What’s Hidden Behind the Curtain

(Viewing a polling booth for an election in Ukraine) My recent experience in Ukraine has brought home to me how much is hidden or disguised from view of the public in our society by a curtain of illusion, misinformation and downright lies. It was quite evident during the election in Ukraine, because of the arrogance […]

The Forgotten Soul of Society

An assignment to visit Eastern Europe for a couple of months has provided the writer an opportunity to meet a very interesting man of some stature.  His background is in public administration, diplomacy and politics. He met with a group of us and described his region, his country and politics in a very global sense.  […]

Power and Its Abuse

We are witnessing many examples of power and its abuse in the world around us.  Every day there appears to be a new example and a new catastrophe.  There is a correlation of this misuse of power and the centralization that has happened throughout the world.  This centralization has accelerated over the past few decades […]

Election Apathy or Contempt

There is much talk about apathy during this election and there has been in many before.  The suggestion is that people are negating their responsibility and forfeiting their democratic right. There is perhaps another reality.  There is the belief that has been perpetrated that democracy is about a vote.  That is far from the truth.  […]

Sustaining Democracy

I have been reading with some interest the events surrounding the leadership contest (or lack of one) for the PC Party.  For me it brings back memories of my involvement in another nomination process, as a young naïve mayor who had, at the time, some political aspirations. 

Regionalization and Governance

Regionalization was presumably a much talked about subject at the recent Municipalities convention.  Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador have prepared a series of papers to focus the discussion.  It is not a new topic.  Regional Government has been an aspect of the municipalities act for many years. My own involvement in municipal government in Newfoundland and […]

In Search of a Leader and Hope

(During the Ukrainian Parliamentary Elections in 2012 I served as Long Term Observer for two months.  I was also given the privilege of acting as group leader for the immediate election.  These are members of my four teams and their translator and drivers.) I have just completed an assignment as an international observer in the […]

Renewing Democratic Governance-a societal imperative

The recent trials of elected government representatives (MHA’s) inNewfoundlandover the abuse of funding allowances are symptomatic of a broader issue that appears prevalent in many democratic countries.  Funding abuse within governments was expected in less democratic countries, but today it appears wide spread in democracies as well.  It is, perhaps, part of the cultural shift […]

Pasadena Venture Centre

I have just returned to Corner Brook having spent the past four years in Eastern Europe and the sale of the Venture Centre obviously is of interest to me, having been one of its founders.  Although I have been away, I would like to contribute a few thoughts to what appears to be a very […]