From the Clr:
DEAR THE HAMILTONIAN.....Happy to explain on behalf of our HWT Executive Director. Because GM Rossini, former HWT Chairman Councillor Collins, HWT current Chairman Charters, Werner Plessl and myself had all responded in some fashion or form to the B.O.'s allegations via your email queries, Werner had assumed that in spite of the renewed email of the original questions you sent us, that our collective responses were sufficient. I decided to send the final email to you with my last comments. Hope this helps and bye for now, Councillor Jackson....P.S....Hamiltonian.....Why are many of your responders "anonymous"?? I think Andrew Dreschel's column in today's Spectator makes an excellent point. I've always found that disturbing, disappointing and demonstrate a lack of courage to put one's name to an opinion. I truly understand the need for anonymity with "police" matters or personal family matters for example, but to allow what the Hamiltonian does regularily is unfortunate......Just a thought.....
The Hamiltonian's policy on anonymous blogging has been in place since its inception. We allow only respectful exchanges, even if they are spirited at times. We don't allow name-calling or other unprofessional behavior, and we encourage people to use their names where possible. Clr. Jackson did not appear to have a problem with our policy during his re-election campaign, as demonstrated by his participation here
http://www.thehamiltonian.net/2010/10/11-for-6_5655.html
But let's not get side-tracked. We won't swing at the curve balls.
We asked 10 questions. Despite references to Mr. Rossini, Mr. Plessel etc. those questions remain unanswered.
We have made no judgments. they are simply questions that allow for an unfettered response that will be published in whole. It does not get much fairer than that.
The Hamiltonian regrets the escalation of this topic. Our preference is for open and transparent discussion and exchange of information that Hamiltonians are entitled to. That escalation could have been and still can be avoided, by providing answers to the questions.
The Hamiltonian regrets the escalation of this topic. Our preference is for open and transparent discussion and exchange of information that Hamiltonians are entitled to. That escalation could have been and still can be avoided, by providing answers to the questions.
Back to you Clr. Jackson. Will you provide direction to the HWT to answer the questions? They have not been answered.
Respectfully
The Hamiltonian
Hurray!!!! Finally, a media that has guts and integrity. Don't be bullied Hamiltonian. That's what this is. Bullying. Stay with this and get Hamiltonians information.
ReplyDeleteI find tThe Hamiltonian has found the right balance between anon blogging and appropriate conversation. I think it is a classy sight with some very profound commentary. We need The Hamiltonian and I for one am thankful;. Take a look at the blog comments on Dreschel's article. I think everyone else agrees that anon bloggers are people with inteligenbce and something to say. Thanks for the opportunity Teresa et al and don't be bullied.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Back to those 10 questions Mr. Jackson. Everyone knows they have not been answered. Where are the real cowards?
Severn
Clr. J:
ReplyDeleteWhere did Plessel, Farr, Rossini, you or Farr or anyone answer the questions below, whihc don't appear to be BO questions: Answer- nowhere. Why not?
2. Have all construction contracts been awarded through a tendering process? If not, can you identify the contracts and the value of those contracts?
3. Are staff positions on the Trust posted for recruitment? Can you describe the process by which staff positions are recruited? Have there been any exceptions and , if so, why?
4. Are members of the Trust provided with company vehicles that are subsidized in any way, in whole or in part, including the cost of gasoline or fuel, through taxpayer dollars? If so, how many vehicles and what is the value of the subsidy?
5. Are expense accounts allowed to anyone on the Trust, If so, what is the yearly allotment of those accounts and are they audited?
6. What, if any, spot audits are done by your accountants on transactions which generate cash?
7. A washroom that's price has been allegedly inflated by $400,000.00 to allegedly offset a cost overrun. True or untrue? Please explain.
8. Do you believe the Trust’s finances would withstand a forensic audit and given the Bay Observer’s article , will you call for one to, at the very minimum, clear the air and assure taxpayers that their dollars are well spent?
9. Would you be willing to provide copies of the minutes of all board meetings for publication on The Hamiltonian?
Bravo, I read that John Best has been asking HWT questions on this topic since January. The Hamiltonian has been asking questions for two weeks now. Why are you sidestepping them and complaining about "anonymous" posters.
DeleteYour were asked legitimate questions by named groups, why don't you answer?
Do your job councillor!!!
I am as well not a fan of `anonymous` however if the `Anonymous` bloggers would bestow and lavish these people with praise and adulation would it be an issue.
ReplyDeleteJust a thought. Some may or may have not seen the email that I sent to Dreschel ( posted on this blog) and I wonder if he is trying to abase blogs due to the fact that the blog is eating his lunch as mentioned before by another blogger.
All a smokescreen. The Bay Obseerver and The Hamiltonian have asked legitimate questions. They are not being answered.
DeleteEven the simple question of will the HWT/Board answer the "questions" seems to stump all who have attempted. Hint: a simple yes or no would do.
ReplyDeleteI agree with TH, let's not get sidetracked by these curve balls. However, I can't help myself, especially when I read Jackson's slider of a ps..."Why are many of your responders "anonymous"?? I think Andrew Dreschel's column in today's Spectator makes an excellent point. I've always found that disturbing, disappointing and demonstrate a lack of courage to put one's name to an opinion."
Jackson's aforementioned vent actually scores a home run for "anonymous" comments for he finds it "disturbing, disappointing and demonstrate (sic) a lack of courage to put one's name to an opinion."
I was thinking of posting my real name here but don't wish to either disappoint or be deemed lacking "courage" by Clr. Jackson.
Serendipitously Yours,
ps...Clr. Jackson, are you, Farr, Plessl or Charters going to answer the "questions?" Anonymous answers would be welcome.
To Andrew Dreschel. I find it hypocritical that in your article you slam people that sign in anonymously but you constantly use "councillors who wish to remain nameless, or anonymous sources" for your stories.
ReplyDeleteIt's the same thing!!!!!
Councillor Jackson
ReplyDeleteMy name is Gary Santucci. I have not posted anonymously on this story and on the Hamiltonian Blog. You can verify who I am by contacting me at the Pearl Company Arts Centre.
Sincerely yours
Gary Santucci
The smart money is what Teresa said. Don't get entangled in this anon blogger stuff. it's just a diversion. So..back to:
ReplyDeleteClr. Jackson: Will you adhere to the code of conduct and serve and be seen to serve constituents by asnwering the 10 questions pertaining to the Trust that you are responsible for?
Sorce
Hopefully, Clr Jackson sent the same ps. to the publishers of The Spec, as their commenting feature is anonymous as well. Oh yeah I forgot they haven't deemed the HWT issue worthy of reporting.
ReplyDeleteThe paper delivery was delayed this morning, and I haven't seen the picture of the day. Can any tell me what it is for today, I'm having trouble waiting until I get home after work to find out...
Anyways without getting too sidetracked, if he doesn't like the anonymous posts, just answer the questions and don't read the comments. Issue solved!
BTW, Does anyone think The Spec do a proper story when the financials are formally released or will they continue to protect "their unnamed and unmentioned sources"?
Councillor Jackson, why are you getting so upset? Most of what went wrong was done when Clr Collins was chair. Why isn't he answering these questions?
ReplyDeleteI was surprised when left the HWT almost a year and a half ago.
Councillor Jackson. Stop with the cheap tricks They are not working here.
ReplyDeleteNorth Ender
Seriously? As if by signing in as 'North End West Resident' that identifies me and makes my comment more valid and credible? Seriously???
ReplyDeleteIt's time for Councillor Jackson to get with the program and answer the question(s) before him. Enough with the smoke and mirrors routine...answer the question(s)....
The Anonymous issue is a non-issue because of the moderation by the Editors of The Hamiltonian that ensures there is no flaming. I chose to be an Anonymous poster for good reasons, and have no particular axe to grind.
ReplyDelete