The Tree Cutting By-Law (First Draft)

After months of searching, I've finally found a copy of the Seguin Tree Cutting by-law as originally written, the first draft.

This is the proposed Seguin legislation that caused a near riot of public protest. It's safe to say that in the absence of the civic revolt, the by-law (shown below) would have passed as is. This is the most commonly referred to incident by Ward 1 voters during my campaign.

I cannot express the amount of on-going anger and distrust directed at Seguin council as a result of this document.

I won't comment on the content of the proposed by-law, but I feel that it was such a defining document and moment in the history of Seguin Township that it needs to be available on the Internet for all to consider and understand.

It is presented below in page order ('click' on image for larger view).

page 1

page 2

page 3

page 4

page 5

page 6

page 7

page 8

page 9

The final version which council passed is available on the Seguin township website here.

Angry Voters

Talking to constituents is sometimes like drinking from a fire hose.

I sympathize with people who believe they have been treated unjustly by an uncaring municipal government or inconsiderate neighbours. Frustration can lead to anger. Spoiling anger may surrender to rage.

When I step onto someones property, to talk about local politics, I now realize that I have to be ready for anything. Anything.

On my last stop yesterday I was invited into the home of two ardent supporters of the incumbent. The couple was livid on a single issue in the Township (I won't provide names or identify the issue) and I quickly realized that they were never going to support me. Regardless, I remained to discuss the issue because I'm interested and may have to decide on it if elected - I would certainly represent them as constituents even if elected against their wishes.

But at no point did I feel welcome in their home, though I was invited in. Near the end of the conversation, which lasted at least half an hour, I had to warn the man to stay out of my personal space as he had repeatedly swiped a sheet of paper back and forth, inches from my face. This man's rage was so intense that I felt at any moment he could attack me.

It's unfortunate that otherwise good people could be driven by circumstance to exhibit such unwelcome behavior to a neighbour. I'm just a carpenter trying to serve his community, okay?

If elected I will consider the issue without prejudice, but I will never again knowingly step foot on their property.