While everyone has a right to a peaceful protest, last nights “Take Back NOTL” protest was far from peaceful.
Police advised Town staff to have council member enter through the gates of the Operations building for safety.
As we pulled up to Town Hall, and slowly tried to make our way back to the parking area without hitting anybody, the screaming started.
Escorted by our CAO, Fire Chief and Police from the car to the staff entrance door, I was called a “(racist slang)” a “C U N T(uesday)” and the lovely old gentleman in the hat on the far left of this picture walked up right to my ear and screamed “fat ass” when I turned around and said “pardon me?” He screamed it again, “fat ass” as he stared down to my rear end.
Others were foaming at the mouth trying to yell their vulgarities fast enough.
As I rounded the bend I saw Troy Miller. Respectfully standing with a smile on his face and holding his picket sign. I thought “why can’t everyone be like this?”
I’ve had SO many texts, phone calls and emails from people saying that they are sorry that we were treated like that. Sorry? It isn’t your fault that others choose hatred rather than use their words and speak to everyone as a human.
Once inside, Gary Burroughs gave me a smile and said, keep smiling kid.
The last time it was this bad was when McDonalds was going in. It made nationwide news. How soon we all forget.
Councillor Vizzari who sits to my left was not able to attend due to recent surgery and councillor Ruller who sits to my right is on a family vacation. So, Councillor O’Connor moved her name plate and chair over to sit next to me during the meeting for support.
We all don’t agree on many things but we all have and show respect to one another. That’s what being a kind human being is.
Yelling conflict last night at me and holding signs that Mavridis has a conflict, does nothing.
As others have done, file with the integrity commissioner. It will cost about $60,000 of the taxpayers money but hey, it’s been done before on me and as I said then, I am a very smart and educated person. I took legal advice and clearance before some votes and even before I considered running for council.
Rumours on Facebook claim my father owns the old Firehall Restaurant in St.Davids. Chris Rigas, a great man, does and you should stop by and enjoy a meal!
There are also claims that the property on York Rd is Benny Marotta’s and not my dads.
This is false information as well. Over a decade ago, Benny leased a spot on the property from the original owners (from Hamilton) to put his sales centre trailer on there for Cannery Park subdivision.
My point is, people choose to right information and present it as fact.
The only fact here is that last night hurt my heart and soul. I have never been spoken to with those words in my life. Those who did should be ashamed of yourselves.
It was recorded on video as someone pointed out.
If you were there last night to protest the vote on Parliament Oak site, shame on you. Shame on you for not submitting your remarks during the appeal period. Not one letter of appeal was submitted by any of the protesters outside Town Hall last night. Don’t shame me if you aren’t going to follow up on your passions.
Some even went as far to throw shame at the NOTL Museum staff because there is no solid evidence to support the meeting under the Oak Tree. It happened somewhere on our lands, but so did the entire war of 1812.
“Liar” about what?
My campaign was based on preservation of Agricultural lands (being a farmers granddaughter) completing a Tourism Strategy and supporting our culture and businesses.
If you read the full page ad that the Niagara Foundation printed; I state that PRECON meetings are important to go through all steps with any developer.
If you recall at the St.Davids debate, I said loud and clear, “I will not tell anyone what they can and can’t build on their land.”
Some even suggested the PO hotel go on the hospital site…another institutional piece of land is ok just not the one on King st?
Others suggested it go on the Mori property. Agricultural land? That’s ok? These suggestions were all made by the same people that stood outside last nite with picket signs.
Just got off the phone with an old neighbour who came by my house to see that I was ok.
She said, I can’t comment publicly because it scares me what they will do and how it will affect my family, but I wanted to say, I’m here and many others are too.
I appreciate you.
Since everyone seeks total honesty and transparency; I was asked why I left before last nights council meeting ended.
I recently had major surgery and while I was told to take it easy and bedrest, I pushed myself. Clearly pushed too hard and my body is now angry with me. I will spare you the details but it was not something I could take care of if I wasn’t at home. That’s why I left.
Again, only human.
The few bad apples don’t reflect the organizers. They did a great job trying to keep the crowd controlled.
Be kind.
I’m still not 100% sure what those protesting are requesting.
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