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Richard Rosenthal
Kudos to our Mayor and Council
Posted November 19, 2011 @ 8:58AM
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
Gasoline Prices
Posted October 17, 2011 @ 2:14PM
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
Windsor Elvis Fest - a tribute to volunteers
Posted June 27, 2011 @ 9:18AM
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
Gas Prices: Are Canadians being ripped off and if so, why?
Posted April 6, 2011 @ 5:49AM
In trying to find out why gas prices in Canada are higher than the US I did a bit of googling and am even more confused now than before.
According to the information on the internet Canada exports more oil than it imports and most of this goes to the US. The US is a net importer of oil. See http://www.theoildrum.com/node/5666
Gasoline prices in Canada are significantly higher than other oil producing countries particularly the Middle East and South America. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gasoline_and_diesel_usage_and_pricing#Typical_gasoline_prices_around_the_world
We are told that under NAFTA we cannot charge the US more than we charge ourselves for oil and yet Mexico is part of NAFTA and gasoline prices there are significantly lower than in Canada and the US from which it imports much of its gasoline. The reason appears to be government subsidies.
The Canadian dollar is stronger than the US dollar so that is not the reason for the difference between Canada and the US either.
Additionally, the cost of producing a barrel of oil has not increased nearly as much as the world oil prices since oil is a commodity. So where is the extra profit on Canada's oil production going?
Not being an economist or a politician, I am unable to figure it out but I have my suspicions. I do know that Canadians have to start demanding answers and lower gasoline prices. It is particularly unfair that the gas we export to the US is being sold at prices about 30% lower than in Canada.
What am I missing here?
by Richard Rosenthal
Capitol Theatre
Posted February 12, 2011 @ 9:53AM
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
Airport Security and other "official inspectors"
Posted January 15, 2011 @ 10:51AM
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
Happy Every Day
Posted January 3, 2011 @ 1:23AM
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
The people have spoken
Posted October 28, 2010 @ 9:58PM
Our community should be proud of the improved voter turnout in the municipal elections. It seems that almost a third more votes were cast than the previous election.
The council includes the return of some excellent people and the addition of "new blood" that should provide a renewed energy and perhaps some interesting new ideas.
I was particularly pleased to see our Mayor returned with such a strong majority. Eddie has worked diligently and enthusiastically for the residents of Windsor and his entrepreneurial approach is exactly what has been needed over the past years and continues to be a benefit in developing and maintaining business opportunities and jobs in our community.
We should extend a thank you to Ken Lewenza for his service to our community. It is not important whether we agree or disagree with each decision by each councillor but it is important to recognize that each of these individuals serves their community to the best of their ability and in accordance with their view of what direction to take.
There has been talk of a divided community during the campaign but I don't believe that to be the case. Windsorites, for the most part, want what is best for their community and while self - interest always plays a role the unions in this city have always been strong supporters of the general community and stepped up to help where ever it has been needed.
We face many challenges but will conquer them and continue to make Windsor the wonderful place to live and work that it has always been.
by Richard Rosenthal
Go Eddie Go!
Posted July 22, 2010 @ 1:12PM
I know that the Mayor had a very difficult decision to make - lead the community and sacrifice a significant amount of time away from a young family or join the private sector and earn at least twice the money with half the hassle.
Its a tribute to his sense of responsibility and commitment to this community that he chose to continue to serve us another four years. I am confident that the majority of the electorate appreciate his efforts on our behalf and recognize the tremendous accomplishments, in a very difficult economy, that he and the City Council have been able to produce.
The arguments over style and outsourcing are nit picking annoyances in comparison to the successes achieved on on our behalf. Red herring arguments about private sector delivery served up by a union trying to protect its membership dues are just that. Government should not be any business competing with the private sector if at all possible. Its the private sector that pays the taxes and makes the government jobs possible.
The City has acted overly responsibly by not laying off the affected workers and using attrition to reduce the work force. If the company hired to do the work does not perform at the highest level they can be replaced without any long term residual labour costs. We save taxes, approximately the same number of people will be hired by the private sector to do the work so the money stays in Windsor, for the most part, and the current employees still have jobs. Talk about a "win, win" for everyone.
Now Eddie, please remember that a good leader develops a successor - you should have four more years to work on that and it will make it easier next time around.
Thank you for being there for us.
by Richard Rosenthal
Eddie Francis - the big decision
Posted June 26, 2010 @ 12:48PM
Today's Windsor Star editorial accurately reflects my view of how Eddie Francis has served his community so well during his tenure as our Mayor. There are few during my lifetime in this City who have led as well, honestly and energetically.
From a very selfish view, I would like to see him run again but from a personal view Eddie has to make a choice that suits the needs of his young family and his future career.
He will have no trouble finding an alternative career path that can earn him substantially more money than what is accorded the Mayor. He can move into the corporate world and lead a company or practice law.
But this is a choice for his family to make. There will be pressures in any other path he chooses and they may be as daunting or more so. But again, its his choice.
And what about the City? Can we survive without Eddie? Of course we can. There will be others who will come forward and while their style and philosophy may be different they will rise to the challenge and serve our community as past Mayors have.
We have had great Mayors before like David Croll and Bert Weeks who had different political priorities but led the entire community not just their political consituency.
So, thank you Eddie from this Windsorite. Make the choice you need to make for you and your family. I for one will always respect and appreciate your leadership, whatever that choice is.
by Richard Rosenthal
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