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Did mayor blow the lid off CAO firing controversy with 'hypothetical' scenario?

OrilliaMatters

39

The mayor started the night with a jaw dropping accusation. He accused the presenting lawyer of homophobia. How insulting and untrue. Later, he closed the council portion by accusing an un-named councillor of racism. He told us, in his 'hypothetical' rant, that he simply had to get strong mayor powers to save us all from certain ruin! He said the hiring committee didn't follow the rules and didn't hire the most qualified candidate, AND were racist in their job search.His tactics last night to discredit the presenting lawyer and our council failed. He only proved that he has no leadership skills and has only disdain for council and residents. Does he believe we will say 'Oh, we see now why you needed these powers. You are so smart, smarter than anyone else.'Lastly, his scripted supporters told us how SMP helped us with the ice storm. So strange because the mayor told us months ago his didn't use SMP for the storm. All in all, last night the mayor further disgraced himself.

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Mayor 'has a lot of explaining to do' over firing of CAO: councillor

OrilliaMatters

38

Oh my goodness. I didn't realize the councillors weren't told of the firing of the new CAO before the public found out. Unbelievable disrespect to everyone involved. And for what reason?The mayor publicly supported the new hire when it was announced a few weeks ago, and then he fires him when he comes in to pick up his laptop. Come on. This is so unprofessional and underhanded. What is this really all about?

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City to spend $6.6M to refurbish cooling system at Orillia rec centre

OrilliaMatters

34

If legal issues stopped the discussion about legionaires, why didn't the mayor jus say that. His abrupt words, and rudeness to 2 councillors surely left the audience feeling very uncomfortable and appeared to be very disrespectful. All he had to say was that 'there are legal issues pending which prohibits us from discussion about legionaires. Geez.

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CAO fired by Orillia mayor before starting his job 'bewildered' by unexpected termination

OrilliaMatters

29

Here we go again. First his public endorsement of Dunlop/Ford. He did not publicly address resident concerns about this. Then, magically, he has Strong Mayor Powers. Immediately, he rescinds the offer to the new CAO - someone who had been formally hired, had a contract, and had been announced in the press by this same mayor. The new CAO even had a City laptop for Pete's sake. Then the mayor gives the job to a candidate that had already been deemed to not be the right choice. What is the connection between SMP and his CAO choice? Why did he do this? Is he that desperate to exert power?The mayor has shown disdain and a complete lack of respect for process, policy, staff, council and Orillia residents. This latest move proves he does not have the skill or ability to do the job.

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City councillors force special meeting to deal with McIsaac's use of strong mayor powers

OrilliaMatters

27

I understand the legal issues that surround the firing of any employee. I would hazard a guess the mayor understands them better than most. He surely used that knowledge to fire the newly hired CAO. He knew the law would isolate him and prevent him from explaining his actions to the people he serves. As we all do, he created his own (end of career) legacy. Let us not forget he told us he called the province asking for Strong Mayor Powers. Regardless hpw all this ends, history will show he had choices to make and he chose power over integrity. was his decision.

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Council to discuss strong mayor powers in closed session, again

OrilliaMatters

28

Sadly, it looks more and more likely the taxpayers won't ever understand why McIsaac used strong mayor powers to fire the approved CAO. Nor will we know why he told the province he needed his new powers because of the ice storm when that was patently untrue. What we do know is that the vast majority of residents have lost all faith in him - and that will be his legacy.

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Did mayor blow the lid off CAO firing controversy with 'hypothetical' scenario?

OrilliaMatters

24

Good points. Let's hope this is not the last we hear about the mayor's racism accusation. That is so serious.Interestingly, last night the mayor accused the presenting lawyer of homophobia because the lawyer used the words 'namby pamby' in a previous statement. Mayor McIsaac should use Google. Namby pamby actually means weak, silly or overly sentimental - I would put this right back on the mayor - is this what he thinks of gay men and because of this, was projecting???

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Jill Dunlop shuffled, now Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response

OrilliaMatters

24

I am quite sure I'm not the only Simcoe North resident to see the irony in this cabinet move . Ms. Dunlop's new position includes the word 'response'.

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'Frustrating experience': Special council meeting on strong mayor powers cut short

OrilliaMatters

22

I didn't know democracy had a left and a right.

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RECAP: Liberals win minority, but local ridings remain Conservative

OrilliaMatters

17

Darn, our household was hoping to turn the Simcoe North riding red. Good try by the new Liberal candidate to get so close. Congratulations to Adam Chambers. He has been a visible and helpful MP.

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Did mayor blow the lid off CAO firing controversy with 'hypothetical' scenario?

OrilliaMatters

18

The mayor accused a councillor of racism but, of course, his mystery councillor (who allegedly said something racist during the hiring process) remains a mystery. Instead, if it is true that a councillor did say something racist, and even though he (tactfully) did not name anyone, the mayor has broken all rules regarding confidential matters, and he has left everyone wondering who is this rogue councillor. 'Hypothetically' or not, there is absolutely no question that he made a very serious, scurolous accusation and he must be brought to answer by authorities. He has now tainted the entire council with this accusation. His bullying and underhanded tactics never cease to amaze.

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Mayor 'has a lot of explaining to do' over firing of CAO: councillor

OrilliaMatters

19

I re-read this article and others, and re-watched the council discussion. It gets worse each time and I become more angry and shocked that a mayor, our mayor, could behave the way McIsaac has. The mayor has lost all trust and credibility. He has been dishonest, and circumspect in his motives. If he has any honour, he should resign today. Mr. Singh Sidhu has been put in an untenable position by the mayor's action. He needs to either step back or resign to save his own honour.

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Historic local family farm faces uncertain future amid urban boom

OrilliaMatters

20

I think this is one of the reasons intensification is so crucial. Large houses and double car garages are Ontarii's leaders pet projects. They should pnly be built on non-aerable land. Build more and smaller homes on every available space inside towns. Stop the sprawl before we will only have a diet of fake, manufactured food.

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'Slap in the face': Council asks province to rescind strong mayor powers for Orillia mayor

OrilliaMatters

16

The mayor fired the newly hired CAO. This is unbelievable. The mayor, he alone with his freshly dry- cleaned Superman outfit, decides who should have the job? How disrespectful to council and staff that had spent much time and energy searching for, and interviewing, candidates for what is arguably the most important position in any municipality. Now what? A law suit against the City while staff and council are forced to work with someone they had already decided was not the best applicant - because the mayor said so? He has successfully created major anxiety among staff and council. Why?

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'No grace': Local restaurant's strict cancellation policy irks patrons

OrilliaMatters

13

I agree. The restaurant should have offered another night. The night of the storm, the Orillia Opera House closed and cancelled the play. We didn't lose our money because they added an extra night and all Friday night ticket holders attended last night. Last Friday was horrendous and exceptional. A restaurant reservation does not trump the plea from the the OPP to stay off the toads, except in an emergency.

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'Slap in the face': Council asks province to rescind strong mayor powers for Orillia mayor

OrilliaMatters

14

It is definitely worth watching. Arrogance, thy name is McIsaac. In addition to not ever being specific about why he needed SMP, his answers were often flippant, vague and he was so disrespectful to Councillor Czetwerzuk. The mayor, it seems, makes at least one of these disrespectful remarks once a meeting. How can he be respected if he has a such lack of respect for his elected colleagues?

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'Not so Great One?': Is the Gretzky name now toxic?

OrilliaMatters

11

Emotions are running pretty close to the surface right now but I sure understand the drop in Gretzsky's popularity. In a hockey game representing our sovereignty, Gretzky comes onto the ice in a blue suit, no Team Canada jersey, not even a Canadian lapel pin, gives the US players thumbs up, and barely gives his Canadian team notice. Why? To keep his friend Trump happy, Gretzsky didn't show too much affection to Canadian players? He behaved like so many in the Trump clutches - don't upset Donald. Sorry, Wayne. You should have worn a Canadian jersey, you should have spoken to the public about their concerns. You're a big boy. You don't need anyone else speaking for you. And, by the way, what was with the caps you gave the team? Be great. (Are they recycled Maga hats?)

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Mark Carney wins race to replace Justin Trudeau

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LOL! This is not 'corruption' In Canada, a person may run for Party leadership and not be a member of parliament. That is Canadian law. Carney will run for a seat in the Federal election.

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Mark Carney wins race to replace Justin Trudeau

8

Mark Carney lives in Ottawa. He is a Canadian citizen. He lived and worked in England for 7 of his 59 years - for a job!

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COLUMN: A heartfelt ode to Brewery Bay, an Orillia treasure

OrilliaMatters

9

Why should this business not get a Downtown Tomorrow grant? They qualified.

5