Chris Schnurr
Carol Kosowan LL.B., B.A. (Law), B.A. (Policy)
Unemployment at 9.9% in Windsor
StatsCan released unemployment figures for the month of February and Windsor’s is now at 9.9% – overall Canada’s is down to 6.1%. Now it’s not all bad news, we’re still better off here in the Rose City than say, P.E.I. (11%) or Newfoundland/Labrador (16%).
Windsor’s 9.9% unemployment rate is up 0.2% from last month’s 9.7%. Windsor has the highest unemployment rate for any urban centre in the country. Maybe our “economic gardens” will produce a perfect ‘10′ soon. Our Mayor is right, we need a communications department – how to spin a rising unemployment rate and falling tax base.
Spend! Spend! Spend! (Please do note the sarcasm!).
Crazed taxi driver still on the loose?
What happened regarding the shooting at a home Councillor Postma co-owns? Last we heard on March 2, 2007, was that the “suspect in the shooting was believed to be inside a taxi at the time. “ Should we be worried? Is there a crazed and armed taxi driver lurking the streets? Or did the driver come forward giving information regarding the incident? What is the identity of the man that was shot? Why was he shot? The victim obviously knew the suspect as he was getting “out of a cab when someone shot him.” Why was the victim taken to a Detroit hospital? Was he an American? Was the cab company American? Was this a gang or drug related shooting? A domestic dispute? If it was an American cab, how did it get across the border, and I’m assuming through the city owned tunnel? We heard all about the attack on the Chilver street with the suspects apprehended, but what about this very disturbing incident on the city’s west-side allegedly involving a cab company, local or international.
Ministry of Propaganda – Ken Lewenza supports propaganda machine
Jeesh, who knew bloggers, which are, according to M.P. Brian Masse, tarnishing the reputation of the city abroad, would result in some councillors supporting the idea of hiring communications officers? The officers would manage the city’s image as a “highly effective municipal government,” an “attractive city (in which) to invest and conduct business” and an “active, safe and fun place to live and visit.” Mmmm, I thought that was what the taxpayer funded Economic Development Commission was for with all the talk “economic gardens” and “gazelles?” Maybe they could start the process by updating their website!
Ken Lewenza Jr. doesn’t think the report goes far enough stating, “It (communications officers) could even be used to counter negative media stories….There is some sensationalism, and absolutely there needs to be a format to provide reasoning as to why the city does some things,” he said.” Could this be news stories that are not in line with the “official political line of the city?” Or, is this sensationalism like the imaginary savings of $4.1 million in interest on the imaginary debt you campaigned on? Gee, Mr. Lewenza, sounds to me like information control. Paul Synnott gives an interesting perspective over at Municipal Shadow.
Blogger on a mission
Kudo’s to Councillor Halberstadt with bringing up issues on his blog – but just one small point – it’s one thing to talk about it, quite another to do something about it.
In his latest blog he states, “I must admit that I have not formally questioned the City of Windsor’s food budget, although it has struck me that the spreads laid out between in camera and public meetings on Council nights are quite extravagant – full-course meals of steak, ribs, lamb chops, potatoes, pasta, fruit, veggies, high calorie dips, sauces, deserts [sic] etc.” This certainly did not stop the good councillor from partaking! So even though it “struck” Councillor Halberstadt as “extravagant“, he did not follow the steps of of former councillor and Mayor John Millson, who snubbed these “extravagant” freebies to eat at McDonald’s. Does this mean Councillor Halberstadt will now be dining at McDonalds? Please Mr. Halberstadt, do not pull an “east-end” arena on us, leaving only former Councillor Cassivi as on the only voice of sanity when you were:
“embarrassed and felt like crawling into a hole when he was faced with the most “gut- wrenching” decision of his political career Wednesday, but didn’t make it.
On Wednesday night he was front and centre asking questions of delegates at the public meeting that resulted in the approval of a $48-million arena in east Windsor.
But he didn’t cast a vote, surprising even some of his fellow councillors. Instead he declared a conflict of interest, explaining that his wife works for the Windsor Spitfires — the main tenants of the arena. (October 6, 2006, Windsor Star).”
Halberstadt is asking the right questions, but I want to see a councillor as more than a “manure disturber,” in the words of canoeing buddy, Gord Henderson. (Nov. 9, 2006, Windsor Star).
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In Windsor, because of the demographics, the unemployment rate could actually be closer to 15-20% – unemployment rates only capture the number who are actually seeking work. Those who aren’t don’t get recorded. Plus you have the effect of a large contigent of auto-workers who took early retirements but have limited purchasing power. The Windsor numbers are bad. Real bad.
Where is the sunrise on the horizon? A fluid, dynamic economy is built on the backs of educated, skilled people in their 20’s and 30’s, the types of persons who tend to be entrepreneurial, in their peak purchasing years (new houses, new appliances, gadgets, cars etc) and getting ready to have children. Precisely the demographic Windsor is sorely lacking and needing to drive the local economy. We have a large, young and for the most part unskilled immigrant population that won’t come into its own for many years, and an ageing 50- and 60- something population slowly withdrawing from the workplace.
How much of this is under the control or influence of the city council and mayor?
No one council is responsible for this mess – actions that we should be taking, should have been taken YEARS ago. Looking at other areas around the province, say Collingwood, Sarnia, London – decisions made at the municipal level affecting today’s outcome were made years ago.
Also, governments are bound by the will of the people, as we all know. The “people” also have to accept responsibility as well. When is city is tied up debating an arena, for example for decades, as opposed to planning regionally, encouraging diversificiation through sound fiscal policy and incentive programs have hurt our area.
There are elements that are beyond the control of mayor and council, creating the environment to attract the much needed demographic and retain this vital demographic ARE, in my opinion, influenced by mayor and council.
Chris: You also forgot to mention having the highest rental apartment vacancy rate in Canada. I have never seen a city squander a boom period like Windsor has.