On Saturday November 27th my friends Ken and Carleen had their wedding. It was interesting to see how many people came out to support them. The reception was in Wainfleet and it was also the first day that I had seen it snow in Welland for the 2010-2011 Winter season.
There are some very good reasons to look at changing things in your house or business, above all else is saving money. So I'm going to recap the recommendations for 2010 that I've made to people and businesses.
I'm sure there are many other ways to save, but these are my recommendations for 2010. If you have a chance to think about how you consume energy or telecommunications services then think of these before plunking down big money on that bus pass or gym membership.
The Recession, an inevitable reaction to human ingenuity moving faster than human capacity.
Now, as we see globalization bring prosperity to the nations that the American businesses took advantage of there is a debate about how Canada fits into this equation. There are important points in Canadian history that highlight how deep our next wave in the recession will be.
Reminder* it is not about Canada. We are in it together. The problem is exacerbated when people in Canada have their livelihoods depending on if people want something badly enough that they will go into debt for it. We all know debt, either as a lender or a borrower and it is not the enemy. I can't say if a fluid market or a rigid economy will make our lives better. What we do know is that when we are thousands of miles away from the person or people that could change it all that it is impossible to ask for change, or a chance. What we can do is spend our way out of the recession. It only works when you buy locally made products from locally owned businesses - try to do that without going into debt.
That is the recession in a nutshell.
I'm glad to read in The Consumerist today that people in the United States are giving up on cable in favour of local or international sources of media through a combination of traditional broadcasting and Internet access. It was both a great way to save money and focus on local issues. Look at it this way - a majority was willing to subsscribe to cable/satellie television but it didn't work the same way with radio - in my house the radio is one of the best and fastest ways to get reliable local information outside of the Internet. No subscription system is for everyone - there are people I know that have opted out of having a telephone - this includes not having a cell phone. There is a catch though.
The Economics of the Telecommunications Exodus
In recent years advertisers have spent more while stations have been able to focus on a set of niche markets. Women, Teens, Geeks, Sports Fans, all were given specialized stations that exist outside of the federal education and information mandates imposed on broadcast networks. Without subscribers these stations have no reach - revenues drop then programming takes the hit. This means the actors, editors, and producers.
The creative economy has to adapt - but the number of broadcast sub-channels are still too small to make up the difference. It was noted that the only two services that need instant broadcast service are news and sports programs. So well financed and professsional content has migrated to the internet - where advertising is caught in a loop with new advertisers in competition with traditional advertisers. Sounds good but...
The advertisers can only dish out so much money and it is split between connectivity/transmission and production. Where before we each paid into a wire service the majority leaves. This can have a negative effect on internet services, which is where traditional broadcasters gain because new stations and ad revenue can be added without having to increase the power consumption dramatically. The internet isn't going away though, so those costs will either have to be absorbed by consolidation (Broadcaster is the ISP) or through a technological advance.
The technological advance we need is here - affordable and consistent electricity to power Internet data centres. Niagara Falls helps people like me, living in Niagara - everyone else better hope that solar-photovoltaics are considered by their telecommunications provider to keep energy costs down before the squeeze. Unfortunately your provider is probably not interested in innovation or cost cutting because the profits are good and another larger company will buy them out anyway. If it's a company that supports net neutraility - congrats. If it's a company that has a blind focus on profit and actively pushes against consumer friendly laws - hold on to your ankles or cancel now.
Yes, Cancel Now
Ok, even though I let you know there is a down side to leaaving these companies behind we will be fine without them. In fact it's a self propagating system - nobody would buy a phone if they were the ONLY one with one. Nobody wants to be the first to not know what Snooki is doing on Desparado housewives - but it really doesn't matter. Television is not defective over the antenna. The radio will let you know that the price of oil went up - and tell you exactly how much. If it is really important in your community then the people will be talking about it-maybe even going door to door with a petition.
In Canada we are lucky to get the Daily Show with Jon Stewart over the air. But I stopped watching for a couple years when I discovered that the real news was cycling along the waterfront. Talking to people in my community about International problems made me realize that it is only when we submit ourselves to those problems that they exist.
"Cut the cord", "Ditch the Dish", Contribute to PBS, enjoy the CBC or BBC, and reclaim the approx 4.5 hours you spend each evening watching television.
The need to be in two places at once, is the first reason to improve your time management and planning. The second reason is to improve productivity, and that is part of the reason why working at night has become normal around here.
In Welland the buses have cut runs out of town, television and other modern media constantly hum in public venues. The working folks are out in force when the sun is down. Early trips to Toronto or Hamilton. Late night shifts in tight cubicles. I've heard some people call Welland a vampire town - but I think they also have seen too much television.
I've been plugging away at a couple of projects, with little luck. The election was a bust, but the message is out there. The Feedline is quietly and slowly becoming simplified. OPIRG is still having trouble with their host - bad enough to cripple their MySQL database. The local Linux experiment is in need of a widespread hardware upgrade - or a new distro that eliminates the problems that bad flash and java applets have created. The TSHC, a local conservation and sports group is feeling pressure to update itself which has created blowback from some of its members. Personally, finances are getting tighter, as cost cutting measures have hit the wall (after which, daily functions will be effected). The loop between charity and business continues as I offer assistance in small portions to multiple groups.
The solution - innovate. I've taken my assistance into the night to slow down requests and work on a plan. The last time I was ready to share this plan the world seemed brighter and there was some wiggle room. Now it has to be on target - this means developing the Feedline Montly automation, restoring OPIRG's web presence by cleansing the DB and getting the new modules installed. Liberating the linux group, after three years of support it's make it or break it time. The THSC will have to wait, patience is the best medicine. Financially I'm still screwed, then again Maslow didn't make money the foundation for life - cash donations are accepted. Aridaria will be a business, whereas personally I am charitable to those that treat me with respect.
That's life - in between eating, sleeping, cleaning, monitoring my health, and constant study
Welland's early election results were posted and it looks as though I've been beat by Mike Petrachenko (1300+ Votes) and Rocky Letourneau (1100+ votes). They are both great older guys and by the time the next election comes around I may be too. I hope to work through them to keep the train rolling.
Welland voted for Barry Sharpe (5000+) in a tight race alongside David Alexander (4500+). Greg D'Amico and Leo Van Vliet put in a considerable effort, and only the voters know why these experienced salesmen didn't win. Phil Bradley and John Watt were there - and presented some lessons that may be important to future candidates but since neither of them plan to move to or continue living in Welland.
Many lulz were had. Welland will not change considerably, many politicians have been re-elected or changed portfolios. Goulbourne is gone and his failed campaign means that he can now work with the rest of us in the private economy to make the city better. Forster and Marshall will continue in the Regional government.
I'll write more later after speaking with friends about the outcome.
I've been keeping a keen eye on the Mayoral race in the Welland Municipal Election and this quick comparison is based on the information I've been able to gather from the candidates.
Barry Sharpe shows that he knows what to do based on local experience. His time in academia has focused his plan, and a vote for him is likely to become a mandate for his projects regardless of public opposition. It's a gutsy approach, and I can support that kind of focus.
According to Mr.Sharpe his major infrastructure project is the Sewer Separation Project, something that will keep Welland Treatment Facilities from dumping sewage into the local waterways. My plan differs in that we need an overflow container, which will cost less in the long run and will eliminate the contamination from salt and debris that an unfiltered storm sewer would cause.
Barry Sharpe is older than other candidates, and I've heard no concerns about his health. His supporters sport similar grey hair and speak about his policies as though they are already a part of the fabric of the city. His office is across the street from City Hall two doors down from the closed "Jamtoke Hemp and Leather" store. His website is accessible at http://barrysharpe.com
Strengths: Knowledgeable, Practical, Speedy, Strong Message
Weaknesses: Poor Youth Appeal, Needs you to get off his lawn
Environmentalist, Advocate, and former councilor is trying to be mayor. I acknowledge that he is different from the rest of the group. His good guy demeanor doesn't interfere with his tough attitude toward problems. I support some of his initiatives.
Access to affordable housing, and the elimination of Child Poverty were mentioned during the session at the Rose City Kids Theater. He knows about commitments that previous mayors have made and seems like he will continue those projects.
He mentioned his support for the sewer separation projects and is receptive to consultants in this way. Though there may be information available to him that isn't communicated very well to the public about how holding up road improvements and dumping uncleaned water from the storm sewer is a good idea.
He has supporters from outside of Welland that want to see a steel framing facility built in Welland. This has been a source of controversy due to the fact that the builders imply that if he is not elected they will renege on the plan. This is reportedly because of red-tape issues in city hall - which is the problem. Rather than solving those problems it appears as though he has isolated a business in the problem and used them to make this a political issue. He reasserted that his only goal is the active creation of new jobs in a mass e-mail message between other politicians that I received.
His supporters are a diverse crowd, and are more forgiving of his outspoken nature. In the Mayors office his success would be marked by how well he can act as a bridge between entities inside and outside of the community. His office is in the Mews Plaza. His website can be seen at http://davidalexander.ca
Strengths: Seeks Involvement, Cautious, Family Oriented, Soft Spoken
Weaknesses: Overlapping Interests*, Band-Aid Solutions, Took My Sign, Needs Longer Hair
His business experience could translate into innovative ways to save money. Voting for D'Amico would put the city into a business friendly environment, and he will likely follow public opinion if it is popular.
His campaign is focused on personality and what he could do for the city, this leaves room for input. It does not communicate his infrastructure goals. His administration may be able to accomplish what the city needs if the right councilors are elected.
He claimed to have saved 13 jobs at 'Welland Printing' by putting its debts into a holding company and bankrupting it to clear the debts. This seems to be a common business practice according to academics that I have discussed this with - I just have trouble with the ethical and tax issues surrounding this kind of action.
His sales skills could be important if the Made in Welland campaign continues. A well funded campaign and ambitious supporters are a good sign for Greg D'Amico. His office is closer to Ward 5 and next to Cheers, Healthy Choices Cafe, and the Castle Quest Office on East Main Street. His website is http://www.gregdamico.ca
Strengths: Well Financed, Salesman, Family Man, Strong Supporters, Downtown Supporter
Weaknesses: "Technical Non-Resident", Overlapping Interests*, Needs Sunglasses
I had a hard time getting a hold of him early in the campaign and didn't know much about his ideals until the first round table discussion put on by the Chamber of Commerce. I am not confident that his political views match the interests of young voters. He has a wealth of experience and would be a great advisor to the next mayor.
Mr.Van Vliet indicated that he supports the idea of reducing the size of council. Reducing the size of council is something that concerns me because representation is something to take pride in - and he could support halving the pay to councilors rather than halving the number of councilors. He also shows signs of resentment toward the regional government, a difficult position for a potential representative in that level of governance.
I haven't seen Leo Van Vliet Supporters. Each time I went to his office it was closed and no hours of operation were posted. This has been corrected and he now has hours according to his supporters that have e-mail addresses. He is the only candidate I've had to cross a bridge to try and meet. His office is in a complex on the corner of Prince Charles Drive and Fitch Street.
Strengths: GO Train Supporter, Tough on Taxes, Saw Prosperous Welland
Weaknesses: Regional Teamwork, Needs more Rick Astley
Tough on crime, supports the arts, stomps on chains. John Watt has been a long-running contender for the office and has locked on to the issues that matter most. The Issues that matter most to him. I feel bad for him and everyone who lived in Welland when organized crime was at its worst. My generation has seen these guys go broke or leave town because the money isn't there.
His message is clear, but it doesn't address public infrastructure in a way that resonates. For a musician he could be more supportive of our new venues, and could see that restricted access is making them useless to a new generation of artists. I could not find his office but his website is http://johnwatt.ca
Strengths: Vocal, Combative, Determined, Stage Presence
Weaknesses: Anti-Cultural, Legal Issues, Rule Breaker, Needs a TV Show
Glossary:
Overlapping Interests: As an Existing Business Owner/Member of Other Organizations they should have a plan to distance themselves to avoid a conflict of interest. To support new businesses or adopt a plan for the entire city they cannot responsibly carry these special interests into office.
Disclaimer
Please note that this page is commentary, intended for critical analysis. The issues discussed on this page do not constitute an endorsement by or for the candidates or policies mentioned. All images are linked to and come from the campaigns and media outlets covering the 2010 Municipal Election in Welland and belong to their respective owners. Thank you.
From the album "NEW LIGHT THROUGH OLD WINDOWS" (1988), and, from the "WORKING ON IT" 7", 12", and CD singles, 1988. Posted by lilybee06 in June 2008.
I haven't had the chance to publish much this summer on KurtisMcCartney.com and would like to go over a quick update.
Otherwise I'm looking forward to the fall, and I hope to see you at one or more local events.
This is another task added to my to-do list, the NPARC's "The Feedline" is a members only publication used to spread relevant information around the group. It also serves as a log, detailing efforts and events not found in the general meeting minutes.
I approach this task with a critical eye. Coming from a world where printed information is very purpose driven - marketing, guides, and manuals means that I will have to incorporate some of the publishing and editing experience that I have from the digital world to fill in a couple blanks.
Criticism is not needed - assistance is. I've tossed the idea out there that a publication for the whole membership should be derived from the whole membership and I have been slowly encouraging active and passive members to contribute. There have also been non-member contributions recommended by members, which greatly expands our writer base.
Printing - even this has been slowly phased out in favour of e-mail distributed digital copies. Some holdouts will still collect the "dead tree" version as they either do not have the technology or the connectivity to receive the digital version. Of course this brings up the real issue - why continue a monthly publication when a rolling digital entity can be maintained and made available to members only. This means that the call for donations can be delivered faster, and notices about the growing number of silent keys can reach companion members before the funeral rather than half a month afterward. It will be a difficult change for some members and must be considered very carefully.
Imitating other publications is difficult when the reader base is so small, but that is the point - it is for the members. A separate journal could be a fundraising tool for the club that includes more product reviews guides to local equipment vendors and suggestions that could make it down to the civilian band types.
Sometimes consistency is better and there ideas are best left on the screen.
