Given that all of Ontario goes to the polls this month to elect a new roster of municipal politicians to govern local jurisdiction for another four years, it's time to talk local democracy.  And who better to explain all the ins and outs of local politics than The Local host, Sean Conway, as he engages in a wide-ranging discussion with Michael Johnson, a former chief administrative officer for Renfrew County. What's up for discussion? Everything from why social media and artificial intelligence are now prickly local issues to what's happening to your local property taxes as market value assessment comes back into full force.

Given that all of Ontario goes to the polls this month to elect a new roster of municipal politicians to govern local jurisdiction for another four years, it's time to talk local democracy. And who better to explain all the ins and outs of local politics than The Local host, Sean Conway, as he engages in a wide-ranging discussion with Michael Johnson, a former chief administrative officer for Renfrew County. What's up for discussion? Everything from why social media and artificial intelligence are now prickly local issues to what's happening to your local property taxes as market value assessment comes back into full force.

Given that all of Ontario goes to the polls this month to elect a new roster of municipal politicians to govern local jurisdiction for another four years, it's time to talk local democracy. &nbsp;And who better to explain all the ins and outs of local politics than The Local host, Sean Conway, as he engages in a wide-ranging discussion with Michael Johnson, a former chief administrative officer for Renfrew County. What's up for discussion? Everything from why social media and artificial intelligence are now prickly local issues to what's happening to your local property taxes as market value assessment comes back into full force.&nbsp;

A Municipal Primer

One of the great legendary characters of the Upper Ottawa Valley, Dr. Martin J. Maloney was not only a much-loved local physician from 1898 to 1953, he was both a stellar member of the federal Parliament from 1925 to 1935 and the father of Ontario's first Ombudsman and the Ontario cabinet minister who laid the corner stone at St. Francis Memorial Hospital in Barry's Bay. His granddaughter, Julie Maloney and Sean Conway told all about Dr. Maloney's life and times to the Bromley Historical Society last Sunday.

One of the great legendary characters of the Upper Ottawa Valley, Dr. Martin J. Maloney was not only a much-loved local physician from 1898 to 1953, he was both a stellar member of the federal Parliament from 1925 to 1935 and the father of Ontario's first Ombudsman and the Ontario cabinet minister who laid the corner stone at St. Francis Memorial Hospital in Barry's Bay. His granddaughter, Julie Maloney and Sean Conway told all about Dr. Maloney's life and times to the Bromley Historical Society last Sunday.

Dr. Martin J. Maloney, MP

Every four years, the Township of Madawaska Valley must elect a new municipal council to serve its local needs. Last night, both candidates for mayor and all ten candidates seeking one of the four council seats met face to face with well over 200 local voters. Organized by the Madawaska Valley Public library and moderated by Sean Conway much was said and undoubtedly many voting decisions were considered, if not taken.

Every four years, the Township of Madawaska Valley must elect a new municipal council to serve its local needs. Last night, both candidates for mayor and all ten candidates seeking one of the four council seats met face to face with well over 200 local voters. Organized by the Madawaska Valley Public library and moderated by Sean Conway much was said and undoubtedly many voting decisions were considered, if not taken.

Madawaska Valley Township All-Candidate's Meeting

In 1902 The Eganville Leader was founded and 124 years later has become undoubtedly the best community newspaper in all of Canada and the largest paid-circulation weekly in Ontario. But this past February, The Leader almost ceased publication. Last Sunday, The Bromley Historical Society decided to find out what happened and so invited past and present Leader staff, along with it's current publisher and managing Editor, Gerald Trace, to speak about the paper's glorious history.

In 1902 The Eganville Leader was founded and 124 years later has become undoubtedly the best community newspaper in all of Canada and the largest paid-circulation weekly in Ontario. But this past February, The Leader almost ceased publication. Last Sunday, The Bromley Historical Society decided to find out what happened and so invited past and present Leader staff, along with it's current publisher and managing Editor, Gerald Trace, to speak about the paper's glorious history.

In 1902 The Eganville Leader was founded and 124 years later has become undoubtedly the best community newspaper in all of Canada and the largest paid-circulation weekly in Ontario. But this past February, The Leader almost ceased publication. Last Sunday, The Bromley Historical Society decided to find out what happened and so invited past and present Leader staff, along with it's current publisher and managing Editor, Gerald Trace, to speak about the paper's glorious history.&nbsp;

The Eganville Leader

Last Sunday at the Bromley Historical Society, John Yakabuski gave undoubtedly one of the best political speeches ever heard in Osceola, if not possibly in the rest of Canada. With consummate humour yet shrewd insight, Mr. Yakabuski opened a window on his unique political heritage and eventual rise to power as one of Ontario Premier Doug Ford's formative cabinet ministers. He also shed considerable light on the realpolitik of how Renfrew County politicians get and keep their jobs.

Last Sunday at the Bromley Historical Society, John Yakabuski gave undoubtedly one of the best political speeches ever heard in Osceola, if not possibly in the rest of Canada. With consummate humour yet shrewd insight, Mr. Yakabuski opened a window on his unique political heritage and eventual rise to power as one of Ontario Premier Doug Ford's formative cabinet ministers. He also shed considerable light on the realpolitik of how Renfrew County politicians get and keep their jobs.

The Yak and His Renfrew County Political Heritage

Next Stop, Barry's Bay - 125th Anniversary

Whoo-hooo! Train's a-Comin' - 125th Anniversary

Fishing with Leacock

Killaloe Shenanigans

Tamarack 'er Down with the Stoppa Lake Melodiers!

Ribbons of Steel: Barry's Bay & the OA & PS Railroad, 1894

The Songs of Percy Bresnahan

St. Lawrence O'Toole Parish

Thomas G. Devine's 'Madawaska'

A Taste of "Appalachian Celtic" at the Old Barry's Bay Train Station

About the unique heritage and local culture of the Upper Madawaska and Opeongo River Valleys.

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