How good it feels to finally be free from the death-grip that is Alex Cullen. Its been a long road. As scary as it was that this guy could have been mayor, then city councillor for the infiniteenth time we are finally in for some change.
I don't know too much about Mark Taylor other than the self-congratulatory Citizen clipping he decided it would be a good idea to send everyone in the ward. That and his over the top sign density. Hopefully he can get his head out of his ass and deal with the transit and social housing problems Cullen has bestowed upon us during his reign of terror.
Additionally, he promises only two terms so (assuming he keeps his promise *heh*) we won't be subject to any possible retardery from him for too too long.
Taylor, you promised us some open office hours. Lets see em, I've got some suggestions. You all should too.
Meanwhile Cullen can maybe find an advisory board somewhere to mismanage.
Over and out!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Bittersweet victory
X-posted from http://www.electalexcullen.ca/
Well Alex Cullen has bowed out of the Mayoral race because of financial reasons. So without Cullen in the mayoral race that leaves O'brien, Watson, and Doucet really as the only other options. Not really a good lineup but at least Cullen's name isn't one of those three.
Sadly, however, Alex Cullen is now running for re-election in the Bay Ward, specifically, to take on Terry Kilrea. I don't really see how Kilrea is going to run an effective campaign seeing as he's a bit of a corruptocrat given that he tried to negotiate a parole board position during the last election and obviously since that didn't work out he's back in the race maybe hoping to get a senatorial position or something out of it. Either way I'm not sure how well Terry Kilrea will represent us yet.
Given that, Cullen might have a good chance in the Bay Ward which is really odd given that he has said specifically that he does not want to run in the bay ward. Further to that, he's totally neglecting the area what with Britannia becoming a ghetto and bayshore remaining a ghetto.
Further to that there's some talk that Cullen is aiming for a run in Ottawa Center maybe because he has better chances there. I don't put too much stock in that rumor but that would be hilarious, moreso if voters put up with that.
See the letter to his 'friends' below!
Dear friends:
It is with regret that I must inform you that I will be withdrawing my candidacy for Mayor of Ottawa. With 8 weeks to go to election day it has become clear to me that I do not have the resources to mount a competitive campaign for the mayoralty. While I believe I have the vision and ideas to provide a progressive choice for the electors of Ottawa, to be able to present these ideas to the electorate in a city of 900,000 residents requires a campaign budget of at least $100,000 for brochures, ads, signs, etc. Unfortunately to date, despite your support (for which I am grateful), my campaign has not succeeded in raising this amount and is unlikely to do so in the 8 weeks remaining in this campaign. This has led me to make this difficult decision to withdraw my candidacy for Mayor.
This will leave my campaign for Mayor with a small deficit, which I will take responsibility for. However, I have further news for you.
Over the past few weeks I have been approached by a number of residents in Bay Ward expressing regret over my impending departure as Councillor for Bay Ward and asking me to re- consider. Further, there are outstanding issues in Bay Ward – in Britannia and in Bayshore – that I have been involved with and would like to see completed. As well, from a City perspective there is the need to see the City’s Rapid Transit Plan (a plan I strongly believe in) come to fruition. And then there is the entry of Terry Kilrea as a candidate for Bay Ward – someone, in my view, who does not represent the values of the majority of residents of Bay Ward. All this has convinced me to seek re-election as Councillor for Bay Ward. In this way, the values and ideas that I hoped to present as Mayor will still find their way to City Council.
Again, I would like to express my appreciation for the support you have given me as candidate for Mayor. I can tell you that making the decision to withdraw my candidacy was not an easy one, but I hope you will understand my reluctance to incur large personal debt in these circumstances. Thank you again for your support of the democratic process.
Well Alex Cullen has bowed out of the Mayoral race because of financial reasons. So without Cullen in the mayoral race that leaves O'brien, Watson, and Doucet really as the only other options. Not really a good lineup but at least Cullen's name isn't one of those three.
Sadly, however, Alex Cullen is now running for re-election in the Bay Ward, specifically, to take on Terry Kilrea. I don't really see how Kilrea is going to run an effective campaign seeing as he's a bit of a corruptocrat given that he tried to negotiate a parole board position during the last election and obviously since that didn't work out he's back in the race maybe hoping to get a senatorial position or something out of it. Either way I'm not sure how well Terry Kilrea will represent us yet.
Given that, Cullen might have a good chance in the Bay Ward which is really odd given that he has said specifically that he does not want to run in the bay ward. Further to that, he's totally neglecting the area what with Britannia becoming a ghetto and bayshore remaining a ghetto.
Further to that there's some talk that Cullen is aiming for a run in Ottawa Center maybe because he has better chances there. I don't put too much stock in that rumor but that would be hilarious, moreso if voters put up with that.
See the letter to his 'friends' below!
Dear friends:
It is with regret that I must inform you that I will be withdrawing my candidacy for Mayor of Ottawa. With 8 weeks to go to election day it has become clear to me that I do not have the resources to mount a competitive campaign for the mayoralty. While I believe I have the vision and ideas to provide a progressive choice for the electors of Ottawa, to be able to present these ideas to the electorate in a city of 900,000 residents requires a campaign budget of at least $100,000 for brochures, ads, signs, etc. Unfortunately to date, despite your support (for which I am grateful), my campaign has not succeeded in raising this amount and is unlikely to do so in the 8 weeks remaining in this campaign. This has led me to make this difficult decision to withdraw my candidacy for Mayor.
This will leave my campaign for Mayor with a small deficit, which I will take responsibility for. However, I have further news for you.
Over the past few weeks I have been approached by a number of residents in Bay Ward expressing regret over my impending departure as Councillor for Bay Ward and asking me to re- consider. Further, there are outstanding issues in Bay Ward – in Britannia and in Bayshore – that I have been involved with and would like to see completed. As well, from a City perspective there is the need to see the City’s Rapid Transit Plan (a plan I strongly believe in) come to fruition. And then there is the entry of Terry Kilrea as a candidate for Bay Ward – someone, in my view, who does not represent the values of the majority of residents of Bay Ward. All this has convinced me to seek re-election as Councillor for Bay Ward. In this way, the values and ideas that I hoped to present as Mayor will still find their way to City Council.
Again, I would like to express my appreciation for the support you have given me as candidate for Mayor. I can tell you that making the decision to withdraw my candidacy was not an easy one, but I hope you will understand my reluctance to incur large personal debt in these circumstances. Thank you again for your support of the democratic process.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Almost there
So it seems we may be nearing the end of the road here for the Cullen Campaign 2010.
Failing to convince Ottawans that his neglect for the Bay Ward and mishandling of OC Transpo merited the office of Mayor, Alex Cullen may soon be out of the race for mayor.
This, however, doesn't leave the city safe from Cullen. He may be planning to run in the Bay Ward for re-election despite having flat-out said he doesn't want to run in the Bay Ward as councilor.
So that begs the question: Why should the people of the Bay Ward vote for someone who not only neglected the area (by canceling bus routes (50 and the 18) and trying to get a major commuter train line put right through it) but also said they have no intention of representing the people of the area?
Read Here
Failing to convince Ottawans that his neglect for the Bay Ward and mishandling of OC Transpo merited the office of Mayor, Alex Cullen may soon be out of the race for mayor.
This, however, doesn't leave the city safe from Cullen. He may be planning to run in the Bay Ward for re-election despite having flat-out said he doesn't want to run in the Bay Ward as councilor.
So that begs the question: Why should the people of the Bay Ward vote for someone who not only neglected the area (by canceling bus routes (50 and the 18) and trying to get a major commuter train line put right through it) but also said they have no intention of representing the people of the area?
Read Here
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Cullen Seduces City with Secret Bus Offer
Back from my BlogCation.
Alex Cullen is back at his old game trying to get money out of the city. This time he's touting a bus deal from a secret supplier.
"A representative from the company thats making the offer which Cullen would not identify is expected to attend."
"Cullen said theres a time constraint on the offer that will become apparent."
Whats with the smoke and mirrors Alex?
As a side note: Still waiting for some, you know, ideas about what it is you're going to do exactly if you get elected. That'd be nice!
Link for your reference.
Alex Cullen is back at his old game trying to get money out of the city. This time he's touting a bus deal from a secret supplier.
"A representative from the company thats making the offer which Cullen would not identify is expected to attend."
"Cullen said theres a time constraint on the offer that will become apparent."
Whats with the smoke and mirrors Alex?
As a side note: Still waiting for some, you know, ideas about what it is you're going to do exactly if you get elected. That'd be nice!
Link for your reference.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Cullen claims OC Transpo doesn't have to do its job because its "Trying"...good for you!
So apparently Alex Cullen thinks that OC Transpo drivers shouldn't be required to do their jobs because the city is thinking about, at some point, maybe implementing a system to do the driver's work for them.
These militant OC drivers are so averse do doing any real work and it looks like as long as they've got their best bud Alex Cullen on the case they won't be required to lift a finger.
An automated stop calling system is ridiculous. How hard is it for the drivers to call out the stops. I don't really see why they are doing it in the first place, but if its required, they should just do it. Imagine I stop doing work at my job then, when questioned, I'm like "But Boss, I'm working on a humanoid robot that will be capable of completing these tasks for me!" would Alex Cullen come to my defence?
Alex Cullen's mismanagement of OC Transpo in his capacity as Chair of the Transit Committee knows no bounds. Why would we want someone as mayor of this city who can't seem to get OC Drivers to perform even the simplest of tasks?
Link for your refernce
These militant OC drivers are so averse do doing any real work and it looks like as long as they've got their best bud Alex Cullen on the case they won't be required to lift a finger.
An automated stop calling system is ridiculous. How hard is it for the drivers to call out the stops. I don't really see why they are doing it in the first place, but if its required, they should just do it. Imagine I stop doing work at my job then, when questioned, I'm like "But Boss, I'm working on a humanoid robot that will be capable of completing these tasks for me!" would Alex Cullen come to my defence?
Alex Cullen's mismanagement of OC Transpo in his capacity as Chair of the Transit Committee knows no bounds. Why would we want someone as mayor of this city who can't seem to get OC Drivers to perform even the simplest of tasks?
Link for your refernce
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Cullen Supports Ludicrous 'Living Wage'
Currently, contract employees for the City of Ottawa make minimum wage. The minimum wage currently appears to be $9.50/hr. Alex Cullen supports a move to increase minimum wage to what he is calling a 'living wage' of $13.50/hr.
I don't see what justifies this 42% pay increase. Who is going to pay for this 42% pay increase. Cullen is already pushing for or getting:
- A tax hike for residents (~4%)
- A transit fare hike on March 1st (~7.5%)
Combine this with the new HST rip-off that is coming into effect that will essentially be increasing costs across the board.
What about people who live smart and within their means? Who's going to help them out? And just how bad is $9.50/hr? These people surely won't be living on the street. I don't see why they need subsidization at the expense of the taxpayer.
Alex Cullen repeatedly shows a lack of care and respect towards the city taxpayers. Why would we want someone to shows such blatant disregard for us to represent us as Mayor?
Maybe Cullen is trying to get votes from the city's contract workers!
Check this Link out for more information.
I don't see what justifies this 42% pay increase. Who is going to pay for this 42% pay increase. Cullen is already pushing for or getting:
- A tax hike for residents (~4%)
- A transit fare hike on March 1st (~7.5%)
Combine this with the new HST rip-off that is coming into effect that will essentially be increasing costs across the board.
What about people who live smart and within their means? Who's going to help them out? And just how bad is $9.50/hr? These people surely won't be living on the street. I don't see why they need subsidization at the expense of the taxpayer.
Alex Cullen repeatedly shows a lack of care and respect towards the city taxpayers. Why would we want someone to shows such blatant disregard for us to represent us as Mayor?
Maybe Cullen is trying to get votes from the city's contract workers!
Check this Link out for more information.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Cullen's Crew Causes Headaches Again
So OCTranspo is at it again with these articulated busses, which, as we already know, are useless in the winter. Since the city hall here in Ottawa seems unable to negotiate and come up with a non-brain-dead solution for transit, we must rely on the crappy overpriced bus service that is in place. The City cannot even ensure we get working busses and Alex Cullen, as the city's representative on public transit, should shoulder the blame for the ineptitude of this service.
We need decent public transit. This means providing the highest quality service possible at the lowest price possible. I, and many others, beleive that we are paying too much for an inadequate service. It seems like everytime you open the newspaper its always 'service reductions' or 'service changes' which means service reductions. I honestly don't think we can have the entire city managed the way OCTranspo is currently being managed.
The Problem in Question
So the latest problem here was pretty tame as compared to busses buried in snow. A few service reductions on the major routes over a relatively calm period at no cost to the City is pretty much the optimal solution for repairing cracked engine mounts. The issue here is why the engine mounts are cracked in the first place.
Maybe they could have spent the effort making this instead on finding us some quality busses. We're paying like three bucks a trip anyways.
Let me know what you think. Follow this blog and if there's enough support maybe we can get some real journalism up in here.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Cullen Claims Victory on New Tax Hike
In the press release below Alex Cullen decides it would be a good idea to claim victory over a 3.8% tax hike for the people of Ottawa. These tax increases will surely place a higher burden on the people of Ottawa during an already difficult economic climate. This is no time for tax increases, in fact, there should be either a tax freeze or tax reduction to promote economic activity in the city.
Bus service is already terrible and I don't see how the city could reduce service without just resorting to having main routes only. I mean there currently exist some brain-dead routes. For example, check out route 159. This route was designed so that people don't bitch that service between Carlingwood and Westboro was eliminated when the 18 was cancelled. This route comes once every never and only between 9:30 and 2:30 which is asinine.
The U-pass idea, which has been around for along time, is one of the stupidest ideas I've ever seen. The idea, generally, is that schools levy money from students to pay for bus passes they may or may not use. This penalizes every student that lives on campus or doesn't take the bus and INCREASES COSTS FOR STUDENTS. Cullen is blatantly LYING when he claims this will bring 50 000 students into the public transit system because many of those 50 000 students don't use transit or use it infrequently enough that the 125$ / semester levy isn't justified for their needs. Universities are full of this 'everyone pays for services only a few use' model but this U-pass idea goes too far. It essentially doubles the current student union fees.
A press release from Thursday:
From: Cullen, Alex
To: Media Only
Cc: info@wwwebworks.ca
Sent: Thu Jan 28 16:22:16 2010
Subject: Transit Committee Chair Cullen claims victory as Transit budget approved with no service cuts and a new U-Pass program
Media Release:
Transit Committee Chair Cullen claims victory as Transit budget approved with no service cuts and a new U-Pass program
Councillor Alex Cullen, Chair of the City's Transit Committee, claimed victory as a result of City Council's budget decisions today (January 28, 2010) as City Council restored cuts to 53 bus routes and approved a pilot U-Pass program for university students at Carleton and Ottawa Universities. Said Councillor Cullen: "This is a victory for transit today - the public spoke loud and clear that they didn't want to see their bus service cut to achieve a tax increase target and City Council listened." On the U-Pass, which City Council adopted on a 22-2 vote after three previous tries, Councillor Cullen said: "The U-Pass will bring some 50,000 students onto our public transit system at a rate they can afford - congratulations to the student federations of both universities for their work in campaigning for this initiative."
Last November during the development of the draft 2010 budget the City's Transit Committee recommended a $364 million budget for public transit, but the Audit, Budget & Finance Committee (chaired by Mayor O'Brien) proposed to cut $3 million in cuts to public transit, affecting 53 bus routes and 597,000 passenger rides. Public reaction to these proposed cuts was strong and negative, both at individual ward meetings and at the City Council public hearings. As a result, during the budget debate an omnibus motion was moved that adopted a number of measures that kept the tax increase near its 3.9% target while re-instating the ABF Committee's proposed transit cuts.
The U-Pass success came about after 2 previous tries at City Council where Transit Committee had endorsed this proposal but had been rejected by City Council over funding concerns. U-Pass programs are currently found in 18 cities across Canada.
Alex Cullen
Councillor, Bay Ward
City of Ottawa
110 Laurier Ave. W.
Ottawa K1P 1J1
(613) 580-2477 fax: (613) 580-2517
e-mail: alex.cullen@ottawa.ca
www.alexcullen.ca
No matter what corporate confidentiality disclaimer may appear below please feel free to share this message as you wish.
This e-mail originates from the City of Ottawa e-mail system. Any
distribution, use or copying of this e-mail or the information it
contains by other than the intended recipient(s) is unauthorized.
If you are not the intended recipient, please notify me at the
telephone number shown above or by return e-mail and delete
this communication and any copy immediately. Thank you.
Le présent courriel a été expédié par le système de courriels de
la Ville d'Ottawa. Toute distribution, utilisation ou
reproduction du courriel ou des renseignements qui s'y trouvent
par une personne autre que son destinataire prévu est interdite.
Si vous avez reçu le message par erreur, veuillez m'en aviser par
téléphone (au numéro précité) ou par courriel, puis supprimer
sans délai la version originale de la communication ainsi que
toutes ses copies. Je vous remercie de votre collaboration.
Bus service is already terrible and I don't see how the city could reduce service without just resorting to having main routes only. I mean there currently exist some brain-dead routes. For example, check out route 159. This route was designed so that people don't bitch that service between Carlingwood and Westboro was eliminated when the 18 was cancelled. This route comes once every never and only between 9:30 and 2:30 which is asinine.
The U-pass idea, which has been around for along time, is one of the stupidest ideas I've ever seen. The idea, generally, is that schools levy money from students to pay for bus passes they may or may not use. This penalizes every student that lives on campus or doesn't take the bus and INCREASES COSTS FOR STUDENTS. Cullen is blatantly LYING when he claims this will bring 50 000 students into the public transit system because many of those 50 000 students don't use transit or use it infrequently enough that the 125$ / semester levy isn't justified for their needs. Universities are full of this 'everyone pays for services only a few use' model but this U-pass idea goes too far. It essentially doubles the current student union fees.
A press release from Thursday:
From: Cullen, Alex
To: Media Only
Cc: info@wwwebworks.ca
Sent: Thu Jan 28 16:22:16 2010
Subject: Transit Committee Chair Cullen claims victory as Transit budget approved with no service cuts and a new U-Pass program
Media Release:
Transit Committee Chair Cullen claims victory as Transit budget approved with no service cuts and a new U-Pass program
Councillor Alex Cullen, Chair of the City's Transit Committee, claimed victory as a result of City Council's budget decisions today (January 28, 2010) as City Council restored cuts to 53 bus routes and approved a pilot U-Pass program for university students at Carleton and Ottawa Universities. Said Councillor Cullen: "This is a victory for transit today - the public spoke loud and clear that they didn't want to see their bus service cut to achieve a tax increase target and City Council listened." On the U-Pass, which City Council adopted on a 22-2 vote after three previous tries, Councillor Cullen said: "The U-Pass will bring some 50,000 students onto our public transit system at a rate they can afford - congratulations to the student federations of both universities for their work in campaigning for this initiative."
Last November during the development of the draft 2010 budget the City's Transit Committee recommended a $364 million budget for public transit, but the Audit, Budget & Finance Committee (chaired by Mayor O'Brien) proposed to cut $3 million in cuts to public transit, affecting 53 bus routes and 597,000 passenger rides. Public reaction to these proposed cuts was strong and negative, both at individual ward meetings and at the City Council public hearings. As a result, during the budget debate an omnibus motion was moved that adopted a number of measures that kept the tax increase near its 3.9% target while re-instating the ABF Committee's proposed transit cuts.
The U-Pass success came about after 2 previous tries at City Council where Transit Committee had endorsed this proposal but had been rejected by City Council over funding concerns. U-Pass programs are currently found in 18 cities across Canada.
Alex Cullen
Councillor, Bay Ward
City of Ottawa
110 Laurier Ave. W.
Ottawa K1P 1J1
(613) 580-2477 fax: (613) 580-2517
e-mail: alex.cullen@ottawa.ca
www.alexcullen.ca
No matter what corporate confidentiality disclaimer may appear below please feel free to share this message as you wish.
This e-mail originates from the City of Ottawa e-mail system. Any
distribution, use or copying of this e-mail or the information it
contains by other than the intended recipient(s) is unauthorized.
If you are not the intended recipient, please notify me at the
telephone number shown above or by return e-mail and delete
this communication and any copy immediately. Thank you.
Le présent courriel a été expédié par le système de courriels de
la Ville d'Ottawa. Toute distribution, utilisation ou
reproduction du courriel ou des renseignements qui s'y trouvent
par une personne autre que son destinataire prévu est interdite.
Si vous avez reçu le message par erreur, veuillez m'en aviser par
téléphone (au numéro précité) ou par courriel, puis supprimer
sans délai la version originale de la communication ainsi que
toutes ses copies. Je vous remercie de votre collaboration.
Monday, January 11, 2010
BREAKING: Jim Watson Enters the race for mayor
From over at the CBC
A source close to the Liberal MPP for Ottawa West-Nepean confirmed that Watson will announce his candidacy Tuesday morning.
This will surely liven things up. Watson is an experienced politician and should provide some entertainment for us.
"He is going to have a major impact on this race due to his personality," [Alex] Cullen said, when asked about the possibility of Watson's candidacy, before adding: "Style is nice, but it's substance that counts."
Stay Classy.
A source close to the Liberal MPP for Ottawa West-Nepean confirmed that Watson will announce his candidacy Tuesday morning.
This will surely liven things up. Watson is an experienced politician and should provide some entertainment for us.
"He is going to have a major impact on this race due to his personality," [Alex] Cullen said, when asked about the possibility of Watson's candidacy, before adding: "Style is nice, but it's substance that counts."
Stay Classy.
Cullen Clueless on Transit
From the Citizen
"It was an embarrassing day for Councillor Alex Cullen, who pronounced Lansdowne Live to be defective the day the plan came out"
Cullen's main argument against the proposed Landsdowne Live! plan was that it would not provide sufficient public transit access. I can't understand why this would be the case. Firstly, there are two major bus routes (the 1 and the 7) which travel along Bank Street. Secondly, I can think of a few developments not situated on major transit routes that were, in fact, approved by city council. The most notable example I can think of being the new shopping mall that is about to be put on the former Laurentian High School site only served by the local 156 route and the 118.
One of my main oppositions to Alex Cullen for Mayor is that in his role as Chair of the Transit Committee, he has, in my opinion, not demonstrated the foresight and knowledgeability I'd expect from a Mayoral Candidate.
"It was an embarrassing day for Councillor Alex Cullen, who pronounced Lansdowne Live to be defective the day the plan came out"
Cullen's main argument against the proposed Landsdowne Live! plan was that it would not provide sufficient public transit access. I can't understand why this would be the case. Firstly, there are two major bus routes (the 1 and the 7) which travel along Bank Street. Secondly, I can think of a few developments not situated on major transit routes that were, in fact, approved by city council. The most notable example I can think of being the new shopping mall that is about to be put on the former Laurentian High School site only served by the local 156 route and the 118.
One of my main oppositions to Alex Cullen for Mayor is that in his role as Chair of the Transit Committee, he has, in my opinion, not demonstrated the foresight and knowledgeability I'd expect from a Mayoral Candidate.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
OC Transpo Cancels 149 Runs in Two Days
The title (borrowed from CFRA.com) says it all. Alex Cullen, Chair of the Transit Committee, was "surprised" by the lack of maintained busses in Ottawa over the last few days.
Shouldn't Cullen, as the Chair of the Transit Committee, be congnisant of developments with regards to the transit which he is overseeing? Probably too busy installing Hand Sanitizers on OCTranspo busses.
Do we really want someone who would stick the elderly and the poor out in the cold to maintain a good relationship with an Out-of-control union as Mayor of our city?
Read the full article
Let me know! Feedback in the post or at crazy +dot+ man +dot+ sanders +at+ gmail +dot+ com
Shouldn't Cullen, as the Chair of the Transit Committee, be congnisant of developments with regards to the transit which he is overseeing? Probably too busy installing Hand Sanitizers on OCTranspo busses.
Do we really want someone who would stick the elderly and the poor out in the cold to maintain a good relationship with an Out-of-control union as Mayor of our city?
Read the full article
Let me know! Feedback in the post or at crazy +dot+ man +dot+ sanders +at+ gmail +dot+ com
New Blog!
Hello everyone and welcome to the blog. We will be posting articles shortly!
Comments and Feedback should be directed to crazy |dot| man |dot| sanders /at/ gmail |dot| com
Comments and Feedback should be directed to crazy |dot| man |dot| sanders /at/ gmail |dot| com
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