First Council Meeting of 2011

I attended the first Springwater Council Meeting of 2011 on Monday January 10.
This is a different council and my impression from the meeting is that they are not a bunch of puppets as we witnessed in the previous council. I just hope that more than Jackie Ritchie and I will monitor and follow this council over the next four years. If more of us participate we can build a fine township and move into the future together.
All the councillors asked good questions and did not rubber stamp reports or other agenda items. It sounded like they did their homework and actually read the information provided to them. Yes, that is their job and I hope they keep it up. There were a few rough spots but growing pains are natural and healthy.
I liked their questioning things like the actual line item expenses on the payables register and not just approving it. They questioned spending money on the Knox building to prepare for a possible doctor but with no guarantee from the recruiters that any will come. They questioned the costs to renovate the basement of the library when we have a vacant Knox building. That is good common sense fiscal management. I hope this council drives the bureaucrats to more accountability in the term and moves away from a somewhat country club atmosphere that existed at the Admin Centre. That is not totally staff's fault as they lacked leadership and direction from the former council. So far this counciil appears to understand that it is their job to run the township and get the job done by providing clear direction to staff. That is the way it is supposed to work.
The meeting went to 10:30 which signifies that they are doing their job. I won't expect to be home by 7:30 or earlier as I did in the last term of council.
So far we are getting our money's worth from this newly elected council.
Our new mayor Linda Collins did a good job in controlling the meeting which is no longer an easy task as these new councillors think for themselves and do want to make a difference. They also appear eager to be engaged on behalf of their constituents.
Good work and good luck to them all.

New Host - Rogers Politically Speaking Collingwood

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2010 (COLLINGWOOD, ON) - Bill French is joining Rogers TV Collingwood as host of Politically Speaking Collingwood. As a recent Mayoral candidate for the Township of Springwater, Bill’s commitment and passion for local politics positions him well as host of Politically Speaking.

Bill began his career in broadcasting in the late 60’s honing his management skills and deciding on a career in business. This provided the opportunity for him to lead some of the finest entertainment related businesses, nationally and internationally in senior executive positions. They included HUCHM Productions, AP Video International, Sierra Communications all in Canada, Cinram POP DVD Centre in Los Angeles, Trace Optical in Boston and Cinram International in both Canada and Europe.

Currently, Bill operates a management consulting company Lordwill Enterprises Inc. that focuses on strategic planning, business development, interim management and executive training. Bill also teaches business courses at Georgian College on a regular basis. He is a regular contributor to Springwater News providing commentary on local politics and other issues.

Bill is pleased to host Politically Speaking, Collingwood and to discuss matters like the economy, job creation, growth management in the region, waste management and the environment with local MP’s, MPP’s and elected officials from Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, and Clearview Township.

“Having spent the first part of my career in local television, it is with great enthusiasm that I can now bring local political issues to the public in this interactive show format”, states Bill.

Politically Speaking is a LIVE call-in show allowing local residents to call in with questions, comments or concerns. Bill will host his first program on Wednesday, January 5th, 2011, LIVE at 8:00 pm only on Rogers TV, cable channel 53.

Rogers TV is a unique TV channel where community members take an active role in conceptualizing and producing programming for local audiences. Our staff and volunteers produce informative and entertaining local programming, reinforcing Rogers’ commitment to the communities we serve. Rogers is Canada's largest provider of wireless voice and data communications services and one of Canada's leading providers of cable television, high-speed Internet and telephony services. Rogers TV is only available to Rogers’ customers, including the company's 2.3 million cable customers in Ontario, New Brunswick and Newfoundland. For more information on Rogers Communications Inc., visit www.rogers.com. For more information on Rogers TV programs, visit www.rogerstv.com.

Locally, Rogers TV, cable channel 53 serves the cities of and surrounding Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, Creemore, Stayner, and Elmvale.

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For more information:

Lucille E. Dalziel, Publicity and Promotions Coordinator

(705) 737-4660, ext. 6977 (Simcoe County)

lucille.dalziel@rci.rogers.com

www.rogerstv.com