Definition of a burbert

[SASKFARMER3]

I argue with him but boy is he fun to have on here!

[TOM4CWB]

Hi Burbert,

So do you treat your family like me?

Cheers!

[cottonpicken]

I've said it before and i'll say it again.

If someone is on the verge of going over an emotional
cliff on what is said on an internet blog...they deserve
to be pushed.

[highwayman]

Maybe we should wait to hear both sides of this
story before passing judgement on this particular
council. Seems like there maybe a lot more going
on here then what were being told. There is a
better approach than the public theatrics of the
resigning reeve.

[ColevilleH2S]

If getting the public's attention was
the Reeve's intent, he accomplished that
in spades.
An excellent first shot. I'm curious to
hear the other side of the story now.

[highwayman]

Public attention to municipal affairs and public
works is a very good thing however dramatic
theatrics by any side just adds to the dysfunction
and chaos IMO. From 14 years of experience on
2 different RM councils I have found it much
easier and effective to work towards positive
change or results by working from the inside
rather than looking in or throwing stones from the
outside.

[toe]

Well here's the way I've seen it work 20 years ago when I was on council; and for the last dozen or so years (right up to a couple of months ago.)

Maybe it works exactly the same on your own councils; but thats up to you to confirm.

Basically; there is a very clear understanding that ratepayer concerns; matters related to gravel acquisition and who gets municipal services is left to the sole discretion of the councillor for that division. Those decisions are supported unanimously. Only once in blue moons is that not the case.

You can see the comradery at work as ratepayers on the shit list are referred to (usually, but not always in their absence) wiyh snide comments about their being childish; law disobeying; uncooperative social misfits.
But their friends and relatives who have equally violated the edicts are not treated similarly for identical infractions. (Two wrongs don't make a right syndrome)

I have become convinced that there is indeed a conspiracy of support which is expected to be returned in due course. In fact that is how it appears that "white washes" and secrecy does work.

Now when another municipal councillor was recently put in jail for tax evasion; all I saw from his colleages (from other councils) was snickering at if and when he would lose his per diems. The respect for other govenment boards, hospital districts and elected officials is totally lacking. Gossip flows freely; and that is mainly why the real meeting is held in the previous supper hour (or longer) and why attempts are made to prohibit free speech and free reporting of open council meetings.

All these instances reflect very badly on all councils; even those who conduct themelves in the most proper and exemplary ways. And yet we see no support for those who stand up against inappropriate behavior. (as shown by the latest agriville posts; and the lack of response in general).

I'd bet that there was no prior council resolution at RM Moosomin; bylaw enactment or emergency involved in the Moosomin situation. It truly sounds; and I would be extremely suprised otherwise; if the reporters account is not accurate. I have seen no rebuttals....has anyone else.

The councillor ( and any others who agreed to that decision outside council chambers) should now own a road. Read the RM Act and you will see that these are the only ways that a council has to gain authority to act.

And if everyine had access to council minutes; we would know those facts.

In fact I will now see if there is an RM Moosomin web site to do just that.

[toe]

"I have found it much
easier and effective to work towards positive
change or results by working from the inside
rather than looking in or throwing stones from the
outside. "

"Easier and effective" no doubt. Am I to be glad that you fit in perfectly. The object isn't to get inside to satisfy yourself. There's something about acting within the law, acting as a representative of the entire electorate; accountability and gaining and maintaining respect from ; and acting in the best interests of others.

Its not about "fixing parking tickets"; arranging vacations around conventions; settling scores; protecting your circle of friends; lining up every free meal; making work that commands a per diem and supplementing your income at every opportunity.

[highwayman]

Didn't say the objective is to get inside to satisfy
oneself. Working together as a collective for the
greater good of the entire municipality has long
been the goal of our particular council. Maybe we
are an exception rather than the normality. Very
unfortunate if you feel your respective councils
operate to the opposite. First step, rally the
support from all corners to achieve the changes
you believe need to be made. There's good in
most people ,you just may have to dig a little
deeper.
As far as standing up against what one individual
thinks is inappropriate behaviour, great, but lets
hear both sides of the story and examine all the
facts before passing judgment. To my knowledge,
Everyone does have access to council minutes
FYO.

[toe]

Well I don't want well over a month old information.... at a cost of $50.00... delivered at someone else's convenience; particularly when it is perceived as an unnecessary trouble.

Just For Your Information

But I would appreciate it if a council welcomed members to sit in the gallery; and itb would be impressive if the council itself broadcast its open proceedings; or even aided anyone who wished to broadcast; transcribe or tape those live proceedings.
And there are indeed countless example of parliaments, House of Commons; Senate proceedings, City Councils and even a known few towns who provide those very communications.

But for RM's itcan take years to even get censored versions in the local papers (5 or 6 weeks later, on an infrequent basis, with most of the important decisions totally removed.)

And Googling RM Moosomin gave no hits for newspaper council reports or Websites for council minutes.

And for those reasons; the electorate is ordinarily completely tuned out from YOUR business at the council table.

Obviously you are not the expert from outside the council chamber; and I doubt if there has been one person not associated with council members who have/will weigh in on this Agrivilkle or any other public forum.

Thats a pretty safe bet because several councils have apparently just banned ever chairing another ratepayer's or planning meeting.

And it is much safer and convenient to "sit on the fence" and label oneself as a "community builder" for instance.

[toe]

Agree highway... that the whole story should always be told. So is SARM on top of this; are all the RM Councils so isolated that they are insulated from each other; or are they actually the third level of government acting in some coordinated kind of way.
It wouldn't hurt one little bit if the RM's knew each other's zoning regulations; long term plans; bylaws, road restrictions etc. etc. but the sad truth is that a six inch wall could seperate two juristications; and there wouldn't be one idea of what business arose at the other's council meeting.

I'd prefer to canvass 7 persons at random; than rely on 7 council members patting each other.

[highwayman]

Actually toe, the two councils that i have been a
member of have shared information and certain
resources on countless occasions as well as an
administrator with a third rm. Zoning and
municipal bylaw development has been routinely
achieved through a collective effort with
surrounding municipalities and governing bodies.
We don't claim to be perfect but there does seem
to be a level of mutual respect between each
group that strongly facilitates the entire process.