[All] Fw: Regarding LRT

Thu Feb 13 10:01:48 EST 2014

You're right, Eleanor.  I once had the vice president of the Ontario Progressive Conservative party, who also worked as a strategic advisor to the Harris government, to come talk to my activism course about how decisions are made in government, and how citizens can best influence their mop.  He was quite candid: decisions were often political and not rational, letters and phone calls that were obviously mass-scripted were ignored, but original ones were actually read and considered.  When I told the students who would be coming to the class they thought I'd gone off my rocker, but after the class they all agreed that that was the best lesson they had learned so far in the class. (He was followed the next week by a well-known local ruffian, Mr John Jackson).

Professor Greg
________________________________
From: All [all-bounces at gren.ca] on behalf of Eleanor Grant [eleanor7000 at gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, February 12, 2014 10:49 PM
To: Yvonne Fernandes
Cc: GREN2
Subject: Re: [All] Fw: Regarding LRT

Yes, Yvonne, I heard from TriTAG the other night, that the anti-LRT lobby is sending a long rambling letter to all city and regional councillors and MPs and MPPs - and the letter doesn't follow the principles of How to Win Friends and Influence People.  Text below.

Fellow GRENNERS, this means it's VERY important that, as the March 4 and 19 decision dates on awarding the LRT contract approach, we must write BRIEF, COURTEOUS,  and  INTELLIGENT PERSONAL notes in favour of Light Rail.  And focus on Reg Council.  They need our reassurance that they have public support.

Eleanor

Here's the anti-LRT letter:

"While I am sure that you receive an abundance of requests each and every day on many different topics that are equally important, I am writing to you today on my concerns of the regional government’s possible abuse of their power.

"The main topic of concern right now is the proposal of the Light Rail System (LRT) which is essentially a train that runs from the mall in Waterloo to the mall in Kitchener.

"A debate began among the public, politicians and business community and funding was secured from both the provincial and federal governments. Public meetings were called and there was a strong demand from the public and some politicians, including the mayor of Waterloo, for a region wide vote on this issue.

"The calls for a region wide vote were resisted at regional council and our local paper went as far as to ridicule the mayor of Waterloo and her support for a region wide vote. When the final vote was taken at regional council, only eleven of the sixteen councillors voted. Nine in favour of the LRT and two opposed with four abstentions and one absentee. Clearly the vote was tainted as the four township mayors were told by the region that they would not see an increase in taxes to pay for the LRT since the townships would not be receiving the service.

"I’m sure that such an incentive would push the Townships to vote in favour of the LRT as the new transit would not affect them. The township mayors were clearly removed as a possible threat to vote against the LRT by the promise of no taxes. Four people were removed from the vote because of possible conflicts of interest, including the leading opponent of the LRT, the mayor of Cambridge. Sadly, his people will be forced to pay for LRT even though they will not be using it themselves.

"A public vote is what we, as tax payers, are proposing. This is a billion dollar project that the people are paying for and as such, we deserve the right to vote as to whether we want this “white elephant” in our city or not. The LRT project will do more harm than good between municipalities and the people that live in them. Our history of distrust and bad feelings will linger and taint any future decisions that could benefit our region.

"I am aware that local MPPs have been part of the process to bring funds to Waterloo region to support the LRT. Where is this money coming from and who will be suffering in order to obtain hundreds of millions of dollars spent on a project that doesn’t have public support when the province is carrying a huge debt and you are making every effort to be fiscally responsible and reduce spending to pay down that debt? Further, we witnessed the suffering that has gone on just to keep money where it is needed most- helping people. Why not use the funds where we need them?

"I, and thousands of others, hope that once you look at the issue and the facts surrounding the actions of our regional government as well as the groundswell of opposition to the LRT that you may call for reconsideration of your options with respect to this project. We are a democracy and as such, we should have the right to vote where our money is being spent.

"Please, with all sincerity, I hope that you will consider holding the funds for this project until the people who live in this region have the opportunity to voice their opinions.

"Signed, Josh Godblick"

On Feb 12, 2014 9:51 PM, "Yvonne Fernandes" <fonka25 at hotmail.com<mailto:fonka25 at hotmail.com>> wrote:
HI Everyone,
City Council as well as all Regional Council as well as MP and MPPs and the Premier  have been getting flooded with emails since Sunday afternoon. I believe the count is over 400 all in  a form letter. I have been trying to send them into a file to respond to at some point in time but if I notice a name that I recognize I have been sending a personal response.
Rumour has it that these emails are being generated by the author of an online petition is sending these emails without the permission of the signee. Not sure if it is true but apparently the petition is substantial so I expect to continue receiving emails for a length of time.

Just thought you should be aware.
Regards,
Yvonne
Sent from Windows Mail

From: Deb Swidrovich<mailto:deswid at gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 12, 2014 5:13 PM
To: LulU Lanetainge<mailto:butterflybluelu at rogers.com>, GREN2<mailto:all at gren.ca>

Hi Lulu:

Thank you for submitting the article and contacting the Region.  I am sure the regional councillors who support the plan and others who will campaign in favour of the LRT appreciate your comments.  I am afraid that the public has seen far too many negative articles across the Region, and it is important that we balance those opposing views with facts that cannot be ignored.

Thanks again,

Deb Swidrovich
519-746-8403<tel:519-746-8403>

On Tue, Feb 11, 2014 at 11:02 PM, Louisette Lanteigne <butterflybluelu at rogers.com<mailto:butterflybluelu at rogers.com>> wrote:

On Tuesday, February 11, 2014 10:59:51 PM, Louisette Lanteigne <butterflybluelu at rogers.com<mailto:butterflybluelu at rogers.com>> wrote:
Dear Council members

Here is a letter to the editor I submitted to the KW Record regarding the LRT. Thought I would relay to you for your reference. I do support the project.

LRT: Legacy of Resilient Transportation

Light Rail Transit systems are electric and can be powered by solar, wind and hydro. With Ontario having to sell surplus energy, projects like our LRT can provide renewable energy storage capacity saving taxpayers money.

In reducing emissions, the LRT can reduce the illness costs of smog saving on Regional healthcare.

Each Train can carry 5 times more passengers than a bus: less drivers to move more people. Again, tax savings.

LRT's do not require tire changes, tune ups, paving of roadways needed to function. The life span of a bus is 15 years. The lifespan of LRT is over 30. Again, tax dollars saved.

Waterloo Region's water supply comes from groundwater. Unlike buses, LRT's don't require road salts. Less pollution, less water treatment and associated health care costs.

In the age of climate change we could see physical disruption of oil supply or massive price swings. Investing in an LRT is a great way to bypass long term economic risks so we can offer mass transit at reasonable, predictable prices.

Although some say they won't use it, the investment now would be a stitch in time that saves nine. We all need clean water. We all need the clean air no matter where in the Region you live. If oil supply chains are disrupted, we need choices to adapt and it's cheaper to build the system now, than it is to delay.

Louisette Lanteigne
700 Star Flower Ave.
Waterloo Ont.
N2V 2L2

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