I am always at a loss to understand the people who seem to always
have something negative to say about our Mayor or his management
style. We elected him because of his business acumen as a very young
man who had demonstrated his success in the private sector. This
acumen has reaped significant rewards for our community over the
years, not the least of which is the recent Art Gallery/Library
deal. Our taxes have been stable for years while communities all
around us have increased and services to our community have not been
severely down graded. We enjoy a wonderful waterfront and modernized
sewage retention system, underpasses where trains no longer hold up
traffic and a large arena complex on the East side of the city that
is well used. Deals have been made with our college and university
to move activity downtown and new industry has been sought after and
located in our community providing jobs. Even housing prices are
going up for the first time in many years.
If one of these things happened we could attribute it to coincidence
or luck but it is clear that Mayor Francis and our City Council
deserve the credit for steering Windsor so well.
by Richard Rosenthal
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
Gasoline Prices
A lot has been written about the high cost of gasoline at the pumps in Canada and I want to add my two cents worth to the mix.
About 30% of the price here (compared to about 10% in the US) is made up of taxes and it is fair to charge taxes in order to cover the cost of roads and other infrastructure related to driving vehicles. However, part of the tax is not a fixed tax but rather an percentage of the price. I strongly believe that this type of tax is not in the best interests of the public and is very unfair since the government is basically experiencing a windfall every time gasoline prices rise. This tax should be capped so that when gasoline prices exceed a base amount, for example - .75/litre including the fixed taxes, the government does not make things worse by gouging us for excess taxes. The only way we will get this to change is to write our MPPs and keep pushing for a reasonable solution.
The other suggestion I would like to make is that since Canada is a net exporter of gasoline and we are looking for ways to create jobs in Canada and improve our economy the price of gas in Canada should not be based on world prices for gas but rather be a "Canadian" price set lower than the US prices in order to help attract business and jobs here. I know we will be told that because of NAFTA or some other international agreements we are not allowed to do this but it is time to make changes in those agreements if they, in fact, hinder us from taking advantage of our own resources to improve our economy. Other gas exporting countries like Saudi Arabia and Venezuela have very low domestic gasoline prices of well under $1 per US gallon compared to over $4/US gallon in Ontario.
The oil companies have been making record profits and the government has been raking in millions of surplus dollars in taxes at our expense. Just think how many more jobs could be created in Canada with lower gas prices.
by Richard Rosenthal
About 30% of the price here (compared to about 10% in the US) is made up of taxes and it is fair to charge taxes in order to cover the cost of roads and other infrastructure related to driving vehicles. However, part of the tax is not a fixed tax but rather an percentage of the price. I strongly believe that this type of tax is not in the best interests of the public and is very unfair since the government is basically experiencing a windfall every time gasoline prices rise. This tax should be capped so that when gasoline prices exceed a base amount, for example - .75/litre including the fixed taxes, the government does not make things worse by gouging us for excess taxes. The only way we will get this to change is to write our MPPs and keep pushing for a reasonable solution.
The other suggestion I would like to make is that since Canada is a net exporter of gasoline and we are looking for ways to create jobs in Canada and improve our economy the price of gas in Canada should not be based on world prices for gas but rather be a "Canadian" price set lower than the US prices in order to help attract business and jobs here. I know we will be told that because of NAFTA or some other international agreements we are not allowed to do this but it is time to make changes in those agreements if they, in fact, hinder us from taking advantage of our own resources to improve our economy. Other gas exporting countries like Saudi Arabia and Venezuela have very low domestic gasoline prices of well under $1 per US gallon compared to over $4/US gallon in Ontario.
The oil companies have been making record profits and the government has been raking in millions of surplus dollars in taxes at our expense. Just think how many more jobs could be created in Canada with lower gas prices.
by Richard Rosenthal
Monday, June 27, 2011
Windsor Elvis Fest - a tribute to volunteers
I am just winding down from our 6th annual Windsor Elvis Fest. My voice is hoarse and my legs tired from spending the weekend as part of a dedicated group of volunteers who put on another great event. But - its a "good" tired. My role as Entertainment Coordinator is always rewarding and I am so proud to be a member of a team that made this weekend so perfect. Their hard work over a year of planning and a final week of intense preparation followed by three days of execution should not be underestimated. Many team members were staff from the Centres For Seniors who volunteered countless hours to ensure we achieved a fantastic result.
Two dozen excellent Elvis Tribute Artists from as far away as Florida and the premier Elvis Band in the world, The EAS Band from Chicago, put on an exciting series of performances starting with a street party Friday night coordinated by Norm Ackland and continuing Saturday with an outstanding car show produced every year by Karen And John Pluck. On Saturday the fans enjoyed the preliminary competition during the day and a fantastic Hawaii themed showcase Saturday night starring James Gibb and Darrin Hagel, two of North Americas leading Tribute artists.. Sunday morning started off with the wonderful strains of gospel music from our very own Elvis Gospel Choir led by James Gibb. In the afternoon the finals of the competition produced dazzling performances by 16 tribute artists including several world champions who graced the stage of the Capitol Theatre.
Everyone was a winner. Tim Hendry from London, Ontario was our Grand Champion in the professional division. Windsor's own Kevin Bezaire was the winner in the non professional concert years. The non professional early years winner was Matt Dowsett from Belleville, Ontario. Jake Slater from Bellaire, Michigan will represent Windsor at the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition in Memphis this summer.
For more details visit www.windsorelvisfest.com.
Our team leader, Ellen Hope, worked almost full-time as a volunteer managing a complex event that a paid employee would have been challenged to match (and I must say looked great in her poodle skirt when we finally got her on stage to present the awards.)
I hope that our community appreciates the efforts of volunteers who work so hard and bring economic value in the way of visitors to our area and so much fun for our own residents.
Hats off to The Centres For Seniors for producing Windsor Elvis Fest.
by Richard Rosenthal
Two dozen excellent Elvis Tribute Artists from as far away as Florida and the premier Elvis Band in the world, The EAS Band from Chicago, put on an exciting series of performances starting with a street party Friday night coordinated by Norm Ackland and continuing Saturday with an outstanding car show produced every year by Karen And John Pluck. On Saturday the fans enjoyed the preliminary competition during the day and a fantastic Hawaii themed showcase Saturday night starring James Gibb and Darrin Hagel, two of North Americas leading Tribute artists.. Sunday morning started off with the wonderful strains of gospel music from our very own Elvis Gospel Choir led by James Gibb. In the afternoon the finals of the competition produced dazzling performances by 16 tribute artists including several world champions who graced the stage of the Capitol Theatre.
Everyone was a winner. Tim Hendry from London, Ontario was our Grand Champion in the professional division. Windsor's own Kevin Bezaire was the winner in the non professional concert years. The non professional early years winner was Matt Dowsett from Belleville, Ontario. Jake Slater from Bellaire, Michigan will represent Windsor at the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition in Memphis this summer.
For more details visit www.windsorelvisfest.com.
Our team leader, Ellen Hope, worked almost full-time as a volunteer managing a complex event that a paid employee would have been challenged to match (and I must say looked great in her poodle skirt when we finally got her on stage to present the awards.)
I hope that our community appreciates the efforts of volunteers who work so hard and bring economic value in the way of visitors to our area and so much fun for our own residents.
Hats off to The Centres For Seniors for producing Windsor Elvis Fest.
by Richard Rosenthal
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Capitol Theatre
Most of us who have used the Capitol Theatre and know that finding a reasonably priced venue for shows in Windsor is critical to affordable productions want to see the Capitol continue to be available at costs in line with those in place the past few years. However, as a retired business person and tax payer in Windsor I also know that the costs to operate a theatre of this type will not likely be covered by rentals and show revenue. We need to keep our city taxes affordable so the they cannot be used to subsidize the operation of the Capitol either.
There is a solution that has been adopted in Saginaw, Michigan that could work here as well. A private family in Saginaw bought and renovated the Temple Theatre several years ago and attempted to operate it for the benefit of the community. Their intention was to turn it over to the community but it became apparent that this was not a viable solution because of the ongoing costs so they formed The Temple Theatre Foundation and donated the building to the foundation along with a substantial cash contribution. The Foundation has solicited funds from the local community and business to create an endowment that will be large enough to support the ongoing operational costs of the Theatre.
I believe we should look into that approach in Windsor. The original campaign to renovate the Capitol apparently did not take into account the ongoing operational shortfalls that brought us to our current situation. By having an endowment fund in place the interest earned on the funds held in perpetuity could cover the ongoing operational shortfalls including maintenance and staffing so the Capitol would be available to the community without having to constantly rely on taxpayer funding.
by Richard Rosenthal
There is a solution that has been adopted in Saginaw, Michigan that could work here as well. A private family in Saginaw bought and renovated the Temple Theatre several years ago and attempted to operate it for the benefit of the community. Their intention was to turn it over to the community but it became apparent that this was not a viable solution because of the ongoing costs so they formed The Temple Theatre Foundation and donated the building to the foundation along with a substantial cash contribution. The Foundation has solicited funds from the local community and business to create an endowment that will be large enough to support the ongoing operational costs of the Theatre.
I believe we should look into that approach in Windsor. The original campaign to renovate the Capitol apparently did not take into account the ongoing operational shortfalls that brought us to our current situation. By having an endowment fund in place the interest earned on the funds held in perpetuity could cover the ongoing operational shortfalls including maintenance and staffing so the Capitol would be available to the community without having to constantly rely on taxpayer funding.
by Richard Rosenthal
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Airport Security and other "official inspectors"
The story in today's Windsor Star about a senior lady's encounter in Calgary with an airport security person who forced her to reveal her prosthetic breast and accused her of lying is extremely troubling.
Most security people and border officers are courteous and helpful and understand that they have a job to do and it is NOT harassing travelers. However, there are a few who get carried away with their authority or who are having a bad day and take it out on the travelers. There must be a mechanism put into place to stop this before it leads to a serious backlash that could harm security at our borders and airports.
I suggest that a pamphlet be handed out at all border crossings and airports with a survey about how travelers are treated by the security personnel and a guarantee that people who complain will not be harassed in the future. There should also be large signs posted that clearly state that the security measures and personnel are there to serve a specific purpose and are required to treat people courteously and with respect. It might also be useful to occasionally have a senior staff member observing the process and correcting any unwarranted action by security personnel. All security personnel should be required to wear an easily read badge that contains either their name or other method of identifying them in case a complaint is made against them.
I applaud the work of our hard working border and security personnel and appreciate their efforts in keeping us safe, but even they must be embarrassed by some of their coworkers who are giving them a bad name.
by Richard Rosenthal
Most security people and border officers are courteous and helpful and understand that they have a job to do and it is NOT harassing travelers. However, there are a few who get carried away with their authority or who are having a bad day and take it out on the travelers. There must be a mechanism put into place to stop this before it leads to a serious backlash that could harm security at our borders and airports.
I suggest that a pamphlet be handed out at all border crossings and airports with a survey about how travelers are treated by the security personnel and a guarantee that people who complain will not be harassed in the future. There should also be large signs posted that clearly state that the security measures and personnel are there to serve a specific purpose and are required to treat people courteously and with respect. It might also be useful to occasionally have a senior staff member observing the process and correcting any unwarranted action by security personnel. All security personnel should be required to wear an easily read badge that contains either their name or other method of identifying them in case a complaint is made against them.
I applaud the work of our hard working border and security personnel and appreciate their efforts in keeping us safe, but even they must be embarrassed by some of their coworkers who are giving them a bad name.
by Richard Rosenthal
Monday, January 3, 2011
Happy Every Day
A friend wished me "happy every day" recently and it struck a chord. It seems that the spirit of the holidays can be short lived and sometimes hollow. Like being asked, "How are you" and not waiting for an answer. An automatic greeting without necessarily any real meaning.
I would like to think that people would be happier and more productive if they approached life like each day was a special one, after all, each day is. Each day brings new opportunities to continue to grow and serve our community. Each day brings new opportunities to learn and share our gifts of knowledge, passion and compassion.
So let us try to make each day in 2011 the special one it is.
by Richard Rosenthal
I would like to think that people would be happier and more productive if they approached life like each day was a special one, after all, each day is. Each day brings new opportunities to continue to grow and serve our community. Each day brings new opportunities to learn and share our gifts of knowledge, passion and compassion.
So let us try to make each day in 2011 the special one it is.
by Richard Rosenthal
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