New rules make Burlington election dirtier
Candidates for mayor deliver a few shots while talking about working together
Concern has been raised by Burlington candidates about sign loss and vandalism, and accusations that some are placing their signs on developers’ properties — even some with open applications before council.
But those pale before the biggest invitation to play dirty. A new provincial rule allows third-party advertising (broadcast, print, electronic or other medium). One need only register to be a third- party advertiser. Four have so far: an individual and three numbered companies. So the real game is to hide who is really behind ads, which may be for or against a candidate or issue.
Where has Burlington’s respect and civility gone? We seem headed for American-style ads. We even have a website paid for by the Peter Rusin campaign, “comparing” Councillor Marianne Meed Ward and Mayor Rick Goldring, urging support for Goldring. Rusin is a Ward 3 candidate, commercial realtor, appraiser and expropriation expert. City Clerk Angela Morgan contacted Rusin to remove the site because she believes it contravenes third-party advertising rules. He refused, saying he disagreed. It’s been referred to the prrovince, with no reply yet.
Ward 1’s debate last week was very respectful. Eleven candidates are seeking the seat vacated by Rick Craven: Jason Boelhouwer, Vince Fioroto, Kelvin Galbraith, Arlene Iantomasi, Andrew Jordan, Kevin Lee, Garry Milne, Tayler Morin, Rene Papin, Marty Staz and Judy Worsley. Their No. 1 concern? Council’s dismissal of citizen concerns. All promised improvement at this last of the six ward debates.
About 375 people attended, and many more couldn’t be admitted. That’s the level of interest this time. Again, the candidates are high quality. Because there are 11, and all showed up, space prevents me from individualizing their responses. Topics included taxes, listening to citizens, intensification, plus the Meridian Quarry.
Discussions were good, except on taxes and budgets. Few had any knowledge of these important topics. They mostly parroted that increases should be held to the rate of inflation. (This applies city-wide). If candidates are going to talk tax rates, do the homework! Be specific. Please visit their websites, and watch the ECoB video on YouTube, under “Engaged Citizens of Burlington”.
There were four recent mayoral debates, two of which I attended. Last week’s, sponsored by Nuvo Network and Burlington Green attracted over 350.
Goldring noted his accomplishments — devising a 25-year Strategic Plan and sustainable development guidelines. Meed Ward’s biggest concern was overintensification, saying council was approving developments two, three, and four times what is allowed.
Wallace cited his 22 years in politics — (1994 to 2006 on council and nine years as our MP) — saying he has better connections to negotiate with higher levels of government. Greg Woodruff wants to limit development to “mid-rise” heights, so we can see over the tree line.
Goldring, usually very proper, uncharacteristically went after Meed Ward, saying during her eight years on council she had been unable to forge relationships, eliciting loud boos from spectators. Meed Ward told voters to look at the track records.
Tuesday saw another Mayoral debate, which again drew about 500. Sponsored by ECoB, it too is available on YouTube. It was virtually a replay of last week’s, but one question from the audience cited higher intensity in North Burlington than in the southern part.
Goldring stated that long-term plans project adding width to both Guelph and Appleby Lines.
Wallace noted that Appleby at rush hour is terribly slow, and we have to plan better where growth belongs. Woodruff wants to cap population by limiting heights to six storeys. Meed Ward said the planning that designed Alton community — believing that if people were inconvenienced enough they’d use transit — failed. People still have multiple cars, and the area is plagued with parking problems. And it won’t work elsewhere.
In closing statements Woodruff said in 2014 he warned that intensification would lead to a Burlington we didn’t envision, and people now agree. Wallace noted the importance of working together as a council, and that he would be the most effective to negotiate with Queen’s Park.
Again Goldring targeted Meed Ward to loud booing, saying she had put her energy into saving Central High to the detriment of Bateman and Lord Elgin. Meed Ward referred to Goldring’s “cheap shot”, and warned of upcoming third-party advertising that allows anonymity. What an interesting election.