Each of these councillors has received ‘gifts’ of various values from corporations and developers involved with Pickering and the Durham region. Given the salaries they receive, there would seem to be no justifiable reason for their acceptance of any such gifts unless there is some quid pro quo planned. In some eyes, such gifts might be viewed as being on the edge of corruption. In days of old, unquestionably so. But some would voters say, ‘Every politician is on the take to some extent.”
Say it isn’t so, Councillors. Justify these gifts, given that your salary is in the $100K range.
Mayor Ashes ‘take’…oops, take-away.
Mayor Kevin Ashe’s freebies given by Companies for his entertainment!
Developer Dorsay Developments
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
United Boxing Promotions
Invited by White Owl Group Ticket to Toronto Maple Leafs Gam $250 April 11, 2024
T. Hamilton & Son Roofing Inc.
M. Borie
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“If these these gifts are not tied to anything such as contracts why do developers provide these to the mayor. Why would they bother? In the private world this is not tolerated any more.
Could it be the mayor is invited to these events to by pass the Lobbyist Registry? I’m sure when the mayor attends these events there is no discussion on current and future projects and any positioning to get the mayor to support certain requirements. Given the mayor is the only one with Dictator powers, its interesting in 2024 he’s the only one offered these gifts. Its the gifts we do not see that is a concern to me.”
S. Moore
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Little perks? I think not. If politicians, who represent the public, can take gifts and perks, then that logic should extend to every government employee. Then Public Health Inspectors, who are entrusted with looking out for the public’s safety could wine and dine without worrying about the mouse and cockroach infestation in a restaurant; building inspectors could pass highrise buildings with serious construction flaws; fire safety inspectors could look the other way on code infractions, and by-law inspectors could pick and choose what to enforce. It opens the door to that slippery slope.
It has been going on for decades. I remember the Mayor of Toronto back in the 1960’s holding a press conference and every news outlet in Canada carried it. Cases of liquor were being delivered to City Hall to share among whoever wanted a bottle. Now its free sports events tickets, that only corporate entities can afford to pass off; free trips in the winter to the warmest parts of the world, and generally no checks or balances on what would otherwise be called a bribe.
If you don’t learn from history your bound to repeat it. Memories and time allow it to happen. Wealthy Corporations and others should not be allowed to infiltrate City Hall and government offices with perks of any kind.
___________________________________P. White
___________________________________P. White
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I disagree with the above for different reasons. The reasoning rests on the basis that people are corrupt, period. It does not consider the facet of “responsibility” or “job principles.” I believe most politicians are responsible people who take on the job and do it. When they fail to do the job, then take them to task regardless of salary or any ‘gifts’ they accept. Incompetence or job incapability should be accountable.
As for the gifts…the problem may be that the assumption is there are strings attached to the gift. And that is their danger. I like giving gifts that are gifts of appreciation. “Thanks for doing that job so well,” nothing more, nothing less. However, I can understand that the gift may have some strings, like remembering this gift and doing me a favour again in the future. You may get another gift of appreciation. That is the problem with any gift…it may be tainted.
To eliminate any potential problem, forbid all gifts, FULL STOP.
_______________________________________R. Szpin
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We have a limited view to what elected politicians get in the way of gifts and freebees because their obligated to disclose.
All other government employees are not under any obligation to show us citizens the gifts and freebees they get.
I suspect its even worse there.
And developers don’t give these things out without some sort of payback. I saw this done all the time in the private sector. Not all gifts are disclosed.
S. Moore
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Hello all, below is an email that was sent out June 30, 2024 that shows gifts given to Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe as posted in the Pickering.ca web site. You will find that “Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Below please find the link to the City of Pickering’s “joint statement” release.
M. Borie
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Care to comment about the above? Email zippyonego@gmail.com
