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In what was intended to be a on camera interview early Saturday morning turned into something very different.

When I arrived downtown, I discovered that the memory card for our camera was not working, but decided to go with an off camera interview.

The off camera interview that started at 8:30, ended up being a 3 hour conversation covering many topics (that really felt more like just having coffee with a friend). That I walked away from with a very good feeling about.

Richard really seems the grasp the common sense issue's facing Brantford, in a way that I have not heard from any other candidates as of this point.

The first topic I asked about was water fluoridation. Richard was very aware of the risks involved with the addition of fluoride to the public water supply. And fully agreed that the public should have a choice in the matter.
After seeing the lack of knowledge that many other city employee's had about fluoride, Richards knowledge was a breath of fresh air.

When asked about the effects of NAFTA and the coming North American Union on Brantfords economy, His response was that it is very obvious. When you look at our manufacturing industry. We have lost countless jobs, and business's in that Field.
Another point that Richard brought up about our local economy is the excess of temporary employment agencies.

In a city of 91,000 people there is over 150 temp agencies that employ nearly 40,000 people. These agencies do not give benefits, and rarely pay more then minimum wage. How can we expect the working class families to survive on this Richard asks.

In Richards opinion there has to be incentives for companies that come to Brantford, to hire people rather then using these types of agencies.

On the issue of the Native Land claims Richard believes that the city can no longer write up a plan, present it to the Native people, and wonder why they find problems in it. We need to include all sides in the planning. Which to me just sounds like common sense once again!

What impressed me the most with Richard is the fact that he does not accept any corporate sponsorships. It is his belief that if we want a change in our community, it does not make any sense to keep trying the same things over and over again and expect different results.

Richard is a great candidate for the mayor of Brantford, and I will look forward to hearing more from him.

In a move that would impress the likes of Hitler, Stalin, and Mao..
The city of Brantford is now passing anti protesting bylaws in light of the native land claims and protests.

A quote from the Brantford expositor
" The city may have passed its anti-protesting bylaws quickly and quietly, but it did so legally, lawyers for the municipality said Wednesday."
Full Story

After other recent large decisions being made by our city council, being made behind closed doors and with no community input. Our city government is sliding down a very slippery slope. In other protests around the world we have heard of terms like "free speech zones". After reading several articles on the passing of these new bylaws, I have heard the term "free speech zones" and other very similar terms several times.

The precedence is being set for any other protests or rallies that would be held in the future. The city will have the ability to prevent or shut down any actions that they do not approve of, by law!

The Canadian Charter of Rights clearly states that we have the freedom to peacefully assemble and the freedom of speech. I am going to also add that we have the right to choose those who will govern our country.

We do not need to elect other people into our council. We need a complete overhaul of our city hall and the way it operates. At every level and in every city department. They seem to have forgotten one key thing. That we the people hold the power and have the final word. Not city councillors in private meetings.


This is happening in every city, and country!! Do a google search for laws that go against peoples rights... You will get millions of search results!

We need to make Brantford a shinning light in a tunnel of darkness! An election will not do that.

If you love this city/country it is time to stop this craziness!

WAC Brantford is holding a meeting on April 7 2010 at 6pm. At Coffee Culture in Harmony Square.
Anyone who wants to change our community for the better please come!

Here is the event link on facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/terrytw?ref=profile#!/event.php?eid=109488369071993&ref=mf