I know this senior well as he lives two blocks from me. He constantly complains about the neighbors around him. (They're all idiots!) He complains about the police. (They're all real idiots.) He complains about local politicians.(They're all total idiots.) His complaints have escalated over the 15 years since he has been retired.
Now this guy would complain about his neighbors over many things: parking in front of his place, noise, neighbor's trees, neighbor's kids playing. He would yell at kids going by. He walked into a neighbor's house without permission. He also walked into my house without being asked in.
Now he constantly called police and bylaw officers to make complaints. As far as I know none of his neighbors were ever charged. He wormed his way into top police officers to complain about his neighbors and that nothing was done about it. He talked to city officials and local politicians. No charges were laid and officials tried to reason with this man about how the situation should be handled.
In the last two years he made 23 complaints to bylaw officers. Of course these complaints have to be investigated.
The 23rd time bylaw officers were called was because a car was blocking his driveway. When the officer arrived there was no car blocking the driveway. That's when the officer laid the bullying charge. This man constantly used officers to harass and bully his neighbors. None of us appreciate a visit from a bylaw officer about a complaint. When the complaint is without merit we really get upset. People were really being bullied by his use of city officials. Officers time was taken from other work.
Now his behaviour could have been handled under more serious charges. The whole episode is very sad. Somehow, I don't think the $500.00 fine is going to solve anything. I would think he will probably become a bigger nuisance. Some people won't allow themselves to be helped. Living in urban areas we have to be flexible and have a little give and take and common sense. Common sense was lacking in this case.
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| City Hall Park |
we get a lot of repeat complainants here (frequent flyers, as we call them). most are smart enough to call on the non-emergency line, however, or we could get them with 911 abuse. some people are just ornery. it is sad how miserable their life is and how they antagonize others.
ReplyDeleteWith so many things to be happy about these people are rather sad.
DeleteHi Red, The guy sounds like a nuisance. I'll bet you are right ... the fine will only make him worse. By the way, I like that photo of Red Deer downtown last summer. I wonder what goes on in the high rise building there on the right side? Offices or residences?
ReplyDeleteI think he will become worse. It's been 15 years coming to this point. The building has the offices of large engineering firm. It's the tallest building in my town.
DeleteA guy like that is just set in his ways and won't change at this point in his life. The fine won't make a difference. When he's gone, the only people who'll show up at his funeral will just come to make sure he's actually dead, and afterwards they'll raise a glass and say good riddance.
ReplyDeleteThe guy is irrational. You can't reason with him.
DeleteOf course, reading this, I immediately flashed on my own activities, scrawling pro-recycling notices on our garbage bins. Am I bullying my neighbors? Probably. :)
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like this guy needs a hobby. Walking into people's houses uninvited?! That's pretty extreme.
You're just doing the teacher thing and giving people directions!!! We can't help it! He doesn't have anything to do but considers most activities beneath him. He comes from the British private school system!
DeleteI am glad he is not your next door neighbor. He sounds like a real cranky old man:(
ReplyDeleteHe used to stop when he went by but hasn't dropped in for a couple of years.
DeleteThe bullying charge is a creative means of getting him to stop. Perhaps the fines will deter him from making the calls but it won't stop him from being so miserable all of the time. I feel sad for the guy, actually. I'm guessing he must be very lonely or unhappy to be so negative all of the time. It's sad to get to that stage of your life and just feel compelled to alienate people rather than be fit in and enjoy his neighbours.
ReplyDeleteHe just doesn't know how to communicate on an equal level. He has to be Mr High and mighty.
DeleteMaybe that $500 fine will be enough to convince him to stop complaining.
ReplyDeleteHe may slow down a but but when new staff arrive he'll phone again.
DeletePoor man, what an unhappy life he must lead, imagining everyone is against him. It's a shame he and others like him take up police officers' time that they could be using it for more important and critical matters.
ReplyDeleteHe wants people to do what he wants all the time. When he requests irrational things everybody gets upset.
DeleteHas he been this way for many years? I wonder if he has any health issues. His behaviour seems quite erratic. His life also seems really sad. It must be very frustrating having to deal with him.
ReplyDeleteI can never understand that sort of behaviour, how awful it must be to just feel unhappy and indignant all the time. It must be so tiring! I doubt the fine will make any difference, more likely it will add fuel to the flame.
ReplyDeleteWith neighbors like this, who needs enemies?? I am sad for him, but the officer probably felt that they had no choice...
ReplyDeleteBully's will always be bully's and nasty neighbours the same. I have never understood anyone making another's life so miserable, by being so miserable themselves. How sad to have wasted a life like he has.
ReplyDeleteWow. I guess they had to lay down the law with him..it sounds like he needs help. There are a lot of people like him in this world..constantly calling police over every little thing.
ReplyDeleteSounds like he needs something in his life. Something to do. When you're busy you don't have time to worry about what the neighbors are doing. I would not to live next door to this man.
ReplyDeleteSounds like this old man is unhappy with the world and taking it out on everyone around him. At least the City officials aren't taking any of his crap.
ReplyDeleteI ran across this news article today! Is it about your neighbour?
ReplyDelete'Bitter' Red Deer Senior Convicted Of Bullying Neighbours