Today’s discussion is a continuation of yesterday’s talk about scheduling and process.

About a month ago, the private political group, “Wasaga Beach Ratepayers Association” (not the original Facebook group, but the one started by Councilor Fay Ego and others) had their AGM.

This AGM, apparently had all members of The Wasaga Beach Council present. It was almost like a public meeting, except without proper notice or rules. Frank Gianone from FRAM was there (a developer chosen to redevelop areas of Town, yet to be disclosed) and one our CAO’s Andrew McNeil also sat right up front. Andrew also presented at this meeting. More on his presentation in a couple of days. This was a lot of decision makers from Wasaga Beach all sharing with a private group. Membership in this particular association is restricted to those supporting the current Mayor and Joe, so we are glad they shared these videos.

Mayor Brian Smith was invited to speak at this meeting. One thing is important to remember about Mayor Brian Smith. He can’t stop himself from boasting when handed a microphone. Sometimes, he reveals plenty when these boasts are at their loudest. One particular set of quotes made me reflect on why the meeting format changes we discussed yesterday were truly made.

For those who didn’t read it, yesterday’s discussion talked about the elimination of a reflection period between “Committee” and “Council” meetings. In my opinion, this is a massive attack on public input, accountability and democracy.

Mayor Brian Smith emphasized during this speech to the WBRPA members that he and his council were moving; “FULL SPEED AHEAD, WE ARE GOING TO GET EVERYTHING WE CAN GET DONE, DONE.”

That’s fine! The last Council did this and look at the incredible Twin Pad Arena/ Library they were able to build for Brian to brag about. However, he also preceded this comment (and gave credit for these words to his close friend and Campaign Manager, Andy Beaudoin) with;

“THERE IS NO REAR VIEW MIRROR, AND THERE’S NO SIDE MIRRORS. ITS FULL SPEED AHEAD, AND BY THE TIME ANYONE KNOWS WHAT WE’RE DOING, IT’L BE TOO LATE. “

So, he wants to do things so fast that it will be too late.

Too late for what?

It’s actually a pretty serious question when you consider he made this statement in a room that also included one of our CAO’s, and his entire Council. Even more alarming was that he made this comment in front of the Developer that he and his Council are working with on development plans. These are plans that will undoubtedly include hundreds of millions of dollars in land deals with the town.

When you stop and reflect on yesterday’s discussion about modifying schedules and the change in process that allows them to virtually eliminate public scrutiny, these boastful comments from the Mayor are quite enlightening.

For those wanting to hear Mayor Smiths speech, I will gladly send the link.