In his lifetime, Chris Savard has spent time as both an elected official and a hot air balloon pilot. As such, FULL OF HOT AIR seemed to be an appropriate name for this column. Savard will provide his thoughts on a number of topics including sports, politics, local issues and more. His opinion combined with $1.80 will buy you an XL Coffee at Tim's!

Feb. 20, 2012: The City of Cornwall has just celebrated Family Day and another successful Storm Realty Winterfest celebration. Lamoureux Park and the Cornwall Civic Complex were both alive with activity and smiling faces this past weekend! To the volunteer organizers of Winterfest who gave so freely of their time and spent countless hours working hard to make a difference for the residents of our region…THANK YOU! FULL STORY

Jan. 24, 2012: As a past Chair of the Waterfront Development Committee, I have never been a supporter of destroying our wonderful waterfront parkland. However, at the same time I believe for the waterfront to grow in its vibrancy and usage, it is important to allow an appropriate level of development in the appropriate locations. FULL STORY

Jan. 14, 2012: I am not a big fan of Tim Tebow. His Week 14 upset of the Bears has done nothing to endear me towards him. Somehow, I think Marian Barber had more to do with the outcome of that football game than did divine intervention. Jimmy Fallon raises an interesting question though - because the Broncos-Patriots game is being played on a Saturday - does that help Tebow? FULL STORY

Jan. 2, 2012: Hard to believe that it was twenty years ago today that Cliff Fletcher pulled off the deal that brought Doug Gilmour to the Toronto Maple Leafs. January 2, 1992 will be remembered as day that the Leafs pulled off one of the more lopsided deals in their history. FULL STORY

Dec. 17, 2011: After months of fans and media calling for his head, it has finally happened. Today, Montreal Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier fired Head Coach Jacques Martin. Habs Assistant Coach Randy Cunneyworth will take over the coaching duties for the balance of the season. The players were informed of the move this morning as they arrived for their game day skate. FULL STORY

Dec. 9, 2011: Montreal Canadiens general manager, Pierre Gauthier, announced today the acquisition of defenseman Tomas Kaberle from the Carolina Hurricanes, in return for defenseman Jaroslav Spacek. Sports writers and radio announcers in Montreal are upset and they are calling for heads to roll on this deal. Personally, I think these pundits are over-reacting and this is a good deal for the Canadiens. FULL STORY

Dec. 6, 2011: Last week, there were rumours circulating the Seaway City that the Brampton Battalion might be on the move. Whenever an OHL team is rumoured to be leaving their current home, the cities of Cornwall and North Bay are inevitably suggested as possible destinations. FULL STORY

Dec. 6, 2011: James Reimer returned to the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup tonight after being out with a concussion suffered in Montreal on a hit by Brian Gionta. In the end, David Clarkson’s second goal of the game proved to be the winner as the New Jersey Devils skated to a 3-2 OT victory. FULL STORY

Dec. 5, 2011: Sergeant Thom Racine, a 30-year veteran with the Cornwall Community Police Service, has recently written a book called Constable Davey - A Future Lost. Racine will be busy promoting his book this week. On Wednesday December 7th, Racine will guest on CTV Morning Live where he will be interviewed and talk about his new book. FULL STORY

Nov. 30, 2011: Hockey fans in Winnipeg got the Jets back this season. Could hockey fans in Cornwall see a return of our beloved Cornwall Royals? There are rumours swirling in OHL circles about the possibility of a team returning to the Seaway City. This time it is the Brampton Battalion. FULL STORY