Port Matters by Frances Kennedy franceskennedy782@gmail.com
WoWza! By funding Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) Canada, which
Council was evident; she won! Soon after, her performance at Council meetings was a complete turnaround. Other Council members declined to comment, governed by the confidentiality agreement which she repeatedly transgressed, politicizing Council proceedings on social media. What ensued has ultimately required the Council’s rejection of the Integrity Commissioner’s report and with good cause. (See Michelle Graham’s post on FB Accountability Central Elgin for full details.) It could be a tale of Henny Penny, or the Turncoat, or the Trojan horse, any one of which inspires questions: Why such dedicated effort to undermine the credibility of a new mayor? At what cost? To what end? Such targeted, petty attacks in an environment of external change are distracting, destructive, and irresponsible. (Our former mayor and her associated cronies sure ain’t helpin’ Cr. Halpin’s political future and that of their (and our) municipality.) Our Council is contending with unprecedented challenges, and to sustain blame for everything gone wrong after ten months’ tenure is entirely untenable and predictably the purview of local political hacks. Let’s move forward and look up! Consider the methods of the masters in ‘going the distance’: in flight, Canada geese follow the lead at the point in V formation to reduce resistance, honking encouragement. Doesn’t that sound ‘progressive by nature’? When we practice our best future, we create it.
maintains ecosystem services on agricultural lands, the province has directed over $500K to protect at-risk species and their habitats in Southwestern Ontario. Oddly at odds with that, the Ontario Housing Minister’s Chief of Staff has resigned amidst the Green Belt scandal. It appears like a case of appeasing the public while pleasing developers. Our MPP, Rob Flack, has become Associate Minister of Housing with a mandate on attainable housing and modular homes. One hopes that will be of benefit to us. Best wishes to all at James St. Home Decor! We wait with bated breath to know who will ‘fill the bill’ and windows! In October, we tuck into turkey, often surrounded by turkeys. As in the past, but most especially post-COVID, let’s remember our family by choice and circumstance. Congratulations to PSFT for a season of especially live theatre! See psft.ca regarding upcoming tribute bands. Mayor Sloan has struck the 200 Task Force, which is coordinating commemorating Port’s 2024 bicentenary… stay tuned to see how you can get involved. All those who attended the funeral service for the late Don MacKinnon honoured the memory of a devoted family man who served his community as a business owner and a longstanding and outstanding member of PS United Church and PS Lions Club. His gift for storytelling reflected his humour and genuine appreciation for humanity and history. Condolences to Mary Lou and her family, Don will be well remembered. The orderly transfer of power is integral to our democracy: Ms. Martyn and Mr. Trump are evidence of an old guard unwilling to accept its core tenet. Councillor Halpin was elected by Ward 2 over Sally Martyn, and Cr. Halpin became an echo of her defeated opponent. Say what?!? I met Morgaine Halpin at the Firehall Market Meet and Greet, and in no time, we were at my kitchen table strategizing her campaign. Her passion ‘to be the change’ as a candidate for a clean sweep
presents SUNDAY AFTERNOON BLUES SERIES
$35+fees
The Back Alley | 18 Princess Ave., St. Thomas, ON www.seismicbluesmusic.ca www. ticketscene.ca/events/44851 With his fluid phrasing, resonant tone, and expressive performances, one could believe Spencer Mackenzie was born on Beale Street. They, however, would be wrong. The lauded JUNO-nominated blues-rock artist hails from Southern Ontario and has steadily earned accolades, and the attention of blues aficionados worldwide, since his first studio album in 2016. Leaving nothing behind when he steps to the stage, Mackenzie offers show goers a powerhouse performance, commanding his guitar with sophistication and prowess beyond his years. Read more at: www.spencermackenzie.ca/about-spencer-mackenzie featuring Spencer Mackenzie Sunday September 24 |Doors 1:30 PM • Show 2:00 PM
To advertise here, please contact Geoff@villagerpublications.com
Port Stanley Villager • October 2023 • Page 15
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