Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Big spenders on Clarington council and incinerator battle heats up

As promised way back in April here is my quick look at the election spending results.

As you can see at Clarington's 2010 election financial statements in the end the  big spenders were Ward 1 councillor Joe Neal, Ward 2 councillor Ron Hooper, Ward 4 councillor Wendy Partner and Wards 1 & 2 Regional councillor Mary Novak.

They all spent more than their opponents - in some cases more than double - to win their respective seats. Probably the biggest surprise is that Mayor Adrian Foster and Wards 3 & 4 Regional councillor Willie Woo - both of whom market themselves as prudent watchers of the purse strings and not tightwads - spent significantly less than their major opponent yet won the election.

It's been a busy few months - council has continued bickering and one councillor was even thrown out of the chambers. With the second fall of the global economy, the ongoing wrangling over new build at Darlington and the GO expansion there's going to be no shortage of topics to deal with once council comes back from its - sort of deserved - summer break. 

One of the final incinerator showdowns is Aug. 17 at the official groundbreaking ceremony and local groups are already mobilizing. There is also a lawsuit pending and the Region has asked for more time. Why? My guess is to prepare a counter lawsuit. In the past the Region has not hesitated one moment to play hardball and it looks like they are preparing their batting order.

Next blog I'll take a look at the fallout from the event.