| ||
Dave Ryan Mayor This year's grade: A Last year's grade: A- Committee: 18/18 (local); 9/11 (Regional) Council: 11/11 (local); 12/12 (Regional) Expenses: $10,823 (local), $1,610.87 (Regional) The City continues to see business development under Mayor Ryan's watch, such as OPG's decision to keep its offices in the municipality by moving into the new business tower at Pickering Parkway. He also played a large part in bringing Pickering's first post-secondary institution to the municipality with the recently-announced Durham and Centennial colleges learning centre. While Mayor Ryan sometimes plays his cards close to his chest, he speaks openly but concisely when it comes to issues he's passionate about. For example, when councillors were opposed to a proposed property tax increase, he challenged councillors to come back with a detailed list of items that could be cut to reduce the number, and two did. The mayor pushed for the pedestrian walkway over Hwy. 401 which is currently under construction and will get people from the GO station to the new office tower. He has a vision for Pickering to be a sustainable and vibrant community and is determined to welcome a hotel and convention centre, as well as a centre for the arts to the downtown. He's been a great ambassador of Pickering's bicentennial, promoting its 200th birthday at many public events, and did an excellent job of talking to the Grade 5 students at the mock council meeting on the anniversary in March. At the Region, his participation is minimal, unless it relates to Pickering. David Pickles Ward 3 City Councillor This year's grade: A- Last year's grade: A- Committee: 17/18 Council: 11/11 Expenses: $8,029 Coun. Pickles gets involved in local heritage issues and continues to oppose a possible airport in north Pickering. He successfully convinced the federal government to halt demolitions of a number of the buildings considered significant to the municipality until an alternate plan could be made. He stood up for Whitevale residents concerned about losing the serenity of their village with the future development of Seaton, by presenting a number of amendments on the issue when the neighbourhood plans came to council. He's intelligent enough to acknowledge that some development will go ahead despite council's position, such as the northeast Pickering lands, and urges staff and councillors to plan for it the best way possible rather than fight a losing battle. Doug Dickerson Ward 2 City Councillor This year's grade: C+ Last year's grade: B- Committee: 17/18 Council: 11/11 Expenses: $13,004 Coun. Dickerson continues to stand up for his community and makes strong points on sustainability and business issues at council meetings. He brings a good sense of humour to the meetings and attends many public events. He did an excellent job of bringing an appropriate plan to reduce the 2011 budget by $250,000 to get the property tax down to 2.99 per cent, which council approved. This included deferring some capital projects, such as new council chamber chairs, to 2012. However, we cannot overlook his own spending during the 2010 municipal election campaign. Whether the Municipal Elections Act is flawed as Councillor Dickerson suggests, he still managed to go over his limit by more than $14,000. Even the audit committee found it questionable, by approving an audit on his expenses. He is also the current council's biggest spender. These points are responsible for the decrease in his grade. Kevin Ashe Ward 1 City Councillor This year's grade: B Last year's grade: N/A Committee: 11/12 Council: 8/8 Expenses $810 Coun. Ashe doesn't talk too much at meetings but speaks when he's passionate about an issue. In a somewhat divided council, he is often the one who will go against the norm, which makes it clear that he truly votes for what he feels is best for the community. For example, he and his Ward 1 counterpart Coun. Jennifer O'Connell tend to vote opposite each other, but he helped her introduce her motion regarding the halt of a wireless tower in the Amberlea neighbourhood. He was opposed to a high property tax increase, and rather than simply complaining, he was able to offer suggestions to lower it. We do feel he should speak up a bit at meetings. Jennifer O'Connell Ward 1 Regional Councillor This year's grade: B- Last year's grade: B+ Committee: 18/18 (local); 8/10 (Regional) Council: 11/11 (local); 8/9 (Regional) Expenses $10,061 (local), $0 (Regional) Coun. O'Connell continues to fight for residents and issues she believes in. When residents were upset by a wireless tower being installed in a church parking lot in the Amberlea neighbourhood, she quickly wrote a motion asking the federal government to demand it be stopped. After she gained council support in an often divided group, the federal government did halt the tower's construction until a compromise could be made. She also brought forward a list of items that could be cut from the 2011 budget to lower the tax increase, but it wasn't supported by council. The councillor tends to be somewhat argumentative with fellow councillors and she can spend too much time on a single issue. She has brought an active voice to the Region, getting involved in debates at both Regional Council and the finance committee, on which she sits. Bill McLean Ward 2 Regional Councillor This year's grade: B+ Last year's grade: B+ Committee: 14/18 (local), 6/11 (Regional) Council: 11/11 (local), 12/12 (Regional) Expenses: $7,113 (local), $2,547.03 (Regional) Coun. McLean has the lowest expenses of the councillors returning for another term. He showed strong support for sustainable initiatives over the year, such as voting against a subdivision plan that wasn't favoured by planning staff. He's a big supporter of transparency, and has no qualms calling out other councillors, as well as developers, on ethical issues. For example, he brought to light an offer of Toronto Maple Leaf hockey tickets, which he turned down from the developers of controversial Pickering land. The fact that no one ran against him in the 2010 municipal election indicates he's not doing too bad of a job. He has been largely invisible at the Region in the early part of the term. Peter Rodrigues Ward 3 Regional Councillor This year's grade: B- Last year's grade: N/A Committee: 12/12 (local); 6/8 (Regional) Council: 8/8 (local); 9/9 (Regional) Expenses $295 (local), $0 (Regional) Coun. Rodrigues obviously cares about the community and is becoming familiar with the ins and outs of serving his constituents. He's very knowledgeable of local issues, stemming back to his time as a very vocal resident who attended most public meetings before being elected. The fact that he's a north Pickering resident gives him familiarity with Seaton and the issue of a possible Pickering airport, to which he's deeply opposed. While he doesn't shy away from a challenge with councillors or presenters, he's taking some time to get used to council proceedings. However we feel he has great potential of being an advocate for residents. At the Region, he's been active in debates, particularly when it comes to the energy-from-waste facility. | ||
Following is the Metroland Durham Region Media Group's annual municipal report card, evaluating how local politicians are serving taxpayers.
Mayor Dave Ryan This year: A- Last year: B+ Committee: 18/19 Council and special council meetings: 18/18 Expenses: $26,055 (local), $2,725.56 (Regional) Mayor Ryan is a strong leader, and his grade improves this year because he is speaking more often on important topics at meetings, keeping his points clear and concise. He often looks at both sides of the coin before sharing his position, making it clear he's considered all options. He was quick to criticize the latest train derailment in Pickering, and arranged meetings with authorities and the transport minister. This initiated a new federal proposal on revamped safety legislation. He continues to push for more development and businesses in Pickering and his business and financial sense is clear at meetings. He tends to remain quiet on contentious issues, but was an important voice in opposing the York-Durham sewer system expansion, the so-called Big Pipe. He continues to push for sustainable development in Pickering, and jobs first in Seaton.
Ward 3 Regional Councillor Rick Johnson This year: C Last year: C+ Committee: 18/19 Council: 17/18 Expenses: $34,523 (local), $2,995.02 Coun. Johnson is passionate about his job and the community. It's unfortunate that his expenses keep increasing, and his grade drops as a result. He introduced a motion to ask that a Pickering resident be put on the Greater Toronto Airport Authority board. He was opposed to a referendum question on the airport because he felt it confusing and felt the answer would be convoluted. Council ended up voting to take it off the ballot in the end. He represents the interests of north Pickering well, doesn't shy away from any issue, and has good business sense.
Ward 2 Regional Councillor Bill McLean This year: B+ Last year: B Committee: 17/19 Council: 16/18 Expenses: $14,956 (local), $1,498.80 (Regional) Coun. McLean has the lowest expenses and advocates for transparency, which has improved his grade. He was quick to speak up on the diesel spill discovered just one week after the latest train derailment and made it clear the City must be reimbursed for the cleanup. He's strongly opposed to the harmonized sales tax, and initiated a campaign to let the premier know, endorsed by a number of other municipalities. The realtor in him often brings up Pickering's appeal for potential homeowners, which played into his support of the off-leash dog park.
Ward 1 Regional Councillor Bonnie Littley This year: B+ Last year: B Committee: 17/19 Council: 16/18 Expenses: $20,482 (local), $2,497.90 (Regional) Coun. Littley has proven herself a strong councillor this year. She comes to meetings better prepared and gets her points across in a more direct way, contributing to her grade improvement. She's not afraid to stand against council when she feels they're in the wrong, such as disagreeing with Pickering's desire to develop the northeast Pickering lands. Her views remain consistent with sustainability and she continues to fight the Big Pipe, and was the only councillor to attend a press conference on the topic at Queen's Park. She advocates for local farming.
Ward 3 City Councillor David Pickles This year: A- Last year: B+ Committee: 19/19 Council: 18/18 Expenses: $18,202 Coun. Pickles has perfect attendance and keeps his expenses quite low. He often seems to be the voice of reason on council, keeping finances and legalities in mind. He's put forward a number of motions this year, contributing to his improved grade, including asking the Region to hire a Durham-wide integrity commissioner, and to reinstate Pickering's vote for the direct election of the Regional chairman. He's also asked Pickering staff to create an incentive plan to attract smart development to the city without decreasing Pickering's revenue.
Ward 2 City Councillor Doug Dickerson This year: B- Last year: B- Committee: 15/19 Council: 15/18 Expenses: $25,107 Coun. Dickerson is up front with both those he agrees with and those he doesn't at public meetings. He attempted to initiate an underground wiring policy around Duffin Heights and Seaton. Although council disagreed, it showed his commitment to sustainability. He's been tough on the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority lately, as well as Ontario Power Generation when he felt Pickering was shut out from the decision to close the Pickering plant. It may seem harsh, but it keeps them accountable. He's the second biggest spender, which is why his grade did not improve this year.
Ward 1 City Councillor Jennifer O'Connell This year: B+ Last year: B Committee: 18/19 Council: 18/18 Expenses: $19,897 Coun. O'Connell is passionate, well-spoken and has an opinion on almost everything. She takes on a number of issues, such as improving the waterfront and keeps a close eye on Seaton. She fights for what she believes in, but sometimes argues with Mayor Ryan when he tells her she runs on at meetings. She doesn't let anyone off the hook easily on issues she deems important, whether they're speakers or council members, which contributes to her grade improvement. And she has no qualms with challenging speakers at council, such as the time she grilled Regional Chairman Roger Anderson on his approval of the Big Pipe without consultation. She keeps a watchful eye on the City's spending | ||
Mayor Dave Ryan Last year: B+ This year: B+ Attendance: council and special council: 17/17 executive committee: 12/12: Regional council 12/13: Regional committee 20/29 Local expenses: $13,914 (Local), $2,335.90 (Regional) Travel: $15,308 Mayor Ryan has pushed for the development of Pickering's downtown this year and helped convince developers to open a new office tower that will keep MPAC in Pickering. He's somewhat quiet at meetings, but when he speaks it's usually quite insightful; he should do so more often and declare why he's voting for something and why he chooses not to. He should cut off councillors who speak too long, or when they share their opinion when they're only supposed to be asking questions of presenters. He also regularly takes City finances into consideration. He has a smart business sense, and thinks ahead regarding finances. For example, when council granted Whitevale community members money to help them buy the Whitevale United Church, he made it clear that would only happen upon the group's successful purchase. At the Region, Mayor Ryan tends to be quiet at council meetings, speaking up only when he needs to. Ward 2 City Councillor Doug Dickerson Last year: B- This year: B- Attendance: Council: 17/17 Executive committee: 11/12 Expenses: $11,559 Travel: $11,568 Coun. Doug Dickerson finally reduced his expenses over the past year, so he gets a pat on the back for that. He's fought to ensure the new Duffin Heights neighbourhood will be somewhat dense with businesses along Brock Road and continuously encourages sustainability. He encouraged council to help Whitevale residents by putting forward a motion to provide reasonable funding to help them run their local United church they hope to purchase. He supported San Francisco By the Bay developers when they wanted some relief from their obligation to reimburse the City for their development's lack of parkland space - a standard City rule. This was a head-scratcher given his recent environmental concern with current issues. Ward 3 Regional Councillor Rick Johnson Last year: B- This year: C+ Attendance: Council: 16/17 Executive committee: 11/12: Regional council 11/13: Regional committee 24/39 Expenses: $20,358 (Local), $3,883.76 (Regional) Travel: $11,184 Our criticizing Coun. Johnson's expenses hasn't given him as effective a slap on the wrist as we would have liked. Therefore, he's dropped to the dreaded C zone, not only because they are much higher this time around, but because they soar above everyone else's. However, he remains passionate about Ward 3 residents and the rights of rural dwellers, such as continuously fighting for more roads. He was criticized earlier this year when he suggested council's salaries be reviewed in a closed-door meeting. Although he ran in the federal election, he managed to only miss one meeting when he ran in the federal election, and was still accessible for City business. He played with Rick Johnson's County Jamboree to help raise funds for the United Way at this year's Pickering Rotary Ribfest. At the Region, Coun. Johnson is an ardent supporter of incineration. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the issue. Ward 3 City Councillor David Pickles Last year: B+ This year: B+ Attendance: Council: 16/17 Executive committee: 12/12 Expenses: $7,532 Travel: $10,830 Coun. Pickles continues to raise reasonable points. He's consistent in showing his opposition to a possible airport, such as reconfirming the City's opposition to it, and criticizing the Region for continuously identifying an airport on its maps for future plans. Also, he argues these points in a reasonable way. For example, when he heard rumours the federal government was planning to give $2 billion to the construction of an airport, he said it would be wrong, not only because he's against it, but also, it would take away from other much more needed, shovel-ready projects, such as transit and road projects. Ward 2 Regional Councillor Bill McLean Last year: B This year: B Attendance: Council: 16/17 Executive committee: 10/12: Regional council 12/13: Regional committee 30/39 Expenses: $6,633 (Local), $2,760.28 (Regional) Travel: $10,800 Coun. McLean became involved in the issue of a possible odour control plant going into Cherrywood and challenged Regional Chairman Roger Anderson on the topic and how to make sure it stays out of Durham when he gave his annual address to council. Coun. McLean relates well to residents and pushed the Province to hurry up and fix a terrible stretch of Hwy. 401 that was damaging drivers' windshields. Coun. McLean was also strongly against any possibility of Pickering councillors getting a pay raise when the idea was brought up. At the Region, Coun. McLean gets involved only when he needs to, a welcome trait considering some of the contentious issues the Region has been dealing with. Ward 1 Regional Councillor Bonnie Littley Last year: B This year: B Attendance: Council: 16/17 Executive committee: 11/12: Regional council 13/13: Regional committee 24/29 Expenses: $5,171 (Local), $3,916.92 (Regional) Travel: $11,184 Coun. Littley is in her role for all the right reasons: she's passionate about the environment, growth and transparency. However, she sometimes seems to have a hard time articulating her thoughts at meetings. Unfortunately, this results in council not taking her seriously at times, although her ideas are well researched and she seems to have good intentions. She fought hard regarding future growth in Pickering, picking flaws in Durham's report to the Province regarding the Region's future growth forecasts. She received some criticism when she didn't allow council to question residents speaking against a development in an open meeting. At the Region, Coun. Littley seems earnest, but her speaking style is confusing, leaving one with the impression she's not well prepared. Ward 1 City Councillor Jennifer O'Connell Attendance: Council: 17/17 Executive committee: 11/12 Last year: B- This year: B Expenses: $7,683 Travel: $10,782 Coun. O'Connell is certainly passionate about her job. She takes time to consult residents and even circulated a survey on what they wanted in the budget. She sometimes compares Pickering to Toronto, and it's not always relevant since Toronto is much bigger, such as the time she compared Pickering's snow clearing procedures to Toronto's. It's still evident she does her homework and cares about the issues. She continues to get a better handle on municipal proceedings and issues. She has a soft side; for example, she got council to support asking the Minister of Natural Resources to investigate illegal hunting that was reported in Pickering. | ||
Mayor Dave Ryan Mayor Ryan continues to conduct Town Hall meetings, giving residents the opportunity to both compliment and challenge him. He also spearheaded the Mayor's Task Force to help keep an eye on council conduct. He stands firm on his decisions. For example, he received criticism from other councillors for not going to council before police when dealing with fraud charges against former councillor Maurice Brenner, but maintains he did what he thought was best. He also cut down his expenses by about $2,500. At the Region, Mayor Ryan generally takes a laid back approach to Regional council, preferring to listen rather than to speak. However, he can be passionate when discussing issues such as the cuts at the Ajax-Pickering hospital during an appearance by LHIN representatives. Bonnie Littley Coun. Littley demonstrates a strong sensitivity for the environment along with a good business sense. She hosted a well-attended community exchange on sustainability. Although she experienced some criticism when she suggested the date that was being proposed to ban pesticides for businesses was too soon, it made sense and City staff favoured her view in the end, which kept a lot of Pickering businesses happy. At the Region, sheÕs also a quiet councillor, most often speaking up on issues related to the environment and health. Of the four Pickering councillors, she's the only consistent opponent of the Region's incineration project. Bill McLean Coun. McLean was instrumental in helping Pickering succeed in Communities in Bloom as he constantly promotes it. He stuck to his guns when he said he wasn't going to approve any additional budget items during discussions. He had the good sense to suggest the City wait to see what the Province has in store for banning pesticides before the City spent money on its own initiative. Shortly thereafter, a provincial ban was announced. When it comes to the Region, Bill McLean focuses on bringing his constituents' needs to the table. This includes supporting local business owners in fighting a Region-proposed median for Brock Road. He also brought complaints about transit service cuts in his ward to the Region. Rick Johnson Coun. Johnson's expenses are on the rise again, which is why his grade has dropped, but he did donate a hefty sum to the Rotary Clubs of Ajax and Pickering to help them put on the very successful Ribfest in the City. A man who sticks to his guns, he still welcomes conflicting opinions. A good sport, he took a scooter around the Pickering Town Centre to raise money for the Ontario March of Dimes. At the Region, he brings years of experience to the works committee. As former chairman of the committee, he's passionate about works, as evidenced by his enthusiasm during a recent tour of the new Courtice Water Pollution Control Plant. Jennifer OÕConnell Coun. O'Connell's grade would have increased due to her better understanding of council proceedings and strong voice at meetings, but her expenses are on the high side so her grade remains the same as last year. She has the second-highest expenses, but is new and attended many conferences in order to get up to speed. She challenges actions by both council and staff, which helped create a more clearly-written budget. She relates well to residents and their issues, such as bringing attention to Pickering's rail tracks. Doug Dickerson Coun. Dickerson is once again the biggest spender on council and he must get control of his expenses. His grade drops for his continued lack of concern over his spending habits. But some could argue his expenses did pay off, as almost half were for conferences. As chairman of the Sustainable Pickering Advisory Committee, he spent a lot of time at sustainability conferences, an area in which Pickering's been successful. Coun. Dickerson always says what's on his mind, sometimes good and sometimes bad, but he adds colour to meetings and stands firm in his beliefs. David Pickles Coun. Pickles's grade increased because he's been more vocal at meetings and his logic stands out. For example, rather than simply closing down the Greenwood Library due to a ruined foundation and broken furnace, he talked council into putting $50,000 into a contingency fund so money will be available if repairs go ahead. He spent the least on expenses and had an energy audit conducted on his home to see how he can personally reduce energy consumption. | ||
Mayor Dave Ryan Mayor Ryan had some difficult challenges in the past year. For example, taxes increased once again, but he was able to explain the reasoning to the public, with a knack for explaining complex matters in layman's terms. Introducing a series of Town Hall meetings, the first was successful, drawing many residents with concerns, questions and praises. He's an effective leader, and is able to control Council when debates become heated. He continues to promote responsible growth and business development in Pickering. Bonnie Littley Coun. Littley stand strong on many issues, such as the environment, local farmland and the proposed Pickering Airport. She is quickly catching on to council proceedings and offers suggestions on a number of issues. She is a member of many committees and boards, such as the Accessibility and Seaton advisory committees. She's also had a role in bringing forward amendments in regard to the airport, asking for an open and public review process, and was successful encouraging others to agree. Bill McLean Coun. McLean stays on topic at meetings and has strong beliefs. Last year, we said it would be interesting to see what comes of the Bay Ridges Plaza issue. Although given the go-ahead, it seems h's been responding to the communities' remaining concerns, and is quick to respond to residents in general. He's been an advocate for Communities in Bloom as co-chairman of the advisory committe, and has been persistent in pushing for election sign bans on arterial roads. Rick Johnson Coun. Johnson's expenses have continually decreased. He has such strong passion for his community and a wealth of knowledge that it's hard to get anything past him. His passion can make him a little excited at meetings, but he often balances that out by adding humour and colour as well. He's firm in regard to his beliefs and projects, and will fight for somthing if he thinks he can make a difference. He's firm in his belief in preserving heritage sites and pushes for road improvements throughout the city. Jennifer OÕConnell Coun. O'Connell is new to politics and is just getting used to council proceedings. Although she asks a number of questions at meetings, it's important she understands before voting on items. It's always evident she does her homework before meetings. She's not afraid to voice her concerns at meetings and won't back down easily. This year she;s advocated for the banning of pesticides, and has acted on cercerns from residents experiencing problems with train tracks in her ward. It will be interesting to see what comes of her ideas. Doug Dickerson Coun. Dickerson heard some criticism when he admitted to three lost or stolen Blackberries and his increasing expenses. That said, he's very involved in his community and knows issues not only in his ward, but all across the city. He is able to find possible conflicts with proposed ideas, and doesn't back down easily when he believes in something. He's shown interesting initiative in urging the ban of trans fats and advocating for seniors, and continues to be active as chair of the Sustainable Pickering Advisory Committee. David Pickles Coun. Pickles has a passion for his community which is very evident. He's shown initiative in promoting better access for low-income families to the Pickering Recreation Complex and sits on many committees and boards, such as the Roadwatch Committee and the Duffins Creek Watershed Task Force. It's hard to bend Council's arm, but it would be good to see his ideas pushed through. He's usually vocal at meetings, and his vast environmental knowledge is evident. | ||
|
© 2002-2012 - All Rights Reserved.
|
 |
