Re: Brady questions Hewitt’s OLT seat at Queens Park, March 14, 2024
To the Editor,
In the Fall of 2022, Emperor Ford decided to bypass the local Riding Association, and hand-picked then-Mayor Ken Hewitt as the Haldimand-Norfolk Conservative candidate for MPP.
When he came up short in that election, he threw his hat into the ring to be re-elected as Haldimand Mayor. Electors were tired of his shenanigans, however, and rejected him for the second time in the space of a couple of months.
But now he’s discovered a way to get back on the public dime, this time without seeking approval of the electoral process, but instead getting appointed to the Ontario Land Tribunal by his cronies in Toronto.
Ironically, two years ago, he presented a motion, which Council supported, that they join with other Ontario Mayors in requesting the government to disband the tribunal, stating that it was “an extra layer of red tape” holding up development. I suppose his appointment to the body will add another positive vote to speed up support of the applications from developers quickly using farmland to make a few more million.
In his defense, he claims that the Board has improved in nature, but doesn’t expand on that statement. Perhaps the “improvement” is the fact that he’s been named to it?
He also claims that the OLT is only approving what is passed in the legislature. Well, if the OLT is only rubber-stamping what is passed by the MPP’s, then what use is it?
Bruce Burton
Canfield
Re: Board leadership change at Cottonwood Mansion Preservation Foundation
To the Editor,
On March 13, 2024, Cottonwood Mansion held a community meeting to address the recent change in board leadership and to try and answer questions from the community regarding this transition. We want to thank all those who were able to attend. The conversation was difficult at times, and certain themes and questions arose that we would like to address further with the community.
Past President, Clayt Spears, listed a number of instances where his decisions were questioned beginning in September of 2023, that caused confusion over the governance and operations of the institution. The situation further deteriorated and led to the voluntary resignations in February of 2024, which caught the remaining board members by surprise. The manager and remaining board members were in favour of sitting down confidentially and trying to work through these problems amicably, and the suggestion of hiring an outside mediator was approved by the board. Unfortunately, this was quickly shut down by the president in November of 2023.
There was a focus in the previous article concerning “nepotism” between the employee and Directors. The Cottonwood Mansion Preservation Foundation has a long history of family members serving on the Board and working as employees simultaneously. It is a common practice in charities of this scale, especially within small communities. Additionally, the Board is collectively responsible for voting in new board directors, and the directors mentioned in the article were voted in by the board in June of 2022.
Joyce Hamilton, past Trustee and current Cottonwood resident, attended the meeting and expressed her concern over the damage this situation is causing for Cottonwood Mansion. She asked the board and the community this important question: “…how do we move forward from here?”
The board is actively reviewing our policies and procedures to resolve governance problems and clarify procedures that are aligned with all relevant legislation. When the review process is complete, these resolutions will be passed to ensure clarity in governance and operations for Cottonwood, which will provide security for the site for generations to come.
Recently, we have had members of the community reach out in support of Cottonwood and inquire about becoming new volunteers and members. Moving forward, there are many exciting new and returning events coming up at Cottonwood, as well as several weddings and private events taking place in 2024 and beyond. We are also thrilled that Cottonwood was a successful recipient of a 2023 Ontario Trillium Foundation Capital Grant worth $96,600 to restore the deteriorating front pillars and increase accessibility to our front porch. Work on these changes will begin this month.
Cottonwood has stood as an important Haldimand County landmark for generations, whose purpose is to introduce visitors and new generations to our local history. The board is focused on carrying on this legacy and mission, and not allowing recent events threaten the future of Cottonwood Mansion.
Signed,
The Cottonwood Mansion Preservation Foundation Board of Directors & Staff
