I’m working on a lengthy post on water rates but wanted write a quick post about decorum at the meeting last night - particularly during the water debate.  It was quite a cordial debate for such a hot button issue, with most councillors providing remarks of substance. I’d even venture out on a limb and say it was a fruitful exchange of ideas, rather than a series of pre-canned, made for A-Channel sound bytes, or bush league manufactured bluster and indignation. 

I did pick up on one zinger of a comment that made me chuckle, mainly from an ‘art of political theatre’ perspective. Thought I’d share it with ya’ll because it might amuse (or disgust) some of you.

The comment came from Tom Gosnell in response to the use of ‘fairness’ as a reason to equalize industry, commercial, and institutional (ICI) water rates with residential rates - I’m paraphrasing his quote, but it kind of went like this: “you know, whenever I hear people using ‘fairness’ as the reason for doing something I think back to when I was a young man, when in 1990 a new government was elected that almost destroyed Ontario.” 

His comment was most certainly directed at two card carrying NDPers on Council, David Winninger (elected MPP in the NDP sweep to power in 1990, serving as a parliamentary secretary in Bob Rae’s government) and Gina Barber (David Winninger’s campaign manager in 1990.)  Both David and Gina argued forcefully for the ICI increase, so I’m sure Mr. Gosnell couldn’t resist revisiting history to take a shot across their bow in an attempt to discredit their economic management credentials.

I was particularly pleased that David and Gina didn’t take the bait or howl and wail about his comment being a ‘Code of Conduct’ violation - they took it as they should: as part of the cut and thrust of debate. I’m not condoning cheap shots, personal attacks, or comments that are truly intimidating or hurtful - something that Mr. Gosnell has been accused of in the past (most notably when he suggsted Barber, Baechler, Branscombe, and Bryant were part of a socialist cabal.)  But I do think well placed witty or cutting remarks are part of doing business, particularly when someone is trying to point out the fallacy of another politician’s argument.  It is knowing where the line is that’s the trick - and last night Mr. Gosnell managed to toe the line.

That’s all I’ve got today. I’m working away on the other post, but my priority is vacation at the moment. Stay tuned.