Too many conversations about municipal development come packed with assumptions, including the assumption that it’s a binary decision: to develop, or not to develop. But that’s not actually the question! Development can be a great thing, or it can be a bad thing; most often it’s a little of both. (I’ve written about the developmentContinue reading “To develop, or not to develop”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Municipal Tax Base
Several of the biggest frustrations many people have with government are related to taxes. When they’re collected, it can feel arbitrary and forced: we all have to pay them. Then, it isn’t clear where they go: government accounting is always available for us to examine, but that doesn’t mean that it’s clear or easy toContinue reading “Municipal Tax Base”
Voting!
Well neighbours, we made it. Monday, October 17 2022 marks the start of the last week of the municipal election campaign, and the first day of voting! Things are going to be different this year: the entire election is being held online. That’s a first for us. If you’re not very comfortable with computers, youContinue reading “Voting!”
The Staff & Council Relationship
The previous council in Brighton was known for being divided and fractious. As much as there were big election issues in 2018, the biggest mandate the current council received (I think it’s fair to say) was to get rid of the infighting and provide stable leadership. And I think they’ve done a good job ofContinue reading “The Staff & Council Relationship”
Affordable Housing in Brighton
It’s late, but I’m still buzzing from the QDAR All-Candidates Meeting held tonight at the Legion! A good event. Being hosted by the Quinte & District Association of Realtors, the main topic of the night was housing. As a Realtor myself, it was familiar territory; but much of the language and policies that were discussedContinue reading “Affordable Housing in Brighton”
Rumours and Negativity
When you run for office, you meet a lot of people. Campaigns can get busy and complex, but most of it is just walking around town, going door to door, introducing yourself to people you don’t know and checking in with the ones you do. If I make it to your doorstep (and there’s aContinue reading “Rumours and Negativity”
ALL of Brighton
There are a few places in Brighton that are distinctively Brighton, as if they’re somehow more Brighton than anywhere else. Main Street, with its historic buildings, monuments, and concerts in the park; Presqu’ile, the provincial park that we call our own, with its iconic marshes and tasty snack stop; and King Edward Park, the hubContinue reading “ALL of Brighton”
The Feelings of Politics
“You feel what you feel, and your feelings are real.” – Sven the Reindeer (Frozen 2) Politics is an emotional affair. We’ve all become accustomed to outrage as a driving political force; it isn’t news when politicians address a chanting mob to feed their angst and fuel their resentments. While this kind of nasty populismContinue reading “The Feelings of Politics”
Communication in Local Government
“Who do I talk to about this?” “When is that event?” “Why isn’t this on the website?” The workings and structure of municipal governments is rarely clear, but it’s not from a lack of trying. I can almost guarantee that your answer is on the municipal website – but so is a lot of otherContinue reading “Communication in Local Government”
Lessons in Leadership from the Queen
Queen Elizabeth II died yesterday, after reigning for 70 years. However you feel about monarchies in general, the British Monarchy has been one of the most stable institutions in living memory, in large part thanks to Elizabeth’s own steadfast and disciplined reign. Anyone who aspires to leadership has a lot to learn from her, butContinue reading “Lessons in Leadership from the Queen”