Tomlinson's CBO Solution

Today's Almaguin News (page 7) reports that Tomlinson has again approached the Township of Perry in an attempt to woo CBO Paul Schaeffer back. Perry says that Schaeffer is "too busy", but the reality is that he'll never come back to Kearney while Tomlinson is mayor. Apparently, very other CBO within 100 kms is also "too busy" because the Town of Kearney has had to go all the way to North Bay to find a CBO who's willing to fill in for the remainder of the Tomlinson's term.

Are you surprised?

Kearney CBO Henry Hess Resigns

Town staff have confirmed that CBO Henry Hess has tendered his resignation effective July 12, 2013. Let's hope that council takes this opportunity to find a more cost efficient shared CBO service as we've had in the past. Given Mayor Jubilee's habit of pissing off the neighbours that might be harder than it sounds. We shall see.

Click to enlarge

Almaguin News notices mayor's absence

We weren't the only ones who noticed a marked improvement in council's morale with Mayor Jubilee away and Deputy Mayor Yvonne Wills at the helm; The Almaguin News ran an editorial in today's paper commenting on the improvement.

We often remark that newspapers don't report on things that are running fine, except when it's so rare that "everything is just fine" becomes news. Welcome to Kearney.

Are you surprised?

Click to enlarge

A Correction on Tomlinson and the Town Office

We misunderstood that Mayor Paul Tomlinson had been barred AGAIN from the town office, but we've received clarification. His Worship has not been allowed in the town office, unless escorted by another member of council, ever since being found guilty of bullying and harassing the town staff. The locks/access codes were changed and the mayor was not given the new ones (This was his second strike). So in order for Mayor Jubilee to retrieve his mail he either has to get an escort or go to the public service window. Or get his wife to get it.

I'll huff and I'll puff!

So he hasn't been barred again; The injunction was just never lifted.

Sorry about the misunderstanding.

Tomlinson's absence profoundly improves Council meetings

Over the past month or so, it has become apparent that the negative element of Proudfoot has narrowed down to three individuals: Mayor Paul Tomlinson, Councillor Barry Dingwall, and Poor Jim Skelton.

With Mayor Jubilee on holidays over the past month, the atmosphere at the council table and in the town office has turned around 180 degrees. Deputy Mayor Wills, in Tomlinson’s absence, has made the council meetings pleasant, fun, and very productive. If this were to continue we run the risk of the Almaguin News moving on to some other troubled part of the Almaguin Highlands. But alas, Tomlinson returns this week.

Councillor Dingwall, during Tomlinson’s absence, has faded considerably. His brainless contributions at the council meetings have diminished, probably because without Tomlinson screaming at him he has slipped back into his habit of not reading the council information packages.

At the last Size of Council Committee meeting Dingwall's buddy Rhys Milner also showed up for a failed attempt to intimidate of former mayor Jeff Johnston who was making a presentation, while Poor Jim sat there like a big lump waiting until Johnston and Wills are not present so he could jump in with his usual filibustering.

Poor Jim also claims credit for being the brains behind the dissolution of the wards system in Kearney and the failed push at the same time to have council reduced from 7 to 5. Poor Jim has attended every Size of Council Committee meeting and he and Dingwall have been overheard by several people discussing ways to sabotage the committee.

So we have three nasty, conniving, bullying individuals, who have spawned a  group of Proudfoot minions to do their nasty work, e.g. beat the hell out of the former Mayor’s son, write emails about the townies being "inbreds" and "trash", and so on. Not one of the three have ever contributed one positive thing to the Town of Kearney. Heck, Poor Jim can't even decide if he wants taxes lower or higher, or who is/was responsible for raising or lowering them.

Well, over the past month, in Tomlinson's absence, we have witnessed what Kearney's town council used to be like. Energetic, positive, and forward-thinking.

So, we ask you this, do you really want to continue following the likes of Tomlinson, Dingwall, and Poor Jim down the "can't do" path of doom, gloom, and financial ruin?

Why won't Mayor Tomlinson go near the town office?

People around Kearney have been noticing an interesting trend. Mayor Paul Tomlinson hasn't been retrieving his own mail from the town office. Instead he's been sending his wife in to get it.

We thought he might just be lazy, but according to staff Tomlinson has been harassing and bullying them and has gotten himself barred. Again.

Are you surprised?

Kearney CBO Henry Hess Photographed Sleeping

According to our sources, on Thursday, May 30th, photos of Henry Hess sleeping in his truck near Bear Lake were dropped off at the Kearney town office. 

The photos were dropped off at around 4:00 PM. Hess was seen leaving Kearney at around 2:00 PM. Bear Lake is about half an hour from Kearney. The photographer had to have time to go off and get the pictures printed and drive back to Kearney, so it's a safe bet that Hess was fast asleep some time around 2:30, but certainly well before 3:00 PM. At the very least, Hess was long gone from his workplace shortly after 2:00.

What are Hess's hours of work? Others have reported seeing him sleeping during business hours. Is the highest paid CBO in the Almaguin Highlands getting paid to sleep while funding gets cut to our local library? Will Mayor "Just One Voice" Jubilee do anything about this?

Where's Pauldo?

While Mayor Jubilee is strutting his medal around Europe, the biggest economic news to hit Kearney in a century makes the Toronto Star, the Almaguin News front page, and national television. This, of course, is the announcement that the Graphite Mine has overcome all obstacles and is beginning production this November. While Mayor Doughty of Huntsville and the Town of Kearney get good mention, the only mention of Kearney’s mayor appears in the Toronto Star as “the local mayor”, in the same sentence with the Grass & Loon Lake Residents Group. The Almaguin News references the Town of Kearney from many angles but our local mayor isn't mentioned once. 

It appears everyone has caught on to what most of us have known for a long time; our local mayor is a nonentity.

Are you surprised?

Jim Skelton writes the Almaguin News

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Proudfooter Jim Skelton fancies himself as an expert on almost everything, whether it’s firetrucks, accruals, municipal finances, size of council, or what colour drapes would look best with your carpet. He is almost always proven wrong and shown up for his self-serving, pontificating arrogance. 

Remember Poor Mom, who lives in an upscale condo in Kitchener and can’t afford to pay a few extra tax dollars on her Sand Lake waterfront cottage and stingy old Jim who lives in an upscale condo in downtown Toronto, plus a waterfront cottage on Sand Lake, can’t help out Poor  Mom with a few dollars to make ends meet. 

Now we read Jim’s Letter to the Editor in the May 16th Almaguin News (above). In Poor Jim’s “Poor  Mom” email to members of council he pleaded with them to reduce taxes, not raise them. Well, Council ignored Poor Jim and voted in a 3.9% tax levy increase. Only Councillor Yvonne Wills voted against the budget and the accompanying increase of 3.9% in the tax levy.

So, does Poor Jim praise Councillor Wills for her tough stand? Nope. 

But Poor Jim, if your buddies Tomlinson, Dingwall and Wadsworth had voted against the budget with Councillor Wills, the budget would have been defeated and you would have gotten your tax cut for Poor Mom. 

But, Poor Jim is so busy being an expert at everything, he can never remember if he wants taxes raised or lowered.

Give it up Jim. Every time you send something out, you make yourself look more foolish, if that is even possible.

Is anyone surprised?

Updated Draft Budget Now Available.

It's funny (not HA-HA funny) how the Proudfoot bunch on council make a point of telling everyone that they never lower themselves by reading our blog. Yet, there always seems to be an immediate response from them when we write stuff.

Take for example, the lack of availability of the draft budget we wrote about on May 5th. Two days later: An updated copy of the draft budget appears on the Town of Kearney website. Ta-da!

Probably just coincidence.

Proudfoot's Jim Skelton writes to Council

Dear Councillors:

Mom turned 96 last December.
The property at Sand Lake is hers…

Earlier this year Mom misplaced (lost) her hearing aid.
She has one good ear in which a hearing aid works. It’s essential to replace.

Recently (last month) she had a cataract removed and needs new glasses.

And, now Kearney is about to ask her for another 4% or $210.
Money she desperately needs for glasses and a hearing aid…
Money, mostly not needed by Kearney, that will sit in a bank gathering rust.

Please excuse the above ‘personalization’ but perhaps it may help make the point.

Easy to say “Working Capital Surplus”…
However, there is no such justifiable financial requirement.
An unallocated surplus is just that “unallocated” or in other words “unneeded”!!

Please adjust your thinking and planning somewhat.
Use short term borrowing to manage timing of cash requirements.
The modest interest expense is both prudent and a legitimate operating expense.

Also please give your collective heads a shake and get realistic with your proposed tax increase.
Or, if you prefer each of you could send my Mom $30 so she can afford her share of the money not needed!

With Kearney’s elderly population the above story may well be repeated in many similar forms.
Let your conscience be your guide….
Thanks for listening.

Sincerely,
Jim Skelton
416-367-1400
25 George Street #703,
Toronto, ON
M5A 4L8

It brings a tear to the eye, doesn't it? So selfless, isn't he? Poor old Mrs. Skelton, huddled in her tar-paper shack, eating dog food out of a can...

Except that Jim Skelton's mother lives in Kitchener and Jim lives in a condo in downtown Toronto, so their properties in Kearney are lakefront cottages. 

So what Jim is really saying is that even though he and his mom own homes and cottages, and even though tax cuts are already killing student jobs, library funding (do we really need to make another list?), he and mom don't want to cough up $200. If you're so upset about poor old mom, just sell your cottage, Jim. 

Mind you, Jim might be a bit strapped for cash now that Henry Hess knows that Jim's septic is hooked up to his mom's on the adjoining property and he'll have to get his own septic bed. Tsk, tsk, Jim. It's nice that you're not leeching into the lake anymore, but it's still against the law.

Meanwhile, mom's cataracts are so bad she can't even drive Jim's Mercedes. 

And if you're wondering what 25 George Street looks like:

And here's a virtual tour of one of Jim's neighbour's condos. It's truly tragic what those poor folk in Proudfoot have to suffer through, isn't it?

A Reader Kindly Corrects Us

pogo p possum

Mon, May 6, 2013 at 11:39 AM

To: "kearneyconcernedcitizens@gmail.com"

Put your name behind this anonymous pile of uniformed [sic] crap and perhaps an open and transparent dialogue might ensue. We know where this is coming from and tire of this endless repetition of the same old WRONG story. Tick tock though the chickens are coming home to roost. Hope you got deep pockets .

pogo p possum

Mon, May 6, 2013 at 5:29 PM

To: "kearneyconcernedcitizens@gmail.com"

People of Kearney demand openness and transparency of the Blog

pogo p possum

Mon, May 6, 2013 at 10:16 PM

To: "kearneyconcernedcitizens@gmail.com"

Actually its [sic] YOUR not You're and like your understanding of the Town's finances you FAIL in both regards.

Apparently, our take on the current Draft Budget is a "pile of uniformed* crap", but the only error Pogo corrects us on is a typo in the title of one of our articles. Thanks, Pogo (if that is your real name)! Error corrected.

And if our understanding of the budget is so flawed, why not demand that the draft be made public so the people of Kearney can decide for themselves?
 

*It should be "uninformed", not "uniformed". And "have deep pockets", not "got deep pockets". And "it'sYOUR", not "its YOUR". We won't even mention your punctuation. Good effort though. Write us again; That was fun!

Make Sure Your Voice Is Heard

Kearney's Town Council will be voting on the 2013 Budget on Thursday, May 9th. No one has been allowed to see the budget and there are numerous problems, as we outlined in the previous article (below).

Contact members of Council and tell them that we have the right to see this budget before it's rammed down our throats! Tell Council to vote NO until the budget draft is made public and the people of Kearney have been heard.

Tell Wadsworth, Tomlinson, and Dingwall that the People of Kearney demand openness and transparency!

And speaking of the 3 Stooges...

What’s wrong with this picture? 

What happened to the commitment to openness and transparency? 

Traditionally, prior to approving the Annual Budget, Kearney's Council has always had a public meeting. Usually at a time when most of us can be available, like a Saturday, on a long week-end like the upcoming May 24 weekend, which is just a little over a week after Council intends to pass a budget that nobody has seen. 

Is it because the 2013 budget is fraught with financial mismanagement, depletion of the Reserves, continuing patronage to Proudfoot buddies, and an inability to meet fundamental operational needs, or is it just an administrative oversight? 

It could be argued that a public meeting was held, way back in February, on a Monday morning, in the middle of the winter, with a draft budget being handed out just 15 seconds before the meeting started. But, if the public meeting - which four people were able to attend - was to review the 2013 Budget, why did it take almost three months for Wadsworth, Tomlinson, and Dingwall to present it? 

Simple answer: The February version was such a load that even a cursory review by four members of the public pinpointed all kinds of irregularities. So what has changed and why isn’t a real public meeting being called? 

What are Louise Wadsworth, Paul Tomlinson, and Barry Dingwall hiding?

So much for openness and transparency.

Well, we don’t know all of what is being hidden, but here are some things that stick out like a sore thumb:

1) The version of the 2013 draft Budget presented at the Feb. 18th public meeting was dated Jan. 4th, 2013 and done prior to knowing any actual expenditures for 2012. Knowing actual expenditures helps to better predict future expenditures. During his campaign, Paul Tomlinson naively bragged that he'd have budgets out before the beginning of each year, but we all watched that blow up in his face last year.

2) At the Feb. 18th meeting, the Financial Consultant advised the committee to defer passing the 2013 Budget until the 2012 audit has been completed. The 2012 audit has not yet been presented to Council for approval and likely won’t be before July. See also point #1. 

3) There is a deficit of almost $60,000 (that we so far know of) coming out of 2012. That means Council must raise taxes 2% if they to balance just 2012.

4) The Feb. 18th version of the budget forecasted a 3.95% increase in our property tax rate to balance the budget but that’s a phony amount. Wadsworth set this before she knew about the $60,000 deficit from 2012, and she's fudging the numbers on the amount the town will need to pay in Education Taxes. 

5) The $100,000 CBO (plus an increase of 63.71% or $3872.00 for the CBO’s travel allowance) is still in for 2013, while Perry Township’s CBO is only costing them $40,700. 

6) Then there's the $10,000 deductible the Town of Kearney pays for every lawsuit (insurance pays the rest). $20,000 was paid out in 2011, $10,000 in 2012, but for 2013 nothing is budgeted. We already know of at least two lawsuits that will be settled in 2013 so where will the (at least) $20,000 to pay the deductibles come from? 

7) Wadsworth, Tomlinson, and Dingwall killed the Summer Student Program to save $5500. Sorry kids, but we hear Perry is hiring.

8) Tomlinson isn't replacing the vacant Public Works position while our roads continue to crumble. That saves $9500, but a lawsuit because of bad road conditions is already costing a $10,000 deductible so this savings won't even cover that. Brushing of our roads has been cut, saving $11,728,  but now Public Works will have to do it. With one less worker. Bad potholes on your road? Sorry, PW is busy brushing.

9) It gets better: Wadsworth, Tomlinson, and Dingwall also chopped Roadways Maintenance by $34,142. There’s a good one since our roads are already in such great shape. DUH!! 

10) And there's still no money for a 2013/2014 rink attendant. Enjoy the Port-a-Potties. Maybe if the ice is thin enough you can wash your hands in the Magnetawan.

11) Wadsworth, Tomlinson, and Dingwall cut funding to the Kearney Library by $20,360 or 80%. To make ends meet, the library will need to use ALL of its reserves, which means no reserves in 2014. Then what?

12) Wadsworth, Tomlinson, and Dingwall have approved another loan, this time for $112,500. How high is high for our municipal debt?

13) Budget Line 407 – Wadsworth, Tomlinson, and Dingwall are still planning to pay $3000 of taxpayers’ rapidly disappearing money to repair a private dock for their Proudfoot Island Lake chums. Wadsworth says it's on a public shore allowance so it's a public dock. Then so is virtually every dock in Kearney! Are we going to fund repairs on those, too? Or just the ones in Proudfoot? How about we finish work on the Town's ACTUAL PUBLIC dock, huh?

There is much more but we hope you get the picture. Normally we provide links to back our statements, but all that Wadsworth has made available is the minutes of the December 2012 meeting and some agendas. And no updated Draft Budget. 

[Addendum: We did find a copy of the old February 18th DRAFT budget here.]

So much for openness and transparency.

Kearney doesn’t have enough money to meet basic operational needs but Mayor Paul H. Tomlinson sits on his fat ass when he should be out there working with the Province and Feds to get financial or partnership assistance. The previous council proved that there's all kinds of funding available. Why isn't Mayor Jubilee out there getting it?

Public Works is being cut by $25,862 while our main roads continue to crumble and we fund obscure roads like Lawson Drive. Where the heck is Lawson Drive? Why that’s a dead-end road where some of Wadsworth’s buddies live. Probably just a coincidence.

Wadsworth, Tomlinson, and Dingwall are forcing this outrageous budget through on Thursday, May 9th without the public getting to see or comment on it.

So much for openness and transparency.

And why push it now when the 2012 audit may not get reviewed until July?

The answer: On Friday, Mayor Jubilee heads out on a one month, much needed vacation to England. Remember, bullying and harassing consumes a lot of energy. Wanna bet he takes "his" medal with him? 

We can say more but this gives you enough information to be outraged. Show your outrage by contacting your “trusted” members of council and tell them DO NOT PASS THIS BUDGET ON MAY 9TH. After Tomlinson is out of town and in England (presumably telling Her Majesty how he single-handedly deflected that asteroid in February through sheer awesomeness), Council has an opportunity to turn things around. 

Step 1: Get rid of Wadsworth as the Budget Committee Chair.

Step 2: Tell Jim Skelton to shut the !#?% up.

Thank you, Your Queenliness,
your hat is pretty, too.

Tomlinson, Dingwall, & Wadsworth Running Scared?

At the council meeting of April 5th, 2013, a motion to appoint an Integrity Commissioner, to investigate the antics of Mayor Paul Tomlinson and certain members of council, was tabled, and after much protest, the motion passed with a 4 to 3 recorded vote. Tomlinson, Wadsworth & Dingwall voted against and lost. 

At the council meeting of April 26th, Wadsworth desperately tabled a motion to Reconsider the Motion on appointing an Integrity Commissioner. After much protest and whining, the Motion to Reconsider was defeated by a vote of 4 to 3. Tomlinson, Wadsworth, and Dingwall lost again. 

They're running scared because they know there is a huge file of wrongdoings that the Integrity Commissioner will have access to, including possible conflicts of interest, mistreatment of Kearney’s staff and citizens, a questionable septic inspection program, and a run-away CBO. 

The axe is falling and the noose is closing. 

And poor old Wadsworth is trying to ram a 2013 budget down everyone’s throats that she hopes will include funding a friend's private dock with taxpayers’ money. Money she hopes will come from the Public Works budget which has already seen a 1/3 of its 2013 gravel allotment gobbled up by the washout on Rain Lake Road. 

Are you surprised?

A Reader Asks:

Are there enough funds in the surplus accounts to cover the costs of properly repairing washed out roads and culverts or have the funds been depleted to cover tax deferrals?

Anonymous

Our source informs us that about 1/3 of the 2013 supply of crushed gravel had to be used to repair the washout. It's projected that additional gravel will need to be ordered and that's not budgeted. So, YES, more Reserves will be depleted, or Kearney’s road reconstruction program will have to be delayed yet again. The Reserves haven't been completely depleted but every year Louise Wadsworth's budget committee has been carving out huge amounts to fund tax cuts at a rate that will leave the town bankrupt by the end of the term. The Town is already having to borrow money to make ends meet.

A reader asks:

Do you know how long the CBO's contract is for?

We don't know if CBO Henry Hess is under contract or was hired as a full-time employee. If any of our readers know, email us.

Should Council be reduced from 7 to 5 Members?

We asked the readers this question and here are the results:

Yes - 10%

No - 88%

Not sure - 1%

It's pretty clear that a vast majority of our readers do not want to see council reduced from 7 to 5 members.

But what would it be like to have only 5 members of council? Well, that's easy! Just look at the previous council and compare it to the current council. During the previous term we saw huge groups of volunteers improving the town, under the guidance and encouragement of members of council. We saw several grant and funding initiatives undertaken by members of council. We saw members of council organizing and supporting community events.

This term, we've only had 5 active members of council - Paul Tomlinson and Barry Dingwall have done nothing so far except find "can't-do" excuses - and some are FAR more active that others. Actually, Dingwall didn't even bother to show up for 43% of the council meetings in 2012! Good thing he voted himself a regular salary so he still gets to collect full pay, eh? Remember when we mentioned how nice it would be to get paid more for doing less...? How long would you keep your job if you didn't show up for work 43% of the time?

But if you really have your heart set on a council of 5, then at least make sure the ward system is back in place in Kearney. Otherwise, you might as well start telling people that you live in the Town of GLLRG.

By the way, Barry, how's the Ralph Bice Centre coming along? You know, the one you promised in your campaign speeches.



“I just don’t see how the community can expect people on council to go out and do these programs in addition to the work they’ve already taken on. For me, I’m out. I will never volunteer for regatta, I’m sorry to say.” - Councilor Barry Dingwall, November 2011

More Reader Mail

In the Almaguin News edition of April 11, 2013, there is no shortage of articles on Kearney. Some would like to shoot the messenger (blog), but Tomlinson and his 2 remaining supporters (Dingwall, Wadsworth) continue to create very reportable news. Unfortunately, the news that Tomlinson and Dingwall, and Tomlinson’s sycophant Wadsworth, create reflects a nastiness and negativity that is hard to ignore. 

The “Kearney CAO (is) gone from Kearney”. Surprise, surprise. Tomlinson harassed and bullied Ms. Aubichon beyond belief and bragged about it openly. 

“Self- policing not an option for council.” Council voted 4-3 to appoint an Integrity Commissioner to enforce the Town’s Code of Conduct. Tomlinson, Dingwall, and Wadsworth voted against it. Tomlinson says “We haven’t even had the opportunity to see if the self-policing component will work before trying to spend money on something that might be totally unnecessary” says Tomlinson. Really now. Tomlinson brags openly about firing the previous, previous CAO. Tomlinson brags openly of harassing and bullying the previous CAO. Tomlinson openly insults and belittles Deputy Mayor at every turn, including the last council meeting when he said she was too incompetent to be Deputy Mayor. We have members of the community verbally and physically assaulted, we have law suits against the Town, and the list goes on. Tomlinson has lost the support of his council, he has been censured and asked to resign, and his tongue has enjoyed national exposure. Other than that, we probably don’t need an Integrity Commissioner. Yeah, right.

Leadership the real issue. The editorial with this heading is bang-on. Good Leadership by the Head of Council would resolve Kearney’s issues and the need for a tighter Code of Conduct and an Integrity Commissioner. Unfortunately, Tomlinson appears to be unable to provide any semblance of leadership and spends all his energies on tearing down anything positive and trying to hurt anyone who attempts to make a positive contribution. On the positive side, the majority of council is now demonstrating good leadership and is effectively shutting Tomlinson down.

Kearney regatta moving forward, council has approved the KPABA (Kearney Perry & Area Business Association) to take over the management of the 2013 Kearney Regatta. Tomlinson will have no say and the Regatta dance and other festivities will be resurrected. 

Mayor opposes rotating deputy. At the beginning of his term of council, Tomlinson stated the Deputy Mayor position would be rotated on an annual basis. At Friday’s council meeting Tomlinson tried to change his position and reappoint his Mini-Me Wadsworth back into the Deputy Mayor role. It didn't work out for Tomlinson and Wadsworth and was just another step in the slippery slope of oblivion for Tomlinson and Wadsworth. 

We believe the tide is turning for Kearney and the regime (Proudfoot Gang) of Tomlinson, Dingwall, and Wadsworth. Favours to friends, squandering town resources, and bully and harassing will be more difficult going forward. Now we just need to get rid of the useless CBO and his useless septic inspection program.

(Anonymous)

Reader Mail

Hi, Concerned Citizens of Kearney.

Great job!

I was reading Marty McFly's email exchange with Mayor Tomlinson and noted his comment: "Whom ever is doing this so called blog is not helping the town either."

But Marty also writes: "I have a great number of friends whom are well off and very interested in making investments but sadly are shying away from Kearney." and "I have spoken many long term friends who are afraid to do any work to their properties due to the extreme red tape by the current CBO."

Does Marty not want his investor friends to know about the hardships created by Tomlinson and his followers? Would Marty prefer that your blog not report what council has been doing and let other businesses walk into Tomlinson's mine field?

Having all the crap out in the open might be hurting Kearney in the short term, but in the long term future mayors and councillors will know that they can't get away with crap in Kearney. With any luck (and thanks to your blog) future mayors and councillors won't include Tomlinson and his ilk.

Don't shoot the messenger. And if I might use your original quote, "All that is necessary for evil to succeed is that good men do nothing, Marty."

Warmest regards,

Anonymous (Are you surprised?)

Thanks!! 

Kearney is getting an Integrity Commissioner

Today's Almaguin News reports that Kearney is getting an Integrity Commissioner. Unfortunately there's no online article available to link to, but pretty much everyone knows the story why. 

Mayor Tomlinson asked for a recorded vote.

Ball - YAY

Murdy - YAY

Wills - YAY

Sainsbury - YAY

Wadsworth - NAY

Dingwall - NAY

Tomlinson - NAY

Gee, Barry and Paul, why don't you guys want anyone watching your behaviour???

A Reader Exchanges Emails With Mayor Tomlinson

Here's an email another reader, who goes by the handle Marty McFly, shared with us. Marty is in blue and Tomlinson is in red. As usual, the email exchange starts at the bottom.

Marty McFly Thu, Apr 4, 2013 at 4:42 PM
To: "kearneyconcernedcitizens@gmail.com"

As I have said there is more to this than meets the eye which I am not at liberty to discuss.

However, I did note from the Almaguin News article that their new location seems better suited than their Kearney location as follows:

• We will hopefully expand their membership and with people coming through for the information centre I think it will bring us more business.”

• “We think this location will be a great spot. There weren’t a lot of spots where people could go in Kearney as far as bike trails,” said Carson.

• The business itself will be open seven days a week from April 1 to Oct. 1, during the peak season, and five days a week during the winter months. “That’s new for us too,” she said. “Right now in Kearney we close for the winter. We meet people by appointment for camping rentals but physically we close the store.”She says this location gives them the opportunity to be open year round.

We wish Trailside every success in their new venture at their new location!

Sincerely

Paul

Paul H Tomlinson
MAYOR
The Corporation of the Town of Kearney
P.O. Box 38
8 Main Street
Kearney, ON
P0A 1M0

________________________________________

From: Marty McFly [mailto:marty.mcfly97@hotmail.com]
Sent: March-15-13 10:59 AM
To: Paul H Tomlinson
Subject: RE:

But what about the many months they had fought to get that place fixed up across the street from town office?

What about the constant red tape the CBO keeps giving those who wish to do improvements. As soon as they meet one list he brings a new one?

I have a great number of friends whom are well off and very interested in making investments but sadly are shying away from Kearney. They are very well versed in research and so far they won't come despite what I try to tell them.

Take a look at the Toronto Star report http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2012/09/24/mayor_of_kearney_ont_under_pressure_to_resign.html.

Whom ever is doing this so called blog is not helping the town either.
________________________________________

Date: Thu, 14 Mar 2013 18:08:23 -0400
Subject: Re:
From: kearneytomlinson@gmail.com
To: marty.mcflyxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
CC: kearneydingwall@gmail.com; murdyarthur@gmail.com; stevesainsbury1@gmail.com; cricket8@xplornet.com; louiseinkearney@gmail.com; kenball4u@gmail.com

Dear Sir: there is much more than meets the eye but let me assure you we are very disappointed to see Trailside relocate. The Town of Kearney welcomes each and every entrepreneur to our Town and will do its utmost to accommodate them.

Sincerely

Paul

Paul H Tomlinson
Mayor
The Corporation of the Town of Kearney

________________________________________

Marty McFly Thu, Mar 14, 2013 at 5:57 PMTo: "kearneyconcernedcitizens@gmail.com"

Below sent to Kearney council.

Dear Council,

Please see the Almaguin news report as we lose another Kearney based business, quoted below, in addition to my conversations with the owners of Trailside.

Trailside Adventure Company owner, Robin Carson told the Almaguin News, "We have tried to grow in Kearney but we haven’t been very successful at that. We have just had too many roadblocks so when this opportunity came we jumped at it." Referring to their decision to close shop in Kearney and move to Emsdale where they were "welcomed with open arms" instead of a bureaucratic nightmare.

Does Kearney not want businesses to stay local? Does Kearney not want the younger generation to stay? If there is nothing for the younger generation they will not stay and therefore less future people to help support the older generation. If there is nothing for the cottagers such as activities or too much red tape will they want to stay, this will force properties down.

I have spoken many long term friends who are afraid to do any work to their properties due to the extreme red tape by the current CBO. There may be some that are doing work but there so many many more not. Local contractors are not getting as much work as before.
We should be encouraging people to do things to improve their places for many reasons,

1. Increased property values = more taxes
2. Houses don't look run down
3. Local contractors get work locally employing locals

Regards,

Marty

Tomlinson Claims Another Victim

Since Paul Tomlinson became mayor of Kearney we've not only watched business and industry leave town, but also town staff. As we've previously reported, several left because of Mayor Tomlinson's behaviour or had their jobs cut by him:

• Liz Stermsek, Office Administrator: Resigned in disgust.
• David Hunks, Treasurer: Resigned in disgust. Replaced with high paid, part-time financial consultant.
• Dean Hall, Operations Manager: Gone and not replaced.
• Kim Harrison, Fire Prevention Officer and 1st Response Captain: Gone because of budget cuts, but partially replaced.
• Frank Colley, General Maintenance, Custodian, Rink Attendant resigned in disgust after Lions Park heated washrooms were locked and replaced with Porta-potties. 
• Volunteers: Gone. Mayor Tomlinson has managed to do away with most volunteer committees and the deterioration of services and facilities is obvious. 

Now we can add Yvonne Aubichon, Kearney's Town Clerk, to Tomlinson's list of victims. Tomlinson harassed her to the point where Council had to intervene and Tomlinson issued a written apology to his victim. Council also censured the mayor and asked for his resignation. Almost immediately after, Tomlinson's lack of sincerity quickly became apparent when, at The Iron Skillet, he launched into a long and loud diatribe to his lawyer Rob Pritchard about what a shitty employee Ms. Aubichon was and how the "harassment" was nothing more than "keeping her in line". Several people in the restaurant were friends of Ms. Aubichon and were disgusted with Tomlinson's obvious grandstanding. Mayor Tomlinson's harassment and slander finally drove Ms. Aubichon out of Kearney on a leave of absence and she has now officially resigned. This is also what's known as "constructive dismissal". All this hot on the heals of Tomlinson telling the Almaguin News how, as a mere town councillor, he personally fired the previous Town Clerk, Twyla Nicholson.

Are you surprised?

Another reader responds

***Concerned Citizens – I wish to remain Anonymous please***

In response to “A member of Proudfoot Extols Mayor Tomlinson’s virtues”

Sounds like the writer, has his snoot in a bottle – maybe he should go back and have another Scotch with his buddy Paul.

Inbred F*cks, well takes one to know one!  As a matter of fact, this Proudfooter hasn't raised his/her head from the glass long enough to realize Wadsworth is not the Deputy Mayor any more.

And Bravo!  So you think this Town would be in ruins if it weren't for the Mayor, well buddy you know nothing, this Town is in ruins because of the Mayor! He just likes to hide behind Closed Doors to create his havoc ……….. and spend your Tax payer dollars foolishly - His little secret, he doesn't want you “PROUDFOOTER’S” to know the real Paul Tomlinson.

Go have another drink.

CHEERS!

A member of Proudfoot extols Mayor Tomlinson's virtues

Dear concerned jerks!
I dont know what the f*ck is the matter with you people although i use the term loosely Paul Tomlinson is the best mayor Kearney has ever seen and greatly deserves the medal!! Paul Tomlinson has done great things for this town!!
This town would have crumpled into ruin with all the inbred hicks here if it were not for the the mayor, deputy mayor Wadsworth, Barry Dingwall and Steve Sainsbury.
Your blog is a peace of shit! You loosers!!!!!!
Proud to be from Proudfoot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for your email. We were actually hoping for a more succinct description of Mayor Tomlinson's accomplishments.

A closer look at Mayor Paul Tomlinson's award

Concerned, Embarrassed, Ashamed Citizen Writes In

So far we haven't received any mail telling us how Mayor Paul Tomlinson deserves the Queen's Jubilee Medal, but citizens are writing in.

Dear Concerned Citizens,

In the March 21st Edition of the Almaguin News, Mayor Tomlinson proudly displays his Queen’s Jubilee Medal. The Editorial in the same Edition, entitled “Not to be judged”, suggests that Tomlinson played no role in being awarded the Medal, and did the appropriate thing by expressing his appreciation and humbly accepting it.

The flaw in the Editorial reasoning is that Tomlinson humbly accepted the Medal before he learned that the Medal was intended for all members of council and staff who collectively contributed to the betterment of the community. Whether Tomlinson was humbled or appreciative is irrelevant once he learned of the misunderstanding. What Mayor Tomlinson should have done when learning of the misunderstanding, was show true appreciation for all of those who contributed and then shared the honour of the Medal as Council’s resolution proposed.

But, we have seen very clearly that Mayor Tomlinson is not an honourable nor generous individual. He is a bully and harasser. His tongue has been plastered across newspaper pages across the country. And there is clear evidence that he is driving the Town of Kearney into a financial hole.

Tomlinson's insistence on keeping the Medal, knowing full well he is undeserving, is comparable to someone purchasing the Victoria Cross in a pawn shop.

Dear Mayor Tomlinson, You can strut around all you want but all it accentuates is what a pompous ass you are.

Thank you,
A Concerned, Embarrassed, Ashamed Citizen of Kearney

We wouldn't say that it's "comparable to someone purchasing the Victoria Cross in a pawn shop", but it's certainly comparable to someone purchasing the medal then giving it to Tomlinson. We, as does Rob Learn of the Almaguin News, could point the finger of blame at the FCM for their shotgun nominations but Tomlinson has no excuse for accepting a medal he knows he does not deserve.

If someone gives you stolen property and you accept it, knowing it's stolen, you've committed a crime. Similarly, if someone denigrates the honour of the medal by handing them out like candy and you know that you've done nothing to deserve the honour, then you are also guilty of denigrating that honour. Several mayors, not willing to be a party to this farce, have done the honourable thing and have returned their medals. Meanwhile, Mayor Paul Tomlinson tweets about his and posts pictures online. We noted as well that his Worshipfulness didn't declare a conflict of interest when Council voted on the issue.

Are you surprised?

'Just-One-Voice' Tomlinson says medal is well deserved

As you know, Kearney mayor Paul Tomlinson, like 1500 mayors across Canada, received a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. Most mayors across Canada immediately realized that the medal was intended to recognize municipal councils merely for being in good standing with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, who nominated them. The only reason the medals were awarded in the mayors' names was because groups could not be nominated, e.g. municipal councils. Other mayors felt that the medal's worth was diminished by being blanket-awarded to municipalities and went a step further by returning the medals. After all, who would accept a medal they hadn't earned?

[Pause for effect]

Kearney Mayor Paul Tomlinson has declared that he will not return the medal because he personally earned it!

Are you surprised?

So we ask (AGAIN):

What does Mayor Tomlinson believe is his "significant contribution" or "achievement" that personally earned him this honour? Was it this?

Tell us, Paul. And we'll post it here.

Kearney Still Closed For Business

The Proudfoot Bunch have been trying to convince everyone that The Concerned Citizens of Kearney blog will scare away potential investors because we've been exposing the red-tape and roadblocks this Council has been throwing at everything. We warned that the Proudfoot Bunch's "Can't-do" attitude was driving away business and investors, but it's easier for the Proudfoot Bunch to try to shoot the messenger than take any responsibility for the tailspin Kearney is in.

It's not The Blog however, that drove the Trailside Adventure Company out of Kearney, it was Mayor Paul Tomlinson's red-tape, piled on by the shovelful by his CBO Henry Hess.

Trailside Adventure Company owner, Robin Carson told the Almaguin News, "We have tried to grow in Kearney but we haven’t been very successful at that. We have just had too many roadblocks so when this opportunity came we jumped at it." Referring to their decision to close shop in Kearney and move to Emsdale where they were "welcomed with open arms" instead of a bureaucratic nightmare.

Not once in the article is the Big Bad Blog mentioned as a reason for the business moving.

Are you surprised?