So I’ve been stewing over this MBA issue. The real discussion is happening on Facebook and I’ve been following it there. I just want the money paid back and some proper oversight to ensure this kind of abuse never happens again.

When will the Canadian Government realize that unless there are consequences for breaking the rules – the rules will always be broken? The latest scandal of Government mis managing our money is the E Health fiasco of which occurred under the leadership of Dalton McGuinty. Mr McGuinty has stated there are rules in place but that they were broken.

What’s the point of having the rules if nothing happens when you break them? A BILLION dollar mistake is worth  some serious consequences! We’re not talking about  a few crazy expenses on an expense account – although consultants did bill the taxpayers for cookies and tea. This was a blatant mis use of tax payers dollars conducted in plain sight and no one in our Government until now did anything about it.

I am appaled and sickened by this event. When will Canadians stand up and demand our Governments be accountable for the money we already give them? I’m already making my stand when I cast my votes – Go Jack Layton!!

Ontario wants even more tax – The HST! I say no – you have enough so put your hands back in your pockets and think about what your doing with the money you’ve already got.

What do you think – is it time for a real change in Government accountability?

Toronto Mayor David Miller has expressed his intent not to run for re election. Hooray!  He’s raised taxes in Toronto when he said he would not. Sure he’s achieved some things for the city – it’s hard not get some things done. Unfortunately it’s the broken promises that people remember most.

For once I’d like to elect a Mayor who campaigns on a platform of truth and reality instead of making promises that probably can’t be kept. I for one am looking forward to a new crop of Mayoral candidates who will hopefully stick to their word!

Come on Toronto! Elect a Mayor we can be proud of!

As the Digital Lawn Sign campaign for our 2008 October Election progresses, the survey results are starting to file in. I have to tell you – they are very interesting!

One of the big stats is the question about If you’re voting against a party – who are you voting against? Well, the big answer is Steven Harper.

What else is clear in this poll is that people are leaning towards the Conservatives to win the election, with the Liberals behind them and then the NDP.

Also – people are hoping the NDP will become the official opposition party!

If you want to get your digital lawn sign, take the poll, or see early results of the poll, please visit the Digital Lawn Sign page!

{{chris}} I’m asking – when will the city take responsibility for the city?

Not long after the end of the Downtown Action Committee and the end to events like the Celtic Festival, Oshawa City Council is now cracking down on Not For Profits to clean up graffiti. As we’ve heard from a few of the affected Not For Profits – they actually do their best to clean it up when it happens. However, they are not flushed with cash and often times rely on volunteers and donations to make the repairs. Despite their efforts the city has chosen to send sternly worded letters instead of recognizing their existing efforts and encouraging them to do better.

In business I’ve always known that a softer approach to all situations is always better to a hard one. Why the City could not have approached the Not For Profits with a sincere desire to improve the clean up process no will know. Perhaps it was the easiest thing to do – often times that approach often wins out despite being the less productive solution.

A better City of Oshawa certainly starts with the citizens – but we need the support of our elected officials to lead properly from the top. Hopefully, City Council has heard the residents and Not For Profits and they’ll start dealing with these situations more smartly in the future.

What do you think?

{{chris}} Do I need to pay even more property tax in order to get some salt on my street?

OK, so this falls into the category of “ranting” but I pay more than enough property tax! I should be able to have my street plowed and salted! If the other main streets in my neighborhood (Grandview and Beatrice) can get salted – why not my street? Clearly it’s doable – but when I got home this evening my street is a nicely plowed icerink! Have a look for yourself. Is this happening in your neigborhood? Post a comment and let me know.

My ice rink, err, I mean street: