume as cracks in the foundation occur (and there will be cracks) the building will become a dangerous place to use. You see we are dealing with levels of 41,000 parts per billion. The MOE says that anything over .5 parts is hazardous. Do you or I have to be experts to figure out that we have a problem? And these guys say it is an acceptable risk. Acceptable to who? The sick child and it's family or to councillors and experts who are untouched. Shame</FONT></div> <div> Re-published from previous issue 26 Dec. 2004</div> <div> The plume traveled all the way to Union Center some 5 miles north. Pleas see map below</div> <div> <IMG SRC="792cf610.png" border=0 width="463" height="353" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Ignoring the facts and not stopping the flow from this site will come back to haunt this town and the individuals responsible. It should have been done 5 years ago and should be done today. Not doing that can only be called negligence. If anyone gets hurt by this negligence it will be called "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Criminal Negligence</B></FONT>". My well along with many hundreds more are a lot closer than 5 miles away. See Migration of Vapors  <A HREF="http://speakingout.biz/id32.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://speakingout.biz/id32.htm"><U>http://speakingout.biz/id32.htm</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.health.state.ny.us/environmental/investigations/soil_gas/index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.health.state.ny.us/environmen"><U>http://www.health.state.ny.us/environmental/investigations/soil_gas/index.htm</U></A>  <A HREF="http://www.health.state.ny.us/environmental/investigations/broome/phrp/report.htm#32" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.health.state.ny.us/environmen"><U>http://www.health.state.ny.us/environmental/investigations/broome/phrp/report.htm#32</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/24900.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/24900.htm"><U>http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/24900.html</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/24891.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/24891.htm"><U>http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/24891.html</U></A></div> <bR> <div> Looks like it took almost 5 years but my predictions in 2004 have now come home to roost in 2009. Negligence still prevails in Orillia. Can <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Criminal Negligence</B></FONT> be far behind???? As I wrote back then that council and the same mayor didn't give a <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Rat's Ass</B></FONT> then and niether do they care today. They not only haven't done anything in the last 5 years but today they don't even talk about the problems. Until next years election and these Turkeys get dumped nothing will happen. Wonder if we will hear something about this from our neutered 5th Estate?????</div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >   </FONT></div> <div> <B>Oct. 16, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Orillia Desperately Needs a Real News Organization</B></div> <div>      Orillia and area is ill served by the Packet and Orillia Today in actually reporting what is going on in our community. Too little too late and no matter how I embarrass these organizations outing them, they simply refuse to honour the notion of Freedom of the Press. Why these publications can not live up the mandate of all News Organizations to report the news I simply no longer can tolerate. </div> <div>       Orillia Today in a Frank Matys article "$500G for ' dig and dump' the mis-information is repeated almost verbatim that New Path spewed to councill on Monday night. Nowhere in the article does Frank question how this $500,000 cost could have been arrived at by them??? The Packet did the same thing knowingly allowing such rubbish to go unchallenged. The same is true for councillors who have said not a word about the mis-speak of how much this site could actually be cleaned for.</div> <div>      Mike Fogarty is quoted  in speaking about this ill thought out project his comment is "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>That is not only an investment in dollars, but in the well being of our community</B></FONT>". Seems Mike and all councillors couldn't care less that Mr. Newby misled them in his presentation when he asked and received <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$500,000</B></FONT> based on What?????? Mr. Newby couldn't tell them how much rent would be charged, how much savings would be realized by the tenants or how much a clean up would really cost. He couldn't tell them what the MOE had said about the site and said only that the MOE hadn't even visited the site. But he did say he thought they could clean the property up for a mere <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$500,000</B></FONT>????? Bullsh*t plain and simple. It's no wonder no bank would talk to these people about loaning them money??? I'm sure any self respecting banker would have thrown them out on their ass real quick with a presentation like they gave to council.</div> <div>      But this is Orillia council who in a matter of minutes voted to loan these people <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$500,000</B></FONT> at an interest rate undetermined and yet they voted 6 to 3 to hand it over. What the hell is wrong with these guys???? Will they never learn that this is public money they are screwing with???? They approved this money in less time than they took to turn down the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#009933" FACE="Arial" ><B>Kid' for Turtles </B></FONT>request for the city to install signs along roadways where turtles are known to cross. Now one must remember that the kids actually supplied the signs and asked the city only to dig a hole and bury the post yet these guys turned them down. Yet in half the time with no facts and nothing but mis information they hand over a cheque for <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$500,000</B></FONT>????? </div> <div>      I phoned Frank and asked him what the hell he was doing??? I asked him why he didn't report that the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$500,000</B></FONT> could even come close to cleaning this property???? I got the usual BS like I always got from the Packet in the days when I used to bother to call them. I am very disappointed in Orillia Today as it actually sometimes seemed to make an effort of showing they had some gonads. This week my disappointment in the Freedom of the Press is complete. I know Frank and the people at the Packet read <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Speaking Out</B></FONT> so they know about the costs I reported. So why didn't they pickup the phone and call down to the dump and confirm the tippage fees per cubic yard of contaminated soil???? If they did and Frank did confirm that he knew the tippage fees then why not report it???? Isn't that what a newspaper's commitment to the community they purport to serve is all about????</div> <div>      Why does the Packet and Orillia Today then not report New Path's information as misleading in the least or a complete lie at worst. Do they not care that all these carpet baggers come to town and fleece the locals for millions and millions of dollars every year??? Or are they actually the Yokels??? Come on guys I know you are not stupid so if that is true then it only leaves me to believe that you yourselves are dishonest. Just what we need more dishonest people aligned with dishonest people to pull the wool over the sucker taxpayers eyes. Thanks very much. I am sure there is one or two people who appreciate your efforts???? It seems to me in Orillia the bigger pack of lies are told the more reward the liars get. So come on the Bernie Madoff's, the Earl Jones of the world Orillia is ripe and ready for picking. Just tell your outrageous lies and our city fathers will dig deep into our pockets and hand you as much as you want. Unbelievable</div> <bR> <div>      This past July I stopped in at the Canadian Tire Gas Bar when I saw drill rigs working on the North edge of their property. Now it was just 2 years ago that this site was completely dug out about 25 or more feet deep and the contaminated soil was trucked up into the Ottawa area. Not only that but all the tens of thousands of gallons of contaminated water was also trucked away. The hole was then filled with clean soil and paved over. So I was shocked to see these drill rigs taking samples in such a short time after the big clean up. I approached a young lady who was working with the crew and asked what was going on. She informed me that they were doing environmental testing. I asked if they were having trouble with the in ground tanks and she said no they were looking for other contaminants.</div> <div>     So  I am not surprised to see tomorrows Council Agenda has a report which asks for further test wells to be drilled. Seems this request is from the MOE which does not surprise me either. Nor am I surprised that for the first time in the six year saga of the Biggest Scam ever perpetrated on Orillia taxpayers they are now requiring monitoring to the North East of the West St. site. What I saw this summer on the CTC property completes the picture with this new revelation. I instinctively knew when speaking with the young lady driller that this was not good for Orillia taxpayers. I have said from day one that contaminants are being squeezed of that property in all directions. Council and their experts have said I was full of crap. Now it seems that crap is about to hit the fan and cover all taxpayers with it. I believe that CTC found something and are now deciding on how to deal with it. The MOE must have been notified and that is why they are asking for this new delineation???? Golly, Surprise!! Surprise!!! as Gomer Pyle used to say.  Here is the report for your information  <a href="HTMLobj-1939/MURF_Work_Report.pdf"><u>MURF_Work_Report.pdf</u> </a>  It seems that the MOE is requesting for wells to be drilled on Western Ave. because they have concerns that contaminants in the "Shallow Subsurface" have migrated to the North/East. Really???? Could my sponge theory have been correct???? Why, I do believe it was. You see many years ago I did a demonstration for folks who attended our Coalition information meeting at the Sundial. I filled a sponge with water and surrounde it by houses and hotels from my Monopoly Game. I asked peope in the audienc to put their flat hands onto the sponge and push down. The result was that the water flowed from the sponge in all directions. The same is true of the MURF site. When these geniuses put the 250,000 tons of dirt on that site which is nothing more than a wetland sponge they squeezed the contaminants off site. For the last 4 years they have been telling one and all that there was flow only to the South East and there was nothing to worry about. It seems that the MOE has now once again come out of their Coma and realized thay have been had once more. So it all makes sense and the puzzle once again is forming the true picture. So folks the crap is hitting the fan so put on your rain coats, hats and rubber boots and get your wallets ready. They are also going North West all the way over to Barrie Rd. and Dundein St. Once again Surprise!! Surprise!!!?</div> <div>      I reported three years ago that contaminants from the MURF site were showing up in the Cities'  water supply. Back then we were getting all our water from the lake and yet trichlorethylene was showing up. The intake pipe is located a quarter of a mile or more off shore so how did this stuff get way out there I asked???? It was only 13 months after the dig and dump that this stuff appeared all of a sudden. In order for detectable amounts to be present so far out in the lake and at depth the source has to be bubbling up from the lake bottom (about 12 ft.). The source also has to be very near the intake pipe. So as reported right here there can only be one source and that is the MURF site. I hate to say it, but I did tell you didn't I??? We are now faced with contaminants no longer in the deep subsurface as these experts have been telling us (which I have never believed) to the South/East where there are relatively few homes and buildings but it is now traveling North and East where there are many buildings and most of them with basements. I warned them three years ago if not four to start a program of checking buildings for contamination but they dismissed me. I even wrote about Endicott New York and how hundreds of buildings were contaminated by the IBM spills many miles away. The plume there traveled even to other towns ten miles away. But when I reported it people were told I didn't know what I was talking about. Well I guess I do Eh!!!.</div> <div>      Because this stuff now is in the shallow subsurface every house/building it goes under is  going to be at risk. I am sure CTC didn't spend all that money on drilling their property this summer because they had extra cash to spend??? I am sure it is not an accident that the MOE no longer believes the Mayor, council, city management and their experts that there is nothing to worry about???? If this wasn't so sad it would be laughable. But believe me there is nothing to laugh about. We mustn't forget all those fires on the West St. side of DOL, the truck burning to the ground and the house fire directly behind DOL on Matchedash S. Luckily there are only a few buildings in this Industrial area to the South/East. But starting at Western Ave. and Barrie Rd. West we have a different story. Remember VC gas ignites at 41 degrees and can explode or burn real hot and is almost impossible to put out until it burns itself out. Most of the buildings are old, some with stone foundations and some still with dirt floors in the basement. We got us a problem folks and it needs our attention and it needs it fast.</div> <div>      Anyway the report from Lori Koughan says we needn't worry because the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$166,000</B></FONT> they are spending to find out how far this stuff has flowed North isn't really going to cost any new money as they still have funds in the slush fund already budgeted. So folks eat, drink and be happy as all is well according to them. But then they have been consistently wrong so far so we might want to be careful to have our Hazmat suits and our Asbestos Underwear on just in case some one lights a cigarette at the party we are supposed to have in celebration of this great news??? And of course I will await with baited  breath to see how our Orillia based News Organizations tell this story???? </div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >   </FONT></div> <div> <B>Oct. 11, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Scamming Part Three</B></div> <div>      Does anyone remember how Orillia was governed before Ken McCann was elected in a surprise vote of the grassroots??? People in Orillia had grown tired of the dictatorial rule of Mayor French who actually came to be mayor because of John Palmer's death. John's claim to fame was his size. I remember him asking for people's vote because Orillia would be able to claim to have the largest mayor in Canada if not the world. People obliged and voted him in. When he died French was anointed mayor and the majority of Orillia started to find out what a Backroom Boy's choice could do. It was during French's watch that our City manager was recruited for the job. Brown was cooling his heels in Collingwood I believe after he was relieved of his position as the manager of the Toronto Harbour Commission. For those interested you could Google him along with Harbour Commission and learn quite a bit about our City Manager. Mr. Brown was the perfect choice for the Backroom Boys as each dumb deal the city gets into speaks volumes. Needless to say either Mr. French and the Backroom Boy councillors of the day didn't know about Mr. Brown's history and were negligent or they knew his history and chose the guy best suited to do the bidding and work of the Backroom Boys????? Either scenario says volumes. Let's not forget that at the same time French was in power how close a relation he had with the infamous Doug Little which also calls into question French's judgment.</div> <div>      But everyone's day comes and once French announced he was leaving along comes Ken McCaan who campaigns successfully on the anti Backroom Boys platform. Ken saw what Brown was about and took him head on. He moved the mayor's office downstairs and the people of Orillia loved it. But what he also did was take on the Backroom Boy's. As his term progressed Ken who can be aggressive in making a point had to fight every councillor for any support which most of the time never happened. The Backroom Boys choice of the 2 or three councillors they owned outright worked their magic on the not so bright and the gonadless ones went along isolating Ken and his reform attempt of Orillia. Say what you might about Ken, but he did have it right that Brown and the city management team he was assembling was bad news for taxpayers. </div> <div>      I have spoken with Ken from time to time and each encounter has been very revealing of what he faced and endured during his term.  Why I just spoke with him last week on Coldwater Rd. and again he imparted more about his experiences and what mistakes he made and what he would have done different on reflection. One of the things he said was that no mayor can get anything good or bad done without the full support of at least some councillors. Those councillors would be the Backroom Boy's choices. As Ken said "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>it was quite a revelation when he discovered that reality</B></FONT>".</div> <div>      Along comes the next election which Ken had every intention of running in. It was no secret that City Management was not happy to see him win another term and in a conversation with Laura Lee in the first Pinocchio term she let it slip that she and most of management would have left if Ken had been elected. So it was in the interest of City Management to do everything possible to sabotage Ken's reforms and re-election ????? The Backroom Boys were in a panic as the management team they had assembled was going to be lost. Just when they had a guy like Brown (google harbour commission/Brown) they were about to lose all their well laid out Schemes and Scams. Something had to be done. That is when they recruited Pinocchio who was already in their sphere of influence and needed no training (talk to Severn Township people for more info). But how does one get rid of McCaan and even worse how do you convince him to not run??? Now if nothing else I don't believe Ken could have been approached directly because he was a wildcard and most likely chased them off. The Backroom Boy's problem was if they can't bribe or cajole what was Ken's Achilles Heel. Ken had been interested in provincial politics but was a Liberal and the Conservatives were in power. But Ken had another interest. That was Electricity and the regulation of it. He had made his living from the electrical field and was something that might be used to get rid of him.</div> <div>      So some very influential people decided to literally destroy Ken McCaan politically in Orillia at least and forever. Their plan was to get the provincial government to give Ken an appointment to the Energy Board of Ontario. Now that in itself wouldn't destroy Ken's political career but the clever part was???? Ken had to accept the appointment and leave the mayor's position before the end of his term. One must realize and remember that Ken I am sure, had no idea at the time that he had just been setup. In his mind he knew the appointment was for I believe only 2 or 3 years but fully expected to be able to come back and run again. He was trapped into making a decision and chose the one option which he felt opened more of a future and of course paid twice as much to him. So Ken looked after his own interest and that was his undoing. He was finished because, the Backroom Boys went after him claiming he was abandoning the people and was a traitor so to speak. Sitting councillors smelling blood  tore at Ken's political carcass while City Management joined in to tear what strips were left off of him. Ken may have been fooled by these people but the ultimate losers have been the taxpayers of Orillia as we have been plundered by the pirates left behind for many tens of millions of dollars in the last 9 years. Question???? Who in Orillia had enough pull with the Conservative Government back then to pull this off. It must have been a huge calling in of favours to get a Redneck Conservative Government to appoint a hated Liberal to anything wouldn't it??? </div> <div>      That is where the Orillia Backroom Boys called in the County Backroom Boys for help. I'm sure promises of Plunder and future political favours were made???? I can only imagine all the calls the Government Minister responsible for energy and the Premier were getting from Simcoe County extolling the virtues of Ken McCaan. One can only imagine the strategy sessions held in darkened rooms all over the county trading future Orillia taxpayers dollars for political favours to kill off Ken McCaan's political future???? So who are these people that have so much power???? Who in Orillia has benefited from the last 9 years????? It sure hasn't been the average Joe that's for sure. </div> <div>      The Newpath deal is a fine example of the co-operation of Orillia Backroom Boys and the County Backroom Boys. This deal to rent the proposed very expensive facilities can not work without the involvement of the County. You see most of the tenants or proposed tenants are funded from County grants. If these organizations costs go up so does the Counties expenditures. There has to be some form of collusion by the two entities for this to work. That is why the mayor and council voted against showing support for the Site 41 Protestors??? These guys trade taxpayers dollars and favours like Futures Traders on the Stock Market. And always we pay and pay and pay. The 165 Front St. deal makes no sense and if something makes no sense then it is simply loaded with Scams and Scheming otherwise why do it?????</div> <div>      As I wrote yesterday the invitation of Gardy down to the political Slaughter House last Thursday night along with the 45 others who attended reads like the political death of McCaan.  I am sure Gardy felt quite smug being the Chosen One. Led by Judas into the room he and the others will be left hanging, their hides stripped from their political carcasses. Folks beware "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Accidents happen in Orillia but nothing in Orillia ever happens by accident</B></FONT>". Remember the Liberal Ken McCaan and what happened to Orillia because he believed that his reward was genuine and allowed Pinocchio and his team to take control. We can not afford another 4 years without cleaning the stench from City Center.</div> <div>      After knowing how the schemers and scammers play the game it is easy to figure them out.. You see,  through 165 Front St. runs a road allowance and a utilities right of way. When I found out about that, it was like a revelation of why Newpath would want this deal. It also reveals why Newpath is not concerned by the real cost of cleaning up the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>12,000 </B></FONT>cubic yards of contaminated soil. Newpath must have been assured that they will not be bearing any more cost than <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$500,000</B></FONT> for cleanup. How can that be you ask??? I believe that you and I will be paying for the bulk of the actual cleanup, it's that simple. Pinocchio and the councillors in the know have most likely already agreed with city management that they could justify the cost of clean up because of the road allowance and utilities right of way.  That will lead to a <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$2,000,000</B></FONT> expenditure of tax dollars to clean private property and if allowed will be a template for a number of other property's to be cleaned up at public expense. Crafty Little Buggers aren't they????? Now it makes sense how Newpath will be able to get conventional financing for a property that would cost almost <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$3,000,000</B></FONT> with clean up yet only worth <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$1,000,000</B></FONT> when cleaned???? Truth is that they will only need to borrow <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$1,000,000</B></FONT> plus any renovations (lease hold improvemens paid by tenants) they plan to do to the building because taxpayers are picking up all costs above what the property will actually be worth and still be left in privates hands. Another fine example of lining private pockets with public money. Clever??????</div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Oct. 10, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Scheming, Scamming an Art Form</B></div> <div> <B>    </B> Doug Lewis' call to arms of the select few to join him in hand picking Orillia's next mayor and council is nothing more than a scheme and scam in itself. Not particularly a brilliant move for a man who thinks of himself so highly???? Some have been fooled into thinking that this is a sincere effort to involve people in the political process.  Doug claims that his list "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>wasn't exhaustive</B></FONT>" and indicates he wants to involve even more people???? Looks to me like he is Scamming and Scheming against Wayne Gardy. He isn't so much rejecting the others as being worthy, but it is more of an attempt to sabotage Gardy. Surely Doug knew that this ever so public and not so clumsy attempt would be seen by the general public as a blatant attempt to put his own candidates into office. So I can only see it as a very clever Scam to try and fool people into thinking the opposite to what he really wants to achieve. I think he wants Gardy to Crash and Burn along with those people on his list and those who would be picked as candidates by him and his handpicked group?????</div> <div>      That said, I think Doug has already had some very private meetings with the Backroom Boys where the strategy and decision to elect the mayor and council they really want has already been held and a list of candidates most likely drawn up???? For anyone who believes that Doug Lewis is dumb enough to actually come out into the open like this sincerely, I have a nice bridge at the narrows to sell you??? While everyone is fuming and fussing about Doug, the Backroom Boys who have always stayed on the Darkside of Simcoe County politics will be quietly putting forth the next generation of puppet politicians to do their bidding. The 85 people invited are nothing more than a smoke screen. Who could imagine Doug Lewis sitting down with Liberals to form <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Coalition</B></FONT>???? Not me and nor should you. Who was on this list, is only important to know for one reason. That is to simply know who Doug is setting up to be irrelevant in this coming election. You see in the eyes of many, these 85 will be suspect and their choice will be torn to shreds. As for the 45 who actually showed up, once their names are published they are politically deader than a duck on opening day of hunting season.</div> <div>      The trick will be to know who the chosen candidates really are from a large slate of people running that were chosen by the Backroom Boys. For that, voters must be vigilant because this city simply can't afford another mayor like Pinocchio. He was brought into Orillia to do the Backroom Boys bidding and to date tens of millions of taxpayers money has been transferred to private pockets by him over the last 9 years. They have been very happy with his work but realize that his time like Doug's with the public is over. Doug's job is to kill the chances of people getting elected whom the Backroom Boys would have trouble controlling. To that end Doug is the sacrifice to meet their ends. All they need to do is have their mayoral candidate and possibly two or three others elected to council. Then they need to make sure that there is at least two not very bright councillors and the others will be neutered, not unlike the council we have now. A couple of councillors try to get an audit and the Backroom Boy's representatives stymie it because the weak of spirit and the weak of mind don't have gonads or the brains to do the right thing. Doug Lewis' last hooray! is his single issue and the only thing he has ever cared about which is his incessant desire to win at any cost and anyway.</div> <div>      How can anyone believe different when the mouth who is Doug Lewis spewed this type of Venom? </div> <div> "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="TimesNewRoman" ><B>Quite frankly I don't care what the policies are,</B></FONT></div> <div> <B>I don't care what the constitution says and</B></div> <div> <B>I don't care who the leader is going to be</B></div> <div> <B>as long as we have a united conservative</B></div> <div> <B>party that moves forward. United we</B></div> <div> <B>stand and WIN, divided we fall, that's all</B></div> <div> <B>there is to it</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="TimesNewRoman" >".</FONT></div> <div> This was Doug Lewis' little speech to members of the Conservative Party who were voting to join with the REform Party. Anyone believe that Lewis is sincere today when he talks about his vision for Orillia or of what type of people he wants as mayor or councillors???? All he wants and has ever desired was to get the key to the cookie jar or if he can't get the key wants to control the person who has it.</div> <div>      He has no vision that I have ever been able to detect except his desire for power purely for powers' sake and self interest. Just read his list of 5 things he wants.</div> <div> 1) People with vision and a sense of the city's long-term goals; </div> <div> 2) People who can plan a four-year term and co-operate with fellow councillors to compromise and come up with mutual goals; </div> <div> 3) A sense of teamwork, not only with each other but with management, staff and the public; </div> <div> 4) An attitude change is needed, keeping in mind that the taxpayers are council's "customers"; </div> <div> 5) "We've got to have a council that sets the policy and directs the bureaucracy and says we'll do the oversight, not the other way around," Lewis said. </div> <div> Lewis is saying that anyone else's vision isn't a vision at all unless it is his vision. He wants councillors to keep in mind that the public is the customer. Yet he dismisses a large part of the public who asked for council to listen to them. Doug claims that anyone who opposes mayor, council and management are not worthy and are one trick ponies. So tell us Doug what is it you wanted done in Orillia??? Was it your intention that the safety of the community and it's children be compromised by the building of the MURF directly on top of one of the worst contaminated sites in the world??? Was it your intention to tear Scout Valley up for housing instead of leaving a Green Jewel within the City for future generations?? Was it your desire to have the taxpayer at large pay for the development of new construction so that the developers can make ever more money at our expense??? Was it your intention to line the waterfront of Orillia with 10 story buildings??? Was it your intention to have a mayor who lies to council and to the people as a matter of policy??? Was it your intention to allow city management to lie to councillors and to the public??? Was it your desire to have a fish tank library and destroy the Market??? Was it your intention for council and mayor to hold illegal in camera meetings????Just what was your desires in this past term and the preceding terms of Mayor Pinocchio??? Funny we didn't hear from you about these and other matters Doug unless it was when you complained about the traffic lights on Highway 12 because they inconvenienced you. Oh! yes we did hear you complain that Oro/Medonte building department made you comply to the rules and you did complain when Orsi wanted to put a new road connecting to your road which would mean people would actually drive by your house which you preferred to be for your own use (NIMBY). So technically we did hear from you, but it seems always in self interest and complaing in sort of a self interest one trick pony way. <IMG SRC="79547480.jpg" border=0 width="71" height="72" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">And just what is it you want done specifically??? So far Doug I see only a one issue desire on your part which is to control mayor, council and city management. I see no vision in anything you have written or have been reported to have said. Other than Power for Power's sake you seem to be at a dead end.</div> <div>      Doug, I and thousands of Orillians take exception to you dismissing people who have stood against stupid decisions, waste, enviromental issues and lies that flow from City Center not to mention the mayor stealing councillors mail and shutting down democracy at the public forum section of council meetings and withholding reports and even investigation results from council and the public. These are your people Doug who you and the Backroom Boys foisted upon us whom you now complain about???? What nerve, what moxy, what chutzpa. Your rhetoric about one trick ponies is just that rhetoric and doesn't deserve consideration by anyone. People can now see the desperation of the Backroom Boys and yourself to hold onto power because not just Orillians, but all of Simcoe County is now saying Enough is Enough. Art of Bullsh*ting us is old hat and we simply don't believe anything you and the current politicians in Simcoe County say. Yes, we need a change and it is your ilk that will be changed next November. I look forward to the day when we can have that <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="TimesNewRoman" ><B>Forensic Audit</B></FONT> followed by a <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="TimesNewRoman" ><B>Judicial Inquiry</B></FONT> and hold the Scammers and Schemers responsible for their treachery. See you at the election?????? More tomorrow so please do come back for the continuation of Part 3 Of 165 Front St. Scam.</div> <div> jim tolnai </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>    <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></FONT></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >   </FONT></div> <div>      </div> <div> <B>Oct. 09, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Scamming Part Duex</B></div> <div>      Welcome back to part two of my Scamming Autopsy. Many people accuse these guys of being stupid but they are anything but. As I have said here many times, accidents happen in Orillia but nothing happens by accident. They have many plans to scam taxpayers that have been in the works for years. Patiently they start a process to setup the rubes and suckers with some most benign plans that would actually benefit the community. With the MURF the beginnings were actually  when the Provincially Significant Wetlands were transferred to Municipally Significant. That set the stage for the MURF. Once they and by they I mean the Backroom Boys not necessarily the sitting councillors at the time had control of the development things were made to happen. One of those things was the extension of James St. over to Memorial. Even though it was said there was to be no development of these wetland lots  they installed fire hydrants every couple of hundred feet. Yea! no development of the wetland and pigs can fly.</div> <div>      My point is simple. The plans of these movers and shakers are sometimes decades in the making. One thing you can bet on is that the properties that are involved were either optioned or purchased long before we the unwashed become aware of what is going on. A few years ago I went down to the OMB offices in Toronto and did my due diligence in regards to that area. I also contacted the MNR to find out how and why the change in land designation was allowed. These two investigations speak volumes of how the seedier side of our society actually works. So while individual mayors and councillors are taken to the Darkside it is not they that do the long term planning.</div> <div>      So who are these Masters of the Darkside you ask????? Names I will not use but I will describe the type of people they are. One more thing that you need to know is that not all those whom do this to our community are directly from here or live here. Simcoe County is a Hotbed of inter relations, family relations, business relations, nepotism and even Organized Criminal Activity. These people send their children and family members to all four corners of the County to meld in with the local Captains in the community they move to. These are no scruffy uneducated hooligans but groomed and educated professionals trained for the task of fleecing the public purse. I know, I can hear you gasping as your reading and your denial while saying to yourself Tolnai is full of Sh*t???? It is exactly that kind of behaviour that allows these people to get away with the billions of dollars from the public purse. </div> <div>      This week is an excellent time to make you aware of how our system works to our detriment and to the benefit of those who prosper at our expense. E-health ring a bell????? One billion dollars with nothing to show for it out the window???? Cancer health hundreds of millions wasted? Site 41 $15,000,000 down the drain? Orillia MURF $15,000,000 without even a hole in the ground? New library $10,000,000 wasted, 400 Gill St. several millions wasted and many more when the building is demolished? Commerce Dr. Fire Hall hundreds of thousands up in smoke so to speak?  These are not happening by accident. But they are happening because mayor, council and city management have a pact with the Darkside to make it happen.</div> <div>      Now think about this folks. If the land and building at 165 Front St. was available for the city to buy at say <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$500,000</B></FONT> for the library and then for the new Fire Hall why did they not simply buy it???? It is closer to the downtown and it is certainly every bit as solid as the Gill St. property. Not only that but it is far more central to have the Fire Hall there with two main arterial roads for fast routes to anywhere in the city. Not only that but it is in an industrial commercial section with virtually no residential. Why? tell me Why? Well it's as Smirking Joe says " <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>There's a simple reason</B></FONT> " . Because that wasn't the plan. You see there is only ever one plan. That plan is the return of public money to private pockets. Think about how hard it would be to escalate costs on a public project???? But a private project no one has the right to see all the shenanigans. Better to inject public funds under the guise of saving our environment and saving charities money which is sort of a moms apple pie issue anyway and the Rubes will lap it up??? But the real reason is they know people would not dare Speak Out about it because it is supposedly a charity??????????</div> <div>      Anyone remember the fairytale <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>The Emperor's New Clothes</B></FONT>?????? Two con artists (<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>who were introduced by the communities' top swivel servant</B></FONT>)   visit the Emperor of oh! let's call it Mariposa. The claim is they can weave gold into the most beautiful fabric which actually has magical qualities and tailor it into the most beautiful clothing. This magic quality actually has the power to identify people in Mariposa who do not deserve their positions within the community. How does that happen???? Well if an individual can not see or feel the cloth then it means that person does not deserve to be in their position or even to be a member of the community. Sort of like the people <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Doug Lewis </B></FONT>identified as being one issue and one trick ponies in yesterday's Packet. Needless to say the Emperor orders gold to be delivered to the con artists and the top Swivel Servant delivers box after box of gold claiming that everything is fine and the work is going well . For weeks they toiled on weaving and sewing the most beautiful garment any Emperor of Mariposa had ever owned (so they said). On the day of the reveal the Emperor went to get fitted he was elated as his head was swimming with the thoughts of being the best dressed of all Emperors. As the con artists were dressing him the Emperor saw nothing and felt no weight of the clothes on him or even actually felt it??? Yet because he could not admit that he didn't see it, which would have meant that he was not worthy of his post he declined to <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Speak Out</B></FONT>. When his Ministers of Mariposa were allowed in the room for their closed door meeting, they too were afraid to admit that they saw or felt nothing. Sound like anyone we know right here in the Sunshine Town???? Finally with great joy the  Ministers  (six of the nine anyway) ran forth and organized a huge parade for the Emperor to show off his new clothes.</div> <div>      As the Emperor walked onto the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>5 Lane Road to Nowhere</B></FONT> which had been specially constructed for this very purpose, the people gasped!!!.Because all of them  were afraid to <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Speak Out</B></FONT> as no one wanted to admit or be seen as unworthy of their positions or their place in Mariposa Society, they allowed the Emperor to walk down the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>5 Lane Road to Nowhere</B></FONT> Bare Assed. All of them <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>oooing!!</B></FONT> and <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>awwwing!!</B></FONT> praising the Emperor on how wonderful his new clothes looked on him. At the front in a snazzy blue convertible were the two con artists and the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Top Swivel Servant</B></FONT> driving  led the parade. Waving and smiling they looked to be a happy little group but if you looked in their eyes one could see they were troubled. As the Emperor walked the first few hundred yards on the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>5 Lane</B></FONT> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Road to Nowhere</B></FONT> smiling waving and soaking up the praise, a child decided to <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Speak Out</B></FONT>. "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>The Emperor has No Clothes</B></FONT> yelled the child. The crowd gasped! and looked stunned. Again the child <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Spoke Out</B></FONT> even louder this time. "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>The Emperor has No Clothes</B></FONT>". The procession stopped as the Emperor's Ministers tried in vain to get the crowd back to believing that all was well and that there really was clothes on the Emperor. But for the last and third time the child <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Spoke Out</B></FONT> again "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>The Emperor has No Clothes and I can see his bum</B></FONT>". This time a man then a woman said it and before one can press down on the gas peddle of a snazzy blue convertible everyone in the crowd was saying it while raising their fists in anger at the con artists and the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Top Swivel Servant</B></FONT> of Mariposa who by this time had pressed down hard on the peddle and raced away down the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>5 Lane</B></FONT> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Road to Nowhere</B></FONT> which actually ran into a back country road that was perfect for a getaway from the authorities. They were never pursued though because if there was a trial it would be too embarrassing for the Emperor or his Ministers to admit they were stupid, naive or both???? More tomorrow so please come back.</div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <bR> <div>    </div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Oct. 08, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>The Anatomy of Scamming</B></div> <div>      Once more taxpayers in Orillia are made to pay for an Environmental Clean Up while others profit. One Sixty Five Front St. is about to cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars if not a million dollars or more and the city won't even own it. You see Mayor Pinocchio along with a majority of councillors with the backroom boys have started down the road to have us pay for a clean up that will result in a windfall for the few. As with the Molson deal Mayor and those councillors who supported the half million dollar loan for this Newpath project could end up costing taxpayers (us) as much as <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$1,500,000</B></FONT> .</div> <div>      Several years ago I spent four or five hours talking to Ralph Cipolla at a coffee shop. He was there trying to convince me to back off and offering me a partial audit of the Molson deal. In our long conversation Ralph told me that he and others had a vision that West ST. S. and the immediate area would be a strip of Commercial Enterprise from Barrie Rd. to the bypass. He even named WalMart as one of the businesses that would be located there. When I pointed out that the land other than the MURF site didn't belong to the city he said it didn't matter. When I pointed out to him that the land all along the strip he spoke of was highly contaminated he said it would be cleaned. Now I found that odd as one of the things Ralph, mayor and other councillors along with city mangers were saying about the MURF site was, that only the city could or would clean it up. Certainly not private enterprise as it was and is too expensive. Now the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$500,000</B></FONT> loan to Newpath makes a lot of sense when put into context of our conversation those many years ago.</div> <div>      So here is how the scam is supposed to work. I am sure Mayor and all his known and unknown henchmen have been devising ways to stick taxpayers with not only the clean up but also to find buyers for these commercially unviable lands their friends are stuck with. The first property was supposed to be the Canada Wood property on West St. which the city tried to buy. That went over like a lead balloon as they didn't dare buy it as is what with the MURF still being on hold. Their timetable was I am sure, to begin with a completed MURF had they been able to deceive the MOE in allowing them to build. The plan almost worked but the lies they spoke and the attempt was so outrageous from an environmental point of view that the MOE wanted no part of it as all the liability for injury would have had to be borne by them. The MOE didn't just wake up but most likely chickened out.</div> <div>      With the failure to put the Fire Station and Police facilities on West St. they went shopping for more suitable property that they could claim was not city orchestrated but would benefit others at taxpayers expense. First they started with the idea of One Roof which was to house different agency's and charities into one building. That idea was meant to fail and never really allowed to take off. But some organizations actually believed in the concept and left themselves open to be approached again. That is where people like <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Smirking Joe Fecht</B></FONT> comes into this. With his contacts at Newpath which he has already made public the wheels of <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Scamming</B></FONT> was slowly started. Newpath was approached and offered a deal they couldn't refuse. Do you have proof jim you ask???? Just read what <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Smirking Joe</B></FONT> said in yesterday's Packet "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Why should the city do this? There's a simple reason, because we can," said Coun. Joe Fecht </B></FONT>." The other proof is how fast and without virtually any debate councillors voted 6 to 3 to proceed with the loan. Three Nays is just enough so they can claim that there was disent among councillors. But in reality no one really spoke against such an assinine deal in any meaningfull way. Why I have seen these councillors debate letting kids for turtles put signs on roadways for 30 minutes while they Ok!! <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$500,000</B></FONT> of your money to be lent to Newpath for an unknown interest rate, unknown repayment scheduale and unknown securities in just a few minutes. That folks looks like a scam, smells like a scam and feels like a scam. </div> <div>      Buy 165 Front St. and we will make sure Newpath can't lose must have been what they told them???? Now no one in their right mind would be interested in buying a property which is actually worth a fraction of the asking price without a clean up.  Do any of you reading this remember saying to yourselves "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>How could anyone in their right mind sign the deal with Molson</B></FONT>"????? Well folks the same is true for Newpath. How could a non profit outfit commit themselves to a piece of land that is worth very little because of the contamination and clean up cost is way beyond for any Commercial lender to participate in without backroom support from these guys. That's right Commercial lenders wouldn't touch this baby until it is cleaned up. But don't worry says the mayor (privately of course) and his gang as we will make sure you will be able to clean the land and it will cost you almost nothing. Why???? Because the taxpayers of Orillia are generous and the taxpayers of Simcoe County are generous as well and "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Why should the city do this? There's a simple reason, because we can," said Coun. Joe Fecht </B></FONT>." ????</div> <div>      If what Teviah Moro wrote the other day about the building and land even when cleaned is only worth <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$1,000,000</B></FONT> ("<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>New Path already has the other half to purchase the property, which is estimated to be worth about $1 million once it's cleaned up</B></FONT>.")  then how can a Non Profit Registered Charity do such a stupid deal. In order to dispose of one cubic yard of contaminated soil which must by law go to a licensed landfill where  tippage fee is in the $130 range per yard be even considered unless these other considerations are part of the deal???? With over <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>12,000</B></FONT> yards of this stuff it doesn't take an Einstein to figure out that a property purported to be worth only <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$1,000,000</B></FONT> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>after</B></FONT> clean up does not justify a <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$2,000,000</B></FONT> clean up plus the purchase price. Who but this mayor and his gang can arrange for Newpath to dispose of this contaminated dirt for Zero cost. That would be done by allowing Newpath to dump this soil at the city landfill for Zero, Nada, Zilch. Sorry folks it can not be done any other way unless the city actually will donate the cash to Newpath for disposal???? As I wrote yesterday just the replacement soil would cost <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$225,000</B></FONT>. So folks that is how one can make a silk purse from a sow's ear and of course your generosity. More tomorrow so please come back. This story just keeps on getting better so stay tuned.</div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> <B>Oct. 07, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Arrogance of Power Breeds Scams</B></div> <div>      Looks like the Packet has slipped back into it's old mold of mis-representing and or with holding simple facts from their readers. Yesterday Teviah Moro's editorial  piece " Orillia Common Roof is for everyone's benefit " is so misleading that it is up there with what the Packet did during the MURF fight. Teviah fails miserably to ask any questions about how a property with such high costs could actually save any money for participating agency's.</div> <div>      He writes "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>A community-based project such as the Orillia Common Roof will ofter stimulus to future development, a catalyst for expanded recreational and therapeutic activities and economic growth for our area</B></FONT>." What the hell does this mean??? What has office space got to do with expanded recreational and therapeutic activities???? Teviah and the Packet should be ashamed of themselves for so willingly being a part of this gross mis-representation at the expense of taxpayers money. The Packet <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>bullsh*t</B></FONT> runs fast and runs deep.</div> <div>      Teviah goes on to tell us that "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>If things go as planned, it's hard to imagine how this non-profit venture won't pay off in spades for Orillia</B></FONT>". Say! didn't the Packet say the same thing about the MURF??? Why I do believe they predicted way back that the MURF was a win, win. They claimed back then and that the MURF would be built for <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$24,000,000</B></FONT> and that council and mayor knew what they were doing and should be <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>trusted</B></FONT>. At the same time they ridiculed those of us who <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Spoke Out</B></FONT> and predicted each and every disaster that would happen. Now the Packet has once again been leashed and barks when they are told to. </div> <div>      What really <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>pisses</B></FONT> me off is that Teviah writes this crap at all. "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>New Path and its partners are willing to invest in a derelict site and turn it into a vibrant social-service hub, breathing life into a moribund end of town</B></FONT>". First off this area of town is not moribund. In fact, if Teviah would go down and have a look at what a beautiful job the Bun Center did on their building it is anything but. If Teviah would take the time to have a look at the building on 165 Front St. he would see that it is not "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>derelict</B></FONT>". But it is empty. Like with the MURF, like with the library and many other counter productive schemes and scams this mayor and his councils have concocted, Orillia's Packet being the good little lap dog it is, they simply follow their orders.</div> <div>      Then Mr. Moro takes a lump of the crap he spews and attempts to spread it on thick. "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Under this common roof, these non-profits, which depend on donors and grants to stay afloat, find relief with more affordable rent. They can also share resources</B></FONT>". Unbelievable that he has the nerve to write this. Why even the President of Newpath said Monday night that there would be no savings on square footage rent and had no idea of what the actual rent would be as yet. What nerve Teviah has in promoting what is clearly a lie. These non profits who clearly depend on donors and of course grants which is just another fancy word for taxpayers money will not save money on rent. How can they, when the cost of this project is so  expensive????? </div> <div>      Not one word in this editorial does Teviah show that he has done his due diligence on this project. Not a word about the clean up cost or total cost of the project. Once again the Packet has shown it's loyalty to it's own bottom line and be damned with the people. Sorry folks but this is a suckers deal with us being the suckers. Iit all has to do with you and I being taken to the cleaners and lining others pockets with public funds. Whether our donations are diverted or our tax dollars diverted through grants it is still our money and more of it will be needed to fill the pockets of Newpath Executives. Nice work if you can get it?????</div> <div>      I would like to know how much salary the President of Newpath takes and how much in expenses he puts through the books every year along with the entire management. Let us see those numbers and then we can make up our minds as to whether it is truly a Non Profit  as claimed. Hell it's easy to not show a profit and then claim to be one????? Teviah might want to do some more homework before he climbs on board so willingly to this deal which makes no sense at all. </div> <div>      I'm having a problem figuring out how a landlord who is charging $12.00 per square foot for space is actually Non Profit???? Good office space around town commands about $12.00 or less with a profit component. So to pretend that money will be saved is simply not true. In fact Cipolla said he heard that in Barrie some of Newpath tenants were paying $18.00 and Mr. Newby spoke of $12.00. This does not make sense to have public money being loaned into what is actually a commercial venture?????</div> <div>      There is also no way that over 12,000 cubic yds. of contaminated soil can be disposed of for $500,000. Tippage alone is in the $1,500,000 range. Just the cost of the replacement soil at $300 per 16 yard truckload (750 loads) comes in at $225,000. Does anyone believe that you can dispose 12,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil for $275,000????? This deal does not add up to any savings, so mark my words these agencies will be paying a very high price for their rent if they sign a lease, which is actually our collective rent anyway. I hope they have done their homework??? Lie to me once and I believe you it is your fault. Lie to me twice and I believe you then it is mine. Throughout Newpath's presentation as I said before there were so many holes that it reminded me of Swiss Cheese.</div> <div>      Joe Fecht says "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Why should the city do this? There's a simple reason, because we can," said Coun. Joe Fecht in support of the loan. "It will kickstart a new initiative for the non-profit sector</B></FONT>." Unfortunately public monies must be used for the good of the community not just because we can. Clear example of arrogance of power. With renovations to the building and the cleanup this will be the most expensive real estate in Orillia after the MURF. Just do your numbers folks. They do not add up to what is claimed regardless of what Fecht says. This City can not afford to do this nor should they do it without showing us the results of their investigation that justifies the putting of <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$500,000</B></FONT> of taxpayers money at risk. Bet they didn't do any investigation or any due diligence???? The truth as to why Joe Fecht and others supported this loan is simpler than Joe's answer. It is simply to accommodate the current owners to be able to unload this contaminated property.  Like the purchase of the Molson property was conceived and executed for the benefit of Molson so too is this deal. Follow the  money folks and do your due diligence. It's obvious this mayor and council don't, or do they??????? Just a quick note about what Fecht said during the debate Monday night????? He told us that he had had a relationship with Newpath when he worked for the Ontario government. Say! didn't Ralph Cipolla also have a relationship with some of the Molson people and in fact brought Molson and the city together??????? Wonder if Joe did the same with Newpath?????? Hmmmmm! There will be more coming so please come back tomorrow.</div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B></div> <div> <B>Oct. 05, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Can Council and this Mayor not Think????</B></div> <div>      Newpath has asked the city for a <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$500,000</B></FONT> loan to remediate 2 1/2 acres of land at the old Home Hardware store. They want to buy this property for the Under 1 Roof project which would be built to house many of the cities' social agencies. People from Newpath went before council tonight and quite frankly I am having trouble believing them. First they claim that there is 36" of dirt which is contaminated on the 2 1/2 acre site that must be dug and dumped. Council as I write this has voted in a recorded vote to actually do this deal???</div> <div>      It is obvious that the majority of councillors who actually voted for this don't know how big 2 1/2 acres is. Once again council has not even bothered to do a simple calculation to see if what these guys were telling them could be the truth. One acre is 4840 square yards. If as these guys said 36" has to be removed that makes 4840 cubic yards times <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>2.5</B></FONT> acres which equals <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>12,100</B></FONT> cubic yards of contaminated material. This material will have to be trucked to the nearest site (many miles away) licensed to receive contaminated material. At even the most optimistic thinking trucking and tippage would be a minimum <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$175</B></FONT> per cubic yard. Ah!! Duh!!!! that is a cost of <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$2,117,500</B></FONT>. Here is the President of Newpath telling these guys that they can do it for <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$500,000</B></FONT> which is the amount they asked for from the city. Unless the plan is to truck this dirt down to the dump on Lake Simcoe and pile it on top of the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>40,000</B></FONT> tons of contaminated soil they already dumped there. In that case the cost would still be in the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>million and a half range</B></FONT> which is still three times more than what is claimed to cost. Remember folks the cost to the city for disposing the 40,000 tons from the MURF site just for tippage fees was over <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$5,000,000</B></FONT>. So how can these guys do <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>12,000</B></FONT> tons for <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$500,000</B></FONT>?????</div> <div>      When the question was asked of their expert about the MOE having seen this site or if even he had met with the MOE the answer was negative. Yet with the lead of Fecht 5 councillors and the mayor they voted to hand over <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$500,000 </B></FONT>of our hard earned tax dollars. Not only that, but they have left it up to the discretion of Half Million Dollar Bob Ripley. I know it's Bob's specialty to dally with half million dollars but sorry folks this vote was a huge mistake. Once again these guys prove that they simply can't add, subtract, multiply or think. Newpath's presentation was lousy at best and so full of holes that Swiss Cheese comes to mind. They had no numbers, they had no information, they simply have conned the councillors and mayor who voted for this???? Once again these guys have proven that they are unable to do their due diligence to protect the public purse. I can't believe they are this stupid, which only leaves one to suspect that there are other things in play here??????? Once again we need to follow the money.</div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Share your input</B></div> <div> Just incase you missed it and are interested in reviewing Orilllia's Official Plan - there's a meeting on Tues. Sept. 29 from 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 at the Legion. Pass the info along to others you think might be interested in creating a positive path for Orillia. </div> <div> Thanks!</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sept. 22, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Phil's Ode to the MURF</B></div> <bR> <div> The MURF is made of irony</div> <div> It stands but no feet tall</div> <div> Although we've seen </div> <div> Not one brick laid</div> <div> We may have seen it all</div> <bR> <div> Pretty much says it all doesn't it???? </div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.facebook.com/search/?q=Impeach+Orillia+Mayor+Ron+Stevens&n=-1&k=200000010&sf=r&init=q&sid=0#/group.php?gid=61258331784" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.facebook.com/search/?q=Impeac"><U><B>Impeach Orillia Mayor Ron Stevens</B></U></A></div> <div> <B>We Need the OPP/RCMP Organized Crime Unit to Investigate????</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >  </FONT></div> <div> <B>Sept. 19, 2008</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Thank You Angelo Orsi for Speaking Out</B></div> <div>      Over the last few months I have been delighted to see more and more people waking up to what Mayor Pinocchio and council are doing to us. I have been active in making sure that taxpayers know just what insane decisions mayor and council are making. From the wasting of 10's of millions on the MURF to the waste of over <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$10,000, 000</B></FONT> on the new library, to the waste of a couple of million on the  Last Scam on Gill St. Not to mention the 5 lane road to<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B> Nowhere</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >.</FONT> I hope we have opened many eyes. Daily readership of this site has grown to amazing numbers . In July we had an average of 2811 readers daily . Summer has always seen a big decline as people find other things to keep them occupied. August saw the daily numbers rise to over 4,000 per day. September as people return indoors the numbers are over 5,000 once again. I hope people are not just enjoying the articles I write but are being inspired to Speak Out themselves. I hope you are understanding how these people operate to screw each and every one of us.</div> <div>      So I am ever so pleased to have Angelo Orsi join in sharing the truth about what Mayor and council are doing to our tax dollars. Angelo over the last few months, has taken his concerns for public waste to the public. Initially Angelo was concerned about development charges rising. From that he has spoken out about the MURF (negative) the library (negative) and other items as well. Now he has taken on the decision made to buy the schools. I must say that all of Angelo's concerns are my concerns as well.</div> <div>      While the school purchases may on the surface look like they could be a good idea, a closer look shows they are not without some sort of a plan or public need. Initially Angelo asked what the plan was for these properties? The answer from Counillors was that there was no plan. So they spend close to <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$3,000,000</B></FONT> and have no idea what they will do with the properties. But be assured that Lying Lauer has comforted us with the observation that it's OK because it wasn't real money we used because they had sold the Lion's Oval for <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$1,600,000</B></FONT>. Yup! not real money folks except for the  million extra that the 3 properties cost over and above the unreal money. Yes that is accounting that anyone should be able to understand right?? I mean who can't see that <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$1,600,000</B></FONT> is pretty much the same to mayor and council as <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$2,6000,000</B></FONT> is Eh!????</div> <div>      Who can not see that we need more parks in this city and that these properties could be used for parks???? Of course the sale of park land at the Oval which the same people complained, there was no money to develop as a park, was already park land that they did nothing with for years???? Huh!! Yes that's right we didn't need parkland when we had it but now that an extra<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B> $1,000,000</B></FONT> can be wasted on buying these properties, all of a sudden we need more of what we couldn't afford to develop???? Yes it now all makes sense????? Any wonder why Angelo is scratching his head???? </div> <div>      Then Angelo who was simply asking questions, albeit uncomfortable questions of mayor and council has Wayne Gardy coming out swinging. Wayne lists all the favours that he and councillors as well as former councillors had done for Angelo and wondered why he was not more beholden???? Not wanting to leave well enough alone Wayne went on to insinuate that the days of Orsi getting all the goodies has come to an end. Sounds to me like Wayne is saying that Angelo should no longer expect any more Freebies isn't he????? Do you suppose there were Freebies in the past???  <a href="HTMLobj-1942/Gardy_Rebuttal_Of_Orsi.pdf"><u>Gardy Letter</u> </a>  </div> <div> Anyway Gardy suggests that maybe Orsi should think about running for council and offers to help him with the papers. Oh! my I wonder if Wayne was expecting a rebuttal to his rebuttal????</div> <div>       But of course. How could Angelo not take Wayne to task??? So Angelo decides to ask Wayne questions. On Friday I approached several people about Orsi's request for Wayne to answer 10 questions. What they all said about Wayne answering 10 questions and in almost exactly the same words and quite apart from each other I will not share. Needless to say I am sure as you read this the same thought is occurring to you right now???? Angelo is obviously miffed and I'm sure that Gardy by now knows it. So Angelo seems to be accusing Wayne and the former council of having favoured the developer who built the old Wal Mart store. Does this mean that councils past and present did/do such things????  Read the letter <a href="HTMLobj-1943/Orsi_Response_to_Gardy.pdf"><u>Orsi_Response_to_Gardy.pdf</u> </a>  Now that is quite an accusation.</div> <div>      Angelo also goes on to accuse Gardy, the mayor and council as a whole of squandering another $3,200,000 on a new sewage pumping station while the one already there is only running at 50% capacity. His claim is also very clear that this unused 50% capacity can easily handle not only the Twin Pad arena but the entire Lake Head campus. </div> <div> "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>It is probably operating at less than 50% capacity and could probably accommodate the new additions of Lake Head University and the West Orillia Sports Complex. However, the city is now building a new permanent sewage station to replace the existing one that is working with plenty of capacity. I am not sure if within those 15 years Coun. Gardy may have known about this, or he may have simply forgotten about this, when he approved a $3.2-million budget toward replacing a facility before it is really needed</B></FONT>". So now lets see what this means??? Is Angelo now placing another piece of the puzzle to the Picture of Waste????? Why! I do believe he is. Here we are building a 5 lane road which will never be needed to<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B> Nowhere</B></FONT> to the tune of <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$6,000,000</B></FONT> plus a<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B> $3,200,000</B></FONT> sewage pump infrastructure that is not needed now or  in the future. Well I'll be. Now that is not me saying this, but is  being said by Orillia's Premier Developer who controls probably 90% of Orillia's developable land with most of it out at Westridge. Why I consider Angelo the foremost expert on development needs in that part of town. If Angelo says it's not needed then I believe him 100%. After all it would be he who benefits the most from having all this extra capacity so his opinion and statement must be well thought out and truthful. </div> <div>      So now we can add another <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$3,200,000</B></FONT> to the other many tens of millions wasted to date????? Unbelievable. But Angelo goes on with his 10 questions for Wayne to answer. Question six seems a strange one and is need of analysis.</div> <div> 6)"<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B> What alternative sites were readily available to accommodate Lake Head University and the West Orillia Sports Complex at time of crisis</B></FONT>"? Yes what land was available???? Now this is just a guess but I would bet a dollar to a donut that Mr. Orsi had offered some property way back even before the purchase of the Horn Farm???? So can we then assume that the crap we went through <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#009900" FACE="Arial" ><B>Saving Scout Valley</B></FONT> was all unnecessary? Was it nothing but a ploy to screw us once more? In my mind it sure looks like it. For all of you who were told that only <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#009900" FACE="Arial" ><B>Scout Valley</B></FONT> would do because there was no alternative and you believed it you have been had. For all those who believed that <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#009900" FACE="Arial" ><B>Scout Valley</B></FONT> was a cheaper solution to building the new sewer system you were had??? All those who were then told that in fact the new sewer system was actually cheaper than the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#009900" FACE="Arial" ><B>Scout Valley </B></FONT>route and you believed it, you have been had. You have been had because from the pen of Angelo Orsi you have heard that not only was the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#009900" FACE="Arial" ><B>Scout Valley</B></FONT> sewer not needed but the new system is not needed, nor will it be needed for many more years if ever????? Yup! those who believed all the lies and continue to believe the lies yet to come , you have been had. And you will continue to be had unless every Orillian starts to take their Civic Responsibility seriously to vote these scoundrels from office and elect a whole new slate of reform minded leaders who will clean out the stink from City Hall.</div> <div>      The school purchase is only the latest Scam visited on us. I had hoped that <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>The Last Scam </B></FONT>was to be the Gill St. property. But I guess I was wrong? It is hopefully the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Second Last Scam</B></FONT>. But then here they are, already committed to these school properties that hopefully will be the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Last Scam</B></FONT> in it's begining stage??????? You think?????  We desperately need a Forensic Audit and a Judicial Inquiry. We desperately need the FBI?????</div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B></div> <div> <B>We Need the OPP/RCMP Organized Crime Unit to Investigate????</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >   </FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Sept. 10, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Dig unearths human remains </B></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>ORCHARD POINT: Archaeological</B></FONT> <B>dig at site slated for condominiums </B></div> <div>      Above is yesterday's headline in the Packet and Times. <A HREF="http://www.orilliapacket.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1734705" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.orilliapacket.com/ArticleDisp"><U>http://www.orilliapacket.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1734705</U></A>  Now that a proper archeological investigation is being done out on Orchard Point we have human remains being found. Last Sept 24/2008 I wrote a story about just such a possibility happening. I wrote about meeting Wayne Gardy at the bank and discussing the inevitable finding of remains. Wayne disagreed and insisted there was no need to look as there was nothing to find. I made a bet with Wayne that human remains would be found if a proper investigation would take place. Our bet was simple. If human remains were found then Wayne would donate $35 to Sleeping Children Around the World  <A HREF="http://www.scaw.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.scaw.org"><U>http://www.scaw.org</U></A> and if not I would donate the same amount. Wayne I can only hope you are a man of your word and a child will be the recipient of your generosity. As I wrote back last year, this was the surest bet I ever made. It is now pay up time Wayne. If you want me to send in your cheque I will spring for the envelope and stamp. Make your cheque out to SCAW. If you want to send it the address is</div> <div> SCAW </div> <div> 28 Pinehurst Cres.</div> <div> Toronto Ont. M9A 3A5</div> <div> I am reprinting my article which was written Sept. 24, 2008. Please take the time to read the whole thing. The findings of these remains is not a surprise. It is only common sense. Those who dismissed the importance of Orchard Point and claimed it was not an area of significant Native History, you have now been proven wrong. I said so a year ago and today I have been vindicated. Natives have been treated in this country terribly. Their culture was decimated, their language was denied and even their ability to parent destroyed. While Greek street signs and Chinese street signs prevail in Toronto neighborhoods our natives history is dismissed. The people who claimed there was no significant native history at Orchard Point were those who sold out the natives once again for a few bits of silver. Folks read the article and encourage Wayne to honour his bet, I know I will. Just one more comment. It is interesting to note that it is a group of native women who have taken on Simcoe County and the Ontario government regarding Site 41. They are fighting because their culture requires that they protect the water. So their culture while not whole does exist. Their history is important. for all of us.</div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sept. 24, 2008</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Orchard Point Developers' Witnesses Should be Challenged</B></div> <div>      I ran into Wayne Gardy this morning and had a bit of a chat. Wayne approached me at the bank and mentioned he had seen me at the OMB hearing last week. Naturally this led to some questions by me as well as imparting some information to Wayne about how I feel that there seems to be some "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Stench</B></FONT>" that is wafting from this process. </div> <div>      First, I asked Wayne why council and city management allowed Joe Calenda to work for the Orchard Point developers and allowed him to actually testify against his former client/employer. When I attended the hearing last week I was shocked to see Joe Calenda  testifying. I sat behind the Elliott's and my first comment was that Joe as a Professional Planner looked to me like he was in a conflict of interest if not ethically doing the wrong thing. As soon as I got home I Googled "Professional Planners Ethics". Up comes 211,000 files that are available on Planners Ethics. Way too much to list all here but let me share just a few rules of ethics that I found for different jurisdictions. Here are a few items I picked out followed by a link to the web-sites I culled them from.</div> <div> <B>2. Our Responsibility to Our Clients and Employers</B></div> <div> We owe diligent, creative, and competent performance of the work we do in pursuit of our client or employer's interest. Such performance, however, shall always be consistent with our faithful service to the public interest. </div> <div> a) We shall exercise independent professional judgment on behalf of our clients and employers. </div> <div> b) We shall accept the decisions of our client or employer concerning the objectives and nature of the professional services we perform unless the course of action is illegal or plainly inconsistent with our primary obligation to the public interest. </div> <div> c) We shall avoid a conflict of interest or even the appearance of a conflict of interest in accepting assignments from clients or employers. </div> <div> http://www.planning.org/ethics/conduct.html</div> <div> <I><B>B. A planner owes diligent, creative, independent and competent performance of work in pursuit of the client's or employer's interest. Such performance should be consistent with the planner's faithful service to the public interest.</B></I> </div> <bR> <div> 1) A planner must exercise independent professional judgment on behalf of clients and employers. </div> <bR> <div> 2) A planner must accept the decisions of a client or employer concerning the objectives and nature of the professional services to be performed unless the course of action to be pursued involves conduct which is illegal or inconsistent with the planner's primary obligation to the public interest. </div> <bR> <div> 3) A planner must not, without the consent of the client or employer, and only after full disclosure, accept or continue to perform work if there is an actual, apparent, or reasonably foreseeable conflict between the interests of the client or employer and the personal or financial interest of the planner or of another past or present client or employer of the planner. </div> <bR> <div> 4) A planner must not solicit prospective clients or employment through use of false or misleading claims, harassment or duress. </div> <bR> <div> 5) A planner must not sell or offer to sell services by stating or implying an ability to influence decisions by improper means. </div> <bR> <div> 6) A planner must not use the power of any office to seek or obtain a special advantage that is not in the public interest nor any special advantage that is not a matter of public knowledge. </div> <bR> <div> 7) A planner must not accept or continue to-perform work beyond the planner's professional competence or accept work which cannot be performed with the promptness required by the prospective client or employer, or which is required by the circumstances of the assignment. </div> <bR> <div> 8) A planner must not reveal information gained in a professional relationship which the client or employer has requested be held inviolate. Exceptions to this requirement of non-disclosure may be made only when (a) required by process of law, or (b) required to prevent a clear violation of law, or (c) required to prevent a substantial injury to the public. Disclosure pursuant to (b) and (c) must not be made until after the planner has verified the facts and issues involved and, when practicable, has exhausted efforts to obtain reconsideration of the matter and has sought separate opinions on the issue from other qualified professionals employed by the client or employer. </div> <div> http://www.eddyburg.it/article/articleview/710/0/93/</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="responsibility_to_clients_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Responsibility to Clients & Employers</div> <div> A planner shall carry out all professional work with integrity, and in a spirit of fairness, fidelity and objectivity </div> <div> A planner shall ensure that any private dealings or ownership or any position on any local authority, board of directors or the like, do not create any conflict of interest with any client or employer. </div> <div> A planner shall not make any misleading claims, or attempt to influence any decisions by improper means. </div> <div> A planner shall not accept any financial inducement offered in order to influence or affect their advice.</div> <bR> <div> http://www.nzplanning.co.nz/membership/Ethics.asp</div> <bR> <div> These are but a few examples of Planners Ethics accepted around the world. Joe's working for the Orchard Point developer in opposition to his former employer the City of Orillia especially since he had done at least some work on the file while working for the city at best violates "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" >c) We shall avoid a conflict of interest or even the appearance of a conflict of interest in accepting assignments from clients or employers. </FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >" I know people will say that line comes from the American code. But what does it matter where the pile on the sidewalk is located if it looks like sh*t, smells like sh*t it is still sh*t.</FONT></div> <bR> <div>      I mentioned this to Wayne and he claimed that Calenda was challenged about this by the city solicitor and he was satisfied that it must be OK! or the solicitor would have made a bigger item out of it. But I was surprised then to hear Wayne making the following statement " I wondered in listening to the city solicitor at the hearing as to who he was working for". That statement came after I suggested that this whole thing smells.</div> <div>      I told Wayne about a part of a conversation that I overheard between Ron Sattler and another chap at the YMCA. When Sattler saw me standing there he left immediately and I approached the man he was talking to and asked him about the conversation. Only having heard a part of the conversation myself the man confirmed that what I did hear was correct and then proceeded to tell me the whole of what he was told to him by Sattler. You see Sattler told him about a meeting he had attended with Ian Brown at City Hall. Satlter had told the man that according to Brown the city didn't have a chance of winning at the OMB. That was months ago. Wow!</div> <div>      I relayed this info to Wayne and he didn't seem surprised at all. He claims the city never had a chance of winning anyway. I asked Wayne why  council and city management allowed Calenda to testify against councils decision. He didn't disagree that the city hadn't even tried to stop Joe and again questioned the cities' solicitors behaviour. Of course that challenge under Professional Ethics was never brought up, was it???? Someone had better wake up to what seems to be taking place. Clearly council's decision is not being respected by city management does it??? Anyone surprised????</div> <bR> <div>      The second challenge is to the Developer's witness about the Point not being a Native Heritage site of importance. This guy dismissed this site which had been used by aboriginals for possibly a couple of thousand  years having no significance in history. I am shocked that first nation's people are not demanding status at these hearings with that kind of talk. Not only was there 2,000 artifacts found on this site with just a cursory investigation with one of them dating back thousands of years and had never been found anywhere north of the USA. This fact alone proves one thing for me. The narrows and Orchard Point was as important to Aboriginals as a meeting and greeting place as anything that the white man has. Yet this paid "Expert" dismissed the site because there were no permanent structures like Longhouses. He claims that it was nothing more than seasonal community so there for of no Heritage value.</div> <div>      This man dismissed our Natives Heritage the same way whites have dismissed Aboriginal Culture as irrelevant for the past 200 years. Folk's this site was consistently occupied by natives each and every spring and summer for several thousand years. Natives came here to harvest the abundant bounty that the narrows offered. Many nations came here. Inter-marriages I'm sure took place. Information exchanged and goods traded. This site was as important as any in North America. Because it was used over a hundred generations by many tribes and nations it is an important historical site to natives. That is why I don't understand the people of Rama are not demanding intervener status in these hearings or at least attending. But I am afraid that as in the past Natives just sit back and do nothing or say nothing. Come on get off your butts and <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Speak Out</B></FONT>. For two hundred years you have been wronged and stood by. It is your day, tell men like the developers and their hired experts enough is enough. Tell the Gardy's, Pinocchio's and city management that enough is enough. Your history is every bit as important as Martyr's Shrine, Viking Settlement, French Forts, Quebec City or any of them. The Narrows were alive with native culture. Alliances made among tribes, friends met, families formed, babies born and people passed away. To have a guy claiming to be an expert on natives and their culture dismiss this area for pieces of silver is an insult to all Ontario First Nations. But then native history or culture has never been important to white men anyway has it??? I remember back in the mid sixties a friend of mine's family owned the property where <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Cahiague</FONT> was found. This site was a major native find. I remember walking the fields with him and picking up arrowheads, pottery etc. Big promises were made about this sites' development. My friends family sold their property  because of it's importance to the province but nothing has come of it. Why???? Could it be that native history or culture is just not worth anything to those in power. Huge investments were made in other white historic sites since the sixties but nothing to help promote native culture and history. The developer's dismissal of the Orchard Point site as being of any importance is no different. Shame.</div> <bR> <div>      Anyway, Wayne and I have a bet. I say that if a proper investigation is done on the site, Native human remains will be found. It is inconceivable that with generation after generation use of this site no one was buried. If native remains are found then the whole project will be in jeopardy. So again I urge those Natives who care about their past make sure you become active in this investigation. Keep all concerned honest. Natives will never be truly healed from what has been done to them, until they learn all they can about their past. History can heal as one learns about those who passed before. History creates a feeling of belonging. If I am right about finding remains Wayne will donate $35 to Sleeping Children Around the World for a bed kit. If I am wrong I will do the same. The surest bet I have ever made.</div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B></div> <div> <B>We Need the OPP Organized Crime  Unit to Investigate????</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >   </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sept. 09, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Interesting Developments of Site 41 War</B></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>    </B></FONT> There is a very interesting development on <A HREF="http://stopdumpsite41.ca/?p=1211&cpage=1#comment-1237" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://stopdumpsite41.ca/?p=1211&cpage=1"><U>Stop Dumpsite 41</U></A> web-site. As the momentun slows since the Moratorium I and others have begun to question what is going on. Ok! mostly me but several others are begining to ask questions as well. I started to ask questions because one of my posts was edited down to the point of nothing. When I questioned this I was told that the gals job who editited had instructions on what is or is not tolerated. Inspite of the disclaimer that all posts are the responsibility of the writer it seems that my words were not left intact. My question was simple. If on the one hand I agree to be responsible then how could I be responsible if what I wrote is chopped up to the point even I couldn't recognize it yet my name is still credited??? To date I am not satisfied with the answers. While my initial question was answered within 30 or so minutes answers to subsiquent inquiries have become painfully slow. In my experience this usually means answers are being manufactured. Nothing perks my curiosity more than hesitation. Truth flows hesitation means the truth does not suit.</div> <div>      Anyway make sure you read the posts that the above link takes you to. This morning There was a post by Sandra which struck me odd. You see a few days ago and in response to my questioning of the way things were going a "Chris" refered to myself and another who agreed with me "pessimists".</div> <div> "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><U>jim tolnai</U></FONT> says: </div> <div> <U>September 7, 2009 at 5:34 am</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> <B>Muriel you are absolutely right. Just look at the lack of comments here in this forum and on the facebook group page. Many have fallen into complacency because they think we have won. I tried to warn people right after the Moratorium that while we may have won a battle they (politicians) will continue as there is too much for all political parties and politicians personally to lose. We the people bring ultimate loss upon ourselves. Look at the loss of momentum of new sign up on facebook. We folks are standing still. stand still long enough you will sink in the mud of apathy. Sad really sad.</B></div> <div> <B>jim tolnai"</B></div> <bR> <div> Here is the banter my original questioning gave birth to</div> <bR> <div> Lesley Spence says: </div> <div> <U>September 7, 2009 at 6:50 am</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> People keep asking why the MOE doesn’t revoke the C of A, why the provincial gov’t step in etc.</div> <div> The MOE doesn’t revoke the C of A for the same reason they issued it in the first place: they don’t give a damn about the environment.</div> <div> The provincial gov’t doesn’t step in because they don’t give a damn about our health or well being, the environment, etc.</div> <div> Neither body cares about what is right, what is just or what is fair.</div> <div> Does anyone believe the Ministry of Health cares about our health? </div> <div> The sooner folks understand that the government agencies do not work for us and are not meant to, the better.</div> <div> <U>jim tolnai</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > says: </FONT></div> <div> <U>September 7, 2009 at 9:46 am</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> The MOE and the government does nothing because they know people will simply give up and walk away anyway. What is going on right here right now is a prime example. People have a short attention span while the MaGuinty’s and Guergis’s of the world have a long one. Most battles people lose is because apathy sets in. That is why if everyone does not smarten up we will be drinking garbage in the next couple of years. But suit yourselves I know how to filter water. So sad that people simply just don’t understand this is a war that will last forever and must be fought constantly. Whether on this issue or the next one, and believe me other issues will come. They come because every battle the Guergis’ win only emboldens to go for the next scam or treachery.</div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <div> Mel says: </div> <div> <U>September 7, 2009 at 10:57 am</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> Right on, Jim and Lesley. We all have to remember what Charlie Angus, of Adams Mine fame, said at our U of T rally, when commenting on the 14 year fight to stop Toronto’s garbage from being railroaded into this open pit mine, with groundwater flowing in one side and out the other. He told us that one of the first things you learn is that “the process” does NOT work for us, it works for “them.” (As a rubber stamp for capital projects?) I think we all must learn that Democracy has been co-opted by big business with huge “Political Donations,” and that when we try to fight this dump through all the PROPER CHANNELS, we are in fact playing in the Government’s arena, under Government rules, which are heavily stacked against us.</div> <div> I believe that we must fight this primarily in the PUBLIC arena, regaining and building the momentum that we had leading up to the moratorium vote. We must make Site 41 such a political HOT POTATO that no politician will want a hand anywhere near it. The MOE’s inaction in NOT honouring their promise to immediately shut down activity on Site 41, when the neighboring flow suddenly became contaminated, gives us a clear signal to begin actively campaigning for public support toward revoking the C of A.</div> <bR> <div> <B>To this comes a respose from Chris followed by my response to his</B></div> <div> chris says: </div> <div> <U>September 7, 2009 at 1:38 pm</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> I think that the pessimists are wrong: there are no signs that the campaign is dying down. It is simply refreshing itself, after months of intense activity. And preparing for the next steps in the campaign.</div> <div> The first of these is to neutralise the site, by ending the de-watering; suspending, then cancelling, the Certificate of Approval. This will take pressure on the Province to live up to its responsibility and repair the costly error made by Jim Bradley and the Peterson government in 1990.</div> <div> The next move will be to ensure that the weasel party on County Council does not try to transfer the Site to its friends in the Waste Management industry. At the same time the county must be dissuaded from wasting more of our money on a campaign to establish that the public has no right to understand what its employees are up to (for that is what legal action against ther Information Commissioner amounts to.)</div> <div> And then there is the final act, the crowning justification of the years of dedication of hundreds of people to stop this Site: the reforming of the County Council.</div> <div> Making sure that never again will its members put any interests above those of the people.</div> <div> Making certain that every member sitting on council understands that he is working for the electorate.</div> <div> Making sure that the money the county spends is put to proper purposes, not used to line the pockets of consultants, lawyers, bureauucrats and politicians. That every penny spent is documented and accounted for. That every legal action is necessary. That every contract is publicly tendered.</div> <div> Around such a programme every honest voter in the county will rally: times are getting tough, there can be no justification for waste or extravagance. The Environment is under threat; we should be cleaning up, rather than adding to, pollution. The County should be leading the process of restoring our lakes, streams, aquifers and cleaning up the toxic leaks threatening them.</div> <div> <U>jim tolnai</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > says: </FONT></div> <div> <U>September 7, 2009 at 4:37 pm</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> I was waiting for someone to label those of us who are <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Speaking Out</B></FONT> and warning the group about complacency. For eight years I have been involved with stopping the MURF in Orillia from being built on one of the world’s worst polluted sites. Those who wanted to do that used the same tactics of labeling those of us who stood before thir ambitions. Chris calling anyone a Pessimist is so typical. His saying that the campaign is refreshing itself is pure bunk. In a war some army units can be sent to the back lines for R&R but the fight is still on. In looking at the activity on this site and on Facebook it looks like all the troops have returned to the rear. Which by the way can’t be the rear if there are no troops at the front. That becomes by default the new front which means ground has had to be lost. Which is called a Retreat. Too bad Chris doesn’t identify himself so we could know who he is and what his background might be. You see in a war there are many saboteurs and spies. They all look alike in the dark. So Chris come on out into the light and let’s see who you are? We need transparency in government but we also need transparency as protestors as well.</div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <bR> <div> <B>Then as all good debates should, another party comes into the conversation followed again by reply</B></div> <div> Sandra Cormier says: </div> <div> <U>September 7, 2009 at 6:30 pm</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> Well said Chris!! You are correct, we have not lost our direction not by a long shot, yes many are taking a breather so they will be able to emerge stronger and more determined than ever!!</div> <div> For sure the war is not over. I heard on Goldhawk today that he knows the IPC commissioner very well and she is not about to let the County get away with this non compliance. They will be required to respond and give forth the modflo information.</div> <div> Thank goodness for the internet. This is how we stay current and connected. Shoulder to Shoulder!!!</div> <div> <U>jim tolnai</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > says: </FONT></div> <div> <U>September 8, 2009 at 6:46 am</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> Sandra I read and re-read the above comments and can’t find anything about losing direction. What I read is that apathy is setting in. Like a sports team or army there must be constant forward motion by the majority. What I see is that the majority of these some 9,000 individuals have stopped moving forward. It takes a huge amount of energy to get a Super Tanker up to speed. If one shuts down the engines it takes what seems like a long time for it to come to a complete stop. But the forward motion without the engines can fool one to think that Oh! we are still moving forward so everything is OK. But if allowed to slow down too much it will take almost as much energy to get back up to speed as the first attempt. You see the boilers run out of steam and the water needs to be super heated again. That takes time and energy which takes away from the fight. That is what I see is happening to Site 41 group right now. It is not pessimism it is fact. We mustn’t forget that individuals like us who get involved have to make a living. Our time to fight is spare time fighting. That is why we need the numbers in order to replace those who have to go and feed their families. The politicians on the other hand along with the lawyers, County management and consultants get paid for fighting us. They have no pressure as the largess keeps rolling in. We need more players on the ice at any one time because they never need to change players and always play with a full squad. With groups people come and go without notice. If someone doesn’t keep a count on how many players are on the ice we find ourselves shorthanded. That is where we are today. Like I said Smarten Up folks or we will be drinking garbage. Don’t allow the moment or forward motion to slow down let alone stop. It will take far more energy to start it again than is available.</div> <div> Those who have brought this movement over the last 25 years to this Moratorium are to be thanked. Some can go on R&R but not all. The MaGuinty’s and Guergis’ have figured out how to take steam from people’s boilers. The Moratorium is the hole they made in our boiler to let steam out faster. We need to restart the fire and plug the hole they have made and do it quick.</div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <bR> <div> <B>To this Sandra replies which is what prompted me to write this item</B></div> <div> Sandra Cormier says: </div> <div> <U>September 8, 2009 at 2:54 pm</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> Jim, I don’t believe we have met at the Protest Camp, have we, or on the front lines blockading?</div> <div> I can’t place you at all. I agree the engine must keep going and I really feel it is. There is much going on all the time, behind the scenes. I have faith in that and all the people who are forever involved. Peaceful protest without panic. “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then YOU Win”_Ghandi.Shoulder to Shoulder. Sandi</div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><U>jim tolnai</U></FONT> says: <I>Your comment is awaiting moderation.</I> </div> <div> <U>September 9, 2009 at 7:17 am</U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> Sandra</div> <div> I am trying to understand what your point is? Invoking Gandhi makes no sense in today’s internet and 500 channel TV world. Besides, the word peaceful and Gandhi does not fit. Gandhi did not win because it was a peaceful protest but because there was violence perpetrated by the British Authorities. Until the killings and arrests Gandhi was going nowhere. Until the News Services picked it up little progress was made until the Guergis’s back then made their mistake. Just like Our Guergis made in arresting Keith and Ina except no one was shot like in India.</div> <div> Gandhi won that battle because he and those who joined him kept the cameras rolling and the momentum moving. Notice I didn’t say he won the war because India is hardly any different today than back then. The caste system still exists and poverty still rules. Back then there was lots going on behind the scenes just as there has been with site 41. But what wins in the end is what the public is made aware of. Gandhi couldn’t negotiate with his MaGuinty’s or Guergis’ and neither can you or the Core Group as someone called you. The only thing political parties, politicians and swivel servants are cognizant of are numbers. If numbers swell they start to sweat. So job one for them becomes, reduce the numbers. Vent the steam, slow down the engine and the issue will, while not going away be manageable. Site 41 right now seems manageable as they continue de-watering.</div> <div> This protest has become manageable from a public relations point of view as well because the pressure is off. To me, invoking behind the scenes as a primary positive is very disturbing. Who is negotiating and what are these people negotiating? Whom are they negotiating for. I have been told that the core group has no structure nor is there a formal group to begin with.</div> <div> Sandra, Gandhi had a formal group and the group had a leader in Gandhi. A formal leader who was very savvy in using the News Reels. I am afraid that the core group should step forward and not allow the momentum to wan if the intention is to keep the momentum going??? The core group should step forward and inform the 9,000 or so of what is going on behind the scenes. After all, many have joined in because they are sick and tired of the Guergis’ making their decisions behind the scenes. In fact even those who I believe are core group people have been and are complaining of behind the scenes decisions. So to try and justify a lack of momentum by claiming that lot’s is going on behind the scenes should be disturbing to all 9,000. At least with Guergis, MaGuinty ,County Councillors there is next year’s election holding them accountable. With a core group who answers to no one I have a problem with that?</div> <div> My concerns should not be read as anything other than a public airing which will actually stimulate questions, answers and conversation. I am committed to shutting down Site 41. What bothers me is the new direction it seems to be going in. If we demand transparency from government then we need to be transparent ourselves. Otherwise it won’t take long for people to figure out that one set of behind the scenes is being replaced by another set. If you talk the talk then it is imperative that you walk the walk. Who is negotiating for the 9,000 and what authority are they negotiating under?</div> <div> Anyway Sandra, I commend you and the others who have given of themselves in time and money. Some will always give more than others and in different ways. The risk of pulling the card out from under the house of cards in the end is usually not good. To start labeling people as pessimists or questioning as you do in your opening sentence “Jim, I don’t believe we have met at the Protest Camp, have we, or on the front lines blockading?” is a big mistake. You and Chris are on the road to pulling out key cards under this house of cards. Everyone’s involvement is as important as any others. Once you create a hierarchy of I’m more important because I did this, you end up destroying instead of building. I would rethink your statement and give it a bit of thought. There are fewer than 9,100 people on the facebook group. The goal should be simple. The goal is, there are never enough people. So don’t alienate, instead include. Answer people’s questions and keep them informed. You will find in a very short time the number will be 10,000 and heading very quickly to 20,000 and up. But not if un named people negotiate behind the scenes in our name. Not if when questions are asked and legitimate concerns expressed people are labeled pessimists. Not if as with your opening sentence you try to insert “<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>I was there where were you so how dare you question</B></FONT>” (<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#009966" FACE="Arial" ><B>my words of interpretation</B></FONT>) Ain’t gonna work Sandra, we the people already have that type of representation on County Council.</div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <bR> <div>      So I posted my above reply to the Stopdumpsite 41 web page and hope it will be left verbatim. There is no room for censoring in a public movement unless there is clear libel and foul language. What happened to my post was simply not justified. When I challenged their action of censorship the reply was anything but satisfactory. That has led me to other questions which I will write about in the near future as soon as they are answered or not. So please all of you who support Stop Dump Site 41 don't think I am being negative because I am not. What I am doing is to hold people's feet to the fire of truth and honesty. I don't care if it is MaGuinty, Guergis or whom ever I am fighting against in politics, they should be accountable. Even those who I am on the same side with needs to be just as accountable. Sorry exceptions not allowed. More to come so please come back soon.</div> <div> jim tolnai </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B></div> <div> <B>We Need the OPP Organized Crime  Unit to Investigate????</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >   </FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Sept. 06, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Political Hypocrisy</B></div> <div>      The other day a friend who is a retired OPP officer and I had quite a long chat. We are at opposite ends of the political spectrum so many times we end up agreeing to disagree. He thinks that there should be less taking politicians and authority to task. Of course I think exactly the opposite. We had one of the best exchanges where I believe we both learned from without anyone really winning the argument.</div> <div>      He approached me about Alan Millard appealing Ann Selby's having had her charges Stayed. According to him the OPP had no choice but to lay a charge of Intimidation. Even though Ann is a hundred lbs. soaking wet he felt that if she would act in a manner that warranted the charge then so be it. According to his knowledge of police procedure the officers were correct to use the charge of Intimidation because they had to and there was no other way to handle it.</div> <div>      I then brought up the charges against Keith and Ina Wood over by Elmvale who were also charged with Mischief. While he agreed with me that from a publicity point of view the OPP had made a mistake, he still firmly believed that the officers had no choice but to uphold the law. Doing anything else would have got them in trouble under dereliction of duty. I tried to impress on him that officers have discretionary powers and all is not black and white. He disagreed, although as our conversation continued I could see him mellowing , but I doubt it lasted very long after the conversation.</div> <div>      I have another friend who is also a retired OPP frontline officer but a bit closer to my social and political views. My conversation with him about Keith and Ina was based on my having called the OPP GestaOPPo. He stated that he knew as fact that the  frontline officers were bothered by the protestors being charged. He contended that it was Brass who forced their actions in going after the folks at Site 41. He as my first friend insisted that the officers really had no choice but for a completely different reason.</div> <div>      My contention has and always been that many times the law is interpreted because and for political reasons instead of for the sake of justice. If the end results justifies a political purpose then the OPP and other police are used as pawns for Political Hypocrisy's convenience. Police have always had discretion when politicians positions or interests are not affected. After all how many large breasted models have gotten off of speeding tickets, simply because of that discretion???? In the case of Ann Selby who has been an outspoken opponent of Mayor Pinocchio and city management, it is important to have her handcuffed, charged and punished over months of waiting for her day in court. I couldn't disagree more with my first friend who claimed the police had no choice. Indeed they did have a choice and instead of being neutral they and the prosecutors chose to send a message as emissaries of the politicians. The arrest was unnecessary and the prosecution of Ann was nothing more than political Persecution.</div> <div>      The same is true of Keith and Ina's arrest and charges. Here we have a 76 year old lady who wouldn't or couldn't intimidate a butterfly being charged with sitting in a lawn chair knitting most of the time. The charges are bad enough but the GestOPPo in Midland decided to do some Intimidating of Ina themselves. The officer's action of calling Ina and demanding she surrender herself for charges at GestOPPo headquarters in Midland smacks of Iron Curtain policing and Politics. If I was Fantino I would be sending the Brass who ordered such stupidity in the first place for Re-Education. This officer's action and those who ordered it was a blatant Political act/decision and nothing else. </div> <div>      As with Ann Selby , Keith and Ina the OPP has lost credibility with the  public who have followed this insanity. From a public relations point of view Ann, Keith and Ina 100%, Police 0%. As suggested by my first friend that, had the officers not handcuffed Ann Selby, arrested and charged her they would have been in contravention of their duty because a crime had taken place,  I couldn't disagree more.</div> <div>      As I watched the news Friday night all I could do was not smirk. <A HREF="http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20090905/bc_lacrosse_brawl_090905/20090905/?hub=BritishColumbiaHome" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local"><U>Lacrosse Brawl</U></A> You see there on the screen played a tape  of a huge Brawl at a Lacrosse game that was so Intimidating and violent that people were Intimidated,Scared and even Terrified. Players who wanted to escape the fighting were hunted down like animals and subjected to beatings. Players who obviously had no interest in doing battle were attacked as they backed away. Players on the ground were mob jumped, kicked and beaten.  Police were present in the building and in the stands yet no arrests were made, handcuffs or not and to this writing no charges have been laid or are contemplated. <A HREF="http://deadspin.com/5353389/there-is-no-difference-between-a-lacrosse-brawl-and-a-regular-brawl" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://deadspin.com/5353389/there-is-no-"><U>More Brawling Perspective</U></A> While with Ann Selby, Keith and Ina there was no video of the Intimidation yet they were charged and harassed anyway for no other reason than a Political Vendetta. </div> <div>      At the end of the news item a Police Brass said there were no charges because no complaint had been received and besides all this Intimidation and actual Violence was simply done in a moment of a heated sports game. So why could the GestOPPo not use the same reasoning in Ann Selby's situation. Her outburst against a City Employee was a one off and happened in the Heat of the Moment. Yet while dozens of well armed Lacrosse players who not only Intimidated but assaulted people who they had to chase down, get a pat on the back as jocks from the Police while Anne 74, Keith 82 and Ina 76 face charges and court for merely being politically active and standing up to City Hall so to speak in a peaceful manner. </div> <div>      So to my first friend I am looking forward to your explanation of how it is that thugs and animals like those Lacrosse players are just considered as boys will be boys while 76, 82 and 74 year olds are considered a threat???  I await the reasoning why every officer who saw the Brawl in person or on video is not charged with dereliction of duty for not arresting then or now every person that can be identified. Why are these thugs not in handcuffs as Ann Selby was??? After all she didn't even have a weapon. But then Ina did have knitting needles at Site 41 didn't she??? And of course she was seen handing out artery clogging butter tarts from time to time and we all know eating too many of those could lead to heart disease don't we?????  I can hardly wait for our chat on Tuesday. Hahaha!!! In the mean time watch the hardend criminals Keith & Ina Wood. <A HREF="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJUNWza7qnU" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJUNWza7q"><U>Keith & Ina Wood</U></A> as there will be a test???</div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B></div> <div> <B>We Need the OPP Organized Crime  Unit to Investigate????</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >   </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Sept. 03, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>"That's great. We now own them and we have care and control of what happens to them" </B></div> <div>        Angelo Orsis' letter to the editor the other day questioning the wisdom of council's purchase of the three schools is an interesting turn. Angelo and many other supporters of Mayor Pinocchio are begining to question what the hell this man and council are doing. Angelo wants to know how, if there is no plan, or indeed no need for these properties by the city then why are they buying them?? Angelo asks the question "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Why is the city gambling with taxpayer's money to speculate on real estate</B></FONT>"? Obviously Angelo and many others are finally realizing that this man and others on council whom they have supported over the years, have finally gone off the deep end of sanity. I wrote about just that not so long ago. Others are now realizing what I have been saying has merit. (see January 15 story below)</div> <div>      Angelo goes on to ask the question "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>So why don't our elected officials be more forthright and put their cards on the table. What do they really want us taxpayers to finance and for how much</B></FONT>"? He then goes on to answer the question with "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>I suspect real answer is already known by council and that the so-called public process is no more than a charade, just like premeditated decisions such as the MURF (multi-use recreation facility and library. Those decisions cost city of taxpayers in excess of $20 million</B></FONT>". Wow!! Looks like the disappointment in Pinocchio and the puppets has manifested itself with one of his biggest supporters. Seems the love is over. Pinocchio isn't just hurting all the rest of us anymore but is trouncing his own supporters as well. Hmmm!! Anyway Angelo finishes off with " <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>So please, do the taxpayers of the City of Orillia a big favour: Stop wasting our money when you are unsure of the outcome. Better yet, tell it as it is rather than surprise us once again</B></FONT>". </div> <div>      Amazing how the tables turn and new partners in putting an end to corruption makes bedfellows of us???? It's obvious, Angelo with all his resources and insider information has now made public the real cost of the MURF so far. In his own words it is pegged at <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$20,000,000</B></FONT>. I have been saying <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$11,000,000</B></FONT> plus while Alan Millard has been saying <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$15,000,000</B></FONT>. Both Alan and I have some pretty good information but I will bet a dollar to a donut that Angelo is far closer to the truth. Is it any wonder he is pissed off??? Of course not. Everyone ought to be pissed at Pinocchio, councillors and especially city management. Without even a hole to show it looks like <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$20,000,000</B></FONT> is wasted, almost double to what I have been saying. Now this is a News worthy day. Angelo also vents as he should and as all of us should, when he says about the twenty million dollars, "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>enough to finance other capital projects or about lower our tax rates</B></FONT>".  I am ecstatic to have Angelo and all the other former men of Pinocchio finally coming on board with those of us who have been pissed for the past 8 years. I am happy to see the questioning of what, on the surface looks like stupid decisions. But Angelo and I both know there is nothing stupid about Pinocchio's decisions. While they make no sense for taxpayers they make lots of sense for those few who will be ultimately benefiting from them. That is why Angelo's question "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>What do they really want us taxpayers to finance and for how much</B></FONT>"? is so important. Angelo knows how the system works and how Pinocchio works. Yes it is a beautiful day and not only because the sun is shinning. It is a beautiful day because light is shining on Pinocchio, councillors and city management and the flashlight is being pointed by former supporters who know the ins and outs. It is no longer a ragtag like myself and other dissidents, wanabes, obstructionists etc., but those considered the establishment and former supporters of Pinocchio finally letting everyone know they are pissed.???? Wow!! looks like I am proven legitimate after all??? Who'da thunk it????</div> <div>      So it's not surprising after all the waste, mis-spending and questionable profiting by the few from decisions Pinocchio and the gang have made that many are pissed. It's no wonder we worry because of the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$20,00,000</B></FONT> pissed away. We worry about the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$6,000,000</B></FONT> wasted on the 5 lane <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Road to Nowhere</B></FONT>. We worry about the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$10,000,000</B></FONT> wasted on the latest boondoggle library. We worry about the purchase, renovation and then the demolishing of the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Second Last Mistake</B></FONT> on Gill St to the tune of millions more. So is it any wonder that we worry about the mayor saying </div> <div> "<FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>That's great. We now own them and we have care and control of what happens to them". </B></FONT></div> <div> With the record of this mayor over the last 8 years and the record of people like Lying Lauer, Wayne (I never knew anyone who worked at Otaco) Gardy, Smirking Joe Fecht (after his behaviour destroying the Orillia Ability Association), Ralph Cipolla (arranger of the Molson Deal), Don Evans (promised not to vote for more MURF money and then did), Paul Spears always playing politics (yes I will no I won't), Maurice McMillan  (betrayer of all his supporters in order to belong), we have Mike Fogarty ( always leaves serious matters until it is too late, Site 41, Audit of MURF never really getting anywhere because of it). Is it any wonder why we the soiled and now the upper crust are worried about what is going to happen in allowing Pinocchio and the others to <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>have care and control of anything except the picking of their own nose or scratching their own asses</B></FONT>. Control of anything else scares the beejesus out of me and many others. These school properties were not only bought for more than they are worth, but will cost much more to demolish them and huge amounts to develop them into money sucking projects yet to be determined. You see, everything these people touch turns to crap, even though it starts out as gold. They always manage to exchange the gold for crap. That is why we need a <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Forensic Audit</B></FONT> and a <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Judicial Inquiry</B></FONT>. It is to track down where the gold has got to and to drop the crap on their heads once and for all. Now even their supporters have seen the truth and are <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Speaking Out</B></FONT>. Let's hope that these school purchases will forever be known as "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>The Last Mistakes</B></FONT>". Bravo???? </div> <div> Angelo's Entire letter  <a href="HTMLobj-1944/Orsi_School_Letter.pdf"><u>Orsi_School_Letter.pdf</u> </a>  </div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Aug. 31, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Where are the Honest People???? Are There Any Left????</B></div> <div>      Today was not a good day for Ontario. In Toronto Dwight Duncan finally released the report on the goings on at the OLG. Fired is the CEO and the entire Board was forced to resign. Four thousand dollar dinners and other lavish spending to the tune of many millions of dollars that belonged to us was the norm. On top of that, hundreds of millions in prizes were paid out to insiders for tickets that belonged to others. While complaints rolled in over the years politicians ignored the corruption and some even protected the perpetrators until finally Enough was Enough.</div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.windsorstar.com/scandal/1949351/story.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.windsorstar.com/scandal/19493"><U>http://www.windsorstar.com/scandal/1949351/story.html</U></A></div> <div>      Then yesterday we find out that a Toronto Police Services Drug Squad whom drug dealers had been accusing of ripping them off had been reported to Toronto brass by the Montreal Police as well. The officers who ended up getting off on a technicality because, while charged the case never ended up going to trial. It seems Toronto police were not very helpful in co-operating with prosecutors and the case was thrown out because the judge deemed it had taken too long to get to trial. Boggles the mind how such a thing could happen. Prosecutors are now going before the Ontario Court of Appeal asking that the stayed charges be allowed to go to trial. Because of this new evidence of the Montreal Police, they claim that the court should allow justice to prevail???? Unfrigging believable.</div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2009/08/31/toronto-police-drug-squad-montreal582.html?ref=rss" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2009/08/3"><U>http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2009/08/31/toronto-police-drug-squad-montreal582.html?ref=rss</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/090831/national/police_corruption_documents" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/09083"><U>http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/090831/national/police_corruption_documents</U></A></div> <bR> <div>      Then a couple of months ago we have the scandal at E-Health where millions were wasted, un-tendered contracts awarded even to companies connected to the E-Health board chairman. Once more there had been months and months of complaints and politicians failed to do the right thing. Once the sh*t hit the fan McGuinty and his crew saddled up and rode to our rescue???? hoping Bullsh*t would baffle brains. Well Mr. Premier it didn't baffle these brains and millions of others. But what did happen was most people now are convinced that politicians, swivel servants and even the police and courts simply can not be trusted. People helping thieves are by extension thieves themselves.</div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.thestar.com/news/ontario/article/653448" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.thestar.com/news/ontario/arti"><U>http://www.thestar.com/news/ontario/article/653448</U></A></div> <div>      Here in Orillia I saw corruption and thought the responsible thing to do was to rely on the Police. Back then, I thought Orillia had an honest and FREE Press in the Packet as well. I took my concerns and complaint to the local OPP detachment and dropped into the Packet office with a package of documents for them. The reception I received was anything but warm at either place but I must admit I was naive. Handing over the papers I explained my complaint and pointed out the documents to Colin McKim and Mark Bisset, but they simply wouldn't discuss my evidence as having any credibility. In fact they seemed to  bend over backwards, trying to find reasons why Mayor Pinocchio might have acted and done the things he did. All weak attempts at covering up and trying to discourage me from proceeding. From that day on, I have looked at the Police and Packet with different eyes and have not hesitated in telling of my experience. For those of you who might be interested in this story from Nov. 2002 it is all available on the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Previous Issues</B></FONT> button above. Click on <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Issue 1</B></FONT> and there on the first page, is the story <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>City Sells Prime Land Cheap</B></FONT>. You can then follow the story through following issues to see, why I am so skeptical of the honesty of those in power. The next writings on this subject are available in <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Issue 10</B></FONT>, for those interested <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>City Business/Public Interest/ Public Trust</B></FONT>. Followed by <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Issue 11</B></FONT> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Land Deal Part Deux</B></FONT>, finally by <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Issue 12</B></FONT>  <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>No Charges Will be Laid in Land Sale Complaint</B></FONT>. Not only was there no charges, but I have my reservations as to whether there was even a legitimate attempt to investigate?????? If one looks at how the Brass and investigators acted on the Toronto Police case, it is not hard to see similarities in behaviour. Folks there is a pattern in how government, politicians and police handle serious complaints aginst those in power and themselves. To even the most naive, it is obvious that cover up exists, until the bad guys fall from the weight of their own corruption, which had been allowed to grow.</div> <div>      Now we get to Site 41. Here is a prime example of Corruption and Cover Up. Twenty five years ago a 70 day exhaustive Environmental hearing was held and came to the only conclusion an Honest inquiry could come to. Yet the scam continues. Twenty five years ago the insiders, backroom boys, swivel servants and politicians set out to make a <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>silk purse</B></FONT> out of a <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>sow's ear</B></FONT>. Here we are a quarter century later,  tens of millions wasted with <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>no</B></FONT> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>silk purse</B></FONT>, yet, the greedy gluttonous sow is still at the trough <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>earless</B></FONT> I might add, at least for now??? Still trying to put that square peg into the round hole using the Courts, the police, dirty tricks and procedural time wasters in order to stop the truth from coming out, Team Guergis is still at it. Those who accuse protesters of being lawbreakers are  breaking the laws themselves with impunity. Like with the Toronto Police Brass, like with the OPP here in Orillia, like with McGuinty and his fellow Liberals in regards to the OLG complaints and the E-Health complaints, very little is ever done. Very few of the criminals who steal from the public are ever made to answer for their crimes. You see, in this, what people call a democracy once power is achieved the connections among them the words <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>To Serve the People</B></FONT> is nothing more than a comforting lie. What the words should be is <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>To</B></FONT> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Serve Ourselves</B></FONT>.. Why even a short month ago McGuinty was still flapping his gums, claiming the science was good all the while the Ontario Freedom Of Information Commissioner was being ignored and is still ignored today. As the wells around Site 41 grow cloudy and some of the purest water in the world is being contaminated, the very same McGuinty and his Ministers have fallen silent.</div> <div>      Folks there is only one way to right the wrongs which are out there. In a democracy the tool is simple and goes by the name of Accountability. We need to make sure that the 9,000 people who have opened their eyes because of Site 41 will keep them open. Those who have found a voice must keep <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Speaking Out</B></FONT>.  Democracy depends solely on <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>We the People</B></FONT>. If left in the charge of the scoundrels, they will <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>abuse</B></FONT> it and for sure <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>we will lose it</B></FONT>. Believe me there is no shortage of scoundrels in this world and for that reason we may win a battle but the war will continue forever unless we start holding men like Guergis, Pinocchio and others personally responsible for their actions and misdeeds.</div> <div>      People like Pinocchio will say that if politicians are treated without respect and held accountable it will stop good people from seeking office. Exactly the opposite would happen if we would only prosecute the crooks who manage to get into office. Honest politicians who serve their community and have a conscience have nothing to fear, for they will do what is right anyway. It is the liars and thieves who get into office that need to worry. It is the liars and thieves who will think twice before they seek office and not the good honest men and women whose ambition is only <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>To Serve the People</B></FONT> and not just <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>To Serve Themselves</B></FONT>. </div> <div>      It is time to hold people like Guergis and his ilk on County Council responsible. It is time to ask the OPP to investigate the contamination of the wells around Site 41. There is precedence for people in authority being held responsible personally for contaminating or allowing to be contaminated people's water. With the water in these wells becoming cloudy, where are the police who investigated Walkerton, laid charges and successfully convicted the Koebel brothers??? Instead of arresting little old ladies who sit and knit, the police should be calling Guergis, County Management and all those councillors whose decisions have caused the destruction of the water. It is these people who should be attending at the police station in Midland. What these people have done and are responsible for is nothing short of Environmental Terrorism and a Court of Law is the place to hold them accountable. As at Walkerton, search warrants should be sought for the Mod-flow and any other documents to use as evidence. Let's see how long the County or their consultants could refuse to hand it over before they are put in jail????  If as most people believe the science proves to be either not there at all, or VooDoo science, then it isn't a stretch to hold those responsible criminally including the Experts?????. Sure, no one has died from the cloudy water as yet, but that simply might be just good luck. After all no one had died at Walkerton right away either.</div> <div>      Are all politicians crooks or self serving???? No they are not. There are some very good people who are really committed to their communities. But the unfortunate reality is that honest people are easily misled and fooled simply because they can't believe others would do what they would not until their eyes are opened. It doesn't take much to fool honest men and women for the first time simply because they are honest. Holding scoundrels responsible will never stop these men and women from holding office. Only the scoundrels need to worry.</div> <div> <A HREF="http://canadaonline.about.com/cs/walkerton/a/walkertoncharge.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://canadaonline.about.com/cs/walkert"><U>http://canadaonline.about.com/cs/walkerton/a/walkertoncharge.htm</U></A></div> <bR> <div> <B>Charges Against Stan Koebel</B></div> <div> The seven charges laid against Stan Koebel, former manager of the Walkerton Public utilities Commission, are: </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">public endangerment for operating Well 7 without a chlorinator </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">public endangerment for failing to monitor, sample and test the well water supplying the town of Walkerton </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">forgery for falsifying the Daily Operating Sheet for Well 7 for May 2000 </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">using the false Daily Operating Sheet for Well 7 for May 2000 as if it were real </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">breach of trust </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">public endangerment for failing to notify the Ministry of the Environment of the adverse sample results as reported to him by a lab on May 17, 2000 </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">public endangerment for failing to notify the Medical Officer of Health and the Public Utilities Commission of those results. </div> <bR> <div>      </div> <div> It might be time for the land owners around Site 41 who have had their wells compromised to call in the OPP for an investigation. If you or I contaminated any ones well we would find our ass in jail so quick it would be as if  we were caught knitting, now wouldn't we?????</div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Aug. 30, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Guergis Family Politics Affect Orillia and Ramara</B></div> <div>      There was a very good story written by Joe Friesen in the Globe and Mail. <A HREF="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/site-41/article1269368/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/nati"><U>http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/site-41/article1269368/</U></A></div> <div> Joe writes about the Guergis Family Simcoe County political Dynasty.</div> <div> "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>The Guergis family is the closest thing to royalty in Simcoe County politics. Tony is the mayor of Springwater and the thrice-elected warden of the county. His brother Dave is the mayor of neighboring Essa Township, a member of county council and a loyal dump supporter. Their cousin Helena Guergis is the local MP, and her sister Christine is a town councillor in New Tecumseth</B></FONT>". </div> <div>       For those in Orillia and immediate area who think the political welfare of the Guergis' doesn't effect you think again. If you think that our very own Bruce Stanton under orders won't put the self interest of Helena Guergis ahead of his own ridings' interest then you would be wrong. The reach of this family is deep and goes North, South East and West in Simcoe County. Their grip on the local Conservative Party is so tight that if you are a Conservative and have any desire to move up the chain you know to ask how high when asked to jump????</div> <div>      Here in Ramara Township. we have had for over 50 years Lake St. John Airport. It has served Orillia and area's aviation industry and served it very effectively. Thousands of flights land annually every year from destinations far and wide. International flights from as far away as Mexico but mostly from the USA. For as long as anyone can remember including MP Bruce Stanton , Orillia's airport has been a Custom's Clearance facility. Planes could leave the USA and fly directly to Lake St. John and be cleared by customs right here at Orillia's very own international airport. When a flight plan is made or via radio once in the air customs agents can be notified on the planes ETA and will come out to clear it through Customs. For the 50 or so years the airport has been in operation this has worked quite successfully. This service has allowed a convenience that the many customers of Orillia Aviation who bring their planes for service from the States or bring all those US cottagers, fishermen and hunters who fly in for recreation and holidays to clear customs right here. Wonderful service and much appreciated by those who use it.</div> <div>      A few weeks ago Bruce Stanton sent out one of those political flyers which is paid for by taxpayers but is really campaign literature by another name. In this flyer Bruce tells us how his government will be investing hundreds of millions in Canadian airports and what wonderful job he and the Harper Conservatives are doing. Now it is important to note that Lake St. John Airport has not and does not receive federal funding. It is privately owned and operated. It either makes it on it's own or will go out of business. For over 50 years it has done it quite successfully. </div> <div>      But the airport in Collingwood which is in the riding of Helena Guergis has other ambitions. Helena whose political star is fading fast in Simcoe County due to what her cousins are doing on the County and municipal level needs a boost of fortune. Helena's fortunes are also waning because of money's authorized by her Ministry that was granted for recreation fields for a private school in Collingwood. To add insult to injury Collingwoods request for funds for public facilities was turned down. So it is not surprising that her fortunes needed a boost. But how does one boost those fortunes???/</div> <div>      Well you see along comes the Collingwood Airport which wants to have that which Orillia's Airport has had all these years. But there is a problem. Problem is that there is only one Airport with this customs clearance allowed in Simcoe County. But Helena needs the boost so the orders go out to Bruce to act in the interest of Helena and her riding to the detriment of his own riding??? That folk's would be us. You see Bruce approached our airport and asked it to give up it's customs designation voluntarily in favour of Helena's riding. Hmmmm! He was turned down in no uncertain terms and he left empty handed. But for how long???? What happens now that the power of the Guergis' is being denied???? I suppose push will be coming to shove but we will have to wait and see. For now the customs designation stays but I am sure Bruce is feeling the Guergis pressure not unlike those people who are opposing Site 41.</div> <div>      What I am so disappointed in, is Bruce Stanton. Clearly he put the political interest of Helena Guergis ahead of the economic interest of Orillia and area. So, for those who think that Guergis family politics don't affect us here think again. Their tight control of Simcoe County Conservatives is spread throughout the County. Of course it's not all the Guergis' fault as there are lined up those paying homage to them. Guys like Bruce and other Conservative wanabees ready to do their bidding. Too bad. Come on Bruce you work for us not for the Guergis' or do you?????? What other local businesses have been undermined for the benefit of the Guergis political dynasty or other high ranking Conservatives in other ridings?????</div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Aug. 29, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Welcome Back Dennis Edmunds????</B></div> <div>      It was with great pleasure that I read the letter from Dennis Edmund's in the Packet last week. His letter was excellent and as in the past hit the nail right on the head. I for one have missed his involvement in the local scene and am very happy that he has chosen to comment. For those who may not have heard of him Dennis for a number of years was a dedicated overseer of Orillia politics. He is an intelligent man who kept mayor's and council's feet to the fire. Certainly not loved by politicians and city management and down right hated by those in the highest positions of power.</div> <div>      Dennis was the key man in the fight to keep our Police local and warned people that going with the OPP was a mistake. He warned that in the end there would be no cost savings and in fact costs would actually escalate. He also warned that service would not improve and predicted that instead it would actually decline. I hope he will get some pleasure from having been proven correct on all counts. Small compensation for the abuse he and his family suffered for his devotion to the citizens of Orillia. I only hope that one day the truth of what he and his family had to endure because of his quest for  truth and justice will be told.</div> <div>      Over the last several years I have bumped into Dennis and truly enjoyed our banter which usually took place in a parking lot or grocery store. I was saddened to see him so demoralized but it wasn't long before I could light a fire in him. The longer we spoke the bigger the flame. I urged him to get involved again and that Orillia politics not only missed him but needed his input more than ever. The corruption he fought instead of declining has instead grown to heights unimaginable. So here is hoping that he will come out of his self imposed exile and join us in the clean up which our community and County needs so desperately.</div> <div>      In vintage Edmund's style he tells it like it is in his critique of Pinocchio's letter to the same Editor. "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Well Mr. Mayor, your skin has become a little thin, so I've got three words for you: Suck it up</B></FONT>". He makes his point by informing not only the mayor but all of us that "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>The accomplishments you mention, are in my opinion, only an attempt to cover your collective behinds</B></FONT>". He then goes on and accurately and honestly rebukes Pinocchio's attempt to take credit from those who actually did the real work. "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>The effort to bring a university to the city was started long ago by another mayor</B></FONT>". He also points out  who should be getting historical credit for roads and trails. "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>As for the road repairs and the trails, those processes were started by Mr. Clayt French and Mr. Ken McCann-- don't get me wrong, I didn't always agree with them, either</B></FONT>". </div> <div>      Dennis ends his letter again in vintage Edmunds. "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>My final comment would be this: Over the years I worked hard with my opinions, I've won some battles and lost some and have been vindicated much later on by others. To those of you who believe in advocating your right of expression on a subject of political concern in Orillia, keep up the good fight. There can even be victory and satisfaction in defeat by the attempt to voice your opinion and make the public, and members of council rethink their positions on subjects of public importance, in managing Orillia city affairs</B></FONT>". He is absolutely correct. We who have decided that enough is enough have been able to stop some insane decisions and inform the public about some that were simply stupid. We have pointed out the lies and bared the deceit along with even downright illegal goings on. Thanks to people like Dennis Edmund's who led the way by sacrificing himself long before there was the MURF, a road to nowhere or a Mayor Pinocchio. To me he was and is a Gold Standard for public service right here in Orillia. I can only hope that Dennis will take his own advice and make an effort to come back to the local scene and help finish what he so generously helped to start. The people of Orillia owe Dennis and his family who put up with the abuse a debt of gratitude. We owe liars and deceivers like Pinocchio and his merry men nothing but contempt. My hope is that one day council will be made up of at least a majority of honest men and women led by an honest person sitting at the head of council. I look forward to the day when a majority of elected councillors will always vote in the best interest of all Orillians. </div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <div> See Dennis Edmunds full letter  <a href="HTMLobj-1945/Dennis_Edmunds_Letter.pdf"><u>Dennis_Edmunds_Letter.pdf</u> </a>  </div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B></div> <bR> <div>  </div> <div>  </div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Aug. 28, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Tony Guergis the Man Who Would be King?????</B></div> <div>      Throughout history men like Tony Guergis dream of ultimate power. Many a restless night is spent dreaming of untold riches and power over their domain and everyone in it. Men like this will do and say anything to get it. They are without conscience and can get physically aggressive if they feel threatened with losing their power. Men like these simply don't care who they hurt in their quest to get control with power and money being their god. </div> <div>      So I decided to do some digging into this man Tony Guergis, who fancies himself as King and ruler of all before him. Is Tony a smart man??? Is Tony a caring man??? Is Tony an honest man??? Is Tony capable of love??? Is Tony capable of caring for anyone but himself and his own interest???  What I have found was a man who seems to be incapable of caring for those in his community and one who is incapable of accepting disent to his autocratic rule. I found a man who so easily lies, that one must watch him with extra care in order to glimpse the tell tale signs in his body language. The signs are there but I must admit he is good at fooling most. Tony is incapable of being honest and a square shooter as his behaviour and lies have proven over and over again. He is self centered and in his universe there is no one that even comes close in his thoughts and feelings for himself. Tony's biggest fan is Tony. Power and money are his real love and he manages to squander both. In short the man can not be depended on or trusted.</div> <div>      So it amazes me that he managed to get himself elected not only as mayor of Springwater Township but as Simcoe County Warden twice. For you see Tony is a personal walking financial mess. He is a man who has stiffed creditors to the tune of  $389,842. That's right this man who would be King couldn't handle his personal finances and in 2004 he went bankrupt. This man whom all the mayors and Deputy mayors of the 16 municipalities which make up Simcoe County entrusted our cookie jar to. Not once but twice. Simcoe County has an annual budget of some <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$450,000,000.</B></FONT> To put Tony Guergis in charge of that seems to me a disaster looking for a place to happen. I can't for the life of me  understand why these people would choose a man to run our financial affairs when he can not run his own????? Did these people who made Tony King know of his financial prowess or lack of??? Surely of 32 sophisticated politicians who voted for him some must have known. After all one of them was his own brother. Was this vital and crucial information withheld from our representatives???? Or did they simply ignore the info and voted for Tony for some other reason. This makes no sense at all????? Or does it????? Here are the documents for your information.</div> <div> <IMG SRC="6ebd6e40.jpg" border=0 width="726" height="996" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Now for this list of creditors and amounts people were stiffed for.</div> <div> <IMG SRC="6ecd5e20.jpg" border=0 width="725" height="994" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <IMG SRC="6edd0db0.jpg" border=0 width="720" height="987" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> It is beyond belief that these people who hold so much power over us would simply put such a man in charge unless there were deep dark reasons and they needed someone like Tony to do their dirty work. The following document is a list of contributors to Tony's election war chest for mayor of Springwater. You will notice the most generous contributors are from Toronto, Grimsby, Brampton, Innisfil and Barrie????? Hmmm! Now wouldn't it be interesting to see if any of the same contributors to Tony's campaign also gave sizeable donations to any of the other 31 mayoral candidates in Simcoe County. What would be even more interesting is if we find that those who actually voted for Tony to be Warden were the benefactors of campaign contributions themselves from Tony's contributors as well?????. Anyone up to finding out??????</div> <div>  <IMG SRC="6eec0c50.jpg" border=0 width="704" height="965" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Simply put this seems somewhat surreal doesn't. What I don't understand is why would these sophisticated politicians put their trust in a man who is a proven liar. Why would they put their trust in a man who betrays his supporters without a second thought???? Why would they put their trust in a man who has proven that he can not handle his personal finances??? Finally, why would they put their trust in this man who does not seem to have much of a conscience??? Are their numbers so lacking in good honourable people who can handle finances and has a conscience that Tony is the best of the lot????? But it goes on as Tony's wife also went bankrupt two years after him . But unlike Tony who claimed to have only <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$1,200</B></FONT> in assets his wife managed to claim well over $100,000 in assets and debt of about $250,000?????? Hmmm!</div> <div>      I wonder if any of these honourable????????? ladies and gentlemen would care to enlighten us on their thought process and reason for picking Tony Guergis as their leader. I wonder if those who voted for Tony knew that he would betray his constituents whom he promised, that if they elect him he would never vote to proceed with site 41???? Here is the you tube link for the video and audio where Tony Guergis makes his pledge to those who ended up being betrayed. <A HREF="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8oAXNzl0WY" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8oAXNzl0"><U>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8oAXNzl0WY</U></A> When you watch and hear what this guy says and hear the applause there can be no doubt that Tony was lying knowing full well he was going to betray the suckers, who had the misfortune of believing him or that politicians can be taken at their word. For many thousands, Tony has proven that our political system must be made accountable for the blatant liars like him.</div> <div>      It looks to me like politics in Simcoe County and Orillia are mirror images of the other. Here in Orillia we have our very own Mayor Pinocchio and councillors like Lying Lauer. Here in Orillia millions of dollars of strange transactions happen that simply can not be explained. Cover up, lies, backroom deals are the norm for our politicians, the same as at the County level. It is obvious that we need a <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Forensic Audit</B></FONT> and a <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Judicial Inquiry</B></FONT> as to how our millions are being mishandled?????  Like here in Orillia where we have a growing movement to <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=61258331784" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group."><U><B>Impeach Orillia Mayor Ron Stevens</B></U></A></FONT> there is a growing movement in Springwater Twshp. to remove Tony Guergis. We see a growing  movement to have Simcoe County council remove Tony as Warden, who will no doubt be sacrificed at the alter of greed, money and power. As the truth becomes known throughout Simcoe County municipalities, more and more citizens will demand investigations into the goings on within their own administrations and the connection of it to County Council. What is going on is simply not right and these people can no longer defend their behaviour.</div> <div>      I started looking into local Orillia politics about 8 years ago because of Ron Stevens. He accepted illegal campaign contributions from Orillia's largest developer. When caught he quickly wrote a cheque to the city refunding the illegal funds. He claimed he didn't realize it was illegal and had made a mistake, but since he paid out the funds everything was fine. Orillia's new council decided that indeed it was an honest mistake and would take no action. Imagine a man with 20 years of political experience being able to make an honest mistake???? Anyway that is how I began what has turned out to be a career of turning over rocks and finding useless slime under everyone of them. Site 41 is just the latest rock and it has way more slime under it but it is still the same slime DNA. There is a pattern and as I have connected the dots the picture has formed of just exactly how and why we are governed like we are. </div> <div> <B>New Jersey mayors, legislators, rabbis arrested in connection with money laundering, corruption</B></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/breaking-news/index.ssf/2009/07/new_jersey_mayors_legislators.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/breaking"><U>http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/breaking-news/index.ssf/2009/07/new_jersey_mayors_legislators.html</U></A></div> <div> Think these kinds of things only happen elsewhere???? Well! folks, welcome to <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Elsewhere</B></FONT>. As each decision made by County Council took on a more and more erieeee! look of stupidity, it was showing more than dumbness on the part of our leaders. What it shows is the unraveling of control. You see these people have lost their scripts and forgot their lines. I don't believe for a minute that there isn't some form of collusion among at least a majority. Their campaigns for office and voting patterns don't make sense and prove that theory correct. Their holding to the script even though it was poorly written doesn't make sense. Tony's anger and surprise at losing the vote on the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#009933" FACE="Arial" ><B>Moratorium</B></FONT> is interesting to see. County Councillors non reaction to the arrest of protestors and lack of outrage is interesting. Why, one councillor claimed that Tony and management are allowed to carry on because council only meets once a month???? Using that as an excuse for their incompetance?????</div> <div>      It's too bad that here in the political warm and fuzzy true north, strong and ????FREE???? we do not have an FBI. The stench that comes from the Site 41 decision as with the stench from so many municipal decisions throughout the county is becoming unbearable. The stench from the MURF / Molson deal in Orillia or the stench from the building of a $6,000,000 road to nowhere is becoming too much for many to bear. Yet the rot goes on aided and abetted by the courts, police and Queens Park. The vested interests who started  Site 41 more than 25 years ago when the process was deemed to be wrong want their payday. Think about this. There were 70 days of environmental hearings back at the begining and the site was found to be <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>unsuitable</B></FONT>. David Peterson a Liberal decided that he would over ride the hearings by issuing an Order in Council (another word for Dictatorship). From then on each and every government occupying Queens Park no matter what party claimed it was OK. Truth is it doesn't matter who is in power. All that matters is that the payoff takes place as planned.</div> <div>      People say to me they can't believe how stupid this or that politician is. I voted for him and he wasn't that stupid when he asked for my support???? Folks they aren't stupid. They are like actors in a play or motion picture. They are given a script and then directed in their performance. In Orillia the script writers are those who meet regularly at the law offices on Coldwater Rd. The director and the man who makes sure the script is stuck to is Boss Hogg Ian Brown. The same scenario is true for each of the 16 municipalities of Simcoe County. Each is assigned their parts and the County CAO brings the play together. But as in show business when there is a flop, so too is this Site 41 a flop. The backers, writers, producers and directors thought that the audience would hold their noses as they have so many times in the past. But instead, enough of us got up and walked out to disrupt the actors flow. As each of us left and the actors lost their place the show just got worse. As the show got worse more realized that they should ask for a refund. That is where we are today.</div> <div> <B>Organized Crime</B></div> <div> <B>Organized crime</B> or <B>criminal organizations</B> can be defined as a <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><U>transnational</U></FONT> grouping of highly centralized enterprises run by <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><U>criminals</U></FONT> for the purpose of engaging in illegal activity, most commonly for the purpose of generating a <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><U>monetary</U></FONT> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><U>profit</U></FONT>. The <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><I><U>Organized Crime Control Act</U></I></FONT> (<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><U>U.S.</U></FONT>, 1970) defines organized crime as "The unlawful activities of [...] a highly organized, disciplined association </div> <bR> <div> <B>Organized crime has been officially defined by the Canadian police as "two or more persons consorting together on a continuing basis to participate in illegal activities, either directly or indirectly, for gain"; it has been defined by a former US organized crime boss as "just a bunch of people getting together to take all the money they can from all the suckers they can. </B></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=A1SEC825747" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/i"><U>http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=A1SEC825747</U></A>  </div> <div> <A HREF="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organized_crime" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organized_c"><U>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organized_crime</U></A></div> <bR> <div> Here is what the RCMP say on their web-site.</div> <div> <B>Organized crime is one of five strategic priorities established by the RCMP. It is defined by Canada's </B><I><B>Criminal Code</B></I><B> as crime committed by any group of at least three people that has as one of its main purposes or activities the facilitation or commission of one or more serious offences where the primary motive is profit. The organized crime network is an international problem that ignores national boundaries. This is why we are focusing on a philosophy that advocates partnerships with the public and other Canadian and foreign law enforcement organizations to carry out our investigations. We are keeping an eye on organized crime for you... </B></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/qc/services/crime-eng.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/qc/services/cr"><U><B>http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/qc/services/crime-eng.htm</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> If what is written by the RCMP is true, then I can assure them that here in Simcoe County there is plenty to keep an eye on. I can assure the RCMP that there is an army of partnerships for them to hook up with. The people of Simcoe County don't need the RCMP to keep an eye on Organized Crime for us. We have been and are doing that just fine. What the almost 10,000 people of Simcoe County who are outraged at Site 41 and are waking up to reality need is the power and resources of our Federal Police to do a proper investigation. Site 41 is just the tip of the iceberg. There are endless leads that connect the Organized dots throughout our County. It has become so blatant that the investigators can leave their magnifying glasses at home. Will it ever happen???? Do pigs fly?????</div> <div> For all those who have woken up and smell the stink you are right. You have made a difference and if you stick together, you will be responsible for cleaning up what can only be seen as a corrupt system of government. It won't be easy, but through increased numbers of people who will no longer accept the norm we can help elect good people with clean hands. We can force the truth from under those rocks into the light of day.  Be a participant in your own governance and stop being a victim of it. Our time has come with the advent of the INTERNET.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B> Site 41 is only the begining.</B></FONT></div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B></div> <div> <B>Even More So Today</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >   </FONT></div> <div>      </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Aug. 25, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Site 41 Moratorium Approved  Vote of 22/10</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div>      Simcoe County Council voted 22 to 10 for a one year moratorium today on Site 41. Also there will be a motion brought for the Sept. meeting asking that Site 41 be abandoned permanently. </div> <div>      Wonderful!!!!! Everybody let's stick together and make sure this is ended once and for all. Let's make sure that those who we entrusted with power and betrayed us will never again be able to gain it again. Let's make sure that not only they but those who supported them will be exposed at election time for who they really are. Let's make sure that a full <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Forensic Audit</B></FONT> of County finances is going to happen. Let's work to have a full <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Judicial Inquiry</B></FONT> of Guergis and County management. Let's work together to rid the stink from County government. The battle may be over but the war against corruption, nepotism and backroom dealings is only the begining of the war. This behaviour is not just a County problem but is also happening in every municipality in the County. Stick with this folks and let's clean house once and for all so that what has been going on will never be allowed again.</div> <div>      For us in Orillia we need to make sure that Stevens will never see election again. But more important, we need to make sure the clones he and the backroom boys will bring forward are exposed for who they are and the masters they would serve if elected. We must rid ourselves of men like Lying Lauer, Wayne Gardy, Smirking Joe Fecht, Ralph Cipolla, Paul Speers, Don Evans, Maurice Macmillan and Mike Fogarty. all of them have shown they are ineffective leaders as they have followed Mayor Pinocchio faithfully to our detriment. They are all painted with the same brush as the last 2 1/2 years have shown. Tens of millions wasted during their tenure and possibly over<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B> $100,000,000</B></FONT> wasted over the last 8 years for some like Gardy, Lauer, Speers and Cipolla when one counts the environmental clean up that will have to follow. Not to mention the contaminating of our water supply and vast acreage's in the city yet unknown. We must expose the same ills that the County of Simcoe has been suffering from. <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Corruption</B></FONT>, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Nepotism</B></FONT> and <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Backroom</B></FONT> dealings. We must rid our community of a city management that instead of serving the people serves only the backroom boys and themselves. Keep the fight going until the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Andrew St. Stink</B></FONT> is gone forever and any wrong doing is made public and punished. </div> <div>      Today is a happy day as the control of Simcoe County politics has slipped from the hands of the few who have been screwing residents for a long time. It proves that this Iron Grip can be loosened and in fact must be loosened. Not only at the County level but for us here in Orillia as well. Now! it is more important than ever for all Orillians to wake up and get involved in your future. Never again have blind faith in those who are nothing more than Scoundrels. Never again give anyone a FREE Hand in screwing us. Make sure the tools will be there that will allow you to hold the Scoundrels responsible for their corruption while in office. Now is the time for all of you to take charge of your destiny. </div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B></div> <div> <B>Even More So Today</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >   </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Mayor Pinocchio, Councillors Joe Fecht, Don Evans and Paul Spears Orillia's Shame</B></div> <bR> <div> Aug. 25, 2009</div> <div> What a shame that Orillia City Council would not even support discussion of the motion regarding a moratorium on Site 41. Mike Fogarty and Ralph Cipolla requested fellow councillors to support waving a notice of motion so this matter could be discussed prior to the County vote tomorrow - with the hope that Orillia Councillors would vote in favour of encouraging the County to support a 1 year moratorium so documents could be reviewed and public concerns addressed. </div> <div> Even with an ALERT from AMO regarding "Safeguarding and Sustaining Ontario's Water Resources for Future Generations", and two other costly water protection matters (LSRCA - Re: Implementation of the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan, and South Georgian Bay Lake Simcoe Source Protection Region - Re: Drinking Water Source Protection) on the Council Agenda the following Orillia Councillors stopped discussion of this important issue: Joe Fecht, Paul Spears, and Don Evans, and of course, Mayor Stevens safely withheld comment. </div> <div> Those in favour of discussing the 1 year moratorium included: Mike Fogarty, Ralph Cipolla, Wayne Gardy, Maurice McMillan and Tim Lauer. </div> <div> Let's hope County Councillors have more respect for "safeguarding and sustaining Ontario's water resources for future generations" and vote tomorrow to support a 1 year moratorium on Dump Site 41 to secure more positive solutions for our communities.</div> <div> Kelly Clune</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B></div> <div> <B>Even More So Today</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >  </FONT></div> <div> <B>Aug. 24, 2009</B></div> <div> <B>Pictures say a thousand words</B></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="79f3eed0.jpg" border=0 width="318" height="237" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="7a1a9ed0.jpg" border=0 width="169" height="237" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="7a3bdec0.jpg" border=0 width="189" height="236" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B>Al Capone Mug Shot                                          Tony Guergis' Mug              Boss Hogg</B></div> <bR> <div> Am I the only one to see a striking resembelence?????????????</div> <div> <B>jim tolnai</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Warden Guergis</B></div> <div> <B>Even More So Today</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >  </FONT></div> <div> <B>Aug. 23, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Crap Always Floats to the Top?????</B></div> <div>      Crap always floats to the top but eventually will sink to the bottom. This is a very good and accurate analogy of Orillia's mayor and his three successive councils. For the last 8 years Mayor Pinocchio stained and soiled every councillor he came in contact with. Everyone of them whether by mistake or design has a putrid stink that will stay with them forever. Each in turn are now trying to distance themselves from the stink, claiming it was someone else who let one and it wasn't them. But they can't escape the stink because all their underwear's are soiled. No matter where they move in the room the stink follows them because the stink is them. Yes! their underwear's have the familiar racing stripes which makes them stink collectively, but more important each one also stinks on their own as well.</div> <div>      For Orillia's Mayor Pinocchio, criticism of him and councillors is a disappointment. If he feels disappointed, then imagine how disappointed we are??? To this guy and those underwear stained who surround him, they really think that it is we who are at fault for all the ills, they have put upon us. As usual they take no responsibility for any stupid, bad or dare I say even some criminal decisions they have made???? On Friday the Packet ran a letter from Pinocchio on it's editorial page that contained more crap in it's 800 words than had been collected by the combined stained underwear of the 24 councillors who served his three successive administrations. </div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >     Before reading the following statement, I would suggest everyone put on their barn clothes and rubber boots. "</FONT><B>It is with a great commitment to every citizen of Orillia that I and the other members of council make the decisions we do. We do not set forth to be irresponsible in this decision making or generate more challenges for any citizens of our city. All of our decisions have to be made with great care and very often require input from staff as well as the public to ensure all issues are addressed</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >".  So let's separate the bullsh*t from Pinocchio's own crap. Does this guy really believe anything he says or writes???? We are supposed to believe that the </FONT><B>$11,000,000</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > plus dollars wasted down on West St. was for the citizens of Orillia???? How could the wasting of this money be construed as for the benefit of the wider population??? Now, had the decision been made through an honest mistake it might be forgivable. But everyone knows that what they did was a cold and calculated decision which they knew would or could hurt us. Look! when you mix soil samples to hide what is really there, that was not done by mistake or accident. When you have to be forced to dig up 52 or so 45 gallon drums of which 3 are still intact and you don't test the contents, that is not by accident. When you fill in a lovely swampy pond area which was possibly the only clean area on that site, that was not by accident. When you refuse to make public and even hide test results, that was not by accident. When you refuse to make public the Molson environmental report and claim there is a "</FONT><B>confidentiality agreement</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >" that does not exist, that is not by accident. When the Roger Tudhope Report on the West St. property is secreted out of City Hall and moved down to the Sewage Treatment Office, that was not by accident. When the mayor and councillors claimed they knew everything there was to know and there was no "</FONT><B>Plume</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >" while they actually knew there was and told us we had nothing to worry about, that was not by accident. That my friends is only one project   where almost all their decisions turned out to be lies and or wrong. Yet this guy claims "</FONT><B>All of our decisions have to be made with great care</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >". Not one decision made on this project could have been made with any care or with the people's interest taking precidence.</FONT></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >     Then we have Pinocchio claiming credit for the New Twin Pad Arena. Wow! Now that is a stretch. It was this council and this mayor who allowed children to use the Community Center knowing it was unsafe. As with the MURF project, these guys got caught simply because the "</FONT><B>Experts</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >" were unwilling to go along with them any longer. The </FONT><B>sh*t hit the fan </B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >when the public realized that  </FONT><B>all those decisions had not been made with great care </B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >and</FONT><B> </B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >were</FONT><B> </B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >actually made to the detriment of their children's safety. Until the truth, which was hidden from the users and those most at risk by Pinocchio and the "</FONT><B>great care</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >" decision makers they couldn't of given a "</FONT><B>RAT'S ASS</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >". They only started to care once caught and the people were ready to lynch them. Now this guy and the eight other "</FONT><B>soiled underwear</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >" bunch are claiming it was they who must be given credit for such a fine decision. Do they really believe this crap???? Imagine claiming that a twin pad was out of the question over the last 7 years and ignoring people like Dick Sleep and others, yet once caught in their own </FONT><B>treachery</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" > up goes one in only months costing millions more than it should???? But even here they soil their under garments when claiming that millions more have to be spent on this facility using the fictional argument that it is necessary because of fighting by players and parents??? While other communities spend in the area of </FONT><B>$15,000,000</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" > for comparable facilities these guys spend </FONT><B>$26,000,000</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >. For </FONT><B>$28,000,000</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" > Barrie built a larger facility with a huge two pool feature thrown in and also got a fitness center a gymnasium and a child care center????? Wow!!!!</FONT></div> <div> <IMG SRC="6f5d7610.jpg" border=0 width="471" height="353" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="6f6d8620.jpg" border=0 width="472" height="354" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <IMG SRC="6f7d35e0.jpg" border=0 width="467" height="350" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="6f8da5d0.jpg" border=0 width="474" height="349" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Anyone able to believe that this<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B> mayor and council make decisions with great care</B></FONT>????? Naturally this is not the only example only the closest one for people to go and see. Drive a few klicks down the road to Barrie,  Innisfil or to Wasaga Beach you will see just what care our mayor and council take in making decisions in the "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>best interest of the City of Orillia and its citizens</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >" in comparison.</FONT></div> <div>      Pinocchio goes on in his letter chastising the Packet, Colin McKim and I suppose others like myself. "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>It is irresponsible of this paper to have such little respect for the elected officials that hold these offices and misrepresent the intentions of those holding them</B></FONT>". What bunk, what nerve. I have always been amazed how irresponsible the Packet has been to not report the crap that has been floating on the top all these years and then never reporting as it sank to the bottom out of sight out of mind. I have not been shy telling you about why these things have not been reported and now it seems I am being vindicated by Pinocchio's own words. I have complained that because of people like Dave Dawson in the past and especially Mark Bisset the people of Orillia have been ill served by the local daily newspaper. Mark is gone only a mere few weeks and already there are stirrings that Orillia might one day have a real newspaper that takes it's FREE Press responsibility seriously. Here is what Pinocchio said "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>It has become obvious to me that McKim has little or no direction from the managing editor</B></FONT>". Bloody time that reporters are allowed to write the truth and to criticize the not so perfect mayor and councillors, whom have been allowed to screw each and everyone of us by our beloved daily paper and it's former "<B>Managing Editor</B>". The <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$11,000,000</B></FONT> wasted on West St. MURF is in a large part due to Bisset and Packet management who failed this community miserably. I will await more evidence that the Packet is actually sincere and will be offering an  Honest and Open daily newspaper that we can all be proud of. One run in with being honest and transparent is not quite enough but it could be a good start.</div> <div>      The mayor then goes on saying, "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>This council is working very hard to enhance the image of this wonderful city</B></FONT>". If the results achieved by this mayor and his three councils is a result of working hard then<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B> slovenly laziness </B></FONT>would be a welcome option. Everything this man has touched in this city over the last 8 years has turned out to be mostly a disaster and there is very little good resulting from it. He keeps talking about the Lake Head campus as if buying Lake Head coming here is some sort of an accomplishment???? Anyone but me notice that Lake Head has cost each and every taxpayer $1363.63?????. The cost to have Lake Head come here has come at a cost of <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$15,000,000</B></FONT> from city coffers. Now that cost is only for the campus to be built which will pay a measly <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$92,000</B></FONT> into the city tax base. But it will require millions of dollars in services each and every year paid for by existing taxpayers. No redevelopment of the city center but actually put so far away from developed areas that the campus is being built out in the hinterlands. Along with this so called growth,  mayor and council are building a 5 lane road to nowhere for no reason and certainly no need. But I am sure council worked very hard to provide this Blvd. of the People's as Iron Curtain countries would have named it. It will be a wonderful place to hold parades that people will be able to line as their beloved leaders pass by in their fancy limo convertibles. But other than that it will be of no use at all as traffic will never justify the spending. In the working hard scenario one needs to go and watch the heated discussions council and the mayor held in spending the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$6,000,000</B></FONT> plus on this Blvd. As I reviewed the video I realized there was <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>more time</B></FONT> spent on discussing the naming of this road <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>University Blvd</B></FONT>. than there was in discussing what an idiotic idea it was to build a 5 lane road to nowhere. Yup! these guys worked hard in wasting our hard earned money with nothing of usefulness to show for it. But we will have a <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>People's Blvd</B></FONT>.</div> <div>     The mayor goes on "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>There is also the enhancements to existing trails as well the creation of new ones, the rebuilding of both Westmount Drive and West Street plus numerous other road projects, the new 42,000-square-foot library and revitalized market square to name a few</B></FONT>". First, West St. reconstruction has been a disaster, especially for those living on it as construction was done over several years. While <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$11,000,000</B></FONT> was being wasted on the non existent MURF all Orillians suffered because this mayor and his councils claimed they had no money to do the project at one time. Hello!!! if you had not wasted <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$11,000,000 </B></FONT>on the MURF then there would have been money for West St. The same is true for Westmount. It has been more than a decade since the lady was killed gardening in her front yard on Westmount. The city was told this hill was dangerous and should be re-engineered. All the years Pinocchio has been in office each election he pulled Westmount out of his hat. Turns out that the hill is being left because there is no money for doing a proper job to make Westmount safe. Yet these same people have over <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$6,000,000</B></FONT> to build a 5 lane Blvd. to nowhere. Ad the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$6,000,000</B></FONT> to the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$11,000,000</B></FONT> wasted on West St. MURF and you could have done not only West St. but  Westmount and just about all the road construction over the last 4 years in the city and still had change left over for a very good down payment on the Twin pad arena.</div> <div>      Now don't get me started on the library which is another decision that he claims was a hard one??? Hard to believe if the truth be known. While the Woolworth building should have been the only choice, these people go ahead and build a library that is out of character for a heritage downtown and out of step with the rest of what is going on around the world. Increasingly libraries are going on line. It would have made more sense to build a <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$13,000,000</B></FONT> 53,000 sq. ft. library by re-utilizing the Woolworth building and presenting for FREE an Internet capable laptop for each of 30,000 Orillians at a cost of <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$8,940,000</B></FONT>. Then spend the remaining <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$4,060,000</B></FONT> developing the best on line library any town of 30,000 ever had. But alas that was too hard for these guys to think about. You see it hurts their heads were they ever to actually think? Or one would think so, considering that very little thought seems to go into their decisions as can be witnessed by the results.</div> <div>      I better move on even before I touch on the mass contamination of our community these people are responsible for and without touching on the contamination of our city water supply, because if I continue I could be here all day and you reading this will think your reading a novel. Maybe I will leave the novel for another day. And of course I will leave this Rag as the mayor calls it, as future reference for the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Judicial Enquiry</B></FONT> that will surely be called after the next election and for the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Forensic Audit</B></FONT> that will be coming long before Pinocchio and his gang take up permanent residence down in his favourite spot to vacation, which I am told is Cuba. Seems like the crap is sinking and can no longer float because it's weighted down by the lies and corruption if Pinocchio's and the other councillor's letters" are any indication????</div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B></div> <div> <B>Even More So Today</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >  </FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>      </div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Aug. 19, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Orillia Have Your Say About Site 41</B></div> <div>      If you are sitting smug in your easy chair thinking that Site 41 is too far away think again. Saving the Aquifer is our collective responsibility. Clean potable water is too important to do nothing. Right now as I write this there is an area of India with a population of 114,000,000 whom in the very near future will be without potable water. At the same time food production will cease because what little water will be left won't be fit even to water the crops or let livestock drink it. Think I'm kidding???? The scary part is that this area is only one of many more around the world in just as bad or even worse shape. </div> <div>     If you think poisoned water can only happen elsewhere think again. Right here in Orillia mayor, councillors, city management, their experts??? and the MOE allowed Toxins to be forced off the West St. MURF site right into our drinking water supply. Yes, a short 13 months after the treachery of the Dig & Dump Trichloroethylene showed up in the cities' water supply. These toxins were drawn in from the bottom of Lake Couchiching a quarter of a mile out from the water treatment plant. </div> <div>      In an attempt to cover their treachery mayor, council, city management and their experts opened the two wells down at the park which had been shut down some years ago because of contamination. They used the excuse of these openings as the cover for building a $1,200,000 stripping plant on Jarvis St. The real reason was because now even the lake water has been compromised by them. So about a year ago they open this marvel of technology only to now having problems that they are failing to report to the public.</div> <div>      You see I have a friend who lives almost directly behind the Jarvis St. stripping plant. A few months ago he was detecting odors coming from the plant. He came to me for advice and information. He described the smell as one he had smelled working in a new car plant where vinyl, degreasers and many other chemicals are routinely used. I described the process of venting off the VOC's and then having to capture the gases in filters, most likely carbon . I urged him to call the filtration plant and find out if my theory of filter failure was correct. That he did and was told that indeed there were problems with the filters. As he questioned the city employee, he asked what should be done when these fumes were present. Go inside, close the windows and stay there was the answer. Imagine that??????</div> <div>      Anyway! Orillia don't be too smug as what these people have done and are doing will affect many generations to come unless the site is cleaned up or somehow contained. But don't hold your breath waiting for the likes of Stevens, Lauer, McMilllan, Speers, Gardy, Cipolla, Evans, Fogarty or Fecht to do the right thing. These guys are still scratching their heads in disbelief that there is no MURF built as yet. Anyway, Site 41 will affect you and possibly millions more if allowed to proceed. So get active and get involved. <A HREF="http://stopdumpsite41.ca/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://stopdumpsite41.ca/"><U>http://stopdumpsite41.ca/</U></A> In the meantime read the following about the India tragedy that is unfolding.</div> <div> <B> </B><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>India's vanishing water</B></FONT></div> <div> <B>by UCI Communications Office</B></div> <bR> <div> Using satellite data, University of California, Irvine (UCI) and NASA hydrologists have found that groundwater beneath northern India has been receding by as much as one foot per year over the past decade - and they believe human consumption is almost entirely to blame. </div> <bR> <div> More than 109 cubic kilometers (26 cubic miles) of groundwater disappeared from the region's aquifers between 2002 and 2008 - double the capacity of India's largest surface-water reservoir, the Upper Wainganga and triple that of Lake Mead, the largest manmade reservoir in the US. </div> <bR> <div> People are pumping northern India's underground water, mostly to irrigate cropland, faster than natural processes can replenish it, said Jay Famiglietti and Isabella Velicogna, UCI Earth system scientists and Matt Rodell of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. </div> <bR> <div> "If measures are not soon taken to ensure sustainable groundwater usage, consequences for the 114 million residents of the region may include a collapse of agricultural output, severe shortages of potable water, conflict and suffering," said Rodell, lead author of the study and former doctoral student of Famiglietti's at the University of Texas at Austin. </div> <bR> <div> Study results were published online in the journal <I>Nature</I>. </div> <bR> <div> Groundwater comes from the percolation of precipitation and other surface waters down through Earth's soil and rock, accumulating in aquifers - cavities and layers of porous rock, gravel, sand or clay. In some subterranean reservoirs, the water may be thousands to millions of years old; in others, water levels decline and rise again naturally each year. </div> <bR> <div> Groundwater levels do not respond to changes in weather as rapidly as lakes, streams and rivers do. So when groundwater is pumped for irrigation or other uses, restoration of original levels can take months or years. </div> <bR> <div> "Groundwater mining - that is when withdrawals exceed replenishment rates - is a rapidly growing problem in many of the world's large aquifers," Famiglietti said. "Since groundwater provides nearly 80 percent of the water required for irrigated agriculture, diminishing groundwater reserves pose a serious threat to global food security." </div> <bR> <div> Data provided by India's Ministry of Water Resources had suggested that groundwater use across the nation was exceeding natural replenishment, but the regional rate of depletion had been unknown. </div> <bR> <div> In the new study, the hydrologists analyzed six years of monthly data for northern India from twin satellites called GRACE - NASA's Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment - to produce a chronology of underground water storage changes. </div> <bR> <div> GRACE detects differences in gravity brought about by fluctuations in water mass, including water below the Earth's surface. As the satellites orbit 300 miles above Earth, their positions change - relative to each other - in response to variations in the pull of gravity. They fly about 137 miles apart, and microwave ranging systems measure every microscopic variance in the distance between the two. </div> <bR> <div> "With GRACE, we can monitor water storage changes everywhere in the world from our desk," said Velicogna, also with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. "The satellites allow us to observe how water storage evolves from one month to the next in critical areas of the world." </div> <bR> <div> Groundwater loss in northern India is particularly alarming because there were no unusual trends in rainfall - in fact, it was slightly above normal during the study period. The researchers also examined data on soil moisture, lake and surface reservoir storage, vegetation and glaciers in the nearby Himalayas to confirm that the apparent groundwater trend was real. The only influence they couldn't rule out was human. </div> <bR> <div> "For the first time, we can observe water use on land with no additional ground-based data collection," Famiglietti said. "This is critical because in many developing countries, where hydrological data are both sparse and hard to access, space-based methods provide perhaps the only opportunity to assess changes in freshwater availability across large regions." </div> <bR> <div>      Whether water is drawn down to extinction or simply poisoned as with what mayor and council has caused to be contaminated or like Warden Guergis and Simcoe County Council are wanting to do with Site 41 the end result is the same. No potable water will be available without expensive filtration or as in Orillia's case a stripping plant that doesn't work some times and contaminates the air people breath instead of what they drink. </div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B></div> <div> <B>Even More So Today</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >  </FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Aug. 17, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Simcoe County looking more Like Hazzard County</B></div> <div>      Isn't it amazing how art reflects reality. ,If the show Dukes of Hazzard is Art it amazes me how it reflects the reality of Simcoe County. We have Warden Tony Guergis who even resembles Boss Hog with the OPP acting like the Sheriff and his men in carrying out political orders. We have liar after liar holding office throughout the communities of Simcoe County running willy nilly either over or around Democracy.</div> <div>      Charlie Renaud asks the question "Who runs Simcoe County"?? I myself have asked the same question many times right here in Orillia. Guergis and his CEO act and do whatever they want regardless of whether it is illegal (refusal to hand over Modflow) or questionable. They start construction without proper council approval, they proceed with court action yet the last ones to know are those who are elected to approve or disapprove. Let's face it, saying that you e-mailed councillors that you had taken action is not the same of asking them if you should take action???? But in Simcoe County and in Orillia this seems to be the normal way of doing business.</div> <div>      How many Orillians remember Mayor Pinocchio removing (stealing) councillors' personal mail? How many people remember mayor and city management with holding documents and information crucial to good decision making???? How many people remember the lie which flowed from Ian Brown's lips that a confidentiality agreement prevented him releasing the Molson Environmental Report. How many remember that no action was taken against Brown when he was forced to admit that no such agreement existed??? How many people can remember how Brown, Koughan and the mayor with held the MOE report before a vote to piss away another $5,000,000 on the MURF???? If it wasn't so obvious there might be an excuse for people not seeing the Hazzard County Syndrome. But it is obvious, so folks you had better pay attention. It is our money and our community that is at stake. </div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B></div> <div> <B>Even More So Today</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >  </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Aug. 15, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Scoundrels are Plentiful in Simcoe County not just Orillia</B></div> <div>      Here is a letter from an opponent of Site 41 who has decided enough is enough. Like I did almost 8 years ago when I found what kind of man Ron Stevens is, Charlie Renaud has decided to Speak Out about Tony Guergis mayor of Springwater Township and Warden of Simcoe County. Things are finally happening as people realize just what scoundrels have been put in charge of our well being. Here are Charlies thoughts and his perception that physical harm could befall him for Speaking Out. An interesting note is what Councillor Maurice McMillan told me in his visit in June. When I asked him if he feared for his personal safety he said that he was. Imagine that????/ anyway here are Charlie's thoughts.</div> <div>  </div> <div> <B>Who Authorized County of Simcoe Injunction against Protesters?</B></div> <div>  </div> <div> I am confused as to who is running Simcoe County. I thought it was a Board of 32 Councillors. It seems to me that Mr. Guergis believes he is the supreme ruler and can act independantly whithout consultation nor votes of the other 31 Councillors. Although I have read the County of Simcoe website and it clearly states "County Council retains the approval authority" and "All recommendations of Committee of the Whole must be formally ratified by County Council.</div> <div> ". The Warden speaks for the County in a public forum only AFTER it has been voted on. He seems to be acting as if he is a DICTATOR, when in reality, he has no power on his own. He is just the spokesperson.</div> <bR> <div> A special emergency meeting was called for a simple by-law prohibiting parking on Concession 2 around Site 41? Yet no meeting nor vote is taken for spending OUR taxpayers money to SUE Protesters and jail them for voicing their opinion and attempting to PREVENT the wasteful and wrongful spending of yet more money on Site 41 that we taxpayers do not agree with.</div> <bR> <div> Tony Guergis got his job as Mayor of Springwater based on his position that he would always be AGAINST Site 41, yet he has voted FOR it. THAT is a WASTE of my TIME and MONEY as a taxpayer. In my opinion he has no right to the job nor the title he holds.</div> <bR> <div> I have heard rumours that Mr. Guergis has been threatening people in Elmvale to be quiet about their disapproval of Site 41 or they will lose their school. I have also heard that he has promised Wasaga Beach the school if they vote FOR Site 41. So, which is it? He can't fulfill both promises, can he? I don't believe a word that comes out of his mouth, since he hasn't fulfilled his main campaign promise about stopping Site 41. He seems the type to just tell you what you want to hear that day just to get you to do something that he wants you to do.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> I realize that in speaking out here I am making myself a target and that is the very reason that the people that have been threatened are afraid to speak up. So, this is notice, that if anything happens to me I ask you to look at County of Simcoe and Mr. Guergis very carefully for motivation to shut me up.</div> <bR> <div> I demand Tony Guergis be REMOVED from office immediately.</div> <bR> <div> C. Renaud, Phelpston</div> <bR> <div> Pay very close attention folks as our communities are being run by a bunch who are organized and act for the benefit of their organized group of scoundrels. Once we get a proper Forensic Audit of Orillia's financial shenanigans and that Judicial Enquiry,  the truth will be there for all to see. Let's hope all Simcoe County Municipalities will be audited as well.</div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B></div> <div> <B>Even More So Today</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >  </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>RalleyUniversity of Toronto Medical Sciences Building, Macleod Auditorium</B></div> <div> <B>Aug. 13, 2009</B></div> <bR> <div> Buses have been arranged for the Thursday, August 13 rally in Toronto. Pick up spots are the Dump Site 41 protest camp at 4:15 p.m. and Our Lady of Lourdes Church at 4:30 p.m. Call 705-322-1330 to reserve a seat. Consideration is being given to stopping off at a location on Bayfield St. in Barrie to pick up those who attended the day’s court proceedings. The decision will be made depending on interest, so call to let us know if that would work for you. The bus ride is free thanks to sponsorship from the Simcoe County Federation of Agriculture, but a donation would be appreciated.</div> <bR> <div> The rally, organized by the Council of Canadians, starts at 7 p.m. at the University of Toronto Medical Sciences Building, Macleod Auditorium, Room 2158. Entrances are off Kings College Circle (College St) and also Queen’s Park Circle nearest the Queen’s Park Subway. Speakers include Keith and Ina Wood, Vicki Monague, Stephen Ogden, David Ladell, David Crombie, Charlie Angus, Anne Ritchie-Nahuis and Garfield Dunlop. More info: <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><U> </U></FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.canadians.org/water/issues/Site41/index.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.canadians.org/water/issues/Si"><U>http://www.canadians.org/water/issues/Site41/index.html</U></A></div> <div> For Immediate Release </div> <div> Attention: Environment, Conservation, Water, Ecology, Political reporters<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> Thursday August 13, 2009, 9:30 a.m. </div> <div> Superior Court of Justice, 114 Worsley Street, Barrie </div> <div> <B>Hearing on injunction Concerning Dump Site 41 set for Thursday morning </B></div> <div> <I>Simcoe County Director of Environmental Services and Clerk expected to be cross examined</I></div> <bR> <div> BARRIE August 11---An injunction limiting protest concerning Dump Site 41 was imposed on July </div> <div> 22, 2009. On August 13 and 14 2009, lawyers representing First nations protestor Vicki Monague will appear in the Superior Court of Justice, Barrie Courthouse at 9:30 am to present evidence and make argument that the injunction be lifted. </div> <bR> <div> Monague's lawyers will argue that Simcoe County has behaved improperly by refusing to give the Community Monitoring Committee [CMC] the "calibrated model" that it sought in order to be able to independently evaluate the hydrogeological report that formed the basis for the approval of the construction of the dump site. </div> <div> They will also argue that it was improper of the County to proceed with construction </div> <div> without a motion clearly authorising the work. </div> <div> In addition, it will be argued that there was a lack of the required consultation with First Nations peoples. </div> <bR> <div> On Thursday August 13, it is expected that Monague's lawyers will cross examine Rob McCullough, Simcoe County's Director of Environmental Services, and Glen Knox, Clerk of the County of Simcoe. Lawyers representing Simcoe County are expected to cross examine Vicki Monague, Community Monitoring Committee member Steve Ogden, and Jeffrey Monague,the former Chief of the Beausoleil First Nation.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B></div> <div> <B>Even More So Today</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >  </FONT></div> <div> <B>Aug. 09, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Site 41 Threatens Political Powers</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT></div> <div>      For the Liberal and Conservative Parties of Ontario and Canada Site 41 represents a graver threat politically than most people realize. Tonight the face group Site 41 membership ticked past 7.600. This milestone is an unbelievable mark to pass for a serious political issue in Ontario. It is huge and political organizations see it as a definite threat to their supremacy. You see opposition to Site 41 is starting to solidify people who for the most part have been anything but political. Sure some have fought for individual injustices but for the most part they have fought in small groups that were easily appeased or dismissed. But this group is different. This group is begining to get cross Ontario, cross Canada and even some world attention due to the internet. That folks is a huge threat to the political elite.</div> <div>      It is now only a matter of a short time before Site 41 will be abandoned. Not because those same elite have changed and now believe that the water would be compromised or actually care????? Not because they finally want to do the right thing. But because their political dynasties are under threat. This Site 41 Issue has to be taken off the table before the people realize what it is they are really building. That is why the politicians brought out the OPP. That is why they went to court in order to justify bringing out the OPP. As I wrote here last week the judge in siding with the politicians made the same mistake Judge Stong made on the MURF when he didn't shut down the dig and dump until proper testing could be done. I don't believe for a minute that the injunction against protestors at the site didn't have political influence in order for the judge to decide as he did. </div> <div>      But the powers as all powers who are used to control without opposition panicked. They simply don't have experience to deal with this freight train barrelling down the track towards them. So they remove some tracks in an attempt to derail it. Only problem is there are some very stupid people sent out to take up track. They take up the wrong track (Keith and Ina Wood). They misread the determination of the Woods. In the minds of the GestOPPo the Woods are an easy target. They expected them to cower and simply disappear. Now that  has not happened and others they threaten have taken courage from Keith and Ina. After all if an 82 and 76 year stand and fight then how can others abandon them or justify abandoning them???</div> <div>      Site 41 was already bringing out the political opportunists like Garfield Dunlop of the Conservatives and even Steve Clarke Federal Liberal Candidate has stuck his nose in the air and smelled the stink of opportunity. Then Bruce Stanton all of a sudden attends the Rally a week ago. All this means is that the fire needs to be put out, that is growing closer to their political houses of cards. It won't be long when the first of many political casualties will be put on ice most likely never to be heard from again. It is too important to stop this before there is serious damage done and the truth of why this site was really chosen and pushed by both political parties in spite of it not making any sense. Make sure you click the following link and take the time to read it. <A HREF="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_Compact" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_Comp"><U>Family Compact</U></A> After reading this bit of history how many can honestly say they don't see a similarity to how Simcoe County and it's various municipal governments are and have been run. For years now I have been referring to these people as the Backroom Boys. Unfortunately people have been slow in taking this scenario up. Today the Site 41 Group is exposing the dirt and stink that has always been there but the greed has grown so pervasive that people have finally said enough is enough.</div> <div>      Now the trick is to keep this group together even after Site 41 is history. You see if the people disband the Family Compact will simply continue the same as it has since the 1880's. It never really went away, it only morphed itself. So folks look at Simcoe County and all it's parts today and you will see that it is always the same people making decisions while others are blocked out very effectively. Do not believe Garfield Dunlop when he says that he is appalled at the treatment of the Woods. Instead look back at what Garfield said about the people being shunted around Simcoe County from the old age home on Muskoka Road in Orillia. Back then he said he had sympathy but it was costing too much money to keep this facility open. So tough bananas the old folks were moved from their community from their friends and from a peaceful final days of their lives. I have no doubt that some succumbed to the stress that was put on them. Seniors picketing in their wheelchairs won them a reprieve for 12 months but in the end the power was able to smooth over the bad press and did their harm anyway. Check out my writings back then  about Garfield and this issue. The item is in Issue 1 on page 2 titled "Herd Them Up, Move'm Out"<A HREF="http://www.speakingout.biz/id23.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.speakingout.biz/id23.htm"><U>http://www.speakingout.biz/id23.htm</U></A> . Don't be fooled again by these people. Hold them accountable once and for all.</div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B></div> <div> <B>Even More So Today</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >  </FONT></div> <div> <B>Aug. 08, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Can Afford It??????</B></div> <div>      Since Joe Fechts' letter in the Packet last week I have been forming my thoughts for a response. Today Angelo Orsi's response letter to the editor took what I thought was my thunder. But in reading and re reading both Angelo's letter and Fecht's it occurred to me that the real answer to our problems with the city administration is four simple words.<FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>We Can Afford It</B></FONT>!!!! From the begining of Pinocchio's election those four words have ruled just about every decision <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>City Administration</B></FONT> has made. No matter how much or how stupid a decision or project, mayor , councillors and city management always refer to their belief that "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>We can afford it</B></FONT>".</div> <div>      The following is a very good example of these people's mind set on spending taken from Tim Lauer's web site <A HREF="http://www.timlauer.ca/Issues.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.timlauer.ca/Issues.htm"><U>http://www.timlauer.ca/Issues.htm</U></A></div> <div>  "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>As to debt and the 50 year horizon. I agree this is a building that must service the community for the next 50 years, that is why it is so important to make sure the Library is functional and can service those needs, now and in the future. We are now a growing University/College town that in my mind, deserves a state-of-the-art facility. </B></FONT></div> <div> <B>Debt is not a problem with this project as both the new twin pad complex and the Library will be financed from existing reserves</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >". These people's whole thinking process is based not on what we need and certainly not on what we can afford but on what they perceive we "</FONT><B>deserve</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >". Once they believe a project is </FONT><B>deserved</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > for whatever foolish reason in their warped thinking, any and all expense become justified. Any and all tax increase or as in the case of development charges are justified. Let's face it, the MURF project was driven by the words "</FONT><B>We Can Afford It</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >" and "</FONT><B>We deserve a state of the art facility</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >". Another example of their thinking or reasoning "</FONT><B>There was a move to reduce the seating but it went nowhere as there was no significant cost savings. There was no real science to my original proposal of 700 seats other than it represents an appropriate response to our current experiences. The facility will be built to last 50 years; somewhere within that time frame 700 seats will be useful</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >". Tim says he wants 700 seats in the new rink for no particular reason except that in the next 50 years at some point 700 seats might be useful and the rest of council approves it without so much as a question, scientific or not????</FONT></div> <div>      Then of course we have the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Five Lane</B></FONT> road to "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>No Where</B></FONT>". At a cost of many millions these guys vote to build it, again with no science except in their own warped thinking that "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>We Deserve It</B></FONT>" because they really believe "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>We Can Afford It</B></FONT>". Examples are there of this mind set in just about every decision mayor, council and city management are involved with. Just look at what mayor Pinocchio said about the decision to renovate the Gill St. property and then tear it down. He along with councillors really believe that they chose this waste of financial resources because they are saving us <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$1,300,000</B></FONT> by not implementing an even stupider decision they were prepared to make. Sort of like Dumb or Dumber. In Orillia Stupider justifies Stupid.They actually believe Pinocchio's statement that "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>There is no land cost associated with the chosen temporary location since the site is owned by the City of Orillia for construction of a new fire hall</B></FONT>". Come on guys the ink on the purchase agreement for this property for<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B> $1,100,000 </B></FONT>isn't even dry and yet  these clowns really believe there is no "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>land cost</B></FONT>"????? </div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >     So there is the reason why Joe Fecht misrepresents Angelo's letter. You see while Angelo and all of us are concerned with ever higher taxes mayor, council and city management are concerned whether "</FONT><B>We deserve it </B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >or</FONT><B> We Can Afford it</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >". Of course if one has the power to take money from people at will and the people must hand it over to them, "</FONT><B>We</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >" meaning one mayor, eight councillors and a handful of city management can afford just about anything. It doesn't matter to these guys whether something costs </FONT><B>$10,000,000 </B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >or </FONT><B>$100,000,000</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > as "</FONT><B>We Can Afford It</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >". Sure sometimes because of some public whimpering they  float some idiotic numbers trying to justify the </FONT><B>We Can Afford It</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >, </FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >but at some point even they confess to be really only trying to fool the peoplewith double talk and weasle words. Here is an excerpt proving this from Lauer's own web site.</FONT></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >"</FONT><B>We have certain proponents quoting the yearly cost of our Capital Facility strategy as $92 a year. This number is based apparently on a home assessed at $200,000 and factors in the 4 successive 1% yearly tax increases currently being implemented. What is being left out of the equation is the original 4% increase imposed in 2002 and the 8% impact of the OPC interest/dividend payment. When these other revenue streams are factored in the cost quadruples. To people on fixed incomes, low incomes or just short of discretionary funds, this may have a significant impact. The scary thing in this case, is that anyone could make a decision of this magnitude based on such faulty math. In the end however, </B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000CC" FACE="Arial" ><B>I feel the cost issue is more about value, performance and lost opportunity than affordability</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >". Say didn't Tim push for 700 seats in the new arena with not only faulty but in fact no information????? Proof positive that this guy and his cronies really do not live on this planet. It was just a few years ago when Lauer along with other councillors proclaimed they would never approve a MURF budget of more than </FONT><B>$24,000,000</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >. Today the MURF budget sits at </FONT><B>$70,000,000 </B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >and they are spending </FONT><B>$26,000,000</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" > on a twin pad arena.</FONT></div> <div>      With <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$11,000,000</B></FONT> and possibly <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$15,000.000</B></FONT> wasted without even a hole in the ground to show for it, these guys continue trying to put a square peg into that non existing round hole. Speak to any of them and they will deny having wasted one red cent because they really believe it. The last 8 1/2 years since Pinocchio was parachuted into office by the backroom boys, we have been in a sort of <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Twilight  Zone</B></FONT>. We have gone from one weird incident to another. None of what has gone on for 8 1/2 years makes any sense if people actually put thought to it. For those who remember the TV show of the 60's people were sucked into unbelievable situations ?????? That is where Orillian's are today. We are trapped in the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Twilight Zone </B></FONT>and have been for the last 8 1/2 years. Except, but as on TV this show is not FREE to watch.  For this show our tickets are costing us conservatively added up <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$120,000,000</B></FONT> if Pinocchio and the fiscally irresponsible 8 are allowed to succeed with their program. But hey! "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>We Deserve It</B></FONT>" and everyone knows "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>We Can Afford It</B></FONT>" don't they????? Except it will be our grand children and great grand children who will pay for it. Not unlike the bank and business bailouts of this year.</div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >     That my friends is the explanation of why Smirking Joe Fecht wrote his letter and why he misrepresented Orsis' concern for the waste of our taxes on stupid, ill thought out and simply unnecessary spending by these people who are living in a world that we will never understand because it is not real. It is </FONT><B>made up of lies, cover up, deceit, using smoke and mirrors as props</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >. The sad part is that all of them have been sucked into the scams in the end no matter how sincere they were on election day. All of them have agreed to unjustified behind closed door meetings at some point and all of them agree to not bother asking real questions and demanding real answers. Orsi writes in his letter "</FONT><B>I agree that different levels of knowledge and opinions are at the council table</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >".  Simply put, not all councillors are allowed to know the same information at the same time, giving advantage to some, while holding back others depending on whether they are deemed worthy. Their worthyness is based on whether they agree with the </FONT><B>City</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > or not at the time. </FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" > But more important, all of them fear to entertain any other ideas or proposals because if they do the </FONT><B>City</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" > will make them look </FONT><B>Stupid</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >. Oddly enough the </FONT><B>City </B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >can make them look </FONT><B>Stupid</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" > because they </FONT><B>don't</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" > ask real questions or </FONT><B>demand </B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >real answers, so they walk in circles endlessly. Like Angelo writes "</FONT><B>Just because an idea comes from someone else does not mean it does not have merit</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >". But for these guys, unless you agree with them 100% they believe that there is no merit because the </FONT><B>City</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > allows no merit to be given by any of them to anyone. They believe we have </FONT><B>no</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > right to make our views (</FONT>Pinocchio shutting off the microphone on Allan Millard without one councillor taking exception or commenting, which led to removing councillors personal mail<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >) or to be heard. They believe that regardless of how tame our opinion, it is always an attack, so therefore they won't listen. Case in point is Angelo's concern over </FONT><B>illogical, unnecessary, extravagant spending</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > turns into him being negative about taxes. That my friends is the problem, as the same dynamics takes place at their closed door meetings. If a councillor questions anything he is blackballed by </FONT><B>The City.</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > Even if he has allies they soon turn on him because (and I hate this phrase) </FONT><B>The City </B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >decided or wants it. Who the hell is this </FONT><B>City</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >?????? But alas when weak people get elected they go into a room with the </FONT><B>City</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >, and in passing through the door they hand over their "</FONT><B>gonads</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >"  for their entire term, to be held by "</FONT><B>Boss Hog</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >", who from time to time hands them back, in consultation with Pinocchio and the backroom boys, only to be used for particular issues when it suits </FONT><B>The City</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >. Otherwise all councillors sing with those pre puberty young boy </FONT><B>high voices</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > unless a bass is needed when individuals are handed their </FONT><B>gonads</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > back with string firmly attached of course, so the </FONT><B>City </B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >can retrieve them at will. Why???? Because the </FONT><B>City</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > says so. Only other explanation is that there is something added to the water /refreshments they are given, the smoke is from illegal substance and the mirrors are there only to amuse them in a drug induced stupor or maybe we need to simply "</FONT><B>Follow the Money</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >"????? </FONT></div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B></div> <div> <B>Even More So Today</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >  </FONT></div> <div>  </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Aug. 07, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Police, Crown, Judiciary and Politicians on Slippery Slope</B></div> <div>      What has this community come to??? What has our judicial system come to??? What have our police come to??? What have our politicians come to???Yesterday Keith and Ina Wood 82 and 76 were arrested and charged with mischief under the criminal code for sitting and talking to people peacefully, or as in Ina's case knitting at Site 41. <IMG SRC="7a9b7890.png" border=0 width="183" height="137" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> Not obstructing not carrying signs but simply being there exercising their constitutional rights to assemble and associate. </div> <div>      The politicians, the police and the judiciary in Simcoe County have suspended the constitution and decided to flex their combined muscle in a futile effort to reign supreme. Intimidation and Stasis/KGB tactics didn't work in those regimes in the end and nor will they work here. I have news for the police, judges and politicians, you rule and hold authority at the people's pleasure. As long as the power vested in you is used with discretion and fairly, citizens will obey, other wise you will simply become irrelevant and the people will push back. Because of cases like 74 year old Ann Selby and the Woods (82, 76 years young), people will withdraw their support of this authority they have entrusted to you. Yesterday was not the best day for law and order and the justice system. Police, crown and the judiciary need to look in the mirror and see what stupid looks like so the next time, they will recognize it and avoid being it. At this rate it won't be long before the local police will be tassering people in wheelchairs who take a breath in a threatening manner. Think I'm kidding?? the staying of the charges against Ann instead of dismissing it is nothing more than a warning for her to behave. You see when a charge is stayed it only means the Crown is not proceeding at this time. The original charge still hangs over Ann's head and could be used if she ever dared to cross them ever again. That is how the Iron Curtain rulers did business. We are on a long and slippery slope if saner minds don't prevail and put an immediate end to this insanity. The Judge should never have allowed a Stay but should have chastised the Crown and Police and dismissed the charge with a finding of Innocent. But then as I have said here before the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Family Compact</B></FONT> lives and prospers here in Central Ontario.</div> <div>  jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B></div> <div> <B>Even More So Today</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >  </FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Aug. 06, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Two Lane Road to Laurention University</B></div> <div>      Below is a satellite picture of Laurentian University and it's 5 km. two lane access road. Laurentian has an 8,000 student body and has been operating since the 1960's. For 40 years a two lane road has serviced it without any problems. I have traveled this road a number of times and have never encountered any problems or traffic to speak of. In fact I haven't seen more than a couple of cars on the road during any of my travels, but did see regular city transit buses even on Sundays serving the University. The 5 lane road to nowhere Stevens and council are building, makes no sense at all. At a cost of several millions of dollars it is a complete waste of money. What justification is there for their ill thought decision? Staff had recommended a 2 possibly 3 lane road at most, yet council went ahead with this waste anyway. Lake Head is proposing a student population of 5,000 over the next 15 years. University Avenue's capacity will never be needed or used even if the student population was 10,000, double their estimate. Where is the traffic study justifying this expenditure???? Millions wasted for nothing. Another fine example of this mayor's and council's "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>fiscally responsible</B></FONT>" decisions Eh!!??????? Let's not forget Lying Lauer's request to build a landscaped median with flowers and trees on this same road at a cost of another $350,000 on top of the millions already wasted. Yes, ever so "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>fiscally responsible</B></FONT>"????  Council last week said they couldn't afford <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$83,000</B></FONT> to upgrade city transit service which would have been a "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>fiscally responsible</B></FONT>" decision but they turned it down???? Yet they waste millions on this road to nowhere. Why??? </div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="6fb188f0.png" border=0 width="1048" height="655" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B>jim tolnai</B></div> <div> Just because an idea comes from someone else does not mean it does not have merit. </div> <bR> <div> <B>Aug. 05, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Watch Your Wallets the Liars are Figuring</B></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >        For over 8 years Orillia has been subjected to the brazen lies of Ron Stevens and yet he continues to spin his web of deceit again today. In a rare letter to the editor Mayor Pinocchio writes "</FONT><B>The Orillia Public Library will move to a temporary home in October, offering patrons the same high level of service provided at the current facility.</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >" Now wait just a cotton picking minute. Pinocchio's and other's argument for a new library centered on their claim that the old library was unable to offer adequate service never mind a high level of service. How then, can this fictional high level service be offered on Gill St. in a building much smaller than the current library???? So which is it. Does the current library offer a high level and is not broke as claimed or has the mayor been lying to justify spending </FONT><B>$26,000,000</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > of which at least </FONT><B>$13,000,000</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > is wasted???? Can't be both so which is it???</FONT></div> <div>       Then the mother of all Liars goes on " <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Recent letters to the editor published in The Orillia Packet & Times contained misleading information regarding this new library project and the decision to move the facility to the former Second Last Call at Gill Street and the Highway 12 bypass.</B></FONT>" The master liar is accusing editorial letter writers of being liars themselves. As Pinocchio has done in the past he fails to expose all these lies he accusses people of. Tell us Ronny what specific lie was told by those opposed to your wasting millions????? We can't hear you??????</div> <div>      Then we have Pinocchio tell us how we should accept the wasting of <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$670,000</B></FONT> on renovating a structurally sound building only to tear it down. "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B> In fact, council's innovative solution to housing the temporary library is a fiscally responsible decision to serve city residents until the new library building is ready.</B></FONT>" How on earth can wasting <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$670,000</B></FONT> be innovative??? In most peoples eyes innovating would be to renovate in a fashion that once the library was gone the building could be easily <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>converted</B></FONT> to a fire hall and extra space could be used for other things like city offices, meeting rooms, day care space or maybe a senior centre for the South Ward with adequate parking etc. etc.????? To these guys innovation is to buy a piece of property for <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$1,100,000</B></FONT> (<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$500,000 more than it's worth</B></FONT>), then spending <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$670,000</B></FONT> on it only to spend another <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$100,000</B></FONT> on tearing it down to end up with an empty property that will be worth <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$250,000</B></FONT> only to build a block building for <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$5,000,000</B></FONT> to house the Fire Hall which will be no more structurally sound than the one they tore down. Yup! that is some Innovation. </div> <div>      But wait as all is not lost. You see we could have been much worse off according to Pinocchio. He goes on to comfort us by writing "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Council reviewed and rejected several potential locations that carried substantially higher costs</B></FONT>". Ronny then goes on to tell us how much worse a deal we could have been stuck with if not for the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Innovative</B></FONT> thinking of him and council. He writes "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Even with renovation costs, this option is more than $1.3 million cheaper than other suggested locations</B></FONT>". What locations and which Einstein suggested them Ron???? So once again we the unwashed have been saved by the mayor and councillors. Thank you, thanky ou, thank you we grovel at your feet in pure admiration. Pinocchio then goes on with his spin telling us "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>There is no land cost associated with the chosen temporary location since the site is owned by the City of Orillia for construction of a new fire hall</B></FONT>". Boy for anyone reading this sentence one would think that the city didn't just pay <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$1,100,000</B></FONT> for this property??? Then he tells us how lucky we are because we get to save <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$400,000 </B></FONT>on rental costs which they created in the first place. Yup!! Mr. Mayor we are the luckiest people on the face of the earth having you and this council saving us from even worse had you not been so <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Innovative</B></FONT>?????</div> <div>      Of course I must comment on Pat Kehoes' suggestion that there is an alternative to this <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$30,000,000</B></FONT> idea. Why just a few short months ago mayor, council, Ian Brown and Brian Jewitt claimed that a library could not be made out of a sows ear like the Woolworth building as there would be hell and brimstones brought down on us if we even considered it. Yet today the mayor writes "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>The Orillia Public Library will move to a temporary home in October, offering patrons the same high level of service provided at the current facility</B></FONT>". So let me get this straight??? A block building that was built to a Bar Standard will offer suitable space and indeed offer a "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>high level of service</B></FONT>" to patrons. But a block building built to a higher structural standard than the proposed new library and a much higher standard than your ordinary Bar Standard Building is not good enough???? Hmmm! Not to mention that if the people's <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Innovative</B></FONT> idea were used there would be no rental cost and of course only one moving cost instead of two???? Again councillors and Mayor Pinocchio we thank you????</div> <div>      And then the mayor writes "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Orillia city council continues to invest in projects in a fiscally responsible manner in order to enhance the lifestyle of our residents. The new library is one example</B></FONT>". What planet does this guy actually live on????? What planet do council and city management live on???? This deal is as "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>fiscally responsible</B></FONT>" as the<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B> Purchase of the Molson Property for $1</B></FONT> or the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>5 lane road to nowhere</B></FONT>???? It looks as "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>fiscally responsible</B></FONT>" as paying <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$325,000</B></FONT> for the lot on Commerce Dr. when there was another lot for sale just down the road at <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$125,000</B></FONT>???? Look at this several million dollar road and ask yourselves "Does any of  this make Sense"????????? Does any of this figure???? Only to liars who figure???</div> <div> <IMG SRC="6fc57820.jpg" border=0 width="855" height="898" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B></div> <div> <B>Even More So Today</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >  </FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>    </div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Aug. 03, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>The Conservatives are at it Again</B></div> <div>      I'm sure all of you like me received the latest Propaganda sent out at taxpayers expense by the Conservatives. I know they claim that it is informing voters but as always it is nothing but blatant political campaign advertising for them. Loaded with bullsh*t and nothing but propaganda. I made my comments on the sheet and will be delivering it to Bruce Stantons' office tomorrow. Here is the sheet I am returning.</div> <div> <IMG SRC="6fdf8750.jpg" border=0 width="1016" height="1397" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B></div> <div> <B>Even More So Today</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >  </FONT></div> <div> <B>Aug. 02, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>BBQ Bake Sale Success</B></div> <div>      Yesterday's Bake Sale BBQ fund raiser for <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#339966" FACE="Arial" >Anne Ritchie Nahuis and Vicki Monague</FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > was fun and gratifying for our family. All the home baking was sold  to the last item. We enjoyed BBQ sausages, hot dogs, sloppy joes on open faced buns, corn on the cob and of course the home baking. Thanks so much for all who took the time to join us and support these ladies in their effort and sacrifice to save our precious water resource. We netted out at $518.65 which will be paid towards their legal bills.</FONT></div> <div>      We had people come from Elmvale, Wasaga Beach and interestingly a lady from New Jersey and a chap from Montreal. The lady told me she had been following the Site 41 controversy via the Internet and happened to be in Barrie when she read about our little effort in a local paper. She decided to attend our gathering and drove up to Orillia. She decided to drive over to the site after eating and greeting to see it for herself. You see folks, this site 41 is not just an Elmvale concern but it is a Simcoe County, Ontario, Canadian, North American and finally a World wide concern. We are on the frontline in this, what seems like a war but are not alone. There are reserve troops who support us as we should support others around the world where ever our water resources are threatened. Water everywhere belongs to all of us.  It's comforting to know that people near and far do care. A number of people who stopped by had no idea of what was involved with this site and left informed. A few more people who will now become active because they have been informed.</div> <div>      My family and I would like to thank one and all who came out to show their support. Special thanks to Kelly Clune, Dick Sleep and Melissa MaGuire for rolling up their sleeves and pitching in to help us setup and then clean up. Thanks also to Jeff Olimer for handing out flyers at the Farmers Market on Saturday morning. Thanks to the ladies who dropped off baking and other items. Left over food items will be given to those in need who can make good use of it, so nothing will go to waste. Thanks to Frank Matys and Orillia Today for giving our event a plug in Thursday's paper. </div> <div>      Our hope is that others will decide to hold their own fund raiser for these ladies once they see our effort. The amount each of these events brings in by itself is not great but think of 100 events being held. We were overjoyed to hear yesterday that there are already two more people who have indicated that they too will hold a fund raiser because they heard about what our family was doing. One family is planning a BBQ and the other are planning a Pig Roast. To Anne and Vicki, our effort is just the begining with many more to come. As people see what others are doing, in no time at all, your legal costs will be covered 100% so don't fret. Relax and enjoy the summer and the Victory that is coming. Site 41 will not happen pure and simple because the people near and far Say So.</div> <div> <IMG SRC="6fead820.jpg" border=0 width="173" height="130" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="6ffac810.jpg" border=0 width="172" height="129" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="700ab800.jpg" border=0 width="171" height="128" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <IMG SRC="701ad820.jpg" border=0 width="173" height="130" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="702ad820.jpg" border=0 width="173" height="130" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="703ad820.jpg" border=0 width="173" height="130" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <IMG SRC="704af830.jpg" border=0 width="175" height="131" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="705ad820.jpg" border=0 width="173" height="130" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="706ad820.jpg" border=0 width="173" height="130" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <IMG SRC="707aee80.jpg" border=0 width="174" height="232" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="70837e90.jpg" border=0 width="311" height="233" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> The Tolnai Family</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B></div> <div> <B>Even More So Today</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >  </FONT></div> <div> <B>July 30, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>BBQ Bake Sale Fund Raiser Tomorrow Aug. 01</B></div> <div> <B>SAVE OUR WATER </B><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" ><B>STOP SITE 41</B></FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <div> We would like you and your family to be aware of a great tragedy that is about to happen right here in Simcoe County. The County is working to finish building a Dump over a fresh water aquifer experts named the Purest Water in the World. Garbage and Clean Water unfortunately does mix and this huge underground lake will be forever tainted. It is called <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Site 41</FONT> over by Elmvale. The Alliston Aquifer stretches from Georgian Bay south to Lake Ontario, West to Alliston and East to Lake Simcoe. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >(see map below)</FONT></div> <div> There are a couple of ladies (<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#339966" FACE="Arial" >Anne Ritchie Nahuis and Vicki Monague</FONT> ) who have sacrificed themselves and their financial security to stop this madness. The County is suing both for <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >$160,000</FONT> in a bully tactic to try and shut them up. My family and I are having a Fundraising BBQ and Bake Sale this Saturday Aug. 01 and all proceeds will be for their legal fees and or any judgment against them. These ladies have done and are doing this for all of us. If you drink water then this concerns you. So come on out on Saturday, have some BBQ have some goodies and find out more about what is going to happen to millions of Ontarian's water if the County is not stopped???</div> <div> Date: Saturday Aug. 01</div> <div> Time: 11am to 7pm</div> <div> Place: 13 Creighton St. Orillia (Atherley) Home of Anne & Jim Tolnai</div> <div> If you can help, it would be appreciated. If you bake maybe you could donate some goodies. So come on out and lend your support to a couple of brave and feisty ladies who are willing to sacrifice themselves for the sake of you, your children and grand children. They need our support and we must not let them down.. </div> <div> Join the Face Book Site 41 Group as well. We are over 7100 strong now and growing. </div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.facebook.com/inbox/readmessage.php?t=1105129344605&f=1&e=-12#/group.php?gid=2343037814" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.facebook.com/inbox/readmessag"><U><U>http://www.facebook.com/inbox/readmessage.php?t=1105129344605&f=1&e=-12#/group.php?gid=2343037814</U></U></A></div> <div> It will be our great pleasure to have you join us.</div> <div> Anne & Jim Tolnai</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>July 28, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Final Nail in MURF Sites Coffin Time to Reward</B></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >    "</FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B> For any fundraising effort to succeed, three key ingredients must exist: a project plan, a location and a firm date</B></FONT>". At this time all of these components are questionable and uncertain timelines persist"<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >(Jerry Wink)</FONT>. Last night without comment Stevens and all councillors voted to accept Wink's recommendation to put the MURF on West St. out of it's misery. Unfortunately these people still don't get why this project really failed. What Wink should have wrote "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>For any fundraising or Project to succeed, six key ingredients must exist: HONESTY, Community Inclusion, Transparency, a project plan, a SAFE location, a firm date, followed by HONESTY</B></FONT>". This project had none of the above. </div> <div>      The MURF was conceived behind closed doors by a handful of people for the sole financial benefit of the few. The public good and the public's concerns were ignored as the real plan was always based on personal greed. Anyone who dared ask questions got the bums rush. If they dared continuing to ask questions they were dismissed as the lunatic fringe, wann a bees, obstructionists, malcontents who simply didn't understand and were against anything and everything. Folks the MURF was never intended for anything but to disguise the Wheelbarrows being rolled out the City Centre doors. </div> <div>      Some very good people were sucked into the vortex created by the Wheelbarrow as it zoomed by at breath taking speeds. As time goes on my hope is that the good people who were duped or maybe doped will come forward and tell the true story. Instead of trying to cover up because they don't want to seem stupid for having fallen for the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Flim Flam Men </B></FONT>do your civic duty for once. Unfortunately Jerry Wink doesn't seem to be one of them. In Jerry's letter to council he is already trying to distance himself from the failure of the Community in Motion Committee. Jerry lays the blame for the complete waste of over <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$400,000</B></FONT> that was pissed away raising fictional donations as councils fault. Jerry writes "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>It should be noted that, prior to the chair coming on board as project leader; Council had already committed over $300,000.00 by contract with the KCI group hired for the campaign set up and engaged from February 2005 through to August 2006</B></FONT>". Well I guess it's time to say "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>We told you so</B></FONT>". Jerry! the time to have thought about this ill thought out plan was back before you accepted the job. You knew back then that council had squandered this money already. Why didn't you say thanks but no thanks??? Why did you malign those who warned you. Why did you belittle those who brought enough evidence both verbal, written and even in brail and laid it at your feet, yet you remained silent, deaf and blind, and now you want to take no responsibility. Sorry Jerry but too little too late.</div> <div>      Jerry and all of you who were sucked into this SCAM if in deed you were sucked in now have the opportunity to clear up the cloud which will hang over this city and you personally  for years to come. You know this mayor, council or city management aren't going to do it, at least not willingly. Last night Fogarty asked for reconsideration of forming an ad hoc committee to look into the MURF project as to what happened, what went wrong and the cost for an Audit as well as a cost for some form of Judicial Review. "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Lost spectacularly</B></FONT>" is what Fogarty said after the vote only garnered his and Lauer's support. This review will never happen as long as Stevens and Brown are holding onto the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Gonads</B></FONT> of councillors and those who are and have been involved since the private gathering where it all started. But an election is coming and there will be a slate of <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#009966" FACE="Arial" ><B>Reformers</B></FONT> who will demand and get just such an investigation and audit. It will happen with or without those who don't want to admit that they were conned.</div> <div>      It's beyond belief that these people are still trying to blame the MOE for this projects failure. Once again, this project failed because it was conceived in a backroom meeting and never had public interest in mind. It failed because it consisted and subsisted on lies. Except for the chosen all others were excluded. Who could forget Pete Bowen tell Orillians that they were not welcome at an open public meeting on the MURF at Swanmore Hall??? Who could forget when he said that people could come but would not be allowed to speak. Who could forget when at the meeting a lady by the name of Mary tried to speak was shut down. Who could forget how uncomfortable the seating was arranged for those attending???? </div> <div>      The waste of over<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B> $11,000,000</B></FONT> can be laid at the feet of Jerry and his team. The blame can be laid at the feet of Pete Bowen and his Recreation advisory team. The blame can be laid at the feet of 3 different councils who schemed and colluded with city management to cover up and lie at every opportunity. The blame can be laid at the feet of the Packet and Times, Mark Bissett, Dave Dawson and Colin McKim. To a lesser extent the blame can be laid at the feet of Orillia Today. All those involved knew what the site contained. All knew that the mayor, some councillors and city management had supported the mixing of samples for testing which helped cover up the real extent of the contamination. These people all knew that the soil dumped on the shores of Lake Simcoe was toxic. They all knew that what was going on was directly against the interest of the citizens of Orillia. Yet they helped cover up and ignored the lies but worse they supported the lies. Like a pack of rabid dogs they attacked anyone who brought forward facts and information. They went around telling people false stories and lies about anyone they deemed a threat.</div> <div>      My friend Doug Peddle and I stumbled on this scam quite by accident. You see we innocently asked to see the city paid property appraisal for the West St. site. Half Million Dollar Bob Ripley back then was hesitant but ended up giving us copies. What happened was that he gave us two copies by mistake. You see although the copies were identical in the information used for valuation the resulting values were different by hundreds of thousands of dollars. We scratched our head wondering how a professional appraiser could come to a different conclusion using exactly same information. Isn't that fraud???? When we asked about it, doors at city centre clamped shut. From then on we were being treated differently. We still didn't catch on, until the appraisals were thoroughly read. That is when we realized that these guys had bought a pig in a poke.</div> <div>      When we started asking more questions phantoms went out talking to people about us. None of it was true which made us even more eager to find out what was really going on. Once we asked for a copy of the Molson Land Transfer Agreement they made themselves the We's and us the THEM. I can assure everyone reading this that we always felt that as taxpayers and citizens we were in this together. For them we were a threat because we had information that should not have been released. From then on we were the enemy. </div> <div>      Once we saw the contaminants in the Appraisal and the advice to the city to stay away from this property we couldn't believe they actually accepted it and especially under the terms Molson put in. Jerry Wink and  whole groups of people had all this information and most likely more, yet they promoted and supported the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Flim Flam Men's </B></FONT>scheme. It should be noted that the backroom boys could not have continued without the help of those duped or doped. So ladies and gentlemen take responsibility for your part. If you were duped then aren't you curious to have the truth of who and why they did this to you???? Aren't you in the least curious as to who the dopes are???? Shouldn't the public be informed so that the same mistake isn't made???</div> <div>      I know as fact that the MURF is over for good as mayor and his puppets are now in the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>REWARD</B></FONT> phase of the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>SCAM.</B></FONT> Last night another of many <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>REWARDS</B></FONT> was handed out. Dan Landry was awarded the job of Orillia Economic Manager. Last nights appointment wasn't really a surprise as it was only about six weeks ago I was questioning what had happened with Dan Landry. You see the office he had occupied for quite a few years all of a sudden was empty. I ran into Kathy from Computer Tek which is in the same building and asked her what had happened. As far as she knew Dan had decided to close the office and moved it to his home. I thought it odd but hey! the economy is bad and overhead can kill. Last nights appointment now makes sense. My question is a simple one. Did Dan know he was getting the golden egg long before the interviewing was finished? Is it just a coincidence that Dan decided to wind up his business at least in the downtown area and with the luck of the Irish he just happened to land this job?????? Hmmm! Accidents happen in Orillia, But never by Accident?????? Do you suppose that saying just might hold some water in this matter???? How many people wasted their time being interviewed after Dan closed his office???? Is Dan qualified to hold the job???? Why he must be if the mayor says so. Why last night when it became official that Dan was the Man the mayor chirped something to the effect that Dan was a good pick because he has been around this town for years. Yup! he's qualified.</div> <div>      Just one more thing. Last night council turned down a reconsideration to bring a proper bus service to Orillia. These clowns give <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$15,000,000</B></FONT> to bring Lake Head here and then won't supply transportation to the students. This is simply insane. Most students don't have cars. How on earth can they justify chortling about Orillia being a University/College town and not provide services. If <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$83,000</B></FONT> in increased cost stops these dodo's  from doing the right thing and we can't afford it then how do they propose to pay for more police and fire to service that area??? How do they propose to afford the snowplowing and maintenance of a 5 Lane road to nowhere????? If these guys had any brains they would look into how to save money and the environment by keeping cars off the road with a first class public transit service. </div> <div>      If it was me the first thing I would do is convert the diesel buses to Natural Gas. That would cut fuel costs by almost 50%. It would extend the life of the buses and reduce maintenance costs. And most importantly it would cut bus emissions by close to 80%. Come on guys start earning your paychecks. For crying out loud do at least one thing a month that makes some sense to us the unwashed?????? Here is some information for these guys and all of you as well. <A HREF="http://www.drivers.com/article/715/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.drivers.com/article/715/"><U>http://www.drivers.com/article/715/</U></A> and then there is this <A HREF="http://www.greencarcongress.com/2005/01/diesel_rarr_nat.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.greencarcongress.com/2005/01/"><U>http://www.greencarcongress.com/2005/01/diesel_rarr_nat.html</U></A> Do you think these guys will bother with this????? Not likely because it came from here. But hell it's only money so their not concerned. It's only helping out those who need help. I wonder if any of them were as concerned about the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$400,000</B></FONT> that they wasted on the Community in Motion as the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>$83,000</B></FONT> on actually helping people??????? </div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B></div> <div> <B>Even More So Today</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >  </FONT></div> <div>  </div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>July 27, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Time to Act</B></div> <div>      On Saturday there was a Site 41 Rally that saw 1200 plus people brave the mud and weather to show their opposition to Site 41. From those I spoke with it was a very impressive gathering. Reading news reports more and more notable people are starting to climb on board the Stop Site 41 train. David Crombie who is a former mayor of Toronto and former Federal Cabinet member along with David Suzuki and many many others have come out against this insanity. I have written here many times about this and have tried to keep our readers informed.</div> <div>      Last week I pledged $100 towards the legal defense of <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Anne Ritchie Nahuis and Vicki Monague the two ladies targeted by the County of Simcoe in a lawsuit demanding $160,000 in damages. I said then that my family and I would not stop at $100 but be with these ladies to the end. I pledged that this family will give as much as we can and will fund raise for as long as it takes so that Anne and Vicki would not have to pay one penny out of pocket. Today we have decided on our first fundraiser which is specifically for the legal defense costs and any judgment that might be levied against them.</FONT></div> <div>      This Saturday August 1, our family will be holding an all day BBQ and Bake Sale at our home. Starting at 11am the BBQ will be fired up and shut down at 7pm. We will be offering Sausage on a bun, Hotdog's, Beef on a Bun and Sloppy Joe's on a Bun. Also on offer will be a selection of home baked goods to tantalize your taste buds. We urge all of you to come out and find out more about this important issue that will not only affect you but many generations to come. </div> <div>      If any of you wish to help it will be most appreciated. Our family is looking after the cooking but an extra set of hands are always useful if you can lend one. We would also appreciate it if you could bring some baked goods. Our family will be baking but as most will attest you can never have too many goodies. If you have the ability to bake then bring it over on Friday July 31 to 13 Creighton St. Atherley. Our hope is that we will have several hundred people come out during the event so we can use any help offered.</div> <div>      I am hoping that those closest to this controversy will lend us their knowledge and come out themselves to share it with our local communities. So, for anyone reading this who has been active over at Site 41 and can act as greeters and or speakers on just what is going on and what is at stake over there you are most welcome to join us. If you are interested in your community, environment and your water come on out and bring a friend. You can also help by letting your entire contact list know about our little effort here in Atherley. I will be printing a couple of thousand flyers and need your help in distributing them throughout Orillia. If you can help, give me a call 327-5717 or  <A HREF="mailto:speakingout@speakingout.biz" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:speakingout@speakingout.biz"><U>mailto:speakingout@speakingout.biz</U></A>. If you can bake give me a call. It's time to act. I am certain that Site 41 will be stopped eventually, but these ladies face a long expensive battle as the County will seek a pound of flesh from them in their effort to teach future disidents a lesson. We can help alleviate their immediate worry and concerns now by raising funds for their defense and any judgement that might come from it.  Our hope is that others in the County will also step up and do their own fundraising for the ladies. Our efforts may not meet the entire need but with many groups and individuals doing small fundraisers all over the County, together we will prevail.</div> <div> Just a bit of background:</div> <div> <B>Initially the landfill project was rejected after a 70-day environmental assessment hearing in 1989. However, the government intervened and overturned the decision through an Order in Council. The landfill is currently under construction and is located within eight kilometers of Georgian Bay </B></div> <bR> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B></div> <div> <B>Even More So Today</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >  </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>July 26, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Secret Meeting Tomorrow Night / Kelly Clune Not Invited</B></div> <div>      Tomorrow night city council meets in SECRET SESSION to discuss the ejection of Kelly Clune from the WMAC meeting in June. Unfortunately Kelly has not been notified nor invited herself. To the time of this writing 6:14 pm Sunday July 26 Kelly has still not been contacted by any councillor, mayor, city management or any WMAC member so it's obvious these guys have no class. In speaking with Kelly tonight she can't understand why a SECRET SESSION of council needs to be held.  Janet Nyhof some weeks ago was contacted by Kelly and told that she has no problems and actually prefers to have this matter dealt with in an open and transparent council meeting if council was going to deal with it. But Kelly hasn't even been officially notified as of this writing that this meeting is actually taking place.</div> <div>      It's interesting to note that the Closed Meeting that is now being investigated which was held to discuss Ian Brown's performance, Ian sat in on himself. Not only did Ian sit in but actually controlled it. You see Ian said that he wasn't happy with Gail Jackson taking minutes. So instead of telling Brown to stuff it, mayor and councillors (except Fogarty) decided to break the rules and not record the meeting at all. Looks like the tail wags the dog in this town. Amusing that when Roger Tudhope was discussed and terminated he wasn't allowed a say or sit in on the proceedings which he didn't know about either. He felt something was up from the treatment around the office but wasn't aware there was any serious matter of concern. Why! Roger told me that his treatment was one of the worst kept secrets except from him as most knew what was going on. After figuring out something was up Roger approached councillor Doug Downey who with a straight face assured him he was imagining things and nothing was wrong. Within days he was escorted from the building and was fired. Could it be that Downey actually lied in making that statement??? I have been told that Ian Brown was supposed to have attended that meeting?????? Hmmmmm!!! Wonder if there are any minutes for that meeting in existence?????</div> <div>      Anyway I received the following letter from Keith and Marnie Elliott and decided to share it with you.</div> <bR> <div>      Just learned that there is yet <I><B>another</B></I> in-camera session scheduled for tomorrow (Mon-27) to discuss the outrageous, high-handed expulsion of a <B><U>volunteer</U></B> (Kelly Clune) from Orillia's Waste Management Advisory Committee (WMAC) by its autocratic Chair, Jeffery Holek, for daring to raise inconvenient questions. [I've attached a copy of Kelly's letter of June 23rd to Council, and note that Jim Tolnai has posted it on July 22nd together with a blistering commentary on <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.speakingout.biz/id18.htm " TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.speakingout.biz/id18.htm "><U><U>http://www.speakingout.biz/id18.htm</U></U></A></FONT><A HREF="http://www.speakingout.biz/id18.htm " TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.speakingout.biz/id18.htm "><U> </U></A>, noting that in the intervening month </div> <div> "not one councillor nor mayor has bothered to contact Kelly as of this writing .... not even Maurice MacMillan who sits on WMAC as council Liaison. Nor has any other member of WMAC contacted Kelly. The politics stink as does Holec's appointment. This is the record of this mayor and council that -- Lauer is so proud of. In light of mayor and council playing loose with closed meeting protocols it's interesting this Holec character tried to circumvent closed meeting rules as well even if they don't apply." </div> <div> There <U>must</U> be another side to this story, as we know from dealings over the past couple years that there are several decent Councillors who unstintingly give their honest best, notwithstanding a difficult information support environment. A few, though, would qualify for Colin McKim's recent calling out as "varmints" and should have by now been run out of office with a one-way ticket. Without individually naming <I>these</I>, one knows that feeling of - should one ever have to shake their hands - the urge to quickly count all ones fingers before moving on. </div> <div> In reference to your subject line, what in tarnation do you suppose is the infernal 'juice' in this town for secrecy? Does the "Councillor-power" go to their heads?? Is the concept "TRANSPARENCY" beyond their grasp?? Don't these few ELECTED derelicts sense that after the suppression of truth by some of them from the get-go concerning the MURF, they thereafter are under a cloud? </div> <div> And why such summary treatment of a field-experienced VOLUNTEER, as in Kelly Clune's case?? </div> <div> ........keith</div> <bR> <div> Stayed tuned as this stomach turning soap opera continues.</div> <div> jim tolnai</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>We Still Need a Forensic Audit</B></div> <div> <B>We Still Need a Judicial Inquiry</B></div> <div> <B>We Need to Impeach Mayor Ron Stevens</B></div> <div> <B>Even More So Today</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >  </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>July 24, 2009</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>"Figures Don't Lie, but Liars Figure"</B></div> <div>         That simple statement says it all of what is wrong with our community and why Orillia will never reach it's true potential among successful communities as long as taxpayers allow <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Liars do the Figuring</B></FONT>.  Our great community is being robbed and the Gangstas aren't even wearing masks. A million here a million there. Eleven million on West St, $12,000,000 on the library, a couple of million on Gill St. and the list just keeps going on. Since Ron Stevens was parachuted into Orillia by the "<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>Backroom boys</B></FONT>" the amount of wasted taxpayers money runs into tens of millions. Since this guy was foisted on Orillians, neighbor has been set against neighbor by a very slick bunch of Marauding Pirates. While we fight among ourselves the likes of city management along with mayor and council push our wheel barrows out the City Centre doors. No doubt about it, these guys are good. </div> <div>      I want to tell you a story of how these guys are able to get away with their agenda. A friend of mine was approached by Ron Stevens when he was Head Wheel Barrow pusher in Severn Township. One day out of the blue Stevens approached this guy with an idea. The idea was that the Cumberland Beach area should have and is entitled to a Firehall. Ronny said to this guy " imagine how great it would be for reducing insurance costs if only Cumberland Beach had a fire station"??? Unfortunately there was no money to build a extra fire station  but if the one in Washago was moved he was pretty sure that Severn Council would go for it. </div> <div>      Only thing is that Stevens said he couldn't be involved and it had to be a community initiative.  Now it's important to note that Stevens lived and still lives in that area and he himself would have been a beneficiary of these lowered insurance rates he spoke of. The chap he recruited was well known and respected in the community and he was convinced that it was a good idea and agreed to be the point man. Of course, what he didn't think about was the implications for the people in Washago. Anyway, Steven's front man set out to do what he thought of as helping his neighbors. There was a reason why Stevens wanted to be invisible. You see Washago has a very active and vibrant retirement community who are no fools.  The hue and cry was deafening from the Washago people and it turned out that he took all the heat and blame for this ill conceived attempt to screw the people of Washago. Now my friend got and accepted the heat, but what bothered him the most was that Stevens stood by and let him be roasted and stayed invisible. Clearly moving the fire station was a political decision that the politicians didn't want to be credited with unless it worked and then they would all show up for the ribbon cutting.</div> <div>      I tell this true story because since Pinocchio showed up in Orillia we have been subjected to the same kind of fraudulent behaviour. I wrote a story about 5 years ago of how those involved with the MURF had been duped into being the front men. You see the Recreational Study which was a good solid document that outlined what we needed and what we could afford was not in the backroom boys plans so it could not be implemented. So people were handpicked to build a Taj Mahal. Now,  who wouldn't want such a facility, especially when they are told "We can afford it"???? The same is true of the library.</div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >     Lying Lauer on his own web-site states "</FONT>I<B> have been involved in the Library project and a passionate proponent since literally </B><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>day one</B></FONT><B>. The project originated from a meeting almost </B><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>ten years</B></FONT><B> ago of the Library Property Committee which I chaired</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >." I have written here many times that accidents happen in Orillia but never by accident. Because the backroom boys always remain the same while politicians come and go planning is long term with the best and highest return for those involved. Unfortunately it is always the taxpayer who pays yet receives the least bang for the buck. Ten years ago the Woolworth building sold for around $440,000 and was ten years younger. If Lauer or any of them had the best interest of the community at heart surely one of them could have brought forward their passion for a new library back then. Instead it has only been a couple of years since the ???deplorable???? conditions of the library which could have been alleviated at a much lower cost and immediately been brought to public attention. But instead Lauer and his ilk stood by until it was the right time to fool the people making sure all the money making ducks were in order. Note, I said money making not money saving. You see to these people a million here or a million there in cost doesn't make any difference, after all it's only your money isn't it.</FONT></div> <div>      Like with the Barnfield Multi