Pantheon Uncovered

Pantheon has been exposed.
Well done, but the search goes on

Shock headline!

Was there a note of surprise in Sandy Powell’s headline last week, “Council Votes in favour of residents”? Why would that be? Council are elected to represent residents and so favouring us should surely be expected?

We do need change

Just to clarify, a previous post on adjusting reality to fit a brand image was never intended to express an opinion that change is bad, or that change is impossible. Any of us can change reality if we are determined enough.

D-Day

I was on the Normandy beaches to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the D-Day landings, and the locations remain evocative and act as precious reminders of the price of freedom. We have memories of our own D-Day heroes in this shire and we must not forget them.

Please do not adjust reality!

In an ABC radio interview this morning a psychologist from Mindworks discussed the problems surrounding those who create a public "face" or image that is different to their inner self.

Disabling Professions?

How many of us were influenced by Ivan Illich's small book "Disabling Professions"(1977)?

A great many I would guess. It informed us of a growing curse, a malignancy, within our society in the same way that Rachel Carson sounded a warning on toxic chemicals in the environment when "Silent Spring" which was published in 1962.

What a waste!

NEWS AND COUNCIL NOTICES

Waste survey shows environmental awareness

28 May 2014

Trust

For years there have been news stories decrying the appalling acts of violence by the Taliban against health workers engaged in polio vaccination programmes. These attacks have resulted in an increase in polio cases, most notably in Pakistan.

CCC v Cowboys?

When public money is spent on investigations and reports by Commissioners, and the Corruption and Crime Commission investigating problems with local government activities do we get good value? Or will the cowboys always win?

Organised Crime?

Is there corporate crime in government?

Could it happen here?

His Sister?

'But Anne Lake could be his sister, for all we know?'

It was said more as a joke than a serious suggestion. But my sense of humour can get me into trouble, in this case a light hearted comment intended to do no more than offer a fresh perspective on what has been the talk around town actually sparked something of a flame.

The Hand of God

Those of us who older will remember Diego Maradona and his comment on the hand of God, which was really something of a joke; but maybe also contains a grain of wisdom for how we live. What Diego said was; 

'A little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God'.

What Price Democracy?

Where is the difference between the 500 Club, that Mr Middleton manages for WA Liberals, and the Eightbyfive fund that benefited the NSW Liberals, or the fund that Joe Hockey is trying to explain away today?

Procedural Fairness?

What does procedural fairness mean to you?

Do you believe that we should all be treated fairly and that justice should be balanced so that rich or poor we all receive justice?

Does Language Matter?

Does the size of our vocabulary, our capacity to parse, our ability to comprehend the many meanings that can be resolved from any given phrase in the English language matter?

Think Local

Sadly some mischievous troublemaker has directed my attention to a report tabled in State parliament. This report purports to shed some light on the Gourmet Escape Event.

Too Big to Fail?

Maybe I was unfair to the Gourmet Escape, maybe Eventscorp just had a bit of bad luck and Tourism WA is a winning corporation making the most of our money. Maybe.

AMR Inc?

Back in 2003 Michael Hale was announcing his success at getting permission for a resort at Cowaramup. At that time he was fronting a group called Augusta Enterprises.

Leeuwin Local Heroes

Here are just a few of our Leeuwin Ward ANZACS, there are hundreds more and all are worthy of our admiration and respect. 

CEO Quits

Here's an interesting story, and there might possibly be some shreds of similarity with events at this shire. A CEO who is reluctant to explain himself to the ratepayers. Financial information that is difficult, and in some cases just impossible to obtain. And unpleasant communications with individual residents who express concern or ask questions the authority figures don't want to answer.

I've got an answer!

This is just what I needed. Maybe I'm exaggerating a bit, but I have got an answer, albeit a bit of a hand knitted and dropped a few stitches sort of fluffy thing. The sort of answer that Brian Burke might be proud of. All the right words, just not necessarily in the right order.

The Great Gourmet Escape Scam

Was the AMRTimes joking last Friday?

They published what must surely be a spoof article about the Gourmet Escape and the difficulties surrounding it. Difficulty in obtaining financial information? Surely not?

Bottom of the Harbour

These schemes were popular in the 1970s and early 1980s in Australia, and nowhere more so than in Western Australia and Victoria. Such schemes enabled scoundrels to accumulate vast wealth legally by exploiting a loophole in the taxation law.

The Shire does not speak for all

Does the shire needs to reconsider its relationship with the Horgan Family.

Gift Horse Anyone?

There used to be an old saying, "Never look a gift horse in the mouth."

Which suggested that anything that was offered for free didn't need to be checked over too thoroughly. Just accept the gift and be grateful. Good advice? Not necessarily.

Anomalies in Workforce Data?

I have a couple of queries that relate to the data we are being given on the employees.

Process or Outcome?

Why might it be easier to gather mass support for an iconic stretch of coastline rather than a small location dedicated to agriculture and viticulture?

My Mental State

Just over a week ago Cr Smart passed judgement on my mental condition. It was not a flattering verdict that he delivered. He assessed me as having some form of obsessive compulsive disorder because I persist in asking questions. 

Smart People Do Look Back

Cr Smart believes that looking back is unhealthy and does no good. Presumably he does not believe that we should have organisations such as the CCC and the various Ombudsman bodies, because they are always looking back.

Compromised Investigation?

Some of you may have read Warren Hately's article "Questions about the 'Deep Thought' investigation" in yesterday's AMRTimes. I had to smile at Cr Smart's use of language.

PUSH and PULL communications

Some people might be critical of my blogging, asking why do I keep on writing, don't I realise that the community are sick and tired of reading my constant carping and "shire bashing", but other readers are either indifferent or encouraging.

Storm in a Teacup – Part Two

I have been reading the agenda for tomorrow’s Council meeting and have a few things puzzling me – one of them concerns the consultant Anne Lake

Creating Communities

Creating communities what does that mean? It sounds so cosy, comfy, warm and snugly, but is it a wolf in sheep’s clothing?

Housing Need?

When does a particular location need more housing?
When the next generation are ready to launch into independent living?
When employers are expanding their businesses and need to bring more workers into the area?
How would you decide?
How does our shire decide? Or do they seek advice from local experts?

It would be good to know if Bob's been giving advice here.