Discussions

for me I wonder that if I ran for council if I would be 'muzzled' if ever elected. I do have my own thoughts and opinions and sometimes step on toes.  
 
As for Mayor Chrest being unchallenged? He has class, dignity, intelligence, compassion and is a diplomat. He also has a great sense of humour! Anyone think that they can match up to our mayor?

It is not cheap to run for council ... signs, flyers, etc. If we went to an ‘at large’ pool for council I think we’d find more councillors from some areas and other areas under represented. Every area has its own issues and challenges that someone who doesn’t and hasn’t lived there may not understand.

who-am-i? said "It is not cheap to run for council ... signs, flyers, etc. If we went to an ‘at large’ pool for council I think we’d find more councillors from some areas and other areas under represented. Every area has its own issues and challenges that someone who doesn’t and hasn’t lived there may not understand. "

Cost would be the biggest motivation for even considering jumping in. Those with ideas can't necessarily afford to voice them.

I hope all spots are contested, even the mayor’s chair. Some times all the public needs to change their vote is someone else to vote for. Unfortunately, some who wants to run won’t because they don’t have the backing and don’t believe they have a shot at beating out the current councillors/mayor. While I’m glad some are wanting to hold their seats again for another term, there are others I don’t want there one more day. I can only vote for one.  
 
I wish this city would realize we have too many wards! I also think they should make it well known that residents can contact any member of council regardless of what ward you live in. Councillors should know and be willing to help anyone with any issues within the city. If a resident is “stuck” with a councillor who doesn’t return calls/emails for the length of their term (and I hear this more than I''''m comfortable with), that’s a long four years to feel you are not be properly represented. Why do we need a ward system? Councillors should know all areas of Brandon and be willing and able to help us all.  
 
Please people, step up and run if you have the desire and time. Acclamation is horrible.  
 
I’m a “bit” vocal and I don’t play well with others when the game is “You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.” I know others don''''t play this game well either.  
 
We need more councillors willing to see this city needs to be run as a business and not as a charity. We need more councillors who are willing to challenge City Administration while still being able to work along side them. We need councillors who are willing to take a hard stand on issues that are important for Brandon and its residents.  
 
Edited by Hackeda, 2018-09-08 11:57:35

personally i would like fewer people on council and no ward system . elect council at large.

Hackeda said "I hope all spots are contested, even the mayor’s chair. Some times all the public needs to change their vote is someone else to vote for. Unfortunately, some who wants to run won’t because they don’t have the backing and don’t believe they have a shot at beating out the current councillors/mayor. While I’m glad some are wanting to hold their seats again for another term, there are others I don’t want there one more day. I can only vote for one.     I wish this city would realize we have too many wards! I also think they should make it well known that residents can contact any member of council regardless of what ward you live in. Councillors should know and be willing to help anyone with any issues within the city. If a resident is “stuck” with a councillor who doesn’t return calls/emails for the length of their term (and I hear this more than I''''m comfortable with), that’s a long four years to feel you are not be properly represented. Why do we need a ward system? Councillors should know all areas of Brandon and be willing and able to help us all.     Please people, step up and run if you have the desire and time. Acclamation is horrible.     I’m a “bit” vocal and I don’t play well with others when the game is “You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.” I know others don''''t play this game well either.     We need more councillors willing to see this city needs to be run as a business and not as a charity. We need more councillors who are willing to challenge City Administration while still being able to work along side them. We need councillors who are willing to take a hard stand on issues that are important for Brandon and its residents.     Edited by Hackeda, 2018-09-08 11:57:35"

The goal of every business is to make a profit. How do you propose that councillors make a profit for the city ?  
 
You have expressed strong opinions about council. Perhaps you should run rather than just sitting on the sidelines. You could show others how the city can “be run as a business and not as a charity”

standard standard h8r said "    Hackeda said "I hope all spots are contested, even the mayor’s chair. Some times all the public needs to change their vote is someone else to vote for. Unfortunately, some who wants to run won’t because they don’t have the backing and don’t believe they have a shot at beating out the current councillors/mayor. While I’m glad some are wanting to hold their seats again for another term, there are others I don’t want there one more day. I can only vote for one.     I wish this city would realize we have too many wards! I also think they should make it well known that residents can contact any member of council regardless of what ward you live in. Councillors should know and be willing to help anyone with any issues within the city. If a resident is “stuck” with a councillor who doesn’t return calls/emails for the length of their term (and I hear this more than I''''m comfortable with), that’s a long four years to feel you are not be properly represented. Why do we need a ward system? Councillors should know all areas of Brandon and be willing and able to help us all.     Please people, step up and run if you have the desire and time. Acclamation is horrible.     I’m a “bit” vocal and I don’t play well with others when the game is “You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.” I know others don''''t play this game well either.     We need more councillors willing to see this city needs to be run as a business and not as a charity. We need more councillors who are willing to challenge City Administration while still being able to work along side them. We need councillors who are willing to take a hard stand on issues that are important for Brandon and its residents.     Edited by Hackeda, 2018-09-08 11:57:35" The goal of every business is to make a profit. How do you propose that councillors make a profit for the city ?     You have expressed strong opinions about council. Perhaps you should run rather than just sitting on the sidelines. You could show others how the city can “be run as a business and not as a charity” "

Well, that's my point exactly. EVERY BUSINESS IS IN IT TO MAKE A PROFIT. The city IS a business. The city needs to remember that and it's council's job to keep the city on it's toes. Nowhere did I say or do I expect councillors to go out and make the city a profit. I didn't think my post was so confusing that it would be misunderstood.  
 
Please read my posts carefully and maybe multiple times. I already stated why I DON'T get involved on that level. However, I am a resident of Brandon and I am allowed a vote and I am member of eBrandon and until moderators delete my posts or ban my membership, I will continue to be part of the political discussions. I don't answer to you, thanks.  
 
Charity starts at home

I respect any politician that does make the effort to keep in contact with the electorate, but the true proof is when an issue comes up that same politician is there to help you with your problem, usually that is where the problem starts.  
There are many legitimate concerns that people have that never get brought to light, and by never getting put in the public eye, never get addressed.  
Maybe will add that maybe my ideas are not shared on today's world, but when a person puts their name up as a candidate, and are successful, they do have an obligation to those in their ward, for myself it's a mutual agreement, the candidate has asked for your support, and the voters vote with the expectation of representation, even at the level on single concerns.  
 
Edited by don brown, 2018-09-09 07:56:12

Hackeda said "    standard standard h8r said "    Hackeda said "I hope all spots are contested, even the mayor’s chair. Some times all the public needs to change their vote is someone else to vote for. Unfortunately, some who wants to run won’t because they don’t have the backing and don’t believe they have a shot at beating out the current councillors/mayor. While I’m glad some are wanting to hold their seats again for another term, there are others I don’t want there one more day. I can only vote for one.     I wish this city would realize we have too many wards! I also think they should make it well known that residents can contact any member of council regardless of what ward you live in. Councillors should know and be willing to help anyone with any issues within the city. If a resident is “stuck” with a councillor who doesn’t return calls/emails for the length of their term (and I hear this more than I''''m comfortable with), that’s a long four years to feel you are not be properly represented. Why do we need a ward system? Councillors should know all areas of Brandon and be willing and able to help us all.     Please people, step up and run if you have the desire and time. Acclamation is horrible.     I’m a “bit” vocal and I don’t play well with others when the game is “You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.” I know others don''''t play this game well either.     We need more councillors willing to see this city needs to be run as a business and not as a charity. We need more councillors who are willing to challenge City Administration while still being able to work along side them. We need councillors who are willing to take a hard stand on issues that are important for Brandon and its residents.     Edited by Hackeda, 2018-09-08 11:57:35" The goal of every business is to make a profit. How do you propose that councillors make a profit for the city ?     You have expressed strong opinions about council. Perhaps you should run rather than just sitting on the sidelines. You could show others how the city can “be run as a business and not as a charity” " Well, that's my point exactly. EVERY BUSINESS IS IN IT TO MAKE A PROFIT. The city IS a business. The city needs to remember that and it's council's job to keep the city on it's toes. Nowhere did I say or do I expect councillors to go out and make the city a profit. I didn't think my post was so confusing that it would be misunderstood.     Please read my posts carefully and maybe multiple times. I already stated why I DON'T get involved on that level. However, I am a resident of Brandon and I am allowed a vote and I am member of eBrandon and until moderators delete my posts or ban my membership, I will continue to be part of the political discussions. I don't answer to you, thanks.     Charity starts at home "

While some aspects of running a city are like a business, a city is not a business. It is not a commercial enterprise. It's purpose is not to turn a profit for an owner or shareholder. A city is a public service, a democracy.

bigmoe said "    Hackeda said "    standard standard h8r said "    Hackeda said "I hope all spots are contested, even the mayor’s chair. Some times all the public needs to change their vote is someone else to vote for. Unfortunately, some who wants to run won’t because they don’t have the backing and don’t believe they have a shot at beating out the current councillors/mayor. While I’m glad some are wanting to hold their seats again for another term, there are others I don’t want there one more day. I can only vote for one.     I wish this city would realize we have too many wards! I also think they should make it well known that residents can contact any member of council regardless of what ward you live in. Councillors should know and be willing to help anyone with any issues within the city. If a resident is “stuck” with a councillor who doesn’t return calls/emails for the length of their term (and I hear this more than I''''m comfortable with), that’s a long four years to feel you are not be properly represented. Why do we need a ward system? Councillors should know all areas of Brandon and be willing and able to help us all.     Please people, step up and run if you have the desire and time. Acclamation is horrible.     I’m a “bit” vocal and I don’t play well with others when the game is “You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.” I know others don''''t play this game well either.     We need more councillors willing to see this city needs to be run as a business and not as a charity. We need more councillors who are willing to challenge City Administration while still being able to work along side them. We need councillors who are willing to take a hard stand on issues that are important for Brandon and its residents.     Edited by Hackeda, 2018-09-08 11:57:35" The goal of every business is to make a profit. How do you propose that councillors make a profit for the city ?     You have expressed strong opinions about council. Perhaps you should run rather than just sitting on the sidelines. You could show others how the city can “be run as a business and not as a charity” " Well, that's my point exactly. EVERY BUSINESS IS IN IT TO MAKE A PROFIT. The city IS a business. The city needs to remember that and it's council's job to keep the city on it's toes. Nowhere did I say or do I expect councillors to go out and make the city a profit. I didn't think my post was so confusing that it would be misunderstood.     Please read my posts carefully and maybe multiple times. I already stated why I DON'T get involved on that level. However, I am a resident of Brandon and I am allowed a vote and I am member of eBrandon and until moderators delete my posts or ban my membership, I will continue to be part of the political discussions. I don't answer to you, thanks.     Charity starts at home " While some aspects of running a city are like a business, a city is not a business. It is not a commercial enterprise. It's purpose is not to turn a profit for an owner or shareholder. A city is a public service, a democracy. "

The City of Brandon is a corporation accountable to its shareholders...on every level.  
 
If gouging hard working residents year after year is ok for some, more power to them.  
 
The decisions made by the city and over seen by council affect the residents. Why is this such a difficult concept to grasp in this town?  
 
The city, the public service, the democracy - Brandon, NEEDS to generate revenue and enough of it (consider it profit) so it doesn't continually have it's hands down my pants.  
 
It is very important to have good city council and acclimation does not always ensure that an area gets the best.

Of the wards that are still uncontested, why will acclamation be good for that ward? What is that concillor doing that is so over the top, every resident loves him/her.  
 
I am in a ward that is contested although we are fairly confident that the incumbent will keep his seat, but time will tell.  
 
Four years ago one councillor didn't want to be acclaimed and had wished he had an opponent.  
 
I don't believe an uncontested ward is one where all residents are satisfied with how things are going. While the mayor is likeable I hear, I never see him or hear from him as he has never replied to my messages-and I voted for him. Whatever, another four years of that won't kill me. I think no one is running against him because they don't think they will beat him. Again, I think acclamation is unfortunate.  
 
And if you don't agree with my opinions, please carry on and post your own without quoting mine. I really can't take explaining my opinions over and over on here. Thanks.

Where can one look up the documents for running?

Fishin Guy said "Where can one look up the documents for running? "

should have the info you are looking for.  
 
Are you thinking of running?

Johnbisonbear said "    Fishin Guy said "Where can one look up the documents for running? " should have the info you are looking for.     Are you thinking of running? "

City got back to me.  
https://brandonvotes.ca/  
 
I don't think I should lol. I have given the thought for council or better yet the school division. School board I would have every teacher in the division hating me lol. Maybe if I had more time on my hands I wonder.

"The City of Brandon is a corporation accountable to its shareholders...on every level.  
 
If gouging hard working residents year after year is ok for some, more power to them.  
 
The decisions made by the city and over seen by council affect the residents. Why is this such a difficult concept to grasp in this town?  
 
The city, the public service, the democracy - Brandon, NEEDS to generate revenue and enough of it (consider it profit) so it doesn't continually have it's hands down my pants.  
 
It is very important to have good city council and acclimation does not always ensure that an area gets the best."  
 
I like this. And just for that the city needs a restructuring of how things are charged. Taxes are one that I would like to see billed just like a business. I would love to see a flat fee charged in taxes. Come up with some magical number that businesses cover say 60% of costs and homes cover 40% or whatever the ratio is. Then of that amount divide the cost of police/fire/etc. over that many places. There you go, that is your tax bill. One fee for everyone. Your home assessment is the dumbest way to charge taxes on. Why not just go by household income? I want to renovate my home but will be charged taxes on the materials used, charged taxes on the trades used, then charged by the city as my value of property will go up. Do I get more services? A Thank You card? Jesus I don't even get a bottle of Vaseline.

Fishin Guy said ""The City of Brandon is a corporation accountable to its shareholders...on every level.     If gouging hard working residents year after year is ok for some, more power to them.     The decisions made by the city and over seen by council affect the residents. Why is this such a difficult concept to grasp in this town?     The city, the public service, the democracy - Brandon, NEEDS to generate revenue and enough of it (consider it profit) so it doesn't continually have it's hands down my pants.     It is very important to have good city council and acclimation does not always ensure that an area gets the best."     I like this. And just for that the city needs a restructuring of how things are charged. Taxes are one that I would like to see billed just like a business. I would love to see a flat fee charged in taxes. Come up with some magical number that businesses cover say 60% of costs and homes cover 40% or whatever the ratio is. Then of that amount divide the cost of police/fire/etc. over that many places. There you go, that is your tax bill. One fee for everyone. Your home assessment is the dumbest way to charge taxes on. Why not just go by household income? I want to renovate my home but will be charged taxes on the materials used, charged taxes on the trades used, then charged by the city as my value of property will go up. Do I get more services? A Thank You card? Jesus I don't even get a bottle of Vaseline. "

You think that the owner of J&G shouldn't have to pay more taxes than you....  
 
careful what you wish for...the rich would just keep getting richer.

PrimeConvoy said "    Fishin Guy said ""The City of Brandon is a corporation accountable to its shareholders...on every level.     If gouging hard working residents year after year is ok for some, more power to them.     The decisions made by the city and over seen by council affect the residents. Why is this such a difficult concept to grasp in this town?     The city, the public service, the democracy - Brandon, NEEDS to generate revenue and enough of it (consider it profit) so it doesn't continually have it's hands down my pants.     It is very important to have good city council and acclimation does not always ensure that an area gets the best."     I like this. And just for that the city needs a restructuring of how things are charged. Taxes are one that I would like to see billed just like a business. I would love to see a flat fee charged in taxes. Come up with some magical number that businesses cover say 60% of costs and homes cover 40% or whatever the ratio is. Then of that amount divide the cost of police/fire/etc. over that many places. There you go, that is your tax bill. One fee for everyone. Your home assessment is the dumbest way to charge taxes on. Why not just go by household income? I want to renovate my home but will be charged taxes on the materials used, charged taxes on the trades used, then charged by the city as my value of property will go up. Do I get more services? A Thank You card? Jesus I don't even get a bottle of Vaseline. " You think that the owner of J&G shouldn't have to pay more taxes than you....     careful what you wish for...the rich would just keep getting richer. "

did mention household income BTW. On that basis the owner of J&G would be paying a good sum.

You might be like a Trump mentality in running a country like a business. How would that be working for you?

Kellye said "You might be like a Trump mentality in running a country like a business. How would that be working for you? "

mention Trump? That's a sure way to get this thread going in the wrong direction and getting posts/thoughts deleted!

It should use best practices whenever possible, but it is a service. It also is required to focus on social services that provide no profit opportunity.  
I do agree that it should be run as efficiently as possible, but I think we have to be careful in our use of words like profit for a community.

that anyone here is thinking that the city can make a profit, rather we think that the city must do it's best to run the different departments as efficiently as possible. But like a business care must be taken to provide services to the citizens and look after the dollars provided not just by Brandonites but the other two levels of government.

I don't think we can run a city like a business. We could certainly create more revenue for the city and better utilize areas in my opinion.  
 
Police budget for revenue for 2018 is 340 grand in tickets and 280 in parking tickets. Really? How many by-law officers are out writing tickets vs officers on a daily basis. I got flack for saying education goes more than punishing the wrong party. Ex. was school zones, no school, tickets written. Total cash grab. I don't agree with the principal but whatever. Today going through Crocus school zone 6 students jaywalked. Yet make motorists drive slower as that is the more common sense approach and ticket drivers who don't obey. How much was a jaywalking ticket again? Why don't we see cadets in summer months to help patrol the core area, reduce overtime of regular officers. Traffic lights out, send cadet. Same with fire fighters. I really hope that the guy rolling up the hoses isn't on OT and making 6 figures a year.  
 
As to the owner of J&G...I am best to bite my tongue and say that do I think he should pay more in tax...yes. But the city brings in approx. 45 million in property taxes. There are according to the 2016 census 20,270 dwellings. Divide that into the 45 million and each property would be paying about 2200 in taxes. This doesn't include commercial businesses. Yes certain people would pay less but also it would mean those in the higher housing would pay less, freeing money, buying more other things. The greatest impact would affect cheaper housing which might bring up the property tax against their home, but in reality everyone should pay the same ratio. This way I would be more inclined to want to renovate and improve my house without being punished in paying more and more taxes on the basis my house is worth more.

There are still two business days to register as a candidate for City Council or School Trustee.  
 
There have been many people posting about their concerns about how the city and school division are run. This is a golden opportunity to get involved and share your views in a setting that can really make a difference.  
 
I encourage more candidates to come forward and file their nomination papers.

Has anyone else been having candidates coming to their home and speaking with them personally? I live in Richmond ward and had Ron Cayer come by tell me a little about himself and what he would like to do/see done very briefly.  
 
I guess if the other two candidates currently running in my ward dont have the time to come speak or provide any info on some form of platform social media hell a quick post on ebrandon anything really what they plan to do or how they can change things will have to go with him as I assume they are simply too busy to deal with any real issues that may arise.

James Montgomery just registered as a candidate in the Victora Ward.

LloydMosby said "James Montgomery just registered as a candidate in the Victora Ward. "

any info about who this guy is?

https://brandonvotes.ca/elector-info/candidate-listing/candidates-for-councillor/ward-3-victoria

I've changed my mind. COB should be a designated Charity. Why run it like a business? That was crazy talk. All residents have deep, deep pockets so we'll just give what we're told to give.  
 
Every ward should be uncontested too. That's the democratic way.  
 
And so continues the status quo in Brandon, MB.

Hackeda said "I've changed my mind. COB should be a designated Charity. Why run it like a business? That was crazy talk. All residents have deep, deep pockets so we'll just give what we're told to give.     Every ward should be uncontested too. That's the democratic way.     And so continues the status quo in Brandon, MB. "

the stus quo only prevails because most people choose to be uninvolved