God Is In His Heaven

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Joshua At The Battle of Jericho Never Knew Such p...":

Someone made the observation that Rebecca Beaton and Walter Mestrinaro had detailed prepared notes for presentation in advance of the meeting, despite the fact that the public was not invited to speak in the published agenda. I would like to know if this is in fact true because if so, it would constitute a very relevant observation. Given that there was apparently no public notice of a pending open forum and in light of their close relationship with Evelina and Phyllis and given the consistency of the arguments they all presented, this begs the question as to if they were somehow given advanced notice of what was to transpire and what the end purpose of the meeting was.

I would also like to confirm with Councillor Buck if there is typically open forum at special meetings such as this. If not, another big red flag go up.

In light of the comments made by Phyllis, Al, Wendy and Evelina and if my personal assumptions prove to be valid based on the facts as I understand them, this may all add up to clear evidence of the very kind of "orchestration" that was suggested by Councillor Buck and which was received with such great offence by Her Worship. Councillor MacEachern apparently took great exception to being falsely accused in such a way, which I for one, find to be highly ironic given any number of recent actions taken by Phyllis, Evelina, Sher and the Gang of Six in general.

There are legitimate reasons why freedom of speech is enshrined in our civil rights and protected so stringently by the courts. The very essence of our democracy is at stake and for the Mayor and her supporters to call into question the whole election process because their friend Mr. Granger lost by a mere 21 votes makes me (for one) question the underlying integrity and guiding principals of their motives.Thank goodness that there are some people that are still not afraid to speak up and question what is really going on at our town hall.

Signed Anonymous, for fear of retribution.

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I have two reasons to print this comment.To give satisfaction to the writer . And  answer the question.

A  Special meeting is  called for the purpose of dealing with a single item of business on an emergency basis. Notice must be given  of the  meeting and the item to be discussed. No other item may be added.

The purpose being, to prohibit a  sneaky council  from sneaking  stuff on to an agenda.

Public Forum is a privilege not a right. No  person other than those elected have a right to  participate in the debate leading to a decision in a formal meeting of council .  Over the years, Aurora Councils have failed to respect that principle.   I believe it is remiss.

Only those who are elected are accountable.Only those  elected should  contribute to public debate  leading  to a decision accountable to the electorate.

There was no question  when the Mayor  referred the question of public forum to the clerk, something was in the wind. The  obvious intent  was  the clerk would indicate it was permissible.

He did not and indicated a motion to suspend the Procedural Bylaw was required. 
Councillor Mac Echearn moved to suspend the Procedural Bylaw. The motion passed.With one contrary vote.

No subsequent motion to approve  public forum was presented .Nevertheless the Mayor proceeded to invite  any member of  the public  wishing  to address  Council.

A substantial audience  was present . Few would be surprised   when Rebecca Beaton, friend, confidant and willing  hand-maiden to Councillor Mac Eachern descended the stairs  arms laden with papers, and took the microphone.


Tag team style  interrogation of the Clerk , also the Elections Officer had begun.

A scenario familiar to Councillors  from the beginning, it was a regular occurrence until they had  chosen ones at the table.

WalterMestrinaro,another long-standing friend and ally of Councillor MacEachern, infamous  for challenging staff competence in public meetings with complete freedom from the Mayor and encouragement from  his friend the Councillor,  followed with another  question.

When  public forum had been used as  intended and no other party came forward, then it became  the turn of Councillors at the table to further generate a  malodorous cloud of smoke and mirrors.

These people are in office still.  In such a circumstance, outgoing Councillors usually occupy themselves by out going ... quietly  circumspectly and wryly chastened.

There is nothing circumspect or chastened about this bunch . Arrogance and ignorance knew no bounds while they  held office and  rage and resentment over defeat renders them no more amenable.

Between now and November 30th all political activities are suspect.