“Even a broken clock is right twice a day. “
[ Comments or opinions may be added at the end of the post.]
Unfortunately, Councillor Lisa Robinson set an aura for herself when she took unique positions about marginalized group recognition and symbolic flag waving at public institutions about a year ago. It may be impossible for her to remove that aura. However, the Councillor has some validity in her most recent video statement made on YouTube at ROBINSON STATEMENT
The text of what was broadcast is as follows, with the highlighting indicating points to consider rather than merely as face value:
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Robinson’s Council Highlights April 22nd, 2024
Monday’s Council meeting had only 10 attendees. In a 5 to 1 vote, I dissented from adopting the minutes of previous meetings due to concerns about omitted details, censorship changes, and potential manipulation of recordings. I proposed employing an independent source for recording meetings to ensure transparency.
The Mayor, after announcing the first item on the agenda being the Integrity Commissioners Annual report, sarcastically stated “This should be Fun,” and then proceeded to insult me by saying he was going to have me on a short leash, like some kind of animal,
The Integrity Commissioner’s “Annual” report, which hasn’t been received annually for at least 4 years, raised questions. In which I was told it was generally/kinda/sorta an annual report. I challenged why the IC made a recommendation to forbid any delegates from speaking to any IC recommendation reports, and while trying to get a straight answer, the IC admitted that this suggestion was only made to the City of Pickering and not made to any other of her clients unless asked. I further tried to question the report, but I kept getting shut down by both the mayor and IC. After much research, I found out that this report is nothing more than a generic template and lacks focus on Pickering. Calling it Pickering’s Annual Report is nothing short of being very misleading to the public.
Council backed Saint Catherines’ petition for more funding for museums and libraries. I questioned this motive, as it’s unrelated to Pickering or Durham. The Mayor also labelled it urgent in his recap
I attempted to rescind the over $30,000 approval for chamber artwork, questioning the selection process as it did not go out to a call for artists for competition. Despite my efforts, the motion was not seconded, and the Mayor refused to relinquish his seat in order to do so.
Another issue was the commission of another $80,000 public art project at Kingston Rd and Whites. Recently, we have approved bringing 3 art projects in at over $170,000. In a 5 to 1 vote, I was the only one who advocated for prioritizing community needs, lowering property taxes, fixing roads and playgrounds, and preventing crime over decorative distractions.
I opposed the advancement of 1525 Pickering Parkway due to insufficient parking. Selling 571 units without parking for 256 of those units neglects community needs and exacerbates street parking and safety concerns. I also commented that none of the members of council would be willing to give up their cars, so why are we assuming that the people of Pickering will? In my opinion, not having a parking space is not going to make your investment more affordable like the politicians, and developers want you to think. Follow the money.
I voted against tax rates and due dates, criticizing the undemocratic Strong Mayors budget process in which the council was excluded and the unnecessary spending on things like non-essential projects and consultants, which could have prevented the 2024 tax hike.
We supported a seasonal patio program for the open studio art café in Nautical Village. I suggested exploring its extension to other restaurants/café’s in Pickering.
I proposed dividing the recommendation to provide extra grants to the Pentecostal Church and the Pickering Caribbean Canadian Cultural Association, granting the CAO and treasurer the authority to increase minor grant amounts from 250 to 2000 without council approval. Unfortunately, my colleagues refused to divide it, resulting in my vote not accurately reflecting my support for the grants, but not for the lack of transparency surrounding the high increase to be given out without the council’s approval.
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Two motions were presented to name a new or unnamed city property after former mayors John E. Anderson and Wayne Arthurs. I suggested considering naming rights for public facilities to generate revenue for the city and exploring alternative ways to honor Pickering politicians in the best interest of its residents.
And lastly, A motion was presented, in my view, in a sneaky, underhanded manner regarding the exclusion of non-Pickering residents as meeting delegates even though we have 4 members of the council who sit in the region. Despite lacking urgency or our usual procedure, it received 5 to 1 support from the council, which I find concerning, as this motion seems aimed at suppressing dissenting voices unless they align with favoured narratives. Over the last few months, we’ve reduced delegate time from 10 to 5 minutes, eliminated the question and answer period, prohibited attendees from recording meetings, and now the disallowance of non-Pickering residents as delegates with few exceptions, We also removed any Pickering residents delegations, from being able to register ten days in advance for items not listed on an agenda. This, my friends, represents censorship and undemocratic practices and marks the onset of a new era of council censorship, silencing the voices of the people. That’s it for Robinson’s Council Highlights, Thank you for watching and God Bless
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Official Statement:
The recent behaviour of Mayor Kevin Ashe, including derogatory remarks towards residents and non-residents of Pickering, such as labelling them as “nut cases,” “crazies,” and “right-wing conspiracy theorists,” is entirely unacceptable and condemnable. His online conduct, which includes bullying, intimidation, and name-calling, is not only unbecoming of his position but also deeply concerning.
Furthermore, Mayor Ashe’s hypocritical actions, purportedly advocating for mental health while engaging in behaviour that exacerbates it, are particularly troubling. His behaviour does not reflect the values of our community or the responsibilities of his position.
Therefore, I call for Mayor Kevin Ashe to step down from his position, as he has demonstrated that he is unfit to hold such a position of authority and responsibility.
I extend my sincerest apologies to all my supporters who have been bullied and called names by the Mayor and fellow councillors. No one should have to endure such treatment, especially from those in positions of power and authority.
It is one thing to have a dissenting opinion, but insulting, name-calling, bullying, and intimidating those who do is beyond disgusting. Such behaviour has no place in our community or in our council chambers. We must uphold the principles of respect, integrity, and inclusivity in all our interactions and condemn any actions that seek to undermine these values.
Thank you.
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