Holly Levinter
538160 
POLL: Most say Trudeau should go, and want early election
9Jack Abbott just about sums it up. There is nothing good about this government nor is there much hope for Poilievre to be any better. Although Trudeau put in a lot of useless political programs and spent a ton of money, it will take years and years of cutbacks and solid governing to get it back. None of the kings in waiting will manage it or TRUMP. Inn the past, the Greens had a pretty good handle on money but who knows now? And, their stand on Israel is just as idiotic as the others. Doesn't ANYONE fact check before blurting out and condemning actions?
20- Holly Levinter
Hospital governance shake-up alarms Orillia community leaders
OrilliaMatters 27I agree with retired optimist. No longer will I support OSMH with donations.
2- Holly Levinter
Meet the bagman: the Ontario PC fundraising chief and his developer ties
19For years I have been watching this play out and there is no question Doug surrounds himself with "cronies" who do his dirty work. There has been no transparency with the government and constant deflections and side shows when asked about shady dealings. Ford is always dancing around his underhanded deals . He has more than proven he is on the take for dozens of deals and decisions he makes on our behalf which do nothing to explain his true involvements. Now let's get on the other politicians who do the same thing. This has been going on since Bill Davis, the last politician who had the provinces best interest at heart.
8- Holly Levinter
'Tireless advocate': Dunlop acclaimed as Simcoe North PC candidate
OrilliaMatters 21David is right on all points. I, too, have tried to contact Jill Dunlop in writing on several occasions and had no response from either her or her staff. I volunteered at several a public service promotions where she was supposed to be present for a shift. She never did show up. Our Federal MP showed up. What happened to her? She is a very disappointing representative and should properly represent her constituents. Her father was an excellent MPP and served for many years. One would have thought she would have learned how to how to support her constituents at his knee. Now I won't even consider voting for her OR her autocratic, egocentric party despite having been a conservative for over 65 years.
4- Holly Levinter
Local businesses stepping up to fill void left by Peavey Mart closure
OrilliaMatters 22Thank you to Home Hardware. It is my go to store for just about everything. The service is great, they have almost everything you need and the staff is knowledgeable about everything they sell and some they don't sell.
2- Holly Levinter
Trump calls PM ‘Governor Carney,’ threatens huge tariffs over China trade deal
OrilliaMatters 14Carney got us known on t he world stage and the bigger, more profitable countries agree with him. Trump is a coward and bully. He backs down when faced with real opposition. If he tries to put 100% tariffs on Canadian goods, he is hurting the U.S. a lot and his ratings will go down even lower than they are now.
7- Holly Levinter
'Much is lost': Curtain closing on locally produced plays in Orillia
OrilliaMatters 18I am shocked that the decision to stop our summer theatre was made without consultation with Collins. I also agree there is much more lost here than the obvious. Loss of local construction and supporting summer jobs and loss of a part of our local identity. The City should have made an appeal to its audience of loyal customers and theatre goers everywhere to help with the costs of renovation and other issues. To close this venue to, import already produced shows for shorter periods is a great loss to this community.
1- Holly Levinter
Tiny home housing homeless man in the woods torn down
OrilliaMatters 12I'm shocked. This is no way to treat a fellow human being. I 'm surprised they didn't just leave him out in the cold. This incident should be investigated and the people who behaved so badly should be reprimanded. The little shelter that was destroyed should be rebuilt so at least there can be some humanity shown for this poor, man
7- Holly Levinter
Take that, Donald Trump! Local tourism operators 'busier than ever'
OrilliaMatters 3I won't even think of going to the U.S as long;as Trump is the pres. I did't even renew my passport. I try very hard not to buy anything made in the U.S. And yes, Trump has done more for Canada than Carney who doesn't seem to have any idea of how to deal with this. I'm afraid he is going to cave in. I hate to see what this is doing to our bushiness but I'm delighted to hear he is damaging his economy more than ours.
14- Holly Levinter
‘Nothing new’: Postal workers share mixed feelings on back to work order
OrilliaMatters 9As much as I like postal mail, I strongly believe the carriers are expecting FAR MORE than any employee would get in the private sector. Who do they think they are? They knew what their work was when they accepted the job. They already have more benefits than 99% of the population.They are holding all Canada ransom for their demands. People are not getting their cheques, their medication, stores can't carry on business. Government has never been able to run anything profitably. I've been employed. If I didn't like the job, I found another. I'm finally fed up. The government should sell Canada Post to a private company that understands commerce and will not be held prisoner by any employee.
4- Holly Levinter
POLL: 81% of readers would be fine with weekly mail delivery
9I would miss regularl delivery very much. I receive magazines, letters and information in my mail. I can't manage to get to a community mailbox because of age, infirmatity and weather. To me, once weekly mail will be a big loss and I have no one who will bring me mail from a community mailbox.
4- Holly Levinter
Local pizzeria celebrating being 'Tops' in Orillia for 50 years
OrilliaMatters 11Some years ago I remember going to Tops but hadn't been back in about 20 years. Lately I wanted a pizza and went in to buy one. It was the best pizza I've ever tasted. Peter was sitting on a bench and welcomed me warmly. After I ordered, we sat and had a lovely chat while the pizza was cooking. He said he still makes all the dough every day. If it weren't for the calories in a pizza, I would go there more often. I'm far too undisciplined to only eat one or two pieces and eat far too much. The next time I want a pizza I won't go anywhere else but Tops. They are the Tops
1- Holly Levinter
Local animal advocate calls for end to 'needless, cruel suffering'
OrilliaMatters 11The difference between animal and human testing is humans have the right of refusal. Horrendous mostly unnecessary expedients and testing are done on animals causing horrendous pain, suffering and fear. The only humans they see are those that take them out of their cages for torture. Cosmetic testing also is done to animals with acidic, toxic creams on skin, acids poured into eyes. Animals used are cats, dogs, mice, rabbits, pigs, rats, and other sentient creatures. Mares are kept pregnant for their urine in contraceptive products. Labs should not be able to take animals from animal shelters. I have been advocating against vivisection and testing since the 1950s.
1- Holly Levinter
COLUMN: Canadians aren't the ones who should be apologizing this time
OrilliaMatters 9I, too, will not go to the U.S. anymore. I haven't visited for over two years because of the violence and disorder. I used to drive to Michigan and/or go to conventions there but no more. Now that Trump is in power, it gives me another reason not to go.
2- Holly Levinter
'They're wasting it all': Poilievre rejects municipal calls for more infrastructure money
OrilliaMatters 6I am a very close watcher and participant in Municipal politics. We do not spend money on anything that isn't urgently required other than recently, in some cases fighting legal battles with "entitled" unhappy residents. Ford has downloaded many provincial responsibilities onto the back of municipalities that are desperate to run Township responsibly without cutting from their services and cut development fees for his friends. Taxes go up a minimal amount compared to the Province, Toronto and Counties. Poilievre needs to learn the facts and not spread blame and outrageous falsehoods. I'm terrified of what he will do to Canada. He has provided no plan other than promises of how he thinks he is going to solve the country's ills brought by Trudeau who never had to work a day in his life. Agree wholeheartedly with most of below.
5- Holly Levinter
COLUMN: What can we do, in Orillia, in the face of tyranny?
OrilliaMatters 10Inclusive, factual, frightening comments. I feel as if I'm in 1938 Germany with the Anti-Semitism, persecution, hatred and lack of political will to stem the tide or violence specifically Trudeau, Mayor Chow and Ford. There is a lot of commiseration and talk of arrests and police control but no action is taken. The police have no direction on how to handle the protests, bombings, and shootings. When they are arrested the perpetrators are out on bail either that day or the next. Citizens are marshalling on both sides but no one is standing up for the underdog. May the Lord help us all.
1- Holly Levinter
‘Mom-and-pop’ landlords ‘having their lives ruined,’ says lobbyist group
OrilliaMatters 8Yes, it is almost entirely Ford's fault. He has changed the focus from the individual to the corporations. I saw this coming way back when he changed so many rules and rights of individuals, in townships, and counties.
3- Holly Levinter
Orillia schools graded by Fraser Institute ... they're not great
OrilliaMatters 9As an old timer, the results I see from the students in schools these days is appalling. They don't know how to read, they don't know how to write, they don't know how to converse, they can't do simple arithmetic and they aren't taught how to verify and analyze information they hear from the media and on the internet. Far too many don't seem to be able to think for themselves. They are followers, not leaders. Several home schooled children I know are far better informed, curious and motivated to do well.
1- Holly Levinter
Province's high school changes don't add up, says retired math teacher
OrilliaMatters 6I agree with retired optimist. New plans/programs are announced almost every day with Ford making with what he thinks are feel good announcements. Apparently he gives no thought as to their execution, effect and details. Everyone is left scratching their heads wondering what mushrooms he is eating. Then if there is enough backlash, he reverses his great idea.
4- Holly Levinter
Air Canada flight attendants on strike, airline's flights cancelled
6If they only picket at airports, who is going to see them? For many many years, I was not happy with A/C and always tried to book with another carrier but I am not thrilled with the drive from here to Buffalo to take advantage of most of them. I would love to try Porter Airlines. I hear it is excellent for service and comfort. BUT now I travel so little, I've not renewed my passport, mainly because of Trump and his treatment to us and his population. I know people who are starving there with no health care or support anymore.
4- Holly Levinter
