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Post by leisha1 on Nov 14, 2006 7:37:42 GMT -5
To bad you and Darren did not make it. Between the two of you you had a good showing. If you make a bid next time you will need some financial backing and a letter to the editor campaign. Patricia sent in a letter in support of Younger and Newer. As you all know I supported Bradly but wanted to change the face of council. Terry Burrel, give me a break. I still don't see what the appeal is for AMG when it is easy to see through her agenda. At least Joe and Vollmar are out. Best of luck to all of you newcomers, sorry it couldn't have worked out better. It seems Jon had a lot of $$$ for ads and BIG signs! Possibly more than Bradley and Murray. Luckily Joe's reputation help sink him! I am pleased to have met you all and wish you all the best. PS it looks like I got banned from Sarniarocks.com!
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Post by Carlos Murray on Nov 14, 2006 9:59:55 GMT -5
(((leisha1)))
It was kewl to have met you last night. (However briefly it was!) Although I had no real reason for doing so, (?) I had thought you were a female because of your "On-line Handle". But, as you had explained to me, leisha is the name of your dog. (That's alright by me!)
Dean and I (as well as a few other people) talked a bit last night about continuing on-line discussions about City Issues. And that among ourselves we would have someone go to each Council meeting to tell them what "The Public" thought about each issue. And to also tell them how "The Public" had casted their Votes in ongoing/neverending "Public Opinion Polls" about whatever issues are being discussed at Council.
Council will probably look at such "Public Opinion Polls" as being meaningless and cast their votes in whatever fashion they choose. But (IMHO) continually presenting the Opinion of the Public to Council will eventually lead them to the understanding that the People don't only want their voices to be heard! They also want their opinion to actually mean something. (They want to have a say!)
I have heard so many Candidates say that they will do whatever the people want them to do. (I think it's time to make them live up to "THAT" Campaign promise!)
My own proposition that a system be set up where the Public gets a say in Decisions is getting more and more obvious by the number of "Letters to the Editor" that have been published over the last few years. (Not to mention the number of people that have chosen to run for office???)
The system, (as it is "?") is proving to not be something that "John Q. Public" sees as acceptable. The public wants (More and More!) to have an actual say in the decisions being made.
I have been proposing that "WE THE PEOPLE" get together and discuss Issues on the Internet. I also have at least one of the members of the new Council that has agreed to participate in on-line discussions. And I have a feeling that even Mike Bradley himself will take part in the discussion if enough people are getting involved.
In this way, I see it as unimportant that I was not elected. Or that I finished last for that matter. I did get 332 votes, and I intend on doing what I can for those 332 people. (As well as everyone else!!!)
I suggested to Dean that we use my own Message Board for this idea simply because it is called "Sarnians". As opposed to "Smoking gun" (Or whatever other Message Boards that have been created?)
Let us, (WE THE PEOPLE!) get together and make those that have the power understand that they work for us. (Not the other way around!!!) -----
Very few people know that Mike Bradley and I have developed somewhat of a "symbiotic" relationship over the last 12 years. And I personally think that he has done a great job as Mayor considering the forces that have been in place to make him work for his salary.
There have been people that called "ME" when they needed a problem addressed, and I would bring the problem to Mike's attention. Then things got done to help these people.
Hey! Very few people know that back in 94, (My 1st run for office,) I wound up going and playing my guitar at his "Private" victory party until 4 AM. (And I had a great time doing it!) -----
I guess what I'm trying to say is that a person doesn't need to get elected to be able to make their voice mean something.
Peace! DG
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darren
Junior Member
Posts: 15
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Post by darren on Nov 14, 2006 10:32:30 GMT -5
I guess what I'm trying to say is that a person doesn't need to get elected to be able to make their voice mean something.
I totally agree with you!!! I might have lost but I had 4200 votes for me and that's a start.
This was a great experience and I will be back in 4 years!!!! better prepared and more involved in this community.
Thanks to all the great people of this community
Sincerely Darren Nesbit see you in 2010
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Post by leisha1 on Nov 14, 2006 12:21:18 GMT -5
Hopefully I have an ear at city hall. I will stay connected. Best regards to all. Carlos keep up the ideas and run for council.
Bradley is looking for YOUNG commitee volenteers.
Hopefully some of you candidates will step up.
Call the city clerk and get your name in.
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Post by Dean Robinson on Nov 14, 2006 12:29:34 GMT -5
To bad you and Darren did not make it. Between the two of you you had a good showing. If you make a bid next time you will need some financial backing and a letter to the editor campaign. Patricia sent in a letter in support of Younger and Newer. As you all know I supported Bradly but wanted to change the face of council. Terry Burrel, give me a break. I still don't see what the appeal is for AMG when it is easy to see through her agenda. At least Joe and Vollmar are out. Best of luck to all of you newcomers, sorry it couldn't have worked out better. It seems Jon had a lot of $$$ for ads and BIG signs! Possibly more than Bradley and Murray. Luckily Joe's reputation help sink him! I am pleased to have met you all and wish you all the best. PS it looks like I got banned from Sarniarocks.com! how do yo get banned from sarnia rocks lol its like darwins waiting room lol
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Post by Dean Robinson on Nov 14, 2006 12:45:54 GMT -5
Hi All just need to thank everyone for their support 3000 votes wow I'm amazed Darren you did great . now get up to city hall and get your name in to Bradly. join the boards and keep fighting. Bradley's asking for some young people to get involved I would but I think I'm over the young people age he is referring to
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Post by fumanshu on Nov 14, 2006 14:43:49 GMT -5
Yes, how do you get banned from SarniaRocks?
That's funny, Leisha1. Judging by the calibre of your posts here, I must assume that you displayed another personality at SarniaRocks?
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Post by Oh man on Nov 14, 2006 15:49:47 GMT -5
(((leisha1))) It was kewl to have met you last night. (However briefly it was!) Although I had no real reason for doing so, (?) I had thought you were a female because of your "On-line Handle". But, as you had explained to me, leisha is the name of your dog. (That's alright by me!) you didn't know that leisha1 was a dude? haven't you like been reading any of his posts. he's only said it about 5 million times.
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Post by Dean Robinson on Nov 14, 2006 18:00:14 GMT -5
(((leisha1))) It was kewl to have met you last night. (However briefly it was!) Although I had no real reason for doing so, (?) I had thought you were a female because of your "On-line Handle". But, as you had explained to me, leisha is the name of your dog. (That's alright by me!) you didn't know that leisha1 was a dude? haven't you like been reading any of his posts. he's only said it about 5 million times. we dont tolerate bashing on this site this is very close please follow the rules or we will make it a members only site
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Post by leisha1 on Nov 15, 2006 8:19:52 GMT -5
Yes, how do you get banned from SarniaRocks? That's funny, Leisha1. Judging by the calibre of your posts here, I must assume that you displayed another personality at SarniaRocks? how do yo get banned from sarnia rocks lol its like darwins waiting room lol I logged in and it said 'forbidden'!!! I tried twice. I tried again yesterday afternoon and I logged on no problem!!! Possibly some kind of mistake.
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Post by leisha1 on Nov 15, 2006 8:23:19 GMT -5
you didn't know that leisha1 was a dude? haven't you like been reading any of his posts. he's only said it about 5 million times. we dont tolerate bashing on this site this is very close please follow the rules or we will make it a members only site No bashing was intended by carlos I am sure. We did meet and I mentioned that Leisha is indeed my poodle's name. I also have two Shih Tzu's, actually the poodle passed away a few yars ago but I think of her alot, great dog!
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Post by Carlos Murray on Nov 20, 2006 21:18:07 GMT -5
Right on! Thanks Leisha.
"Carlos keep up the ideas and run for council."
FWIW there is no chance of that happening. I may well run for a seat at Queen's Park next year. Hopefully with the backing of the Local NDP. But, (In my own case.) the lowest on the Totem pole I will ever go for is the office of Mayor.
Even that office I see as only a springboard spot. By the next Municipal Election I will be 50 years old. I certainly don't plan on waiting until then, and then "FOUR MORE YEARS!" before going for Mayor again. Then looking at higher office after that.
I see myself as getting too old to be taking that route!!!!! -----
Back in 1993 I went on a Cross Canada trip for the Cancer Society. But I was also looking for a place. A very important place!!! And I found it.
Before I can expound on what and where this place is. It is absolutely necessary that I be holding some kind of office that will gain me the ears of some very important (And POWERFUL!) people.
(Either that or being a musician that is selling out houses worldwide!?) I mice elf see being elected to office as much more likely than Musical achievements. The more popular "Grungy" Music that is popular today is something that I have no intention of playing. And they say that if you don't make it big by the time you are 25, you never will! Well in my case, that was over 20 years ago. (LOL!)
(Just my 2 cents.)
Peace! DG
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Post by fumanshu on Nov 21, 2006 0:44:20 GMT -5
Are you saying that you're going to seek nomination in the next provincial or federal election, Carlos? Which party? Or will you be running as an independent?
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Post by Carlos Murray on Nov 22, 2006 0:01:36 GMT -5
Actually Billy,
On election night I was talking to the local leader of the NDP. And I am thinking about trying to get their nomination for next year's Provincial Election.
I did help them Campaign in this last Federal Election, so I got to know a few of the people involved at that time. And FWIW, I have absolutely no plans of ever running for a seat in Upper Tier Govt as an independent. I have seen it where Independents are completely ignored by the Media. But the NDP is pretty established, so Coverage of Candidacy is pretty good all across the board.
Even in the last Provincial Election, Andrew Falby ran under the Freedom Party banner. But because they didn't yet meet the criteria called for by the Govt. to be officially recognized as a "Political Party", his name was on the Ballot (Officially) as an Independent.
He pointed out to me that at the one "All Candidates Meeting" at the old Canterbury Inn, there were all kinds of Media People there, and he got Equal Time to talk. (Just like every other Candidate.)
But none of the Media even mentioned him. And, (According to Robert Metz) the Sarnia Observer even refused to "SELL" their Party "Paid for" advertising space. (I personally think that was very illegal of them to do!!?? But that's just my own opinion.)
I might have liked going with the Freedom Party, but there are some parts of their Platform that I see as very unrealistic to be proposing. That and the fact that they are pretty new, and most people don't even realize that they exist yet.
The NDP has been around for quite some time. I think I 1st heard of them when I was 16 years old at Lambton College. I think their Candidate at that time was a guy named Wally Krawyzic? (Or something like that?) I wasn't even old enough to vote yet. But I still went around putting his Pamphlets in people's Mailboxes.
They're pretty well established. And, for the most part, I find their platforms to be something that I can find agreement with.
The Freedom Party suggests doing away with Property Tax and Provincial Income Tax, and replace them with some sort of Consumption Tax. I see that as Completely Unfeasible!? And I am forced to ask, "Consumption Taxes on What?"
It looks good on the surface, but in the long run I think it would only benefit the VERY RICH and completely Screw the little guy.
The very rich would have the benefit of retaining their money and they truly don't consume any more than poor people do. Although they might Consume more expensive Product Lines.
How would this Consumption Tax effect the Economy? Would Gasoline go up to $20/litre? Cigarettes to $50/pack. Bread at $10/loaf?
I think it is pretty obvious that such a thing would put the most strain on the less affluent. People that are already living at or below the Poverty Line would find it impossible to survive.
I personally think that the present system where the person living in a Million Dollar home on Lakeshore has to pay 20 times as much "Property Tax" as the person living in a $50K home somewhere in the South end is as reasonable of a system as we can expect for now. It has it's quirks to be ironed out. But, for the moment, it seems to be the best "economic" proposal at hand.
Let's call it a "more or less" level playing field. The only part of it that I don't like is that the person in the Million Dollar home tends to get better services.
(Road repairs, Sewage, Police Services, Etc.) ----------
Speaking of Police Services! I had one time that a guy threatened me over the Internet. And he said he was on his way to my house to "KILL ME"!
Well this guy "HAS" served "Pen Time" for attempted Murder!
When I called the Police, they said, "We're kind of busy right now. Call us back when he gets there." HOLY SHITE BATMAN!
I think that any time the Police tell you they are too busy to come to your assistance, you should be able to ask for a "LIST" of where each and every Officer was at the time! And proof that "whatever" they were doing was too important for them to come and respond to a Complaint about something as serious as what could easily be seen as a Death Threat coming from a known Felon!?!?
(That's just my own opinion! I could be right or wrong? But I can't imagine what kind of excuses they would try to come up with when they were trying to explain a Dead Body? Especially when they were informed about the threat ahead of time!) ----------
(Continuing --->)
On top of that. Let's just assume that someone in this Riding won under the Banner of the Freedom Party, But no-one else in the whole Province. (Or the whole Country as the case may be.)
They would be proposing to the Local People that they would make all of these changes!!! But without winning a "Majority" Govt, they would be completely unable to make the changes that they had promised throughout their Campaign. How do you think that would make those that had voted for them feel? I don't think they'd like it very much.
Like I've already said, I was looking at the Freedom Party as a pretty good Direction for Change. But now that I have had a chance to take a better look at their updated platform, I see some pretty unrealistic proposals. The only thing I can still say I like about their Platform is their stand on Marijuana Law Reform. (It's way down at the bottom of the page on the Platform Section of their web-site.) -----
Just to site one minor change that went through recently:
Stephen Harper's Federal Govt followed through on their promise to reduce the G.S.T. by 1%. That looks really good! Doesn't it?
So let's just do a little Math!!! In order for that 1% to benefit anyone to the point of saving $1 per day, they would need to be spending $100 per day on goods that the G.S.T. tax was applied to. That works out to $36,500 per year. ($36,600 in a Leap Year.) Not that many of us have that much to spend altogether! Let alone on goods that the tax applies to.
But that 1% change amounts to $1 BILLION per year in Federal Revenue that is gone. So they have had to make a few changes.
The very next day after the change was made, Harper's Govt did away with the "EnerGuide" program. Up until that time, a home owner could get a Grant of up to $3,500 to make improvements to their home that saved energy. But it now no longer exists! It's just gone!
The most difficult thing I have seen as a result has been to many people that got Licensed to do home assessments of what repairs people needed to do to qualify for the "EnerGuide" Grants. And they also spent thousands of dollars on equipment to do those assessments that is no longer of any use to them. -----
Getting back to the 1% change:
A lot of people that have lower income rely on getting their "G.S.T. Rebate Check" every 3 months. I think my own has been about $75/quarter.? That's 300/yr. Which, (by my previous math comment.) works out to having $30,000/year to spend on G.S.T. related products.
We can expect to see these checks during 2006 as Rebates from our 2005 Income Tax. But I won't be one bit surprised if that "G.S.T. Rebate Form" will not be there when you go to file for your 2006 Income tax.
I can just see Harper's Govt trying to explain it away by saying, "We reduced the G.S.T. by 1%, so we no longer have the money to give out G.S.T. rebates."
Way to go! Screwing the little guy again!
WHEN WILL IT END? WHEN WILL THE GOVT COME TO THE REALIZATION THAT "THEY" WORK FOR "US"? -----
Peace! DG
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Post by fumanshu on Nov 22, 2006 1:46:41 GMT -5
Interesting note Carlos,
I just want to add a couple of things. 1) the next federal Conservative budget will see the GST fall to 5%. 2) Alberta, a province with absolutely no provincial debt, has no consumption taxes aside from the federal GST. People hate consumption taxes. I'd prefer to keep property and income taxes.
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