Pat Hehn
22055 
'Blatant abuse of power' by mayor sparks outrage from residents
OrilliaMatters
17Brad, thank you for your wonderful vote of confidence, however, part of being in any position is knowing when to retire. Although, I loved the work I did as a Councillor, and always tried to be well prepared for every meeting and committèe I served on, there comes a ťime when it ìs time to pass the torch. I turn 80 in a coiple of months so it was time.
4- Pat Hehn
COLUMN: The mayor's chair? Columnist, flattered, says no thanks
OrilliaMatters 12Pity, you certainly would have been a worthy candidate! And yes, unfortunately, you are correct. It is becoming more difficult to be a politican. People feel they "own" you 24/7. Wherever you go, whenever you go, you are their servant
7- Pat Hehn
Women's shelter, turning people away, makes plea to city for funding
OrilliaMatters 15Interesting that the comments are all from men! I have been on the other side, having worked with Victim Services. I have seen these women and children in dire straits. Would you rather they return to an abusive situation? It has taken great courage for them to reach out. They need our support.
4- Pat Hehn
Orillia sees another senior staff departure as treasurer/CFO resigns
OrilliaMatters 18You missed Andrew Schell who also retired during this term
1- Pat Hehn
'Residents should prepare to be without power for the remainder of the week,' warns Orillia mayor
OrilliaMatters 16No, it wouldn't be any different at aĺl, it just means that you àre on a different grid. The lines have to be drawn somewhere. The old Orillia Power could never have coped with something this massive by itself. It would have asked for help, and who would that help be? Hydro 1! Hydro are pulling in resources from across the province. This is a disaster that has changed the landscape of our city forever. And I don't have power yet, either!
1- Pat Hehn
BREAKING: McIssac uses new strong mayor powers to cancel hired CAO, appoint staffer
OrilliaMatters 13I am so disappointed in our Mayor. I actively worked on Don's campaign but will not be able to do so again. I was impressed with how he stepped up to the plate (after returning from holiday) and how he kept the citizens of Orillia informed all through the Ice Storm. Having said that, he has totally abused the Strong Mayor's Powers Act. Mr. Singh Sidhu has some very strong skills, but in my opinion, having worked with him, he is not ready to move into this position. Council obviously agrees with me or they would have offered him the positionMr. Lee certainly would be in a position to sue the City as he had likely given notice to his present employer and was likely in the process of moving to Orillia. This move will have damaged Orillia's reputation as well.
2- Pat Hehn
COLUMN: McIsaac's dismissal of new CAO is a 'shameful power grab'
OrilliaMatters 15Mark, how about you?
- Pat Hehn
Public square plans uncertain in FRAM + Slokker's Orillia project
OrilliaMatters 9One of the reasons I felt confident voting for this project was because there was going to be a public square. I felt it really enhanced the project.
2- Pat Hehn
Nothing rosy about lavender farm’s long battle to open to the public
OrilliaMatters 11I visited a lavender farm in the south of England a number of years ago and loved the experience. I certainly don't remember a great number of cars. What I do remember is standing there and breathing in the wonderful scent of lavender. What bliss!
- Pat Hehn
Stolen Christmas tree puts 'dent' in holiday spirit for local senior
OrilliaMatters 9If that was the case thwre would be no holiday decorations around town and there are some truly lovely ones this year as you drive around.
- Pat Hehn
Council to consider allowing alcohol consumption in city parks
OrilliaMatters 7It has been happening in Europe for decades. I remember right after I arrived in London buying a picnic basket and filling it with a loaf of bread, the makings for sandwiches, a tea towel for a tablecloth, 2 wine glasses and a bottle of wine so my friend and I could enjoy a picnic in Hyde Park. The date? August, 1966 and we didn't see anyone abusing the privledge
2- Pat Hehn
Wondering if city roads have been plowed? Snowplow Tracker is back
OrilliaMatters 5I used this service many times when I was a councillor. People would tell me that the plow had not been down their strert since it snowed and I could tell them by looking at the colour of the stripe, approximately when their street had been plowed.It also helped me determine the route i might folllow after a storm.
3- Pat Hehn
Council reverses decision, makes north ward 4-way stops permanent
OrilliaMatters 3It is so easy to say it is who yo know. Trust me, it really does not work that way. Tim will work equally hard for any constituent, whether he knows them or not. I know better than most, we worked together for 8 years. He is a good Councillor, works hard for the community, if he feels it is necssary, he will have done his homework.
5- Pat Hehn
COLUMN: Grocery stores have changed since he was bag boy at Dominion
OrilliaMatters 6I shop at Metro in Orillia. One of the reasons I do is because they have such helpful staff. It is never a problem to have someone help me take my groceries out to the car and put them in the trunk for me. If the young men see me going in to the store, they will watch for me to leave. They are the best!
2- Pat Hehn
Thinking of running for council? This free course has you covered
OrilliaMatters 7Glad glad to see AMO is doing this. Many years ago Doug Lewis, Laura Lee and I organized a series of lectures for people interested in running for Council. We covered everything from running a campaign to what to expect when elected. It was well attended.It makes sense for AMO to do this.
1- Pat Hehn
Council OKs three projects, sending proposed tax hike up to 2.85%
OrilliaMatters 6Not true, the Library has done a number of successful fundraisers.
1- Pat Hehn
Polyethics phasing out controversial product that caused quite a stink
OrilliaMatters 7Quite honestly, I woukd prefer to be able to purchase unscented bags. The scent is unnecessary. Well done
- Pat Hehn
Local hydro infrastructure getting jolt to meet growing demands
OrilliaMatters 4No, Orillia did NOT sell the generation side of our power corporation. It has a number of sites which produce power and generate income for the City. We sold the distribution side which included poles throughout the City.
2- Pat Hehn
Orillia mourns the loss of Gini Stringer, a 'beautiful warrior'
OrilliaMatters 6I served on the Physician Recruitment and Rentention Committee with Gini for several years while on Council.Some people are "a cup half full" type of person, Gini's cup was always full! She passed her enthusiasm for whatever project she took on, on to all those around her.
- Pat Hehn
About 20,000 people in Orillia still without power: Hydro One
OrilliaMatters 3If they could give you a better answer, they would. Honestly, would you want their job over the past few days? Crews are working around the clock trying to get us up and running again. It is difficult work. And my guess is because many of the homes without power are in the north ward, the infastructure is old. And yes, I still am waiting for my power to be turned on and I am almost 80 years old.
3- Pat Hehn
