Elite Fund Raisers

Brantford has a number of fund raisers every years that are only aimed at the "elite" of the community. These include the Rotary Lobsterfest (tickets $85/ea), The Brant Waterways gala ( $150/ea.), The Children's Aid Gala ($95/ea.), The Brant United Way Air Show Dinner ($75/ea), A Taste of Glenhyrst ($90/ea.), and several others.

There are many groups that have fund raisers that are modest in cost and mostly affordable for the whole family, I'm not referring to them. But obviously these other events are aimed at the most well-to-do in the community (or those who think they are), those who can write-off these as business expenses or to their political expense accounts. Few average citizens can afford to buy a ticket to any of these function, especially as a couple. Yet these same groups have no shame appealing to the poor average citizens for funds while providing nothing in return, barely even a "Thank you". Don't bother asking me, let your "elite" friends have the fun and pay the freight.

Remove Bucci, Not Trees

The City is proposing to strengthen the existing tree bylaw, so that so many trees will not be destroyed on a whim. And even before this measure is finalized and brought before council, Bradford, Bucci and Martin are against it.

Mr. Bucci worries that this will take away people's property rights, even comparing it to the draconian measures in the novel 1984. Yet, the City already puts all kinds of restrictions on what can be done on private property ( the storing or derelict vehicles, the raising of fowl, etc) under the Property Standards Bylaw. And how about the seizure of property by expropriation and the eviction of long time residents all in the names of presumed progress? Seems a little more serious than not being able to cut down a tree.

Under this proposed bylaw, in its current form, residents would not be stopped from removing a tree, if there is a valid reason, they would just have to demonstrate this to the city first.

Trees are vital to a healthy environment and ecological system and help to save energy, but unfortunately are disappearing in Brantford at an alarming rate for no good reason other than people who can't be bothered with them move from place to place leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. A large tree can be destroyed in a few hours but it takes years and years to grow a replacement. Let's remove these deadwood councilors from City Council but not more trees.