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Your Ideas For Windsor
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June 2009
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Monday, 29 June 2009 10:41 |
This article from the University of Windsor caught my eye this morning. It provides a good example of why we should re-evaluate all of our public spaces after the CUPE strike is over and before we start the lawnmowers and weed whackers up. There are a lot of areas in the city that I've noticed look better with the natural look as opposed to being neatly manicured.
Planting on stadium berm a natural fit for university
Allowing the berm around University of Windsor stadium to revert to a naturalized state will be better for the environment, the university's budget, and even worker health and safety, says Grounds Supervisor Garry Moore.
"I don't want my crew to take mowers on this slope," he said Wednesday, as a crew of volunteers from the Student Environmental Coalition joined grounds workers to plant beds of wildflowers along the berm, facing Huron Church Road and College Avenue.
The grass has already grown to knee height; seeds planted Wednesday included native species like asters, coneflowers, milkweed, and prairie grasses. Moore said he selected a mix of plants that will attract beneficial insects, butterflies, and hummingbirds. |
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Saturday, 27 June 2009 09:18 |
IPod Touch blogging test WE Speak -- Post From My IPod Touch
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Last Updated on Saturday, 27 June 2009 13:24 |
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Saturday, 27 June 2009 06:53 |
A 1964/65 300 baud modem in action, connecting to the internet in 2009.
Circa 1964 Livermore Data Systems Model A Modem
So I was going through some old stuff in my garage and I found this antique modem that I’ve had since I was a teenager. Turns out it’s a Livermore Data Systems “Model A”. I decided to hook it up and see if it works, and I made a YouTube video in the process:
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Saturday, 27 June 2009 05:22 |
 I missed Graston's editorial comic on Thursday. What a shame - it's a great one.
The Town of Tecumseh and CUPE skewered with one shot.
To see the original, go to the Editorial Cartoon page, scroll down and click on Thursday June 25, 2009.
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Last Updated on Saturday, 27 June 2009 13:12 |
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Saturday, 27 June 2009 05:09 |
.jpg) Here's a free gift for Sid Ryan, Gary Parent, the people and media of Toronto and anyone else who just might need one.
Temperature rising in CUPE strike
The story that's emerging as strike drags on
Pupatello salvo on target
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Last Updated on Saturday, 27 June 2009 05:16 |
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Friday, 26 June 2009 03:20 |
I guess this is the "escalation" local labour leaders were warning us about last week. Somehow, 20 bins of garbage were dumped on the Riverfront Wednesday evening. I'm sure if CUPE is contacted we'll hear they had nothing to do with it. It was random vandals; the same ones who have been slashing tires, throwing wire and coat hangers into city parks and helping cars spontaneously combust.
Carnival workers, CUPE face off at waterfront
Durocher said when she arrived at the Summerfest site just east of Dieppe Gardens on Thursday morning, she saw garbage bins tipped over, trash strewn on the ground, and about 20 garbage bins tossed into a dumpster. "Someone had taken the garbage out and thrown the bins in the dumpster," she said. "They pushed me over the edge. It was just taunting someone to come clean it up."
She said "a lady in a CUPE shirt" admitted that striking municipal workers had dumped the garbage out and told Durocher they were now "on garbage watch."
To add insult to injury, CUPE has also forced the Dragon Boat Race to move to Tecumseh from Sand Point Beach after they turned down their request to either have CUPE cut the grass for them or to do it themselves.
CUPE has shot themselves in the foot so many times now, I don't think they have anything left to stand on.
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Wednesday, 24 June 2009 04:02 |
Unlike our CUPE locals who used a union-approved company out of Manitoba to conduct a push-poll (love the buy local, buy Ontario attitude of CUPE) or the Windsor Star who used Survey Monkey for an online survery, The Toronto Star commissioned Angus Reid to do a random sample poll on the Toronto Municipal strike:
Public trashes strikers
This is all the union's fault. Scrap the sick-bank system. End the strike.
The feeling among GTA residents is clear, according to an Angus Reid poll conducted for the Toronto Star. More than three in four, 76 per cent, oppose the strike. More than two-thirds, 71 per cent, think CUPE should drop demands for an agreement that allows workers to bank 18 sick days a year. And an overwhelming 81 per cent favour provincial back-to-work legislation.
By the Numbers
(600 person random sample of GTA adults, conducted June 22nd and 23rd. Accurate +/- 4 %, 19 times out of 20)
76% of GTA residents in new poll oppose the strike;
81% want province to pass back-to-work legislation;
53% blame the unions;
21% fault the city;
10% believe the strike will last less than a week;
37% per cent are predicting one to two weeks;
30% per cent expect it to last up to a month.
The one statistic that really stands out for me is the 81% calling for back-to-work legislation. Obviously not many people realize the cost and consequences that would come with such legislation. Union friendly Mayor David Miller is probably hoping for legislation as it would get him off the hook with his union supporters. Hopefully Premier McGuinty stands firm and resists any calls for such legislation. At the end of the day, he knows that any additional costs for Toronto will ultimately have to be paid for by the Province as the City has demonstrated over the last five years that they are incapable of balancing a budget.
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Wednesday, 24 June 2009 02:38 |
 Tecumseh Deputy Mayor Tom Burton and any of his fellow elected officials who supported this silliness are deserving recipients of the "Bone Head" award for their Tecumseh-only motion for a local off-leash dog park.
Non-resident pooches banished from dog park
TECUMSEH, Ont. -- Deputy Mayor Tom Burton is so convinced the town’s new dog park is being overused by non-resident dogs that he wants the OPP to collar the offending owners and charge them with trespassing.
Burton got town council Tuesday to approve a motion to make the town’s new off-leash dog park off-limits to anyone who doesn’t buy a Tecumseh dog tag for their pet.
Burton wants a sign at Carling Park near LaCasse Road to warn that its fenced-off dog park was only for Tecumseh dogs. The OPP could charge offenders with trespassing, he suggested.
It's hard to even know where to begin with something as stupid as this. I'm sure the OPP were glad to hear that they were being volunteered for doggie patrol as opposed to something that might actually be important.
With all the issues facing communities across Essex County during this recession, it's hard to imagine that Tecumseh Council even spent 30 seconds discussing and debating this ridiculous motion.
Time for a serious reality check for elected representatives in Tecumseh.
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 24 June 2009 02:55 |
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Tuesday, 23 June 2009 20:14 |
Now that Toronto is on strike and the garbage is already piling up, Global News takes a quick look at what's been going on in the Windsor strike.
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Monday, 22 June 2009 23:56 |
Congratulations to all involved in this venture. It's been in the works for a while and the approval is a result of the hundreds of hours put in by various individuals and groups. The nice thing about this is that it utilizes an abandoned site, is being started with minimal funds from the taxpayers and has every potential to succeed.
If anyone has ever been to Kingston in the summer, they will most likely have visited their excellent Market held in the Municipal parking lot behind City Hall every Sunday. This Farmers Market/Flea Market is held in the heart of downtown Kingston and acts as a major draw for people. During the two summers I worked in Kingston this was a regular stop on Sundays. We would visit a local diner close by for breakfast and then spend an hour or so at the Market and a couple hours more shopping in the downtown. It was a great way to spend a Sunday in a downtown that was open, inviting and thriving.
Green light given to downtown farmer's market
By Doug Schmidt, The Windsor StarJune 23, 2009 12:01 AM
The downtown gets its own farmer’s market starting July 4 after city council gave the green light to a proposal by a residents group to convert the former Greyhound bus terminal into an open-air gathering spot for food vendors, crafters and musicians on Saturdays through the summer and fall.
“I think this is a very exciting opportunity,” said Coun. Bill Marra. Council added to a $10,000 grant from the Downtown Windsor BIA by agreeing to invest up to $6,800 in the venture by the Downtown Residents Association.
The tax dollars pay for hydro costs and installation of electrical outlets, as well as the cost of sweeping and patching the asphalt surface. |
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Monday, 22 June 2009 05:23 |
Now that 24,000 Toronto municipal CUPE workers have joined Windsor's CUPE locals on the picket lines, it will be interesting to see how things develop. If Toronto settles quickly or the Province legislates them back to work again, as they did in 2002, it will increase pressure on Windsor to settle. Similar to Windsor, the main issue in Toronto is benefits, in this case sick days. The City wants to remove the generous amount (18 days per year) awarded to employees and replace them with appropriate short and long term sick benefits. Unused sick days in Toronto can be banked and used at retirement, paid out in cash. This has left Toronto with a current unfunded liability of approximately $186 million.
Even with union-friendly Mayor David Miller in charge, Toronto is facing a stark reality, especially in these depressed times. For the last 5 or 6 years the only way they have been able to balance their budget is by yearly "one-time" cash infusions from the Province. The amounts have been getting smaller each year and the Province's willingness to continue is waning.
It will certainly bear watching to see if Sid Ryan and other Toronto CUPE leaders have learned anything from their disastrous strike strategies attempted in Windsor.
Here's some free advice for them in terms of social media strategies.
CUPE video documentary - Hold the line - professional video produced by CUPE Ontario, run time: 16 minutes
Total Views: 1797
A Channel News Report - CUPE Striker Dumps Bag of Garbage In Front of Child - amateur video, run time: 47 seconds.
Total Views: 73,155
Update: follow the Toronto Strike on Twitter #TOStrike - as of 8 am there's already 7 pages of Tweets, not very many of a "supportive" nature.
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Last Updated on Monday, 22 June 2009 07:06 |
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Sunday, 21 June 2009 07:30 |
It's as if CUPE leaders are looking for the final nail to drive into their own coffin while they get the hammer ready to finish the job. Instead of telling their story in a calm and dispassionate way to members of the public, working to gain support, we're going to witness more banging of the solidarity drum. Any picket line incidents during this "escalation" will bring forth the typical talking points that it's all the City's fault, while at the same time generating an ever increasing backlash of public opinion against local CUPE members.
Labour Council President Gary Parent, he of the threats to end children's funding, sticks his oar back in again with his own veiled threats of escalation and promises to do “Whatever they want and ask of us". By the way, Gary, obviously after reading CUPE's push-poll, doesn't believe that the Mayor and Council really have any serious support from the public. (Related: Gary Parent - Then and Now)
CUPE denies leak, may amp up strike activitity
WINDSOR, Ont. -- CUPE leaders said Friday that Windsorites could expect to see an escalation in picket line activity by striking municipal workers and that the atmosphere had become “too poisonous” for talks to resume anytime soon with the employer.
Many of those who spoke out at a CUPE membership meeting at the Caboto Club “were adamant that we’ve been too soft,” said Local 82 president Jim Wood, representing outside workers.
He said that, while “other strikes around the world, they get violent,” in Windsor, “it’s been a pretty good strike so far.”
Local 543 president Jean Fox said the union’s members will “stay respectful of the citizens” but that as the strike drags on it was getting harder to witness “scabs and entrepreneurs” doing the former work of striking city employees.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if picket action increases,” Fox said. |
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Saturday, 20 June 2009 07:43 |
When local citizens first began organizing park clean-ups at the end of May, we heard what a hazardous and dangerous job that it was, requiring specific safety equipment:
"You've got beer bottles in the grass, and if it cuts them and shoots them out and hits your legs, it's dangerous." Wood said city employees are required to do the work wearing protective equipment including safety boots, a mask and long pants. He added that the city would likely be liable for any injuries sustained by volunteer cleanup crews.
Congratulations to the CUPE volunteers who mowed one of the ball diamonds at Forest Glade Park on Friday. Your locals are in desperate need of some good news and your efforts will certainly be appreciated by the kids who will take advantage of the newly groomed diamond.
There's only one problem. I think Jim Wood forgot to give these volunteers the same safety briefing that was given to the non-CUPE volunteers. I don't think these CUPE volunteers make the City any less liable for injuries than the non-union volunteers.
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Last Updated on Saturday, 20 June 2009 07:58 |
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Friday, 19 June 2009 17:56 |
Here's one of the better anonymous emails that I've received lately:
judging by the fluffy little entries on your blog its pretty obvious that you kinda know nothing about what's going on in your city, eh?
had you considered that the city might have mistakenly taken union bait and run with it?
in other words, your hero the mayor and his relatives are the only ones who felt "close to an agreement" on wednesday.
so, since you are basically unfit to responsibly comment on these events that are happening which are clearly beyond your ken, maybe you should consider taking a back seat and allowing those in the know to do their business unmolested? even guttersnipes have to return to the gutter from time to time. maybe time is now for you?
-- just some friendly advice from someone who knows you to see you
All I can say is keep the mail coming, it's a great motivator. Free speech may seem like a tired old concept to some people, but is something that is held in high regard around here.
PS. anyone that could email me and claim that the Mayor is my hero obviously hasn't been reading this blog for very long and qualifies for either a jacket with no arms or comedian of the year.
PS2. some advice for the above wannabe. If you want to be really anonymous it's adviseable to use an anonymous proxy from a location other than a home address tied to an internet account.You'd be amazed at the data collected when you host your own site.
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Last Updated on Friday, 19 June 2009 19:46 |
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Friday, 19 June 2009 03:51 |
Anne Jarvis puts it very succinctly and correctly in her article today - Get back to the table.
Thanks to the "leaked" offers we know the sides were very close to a deal.
Union - $3000.00 lump sum, 1%, 2%, 2%
City - $1800.00 lump sum, 0%, 1%, 1%
Based on that offer CUPE opted to file a bad faith bargaining complaint and walk away from the table instead of negotiating through to the end. It's not hard to understand why the Mayor said that he was expecting to announce an agreement yesterday. That close and CUPE wants to stay out longer instead of continuing talks? With Toronto's CUPE locals poised to walk out CUPE Ontario is looking at their weekly strike payroll skyrocketing from $360,000 to $5.16 million. How long can they continue supporting both strikes?
The difference is $1200 and 3% over 3 years. Stop the posturing, get back to the table and end it.
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Wednesday, 17 June 2009 04:06 |
A day later and a few more details are coming out about Mayor Francis' ill-timed motion Monday evening. We now know that:
1. he blindsided Councillors with the motion, not informing them ahead of time;
2. not only did the motion seek to remove post-retirement benefits for future Councillors, it sought to remove them from current sitting Councillors, going beyond what they are currently asking CUPE to accept.
" The mayor admitted that the idea to seek a repeal of the post-retirement benefits for elected officials came to him earlier in the day." yet we read in Alan Halberstadt's blog that "In fact, I brought up the idea to Council the other day. It coincides with the new hire offer to CUPE workers and can be passed by Council any time before the November, 2010 election."
That explains the section of the motion removing current Councillor's access to benefits. Knowing that Alan was due to qualify for these benefits, this was slipped in as a blatant attempt to embarrass him. It was really a win-win for the Mayor last night, not a no-win situation that I referred to yesterday. With Councillor Marra absent, you could realistically count on Dilkens, Gignac, Brister, Valentinis and himself to vote for this motion and Lewenza, Postma and Jones to vote against. With the poison pill section of the motion, Halberstadt was also most likely to vote against. That left Councillor Hatfield as the lone unknown. If he voted for it, Valentinis and Halberstadt would be denied benefits they qualify for, if he voted against, the motion would fail, but leave Halberstadt having to explain himself. Either way the Mayor wins.
Seeking a waving of Council Procedure by-laws and trying to ram something like this through, well that's classic Eddie Francis. Why this spineless Council continues to vote to allow him to do it is beyond me. It's long past time that the Mayor and his stand-ins adhere to Council rules like everyone else. While he still enjoys strong support for Council's stance on the strike, incidents like this will simply ensure that as soon as the strike is over he will revert to the status of "the Mayor we wished we never had".
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 17 June 2009 04:31 |
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Tuesday, 16 June 2009 04:32 |
The motion last night to remove post-retirement benefits from future City Councillors was a no win situation. If they didn't move the motion, CUPE locals would have continued using their current benefit status against them in literature, speeches and interviews. If the motion did pass, CUPE would simply dismiss it as grandstanding.
The "outrage" displayed by CUPE representatives last night is simply more of the same old union posturing that we've all become used to hearing. "I'm just outraged -- (Windsorites) should be livid, absolutely livid," CUPE 543 president Jean Fox. Please spare us the histrionics. The only outrage that should be displayed is over the fact that this already hadn't been done.
Regardless, the Councillors that voted against this motion should be ashamed of themselves. This should have been dealt with prior to the strike beginnning, but it wasn't. There's no time like the present certainly then applies in the face of this Council's lack of action in the past. Never one to be accused of lead by example, at least some members tried to rectify the situation.
One question I have is why did the Mayor try to pass this motion with Councillor Marra absent? Did he know he was going to vote against it? On the other hand, did he know he would vote for it? Having the motion fail puts the issue to bed for a while. Who knows when it will be brought up again. Someone should make the commitment now to re-introduce the motion at the first City Council meeting following the resolution of the strike.
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Monday, 15 June 2009 04:19 |
The June edition of the Windsor Bloggers Meetup is at the Kildare House this Wednesday evening. Everyone is welcome whether your a blogger, want to start a blog or just enjoy reading them.
Host: Windsor Bloggers
Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Time: 7:30pm - 11:55pm
Location: Kildare House
Street: Wyandotte and Kildare
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Saturday, 13 June 2009 05:55 |
How fast do you think the Veterans Cab strike would be resolved if the City began scheduling hearings to revoke all licenses that have been out of service for 60 days? Ummm....., I'm thinking less than 24 hours.
Cab drivers seek talks
According to a city bylaw governing the licensing and use of public vehicles, the licensing commission may revoke the plate of any vehicle which has been out of service for more than 60 days without prior written consent of the commission.
Cabs affected by the strike have been out of service for more than 60 days.
There are 194 plates licensed by the city and about 75 of those are controlled by Vet Cab owner Charles Clark.
Personally, I think we should get rid of the artificial cap altogether although I know the chances of that happening are about as likely as Mayor Eddie Francis winning a contest as most liked Mayor ever in Windsor. That aside, the by-law is there for a reason, use it!
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Last Updated on Saturday, 13 June 2009 17:18 |
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Saturday, 13 June 2009 05:33 |
The Windsor Star pegs attendance at yesterday's CUPE rally at somewhere between 1700 (Windsor Police number) to 2000 (CUPE's number). They also report that 1,000 mostly CUPE workers came by bus from other cities across the province.
If we take CUPE's high number of 2000, subtract the 1000 out-of-town rally participants and shave off another hundred for local CAW activists and others attending, that leaves 900 local CUPE participants in a rally for their benefit.
Half of this strike's participants voted with their feet and stayed home, and that's only if you use CUPE's high number. If you use the Windsor Police estimate of 1700, then only a dismal 600 local CUPE workers bothered to show up for their own rally, a mere third of their membership.
PS. In the "Too little, too late category" we have Gary Parent trying to be polite and respectful (somewhat).
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Last Updated on Saturday, 13 June 2009 06:02 |
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Friday, 12 June 2009 18:01 |
After the disappointment of the "Future of News" panel held at the University of Windsor in April of this year, I've been closely watching various developments in news and the media both locally and nationally.
While we have suffered the loss of our local A Channel station and cutbacks to CBC TV and Radio, all is not doom and gloom. If anything, I think the end result will see Windsor with even more local coverage.
While the A Channel loss will be felt in the community, at the end of the day, how much local coverage were we actually getting from the station? We had local morning "spots" on the regional broadcast from London along with 6 pm and 11 pm newscasts. All told, it might add up to one hour of local coverage (much of the 11 pm broadcast is a repeat from 6 pm, plus any National stories, weather broadcasts, commercials).
In the last several weeks, Windsor has seen the launch of three hyper-local news and entertainment initiatives.
The first is WindsorInsider.ca, a Windsor/Essex based online news site. It's sole focus is reporting on news, sports, entertainment and others stories from within the Windsor/Essex region.
WindsoInsider.ca is 100% community focused. Windsor/Essex County is where we live, and it's what we report on. It is our goal to become the place to go, for any and all information related to our community. Be it news, sports, community events, art, entertainment, or even just the phone number of your favourite pizza place, we will be here to deliver to you the information that YOU are looking for.
The site looks to be supported by traditional ad sales combined with Google ads (One way to help the site is making sure you click on any Google ad that interests you when you're visiting the site).
Next up is EntertainmentWindsor.ca . The arts and culture scene in Windsor has always had to fight with traditional news, sports and national arts stories for coverage. EntertainmentWindsor.ca is seeking to fill a niche in covering the under-reported local arts scene.
EntertainmentWindsor.ca was created for one purpose. To cover the Windsor Essex County Arts and Entertainment scene. Live music, restaurant openings, art exhibits, comedy shows, performing arts, book signings, charity galas and fundraisers.
EntertainmentWindsor.ca also looks to be supported by traditional advertising along with listings for local talent.
Just launched this Monday is the latest local entry - TodaysWindsor.ca, with former A Channel hosts Houida Kassem and Bevin Palmateer, and Mimetic Productions Gavin Michael Booth. Essentially, Houida and Bevin will be continuing the same sort of coverage of events in Windsor and Essex County that they used to do for the A Channel's morning show. The experience and professionalism of Houida and Bevin shine through in their effort. Although as a blogger I'm slightly biased, I think the inclusion of personal blogs by both Bevin and Houida will only enhance their initiative. It provides the interaction and connection many people are seeking today. (Their site is actually built on the Wordpress blog platform, a smart use of open-source product versus custom design which can often be expensive for a start-up).
The show has already been a victim of it's own success. The episodes are hosted on their own servers as opposed to using a service like Google Video, and load times have been lagging due to the site's popularity. A notice appeared on the website today informing visitors that they will be moving to a virtual server from a shared server to decrease load time. I would expect that as the show grows in popularity, they will soon find themselves shifting to their own server.
There are many other local efforts in various stages of experimentation. Tom at Phog Lounge has been live-streaming events whenever possible along with live-streaming his Not In My Backyard CJAM show. Stephen at Wamm has also been experimenting with live stream shows with an eye to hosting a Wamm Live show. I'm experimenting with several components with the goal of launching a WE Speak channel in the fall - featuring live and recorded local talent. I'm envisioning it as a video aggregator equivalent to the WE Speak blog aggregator, a method of highlighting all local video content and making it easier for people to find and view.
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Last Updated on Friday, 12 June 2009 21:02 |
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Friday, 12 June 2009 04:55 |
Unless you believe that nine City Managers were all the victims of some random spree of tire slashing late Wednesday or early Thursday, it looks like some CUPE thugs just don't get how badly they're losing public support with each and every incident.
Nine city managers woke up Thursday to find the tires on their city vehicles, parked in the driveways of their homes, slashed. Tires on Red Bull vehicles have also been punctured.
A striker is reported to have jumped on the hood of a car Thursday at the transfer station and attacked the windshield with an umbrella.
The message is clear when tactics like this are employed - WE KNOW WHERE YOU LIVE!
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Last Updated on Friday, 12 June 2009 05:03 |
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Thursday, 11 June 2009 03:14 |
CUPE does a push poll, CKLW does an online poll that a 10 year old could goose and now we have the Windsor Star with a Survey Monkey (aptly named) poll:
Almost half oppose arbitration, survey finds
“We did everything we possibly could to make sure the questions were fair for both sides, and we weren’t loading one way or the other,” said Bob Thwaites, director of reader sales, service and marketing for the Windsor Star.
PS. if anyone is actually interested in conducting a real poll, let me know. I'll put you in touch with some credible people.
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Last Updated on Thursday, 11 June 2009 03:27 |
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Thursday, 11 June 2009 02:59 |
Undeterred by previous bad press and incidents that cast a shadow over their union, CUPE Windsor seems bound and determined to bascially piss off every last person in Windsor who might remotely support their position:
Man trapped 3 hours at trash depot
Wife fearfully calls hospitals looking for husband
Meanwhile, the Micelis didn’t mince words when asked how their experience has affected their opinion of the city workers’ strike.
“I feel, to fire them,” Vincenza said. “The way they have been doing.”
“It’s no good, they stop the people,” said Domenico, growing agitated. “I no care about the strike. You want to stay on strike, stay on strike.… You don’t want to work, leave us alone. That’s it.”
Cal said he feels the union shouldn’t be affecting the lives of people who have nothing to do with the strikers’ place of work.
“It’s just not right.”
The bullying, threats and intimidation are working so well, why wouldn't CUPE carry on? |
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Last Updated on Thursday, 11 June 2009 03:04 |
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Wednesday, 10 June 2009 04:53 |
The money quote:
It is my assessment that, after 31 years, the status quo does not fulfill the expectations associated with the guiding principles for this WBR, let alone in 2014 or 2018. A decision to reduce the size of council would be ill advised; the benefits of retaining two-member wards are limited.
The consultants final report gives three options - 5 Wards, 2 Councillors per, 10 wards, 1 Councillor per and 8 wards, 1 Councillor per.
The 8 Ward option is pretty much a non-starter as far as I'm concerned. It's there as an option, but not really recommended. That leaves Council with the choice of a status quo, 5 Ward system with re-drawn boundaries or a new 10 Ward system that will dramatically alter the shape of our next Council. Reading the quote above, it's not hard to figure out which option the consultant prefers. The 10 Ward option would leave each Councillor representing roughly 20,000 residents. The three wards that are below that optimal level are growth areas of the city and the one ward (four) that is above optimal is done for continuity purposes of various communities.
I'm betting most Councillors will wax eloquent and then go for the status quo, but I'm willing to be surprised.
Email
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if you wish to attend the June 15th Council meeting and speak to this report.
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Tuesday, 09 June 2009 23:37 |
CUPE has set up a pre-formatted email form designed to send a message to the Mayor and all ten City Councillors. Of course they have their own message already loaded to make things easy.
I always find that it's far more effective to customize these types of message, otherwise your email ends up being ignored as just another of tens or hundreds of form emails that the intended recipients receive.
CUPE's Message Subject : Bring CUPE members back to work
My Subject: Settle the strike!
CUPE's Text:
I understand that CUPE's negotiating team has offered to return to work immediately, if the city will agree to binding arbitration, and has made significant moves on the question of post-retirement benefits.
Instead of taking this opportunity to end the strike, the city is continuing to push for even deeper concessions.
Instead of proposals that will not save money in the short term, why are you not willing to consider the cost saving initiatives CUPE has been bringing forward?
It's time to end this strike.
My Text:
I understand that CUPE's negotiating team has offered to return to work immediately, if the city will agree to binding arbitration, and has made significant moves on the question of post-retirement benefits.
I'm writing to encourage you to reject binding arbitration and return to the bargaining table to settle this dispute.
It's time to end this strike, but it must be done in a way that respects taxpayers and the reality in Windsor.
Fill in the anti-spam box at the bottom, hit send and you're done.
Works for me. I've already received a response back from one Councillor.
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 10 June 2009 05:33 |
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Tuesday, 09 June 2009 23:19 |
Because threats, intimidation and other heavy handed tactics have worked so well for them so far.
CUPE threatens to picket Windsor businesses
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Tuesday, 09 June 2009 11:16 |
CUPE's Ontario boss, Sid Ryan is organizing his members from across Ontario to travel to Windsor for a rally on Friday. They're running buses from various communities across Ontario:
# Get on the bus from Barrie
# Get on the bus from Durham
# Get on the bus from Guelph
# Get on the bus from Hamilton
# Get on the bus from Kingston & Belleville
# Get on the bus from London
# Get on the bus from Niagara
# Get on the bus from Ottawa
# Get on the bus from Peel
# Get on the bus from Peterborough
# Get on the bus from Scarborough
# Get on the bus from Toronto
# Get on the bus from York
# Get on the bus from Kitchener
# Get on the bus from North Bay
What is the one thing all these cities have in common? None of them offer lifetime benefits to their new employees!
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Friday, 05 June 2009 11:17 |
Veritas Communications runs a weekly newsletter - Touchdowns and Fumbles, highlighting the best and worst in communications.
FUMBLE
Get off the grass you darn kids!
How does the saying go? ‘There’s a time and a place for everything, and this was neither the time nor the place.’ Gary Parent, secretary-treasurer of CAW Local 444 demonstrated the communications equivalent of that in spades.
Read the complete story at Touchdowns and Fumbles |
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Thursday, 04 June 2009 05:00 |
This proposed by-law being contemplated by Toronto City Council is an affront to free speech everywhere in Canada. The worst thing is, if this actually passes in Sillyville, then there's a good chance it will start being passed in other Councils throughout Ontario, starting with Windsor.
Mum's the word at City Hall
The policy -- which passed executive committee earlier this week and goes to council on July 6 -- will allow councillors to launch a lawsuit against another councillor or a third party (a member of the media or the public) they believe has launched "egregious" attacks against them and defamed their reputation.
Up to now, defamation claims against councillors are covered by the city's insurance policy but not those claims councillors might choose to initiate.
According to the city documents, an independent external lawyer specializing in libel and defamation, will be engaged to determine the merits of the claim before it is deemed eligible -- based on criteria like whether the statements if left unchallenged "will undermine public confidence" in municipal government and "disrupt the efficient functioning of council."
It's one thing to defend yourself against lawsuits launched against you as a sitting politician, but to pass a by-law forcing the City to cover your costs in a lawsuit initiated by you against others is just ridiculous. Libel chill doesn't even begin to describe this affront to democracy. Print, radio and TV reporters would be among the first targets of this ill-advised by-law. From there, the slope is only downhill.
This is what our tax dollars are going to support? And they wonder why the average person hates politicians and can't be bothered to vote, Go figure!
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Wednesday, 03 June 2009 02:14 |
Windsor Eats - Eat Your City '09 is still accepting submissions for their summer event, created after the success of their Winter Bites series. Best wishes to them and all the participating restaurants.
Lest anyone think that I've gone soft on the Mayor as a result of my support for him and Council during this strike, I thought I would put forward a submission.
Dear WindsorEats.com
Congratulations on yet another fantastic initiative!
I have worked long and hard at developing a menu that would meet with your approval for this venture. I'm sorry for the delay in submitting it but I had to wait for my lawyer Biff Mutts to give it his stamp of approval. (Bastard charged me an arm and leg for it too!)
I realize I'm not an active member of your group, but I'm such a special guy that normal rules don't apply to me - you understand!
I've got my balloons all ready to go and my staff and I are training daily at blowing harder to ensure they look as plump and inviting as possible.
Yours In Arrogance,
Hizzoner
Fast Eddie’s Eat Your City Menu
Appetizer – Racoon or Skunk Ragout (choose one)
Freshly harvested after Windsor's Spring and Summer garbage strike. Slow roasted and lightly spiced with my usual dash of sarcasm and delivered to your table with an extra order of casual disregard that I have strived for years to perfect.
Main – Humble Pie
A large portion sure to fill you up… (Not sure what this tastes like, but I figure I should get used to making and eating it now, it may come in handy later)
Dessert - Sour Lemon Tart
A City of Windsor Mayor’s Office specialty. (If you’ve every seen me after a meeting with Councillor Halberstadt, you’ll appreciate this mouth-watering delight!)
Fast Eddie’s Windsor Bites Menu
Appetizer - City Council Snails
A Windsor original. These snails are fed a regular diet of consultant’s reports and legal opinions throughout the year until they are ready for harvest. (We guarantee they’re twice as slow and plump as regular snails)
Main - Humble Pie II
(smaller portions as the first version didn't go down too well)
Dessert – Bittersweet Rose City Torte
Memories of a once proud City will float through your mind as you enjoy this recipe currently in testing and development.
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 03 June 2009 03:05 |
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Tuesday, 02 June 2009 19:34 |
WE Speak is up and running again and hopefully it will stay that way.
Initially I thought I had accidently suspended the account while I was performing some maintenance through my hosting account. Later on I discovered that the account was suspended by the hosting company due to email spamming problems. Someone had hacked the site's email account and was using it to send massive amounts of spam email.
I don't know what it is, but hackers certainly seem to have a hate on for WE Speak. The email account in question has been deleted and further security measures have been implemented that will hopefully prevent any problems in the future.
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Tuesday, 02 June 2009 03:07 |
CUPE is sending in their newest pinch hitter in the form of Paul Moist, National President. Ontario President Sid Ryan and National President Paul Moist are scheduled to hold a Press Conference later today. In anticipation of that conference, we have Chris Vander Doelen's article from the Windsor Star today highlighting a few inconsistencies on the part of CUPE:
CUPE's about-face
Were you aware that resorting to arbitration as a means of settling labour disputes is a "public relations game" and a spineless way of "avoiding negotiating?"
So says the Canadian Union of Public Employees. The union used those words in a pamphlet to describe York University's call for arbitration in Toronto six months ago.
The union seems to have changed its tune when it comes to Windsor.
"A third party arbitrator is not going to settle these issues in a way that makes things good for either of us," CUPE national president Paul Moist told a picket line crowd in a video available on the blog of CUPE Local 3903.
"They should stop calling for arbitration, come back to the bargaining table and settle this in a fair way," Moist says in the video.
I'm looking forward to hearing Moist's position later today. Kudos to Chris for digging out this important bit of info. Is this strike really about issues here in Windsor or is it simply holding the union line in anticipation of an upcoming CUPE strike of 18,000 workers in Toronto? Throw in upcoming binding arbitrations for local firefighters and the resulting implication for future Police and Fire negotiations and the picture begins to change somewhat.
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Monday, 01 June 2009 11:14 |
This is great news to hear. Saturday's Tattoo was a great show. More than a year in the planning, the event was well attended and enjoyed by all. Bravo Zulu to everyone involved in the planning and execution.
Tattoo Makes Mark on Windsor
“I’ve seen a few tattoos, and this is first-rate,” said Col. John Celestino, commander of 31 Canadian Brigade Group. “Without the support of the mayor and the city, this thing would’ve never happened.”
He said the tattoo and sunset ceremony would be back next year, with permission from Mayor Eddie Francis.
Francis was quick to give it.
“I think all you need to do is look around. The community has embraced the first annual military tattoo,” Francis said.
He said the tattoo was a boost for “not only our civic pride, but our national pride as well.”
I was lucky to be involved with the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo back in 1983 when I first joined the Military. In those days, the Tattoo was run by the legendary artistic director Col. Ian Fraser. From humble beginnings 30 years ago that Tattoo has gone on to become a premier National and International event. It is a week long celebration that attracts military and civilian acts from around the world, not to mention the tens of thousands of tourists who attend each year. Windsor followed Halifax's lead in establishing a Buskers Festival and I think it's great we're doing the same with a Tattoo. Things can only get bigger and better. Check out this Finale pic of the Nova Scotia Tattoo to give you an idea of what's possible.
PS. this is exactly the type of event that I would like to see the City support with $50,000.00 dollars or more instead of the Detroit Grand Prix or other similar events. We have a fantastic Riverfront facility and we should do everything we can to maximize it's use each and every weekend possible.
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Last Updated on Monday, 01 June 2009 01:35 |
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Monday, 01 June 2009 01:05 |
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Welcome to WindsorInsider.ca, Windsor's newest all local media source.
WindsorInsider.ca is 100% community focused. Windsor/Essex County is where we live, and it's what we report on. It is our goal to become the place to go, for any and all information related to our community. Be it news, sports, community events, art, entertainment, or even just the phone number of your favourite pizza place, we will be here to deliver to you the information that YOU are looking for.
You can visit the site, follow their RSS feed or Tweets.
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Monday, 01 June 2009 00:27 |
Former CAW Local 444 President Frank LaSorda has a subtle kick in the ass for all involved in the current Windsor Municipal strike:
Give a little, Frank LaSorda says to both sides
WINDSOR, Ont. -- Both sides in the nearly seven-week-old strike by city workers insist publicly they’re willing to get back to the table — so then do it, advises one of Windsor’s former larger-than-life labour bosses.
“What’s stopping them? There is no such thing as can’t … this is affecting the whole city,” said Frank LaSorda, who celebrated his 80th birthday Saturday with family and a who’s who of Windsor’s labour community paying homage to a man who led United Auto Workers Local 444 during some tough economic times after the murder of legendary leader Charlie Brooks in 1977.
LaSorda may have decades of experience in the labour movement, but he blames both sides for the lengthy and bitter dispute. And he accuses the mayor and council on one side, and CUPE leaders on the other, of making the strike personal.
My hat's off to Frank. Maybe there's a chance yet that this can be resolved at the negotiating table.
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Sunday, 31 May 2009 22:50 |
Eat Real, Eat Local is an initiative by Hellmann's Mayonnaise. Lot's of great local food info on the site along with specific actions you can take:
* Making pledges
* Submitting your own local recipes
* Submitting local farmer's market locations
* Spreading the word through e-mail
* Spreading the word through Facebook
* Spreading the word through Blogs or Tweets using the hash tag #realfood
* Contacting local grocers to encourage them to carry local food
H/T Christie's Corner
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Last Updated on Sunday, 31 May 2009 22:56 |
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Written by Windsor Shadow
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Sunday, 31 May 2009 19:14 |
At least he's Sarnia's problem to deal with.
New border rules create 'invisible Berlin Wall': mayor
New U.S. rules on cross-border travel that take effect Monday represent a "heightened militarization" that will hurt the traditionally close relationship between border communities, the mayor of Sarnia, Ont., said Sunday.
"That longest and friendliest border in the world is now an invisible Berlin Wall," Mike Bradley told CBC News, responding to the new requirement that travelers carry a secure document to enter the U.S. by land. It is the latest in a series of security measures implemented since the terror attacks on New York and Washington D.C. on Sept. 11, 2001
Yes the border continues to thicken in what I suspect is bit more about protectionist measures than security, but an "invisible Berlin Wall" ? I think Mayor Bradley should brush up on his history a little bit. His rhetoric may make for good copy but his choice of comparisons is counter-productive and borders on the offensive. The "heightened militarization" quote makes me think he's been reading too many NDP press releases.
Despite what many think, the American government is entitled to demand appropriate documents from people wishing to enter their country, including their own citizens returning home. The average person has four choices, a passport, NEXUS card, FAST card or and enhanced drivers licence. As a border town, Windsor (and Sarnia) will definitely feel the short term effects of this new policy. In the long term, people will adapt.
I filled out the paperwork in September of last year to get my passport. Ten minutes in a photo shop to get passport photos and another 20 minutes in the passport office and I was done. Last Friday I went to the Service Ontario office in the 400 building for an interview for my Enhanced Drivers Licence (EDL). I arrived at 2:05, 10 minutes before my scheduled interview and was out of there by 2:30, including a stop at the Health Card window to replace my lost card. I should receive my EDL in the next week or so.
The States of Michigan, Washington, Vermont and New York have already begun issuing EDL's of their own. For those in states without EDL's, the federal government has begun a similar Passport Card program, issuing over 1,000,000 cards to date.
Caesars Windsor has been assisting and encouraging it's American customers to obtain the appropriate documentation through information sessions, contests and promotions. There have been numerous articles over the last several days stating that US Border security will not be turning people away without the proper documentation. Their names will be noted and they will be issued instructions on how and where to obtain the documents required for further cross border travel.
Berlin Wall indeed. Does that make the Windsor/Detroit Tunnel Checkpoint Charlie?
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Last Updated on Sunday, 31 May 2009 22:58 |
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Election Countdown
left until the 2010 Windsor Municipal Election
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