The W.E. Speak blogroll now stands at 138 blogs. I'll be updating the actual blogroll later on this evening. Don't forget to ping the blogroll after posting, or setup your blog software to do it automatically. This will move your blog's name and link to the top of the roll each time you post.
Synott dropped into a downtown bar for a beer recently, and was flabberghasted when a heated political discussion about council erupted involving half the people in the room. "There's certainly a lot more interest out there," he says. "And there's a desire for change."
What I found most interesting about the discussion was that it involved that typically unengaged, non-voting under 30 demographic. Considering they represent the single largest voting block after the baby boomers, any increase in voter turnout amongst this group could have a significant impact on an election. One of the goals of the soon-to-be relaunched Citizfaction will be to engage this group and encourage them to not only vote but get involved in campaigns throughout the city.
Bonus: a Windsor Star Editorial that takes Mayor Eddie Francis to task. When's the last time that happened?
Here's a great guest blog on the National Post site from a CUPE delegate at their last National Convention:
Marc Roumy: CUPE should focus on its members, not foreign policy
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) is Canada's largest union, representing over 560,000 workers in both the public and private sectors across Canada. CUPE's members work in health care, education, municipalities, libraries, universities, social services, public utilities, transportation, emergency services and airlines. I automatically became a member when I was hired as an Air Canada flight attendant; there was no other choice.
CUPE has three levels of bottom-up leadership with voting privileges at all three levels: local, component and national. At the airline, local representatives deal with the company's lower management while the next component level faces upper management. Across Canada, locals and components are under the umbrella of CUPE National, headquartered in Ottawa, which lobbies and fights for our rights before all levels of government.
CUPE National sets its agenda every two years at a national convention, which approximately 2,000 delegates attend to debate and vote on resolutions provided by all locals. Each delegate is nominated by acquiring a minimum number of signatures from their local membership. If more members are nominated than proportionally allocated, an election is held to decide who becomes a delegate.
Two years ago, when I first attended the National Convention as a nominated delegate, I was surprised at the many distractions we faced. For five days there was very little, if any, discussion about the working or safety conditions facing our members. Much of the focus was placed on a mandate within the union's constitution on the "promotion of peace and freedom." The many resolutions debated and voted on ranged from the Kyoto Protocol to the protesters killed in Burma and opposition to the war in Afghanistan. There was even one resolution criticizing "any threats of war and/or a military action against Iran, and equally opposed [to] the sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council." Anti-Israeli literature was freely promulgated, and anti-Israeli meetings were held. Out of the 515 resolutions brought forward over the five days, only 40 were discussed.
The majority of my colleagues have no idea that this is what goes on at the National Convention. When they find out, they are either angry or disappointed. Very few have told me they support CUPE's current direction. They're unhappy that the delegates spend so much time contemplating resolutions that have no bearing on members' health and safety and general collective agreements.
WINDSOR, Ont. -- Mayor Eddie Francis is urging city councillors to stick to their jobs — rather than his — and he’s hinting at a possible third run for mayor, contrary to a 2003 campaign promise to serve only two terms.
With more than a year to go before the next civic election, Francis said he is fed up with what he describes as the open and not-so-open political manoeuvreing of some councillors and insists they should instead focus on municipal priorities, including Windsor’s ambitious $643-million capital program.
The mayor won’t say who it is or what it is that he finds so distracting.
“There’s been many behind-the-scenes examples. Councillors know what I’m talking about,” said Francis.
When I think of "open and not-so-open political manoeuvreing" it's the Mayor that springs to mind and not City Councillors. It's fairly obvious that this is the Mayor's attempt at maintaining a degree of control and avoiding any sort of lame duck status. As I mentioned a while ago, the next election has already begun.
One hint of that was Council's recent approval of a temporary patio for the Pour House, even after the Mayor gave one of his signature lectures from on high to Councillors who were poised to buck administration's denial recommendation. Generally when Eddie delivers one of his lectures, Council backs down. This time they didn't. Councillors know that the next election will be like no other in recent memory. The 86% water rate increase is still bubbling just below the surface and is bound to re-emerge during the next election. Throw in the lingering effects from the strike and a general perception that this Council likes to study things to death while accomplishing little and the winds of change are already beginning to blow. Of course, we can't forget the new 10 Ward system that will see Councillors standing on their own in the newly redrawn wards.
Since the approval of the 10 Ward system I have been hearing about a lot of people interested in running. Many of them are out kicking the tires in their wards, gauging levels of support. In the small world of municipal politics, word of this tire kicking always finds it's way back to current Councillors quite quickly. There are already some interesting names being bandied about, several of which I'd be happy to support in any way I could.
The last time Windsor had more than 3 Councillors defeated in an election was in 1980 when 5 sitting Councillors were shown the door. Coincidentally, that election occured just after Windsor adopted the current 5 ward system.
439 Days until the next Municipal Election. 131 Days until candidates can legally register and begin (open) campaigning.
Hopefully this event produces a meaningful announcement. Considering the attendees listed, chances are good...
Detroit River International Crossing Study Announcement
August 24, 2009
WINDSOR - Media are invited to join Minister Sandra Pupatello, Member of Provincial
Parliament (MPP) for Windsor West, Minister Dwight Duncan, MPP for Windsor-
Tecumseh, and MPP Bruce Crozier, Essex, for a technical briefing on the Detroit River
International Crossing (DRIC) study and a significant access road announcement.
Date: Monday, August 24, 2009
Time: 10:00 a.m. technical briefing
10:30 a.m. formal media event
Location: Former Parts Source building (2525 Howard Avenue - red building on
the west side of Howard Avenue, just south of the CPR tracks.)
Attendees are requested to park south of the building with overflow parking to the
back of the building, along Doty Avenue (runs west of Howard) and in the overflow lot
that housed the former Trifonopoulos Dental Office.
Please RSVP to Jennifer Setterington, Windsor Border Initiatives Implementation Group, at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or 519-973-7367.
2. As mentioned by Al Nelman at City Council Monday evening - where's Part II of the 400 Building Audit?
3. August Windsor Blogger's meetup. John from Western District has graciously offered to host a BBQ/Pool Party for August's meeting. With the success of the Downtown Market, Chris Holt's Development charges initiative and the Ward boundary issue, just to name a few, Windsor's bloggers have been anything but quiet this summer. Come on out and meet your fellow bloggers. We don't bite - although muzzles are available as required! BYOB, there will be some awesome all-natural beef burgers available along with Italian sausages sizzling on the grill. There might even be a bacon explosion in the works!
4. This week's adventure for me is going to be brining/pickling some great hot peppers I picked up at the Downtown Market last weekend. A couple of jars for the fridge and I'll probably pick up another batch for the freezer next weekend.
5. Water Rates - never far from citizens minds and still bubbling below the surface, ready to burst forth next November.
7.Bikes and Ice Cream on a beautiful summer weekend on Windsor's Riverfront. What could be better?
8. Citizfaction will be relatively quiet over the next several weeks. I'll still be monitoring all issues related to the Ward Boundary review and ensuring that the necessary by-law is passed in a timely manner, I just won't be posting as much. Stay tuned for some fine-tuning and eventual relaunch of the site in September as a civic resource on Windsor-related issues. 452 days till the next Windsor Municipal election!
A former mayor and long-time Aurora politician, Ms. Buck started her blog in 2007 after growing tired of being dismissed by her fellow councillors. She said they developed a habit of hindering her motions before council.
"If I have no role at the council table, I will damn well create my own role," Ms. Buck said yesterday from her Aurora home. "I will keep people informed on a daily basis about what's happening at that council table and that's how my blog started."
Ms. Buck admits she can be a little "rough around the edges" but says she only calls things as she sees them.
The story is also an interesting tale of how Aurora Council attempted (and failed miserably) to use their Code of Conduct and Integrity Commissioner to silence Councillor Buck.
The first thing Council did after the Integrity Commissioner filed his report? They fired him!
You can tune in here or my Qik Channel to see my attempt at streaming tonight's Council meeting with my phone and Qik. Not sure how it will turn out sound/picture wise. The other issue is battery life on my phone. I'm going to try and find a spot where I can plug the phone in if possible. If this doesn't work then the next Council meeting I'll probably try using my laptop and video camera with the phone as a modem. That will definitely increase the video quality if not the sound.
Thursday night my friend and I headed over to Biscuits and Gravy to try out the Eat Your City 2009 menu. The owner Steve is a friend of mine and I saw the many hours that he put into testing the menu items for this WindsorEats.com event. I wasn't disappointed.
I'm not a food critic so you won't see me talking about the balance of flavours and textures, simply my impressions of a great meal.
The first course was Rivercat Springrolls filled with catfish and veggies. This one was such a winner I could have had eight or ten of them and gone home very happy. Served with a choice of two sauces, the springrolls were an inspired creation on Steve's part and hopefully a future part of his regular menu. (HINT HINT!)
Next up was the Cajun Pasta. Pan seared vegetables, chicken, smoked sausage over ribbon noodles in a spicy Cajun cream sauce. It was so good that I seriously considered licking the bowl when I was done, until my dining companion threatened to move to another table if I did. The sauce had just the right amount of kick to it, leaving me with a light sheen of sweat to remember the experience, but not burning my taste buds off.
Dessert was the decadent Bananas Foster, bananas cooked in a rum caramel sauce and then laid over ice cream. A nice finish to a truly enjoyable meal.
H/T to Steve and Biscuits and Gravy for a great dining experience. Now we just have to get you to blog as well as you cook!
Congratulations to Pina and Adriano from Windsor Eats on another great Windsor event. For those still interested, Eat Your City runs until the end of Saturday. There are many great lunch and dinner venues to choose from. Give it a try, you'll thank yourself for it.
I'm going to round out my EYC 2009 with a visit to Black Kettle Bistro today. They've got a slice of lasagna with my name all over it!
PS. Don't forget about the Downtown Farmers Market today. It's not just a market, it's a community event every Saturday.
Thanks to a commenter at the Windsor Star, here are the seven available positions at the new Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island as posted at Workopolis.
Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island
Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island is a newly formed Destination Marketing Organization mandated to significantly grow the tourism industry in this region, and the employment, economic and community benefits that tourism delivers. The region has a unique array of shoreline, cultural, historic, winery, heritage, gaming and other tourism assets. At this time, the organization is recruiting for the following positions that will be integral to achieving the new organization's Mission and Goals.
Director, Marketing and Communications
This leadership position will be accountable for the development, implementation and evaluation of all marketing, communications & media programs. The range of responsibilities will include direct marketing activities, cooperative advertising and other initiatives that will increase tourist visitation to the area. The position is also responsible for visitor's information services, volunteer development, grants preparation and the coordination of the organization's contracted administrative & media services. The successful candidate will have a University degree or College diploma in marketing or communications, or commensurate education and relevant experience required to successfully fulfill the position.
Director, Tourism Programs and Development
The organization has identified a series of specific tourism market segments that will be targeted for direct product development, promotion, partnerships and investments. These segments range from gaming, to festivals and events, to heritage and culture, to wine and culinary, to family and visitors, and others. The Director will be responsible for the development of each of these market segments in collaboration with operators and partners. The successful candidate will have a University degree or College diploma in marketing or related areas, or commensurate education and relevant experience required to successfully fulfill the position.
Director, Group Programs and Development
Conferences, conventions, trade shows, sport tourism, travel trade and affinity groups represent unique group-based tourism development and sales opportunities for the region. The Director will be responsible for the development of products, packages, programs and marketing activities that will maximize group visitation to the region. The successful candidate will have a University degree or College diploma in relevant group-based marketing, community development or a related discipline, or commensurate education and relevant experience required to successfully fulfill the position.
Director, Research and Product Development
The organization has identified research and evaluation, strategic planning, trends analysis and product development as key success factors in achieving its Mission. A Director is required that will have a strong research capacity, the ability to analyze trends and strategic directions and align the conclusions and findings with product development initiatives, enhancing industry relations and education, and the development of performance measurement systems. The successful candidate will have a University degree or College diploma in a relevant research and marketing area, or commensurate education and experience needed to successfully fulfill the position.
Marketing and Communications Associate
This position works with the Director in researching, developing, testing, implementing and evaluating all marketing, communications and media programs undertaken by the organization. The incumbent will also be directly involved in overseeing visitor services operations and materials distribution, volunteer development initiatives, the preparation of grants, and other roles within this portfolio. The successful candidate will have a College diploma in tourism, marketing, advertising or other related discipline.
Tourism Programs and Development Associate
Working with the Director, this position will support the ongoing research, development, implementation and evaluation of specific tourism segment programs relative to family and visitors, wine and culinary, heritage and culture, festivals and events, and others. The successful candidate will have a College diploma in tourism, marketing, advertising or other related disciplines (i.e. product development).
Administrative Assistant
This position requires a multi-tasking, highly organized and motivated individual that can provide directly and/or coordinate a wide range of administrative services in support of the Chief Executive Officer, the Directors and Associate staff. The incumbent will be involved in all dimensions of the organization's activities, as well as being involved directly in handling the records management, communications, technology, facilities and other day-to-day operating requirements. The successful candidate will have a College diploma in administrative studies or a relevant discipline, or a commensurate amount of education and experience.
Applicants
Interested individuals wanting more information on these positions are invited to go to www.tourismwindsoressex.com to view position descriptions and related information on Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island.
If you are applying for more than one position, please include a separate cover letter and résumé for each, clearly indicating the position(s) for which you are applying.
Applicants can submit résumés NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 18, 2009 to:
Organization Development Task Force
Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island
Box 821, c/o The Windsor Star
Windsor, ON N9A 4M5
or
Email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Another great Windsor initiative from our Friends at WindsorEats.com. Although food is definitely central to Eat Your City 2009 there are plenty of other events to interest you.
August 2-8, 2009 head out to your favourite participating restaurant and indulge in 3 course meals for absolutely amazing prices! There are some fantastic deals to be had. Whether it’s a 3 course lunch for $10 or $15 or a 3 course dinner for $25 or $35, it’s definitely worth heading out for.
August 2, 2009
Mastronardi Estate Winery
1193 Concession 3 East, Kingsville
Take a leisurely stroll through the historic vineyards of Mastronardi Estate Winery. Enjoy their infamous Sangria made with their Baco Noir, local fruits and fruit juices. Local fresh fare will be served under a tent while knowledgeable team members answer all of your vineyard related questions. $10 per person, 1:00pm - 4:00pm.
August 2-8, 2009
Tsunami Glassworks
1167 Mercer St.
Tsunami Glassworks is home of Windsor’s first hot glass studio and will be offering glassblowing demonstrations in the morning’s all week. Also, come by for a tour of the studio and 50% off items in the showroom.
August 2-8, 2009
Johnny Piez Pizza Special
Johnny Piez is offeriing a 24 slice Queen pizza with 4 toppings for only $22.95 plus tax.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
WindsorEats Trivia Night
It’s trivia night at The Social Bean Cafe. 1255 Grand Marais W. On Tuesday, August 4, 2009, stop by Social Bean at 7pm. It’s free to participate, but, get there early as seating is limited.
August 4-8, 2009
Jones & Co. Vintage Sale
1755 Wyandotte St. E.
Enjoy a feast of savings. A tantalizing 30% off store wide will be served.
August 5-8, 2009
Saint Flamingo Silkscreening Studio
1755 Wyandotte St. E.
Stop in at one of Walkerville’s newest businesses. Enjoy complimentary fresh muffins and coffee and learn a bit about silkscreening. Wednesday thru Saturday 12:00 until 6PM
August 5, 2009
Phog Lounge
157 University St. W.
From Halifax, NS, the “Got to Get Got” play at Canada’s best live music venue.
August 6, 2009
Mastronardi Estate Winery
1193 Concession 3 East, Kingsville
This is an enchanting tasting seminar where we discover and celebrate the unique characteristics of 4 varietals. The seminar design includes horizontal flights of wine that will be systemically compared and contrasted starting with the white varietals. A brief interlude of Hors D’oeuvres will be followed by the red varietals. $20 per person, 6:00pm - 7:30pm. Reservations are required for this event. Please call 519-733-9463 to purchase your tickets.
August 6, 2009
Nancy Johns Gallery & Framing
4755 Wyandotte St. E.
Visit the Nancy Johns Gallery & Framing as Aleksander Estate Winery will be hosting a delicious wine tasting. For only $5.00, enjoy a local wine tasting and appetizers from 7:00pm and 10:00pm
August 6, 2009
The Original Tecumseh Roadhouse
Darren Dobsky will be taking the stage at The Original Tecumseh Roadhouse, 10672 County Rd 42.
August 7, 2009
The Original Tecumseh Roadhouse
Local Act Twisted Sisters will be taking the stage at The Original Tecumseh Roadhouse. 10672 County Rd. 42.
August 7, 2009
Slice of Style
997 Parent Ave. (corner of Erie St. E.)
Slice of Style is hosting a Chocolate Tasting on Friday August 7 from 6pm-10pm. Check out what’s new in store while you enjoy a glass of wine and sample a variety of treats dipped in our chocolate fountain. Please RSVP for this event. Cost: $5 per person
So head out to your favourite restaurant and support your local business! It’s the perfect opportunity to explore and discover places you’ve never been to or may not have known exist in your own backyard. Let’s celebrate a great city!
BYOB, there will be some awesome all-natural beef burgers available along with Italian sausages sizzling on the grill. There might even be a bacon explosion in the works!
Thursday night my friend and I headed over to Biscuits and Gravy to try out the