I'm Back!

The election is over, it was hard work and quite rewarding. We didn't get quite the share of votes we had hoped for, but not too bad considering the numbers whom apparently "voted strategically" whatever that really means. We increased the Green Party vote share in Ottawa South significantly and I am sure we will do even better next time.

Anyway, back to community and municipal government issues for a while:

The pending Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Browning Avenue section of the eastbound transit link has been an issue lately. Peter Hume has supported the community in having the scope of the EA expanded to encompass alternative options. But I can't help thinking that the whole thing is a red herring to distract Riverview Park residents who oppose construction of the hospital link section of the AVTC.

Clive doucet is promoting a Rail Row initiative that proposes Carling Avenue as a key link for westbound light rail. I think this is a great idea. It has never been given serious consideration by council to date. It's time they took a serious look at it! Today I emailed Peter Hume, asking if he supports Clive's initiative. I will let you know his answer.

I was very sorry to see that David Chernushenko resigned from the Green Party. Although he denies it, I still believe it is "sour grapes" and I hope he will reconsider. However, every cloud has a silver lining and this one is that David is considering entering municipal politics in 2010.

It has been suggested that he might run in Capital Ward, presumably with Clive Doucet's blessing? I would prefer that Clive stay on for one more term and that David run against Peter Hume in Alta Vista Ward. It's time we had a viable candidate to run against Hume. If Hume decides to run for mayor, the seat could be wide open for David, he would do great things in this ward and on council generally.

I will be attending council and committee meetings over the next couple of weeks and will report my views and findings on this blog.