Initially published in the Alliston Herald on August 29, 2008
It would seem that the provincially appointed supervisor of Huronia District Hospital in Midland, Dr. Kevin Smith, is going to attempt to foist a similar form of governance structure upon that hospital as has been imposed upon the members of Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) by its' supervisor, Mark Rochon.
This model mandates that the existing members of the hospital society will be deprived of their right to vote on all matters of hospital business including the election of new board members.
In making his announcement, Smith pronounced that he has decided upon a "skill's based board" to address "accountability and transparency concerns." As if reciting the mantra once was insufficient, Smith added that the board would be "fully transparent".
Does all of this sound vaguely familiar? It should. Mark Rochon has been quoted as saying his model will ensure a "skill's based board" and has similarly made multiple references to "transparency".
Might these two be working from the same script?
Whereas the residents of New Tecumseth and surrounding area appear to have accepted their disenfranchisement with barely a whimper, the reaction of those in the Midland area has been the polar opposite.
The latter have initiated a petition; planned a protest that will make its way to the legislature; and, have expressed their condemnation of the proposal as "asinine", "unacceptable", "elitist" and "condescending."
A little over one year ago I was one of a small group from the Committee of Concerned Citizens who met, on two occasions, with the Ontario Deputy Minister of Health, Ron Sapsford. In the course of these meetings it seemed to me that Sapsford looked upon the notion that a community would have a democratic voice in the operation of its hospital with enormous disdain.
As one colleague commented, "the Deputy Minister appeared to view democracy with the same prissy fastidiousness as a 'schoolmarm' would regard a fresh dog turd in the middle of her classroom."
This past week I, along with substantially the same group from the Committee of Concerned Citizens, met with Rochon to discuss the new governance model. Unfortunately, it was apparent within minutes that Rochon hadn't the slightest intention of modifying his foul and undemocratic design.
In my column of three weeks ago I noted that one should not be surprised with the governance structure imposed by Rochon given that he happens to be the chair of the Ontario Hospital Association ("OHA"). The column referred to the fact that governance is one of the key objectives/directives of the OHA. It also highlighted the OHA's emphasis on media relations as being of "utmost importance".
It was in this context that I was unable to hold my tongue when, in the course of the recent meeting, Rochon made reference to everything being about "good health care." With some agitation, I interjected with words to the effect that whereas "good health care" sounds quite lovely, there was absolutely no correlation between his governance structure and good health care. Rochon's response, "Fine. That's your opinion."
It remains my firm belief that thesecond vice chair OHA, a group loaded with hospital CEO's and administrators, regard democracy by members of a community in the operation of their local hospital as a malodorous intrusion into their turf.
However, what I find particularly objectionable is the use of fluffy language and words such as "transparent", "accountable" and "good health care" to apparently justify disenfranchisement as necessary. That's poppycock.
By the way, whereas Mark Rochon is the chair of the OHA, the Huronia District Hospital supervisor, Kevin Smith, is the second vice chair of that same organization. The Deputy Minister of Health, Ron Sapsford, was previously vice president and chief operating officer of the OHA.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
Jim Wilson Unwilling to Budge
Initally published in the Alliston Herald on August 22, 2008
Somehow or other I have managed to find my way onto the e-mail distribution list of our MPP, Jim Wilson.
Typically, I'll give this type of missive a cursory glance and quickly move on. However, there was one e-mail in recent weeks that immediately grabbed my attention. The content did not include any of the standard partisan scolding or chest thumping that is so common with this form of communication (regardless of political stripe).
Rather, the e-mail simply attached a post written by a Collingwood blogger named Dale West.
Now, this particular post was so glowing and effluent in its praise of Wilson that I momentarily wondered whether Wilson's mother was wandering the streets of Collingwood disguised as West! The flowery language used to describe Wilson's popularity among colleagues, and his apparent first name familiarity, resembled the kind of gushing tone one expects from a proud family member.
The content of the blog was a rather indignant discourse critical of the notion (or rumour) that Wilson would resign his Simcoe-Grey seat to enable Ontario Progressive Conservative leader, John Tory, to enter the Legislature.
In fact, the blog's defiant headline proclaimed: "Why not John Tory stepping down for Jim Wilson?" and the piece concluded with an opinion that the prospect of Tory stepping aside as leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party for Wilson "...is no less absurd than asking Jim to make way for John."
Regardless of the short-sightedness of West's opinion, what is most significant in my mind is Wilson's apparent endorsement of the piece and the views expressed therein. The fact that Wilson circulated the content of the blog, without comment, to his entire distribution list can only be interpreted as approval of West's cheeky slap at the leader.
If Wilson is, indeed, supportive of the views expressed by West then I cannot help but regard him as selfish. Party politics is not, or at least should not be, about placing one's own personal advancement or status above the party and the cause to which you ascribe.
Indeed, there is an element of nobility or honour in making a temporary personal sacrifice for the advancement of the party and/or cause.
The fact is Simcoe-Grey would be an exceptionally good platform for Tory to enter the Legislature and acquire much needed experience and exposure in advance of the next provincial election. It is one of the safest Conservative seats in the province, is close to Toronto, and would carry little risk of an embarrassing loss.
Stepping aside for a leader does not mean the end of a political career. Elmer MacKay stood down for Brian Mulroney in 1983. Scott Brison did the same for Joe Clark in 2000. Each of MacKay and Brison made it back to parliament in the next general election and each was subsequently rewarded by the leader.
Righteous indignation aside, West fails to identify a compelling reason as to why Wilson's preservation as a Member of Provincial Parliament for the next two years is more important than Tory acquiring a seat in the legislature. Experience and popularity hardly qualify. It may be that Wilson has compelling reasons for placing his own personal interests above those of the party. However, it is incumbent on Wilson to articulate those reasons rather than circulate, and implicitly endorse, the ramblings of a supportive blogger.
Somehow or other I have managed to find my way onto the e-mail distribution list of our MPP, Jim Wilson.
Typically, I'll give this type of missive a cursory glance and quickly move on. However, there was one e-mail in recent weeks that immediately grabbed my attention. The content did not include any of the standard partisan scolding or chest thumping that is so common with this form of communication (regardless of political stripe).
Rather, the e-mail simply attached a post written by a Collingwood blogger named Dale West.
Now, this particular post was so glowing and effluent in its praise of Wilson that I momentarily wondered whether Wilson's mother was wandering the streets of Collingwood disguised as West! The flowery language used to describe Wilson's popularity among colleagues, and his apparent first name familiarity, resembled the kind of gushing tone one expects from a proud family member.
The content of the blog was a rather indignant discourse critical of the notion (or rumour) that Wilson would resign his Simcoe-Grey seat to enable Ontario Progressive Conservative leader, John Tory, to enter the Legislature.
In fact, the blog's defiant headline proclaimed: "Why not John Tory stepping down for Jim Wilson?" and the piece concluded with an opinion that the prospect of Tory stepping aside as leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party for Wilson "...is no less absurd than asking Jim to make way for John."
Regardless of the short-sightedness of West's opinion, what is most significant in my mind is Wilson's apparent endorsement of the piece and the views expressed therein. The fact that Wilson circulated the content of the blog, without comment, to his entire distribution list can only be interpreted as approval of West's cheeky slap at the leader.
If Wilson is, indeed, supportive of the views expressed by West then I cannot help but regard him as selfish. Party politics is not, or at least should not be, about placing one's own personal advancement or status above the party and the cause to which you ascribe.
Indeed, there is an element of nobility or honour in making a temporary personal sacrifice for the advancement of the party and/or cause.
The fact is Simcoe-Grey would be an exceptionally good platform for Tory to enter the Legislature and acquire much needed experience and exposure in advance of the next provincial election. It is one of the safest Conservative seats in the province, is close to Toronto, and would carry little risk of an embarrassing loss.
Stepping aside for a leader does not mean the end of a political career. Elmer MacKay stood down for Brian Mulroney in 1983. Scott Brison did the same for Joe Clark in 2000. Each of MacKay and Brison made it back to parliament in the next general election and each was subsequently rewarded by the leader.
Righteous indignation aside, West fails to identify a compelling reason as to why Wilson's preservation as a Member of Provincial Parliament for the next two years is more important than Tory acquiring a seat in the legislature. Experience and popularity hardly qualify. It may be that Wilson has compelling reasons for placing his own personal interests above those of the party. However, it is incumbent on Wilson to articulate those reasons rather than circulate, and implicitly endorse, the ramblings of a supportive blogger.
Friday, August 15, 2008
The Demise of Large Item Pick Up
Initially published in the Alliston Herald on August 15, 2008
It was shortly after moving to Alliston in 1999 that I was introduced to the New Tecumseth cultural experience known as "large item pick up". It was quite a sight to see a caravan of vehicles drive through neighborhoods in search of "treasures" being discarded by others. In fact, it was not unusual to have streets picked clean of their large items before arrival of the waste disposal crews.
Over the years I came to appreciate the service as a means to dispose of a variety of items that our family had outgrown. I was therefore disappointed to learn of the decision taken by the County of Simcoe to eliminate the service altogether.
Large item pick up had long been available to each of the 16 municipalities in Simcoe County. However, those municipalities that wanted to take advantage of "trash to treasure" (as it was apparently called in Tottenham) were required to pay for it. Historically, several of the larger municipalities in the county, including New Tecumseth, Bradford and Midland, chose to use and pay for the service whereas many of the smaller townships such as Essa, Ramara and Adjala-Tosorontio, did not.
The "official" explanation from the county is that this action will divert more material from landfill. Unfortunately, the county memorandum outlining this theory is sorely lacking in details, facts or studies as to just how much material, if any, would actually be diverted from the county's six landfills.
Significantly, most items with even a minimal value (i.e. metals, furniture) will be "lifted" during the treasure phase of the process. No matter how much the county may hope, it is not as though the remaining large items, even if diverted from landfill, will make it to the Star Trek vaporizer and forever disappear! They will remain garbage somewhere.
New Tecumseth Counc. Barb Huson surmised that a significant volume will end up in ditches throughout New Tecumseth. Suffice it to say, the visual image of the scenic roads of New Tecumseth littered with urine-stained toilet bowls is hardly enchanting!
How did the residents of New Tecumseth come to be deprived of this valued service? From the cynical perspective, I believe there is an underlying political factor at play.
Politicians tend to be a rather thin skinned and emotionally fragile lot. They don't like to be embarrassed. They don't like to feel inadequate. They especially don't like to answer questions from residents about why they do not have the benefit of a service that their neighbour just down the road, in an adjoining municipality, does.
My view is that an "idea" blossomed among some members of county council (which consists of the mayor and deputy mayor of each of the 16 municipalities) from smaller townships to snuff out large item pick-up altogether. After all, to deprive every municipality of the service would eliminate those unpleasant questions and feelings of inadequacy.
If this was an underlying motive then the actions are reminiscent of those of a petulant child who, when unable to play with the marbles at recess, kicks them away to ensure that no one else can. To deprive some of a service because you choose not to have it, or are unable to afford it, is disgraceful.
On June 24, 2008 the members of Simcoe County council voted, in their wisdom, to eliminate the service. The smaller municipalities largely voted to squash the service. Not unexpectedly, New Tecumseth Mayor Mike MacEachern and Deputy Mayor Rick Milne voted to retain it.
Alas, the next time you want to remove an unwanted large item from that basement, garage or backyard, but are unable to do so without renting or borrowing a truck, you needn't look much further than your neighbouring municipalities as you mutter select expletives.
It was shortly after moving to Alliston in 1999 that I was introduced to the New Tecumseth cultural experience known as "large item pick up". It was quite a sight to see a caravan of vehicles drive through neighborhoods in search of "treasures" being discarded by others. In fact, it was not unusual to have streets picked clean of their large items before arrival of the waste disposal crews.
Over the years I came to appreciate the service as a means to dispose of a variety of items that our family had outgrown. I was therefore disappointed to learn of the decision taken by the County of Simcoe to eliminate the service altogether.
Large item pick up had long been available to each of the 16 municipalities in Simcoe County. However, those municipalities that wanted to take advantage of "trash to treasure" (as it was apparently called in Tottenham) were required to pay for it. Historically, several of the larger municipalities in the county, including New Tecumseth, Bradford and Midland, chose to use and pay for the service whereas many of the smaller townships such as Essa, Ramara and Adjala-Tosorontio, did not.
The "official" explanation from the county is that this action will divert more material from landfill. Unfortunately, the county memorandum outlining this theory is sorely lacking in details, facts or studies as to just how much material, if any, would actually be diverted from the county's six landfills.
Significantly, most items with even a minimal value (i.e. metals, furniture) will be "lifted" during the treasure phase of the process. No matter how much the county may hope, it is not as though the remaining large items, even if diverted from landfill, will make it to the Star Trek vaporizer and forever disappear! They will remain garbage somewhere.
New Tecumseth Counc. Barb Huson surmised that a significant volume will end up in ditches throughout New Tecumseth. Suffice it to say, the visual image of the scenic roads of New Tecumseth littered with urine-stained toilet bowls is hardly enchanting!
How did the residents of New Tecumseth come to be deprived of this valued service? From the cynical perspective, I believe there is an underlying political factor at play.
Politicians tend to be a rather thin skinned and emotionally fragile lot. They don't like to be embarrassed. They don't like to feel inadequate. They especially don't like to answer questions from residents about why they do not have the benefit of a service that their neighbour just down the road, in an adjoining municipality, does.
My view is that an "idea" blossomed among some members of county council (which consists of the mayor and deputy mayor of each of the 16 municipalities) from smaller townships to snuff out large item pick-up altogether. After all, to deprive every municipality of the service would eliminate those unpleasant questions and feelings of inadequacy.
If this was an underlying motive then the actions are reminiscent of those of a petulant child who, when unable to play with the marbles at recess, kicks them away to ensure that no one else can. To deprive some of a service because you choose not to have it, or are unable to afford it, is disgraceful.
On June 24, 2008 the members of Simcoe County council voted, in their wisdom, to eliminate the service. The smaller municipalities largely voted to squash the service. Not unexpectedly, New Tecumseth Mayor Mike MacEachern and Deputy Mayor Rick Milne voted to retain it.
Alas, the next time you want to remove an unwanted large item from that basement, garage or backyard, but are unable to do so without renting or borrowing a truck, you needn't look much further than your neighbouring municipalities as you mutter select expletives.
Friday, August 8, 2008
A Worrisome Time
Initially published in the Alliston Herald on August 7, 2008
The Supervisor of Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH), Mark Rochon, recently issued a press release championing the hospital's new membership structure as a "21st century design". My first thought: The 21st century is apparently going to be a very worrisome time.
This disturbing "design" is right out of a George Orwell novel. The model mandates that the existing members of SMH will be deprived of their right to vote on all matters of hospital business. From now on, the only individuals who will be permitted to vote are those who comprise the board of directors. In addition to the 12 public members, an additional five individuals employed or affiliated with the hospital will have full voting rights. This select group will, in their sole and unfettered discretion, decide who will be permitted to join their exclusive number. Suffice it to say, anyone who doesn't agree with the status quo need not apply.
Perhaps the most offensive feature of this disenfranchisement is the absence of a compelling rationale to do so. The fact that 47 per cent of Ontario hospitals use this model is hardly sufficient reason to fall in line like a mentally challenged lemming.
Rochon also asserts that the model will attract "the best possible directors" who have the "requisite skills" to manage a hospital. There is a degree of irony in this statement given that one of Rochon's hand-picked "best possible directors" resigned shortly after his appointment following public statements that demonstrated a rather significant degree of ignorance as to how HIV is spread.
The inference to be drawn from Rochon's claim is that he believes the directors at hospitals who do not have this membership structure are somehow lacking and are not "the best possible." It is a perspective without basis in fact.
There have been many good things happen at our hospital of late. An obstetrician has been hired; the birthing unit opened; the emergency room renovated; an application for a CT scan submitted; and, perhaps most importantly, a popular and talented CEO hired. As was pointed out in last week's editorial, if this governance model had been in place a little over a year ago, most if not all of these positive changes would never have occurred.
The implementation of the new structure at SMH should not come as a surprise when one considers that Rochon is also the Chair of the Ontario Hospital Association ("OHA"). The OHA is loaded with hospital CEO's and administrators - the same group who, along with the Deputy Minister of Health, looked upon the recent events at SMH (when the Committee of Concerned Citizens encouraged residents to buy a membership and exercise their right to vote) with great consternation and disapproval. This is a group that no doubt regarded our exercise in democracy as a frightening and unwanted intrusion into "their" domain.
The new model is tantamount to giving a hospital administrator a job for life. Once a board is filled with "friendlies", and those friendlies have the sole discretion to decide who is admitted in the future, then the prospect of a CEO ever being turfed is extremely remote.
Significantly, "governance" is one of the five key objectives/directions of the OHA and it currently publishes guidelines to "assist" hospitals in this regard. Can there be any doubt that the undemocratic "design" announced for SMH is the preferred model of the OHA?
The OHA also identifies media relations as being of "utmost importance" and goes so far as to produce a publication "to help you communicate your point of view effectively to the media."
From the cynical side, my suspicion is that a significant part of this strategy involves the OHA and its members wrapping themselves in a motherhood issue such as the delivery of "safe health care" in an effort to acquire a moral high ground.
Sadly, in the case of SMH members, it would appear that the OHA agenda has triumphed at the expense of our right to vote.
The Supervisor of Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH), Mark Rochon, recently issued a press release championing the hospital's new membership structure as a "21st century design". My first thought: The 21st century is apparently going to be a very worrisome time.
This disturbing "design" is right out of a George Orwell novel. The model mandates that the existing members of SMH will be deprived of their right to vote on all matters of hospital business. From now on, the only individuals who will be permitted to vote are those who comprise the board of directors. In addition to the 12 public members, an additional five individuals employed or affiliated with the hospital will have full voting rights. This select group will, in their sole and unfettered discretion, decide who will be permitted to join their exclusive number. Suffice it to say, anyone who doesn't agree with the status quo need not apply.
Perhaps the most offensive feature of this disenfranchisement is the absence of a compelling rationale to do so. The fact that 47 per cent of Ontario hospitals use this model is hardly sufficient reason to fall in line like a mentally challenged lemming.
Rochon also asserts that the model will attract "the best possible directors" who have the "requisite skills" to manage a hospital. There is a degree of irony in this statement given that one of Rochon's hand-picked "best possible directors" resigned shortly after his appointment following public statements that demonstrated a rather significant degree of ignorance as to how HIV is spread.
The inference to be drawn from Rochon's claim is that he believes the directors at hospitals who do not have this membership structure are somehow lacking and are not "the best possible." It is a perspective without basis in fact.
There have been many good things happen at our hospital of late. An obstetrician has been hired; the birthing unit opened; the emergency room renovated; an application for a CT scan submitted; and, perhaps most importantly, a popular and talented CEO hired. As was pointed out in last week's editorial, if this governance model had been in place a little over a year ago, most if not all of these positive changes would never have occurred.
The implementation of the new structure at SMH should not come as a surprise when one considers that Rochon is also the Chair of the Ontario Hospital Association ("OHA"). The OHA is loaded with hospital CEO's and administrators - the same group who, along with the Deputy Minister of Health, looked upon the recent events at SMH (when the Committee of Concerned Citizens encouraged residents to buy a membership and exercise their right to vote) with great consternation and disapproval. This is a group that no doubt regarded our exercise in democracy as a frightening and unwanted intrusion into "their" domain.
The new model is tantamount to giving a hospital administrator a job for life. Once a board is filled with "friendlies", and those friendlies have the sole discretion to decide who is admitted in the future, then the prospect of a CEO ever being turfed is extremely remote.
Significantly, "governance" is one of the five key objectives/directions of the OHA and it currently publishes guidelines to "assist" hospitals in this regard. Can there be any doubt that the undemocratic "design" announced for SMH is the preferred model of the OHA?
The OHA also identifies media relations as being of "utmost importance" and goes so far as to produce a publication "to help you communicate your point of view effectively to the media."
From the cynical side, my suspicion is that a significant part of this strategy involves the OHA and its members wrapping themselves in a motherhood issue such as the delivery of "safe health care" in an effort to acquire a moral high ground.
Sadly, in the case of SMH members, it would appear that the OHA agenda has triumphed at the expense of our right to vote.
Friday, August 1, 2008
They're at the Post:
Initially published in the Alliston Herald on July 31, 2008
Although the next municipal election is but a dot on the horizon for the vast majority of the public, the unofficial race to be the next mayor is, believe it or not, underway.
According to insiders, the likelihood of incumbent Mayor Mike MacEachern seeking a third term after 13 years on council is extremely remote. Rumours persist that he seeks a change and will ultimately pursue a federal or provincial nomination as a liberal.
This perception has resulted in some scurrying for position. The first off the mark is none other than Deputy Mayor Rick Milne. Yes, this is the same Milne who announced before the last election that he intended to run for deputy mayor and that this would be his final pursuit of elected office. The timing of this announcement was odd (some would argue tactless) in that it occurred at the ground breaking ceremony for the new arena.
Milne has an almost crusader-like zeal to regain the office that he held from 1988-1991 (pre-amalgamation) and 1994-1997. His belief that he could not defeat MacEachern kept him out of the race in 2003 although he was briefly poised to enter the fray when MacEachern voted against the new arena. When MacEachern reversed this position, Milne’s hopes of securing the powerful “hockey crowd” dissipated and he decided against the jump.
Milne’s Achilles heel will undoubtedly be his cozy relationship with Al Duffy, the principal spokesperson for the development of a 50,000-person city between Alliston and Beeton (the Capucitti proposal), and his previous public statements in support of developers and major developments. In 2003 Milne actively supported the Capucitti proposal in spite of widespread and passionate opposition.
The fact that he was re-elected by a healthy margin speaks volumes to his popularity and depth of support. Notwithstanding that support there is zero prospect that Milne will be acclaimed. His history and perceived “baggage” will ensure competition. Although no one has “informally” declared, frequent letter writer and rugby aficionado Gord McInnis is reported to have expressed interest. Local realtor Irving Newman has advised some that he is being pressed by certain members of the downtown Alliston business community to take the plunge.
Coun. Dennis Egan has long been identified as a potential candidate for the mayor’s chair too. The Green Briar/Briar Hill community, which makes up the majority of Egan’s ward, is a powerful and largely homogenous voting block that has historically provided Egan significant support.
However, Egan’s failed “power play” of earlier this year when he resigned from all of the town committee, has damaged his credibility and arguably rendered him a eunuch at the council table.
There are many who would like to see Alliston Coun. Jamie Smith enter the contest. Whereas Smith clearly has the ability to excel in the position, one questions whether he has the stomach to perform the many public and social functions expected of a mayor.
Beeton Coun. Richard Norcross wants to move up. Although there are some who have encouraged Norcross to pursue the mayor’s office, it seems far more likely that he will seek the position vacated by Milne.
Finally, one can never rule out a member of the Guergis family when it comes to seeking higher office. Given that Alliston Counc. Christine Brayford shares that unique genetic code, she must necessarily remain on the radar screen.
Although the next municipal election is but a dot on the horizon for the vast majority of the public, the unofficial race to be the next mayor is, believe it or not, underway.
According to insiders, the likelihood of incumbent Mayor Mike MacEachern seeking a third term after 13 years on council is extremely remote. Rumours persist that he seeks a change and will ultimately pursue a federal or provincial nomination as a liberal.
This perception has resulted in some scurrying for position. The first off the mark is none other than Deputy Mayor Rick Milne. Yes, this is the same Milne who announced before the last election that he intended to run for deputy mayor and that this would be his final pursuit of elected office. The timing of this announcement was odd (some would argue tactless) in that it occurred at the ground breaking ceremony for the new arena.
Milne has an almost crusader-like zeal to regain the office that he held from 1988-1991 (pre-amalgamation) and 1994-1997. His belief that he could not defeat MacEachern kept him out of the race in 2003 although he was briefly poised to enter the fray when MacEachern voted against the new arena. When MacEachern reversed this position, Milne’s hopes of securing the powerful “hockey crowd” dissipated and he decided against the jump.
Milne’s Achilles heel will undoubtedly be his cozy relationship with Al Duffy, the principal spokesperson for the development of a 50,000-person city between Alliston and Beeton (the Capucitti proposal), and his previous public statements in support of developers and major developments. In 2003 Milne actively supported the Capucitti proposal in spite of widespread and passionate opposition.
The fact that he was re-elected by a healthy margin speaks volumes to his popularity and depth of support. Notwithstanding that support there is zero prospect that Milne will be acclaimed. His history and perceived “baggage” will ensure competition. Although no one has “informally” declared, frequent letter writer and rugby aficionado Gord McInnis is reported to have expressed interest. Local realtor Irving Newman has advised some that he is being pressed by certain members of the downtown Alliston business community to take the plunge.
Coun. Dennis Egan has long been identified as a potential candidate for the mayor’s chair too. The Green Briar/Briar Hill community, which makes up the majority of Egan’s ward, is a powerful and largely homogenous voting block that has historically provided Egan significant support.
However, Egan’s failed “power play” of earlier this year when he resigned from all of the town committee, has damaged his credibility and arguably rendered him a eunuch at the council table.
There are many who would like to see Alliston Coun. Jamie Smith enter the contest. Whereas Smith clearly has the ability to excel in the position, one questions whether he has the stomach to perform the many public and social functions expected of a mayor.
Beeton Coun. Richard Norcross wants to move up. Although there are some who have encouraged Norcross to pursue the mayor’s office, it seems far more likely that he will seek the position vacated by Milne.
Finally, one can never rule out a member of the Guergis family when it comes to seeking higher office. Given that Alliston Counc. Christine Brayford shares that unique genetic code, she must necessarily remain on the radar screen.
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