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Tuesday November 24: Simcoe County councillors to vote on Beeton Woods costs

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In Agencies
Nov 23rd, 2015
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Beeton Woods

AWARE Simcoe Action Alert

On Tuesday, November 24, county councillors will decide whether or not to pursue the $5,000 in legal costs a judge has awarded in the Beeton Woods case. The item is on the Committee of the Whole (COW) agenda.

COW meetings start at 9:30 a.m. at the Simcoe County Administration Centre in Midhurst.

Please plan to attend so you can observe the actions of your county councillor and support AWARE Simcoe.

Our position is outlined in this news release. Thanks to Maude Barlow of the Council of Canadians for quickly sending us words of encouragement and also for sending this letter to County Council:

“On behalf of our 935 supporters in Simcoe County we respectfully request that you do not seek to collect the $5000 recently awarded to the County for costs associated with the Beeton Woods injunction ruling. It is not a significant amount of money to the County but collecting it would send a chilling message to your constituents about actively engaging in democratic decisions in Simcoe.

“While collecting the $5000 is not on the same scale as the attempt by a previous Simcoe County administration to sue the perceived leaders of the opposition to Dumpsite 41, it would have the same negative effect as that intended by those lawsuits.

“We believe that the efforts by the injunction applicants were worthy and laudable and that democracy is best served by encouraging public participation in all levels of government.”

AWARE Simcoe sent this letter to County Council:

“We wish to dispel false rumours and misinformation regarding the Beeton Woods judicial review and AWARE Simcoe’s raison d’etre.

“Apparently some of you have been told that AWARE Simcoe received advice from our lawyer (Michael Fleischmann) or the New Tecumseth lawyer (Jay Feeheley) that a challenge would not be successful. Mr. Feeheley provided no advice to AWARE Simcoe. In fact, our lawyer advised us of various grounds that support a judicial review application; AWARE Simcoe acted in good faith on our own legal advice.

“We also took note of the fact that the County had closed off any further discussion. This was the response sent by the county clerk to several people who raised some of the issues that form part of AWARE’s application: ‘Council’s decision, of which notice was given May 12, 2015, is final and binding. Any person may exercise their rights of appeal through the courts. Given your appeal rights, we would suggest your questions and comments would be best discussed with your legal representative.’

“It was as a result of that suggestion that the Beeton residents consulted a lawyer and brought him to the AWARE board, requesting our involvement.

“Also, we understand members of County Council received some contentious emails. Emails with rude or insulting comments did not come from our board members, nor as far we know, from AWARE Simcoe members. While we regret that you have been subjected to this type of email, AWARE Simcoe cannot be held responsible for actions of the public at large.

“We are attaching a copy of our most recent AWARE Simcoe brochure which outlines our vision for Simcoe County and our values. Our brochure says who we are and what we stand for. We think our vision is completely in line with the motto of Simcoe County “For The Greater Good” .

“We are also attaching two recent documents submitted to the OPF/MMF site selection process and to the Governance Committee. We think these two documents illustrate our bona fide desire to make Simcoe County a better place for all of us.

“We would be happy to discuss any or all of this information with any members of County Council or staff.

“Please keep this information in mind when you vote on whether to pursue the $5000 costs from AWARE Simcoe.”

One Response to “Tuesday November 24: Simcoe County councillors to vote on Beeton Woods costs”

  1. Joanne Lewis says:

    Very positive and sensible comments. Well done.
    I hope the resulting decision is in your favour.

    Joanne Lewis

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