Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Campaign contributions in Cobourg

While nobody broke any election laws, it is discouraging to see how Cobourg politicians fluff off concerns about taking campaign donations from developers.
Councillor Dean McCaughey is naive to think it doesn't damage his credibility in the public's eye.
"If a developer wants to give me money great..but it doesn't give them any more leverage than anyone else," he said.
It is possible McCaughey will act independently. But we cannot see inside his mind. The moment any of his contributor's developments come up for review, we will never know for sure. His only recourse is to abstain to maintain the integrity of council and for himself.
Sadly, only Councillor Stan Frost did not take money from developers. Even Planning and Development co-ordinator Miriam Mutton took some contributions.
The mayor took several donations from developers including Al LeBlanc, who is doing an development in Cobourg's west end, the Macklins, who own a mall on Elgin Street, Tony Pulla, a local real estate salesman and Max LeMarchant, who is behind New Amerst in Cobourg's west end.
This is not dishonest, but it is a failure of conscience. In a quiet way, these councillors and the mayor have slapped the public in the face and demonstrate their contempt.

A list:
McCaughey: $750 from Al LeBlanc and $500 from A.R. Pulla, $350 from Ted Smith, $300 from Joe Gerr, $250 from Enzo Paolozza and $200 from Gord Kelly, Tom Harr, Hector Van Reet, Jim McLaren, Dom Depalma and Max LeMarchant
Brocanier: $750 from Al LeBlanc and $200 from John Logan, Ron Kerr and Max LeMarchant
Delanty: $750 from Al LeBlanc and U.A.W local 463, $500 from Dom DePama, Hugh and Harold Macklin, Tony Pulla, $300 from Bette Norcott, $250 from John Logan Hector Van Reet and Max LeMarchant and $150 from Del Dillon, Karen Parker and Rod Baker.
Mutton received $750 from Al LeBlanc, $250 from John Macke and $200 from Gail Raymont and Br. R. Syons and $150 from D.C Panko.
MacDonald got$750 from a numbered company, $ 200 from Canada Pallet, Homelike Inn (Gord Kelly) and Max LeMarchant.
Spooner got $750 fro Al LeBlanc and $300 from CAstlehead Homes, $250 from Linmac and $200 from Bruck and Ricks serviceĀ  station, Thomas Mtoors, Ralph Moulton (Canadian Tire) and Max LeMarchant.

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