Thoughts and Opinions On Today's Important Issues

Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Ward 2 Candidate Schnurr Files MFOIA Request


I am glad to see that someone else in Windsor is as mad as I about the secrecy at City Hall.

It seems that Chris Schnurr in Ward 2 has taken up City Hall secrecy as an issue in this campaign and is actually doing something about it. http://www.chrisschnurr.ca/index-3.html

Interestingly, the Star has made a big deal of it throughout the term of this Council. It is one of the few issues that they have taken Eddie to task for. Today's Star is interesting with the conflict between Henderson and the Editorial Board over the subject.

I received the following Press Release from Ward 2 Candidate Chris Schnurr that you might find interesting:
  • "For Immediate
    Release October 30, 2006

    Chris Schnurr, council candidate for ward two, will be filing a request for information, in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information Act today.

    "I am troubled by the mayor's comment that a 'municipality can be sued if information that is protected under the act is disclosed,' I am sure the mayor, as a lawyer, is aware that section 16 of the Act allows for information to be disclosed, if there is a 'compelling public interest.' Disclosure of the agreements that impact Windsorite's financially is clearly a "compelling" public interest."

    Schnurr is seeking information regarding leasing and subleasing contracts in the Canderel building, the contract between the Windsor Spitfires and the city, as well as parking agreements with respect to the Canderel building.

    "We, as taxpayers, need to have these documents released now. We cannot, nor do we need another MFP or Canderel disaster. I would expect that openness and transparency is essential for current councillors and the mayor as they claim."


Given my experience with City Hall, we all know that he will get a run-around, similar to what I am going through. But can you imagine what will happen if he, as well as several other mavericks, get elected. Wow, will Eddie have a miserable 4 years as Mayor, assuming he is re-elected first and that he stays that long and does not run for the Tories next year provincially!