TODD AS A NEIGHBOUR & FELLOW CITIZEN YES; NOT SO MUCH AS OUR NEXT MAYOR

By now after four days of radio, television, Waterloo Region Record, Elmira Independent and Woolwich Observer I think we are all aware of the sins of either omission or commission by Mayor Todd Cowan regarding political expenses. Compared to the allegations againts various Senators, and both the Mayor of Brampton and Toronto they are relatively minor. Some people want to know categorically if they were as Mayor Cowan has stated mistakes due to inattention or ignorance of the details surrounding expenses procedures or was it done intentionally for personal gain. I do not know the answer to that question.

I do know that most Mayors go into a campaign for re-election emphasizing their experience particularily in protecting taxpayers money. Todd is reduced to advising us that he is not a "details" man nor is he particularily adept at accounting. This is not what the vast majority of electors want to have in an elected official, especially a Mayor.

I have no opinion or even a prognostication at this point in time as to whether the police will lay charges and whether the Crown will prosecute. I do know that the citizens and electors have their chance to voice their opinion on October 27, 2014. Whatever the choice voters make it is strictly as to whether they belive that Todd Cowan will be a better Mayor than either Sandy Shantz or Bonnie Bryant. It should not be viewed ahead of time as some kind of plebiscite as to whether Todd is worse than being distracted or inattentive. That said his competitors in the last election for the Mayor's spot must be kicking the election gods right now.

I and others have had issues with Mayor Cowan. That said he is in 1000 times more crap than most of us in our pettiest moments would have wished upon him. If he loses the Mayor's position that is a huge blow. He is still a human being and has children and financial responsibilities to them. Let us all be a little careful in our throwing of stones lest down the road someone we know or love ever ends up in similar trouble.