Wayne Cuddington, Ottawa Citizen
I wanted to scoop the big media and post something about today’s AMAZING seniors strip protest demonstration, but Citizen journalists (Tommy Spears and Joanne Chianello) and their excellent videographer (another example of his fine work) beat me to it. (Nice job Wayner!)
http://www.ottawacitycouncilwatch.com/ also beat me to the punch – sweet!
Good work, Fifth Estaters – thank goodness you’re there to stand up to the devious silver-tongued bullies. (Kudos to Jay, too – you’re good at what you do. Rick, give the man a raise – what are you paying him, a measly $60K?)
As usual the ‘community’ newspaper reporters didn’t show up for this unique event in Bells Corners history. “Story? What story?” they bleated, waiting for RC’s phone call or a press release from his staff to know what to write. Their bosses turn up the heat – “don’t piss off our advertisers.”
And where was Earl? Out kicking someone else’s shins? Or maybe Pierre-Karl has told Earl to cool it (“Rick’s one of us.”)?
The ball’s in your court, Earl. The Citizen has done its share to keep up high standards of journalism. Are you a journalist or a columnist? Interesting question.
It looks like the brass ring is there to grab in 2014 – you’ve got my vote, Earl, if you go for it.
“Earl McRae, City Councillor for College ward!” It sort of rolls off the tongue, n’est-ce pas?
Not as impressive as Randall Denley, Minister of Common Sense in the new Hudak Majority Government.
Randall’s even fiercer than Rusty Baird!
I can’t wait to watch Randall in action this fall when he stands up at Queen’s Park and chops and dices the opposition. Go Randall go!
Isn’t it time we had an ordinary Joe to represent us poor abused and deceived taxpayers in Bells Corners? We could do worse than Earl McRae – he may have his faults but you could never call him sleazy.
bellscorners 
Hi Craig, we made the Ottawa Sun too. Earl McRae strikes back!
– Earl, thanks for turning your back on the glitterati and doing the right thing. It may cost you big time (hope you don’t end up sleeping with the fishes), but, at your age, it’s all about justice. Right?
Hey Steve- ease up on Earl. He just go back to his desk after 5 days away, so read tomorrow’s Sun to see what he has to say.
I don’t think Rick will like it!
– You have to wonder how RC is taking all this.
Rick, please consider posting here, the long-term interest of the Bells Corners community is more important than our petty battles. We all love you in spite of everything
Reach out to your critics, eat some humble pie – there’s still time to pull your chestnuts out of the fire.
I’m writing you as a friend. Call me if you think that we (the Bells Corners community) can work together for the betterment of Bells Corners residents.
Let’s heal the rift and move forward!
Your friend,
Craig,
Lynwood Village 613-369-5020
You’re a big man, Craig! This approach seems much more practical and realistic than the bickering and infighting, the us and them attitude. This could be solved amicably if he reaches out to the community with a mea culpa, and starts some real consultation for what is best for the Bells Corners community.
Here’s hoping Rick is a big enough man to accept your offer. Hopefully he hasn’t burned too many bridges, or is too proud to reconsider his actions.
I’m waiting for Earl’s article tomorrow. Today’s was just wonderful.
Seeing all those seniors with their walkers, wheelchairs and canes, backed up by younger generations – it was a proud moment for the community.
– If the Glebe congregation could find it in their hearts to pardon Father LeClair, surely the Bells Corners community can forgive Rick. To err is human, to forgive divine.
The video claims it’s private.
– I was puzzled by your comment, but I just figured it out – when I switched versions of my film-making software, the default position for Youtube became ‘private’ rather than public., and I didn’ notice.
Rats! I thought the my name is Robertson movie was pretty interesting.
Please tell me if it runs ‘jerky’ on your computer – I uploaded the last two movies in HD and maybe that’s too much for older machines.
http://ottawa.openfile.ca/file-update/2011/05/councillors-line-behind-robertson-road
excerpt: Bells Corners resident Nancy Robertson, the woman behind the petition in Bells Corners (though not a relative of John Robertson), says she is “absolutely” convinced council will revisit the issue, in light of her group’s petition that now has more than 1,800 signatures, including residents outside of the community.
“I’m not at all surprised by the reaction from those opposing the road name change,” Robertson says. “We’re dealing with a highly intelligent population here that can see through the political nonsense. I am surprised at how resistant the councillor and the mayor appear to be when it comes to listening to the public on this issue.”