On a very positive note.
Last evening I attended a neighbourhood meeting in regard to concerns that a couple were offending the City's Zoning Bylaws with their establishment of a paint ball operation.
I won't get into the issues raised but suffice to say, the neighbours - especially those in close proximity of the p.b.o., were most upset.
Rather the point of today's Blog is to highlight the work ethic of our area's City Coucillor, Mr. Eli El-Chantiry.
Mr. El-Chantiry took time from his busy schedule to attend this evening meeting. Realize here that our city is cleaning up from torrential rains which flooded many its homes, some of which are located in this ward and accordingly, Mr. El-Chantiry is in very high demand. However he had made a promise to attend the meeting and he followed through on that promise.
Even though I have had lots of experience dealing with smaller town councils, I have had little contact with city councillors and in this regard was most impressed with how Eli conducted himself last evening. (I had heard by the grapevine that he was a hardworking councillor but this was my first hand experience in seeing him in action). He was thoughtful and most sympathetic to the concerns expressed to him. He was most knowledgeable on the issues surrounding this matter and was forthcoming in his assessment of what should be done. All present were visibly impressed with him, including the writer.
What amazed me even more was the fact that Eli could actively participate in the meeting all the while he kept fielding and sending messages on his blackberry. It made me wonder if this guy ever relaxed. He's a work-horse.
More to the point, Mr. El-Chantiry represents the very best in a politician. Too often we lump them together and say such things as they (politicians) are only in it for themselves. They lie, mislead, and obfuscate; and those are some of the nicer things said.
It is refreshing therefore to see that there are still politicians like Eli for whom service to their public is still very much their life's mission.
Bravo Eli.
"Galagher"
