[All] Kitchener Meeting re: Country Side Line

[Louisette Lanteigne]

Hi folks
 
Taking a page from the Classic Herb Epp approach to politics, the City of Kitchener pulled the "old crypt at midnight" approach to drive supporters away from Council by delaying the motion until after midnight. Vrbanic shamelessly rambled on asking questions on points that otherwise had been quite clear to everyone else in the room. The room temperature was physically lowered to cool temperatures and the media remorsefully had to leave at 11 with Melissa Durrell looking rather disappointed about Council's approach. People in shorts and t-shirts and elderly residents left due to the cold, families who came with their kids had to leave to put them to bed. This strategy was obviously structured to purge the public and media before their shameful vote. 
 
Councillor Gazolla clearly stated to the public that he knew what the city's vote would be prior to the motion being voted upon. He was the only one who voted against. There was only one delegate speaking in favor of the proposal who was a land owner in the area.  Two other land owners were fully in support the Country Side Line. This motion was theatrics at it's best because Councillor Gazzola stated to me the Region's voice trumps theirs. Mayor Zehr and other council members went so far as to voice that they doubted any development could be built here but they kept saying "there wasn't enough data" to justify the area's protection which is foolish.
 
None the less, it was admirable to see how the public endured the cold crypt long enough to voice their concerns and to witness the vote. I was impressed with the quality of the presentations, the intelligence of thought that went into the process. Gord did an amazing presentation in regards to the Parks Policy earlier.  If anything it renewed my faith in GREN and it left me very proud of this group and what we represent.
 
So the lesson of this experience is very clear. The next time a contraversial motion like this is brought forth, avoid the shorts and t-shirts and bring your parka, a sleeping bag and pillow, a nice thermos of hot soup. Lol.
 
Lulu :0)
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