City Circus

City council put saving their bureaucracy from a humiliating redux ahead of their own commitments on public consultation, and voted 13-3 to expand parking hours and fees Downtown and in the Exchange District.  But it appears that Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz and Coun. Harvey Smith, who voted on opposite sides of the motions today, are in agreement on something. Things. Will. Change.       That is small consolation to the downtown residents and busineses who were    cheated  by the tactics of the Winnipeg Parking Authority, which managed to draw only 10 people to the public meeting in March after  - running weekend newspaper ads no one noticed - perhaps because the term Parking Authority was nowhere to be found.  - claiming there was no reason to invite Biz members to see the final proposal.  - using social media once (half a business day before the event).  - providing misleading charts and information ( and ignoring the 3 year wait for lot spaces in the Exchange) that was furiously challenged by those who attended. Yes, despite all that, the majority of City Council decided "1974 methodology" was good enough for them - excluding Coun. Smith, Ross Eadie and Mike Pagtakhan. Keep in mind that Pagtakhan's ward is directly affected by this, yet Jenny Gerbasi, who is chief of the "listen to the local councillor" choir, turned her back on the inner city, and her own constituents (in, for instance, South Broadway), and failed to hold the bureaucracy accountable yet again. To be fair, she had lots of company. You can listen on this podcast to the detailed speech we made to hold councillors to their ACTUAL WORDS when they ordered meaningful public consultation after our previous speech to them about the WPA.  Afterwards, we have the exclusive comments of Harvey Smith about the possible problem with the Biz's involved; his opinion of the WPA's   sponsor at council, Scott Fielding; his follow-up with the WPA brass; and what innovation of ours he thinks its about time for.  Then, Mayor Sam Katz exclusively explained his goal - it was actually to get as many members of the public involved in civics despite his support for the WPA, but then made a surprising admission about recent discussions with other City Hall insiders. HINT: it spells the end of  bureaucrats using the excuse "you can't make people come".  *********************** How did the MSM reflect the speech to Council on social media? Bartley Kives ‏@bkives Activist/cable-access host Marty Gold now here to oppose downtown parking changes. Says it should be no surprise he's at ‪#wpgcouncil Meaghan Ketcheson ‏@CBCMeaghanK Marty Gold taking loud swipes at city/parking authority and mainstream media about public notification on parking authority meetings‪ Bartley Kives ‏@bkives Gold, whose favourite bugaboo is public consultation, lambastes Parking Authority's efforts to get feedback about higher rates. ‪#wpgcouncil Joyanne Pursaga ‏@pursagawpgsun Host of Great Canadian Talk Show says some streets will be "gridlocked" as result of drivers circling for spots. Meaghan Ketcheson ‏@CBCMeaghanK Gold calls public consultation pathetic. Says no one supports parking authority rate changes.  Bartley Kives ‏@bkives ‪#wpgcouncil Gold claims "not one member of the public" supports higher rates. Says WPA underestimated # of off-street parking spaces. Joyanne Pursaga ‏@pursagawpgsun Gold demands delay of parking changes, more public consultation. ‪ Bartley Kives ‏@bkives ‪#wpgcouncil "This is what breeds voter cynicism," Gold says.  No questions for him after 11-minute speech. *********************

Listen to this special one-hour interview with Barbara Judt, CEO of Winnipeg's oldest and largest women's shelter. Barb explains about the ways people from all facets of the community - businesses, university students, unions, artists, marketers - have stopped forward to help fill the funding gap faced by the agency. After the City of Winnipeg refused to consider how to contribute a fair share for the services the non-profit provides to women and children fleeing domestic violence brought to the door by police, many creative and unique fundraising ideas, ranging from motorcycle rides to art and garage sales and silent auctions to the Click Purple campaign, emerged and has generated almost $100,000 for the shelter this year.  The generosity of the organizers, workers and contributors is gratefully acknowledged in this podcast. Hear Barb describe the political climate the agency must function in, the new Beauty Card package campaign ( 5 prepaid cards for excellent local services worth over $300, available from OH for only $20 ), and her challenge to Marty Gold for an unusual publicity stunt to raise $1000 by the Annual General Meeting in September. ********************** City Circus episode 9 is now online: - The War For Corydon erupted at city hall over city planners ramming through a “vision” for Little Italy that was skewed to restrict growth and drive shoppers and new businesses to the Rapid Transit development near Pembina and Jessie. We draw viewers a roadmap and explain what’s at stake. -  The death of campus radio station Kick-FM could have been prevented if Advanced Education Minister Erin Selby had paid the same attention to 3 whistleblowers as she did when Red River College president Stephanie Forsyth came waving a Jets ticket. http://tgcts.com/city-circus

"I'm not sure that using this "new policy": angle to remove Marty is wise. He's a smart man and will see through it. (It also hurts the 15 other community volunteers who have no association with Marty's situation.") Rick Baverstock email to Red River College Dean of Business Graham "I'm feeling a bit stupid" Thomson, 9.38 PM,  Nov 4, 2010 "The Board of Cre-Comm Radio Inc. has decided to discontinue over the air broadcasting effective Wednesday, July 4, 2012 at 4:00pm, and will be returning the current broadcast licence to the CRTC. " Kick-FM website, Tuesday,  July 3, 2012.  On this podcast: *  What happened with the CRTC renewal process and the path to it - 604 days that changed the Winnipeg radio dial *  How the website statement was misleading and actually reinforced the intervenors complaints about illegal activities, operation of the "Executive Committee", the risk to taxpayers' investment in the station, undermining student and community education, and control of the licence by Red River College *  Similarities with the loss of the Harmony Broadcasting licence (FLAVA) in 2008 - how can the CRTC explain that 2 campus stations were run into the ground by illegal Boards in Winnipeg in a 5 year period? * The paper trail created by the many Kick-FM listeners insulted by the lies told by the station, Red River College and their "media partners" sealed the fate of Cre Comm Radio Inc, but it ain't over yet for the wrongdoers * How the student rep refused to take action to investigate the legitimacy of the Executive Committee when asked *  The minimal cost for Winnipeg commercial radio chains to keep the training opportunity open - were they even asked? *  Reaction from Free Press and social media commenters *  The wise observation of station manager Rick Baverstock on Facebook * Surprising NEW, never before revealed details about emails proving the "Executive Committee" deceived the rest of the Board and concealed how they, with the College Lawyer Robert Buisson, withheld our documentary evidence from the other 6 voters and constructed a deceptive letter to deny our appeal to be reinstated * the undisclosed conflict of interest between the Manitoba Human Rights Commission and Red River College that is now in a complaint before the Manitoba Ombudsman * how the conflict of interest of the College lawyer may have created the "financial challenges" behind the licence being returned rather than fought for at a hearing AND A special message to those attacking Marty Gold and supporters of free speech : Blame the real culprits for the end of 92.9 Kick-FM, Winnipeg Free press editor Margo Goodhand and RRC president Stephanie Forsyth, for side-stepping the OFFICIAL station policy that complaints be in writing and submitted to the station manager (i.e. please refer to the Baverstock comment at the top of this page.) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Latest Episode of City Circus on Shaw TV— #7 telecast June 26 2012   - A preview of Canada Day, the bands playing at the Osborne Village beer gardens, the crowds of young and old and all ethnicity, and the rights and freedoms we celebrate - The Winnipeg Free Press poverty series has its’  bias questioned; the possible connection to the University of Winnipeg and reee-diculous new studies being funded to the tune of $7.5 dollars that will solve nothing but will enrich social engineers; Premier Selinger promotes teaching sustainability over employability; the three solutions no one will say out loud but I will - As bad as it is, the $550M that the Harper government is providing in foreign aid to build Michigan bridges and roads is still a better investment than the Canadian Museum for Human Rights http://tgcts.com/city-circus

Today's topics: *  The tip I got turned out to be correct - the murder of Kaila Tran was not random but a targeted hit. * The arrest of a "109 time loser", career criminal Shawn Lamb, has confounded local agitators and "leaders" who cannot adjust their victim industry philosophy to the idea that a real aboriginal man, and not a hypothetical pathological racist, may have lured and murdered aboriginal women. * The same confounded bunch rely on the euphemism "sex trade workers" to minimize the high risk choices streetwalkers - remember that phrase, mainstream media? - consciously make to endanger themselves, when streetwalkers CHOOSE to go out of public view with strangers or sketchy characters to use crack and cocaine, or to get the cash for their next score. * Three actions that can make what these leaders call "their" women safer.  HINT: they won't like what the cops and the girls would have to do. * City hall coverage includes the near-disasterous "planning" to close Higgins for Disraeli bridge demolition, without telling the hobby shop Eliminator-RC ; did a Councillor ride to the rescue after we asked why there was no notice  given to Mike Gobeil's South Point Douglas business? * Jenny Gerbasi and Russ Wyatt got into a debate today about her refusal to allow a new apartment building on Nassua St. being overturned by a council committee; the real reason she was opposed to this in-fill housing in the Corydon neighbourhood will astound you, plus ore about the bike lane lobby and their sense of entitlement, * The Downtown Biz overwhelmed by panhandlers, * And speaking of which, we launch the Pennies for Pat campaign for poor Pat Martin. The Member of Parliament - ignoring the arrest in the murder of 3 women in his Winnipeg Centre riding - instead launched his pay-my-lawyer-please plea as he defends a they-didn't-try -to -fix-an-election-after-all defamation suit from RackNine. * Why you may want to let the CRTC know what you think about the licence renewal application of Kick-FM, and how to participate. ******************* Don't forget to check out City Circus episode 6 online - why does government continue to spend millions to "study" poverty instead of solving it? The CTF revealed the obscene costs of Manitoba Hydro "consultations"; Plus, the help we get behind the scenes of Shaw community TV! ******************** HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE CANADA DAY WEEKEND !!

Today's podcast starts off with a Father's Day reflection on how the men in my family helped make me who I am - and the rest of the podcast shows why some influential authorities and influence peddlars  in Winnipeg wish my dad and zaida had encouraged me to be a doctor instead. ********************** So much to cover, some of the overflow is found below as special blog content, but here's what you'll hear about - A review of the media reviews of the Manitoba Legislatuve session, including the excellent Canadian Press coverage and the Winnipeg Sun; - Tom Brodbeck's exit interview with outgoing PC leader Hugh McFadyen reveals the philosophical miscalculation that rendered the Tory ability to get a message out in the 2011 election impotent - because the party failed to stand for meaningful principles when the NDP didn't; - The NDP sucking up to unions while running a huge deficit, Hydro wants a rate hike, Liberal leader Jon Gerrard's call for the Children's Advocate and Premier Greg Selinger to each show some ethics; The civics lesson is focused on Coun. Justin Swandel thinking we should spend $1/2 M on boaters like him; Public consultation about Crescent Golf Course bites Coun. Jenny Gerbasi oifen tuchas; and a blogger flays the crappiest parking meters and parking website this side of Montreal; Finally, the podcast ends with a few brief comments about two recent developments: 1) - An official  reply to the CRTC proves that Red River College Dean of Business Graham Thomson was a liar when he claimed that a shady self-styled "Executive Committee" had any authority or mandate to make programming - or ANY - decisions on behalf of the campus radio station Kick-FM and could have canceled our radio program in 2010. NO wonder it was such 'twisted fun' for the alleged business professional. THE STATION HAS ADMITTED NO PROOF EXISTS, and a lot of  people were asking for it from Thomson when community programming was censored by an illegal and immoral cancelation that was justified by a fake and unauthorized "policy change". The role of the College lawyer Robert Buisson, in not acting to verify the authority of the Committee  is now front and centre.   Their illegal decision also drove the station further into debt and increased dependancy on the funder, RRC.        How convenient.    2 ) - The coincidental timing of the Friday announcement of the pending departure of Margo Goodhand from the Winnipeg Free Press.   The same week, it was revealed an "Executive Committee" of Kick-FM that had no legal authority, acted on her un-investigated bogus complaint  -- after a secret meeting with the person she complained to, the College president Stephanie Forsyth. Margo's complaint was not about my actual radio broadcasts -- because Margo the editor admitted she never listened to them. It was about, well, me being who I am, a citizen journalist who had to be censored because free speech  is not allowed when it is about her newspaper and could not be risked on the College-funded airwaves . The result being that barely 18 months later, Goodhand and  Forsyth are figurehead partners in the Citizen Journalism training business.  Which is what I did at Kick-FM -- until the complaint policy that left Rick Baverstock in charge of volunteers was sidestepped so TGCTS could be eliminated.  Not to forget ! that the Free Press is on the air in the same timeslot, with a station whose representative on the Board in a seat designated for the COMMUNITY, didn't hesitate to go along with gutting the time slot on the campus station. Between the newspaper and the College,  numerous lies were told to the National Post, to listeners, to bloggers,  and even to Board members, to cover-up how citizen journalism was discriminated against by Red River College and prevented from being taught to Cre Comm and other students or even volunteers the College had nothing to do with.

Tapes of May 25th newscasts exposed new information and provides the focus of a special broadcast about NDP Energy Minister Dave Chomiak going for free to Winnipeg Jets games. Listen to the reporting of Global's Lauren McNab (11.22); CBC's Marjorie Dowhos (15.25); and CTV's Jeff Keele (20.25). Hear the comments of a Tundra Oil official and the stammering Chomiak - freshly recovered from the 'apology flu' that caused him to miss Question Period at the Legislature for days on end, and consider our summary of the new facts that did not come out for over two weeks as the scandal unfolded: 1) The president of Tundra Oil claimed "it's not enjoyable" to go to an NHL Jets game with Chomiak, but it was the only way to get to meet with him "to help build a relationship", even though they had taken Chomiak to several AHL Moose games in the past. 2) The ticket for the February 14th game was not for a seat amongst the great unwashed, but was actually in a private box of the Richardsons, who own the company. 3) The only time they could see Chomiak was on Valentine's Day, which begs the question, who else was at the 'business meeting' at which Tundra "didn't try to lobby the Minister for any special favors by taking him to the game". More than ever, the public has a right to know exactly who was at each and every game with the freeloading NDP Ministers. (And why is Chomiak able to thumb his nose at Premier Greg Selinger and refuse to apologize?) **************************** Ticketgate and the role of Red River College is the focus of our feature story on Episode 3 of City Circus on Shaw TV, where the attendance of key government officials and Advanced Education Minister Erin Selby with - who was it again in those other 3 seats? - is illustrated on our flip chart to explain how transparency and accountability is still needed for ALL those touched by the "gifting" process to ensure they are not in breach of ethics legislation or the Criminal Code. Click here to see it: http://tgcts.com/city-circus ************ Coming up  in the next 10 days on the TGCTS Podcast: - Selby and PC MLA Ron Schuler square off in Estimates over her choices in supporting athletics; - A speech by "activist Marty Gold" at City Hall gets councillors on the defensive about religious rights of Jewish voters; - You don't think we forgot about the tax break for the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, did you? PLUS an exclusive look inside the actual radio ratings of local personalities - whose sailing, who's tanking -- AND the CRTC asks hard questions about the renewal application of Kick-FM and it's links to Red River College and corporate radio executives. ************ Welcome to our many new readers from Shaw TV subscribers, MSM newrooms, colleges and universities, and government agencies from across Canada and the USA.  Check out our website, listen to previous podcasts, and support our work via the paypal button on the upper right side of this page.    

We ask the questions the mainstream media does not in this podcast, including: - What does the Criminal Code statutes say under "Corruption and Disobedience" about bribery of judicial officers (including members of a legislature of a province) and f...