GRCA RECEIVES FUNDING

The title in yesterday's K-W Record was "GRCA gets go ahead on two projects". What I'm beginning to notice however are changes between the morning edition of the Record and what ends up on line. Nevertheless this is a feel good story which serves the secondary purpose of enhancing the image and reputation of the Grand River Conservation (Construction) Authority. I suspect that this is one of the drawbacks of being an activist in any area. One learns to see past the gloss and glitz and the reality seldom matches the fantasy especially in government.

Value for money is what government programs should be about. The value however should not include public relations or public self presentation. What many citizens don't understand is who actually is the GRCA. The voting members are primarily municipal politicians from the various towns and cities up and down the Grand River. They have a huge conflict of interest in that however much they espouse love for the environment, the reality is that they love themselves and their elected positions far more. They receive legal campaign donations (mostly) and they receive perks and they receive donations to municipal projects which reflect back upon themselves and help get them re-elected. When was the last time you or I, or bald eagles, fish or other critters directly gave something to any politician? And that folks is what politic is all about.