Brocanier's bogus indignation
Deputy Mayor Gil Brocanier is reported to have taken umbrage to questioning from Councillor Mariam Mutton Monday night as the town budget was passed.
With $17.1 million in operating costs and $5 million in capital, the deputy mayor was looking for the usual unquestioning support from his fellow councillors. With a 2.25 increase in taxes, one of the lowest in the county, he figured it was a shoo-in.
But, Mutton wisely got Brocanier to confirm the town's lack of a policy regarding the use of reserves for a $34,000 cost for signals at the George Street railway crossing. The town uses money from its utility operation HOLDCO for capital projects. We pay through the teeth for our electricity and water, while the town banks away millions, which it uses to keep the tax rates down.
Brocanier was not happy. He scolded her for not asking him via email and waiting for the council session. Mutton, a first-time councillor elected on a platform of a more open council, wouldn't back down, snapping back, "I fell it (important) to respond to that jab".
It is a long time since Cobourg residents had a councillor so proactive. The old boys need to smarten up. Mutton is going to make sure. Not since the days of Ben Burd, Ray Bowen and Don Kirkup. Lloyd Williams also knew how to get under the skin of issues.
Hooray for Mutton! It is nice to see her keeping council accountable.
As for Brocanier, his reputation as a decent councillor is in serious jeopardy. During his first stint on council in the early 90's, Gil was a man of the people and worked hard to do some pretty amazing things. This second round, is a disaster. He is undemocratic and this kind of petty politics is pathetic. If he wants to avoid this kind of embarrassment in the future, then be more transparent.
Besides, we are paying the whole freight anyways, whether it is through our taxes or utility bill.
With $17.1 million in operating costs and $5 million in capital, the deputy mayor was looking for the usual unquestioning support from his fellow councillors. With a 2.25 increase in taxes, one of the lowest in the county, he figured it was a shoo-in.
But, Mutton wisely got Brocanier to confirm the town's lack of a policy regarding the use of reserves for a $34,000 cost for signals at the George Street railway crossing. The town uses money from its utility operation HOLDCO for capital projects. We pay through the teeth for our electricity and water, while the town banks away millions, which it uses to keep the tax rates down.
Brocanier was not happy. He scolded her for not asking him via email and waiting for the council session. Mutton, a first-time councillor elected on a platform of a more open council, wouldn't back down, snapping back, "I fell it (important) to respond to that jab".
It is a long time since Cobourg residents had a councillor so proactive. The old boys need to smarten up. Mutton is going to make sure. Not since the days of Ben Burd, Ray Bowen and Don Kirkup. Lloyd Williams also knew how to get under the skin of issues.
Hooray for Mutton! It is nice to see her keeping council accountable.
As for Brocanier, his reputation as a decent councillor is in serious jeopardy. During his first stint on council in the early 90's, Gil was a man of the people and worked hard to do some pretty amazing things. This second round, is a disaster. He is undemocratic and this kind of petty politics is pathetic. If he wants to avoid this kind of embarrassment in the future, then be more transparent.
Besides, we are paying the whole freight anyways, whether it is through our taxes or utility bill.
posted by Robert Washburn at
10:06 PM
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