LOCAL POLITICS AND THE MEDIA

Yesterday's Elmira Independent has an Editorial by Gail Martin, titled "Chasing money". The focus of the Editorial, of course, is the proposal for an OLG casino, whether in Woolwich or elsewhere in the Region. My interpretation of Gail's attitude towards Mayor Cowan as expressed in this Editorial, would be one of disappointment. Gail states "During the 2010 municipal election campaign, Cowan was one of the candidates who responded to concerns raised by area residents about proposed gravel pits, as well as the Woolwich Bio-En biogas plant. His campaign was almost entirely based on responding to the wishes of residents who were in opposition to these developments.". Gail then goes on to compare this before election behaviour with what he and council are doing today with the casino situation.

In my opinion currently our Mayor has zero support from either of our two local papers. I don't believe that the Independent and Woolwich Observer are often on the same page with local issues but they sure are in regards to our mayor. Whether Editorials, cartoons or articles the Observer have made their disappointment obvious. To my not politically astute mind this does not bode well for his re-election chances. At the same time I noticed that Gail pointedly mentioned that Councillor Mark Bauman was at odds with council over the casino matter. Hmm! Interesting. Again to my not so politically astute mind I think it is past time for our young mayor to start mending fences. I am still conflicted on the matter as I believe he has properly given both Chemtura and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment long overdue kicks in the behind. If he continues his support for a real cleanup of the Elmira Aquifers and of the citizen volunteers on CPAC then he will keep my support. If he falters there or with the proposed gravel pits in Conestogo and West Montrose then he will lose me.