Magiccat

thumbs-up

1561

353

thumbs-down

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.

5

Pierre Poilievre easily survives leadership review with 87 per cent support

25

The Conservatives have an identity problem - within their own party. And they have nobody else willing or able to take over leadership. Watching the vast majority of 2,500 Conservatives, in Calgary, vote overwhelmingly for PP does not win a federal election. On the other hand - no, I do not support the Conservative party - I thought his speech was pretty good. Just enough about gun rights and ensuring immigrants act like Canadians to get his base fired up. I also know the Liberals are thrilled with the result.

16

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?

1

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.

2

COUNCIL SERIES: Council has faced disappointments, challenges

OrilliaMatters

28

In this article the mayor said "building consensus" is in the best interest of the taxpayer. However, he chose to take on Strong Mayor Powers. Actually, he activated those powers. He made a phone call or sent a letter, or both, to the province to request those powers, in the guise of the ice storm but meant to give him the power to fire a hired CAO. These powers now negate consensus whenever he chooses.He also specifically decries the lack of investment in road and sidewalk work, but he vetoed Councillor Lauer's proposal - against a majority council 'yes' vote - to increase a fund annually in order to speed up backed-up work. Why? Because the mayor's goal was to end up with the lowest tax increase in Ontario, not to improve road and sidewalk work. For maybe an extra $5-$10/month/tax payer.A champion of consensus? A supporter of speedier road and sidewalk work? I think not.

5

Tiny home housing homeless man in the woods torn down

OrilliaMatters

31

Bylaws must be followed! The tiny house was an illegal build! A non-lethal instrument was drawn. Oh, but not fired. Gee, that's wonderful news. Not scary at all, then. Good grief. A man with such severe schizophrenia he couldn't live with anyone, and a son who loved him enough to give him this meager shelter where a solitary life and 4 walls brought some comfort. Did bylaw just show up out of the blue, with police carrying guns? Where were the mental health workers who could have given this man some help? Surely he is now in a downward spiral. We must do better.

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.

1

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.

3

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.

2

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???

4

Sparks fly as council opts to shelve plans on Champlain Monument

OrilliaMatters

24

Even with two chances to apologize to Councillor Leatherdale, Ms. Smith did not. Her remark was so out of line. She doesn't understand decorum. And never has the mayor called her on her behaviour, even after a point of order was called. Anyway, thank you to all other councillors for their professionalism on a difficult subject.

4

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'.

3

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

OrilliaMatters

22

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

2

DELETED

Pierre Poilievre easily survives leadership review with 87 per cent support

14

As long as our PM continues to source new markets, we will be better off. Sacrifices are what built our country. We will do it again and come out the other end. Nobody, including PP, can satisfy Trump. Trudeau is gone. Carney is in. Let's move forward!

10

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.

6

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.

4

Sparks fly as council opts to shelve plans on Champlain Monument

OrilliaMatters

17

It was fascinating to listen to the mayor somewhat lamely try to suggest the tax stability reserve would be the right line item for snatching $950k for his project, his proposal. Ontario municipalities define the tax stability reserve as "to manage fluctuations in operating budgets, revenue shortfalls, or unexpected expenses".... and to help avoid large tax increases year to year. Ironic, isn't it? The mayor who prides himself for 'the lowest tax increase in the province' now wants to take $$ from the very reserve that protects taxpayers. I don't think any of us can understand what his motive is for so aggressively pushing this project, this design, but we can say it is disingenuous of him to even suggest we use a reserve meant to be used for necessities. In fact, he himself talked about this reserve as a needed cushion for taxpayers when he was creating the strong mayor 2026 budget only this past November. Perhaps he looks at his Champlain plan as a legacy for himself?

5

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.

2

DELETED

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.

1

Wicked winds knock down trees, cut power to most of Orillia

OrilliaMatters

16

Geez. Global warming is not a single weather event. It is the long- term increase in the Earth's average temperature. Just takes a minute to Google and learn.

5