it's been a while since I blogged but staying current on issues is a full time job.
I just cannot believe what I heard on AM800 this morning. The city is raising fees for the festivals to cover costs. I can understand that. Cost recovery is in everyone's book. Yet in the same night they want to hire ANOTHER lawyer to fight the bridge. Maybe it's just me but did we just fall off the turnip truck here?
If all the money the city used for lawyers and consultants was used to promote and nourish Windsor as a festival area, Windsor wouldn't be able to hold all the tourists.
Joke right?
Ok, spend more money on consultants and lawyers.
There's a pattern here, but I haven't been able to see it yet. Maybe it's an all out plan to totally sink the city.
Who knows, but the powers that be just don't see it.
And the canal has yet to be done before Eddies term is finished.
What a disgrace.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Eddie's mayoral Legacy
Eddie wants to sue the Province over DRIC.
"We have come this far and believe there is a better solution. Unfortunately, the province doesn't want to compromise," Francis said.
"Actions the city takes over the next several months are actions that are justified by the process that belongs to them.
Horse dung.
The residents on Riverside want to sue the city.
The neighbours’ suggestions seemingly fell on deaf ears during the EA process, which is why the group has formed and started legal action, she said.
“We have legitimate concerns we don’t feel were recognized by the environmental assessment,” Easton said.
Alan stepped on his tongue during this one.
“It’s another delaying tactic,” Halberstadt said. “It’s a case of a few rich people holding up a better way of life for the city.
It’s unfortunate our court system allows that to happen.
I think Alan hit the nail on the head. It's unfortunate the court system will allow this to happen.
So, if it is good for the city to fight the DRIC process because the Province won't listen, why is it the residents of Riverside were given an outdated EA Assessment, yet the city spent millions on their version of DRIC?
I have the answer which is extraordinarily simplistic and falls within the city of Windsors' goals.
Build a tunnel.
If it's good for the health and welfare of the border route residents, why shouldn't the riverside people be given the exact same process? This way no one has to sue over unequal treatment when it comes to health and safety.
Eddie would leave an absolute marvelous tunnel legacy in the city.
"We have come this far and believe there is a better solution. Unfortunately, the province doesn't want to compromise," Francis said.
"Actions the city takes over the next several months are actions that are justified by the process that belongs to them.
Horse dung.
The residents on Riverside want to sue the city.
The neighbours’ suggestions seemingly fell on deaf ears during the EA process, which is why the group has formed and started legal action, she said.
“We have legitimate concerns we don’t feel were recognized by the environmental assessment,” Easton said.
Alan stepped on his tongue during this one.
“It’s another delaying tactic,” Halberstadt said. “It’s a case of a few rich people holding up a better way of life for the city.
It’s unfortunate our court system allows that to happen.
I think Alan hit the nail on the head. It's unfortunate the court system will allow this to happen.
So, if it is good for the city to fight the DRIC process because the Province won't listen, why is it the residents of Riverside were given an outdated EA Assessment, yet the city spent millions on their version of DRIC?
I have the answer which is extraordinarily simplistic and falls within the city of Windsors' goals.
Build a tunnel.
If it's good for the health and welfare of the border route residents, why shouldn't the riverside people be given the exact same process? This way no one has to sue over unequal treatment when it comes to health and safety.
Eddie would leave an absolute marvelous tunnel legacy in the city.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Timing is Everything
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
The Bank Raises The Fees
With all the concern about the current recession and possible depression in the US you would hope the banks would keep an eye out for the business that is still running. Not so.
Interest rates are heading down but the banks have been very slow, in Canada, to follow suit. They stand to reap major profits every time the rate goes down. If you have a mortgage fixed at 7%, you pay that until renewal. The bank will keep borrowing and re-borrowing until they get the most profit and the best rate. They are not locked in like they lock in the public. What happened on Wall Street again? Borrow and borrow on speculation until it collapses.
So when I got my statement this month, gosh, who would have figured the banks to raise their fees. Here's the layout
Pay as you Go transaction Fee
Increased from $0.80 to $0.90 [11% Increase]
Fee for Writing in Currency Other Than Account
Increased To $20.00 [62% Increase on Cheques under $1000 - 25% Increase on Cheques over $1000]
NSF Charge(The Favourite because they charge interest on this as well)
Increased From $40 to $42.50[Increase of 6%]
Returned Cheque Fee(Works with the NSF because they get both people)
Increased From $5.00 to $7.00[Increase of 29%]
Bank Drafts
Increased to $6.50 to $7.50 [Increase of 13%]
Dormant Account fees
New Fees have been added that previously weren't there. With the economy I guess they expect a lot of accounts to go dormant so they can take the money.
Deposit Box Fee
[Increased an average of 11%]
Wire Payment Fees
This one kills me. In this day and age of wired technology with no one actually handling the cash it costs more to process than a written cheque. So much for the bank passing the savings
These first ones are outgoing
$10,000 or less - Increased From $20 to $30 [Increase of 33%]
$10-50,000 - Increased From $20 to $50 [Increase of 60%]
Over $50,000 - Increased From $20 to $80[Increase of 75%]
Now if you have a great customer who pays quickly with wire transfer, rather than a $.08 cheque fee
Increased From $10 to $15 - [Increase of 33%]
There is also an additional fee for payment advice on fax.
Increased $2.50 to $5.00 [Increased 100%]
All these Increases were more than likely thought up and implemented by people who cherish their $150k a year jobs and want to keep them. Talk about job security. In times of trouble raise fees for cash flow. Too bad the real world wasn't like that. Imagine how much money is taken out of the public's hands.
This is not a joking matter. If you multiply these figures by the tens of thousands of accounts, the banks guarantee themselves profits. HUGE Profits.Do we have any choice in the matter? No. Not until the government regulates the increases and keeps the salaries of the Bank Heads reasonable. In a time where waste and greed have overcome the banking system, you would think the banks would hold the line on raising fees in a precarious economy. Just not so.
With that being said I am on my way to the Credit Union.
At least they are community minded, no corporate pocketbook.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Straight Thinking Beats PinHeads Every Time
Well I guess Canada can move forward. Mr Ignatieff is more than likely going to have a little more adoration than Dion did. Why? Because he is thinking about the economy and the people not where his butt will sit.
This will give the economy a chance to kick start itself amid a somewhat stable government.
"Mr. Ignatieff said the budget contains enough positive stimulus measures to avoid a federal election. Mr. Ignatieff said the Conservatives only changed course because of the threat of being defeated by an opposition coalition."
Mr. Layton on the other hand has seen fit to stomp his feet in disgust. He lost his bid to seat his derriere in a seat of the PM or at least polish the thing.(the chair, come on now)
"As a result, Mr. Layton declared the coalition dead and said Stephen Harper will remain Prime Minister for a considerable amount of time thanks to the support of the Liberals".
See what I mean? A declaration.
Sounds like the playground bully being thwarted and put in his place. How can you support an NDP candidate after Jack's tirade over Harper? It was not an issue over government policy, it became a personal vendetta against a man rather than his policies. It will be a sad ending for a party wanting to play with another party that has no interest in Canada as a whole.
“The coalition is dead. It's finished. It's over,” said Mr. Duceppe.
If anything positive is said about the Bloc, at least they are consistent.
Running a deficit should not be something to be afraid of. Every person that has a mortgage or loan is running a deficit. We all hope we can make money to pay back what we borrowed on a long term commitment. Mr. Flaherty's budget is exactly the same way.
So can we turn the page and get on with it?
Or do we listen to incessant whining from the little people like a bad romance novel?
This will give the economy a chance to kick start itself amid a somewhat stable government.
"Mr. Ignatieff said the budget contains enough positive stimulus measures to avoid a federal election. Mr. Ignatieff said the Conservatives only changed course because of the threat of being defeated by an opposition coalition."
Mr. Layton on the other hand has seen fit to stomp his feet in disgust. He lost his bid to seat his derriere in a seat of the PM or at least polish the thing.(the chair, come on now)
"As a result, Mr. Layton declared the coalition dead and said Stephen Harper will remain Prime Minister for a considerable amount of time thanks to the support of the Liberals".
See what I mean? A declaration.
Sounds like the playground bully being thwarted and put in his place. How can you support an NDP candidate after Jack's tirade over Harper? It was not an issue over government policy, it became a personal vendetta against a man rather than his policies. It will be a sad ending for a party wanting to play with another party that has no interest in Canada as a whole.
“The coalition is dead. It's finished. It's over,” said Mr. Duceppe.
If anything positive is said about the Bloc, at least they are consistent.
Running a deficit should not be something to be afraid of. Every person that has a mortgage or loan is running a deficit. We all hope we can make money to pay back what we borrowed on a long term commitment. Mr. Flaherty's budget is exactly the same way.
So can we turn the page and get on with it?
Or do we listen to incessant whining from the little people like a bad romance novel?
Pin Head Politics
If ever there was a time to be afraid of this recession, it is now.
Jack Layton with his petty politics and personality is attempting to stop and halt any help forthcoming to the Canadian people.
If he thinks he can take over and start something he is absolutely without a clue. Jack has no leadership qualities and has never had any experience when it comes to guiding a country. With the recession rearing it's head and growing, a politician with petty personal ambitions can literally rip an already hurting country into oblivion. There is no way Layton should be near that PM's chair in this type of an economy. He has no experience and way too much personal vendetta against Harper to see straight.
The time is here to do something. Jack has made it clear he wants to stop the budget, regardless of the impact it can have on the economy. A coalition government will only delay any money slated for the economy. Millions are waiting while Layton stalls and by the way, I believe Jack will still get his pay cheque, even though he stops the budget. They should not receive any money if there is no budget, period. Fair is fair.
Duceppe can be forgiven because we know he could give a rat's butt about the rest of Canada. He's very transparent about that ideal and is very arrogant about his interests.
Ignatieff had the perseverance to at least think about what he can do for the people, not himself. Maybe there's hope for a leader waiting in the wings.
If we had the time I do think it would be in the best interest of Canadian, that we had an election so Ottawa can toss Jack out with the trash. Jack's challenge to Ignatieff is a clear and desperate attempt to gain himself the chair he so desperately longs for, even if it is just to polish the woodwork on it.
We do not have that luxury at this point in time.
So for a while, we have to witness some desperate political ambitions by the little man that couldn't.
Ignatieff has to dump the support of the NDP and the Bloc to have credibility in this economy. By waiting and helping out he can get the support of Canadians.
Jack Layton with his petty politics and personality is attempting to stop and halt any help forthcoming to the Canadian people.
If he thinks he can take over and start something he is absolutely without a clue. Jack has no leadership qualities and has never had any experience when it comes to guiding a country. With the recession rearing it's head and growing, a politician with petty personal ambitions can literally rip an already hurting country into oblivion. There is no way Layton should be near that PM's chair in this type of an economy. He has no experience and way too much personal vendetta against Harper to see straight.
The time is here to do something. Jack has made it clear he wants to stop the budget, regardless of the impact it can have on the economy. A coalition government will only delay any money slated for the economy. Millions are waiting while Layton stalls and by the way, I believe Jack will still get his pay cheque, even though he stops the budget. They should not receive any money if there is no budget, period. Fair is fair.
Duceppe can be forgiven because we know he could give a rat's butt about the rest of Canada. He's very transparent about that ideal and is very arrogant about his interests.
Ignatieff had the perseverance to at least think about what he can do for the people, not himself. Maybe there's hope for a leader waiting in the wings.
If we had the time I do think it would be in the best interest of Canadian, that we had an election so Ottawa can toss Jack out with the trash. Jack's challenge to Ignatieff is a clear and desperate attempt to gain himself the chair he so desperately longs for, even if it is just to polish the woodwork on it.
We do not have that luxury at this point in time.
So for a while, we have to witness some desperate political ambitions by the little man that couldn't.
Ignatieff has to dump the support of the NDP and the Bloc to have credibility in this economy. By waiting and helping out he can get the support of Canadians.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Thought Of The Year
http://www.windsorstar.com/Marra+inclined+support+legal+action+against+DRIC/1102898/story.html
A little light at the end of the tunnel!(groan) Ok so it was a bad pun, considering.
Finally a councillor who is willing to step up and realize that legal action is a complete and utter waste of time, money and facilities. The only on, and I mean ONLY one will will win is the lawyer Davis Estrin. He will collect a pay cheque regardless of the outcome.
Yes it would be a jewel of a road, the exhaust would disappear according to our Eddie Engineer/mayor/designer, wanna be. If it goes to a trial judge or even an arbitrator, the job loss and economic loss would be horrendous considering the times we are in.
Jo-anne Gignac should sit down and go back to knitting sweaters. The idea she has any knowledge of what it takes for legal process is absolutely mind boggling. She seems to shift the process to a place where she doesn't have to make any decisions.
Marra is speaking with forethought and consideration for the process as a whole and not petty politics.
I have to differ on one part of this story which doesn't make sense. Since when has Eddie ever taken direction and instruction from city council? He's done an arm's length of dealing without ever telling council or letting them in on deals he has made so how is this now an issue that Eddie has to take direction?
Of all the people involved Eddie is supposed to know the process and how long it takes. He's been crying the blues over the DRIC process and the length it will take to get a shovel in the ground. Add in the litigation process and you can extend the date for ground breaking. If they start the legal process, the Province won't be able to start anything as there is no such animal that would allow the litigation process to start while construction starts. It would be a waste of paper if they talked while the construction began.
Windsor can't afford the legal bills pure and simple.
There will be a legacy of legal costs shadowing the city for years after Eddie is gone.
A little light at the end of the tunnel!(groan) Ok so it was a bad pun, considering.
Finally a councillor who is willing to step up and realize that legal action is a complete and utter waste of time, money and facilities. The only on, and I mean ONLY one will will win is the lawyer Davis Estrin. He will collect a pay cheque regardless of the outcome.
Yes it would be a jewel of a road, the exhaust would disappear according to our Eddie Engineer/mayor/designer, wanna be. If it goes to a trial judge or even an arbitrator, the job loss and economic loss would be horrendous considering the times we are in.
Jo-anne Gignac should sit down and go back to knitting sweaters. The idea she has any knowledge of what it takes for legal process is absolutely mind boggling. She seems to shift the process to a place where she doesn't have to make any decisions.
Marra is speaking with forethought and consideration for the process as a whole and not petty politics.
I have to differ on one part of this story which doesn't make sense. Since when has Eddie ever taken direction and instruction from city council? He's done an arm's length of dealing without ever telling council or letting them in on deals he has made so how is this now an issue that Eddie has to take direction?
Of all the people involved Eddie is supposed to know the process and how long it takes. He's been crying the blues over the DRIC process and the length it will take to get a shovel in the ground. Add in the litigation process and you can extend the date for ground breaking. If they start the legal process, the Province won't be able to start anything as there is no such animal that would allow the litigation process to start while construction starts. It would be a waste of paper if they talked while the construction began.
Windsor can't afford the legal bills pure and simple.
There will be a legacy of legal costs shadowing the city for years after Eddie is gone.
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