Ok… I broke down and read it. I haven’t been more entertained in years. It seems our “discussions” are having such an impact that one of Brian’s election lobby groups is now paying for a full page add to dispute us Lol… We should be truly flattered.

Please keep our discussions going. Obviously, the truth is bothering some people. They actually posted guidelines on what to look for to help protect yourself from deception. Then, right below those warnings, they posted their new “facts”. (Quite deceptively!)

Of particular interest is the sloppy detail in their arguments. But before we laugh at them, anyone who has had the opportunity to watch Thursdays Council meeting knows Brian helped with or had previous knowledge of this add. There were many similarities in his irresponsible lectures to the public. (Oh… that word!.)

So…. They continue to harp on the Twin Pad arena being responsible for significant tax increases. lol… (I know, I’m laughing a lot- can’t help it)

They actually quote some interesting numbers. They have been claiming all along that the massive tax increase was entirely due to building the TPAL without outside funding. So let’s look at their numbers. They claim that, of the 5.6% tax increase, 2.6% of it is due to building the TPAL. I have two issues with that. First, that leaves a full 3% (54% of the tax increase they claim) due to increased staffing costs and silly spending. They also skew numbers by using blended rates at times and municipal rates at other times. They should stick to Municipal portions of our taxes. (Over 17% increase since taking office)

But wait…. Of the three parts they claim make up the 2.6% (46% of the total budget increase), only 0.97% was apparently the debenture cost. The rest was operating budget funds. That’s right… (1.17 Arena/ .45 Library- OPERATING COSTS) So, how can they possibly lay blame on anything but the .97% as being attributed to “BUILDING” the TPAL. That is the ONLY funding their claimed 1/3, 1/3, 1/3 funding would have qualified for “if” they had ever been put on that lied about list. lol- there’s me laughing again. TO BE CLEAR, they all say we needed it, but say the only mistake was not getting outside funding. Repeat- 0.97% of the tax increase was for the cost of building that incredible facility! (THEIR NUMBERS!)

So, they are saying to be careful to watch for exaggerated claims. Yep… they are right. Be very careful!

That brings us to their next section; That nasty lie they have been telling about us being on a list between 2014-18. Call Beach Booster, Call the WBRA, in fact… write to the mayor (I did). Ask them specifically what list we were on to get funding and what day we received confirmation and/ or the amount of said funding. I suspect crickets…. It NEVER happened. Regardless of how they word their little BB add, the CAO has clearly said we were on a list for funding. Show us that list!

But do pay attention to how they word that section. Remember, it was them that warned; “Does it provoke an emotional response?”

The next section is the Community Hub- 2024 Proposal. How interesting. Originally touted as a high school, now it is being promoted as a community hub “on the current TPAL facility”. Wait, what? On the facility? I thought there was simply going to be shared parking. I think that exagération thing is happening again. Has anyone seen designs of this Theatre/ Auditorium that will somehow make this an “hub”? It actually sounds like a nice school that has an auditorium with a plaque possibly dedicating it to an elected official if we buy some seating or sound equipment. Is this a Town proposal for a Hub? Or is it a school boards proposal for a new school? What current “Hub” funding programs are on offer? I had not heard of any?

But hey… take their advice. Remember, just above this they say to watch out for extraordinary claims. Yep, They nailed that advice!

Finally, they think it is important to address the “claimed” profit in holding their week of parties to celebrate the TPAL opening. Their claim is now only $100,000 profit. I thought they originally had a higher number. Not that it matters as I suspect even that is a lie.

Like I said, please ask for detailed spreadsheets of the costs and income. Be sure to ask them how much renting the temporary floor was going to cost and how that affected their budgets. Also ask how they approved purchasing that same floor and exactly WHO approved that $250,000.00 cost. I suspect it was not properly approved at all and it CERTAINLY was not included in their profit/ loss calculations. I know Council had no prior knowledge of the expense until the after show report.

They want everyone to seek the truth when they read stuff on Social Media. I say DEMAND the truth when any publication, disguised as a legitimate newspaper is forced into our mail boxes regularly. Contact Beach Booster and ask them to post a full spreadsheet of all costs/ income for the TPAL weeks activities. (Including “in kind” arrangements).

After all, it is written in this add in Beach Booster to be careful of “loosely vetted platforms”. I’m sure they have documentation on hand to support their $100,000 claim!

Oh…. Don’t forget their warning about only using small pieces of information to distort. Bearing in mind this wise caution, be sure to ask them to include lost revenue from cancelled or unavailable ice time, entertainment extras like accommodation, vip ticket amounts and who was issued passes or free tickets. Don’t forget, accurate costing should include staff time and resources at appropriate billable rates.

Regardless of this silly add, these costs should all be fully disclosed. Why? Well they are after all using the example of their profit justify planning an entertainment corporation.

I’m sure they will file corporate documents that don’t use the word party.

What a great warning about how you should read stuff jammed into your mailboxes on a regular basis. It does cover some pretty good guidelines for online comments as well. Great topics for discussion.