Terry O'Neill

A risk in being productive?

2012-02-07T11:57:00.000-08:00

It’s a risky world we live in. Around the globe, people face natural disasters, civil war, terrorism, the threat of government default, corruption and crime. But, according to the new “Enterprise Risk Management Plan” unveiled at council last night, the biggest risk that Coquitlam faces is a demand for increased productivity at City Hall.
At least that’s how I now interpret the meaning of the top “Key Strategic Risk” identified in a report presented to us on Monday. The exact wording of the risk is as follows: “Increasing public focus on municipal finances and spending results in additional pressure to achieve expected service levels with fewer resources.”
My first take on this surprisingly benign risk (what, no floods, earthquakes or tsunamis!) was to interpret it as meaning that there is a risk the electorate could become so unreasonable that, in demanding ever-lower taxes while also insisting on constant or rising levels of service, the city would become ungovernable. Take a look at Greece and you’ll get an example of what I was imagining.
And, indeed, when I spoke with City managers, they explained that they had identified this particular risk last fall, a time when the headlines were full of news about allegations of government overspending—news driven by reports from groups such as the Canadian Federation of Independent Business and the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.
To City Hall management, then, these groups (and, by extension, the politicians who championed their causes, such as me?) represented a threat to the status quo and, therefore, a significant risk. The report listed the possible impacts: erosion of public confidence in governments; erosion of the reputation of municipal councils; increased staff time and resources to investigate, analyze and respond to spending inquiries; and “sustainability of tax increases which impacts revenues and consequently expenditure budgets.”
But how much of a threat does this really constitute? The more I thought about it, the more I concluded that the “threat” actually boiled down to a public demand for increased productivity—getting more services out of existing revenue. And is this really so unreasonable?
All well-managed private companies are forced to look for such efficiencies on a regular basis. But governments too often take the easy way out, avoiding making the hard choices about finding ways to increase productivity and, instead, choosing the “easy” way by increasing taxes. Interestingly, the report identifies several “mitigation strategies” designed to answer the risk, but none of them specifically suggests that the City actually commit itself to increasing productivity.
Wonder why? Well, insofar as increased productivity can be accomplished by bringing down civic workers’ salaries so they are more in line with those paid in the private sector (thus allowing the City to hire more workers for the same overall payroll), any concerted effort to meet the public demand for the City to get a better bang out of the taxpayer buck is sure to generate considerable resistance from the labour organization that represents city workers, the Canadian Union of Public Employees.
Perhaps, then, the real risk implicit in the public’s demand for more productivity is of a protracted contract battle between the City and CUPE.
But this only becomes a risk if the City is determined to act on the public’s demands rather than defend itself against them.
I recognize that many city workers are talented, dedicated and hardworking—and, therefore, quite productive. All I am suggesting is that they would be even more “productive” if there were more of them at no extra cost to the taxpayer.
Photo from innovativesignage.com

Photos from Sunday's Walk for Memories

2012-01-31T13:52:00.001-08:00

As I wrote earlier, Sunday's Investors Group Walk for Memories in aid of the Alzheimer Society of BC was a great success, and I really enjoyed the opportunity to be the Master of Ceremonies for another year. Congrats to everyone who walked, organized, and volunteered. And a special tip of the hat to Connor and Dawn, without whose leadership the event would not have flourished.
Photos courtesy of 'Photos by Cheryl'

The 'freeman' phones it in

2012-01-31T12:39:00.000-08:00

Going "off the [electrical] grid" is one thing. But taking a headlong, flying leap off the entire governmental-legal-societal grid is another thing entirely. So what am I referring to? It's a loose organization called the "freeman of the land" movement. And one of its adherents made his presence known this morning in Coquitlam Council Chambers, where the regular bylaw adjudication hearings are held.
First, a bit about this "freeman" thing. Here's a good article from the U.S. point view. And here's a link to one of their sites. I first stumbled upon this movement 10 or 15 years ago, when I was invited to speak at one of their events. I had no idea what I was getting into--arguments about how a freeman isn't a legal person, about how the only real law is contract law, about how a government is a corporation and, if a person hasn't signed a legal contract with that governmental corporation, he wasn't bound by its rules or regulations.
All fascinating stuff in a nerdy, law-student, over-a-couple-of-beers kind of way. But it simply doesn't hold water. And every time someone tries to employ the philosophy's circuitous logic to get out of paying fines or taxes, the courts smack him down but good. Just ask actor Wesley Snipes (pictured above), who fell for the "freeman" baloney and ended up in the slammer for three years. This story gives details of his case without getting into Snipes's freeman ideology. This story, though, gives more of that background.
The scheduled appearance of "Peter of the Family Moore" [at least I think that's what he said his name was] at 10:30 a.m. this morning caused a bit of a buzz around the bylaw-enforcement and legal-services offices of City Hall because he had already spoken to a screening officer and explained his bizarre defence against a $75 traffic ticket. Essentially, it boiled down to his declarations that he did not believe our governments have the power to make laws and, further, that a person is ruled only by common or contract law.
Coincidentally, Councillor Craig Hodge and I had decided to attend the hearings this morning in order to better acquaint ourselves with the workings of the city government. We witnessed an interesting morning of appeals, primarily against parking tickets, but one also involving a grow-op that the defendants said was legally licenced, but which the evidence showed was not.
The icing on the cake of a most interesting morning was the Moore adjudication. He didn't attend in person, as is his right, so the hearing was conducted by conference call and speaker phone under the auspices of provincial adjudicator, Mr. Wise (Wyse?).
"Peter of the Family Moore" proved to be a full-blown "freeman," contesting every aspect of the case. He didn't agree that the piece of paper that had been affixed to the car in question should be called a ticket. He was evasive about the car's ownership. He didn't agree that the government had the power to issue tickets. He didn't agree that the government had the power to compel him to pay the ticket. He didn't even believe in the government. And on and on.
The adjudicator kept his composure throughout the hearing, but in the end signalled he had had enough and rejected the appeal. Not surprisingly, the man known as "Peter of the Family Moore" gave every indication he would ignore the finding.

Photo of actor Wesley Snipes from people.com.

A special award for a special woman

2012-01-29T21:36:00.001-08:00

Last night's 11th annual Business Excellence Awards, staged by the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce, was (as expected) highlighted by an award. But it wasn't to a business or a business leader. Rather, it was to an inspiring woman.

First, though, there definitely was some excitement and pleasure surrounding the awarding of several prizes to local businesses and business leaders for their outstanding accomplishments--not only for their financial successes but also for their community involvement. You'll likely read about them in upcoming editions of the Now and the News, but here's the scoop now:

Douglas College Foundation, winner of the Non-Profit of the Year.
Sandpiper Signs & Decals Inc., Small Business of the Year.
Jim Irwin: Westwood Honda, Business Leader of the Year.
Mr. Mike's Steakhouse & Bar, Business of the Year.

Other award winners, announced previously, were Fred Soofi, Member of the Year; and the late Betty Fox, Legacy Award. Betty's daughter and granddaughter accepted the award on behalf of the Fox family, and were deeply touched.

Regarding the award, the Chamber's program notes said it beautifully: "Betty Fox was the mother of an icon who became an icon herself. She was our national mother, our national hero, an inspiration we have always watched with awe...In carrying on her son's legacy, Betty Fox created a legacy of her own."

Betty Fox died on June 17 of last year, and she, like her son Terry, is greatly missed.

Photo from salt-spring-island.org

What to do with Coquitlam's land holdings?

2012-01-23T16:26:00.001-08:00

One of the more fascinating bits of information made public today during our first day of listening to budget presentations is that the City of Coquitlam owns about a quarter-of-a-billion dollars worth of real estate within city boundaries, the majority on Burke Mountain in areas that are to be developed.
Citizens might see this figure and immediately think the City should sell off the land in today's hot market, and then use the proceeds (including the interest) to keep taxes low for years to come. Extra revenue would also be gained from the collection of property taxes on the land, which would be owned by private interests and, therefore, taxable.
As explained in public today, the city's policy is basically to bank this land, to buy and sell judiciously as the need arises, and also to set aside reserves to replace capital assets in the future. Furthermore, it was explained that controlling a large parcel of land on Burke Mountain gives the City more say over how it should be developed.
Readers with long memories will recall that the Province of British Columbia had an opposite approach to land sales when it came to the Expo Lands, which, controversially, were sold as one large, undeveloped parcel to Li Ka-shing after Expo '86. Most observers said the Province got nowhere near as much money for the land as it should have received--and would have, if it had held onto the land, serviced it, and sold it parcel by parcel.
At the other end of the spectrum, the City of Surrey is now actively working as a developer in its own right--and this is controversial, as well.
I'll be studying the matter further in the coming weeks. But, in the final analysis, it may come down to a matter of one's opinions about the proper role of government and about one's philosophy regarding budget processes.
One way or the other, though, it's a good problem to have.
Photo from bestofcoquitlambc.com

Supporting the Nordic model

2012-01-15T08:57:00.000-08:00

As noted in yesterday's entry, I attended an event in downtown Vancouver yesterday morning, at which 60 Social Justice 12 students from Dr. Charles Best Secondary, led by teacher Ken Ipe, were collecting signatures for a petition asking the federal government to toughen the laws against prostitution and pimping.
Significantly, the "Nordic model" they support treats prostitutes as victims of oppression. It does not seek to normalize prostitution and, in fact, embraces a philosophy that is the opposite of what the mainstream media are calling for these days -- legalization of prostitution in order to make the practice safer for women.
From my perspective, the Nordic model is by far the better approach. It does have one flaw, however, and that's that, by defining the prostitute only as a victim, it relieves the prostitute herself of any responsibility for her actions. I am a fierce believer in individual responsibility; we are all individual actors in the moral universe and have the power to make up our own minds.
Nevertheless, I understand that the abuse and addiction that often precede a woman's entry into prostitution can seriously undermine her ability to make responsible decisions--and that is why I signed the petition.
Above are photographs from yesterday's event. I took all but the group photo and the photo showing me with some of the students; these were taken by Mr. Ipe.

Students take aim at prostitution

2012-01-14T08:21:00.000-08:00

I'll be braving the snow today to travel downtown to support students from Dr. Charles Best Secondary who, as part of their Social Justice 12 class, are setting up a display table and collecting signatures on a petition that would have the federal government toughen Canadian law against prostitution. I think it's significant that their approach represents a complete rejection of the misguided "sex-trade worker" line of thinking that is favoured by many "progressives."

Here's the text of a note I received from teacher Ken Ipe explaining the project:

For your information, my Social Justice 12 classes (60 students) have chosen to pursue a federal government petition campaign on Saturday, January 14th, from 9:00am-12:00 pm next to the Vancouver Art Gallery. The goal is to gain signatures to change the current criminal code in relation to prostitution. Please see below for the Petition specifics. Since this is a time when Canada is wrestling with such laws, this is a timely event chosen by the students for their final exam.
We continue to appreciate your support in the activism that this course generates.

Petition to the House of Commons

January 9th, 2012

Whereas:

1. Prostitution is by its nature a form of male violence against women.

2. Countries that have legalized or fully decriminalized prostitution such as New Zealand, Netherlands, and Australia have seen a significant increase in human trafficking, illegal brothels, and increased organized crime activity. For example in New Zealand, organized crime has now controlled 80% of the prostitution of which only 20% are legal. For example, the organized crime in the Netherlands has forced the government to close down 1/3 of the Red Light District.

3. Prostitution normalizes sexual exploitation. Prostitution is systemic violence against women and a major deterrent to equality.

4. Prostitution is not a choice but rather a lack of choice and opportunity. The vast majority of prostitutes starts as young as 13 years old and is denied true choice and opportunity.

5. Women are not to be bought and sold as commodities.

We call upon the government of Canada to

· view prostitution in its essence as violence against women.
· amend the Criminal Code by rewriting our prostitution laws in a way that criminalizes the sex buyers and pimps and decriminalizes the person being sold. We ask to use the Nordic model of Prostitution Law. This is called the Nordic Model (and abolitionist perspective) as seen is such countries as Sweden, Norway, and Iceland which has seen a dramatic reduction in prostitution and an increase in the stigma of buying and selling women.
· close all brothels and bawdy houses such as massages parlors where such prostitution occurs and pimps control.
· to not allow men to avoid court involvement by offering john school, anger management classes, etc… instead of court.
· provide prostituted women with immediate access to women-only detox, counseling, and longer term recovery beds.

A small step forward

2012-01-11T14:52:00.000-08:00

The big announcement re gaming funds for the arts and culture sector wasn't as big as I was hoping. Basically, some last-minute money that was put into the system last year has now become permanent. And some important sectors have had their eligibility restored.

Although it wasn't part of the announcement, I learned that funding to community foundations, which was cut off a few years ago, would not be reinstated.

Nevertheless, the extra money being put into the budget is a step in the right direction, although nowhere near the 33% of gaming revenues that was the original provincial target many years ago.

Here's the text of the government news release:

B.C. acting on commitment to support community groups
VANCOUVER - Changes to the way community gaming grants are awarded will help ensure non-profit organizations have greater certainty and support in the vital work they do, announced Premier Christy Clark today.

"Through an open public engagement process, we heard from more than 1,700 British Columbians about what we can do to improve our gaming grant system," said Premier Clark. "We listened and we're taking action. Community gaming grants will be made available to more groups so they can focus on what they do best - delivering essential services to B.C. families."

In July, Premier Clark appointed Skip Triplett - former Kwantlen Polytechnic University president - to lead the Community Gaming Grant Review. The primary goal of the independent review was to get advice on how to improve the governance and funding formula for community gaming grants.

In response to Mr. Triplett's report on the review, which provides 16 options for consideration, the Province will reinstate funding eligibility for adult arts and sports organizations, environmental groups and animal welfare agencies. The Province will also increase support for other organizations that have experienced funding reductions in the past three years, including those responsible for fairs, festivals, youth arts and culture, community service, the B.C. Senior Games and community education organizations.

In addition, government will continue to work on streamlining the application process for grants, including exploring options for introducing multi-year funding in the coming years.

"Non-profits do tremendous work for British Columbians. In some smaller communities, they are the sole service providers, ensuring B.C. families have access to important resources that improve their quality of life," said Ida Chong, Minister of ommunity, Sport and Cultural Development. "By investing more in our non-profits, we're investing in stronger communities, healthier families and a more culturally diverse British Columbia."

"I applaud the work of Skip Triplett, Chair of the Community Grant Review, and thank Premier Christy Clark and Minister Ida Chong for this very timely policy decision," said Norman Armour, executive director, PuSh International Performing Arts Festival. "Reinstating adult arts within the eligible criteria for Provincial Gaming support recognizes the important role that the arts play in the lives of British Columbians. The social profit arts in B.C. are a remarkably vibrant and resourceful sector; the news of this investment will have a profoundly positive and lasting
effect."

To apply online for community gaming grants, go to:
http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/gaming/grants/community-gaming.htm

Triplett's independent report has been released in full and can be found at: www.communitygaminggrantreview.gov.bc.ca

A backgrounder follows.

Contacts:

Chris Olsen
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
604 220-1640

Jeff Rud
Director of Communications
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 953-3677

BACKGROUNDER
For Immediate Release
2012PREM0002-000020

Jan. 11, 2012
Office of the Premier
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development

Outcomes of the Community Gaming Grant Review

* The Province has increased gaming grants in its annual base budget to a total of $135 million, beginning this fiscal year.
* That will mean $15 million more in gaming grants than originally budgeted for 2011/12.
* This funding will reach right across the province with a large part going outside of the Lower Mainland to more than 2,000 organizations in hundreds of communities.
* Groups focusing on adult arts and sports, animal welfare and environmental concerns will be eligible for community gaming grants.
* These reinstated groups will receive a total of $8 million. The Province will conduct a special intake of applications from Jan. 16 to Feb. 13 to ensure these groups are eligible for funding this fiscal year. Interested organizations will be required to apply online.
* Of this $8 million, $6 million will be allocated for adult arts, culture and sport organizations, while environmental organizations will be allocated $2 million.
* This funding will benefit non-profit organizations that deliver key community services such as animal shelter organizations, fish and wildlife associations, lake and stream stewardship societies, district arts councils, museum societies, and theatres.
* The remaining $7 million will be used to increase funding to groups that have experienced reductions during the past three years, including those responsible for fairs, festivals, youth arts and culture, community service, the B.C. Senior Games and community education organizations.
* Funding will benefit community-focused organizations such as Kiwanis and Lions Club, heritage and folk music societies, non-profit child development societies, youth music schools and pipe bands.
* The Province is also exploring options for introducing multi-year funding in the coming years for groups that have achieved earned independence through sound fiscal practices.

Contacts:

Chris Olsen
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
604 220-1640

Jeff Rud
Director of Communications
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 953-3677

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect

Transition to nowhere

2012-01-11T09:39:00.000-08:00

A major development in the winding down of the HST: the BC government has reached an agreement with the feds on the orderly repayment of that $1.6-billion signing bonus. Full text of press release, below. Now, if only Victoria can provide a firm date on when the HST will actually end.

Jan. 11, 2012

Ministry of Finance

Terms agreed for repayment of B.C. HST transition funding
VICTORIA - The Province has concluded an agreement with the Government of Canada for the orderly repayment of the $1.6 billion in transition funding it received when B.C. moved to the Harmonized Sales Tax, Minister of Finance Kevin Falcon announced today.

Under the new agreement, the Province will have five years to repay in full the transition funding, and Canada has agreed to waive any interest charges over this period. While the Province has always acknowledged its responsibility for the repayment of the federal transition funding, the actual timing of when that repayment was to occur remained something for B.C. and Canada to further discuss.

The extended repayment schedule will save the Province debt interest costs that would otherwise have been incurred had the Province had to pay back the full amount right away-money that can instead go toward protecting core B.C. services.

The full cost of the $1.6-billion repayment will still be booked in the provincial's government's 2011-12 fiscal year, but the Province will instead be able to flow the cash over the coming five years.

Falcon will be available to comment to media at 11:15 a.m. at the Premier's Vancouver Office (999 Canada Place).

A memorable afternoon

2012-01-09T10:37:00.000-08:00

Mary and I really enjoyed--and, moreover, were deeply moved by--the Tzu Chi "Thanksgiving & Blessing Ceremony" yesterday in Richmond. It was a real eye-opener for me to learn how this Buddhist organization has transformed the lives, not only of its grateful adherents, but also of the hundreds of thousands (millions?) of people around the world, from drought victims to tsunami survivors, who have been beneficiaries of Tzu Chi's "Buddhism in action" philanthropic efforts. The afternoon featured a few speeches, including a touching one by our mayor, Richard Stewart. But the highlights were songs and carefully choreographed dances that acted out Tzu Chi principles, which centre on reflection, repentance, compassion and service.

Mess on the Mountain

2012-01-04T12:44:00.000-08:00

Over the holidays, some alert citizens on Burke Mountain alerted City Hall to yet another instance of what is a continuing problem in the rapidly developing neighbourhoods of that area of Coquitlam -- messy, litter-strewn constructions sites and the overflow of that mess onto sidewalks, streets and environmentally sensitive areas.
Council was told that a particularly bad area was just to the east of the intersection of Harper Road and Coast Meridian, close to the top of Burke Mountain. I drove up there one afternoon; it didn't take me long to confirm the problem.
Thankfully, city staff are well aware of the problem and, in fact, the day Mayor Stewart took his own personal tour of the area, bylaw enforcement officers were on patrol too.
Let's hope the new year ushers in some more-responsible behaviour on the part of the mess-makers.
The above photos some of the mess that I witnessed in an area that is a sensitive fish habitat.

The Nativity Facade: Genius and Spirituality

2011-12-24T08:52:00.000-08:00

The highlight of the week that Mary and I spent in Barcelona a few summers ago was undoubtedly our tour of Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia temple. You can read all about the history of this magnificent and extraordinary temple on Wikipedia.
Two facades are currently complete--the passion facade, which is simple, stark and compelling, and the nativity facade, an extravagant explosion of artistic genius which reflects the depth of Gaudi's spiritual convictions.
On this day, Christmas Eve, I thought it fitting to post two photos of the nativity facade. The one at the top shows the complete facade. The one above is a closeup of the nativity scene. Truly stunning.
Merry Christmas, everyone.

Remembering my father-in-law

2011-12-22T16:57:00.000-08:00

(Photo of Doug and Betty taken at their 65th anniversary celebration)

McKINNON, Joseph Douglas (Doug)
September 13, 1926 – December 22, 2011

Doug died peacefully at Eagle Ridge Hospital in Port Moody, the result of a decline beginning a decade ago with a debilitating stroke. Ever-cheerful with his friends and justifiably proud of the loving and large family that he headed, Doug went to meet his Lord with his steadfast wife of 67 years, Betty, and other loved ones at his bedside.

Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Doug worked diligently throughout his fruitful life, and often told the story of how he steered towboats on the Fraser River and across a stormy Strait of Georgia while in his early teens. Tall and slim, he cut a dashing figure whether playing a fiddle or riding his motorcycle, and soon caught the eye of a certain petite young school teacher.

Marriage to Mary Elizabeth (Betty) James soon followed, and Doug threw himself into work to support his fast-growing family, often holding down two or three jobs—stocking grocery store shelves by day, for example, and slinging beer by night. Doug settled into a career in sales, travelling throughout B.C. to market goods ranging from beauty supplies to biscuits. Wherever he went, the charming and good-natured salesman greeted his customers with a warm smile and invariably left behind new friends.

Whether living on Kitchener in east Vancouver, Midlawn in Burnaby, the old house in Port Mann or the renovated family cabin at Lake Errock, Doug made sure that home was a welcoming place for friends, family and neighbours alike. After retirement, Doug and Betty spent many happy summers travelling through the U.S. in their RV. Back home, they handcrafted doll houses and doll-house furniture, becoming familiar and well-loved regulars at Christmas craft fairs throughout the Lower Mainland in the 1990s.

Doug was predeceased by his daughter Susan Pummell (1993). He is survived by Betty and their seven other children, daughters Katherine Bylin (widow of Dick), Mary O’Neill (and husband Terry) and Elizabeth Keobke (Brian), and sons Bill, Tim (and wife Ruth), Chris (Val) and Dave (Doreen). He also leaves behind 26 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren—a remarkable number that Doug, with a twinkle in his eye, would have said added up to “eleventy-seven.”

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 140 Moody Street, Port Moody at 11 a.m., Wednesday, December 28. A reception will follow. The family extends its thanks to Fr. Joseph Nguyen for his pastoral support. As well, much gratitude is extended to the teams of nurses and aides from Fraser Health, to local emergency-services personnel, and to the medical staff at Eagle Ridge Hospital for their care over these past several years.

Council's Christmas Photo

2011-12-15T08:14:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd share this formal photo of Coquitlam Council, taken just before our inauguration earlier this month.

Utility rates explained

2011-12-15T08:02:00.001-08:00

Yesterday's Tri-City News carried a story about increases in Coquitlam's utility rates, which were compared unfavourably to Port Moody and Port Coquitlam's.

Given that every community is subject to the same increases from Metro Vancouver, the fact our increases were higher than those of our neighbours may surprise many voters.

But there's a good reason for it: Council agreed to set the utility rates based on the five-year average Metro Vancouver increase. This smooths out the impact of the larger water and solid waste increases, levied by Metro, that are going to hit Coquitlam residents in future years.

In fact, it is quite likely that in 2013 our increases will be lower than our neighbours for the simple fact that we took a little more of the impact this year.

Meantime, Vancouver's utility rate hikes this year are even greater than Coquitlam's, according to this story.

Photo from the TriCityNews website.

Committees, boards & panels

2011-12-14T21:26:00.001-08:00

Over the course of deliberations and decisions on Monday and today, Council settled on who gets to sit on what committees in the new year. Here are my responsibilities:

Advisory Committees
Vice-Chair, Arts & Culture Advisory Committee
Chair, Coquitlam River Aggregate Committee

Statutory Committees
Vice-Chair, Parcel Tax Review Panel

External Appointments
Chair, City/School Board Liaison Committee

Metro Vancouver
Council Representative, Regional Culture Committee (This is merely a recommendation; final appointments to such committees are at the pleasure of Metro Vancouver).

Wheels fall off bike-bylaw logic

2011-12-13T12:46:00.000-08:00

Should Coquitlam Council pass a bylaw allowing it to force developers and builders to provide secure bike-storage spaces in all new multi-family residential and commercial buildings? That’s the question that council was faced with last night when considering a proposed amendment a zoning bylaw (Bylaw No. 4269, 2011).

Most council members viewed the bylaw quite favourably. But not me. And here is how I, in my first detailed speech in council chambers as a Councillor, explained my opposition:

Security. Coquitlam staff’s survey found several other local municipalities with similar laws. Vancouver has had such a law since 1999. But what staff didn’t report is that Vancouver’s more recent review of that law found that, while the commercial bike-storage facilities were being well used, those in residential buildings were going empty. Security is a big concern. People want to keep their $1,000-bikes close, and don’t trust the less-secure public facilities.

Incongruous double whammy. The stated reason for this bylaw is to complement council’s commitment to encourage bike riding. But, consider this: the bylaw does not touch car-park requirements. So, not only will builders have to provide a full complement of car-parking stalls, but they would now also have to build a full complement of bike-storage spaces.

Logically, one would expect to see some give and take here. If we really do foresee a future of fewer cars and more bicycles, then why not reduce the requirement for car stalls while we’re introducing requirements for bike-storage? But what the bylaw ends up saying is, on one hand, that it’s full-speed-ahead with car usage, and on the other, that it’s all-systems-go for bicycles. Something doesn’t add up.

And speaking of adding up: Affordability. This is a big one. Surely, this bylaw requirement would have the inevitable consequence of adding to the cost of construction, to be passed onto the consumer. Buying that one-bedroom apartment in Coquitlam would become just that much more expensive.

Overly prescriptive. This bylaw is said to put into action council’s goal of supporting neighbourhoods and enhancing the transportation system. But, if that’s what council wants to do, why not go all the way and compel builders of new buildings to provide a free bike with every condo purchase?

And while we’re in the realm of the ridiculous, I know that the city also has a goal to foster sustainability. This being so – and using the same logic that would force builders to provide secure bike-storage spaces — not compel every condo builder to put a community garden on their building's rooftop? Or, better yet, to set aside 50 square feet in every new apartment for a greenhouse to grow carrots and radishes? My point here is that just because Council favours some sort of positive outcome doesn’t mean it should or must compel it.

The solution. Instead, let market forces shape the outcome. Let apartment and condo builders have the freedom to offer these sorts of secure storage facilities, and see if buyers actually want them. If they’re popular, then other builders will follow. If they’re not, then so be it. Buyers and builders alike have made their choices. The people will have spoken. And that’s the way it’s supposed to be in a democracy.

Photo from satoridesigns.net

The Red Hand of O'Neill

2011-12-08T16:13:00.000-08:00

As a newly elected Councillor in the City of Coquitlam, I was looking forward to my inauguration ceremony, to which I had invited several relatives and friends. The event promised to be a memorable one and, in the end, it was certainly all that, but not completely for the reasons I had anticipated.

My newly elected and re-elected council colleagues and I assembled at City Hall in the late afternoon for formal individual and group portraits. That done, we sat down for a meal, during which we chatted and exchanged campaign anecdotes.

The talk turned to family. Thinking of my father and three of my brothers who would be at the inauguration, I trotted out one of my favourites: the story of how the Red Hand came to be the family crest for O’Neills around the world.

It’s a bloody tale from ancient Irish times, featuring rival kings and some quick but ruthless thinking by an O’Neill ancestor that saw him chopping off his own hand and throwing it across a body of water to win a race and claim a crown. And thus, the Red Hand of O’Neill became a part of Irish folklore, if not history.

After dinner, we pinned on our white-rose corsages or boutonnieres – or, in my case, asked a staffer for help in doing it—and assembled for a formal procession into council chambers. The bagpiper-led march went off without a hitch, as did all other aspects of the ceremony, including our oath-taking, the mayor’s speech, and the short addresses from individual council members, during which I made note of my 83-year-old father’s importance as my own personal safety net.

After all this was done, and as we were rising from our seats to process out of council chambers, I picked up the pen given to me after I signed my oath and, with my right hand, put it into the inside pocket of my suit jacket, brushing my boutonniere in the process. With the bagpiper once again in the lead, we then made our way out of the chamber and into the lobby for a reception.

And then it happened. I noticed that my right hand was feeling a little wet. Thinking someone had spilled some water or I had stood too close to a just-watered plant, I thought nothing of it and, without looking down, simply brushed my hand against my jacket to dry it off. This happened a second time, and I had the same response.

But when the hand felt wet a third time, I lifted it up to see what was going on and, to my shock, discovered that it was covered with blood flowing from an inch-long gash across the top of my right pinkie finger. The blood was all over my hand, the cuff of my shirt and the side of my (thankfully dark-blue) suit jacket.

Ever at the ready, my father took only seconds to produce a bandage from his pocket and patch me up. But then came a mystery: how had I cut myself? I retraced the steps of our final procession to see if I could spot a place where I might have brushed my hand against a sharp object of some sort, but found nothing.

Finally, a friend suggested I examine my boutonniere. Sure enough, I discovered that the sharp end of the pin, affixing it to my jacket, was pointing to the exact place that my right hand had been when I put the keepsake pen in my pocket.

The mystery solved, I could only smile at the coincidence—or was it a jest of the gods?—that saw an event, that had begun with my telling a tale about a bloody hand becoming integral to an ancestor’s becoming a king of Ireland, ending with a real-life story of how my own bloody hand had become a memorable part of my becoming a City Councillor many centuries later and half a world away.

Inauguration Night in Coquitlam

2011-12-05T22:53:00.000-08:00

Well, it's official. I'm now a Councillor in the City of Coquitlam. I'll write about the evening some more tomorrow. But, for starters, I wanted to share these photos on our website/blog (and not on Facebook), because a Web.1 site is easier for my parents and parents-in-law to visit.
The photos show me at the oath-taking ceremony with Judge Wood, and then some candid shots at the reception, including photos of Mary, my brothers and dad, my in-laws, and friends. A great night!

The devil will be in the details

2011-11-30T14:52:00.000-08:00

Important news, with big implications for the City of Coquitlam's budget:

INFORMATION BULLETIN
2011PSSG0152-001553
Nov. 30, 2011

Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General

B.C. reaches agreement-in-principle with RCMP

VICTORIA - Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Shirley Bond has announced today that the Province of British Columbia has reached agreement-in-principle with Public Safety Canada regarding a new contract for RCMP services in British Columbia.

The proposed agreement reflects a new partnership based on transparency and mutual benefits. It contains greater financial accountability and measures to monitor and contain costs over time.

Through a new proposed Contract Management Committee (CMC), the Province and Canada will jointly oversee how the RCMP delivers police services and how costs are managed. Municipalities will be represented on the CMC.

The Province will also be establishing a new local government advisory committee so that municipalities have a continued voice as the agreement is implemented.

In the days ahead, the contract details will be shared with the Union of British Columbia Municipalities and shared publicly when appropriate. The tentative agreement contains important new management provisions and includes a two-year opt-out clause and a five-year review.

Contact:
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
250 356-6961

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect

Photo from flickrhivemind.net

Some necessary distinctions

2011-11-25T10:16:00.000-08:00

The Coquitlam Now's story, on the election of two new members to Coquitlam Council (Craig Hodge and me), conveniently runs on the same page (A7, Nov. 23 issue) as my "Thank You Coquitlam!" ad.
This ad reads, in part, "I promise to work hard on your behalf." But exactly what will be my priority? The answer is found, also in part, in the above-mentioned newspaper story. But the story, by the fine reporter John Kurucz, doesn't quite get it right.
Mr. Kurucz correctly quotes me as saying that I (and, moreover, a great many of the voters I talked with over the last two or three months) believe that "property tax increases"(this emphasis, added by me, is key) have been "way too high."
However, Mr. Kurucz paraphrases this position by saying that my platform "consisted of promises to rein in municipal spending and reduce property taxes."
This is only partially correct. I did say I would work to rein in municipal spending by limiting the increases in operating expenditures. But, I never said I would work to actually reduce property taxes. What I said is that I would work dilegently to reduce the rate of growth of those property taxes, and that I would be extremely happy if there was no growth.
But to actually reduce property taxes? While this would be wonderful, I don't think it's a realistic goal, and I never held that out as an option.
Furthermore, at the beginning of the campaign, I signed the CFIB's Taxpayer Pledge, in which I promised to rein in spending increases to no more than what you'd expect with inflation and population growth.
Given this, and given that there's a direct link between spending increases and property-tax increases, it can be concluded that I am not necessarily opposed to property-tax increases driven by the need for the city to raise revenues to keep up with inflation.
On the other hand, increased spending driven by increased population should not necessarily lead to higher property taxes; this is because the broader tax base created by that increased population will, by itself, generate more revenue without an increase in property tax rates.
Photo shows me signing the CFIB pledge.

There's no place like home

2011-11-22T19:31:00.000-08:00

Barring any last-minute applications for a recount (and candidates have until November 28 to ask for a judicial recount), the results of last Saturday's election are now official. The actual moment of record was at 4 p.m. today when Lauren Hewson (pictured), the City's Chief Electoral Officer, stood in the centre of council chambers and declared the results official. The event was witnessed by four people: Richard Stewart, Linda Reimer, defeated school board candidate Humera Ahsanullah, and me.
Hewson also released the poll-by-poll results of the election. You can examine them in detail yourself by clicking here and scrolling to the bottom of the page. My scanning of them has turned up the following tidbits:
*I received votes on 42% of the 17,961 ballots that were cast.
*My strongest poll was Eagle Ridge Elementary (very close to where I live), where I received votes on 58% of the ballots. My 287 votes put me behind only two other candidates, Selina Robinson (308) and Ms. Reimer (288).
*The poll in which I finished highest was, not surprisingly, at another school that is very close to where I live, Bramblewood Elementary. My 389 votes (51%) placed me second, behind only Ms. Reimer (417).
*I also did quite well at the Walton Elementary poll--also located fairly close to my home, and in the midst of an area where I did a lot of door-knocking. My 344 left me with the third highest total, and gave me the support of 49% of the voters there.
*My sorriest showing was at the Banting Middle School polling station, where my 186 votes meant that only 32% of voters chose me, and the total left me in 11th place. My placing in this strongly NDP/Left/Labour riding isn't all that surprising, but the figures are still rather sobering.

A note of appreciation

2011-11-21T09:56:00.000-08:00

First off, a big "Welcome" to all of you who have been redirected to this blog from our old, campaign-oriented website. We'll be using this site, along with our Facebook page, as our primary means of communication in the near future.
Next, please allow me to thank each and every one of the more than 7,000 Coquitlam residents who cast their votes for me and, by so doing, put their trust in me. I truly appreciate your confidence in me, and promise to work diligently to live up to your expectations.
A big "thank-you" also goes out to the dozens and dozens of people who contributed to my campaign: the "burma-shavers," the lawn-sign planters, the phoners, the e-day teams, the generous donors, the advisors, and the scores of good folk who showed their support in so many wonderful ways. Thank you!
A special thank-you to my wife, Mary, for her encouragement, work, and constant companionship. I could not have done it without her. Thanks, as well, to our two sons, who, while both several thousand kilometres away, still provided me with much support. Thanks, guys! I can hardly wait til Christmas, when we can all celebrate together.
Thanks, also, to the many brothers, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, parents and parents-in-law, who were so supportive. You mean the world to me.
Congratulations to my fellow Councillor-elect, Craig Hodge. I look forward to working with him, and all the incumbents who won.
A special tip-of-the-hat to Doug Macdonnell, a long-serving councillor of great repute who did not win re-election. He should be proud of your record on council. And I wish him great good fortune in the years to come. As well, my best wishes also go out to Barry Lynch, who also will no longer be serving on council. Good luck!
I also want to congratulate and thank all the other candidates who worked so diligently but were not rewarded with a seat on council. As one who travelled the campaign trail with them, I know how hard they worked and how passionately they felt about the job, and can truly appreciate how disappointed they now must be. I hope they keep in touch.

What we were all working for!

2011-11-20T14:54:00.000-08:00

'Hear, hear!" for the campaign

2011-11-18T08:12:00.001-08:00

Great news for my campaign this morning, as the Vancouver Sun's Peter Birnie quotes, in his column today, my entire final response to the Alliance for Arts and Culture's recent questions to candidates.
Better yet, he seems so pleased with my answer that he concludes by writing, "Hear, hear!"
The article is on page D4 of today's paper.
Here's the link to all Coquitlam candidates' answers.
And here's the full text of that final paragraph that Mr. Birnie so admires:

G.K. Chesterton wrote, "There is no such thing on earth as an
uninteresting subject; the only thing that can exist is an uninterested person." With this in mind, I see the "cultural" sector of our community as one that has the ability to turn an uninterested person into an interested one. This is vital, because an interested person is a better citizen and, ultimately, a better person. To stimulate someone with an engaging work, to open their eyes, to touch their heart--these are essential to human growth. It matters not whether we cry at a play, laugh during a circus, are outraged by an piece of performance art, or experience joy at a music concert; the important thing is that we have been moved--moved emotionally and, perhaps, intellectually. That's education. That's growth. That's being alive. A City Councillor can help direct a few dollars here and there to assist this, of course. But a Councillor's more important role is found in his or her ability to act as a community leader. Councillors can help open doors, facilitate planning, offer moral support, and set an example by attending performances.

Photo of the Evergreen Cultural Centre, from cultureandcommunities.ca

The CUPE issue moves front and centre

2011-11-16T20:19:00.001-08:00

Hot on the heels of Jon Ferry's column in today's Province, which is about, in part, the financial and organizational support that CUPE gave to Neal Nicholson in last year's by-election, comes this blockbuster, pictured.
The graphic is of an ad that appeared on page 31 of today's Tri-City News (ironically, right below one of CUPE-endorsed Selina Robinson's ads).
For the record, I had nothing to do with the conception, purchase or placement of the ad. I had heard rumours that Coquitlam businessman William Dick, who is identified as the purchaser of the ad, was contemplating such an action, as he has attended several all-candidates meetings and has been vocal about his opposition to the undue influence of CUPE.
I was pleased to see that Mr. Dick, who two months ago donated to my campaign, had explained the controversy so well and, further, that he had gone so far as to endorse a group of independent candidates, including me, for council.
As readers of this blog and my Facebook page know, I have been writing about this subject for several weeks now in the hopes that the public would take notice. With today's publication of Mr. Ferry's column (which I blogged about earlier) and Mr. Dick's ad, it seems my efforts are finally bearing some fruit.

Cash, campaigns, and CUPE

2011-11-16T06:17:00.000-08:00

Here's the full text of Jon Ferry's column in today's Province:

Candidates should disclose all cash contributions
Taxpayers deserve to know who exactly is funding those for whom they plan to vote for
By Jon Ferry, The Province November 16, 2011

Miraculous though it may seem, I've actually found something on which I agree with Occupy Vancouver. And that's the local protest movement's call for "immediate and full disclosure of all developer and corporate contributions to all civic election campaigns."
But why stop there? Why not require the immediate and full disclosure of all contributions over a certain dollar amount — including those from environmental groups and unions representing municipal workers?
In the 2008 election, the Canadian Union of Public Employees and its locals donated nearly $700,000 to parties and candidates across Metro Vancouver, according to the Vancouver Sun's donations database.
The biggest recipient of CUPE's cash was Vision Vancouver, which got $260,000. The green-leaning Vision also received as much as $340,000 from a network of eco-friendly investment and public-relations companies, according to North Vancouver writer/researcher Viviane Krause.
Taxpayers should be at least as aware of these contributions as they are of those from big, bad developers and other corporations.
And, yes, they should learn about them before the election — not as much as four months after it, as is the current rule. Larger donations should be posted on candidates' websites for public viewing as soon as possible, after they're received.
CUPE, for example, represents workers with whom municipal councillors are supposed to have an arm's-length relationship, especially when it comes to labour contract negotiations. The council members are, in fact, their employer.
Richard Walton, running for his third term as North Vancouver District mayor, told me Tuesday he's been endorsed again by CUPE. But he hasn't accepted money from the union, because doing so would make him uncomfortable.
"My objectivity is pretty important to me," he noted.
I think objectivity should be important to all candidates. Indeed, my view is that the special relationship the influential union may enjoy with certain councillors through campaign donations does municipal ratepayers no favours — at least judging by their soaring property tax bills.
Coquitlam candidate Terry O'Neill points out that Neal Nicholson, winning candidate in the 2010 byelection, received most of his funding from labour groups, including half ($15,000) from the CUPE local representing Coquitlam city workers.
O'Neill added that CUPE B.C. is actually listed as Nicholson's "campaign organizer."
"Can you imagine the howls from the left and the mainstream media if, for example, the Business Council of British Columbia had fielded its own candidate, provided a majority of the candidate's campaign funds and organized the candidate's campaign?"
Nicholson, running again in Saturday's election, told me CUPE did not, in fact, organize his campaign — but did conduct mail-outs promoting his candidacy. He didn't think accepting union donations put him in any conflict or he wouldn't have taken them.
Nicholson, though, did say there should be election-spending limits. He also said he had no problem with posting details of the larger donations (say those over $1,000) as they came in: "I'm an accountant, I'm reasonably tech-savvy, so I wouldn't have a big challenge with that."
I don't think other municipal candidates should have a problem with it either. Taxpayers deserve to know in timely fashion who exactly is funding those for whom they plan to vote for.
jferry@theprovince.com
© Copyright (c) The Province

Don't tax the churches

2011-11-15T09:32:00.000-08:00

I've been receiving numerous phone calls and emails over the past several days, asking for my position on the property-tax-exempt status of church properties in Coquitlam.
My answer is this: I am in favour of retaining the status on church properties. The City has a policy, allowed by the Local Government Act, to exempt from taxes properties that are used for charitable purposes. The policy means that the City foregoes collection of about $1 million in taxes every year. Details of the policy are currently under review (as noted in the document to which I provided a link, above)--I believe this is what has sparked all the questions.
But the City benefits in numerous far-more-important ways by supporting the vital institutions that receive this break.
A column I wrote seven or eight years ago, for the Tri-City News, details some of the benefits. My position has not changed since then.

Photo shows Our Lady of Fatima Church in Coquitlam. Photo from CitySoup.ca

Slow & expensive to build in Coquitlam

2011-11-15T08:19:00.000-08:00

The Vancouver Sun has published an interesting and timely story today about the high costs and lengthy delays that developers often face when doing business in the Lower Mainland.
The City of Coquitlam's record is neither the worst nor the best, but it certainly has a lot of room for improvement.
The story is based on an annual survey conducted by the Vancouver chapter of the National Association of Industrial Office Properties. The group's survey asked each City Hall to identify costs and processing times for a new, two-storey, 100,000-square-foot industrial warehouse distribution building on 5.5 acres, requiring both subdivision and rezoning.
Burnaby was the most affordable, at $170,000, and Richmond was the most expensive, at $1.03 million. Coquitlam came in at $434,000.
As for the processing time, Chilliwack and Abbotsford posted the quickest turnarounds, at 90 days, and Vancouver and New West were slowest at 270 days. At 210 days, Coquitlam wasn't much better.
This is clearly an issue the new council has to deal with. We already know that our high business taxes are hurting business development here. Our slow approvals and high costs must surely make the situation even worse.

The Number One Issue

2011-11-14T08:53:00.000-08:00

With the Vancouver Sun and the Province both publishing front-page, above-the-fold stories this morning about the CFIB's latest findings on municipal overspending, our campaign's primary theme could not be more timely and necessary. And our decision to take the CFIB's Taxpayer Pledge looks better by the moment.

I delivered this message again at last night's all-candidates meeting in Maillardville, and it'll be the number-one topic as I continue knocking on doors throughout the week.

Here are some of my thoughts on "The Most Important Issue" of the campaign:

Let’s get right down to business and talk about the most important issue facing Coquitlam: The unsustainably high rate of city spending, and the high property taxes that it causes.

Talk to the average homeowner or business person, and you quickly learn that this is Issue Number One. And it grows even more important by the day, as the global economy continues to struggle.

You might have heard that Finance Minister Jim Flaherty released his fall economic update last week. He made it very clear: Our country’s economy is still weak. He warned that the European sovereign-debt-and-banking crisis poses a significant risk to the global economy and will lead to slower growth here. His government will have to adjust.

What about here in Coquitlam? Over the past several years, the city has boosted property tax rates to fund operational spending that is higher than we can afford. Public-sector wages soared, even as private-sector ones stagnated.

Given this record, can we trust council to do the right thing, and reduce the rate of operational spending and tax increases, in response to the ongoing economic slowdown?

Can we at least trust council, including those backed by CUPE—the union that represents city workers—to make fair and balanced decisions at the bargaining table to control our rapidly growing expenses?

I am committed to responsible budgeting. That’s why I signed the CFIB’s Taxpayer Pledge, to support a municipal Auditor General, to cap spending increases, and to improve the business climate in Coquitlam.

There’s a big job ahead, and I’m ready to take it on. We’ll engage the public to help set priorities and make important decisions about protecting valuable services. And we’ll put a halt to overspending.
Photo from VancouverSun.com.

Local vs. world markets

2011-11-11T15:46:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I received an email from Tabitha McLoughlin, Executive Director, Coquitlam Farmers Market, asking me a few questions about my position on issues close to her heart. Ms. McLoughlin wrote, “Coquitlam Farmers Market Society operates a summer farmers market in Coquitlam (May-October), a winter farmers market in Port Moody (November-April) and has established partnerships with some of the region's largest employers to bring our award-winning pocket markets to their employees.”

Here are her questions, followed by my answers, in italics:

As our supporters are interested in your views on local food, we would appreciate your insights on the following questions:

1. How does local food fit into your plans for a sustainable community? In what ways would you work to strengthen a more localized food system?

This is not part of my platform. Moreover, I do not adhere to the worldview that puts the idea of a ’sustainable community' on a pedestal. I believe in international trade, I support multinational corporations, I applaud international cooperation between governments, and I believe the future progress of the world will involve specific areas of the world capitalizing on and, indeed, exploiting, their inherent advantages, be they in human capital or natural resources, and then reaching out to and connecting with the rest of the world in order to share, sell or market their products and or ideas. Insofar as the "sustainability" movement has led to increased prices for food, higher taxes, and higher construction costs, it has had the effect of hurting those most at risk in our society--the poor and disadvantaged..

2. The Coquitlam Farmers Market Society contributes well over $1 million in economic benefit to the community, yet like other farmers markets around the region, we lack permanent space/infrastructure for year-round operations, have insufficient or no on-site storage, and often confront municipal signage bylaws that impede our ability to advertise within the communities we operate. Recognizing that farmers markets are a valued public amenity, offer low investment yet high return for the municipalities that host them, and contribute to many of the same civic priorities articulated by council (citizen health and wellness, active lifestyles, ecosystem preservation, waste reduction) how might you help the farmers market to flourish further within your community?

I believe that, in providing public space in the parking lot adjacent to the Dogwood Pavilion, the city government is doing its fair share.

3. Do you support the broad vision articulated for Colony Farm as a centre and space for local food excellence, where small scale, labour intensive and pesticide free (non-industrial) farming, farmer training, community gardening, local food marketing (e.g. market gardens or farmers market, direct sales to local restaurants and institutions) and education around the entire food system from seed to waste, may take place?

This vision is an interesting and, perhaps, even appealing one, but it also has the effect of opposing or undermining many of the attributes of Colony Farm that are valued by nature lovers, bird-watchers, environmentalists, and those, such as myself, who simply enjoy seeing a bit of quasi-wild nature in the midst of their suburban communities. There's definite aesthetic and, some would say, spiritual value in preserving Colony Farm as a haven for nature, rather than turning it over to those who would develop it for food production--a development that would be as much symbolic as practical, I think. As well, the high cost ($30 million, as I recall) associated with the establishment of the show farm adds to its drawbacks.

Our campaign newspaper ads are now running

2011-11-10T11:43:00.000-08:00

Surviving our worsening economy

2011-11-09T07:38:00.000-08:00

Let’s get right down to business and talk about the most important issue facing Coquitlam: What to do about the unsustainably high rate of city spending, and the high rate of property-tax growth that it causes.

Talk to the average homeowner or business owner, and you quickly learn that this is Issue Number One. And it grows even more important by the day, as the global economy continues to falter.

You might have heard that Finance Minister Jim Flaherty released his fall economic update on Nov. 8. He made it very clear: Our country’s economy is still weak. He warned that the European sovereign-debt-and-banking crisis poses a significant risk to the global economy and will lead to slower growth here. His government will have to adjust. (Euro-Crisis cartoon from www.mw.nl.)

What about here in Coquitlam? Over the past several years, the city has boosted property-tax rates to fund spending that is higher than what we can afford. One result is that public-sector wages soared, even as private-sector ones stagnated.

Given this record, can we trust council to do the right thing, and reduce the rate of spending and tax increases, in response to the ongoing economic slowdown?

Can we at least trust the incumbents, if re-elected, to make fair and balanced decisions at the bargaining table to control our rapidly growing expenses?

I am committed to responsible budgeting. That’s why I signed the CFIB’s Taxpayer Pledge, to support a municipal Auditor General, to cap spending increases, and to lower the job-killing gap between business and homeowner tax rates.

None of this will be easy. We’ll engage the public to help set priorities and make important decisions about protecting valuable services.

There’s a big job ahead. But I’m ready to take it on. My name’s Terry O’Neill and I’d be honoured to receive your vote on November 19th.

This is the text of the opening speech I delivered at the Nov. 8 all-candidates meeting.

Two weeks to go

2011-11-06T07:38:00.000-08:00

This is the second time I've run for a seat on Coquitlam city council, the first coming a year-and-a-half ago, when I contested a by-election. The campaigns are similar in many respects--funds have to be raised; signage designed; invaluable volunteers organized (thanks to everyone who's helping!); paperwork completed; ads designed and placed; pamphlets written, printed and circulated. Et cetera.
The big difference is in the number of organizations that want to know your platform or want to know your position on a specific issue. So far, I've responded to detailed questions from the Now, the News and the Vancouver Sun. I've also filled out questionnaires from the arts community, and am in the process of answering a very detailed one from Greater Vancouver homebuilders.
There are a few others I've completed, as well. But I've let the politically charged "Living Wage" query slip by. And, oh yes, I travelled downtown a few weeks ago to tape a two-minute presentation for Shaw TV. It and hundreds of others were airing yesterday.
And then there are the all-candidates meetings. I recall participating in four during the by-election campaign. This time, there are a seven, count 'em, seven for council candidates. Yesterday's, sponsored by the Civic Association of Iranian-Canadians (pictured, courtesy of the association), was the third. We have the final four over the next seven days.
All in all, it's quite the schedule, and makes me evermore appreciative of the higher-level politicians who campaign for months or, in the case of the U.S. presidential race, years on their way to elected office.
And one final thought: It's hard not to come to the conclusion that there's really no excuse for citizens to say they aren't voting because they don't know anything about the candidates. There's more information out there than ever before, in print and especially online.

Try this tactic on the occupiers

2011-11-04T08:56:00.000-07:00

I can understand why Vancouver politicians don't want to send in the police to clear out the Occupy Vancouver campers. Too much potential for mayhem, too close to an election.
And, I like, in principle, the soft pressure being exerted by the fire chief. But I think it's probably not enough, because someone will have to enforce the safety measures, and that will bring us back to the possibility of a direct confrontation between the occupiers and the police--something that could turn very nasty.
My solution? Put a high temporary fence around the entire camp, with only a couple of exits. Station police officers at the exits. And don't allow anyone or anything in. The occupiers will be free to go, but no one and nothing comes in. This should have the effect of forcing the misguided dissidents off the public square in a matter of days.
Photo from the Province.

A good good morning to motorists

2011-11-04T08:46:00.000-07:00

We had a great morning of roadside campaigning at Johnson and Barnet today. Lots of friendly waves were returned to us, and more than a few encouraging honks of the horn were heard!
A special thanks to Cheryle (the photographer), Bill and Guy for coming out in the cold and dark.
Watch for more events like this in the days to come.

Whose interests are being served?

2011-11-03T10:44:00.000-07:00

In this morning's Province, Laura Jones, sr v-p with the CFIB, writes compellingly about overspending by municipal governments in the province. "Operating spending [from 2000-2008] soared by 58 percent, or double what a reasonable benchmark suggests tht it should be.
"Much of this is due to inflated wages and benefits at the municipal level, where compensation is about 35 per cent higher than equivalent private-sector jobs."
On a related subject, Peter A. Epp of Coquitlam writes, in a letter [not yet on line, but a similar one, from last week, is] to the Tri-City News, that, "With no one minding the store, city staff has grown into a bloated, overpaid and self-absorbed bureaucracy...I hope the mandate of the promised provincial municipal auditor general includes a review of all city staff positions."
Both of these items touch on what is undoubtedly the big issue of this campaign: the direct relationship between the property-tax increases we've seen over the past several years, and the high rate of pay increases and overall pay given, primarily, to the city's 1,444 CUPE workers, and also to the exempt staff.
The big question: can we trust new candidates and incumbents who have a direct relationship with CUPE, through major donations and even, as I've written about earlier, through CUPE being an officially registered Campaign Organizer, to put the interests of the taxpayer first?
As I noted in Facebook last night, it was very interesting to hear Neal Nicholson reveal a figure of two percent, when talking about what raise CUPE might earn in the coming year, during the all-candidates discussion we had about the city's finances. Two percent, with maybe some changes to the benefits package, he suggested, as if pulling the figure out of the air. But given his close ties to CUPE, I'm wondering whether this wasn't actually an opening gambit by the union, as a prelude to next year's bargaining.
For the record, I'm in agreement with Mayor Richard Stewart and Councillor Linda Reimer in saying there should be a ZERO percent raise. The current four percent raise is an insult to taxpayers and private-sector workers.

SNAP Coquitlam's latest edition

2011-11-03T06:46:00.000-07:00

This month's edition of SNAP Coquitlam features two of our campaign ads, our candidate listing, and two photos of Mary and me at various community celebrations: the Evening of Caring Gala in aid of Eagle Ridge Hospital, and SNAP's first anniversary party at the John B. Fun stuff!

The high cost of 'smart growth'

2011-11-02T08:56:00.000-07:00

With land development, population growth, zoning regulations, and the issue of so-called urban sprawl all being discussed during the current campaign, I was pleased to see the Frontier Centre for Public Policy issue today a timely and trenchant analysis of the impact of restrictive land-use policies on home prices. Well worth the read.

The Cost of 'Smart Growth'
By Steve Lafleur

Over the course of the last 40 years, governments have attempted to combat urban sprawl with restrictive land use policies, collectively known as “Smart Growth.” The core of the approach is to orient land use policy toward compact neighbourhoods with a mixture of commercial and residential housing. But while these types of neighbourhoods are often desirable, a report recently authored by Wendell Cox for the Frontier Centre for Public Policy demonstrates that Smart Growth policies have undermined housing affordability. The housing markets with the most stringent land use regulations saw housing prices increase four times as fast as housing in less restrictive markets. This helped to fuel the mortgage crisis from which the global economy has yet to recover.

Smart Growth policies gained traction due to the urban flight that began in the 60s. The massive expansion of suburbia was accompanied by an expansion of automobile ownership, which has raised the ire of environmentalists. Meanwhile, as cities hollowed out, their infrastructure decayed, and crime rates spiked. The solution devised by many urbanists was to force people back to the city. Some cities such as Ottawa and Portland, Oregon, created urban growth boundaries in the attempt to curb sprawl and encourage dense development within the cities. Toronto recently followed suit. Unfortunately, attempts to crack down on sprawl have done little more than drive up home values.

Regardless of one's lifestyle preferences, it is hard to ignore the fact that the majority of people in North America would wish to purchase a single dwelling house at some point in their lives. Attempts to crack down on sprawl have simply pushed people out further, which is why the City of Toronto proper is the slowest growing city in the GTA. People and businesses have migrated to cities such as Barrie and Vaughan, which are far more open to low density development. The same has happened in the Smart Growth Mecca of Portland, where companies such as Nike, Intel, and Columbia have massive complexes outside of city limits. Smart growth has not been that smart: it has had precisely the opposite effect intended by its advocates.

The evidence that Smart Growth increases home prices is unmistakeable. The report by Cox compared US housings prices in the eleven markets with the most restrictive land use regulations to the twenty two least regulated markets. In the least regulated markets, the median housing prices at the peak of the bubble in 2008 were between two to three times the median income. In the highly regulated markets, the median housing prices were between five and eleven times the median income. Housing values increased by 112 per cent between 2000 and the peak of the bubble in the most restrictive markets. Roughly $2.2 trillion in housing price escalation in these markets can be attributed to restrictive land use policies. Despite the fact that these eleven markets only account for 28 per cent of the housing in the United States, they accounted for 73 per cent of the home value lost during the crash. This makes Smart Growth the single biggest factor in the mortgage market meltdown.

Instead of using heavy handed regulations to combat sprawl, urbanists should focus on the incentives that work against density. Many cities, such as Toronto and Regina, tax multi-residential rental buildings at a far higher rate than single dwelling housing (four times more in Toronto). This makes rental units dramatically more expensive. Home ownership incentives in place also make single dwelling housing comparatively less expensive. Such policies should be eliminated, and cities should work to ensure that developers are paying the full cost of development.

Urban sprawl cannot be stopped. Nor should it be. After all, it creates a large volume of affordable housing, giving significant benefits to those who are less well off. But it also shouldn't be subsidized. Instead of punishing sprawl, urbanists should focus on ending policies that punish density. Forcing people to live in mixed use neighbourhoods hasn't worked. Removing the barriers to the creation of these neighbourhoods is a far more sensible approach.

--Steve Lafleur is a policy analyst with the Frontier Centre for Public Policy. The full FCPP report on which this article was based, "The Costs of Smart Growth Revisited: A 40-Year Perspective," by Wendell Cox, can be accessed here.

The photo, which I took earlier this year, shows high-rises reflected in Coquitlam's Lafarge Lake.

Remember Movember

2011-10-30T16:25:00.000-07:00

My son, Patrick (that's him on the left, along with me and my other son, David), is taking part in the Movember fundraising event. You can donate to him at this site, or you can even go old school and write a cheque payable to “Movember Canada”, reference Patrick O'Neill and Registration Number 914828 and send it to: Movember Canada, 119 Spadina Avenue, PO Box 65, Toronto, ON M5T 2T2.

Making hay at the Harvest Festival

2011-10-30T15:29:00.000-07:00

You're not going to see any photos of me here from last night at the Douglas College Foundation's '70s-themed gala. Suffice to say that I was happy to be able to squeeze into a rather garish, but completely authentic suit that I wore in 1973-'74!
The photos above are from the City of Coquitlam's Harvest Festival, which took place yesterday at the Inspiration Garden, a lovely little patch of green at the southeast corner of the park complex around Lafarge Lake.
The musicians were a group called 5 On A String, and they provided great bluegrass music. The young ladies pictured on one of the lovely sculptural benches both work for the city's Parks & Rec dept. I was surprised to learn that, among the projects they are involved with, are ones in which a city rep tours local schools to talk about the benefits of recycling, and another in which city reps go door-to-door to talk about green waste. The high cost of going green...

Coquitlam's slow business growth

2011-10-25T07:28:00.001-07:00

The Vancouver Sun's front-page story today, about that city's depressing record of business-licence growth, carries a table that displays several cities' figures from 1998 to 2010. Coquitlam's stats are not included, so I went to Metro Vancouver's website, and dug up the figures myself.

What I found was not very impressive.

The city posted a net business-licence gain of 789 over the period, a figure that ties it for 10th best of the 19 reporting municipalities. But smaller Port Moody reported a whopping 1,441-licence increase over the same period, and Port Coquitlam showed an increase of 984.

Worse yet was the percentage change. Port Moody's increase translates to a 118.5% gain, and Port Coquitlam's to a 43.1% boost.

Coquitlam's? Well, starting with 4,700 licences in 1998, and ending with 5,489 licences in 2010 gives us a mere 16.8% increase in business licences. That's five points less that the Metro average -- an average that is weighed down by the City of Vancouver's miserable 0.09% increase. Surrey, on the other hand, saw its business licences increase by 5,5571, which works out to a 43.85% boost. Langley Township reports a whopping increase of 159.6%.

All in all, Coquitlam doesn't have much to be proud of. It's yet more evidence that Council needs to recommit itself to reducing the big gap between the property-tax rate that local businesses pay and that which homeowners pay. Remember: According to the CFIB, Coquitlam's gap was the worst of all the province's biggest municipalities in 2010 (worse than even Vancouver's notorious gap), and was the fourth highest of any municipality in the province. In 2010, the business tax rate was a ruinous 4.69 times as high as the residential rate.

By signing the CFIB's Taxpayer Pledge, I've committed myself to lowering the gap, improving the business environment, thus spurring the economy, and increasing tax revenue so that residential rates can be held in check as well.
Graphic from asianweek.com.

Thankfully, we're not Greece!

2011-10-24T10:13:00.000-07:00

Well, then. The election campaign is certainly starting to heat up. The evidence is found in the publication on Friday, in both the Now and the News, of a letter to the editor from Henry A. Pritchard, of Coquitlam. Here's a link to the Now's version of it.
Mr. Pritchard is, of course, entitled to his opinion. And, as a professional editorialist and debater, it was actually my business to advance interesting and sometimes provocative ideas and opinions. The column in question, published in the March 25 issue of the Tri-City News, certainly did that. I invite you to read it for yourself on the paper's website.
That said, I certainly recognize that the job of a city councillor will be far different than that of a professional opinion writer. I won't be telling people what I think; rather, I'll be listening anew, weighing the pros and cons, and making decisions based on what's best for Coquitlam.
Meantime, I have sent the following response to the Now. I offered it to the News, but the editor has a policy of not publishing any letters from candidates during a campaign.

The writer of this letter criticized me for, in part, expressing support last spring, in an opinion piece published elsewhere, for the right of a near-insolvent government to take extraordinary action to protect the treasury from insolvency. I am flattered that he would save my clippings for so long, but I must take issue with him. Specifically, I suggest that he need only look to the current situation in Greece to see why my position is justified. Thankfully, Coquitlam is not facing any such crisis. As such, what’s needed going forward is simply a responsible and accountable approach to civic finances—one that will protect our valued services while, at the same time, reduce the too-high growth rate of property taxes.

Graphic from: http://www.graphic-impressions.co.uk/ website.

Officially official now

2011-10-21T15:54:00.000-07:00

Today was the final day for candidates to withdraw from the election, and since I didn't change my mind (and never even considered it, actually!), it can be said that I am now an officially official candidate for Coquitlam Council in the November 19, 2011 general election. Above is the first page of the official notice the City is now distributing.

It's a bit hard to see, but what's of particular note in the document is that School Trustee candidate Gail Alty, a long-time veteran of the board, now lists her residence as being in East Sooke (Vancouver Island!). This certainly can't help her campaign.

Similarly, Council candidate Fred Soofi has declared that he lives in Anmore--a fact that I pointed out in a Facebook note several days ago. I later crossed paths with Fred at a Maillardville fundraiser, and he was quick to assert to me and several other candidates that he is now looking to buy a residence in Coquitlam.

I responded that it was certainly too bad for his candidacy that he had failed to make the purchase and move to Coquitlam before filing his nomination papers.

You call that consultation?

2011-10-11T11:38:00.000-07:00

We've just distributed the following news release to news outlets throughout the Metro Vancouver area. An important subject:

NEWS RELEASE
October 11, 2011

O’Neill slams Metro for poor budget consultation

COQUITLAM – Coquitlam City Council candidate Terry O’Neill is charging that Metro Vancouver is thwarting public participation in the region’s 2012 budget-planning process.

O’Neill points out that a newspaper advertisement, placed by Metro Vancouver in at least one major daily Vancouver newspaper on October 8, encouraged the public to visit Metro’s website, www.metrovancouver.org, to view a presentation on the region’s budget plans, and then to comment or ask questions from Oct. 12-14.

However, as of midday October 11, Metro’s website contained no links to any such presentation. Employing the site’s search engine, to find “2012 Budget Public Consultation Forum,” led website users to a blank page. A spokesman for Metro later said the organization was working to post the material by day’s end.

“How can Metro Vancouver expect the public to ask intelligent questions or make meaningful comments on its budget plans when, on the eve of the narrow window in which the public actually has the opportunity to participate online in the planning, Metro hasn’t even disclosed its promised budget presentation?” O’Neill asks. “It looks like they’re just going through the motions.”

Furthermore, Metro Vancouver’s budget-approval schedule gives board members precious little time to consider what public input there might be. In fact, Metro Vancouver’s Finance Committee is scheduled to meet October 13—in the middle of the online public-consultation process.

Metro then plans to stage a budget workshop for the board on October 19, at which time it hopes the draft budget will be endorsed, along with recommendations for adoption of the budget and related bylaws by the Board on October 28th.

The draft 2012 budget* calls for a 1.2-percent spending increase. Metro predicts the overall impact on a theoretical average household in the region (assessed value of $605,000) would be an increase of $11 in taxes and charges, for a total of $524.

“Thankfully, the planned rise in expenditures is well below this year’s spending increase of over five percent,” O’Neill says. “But the public should still be a concerned about the long-term trend of Metro’s spending increases, particularly in light of Metro mayors’ recent decision to boost property and gasoline taxes to pay for the Evergreen Line.”

Over the four-year period from 2005 to 2009, Metro Vancouver’s annual expenditures grew by an average 7.5 percent a year. This compares to average annual population growth of only 1.7 percent, and average annual inflation (as measured by the Consumer Price Index) of only 1.8 percent.

-30-

*http://www.metrovancouver.org/boards/Finance%20Committee/Finance_Committee-October_13_2011-Agenda.pdf

CUPE's official candidate of record

2011-10-07T17:16:00.000-07:00

I've known for a long time that the winning candidate in the last byelection, Neal Nicholson, received a huge portion of his funds from unions, and that he was the unofficial and unacknowledged (by the local press, anyway) "labour" candidate.
But what I didn't learn until recently is that the Canadian Union of Public Employees (British Columbia) was actually the candidate's official "Campaign Organizer." Check it out for yourself at this City of Coquitlam link.
Can you imagine the howls from the Left and the "mainstream media" if, for example, the Business Council of British Columbia had fielded its own candidate, provided a majority of the candidate's campaign funds, and organized the candidate's campaign?
Just so there's no misunderstanding, I am not suggesting that Mr. Nicholson and CUPE did anything wrong, immoral or illegal. On the contrary, they were perfectly within their rights to act as they did. It's just that I think the relationship between the candidate, who is running for re-election, and the union, which represents many City of Coquitlam workers, should be more widely known.

Respect rights, protect safety

2011-10-04T16:44:00.000-07:00

Property rights. Animal rights. Farmers' rights. Public safety. The bowhunting-bears story, of which I wrote earlier today, touches on all these issues.
For this reason, it's imperative that, before they make a final decision on outlawing bowhunting in the City of Coquitlam, councillors take all the above-mentioned factors into consideration. And, in doing so, council should act dispassionately, so rights are respected and safety truly protected.
On the latter issue, the central question is whether a ban on bowhunting will have the unintended consequence of leading to more discharge of firearms by farmers protecting their crops. And, if so, whether this will end up decreasing, not increasing, public safety.
I've been in touch with several organizations today, and one of them is stating in no uncertain terms that a bowhunting ban would actually decrease public safety.
Ted Kennedy, VP of the bowhunting section of the B.C. Archer Association, has this to say about the subject:
"As VP of bowhunting and a master bowhunting course conductor, the issue at hand is important to me and the bow hunting community. I would be glad to address council or answer any questions they may have.
"I certainly believe the risk to the public is much greater with rifles. The effective distance of a bow is considerably shorter, most shots taken under 50 yds. As to the other issues mentioned, I believe I can demonstrate the benefits of bow hunting. Many other communities around the province support bowhunting as a safe practice."
His is just one of many voices that need to be heard before a final decision is made.

Which hunting method 'bears' the greater public risk?

2011-10-04T08:20:00.000-07:00

Acting on a notice of motion presented two weeks ago by Councillor Selina Robinson, Coquitlam council last night unanimously passed a resolution calling for the City to develop “an appropriate prohibition of bow hunting” in city limits.

Given the assertions made at council about some deplorable bow-hunting practices now taking place in Coquitlam, councillors’ support of the motion is quite understandable. However, one would have liked to have seen more evidence presented to support Robinson’s contention that the bow-hunting ban’s primary effect would be to increase public safety.

Robinson’s notice contended that there had been “at least two documented instances of bow hunting of bears in Coquitlam this past summer, resulting in at least one bear being seriously injured, which in turn resulted in the bear leaving private property and wandering into a city park and other public areas.”

She further stated that “bow hunting of animals not only causes animals to suffer, but creates a risk to human safety from an injured animal shot with a bow and arrow.”

At last night’s council meeting, more information was presented: the bears in question were apparently rambling around on blueberry farms in the Deboughville slough area; farmers were allegedly inviting people to come onto the farms to shoot the bears (and perhaps even charging for the right); and, under provincial legislation, farmers actually have the right to shoot wildlife to protect their crops.

As distasteful and emotionally upsetting (especially to councillors such as Mae Reid, a committed animal lover) as the shooting-for-sport assertions are, if we are to take Robinson on her word, the central focus of the issue here is public safety, not animal cruelty or animal rights.

This being the case, then one might reasonably ask whether, if bow-hunting were banned, and given that farmers would still have the right to use high-powered rifles to shoot bears, the ban would actually increase safety to the public.

To answer the question, one would have to consider a number of factors, including whether hunters using bows are more likely to injure rather than kill bears, compared to hunters using rifles. In other words, which hunting method creates the greater risk of an injured beast roaming into public areas?

As well, one would also need to know whether hunters are more likely to completely miss their target using a bow or a rifle. In other words, which hunting method creates the greater risk of a stray projectile (arrow or bullet) travelling into a public area, and perhaps hitting an innocent bystander? One thing we do know is that a bullet can certainly travel a far greater distance than an arrow can.

And so, if protection of the public is the prime concern here--and I believe it should be--then council should ascertain all the facts about the two methods of hunting before making any decisions. Council might also look into the bigger question of allowing any sort of hunting in and around populated or park areas.

Bottom line: we’ve seen far too many instances of “unintended consequences” taking place when politicians enact a feel-good policy or law in response to a powerful emotional argument. The last thing we need here is a law that has the unintended consequence of actually decreasing public safety.

Photo of Coquitlam-area bear from news1130.com

Snapping to attention

2011-09-30T15:10:00.000-07:00

I wrote, below, about the afternoon event I attended yesterday. The evening was enjoyably taken up with a celebration at the John B Pub marking the First Year Anniversary of Snap Coquitlam.
In just 12 months, Snap's Lisa and Dylan have become an important part of Coquitlam's social fabric, giving us in-depth photo coverage of an amazing variety of events that transpire in our community. From bottle drives to annual festivals, someone from the Snap team always seems to be there.
The celebration was a memorable one, and aside from the "you could hear a pin drop" moment when Lisa announced she was running for council -- followed by a quick admission that she was just joking -- the evening was marked by much good cheer and great conversation.
Snap's motto is "capturing life and entertainment." The party did a good job of doing that too!
Pictures show Lisa, Dylan and me, and also some of the many celebrants.
Once again: Congratulations to Snap Coquitlam for a job well done!

Celebrating Tri-Cities literacy

2011-09-30T14:52:00.000-07:00

One of the better things about campaigning for council is the opportunity it affords a candidate to meet many people, not only on the doorstep, but also at the varied events to which one suddenly finds oneself invited.
Yesterday afternoon and evening, I had the pleasure of participating in two, the first of which was the Tri-Cities Literacy Celebration, at the Poirier branch of the Coquiltam Public Library.
The gathering not only gave library Director Rhian Piprell the opportunity to show off the library's book bus (pictured with Ms. Piprell, above), but also to thank the school district and many other individuals and organizatiions involved in the important project. In 2005, the Tri-Cities Literacy Committee was formed to explore ways to enhance literacy in our community, and in 2008, the commiteee began to implement a three-year Community Literacy Plan.
Now, there's a variety of effective programs, inluding: Adult Literacy Book Club, the Big Books program, Books for BC Babies, Adult Literacy Tutoring Buddies, Health Literacy Kits for ESL Learners, the Imagination Library, English Practice Groups, and a Volunteer Language Bank. Congratulations to everyone involved!

Campaign flyer takes flight

2011-09-29T14:38:00.000-07:00

In the early stages of the campaign, and before my full, four-page campaign brochure is ready for distribution, I've been handing out little one-page flyers. Here's the latest version of the flyer I'm giving to folks as I go door to door throughout Coquitlam.

In defence of the plan for an auditor-general

2011-09-28T17:48:00.000-07:00

I've met Port Moody mayoral candidate Robert Simons at several community events over the years, and he seems like an well-intentioned and intelligent fellow. But I took issue with a letter he recently wrote to the editor of The Coquitlam Now, and so I fired off a response, which I am happy to report has been published in today's paper. Here's the full text of what I submitted:

Re: “Municipal auditor a great idea, but who will pick up the tab?”, letter to the editor, Friday, Sept. 23.
Port Moody mayoral candidate Robert Simons writes that he believes “there is merit” in the provincial government’s plan to establish an auditor-general for municipalities. However, he then equivocates by wondering not only about who will pay for what he calls the “substantial cost” of the office but also about whether the expenditure is even justifiable in a “time of fiscal restraint and economic challenge.”
It seems clear, however, that he has it exactly backwards. Rather than precluding consideration of the establishment of a new level of oversight on our municipalities’ finances, the parlous state of the current economy actually demands it. In other words, precisely because money is tight, we need an auditor-general’s office to ensure that every dollar is spent wisely.
This might not be the case if municipalities had responded to the ongoing economic downturn with the same prudence that non-governmental sectors did. But the fact is they did not.
Whereas families and small businesses had to trim their sails by cutting spending and reducing overall budgets, cities failed to do so. One of the lamentably predictable results of this in Coquitlam, for example, is the (before-grant) increase of 22% we’ve seen on our personal property-tax bill from 2008 to the present. And that’s not counting an even steeper rise in the utility fee.
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business reported in 2010 that operational expenditures “in the vast majority of B.C.’s municipalities” were expanding at an “unsustainable rate.” There is no evidence the trend has been reversed.
Surely, a new office of the municipal auditor-general, which would conduct a limited number of value-for-money performance audits every year, can only help municipal governments ensure they are spending their money wisely and, by so doing, point the way to cost savings and, ultimately, lower property-tax bills.
Can we afford to establish a municipal auditor-general? The better question is, Can afford NOT to establish a municipal auditor-general?
Terry O’Neill
Candidate for City Council, Coquitlam

Taking the plunge. Signing the Pledge

2011-09-28T17:31:00.000-07:00

We'll I've done it. This morning I joined several other politicians and candidates (including Andy Shen and Linda Reimer of Coquitlam) in signing the Canadian Federation of Independent Business's new Taxpayer Pledge.
Several TV news crews were on hand, as well as a reporter for the Province, so I expect a fair bit of coverage tonight and tomorrow.
The photos show Shachi Kurl of the CFIB and me at the event, a solo shot of me, and a close-up of the pledge form.
Here's the text of the press release I just distributed:

NEWS RELEASE
Sept. 28, 2011

Coquitlam candidate O’Neill signs CFIB pledge

COQUITLAM – City Council candidate Terry O’Neill joined several prominent B.C. civic politicians today in Vancouver at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business’s launch of its new Taxpayer Pledge campaign.

O’Neill joined the likes of Vancouver mayoral candidate Susan Anton and incumbent Councillors Linda Reimer of Coquitlam and Diana Dilworth of Port Moody in signing a pledge committing themselves to the principles of property-tax fairness, spending restraint, and openness, transparency and accountability.

“The CFIB is to be commended for launching a campaign which has taxpayers’ best interests at its heart,” O’Neill commented. “I’m proud to be in the first wave of what I predict will be an important and impactful campaign.”

O’Neill says his commitment to the principles contained in the pledge reflect concerns expressed to him in recent months by residents and business leaders alike.

The City of Coquitlam’s recently released citizen-satisfaction survey found that, for the first time in the survey's history, more residents were in favour of cutting services (46%) than increasing taxes (45%). As recently as 2007, 58% of respondents were saying they favoured increasing taxes, compared with only 31% who supported cutting services.

“I think it’s clear we’ve reached a tipping point,” O’Neill said. “It’s time to take action to ease the burden on business while also making home ownership more affordable.”

Taking the CFIB pledge

2011-09-28T07:44:00.000-07:00

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business is having a news conference at 10:15 a.m. this morning in downtown Vancouver to unveil their first wave of civic politicians taking the CFIB's fiscal-responsibility pledge.
The event will feature sitting politicians, and is timed to coincide with the UBCM convention taking place in Vancouver this week.
I'm been in constant contact with the CFIB on this important issue, and will be attending the event, although I won't be part of the official first batch of pledge-takers. My turn comes later.
As designed by the CFIB, the Pledge enshrines three principles for the term ahead:
1) Property Tax Fairness – by committing to reduce the gap between what commercial property and residential property owners pay, you would be committing to help create conditions that enable small businesses in your community to thrive.
2) Reasonable Spending – by committing to keep operating spending increases reasonable, ie, at or below the level of population growth and inflation or the rate of growth in disposable income, you are giving yourself the fiscal room to reduce taxes and fees, not increase them.
3) Transparency, Openness and Accountability – by supporting in principle, the creation of a Municipal Auditor General for BC, you are building on and enhancing your already existing systems of financial reporting, and standing to benefit from the best practices identified through performance audits.
Great stuff, and exactly what the times are calling for. More evidence of the timeliness can certainly be found in Jon Ferry's column in this morning's Province.

The Case for a Municipal Auditor-General

2011-09-23T15:49:00.000-07:00

This is from the "music to my ears" file: an opinion piece that has just been circulated by Ida Chong, the Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, in which she explains why a Municipal Auditor-General is needed. I especially like Minister Chong's declaration about "value-for-money performance audits" being performed. Like I said, music to my ears.

Here's the entire news release/opinion piece from Victoria:

OPINION-EDITORIAL

Municipal Auditor General will support B.C. communities

By Ida Chong, FCGA
Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development

Sept. 23, 2011

VICTORIA - Premier Christy Clark has made a commitment to set up and fully fund an Office of the Municipal Auditor General for British Columbia. We are working toward that commitment - listening to the views of Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) Executive, local governments, the business community and the general public.

As the global economy has shifted, we have all had to look at how to be innovative with our resources and stretch taxpayer dollars at every level of government. Provincial and federal expenditures are currently reviewed by an auditor general to ensure that taxpayers are getting value for money. Citizens deserve to have that assurance about local government spending.

While the details are still being developed, we know that the Municipal Auditor General will conduct a limited number of value-for-money performance audits every year. The purpose of performance audits is to help local governments in their stewardship of community assets, to identify best practices, and to provide another measure of transparency and accountability for taxpayers.

For example, did funding a new water conservation campaign achieve its objectives of reducing water consumption during peak summer usage? Can a municipality optimize its fire services by delivering the services itself or through a contract with a larger adjoining municipality?

The Municipal Auditor General will not make or overrule policy decisions of elected officials (such as tax rates or land use); call into question the merits of local government program policies or objectives; make binding recommendations or impose requirements; or duplicate or displace current accountability requirements (such as local governments hiring independent auditors for annual financial audits).

Rather, I see the Office of the Municipal Auditor General as a tremendous opportunity to build on the existing accountability and strength of our local government system. And I am pleased that several locally elected officials have expressed their community's support for a Municipal Auditor General.

I look forward to further discussion about how best to structure the Office of the Municipal Auditor General at the upcoming UBCM Convention in Vancouver.

Unions and the political process

2011-09-23T08:02:00.000-07:00

Writing in the Financial section of today's National Post, Neils Veldhuis and Amela Karabegovic say, "It is high time the government forced [labour unions] to open their books" to reveal how much they spend on political campaigns.
The writers, who are economists with the Fraser Institute, argue that it is unfortunate that, in the Ontario provincial election, "unionized workers footing the bill through forced union dues will be left in the dark about the millions of dollars unions spend on political attack ads and donations to advocacy groups and political parties."
It's a big issue, and one which also captured headlines in today's Vancouver Sun, which reports that the federal Conservatives are accusing the NDP of an illegal cash grab totalling at least $85,000 at the party's June convention in Vancouver. Allegedly, six union spent at least that much, and possibly as much as $160,000, to promote themselves at the convention.
But while there may be fog enshrouding Big Labour's financial backing of candidates and parties at the federal and provincial levels, there's no obscuring unions' influence in civic politics here in B.C.
In Coquitlam, for example, readily available financial-disclosure documents spell out exactly who has received how much and from whom. In the case of the by-election in which I ran a year-and-a-half ago, one candidate--the winning one, Neal Nicholson--received the majority of his funds from Big Labour, specifically the Canadian Union of Public Employees. COPE, the BCGEU, the Firefighters, the local Labour Council, and even the Canadian Labour Congress also pitched in. You can see all the details for yourself by clicking here.
My disclosure statement shows donations from private companies doing business in Coquitlam, family members, friends and neighbours.
One should not think that there's something fundamentally wrong about receiving funds from unions or corporations. It's all part of the political process. Ultimately, it's up to voters to educate themselves on such matters; by doing so, they can certainly better understand where candidates' sympathies might rest.

Celebrating the Spirit of our Community

2011-09-21T08:09:00.000-07:00

The Spirit of Community Awards, presented by the Society for Community Development, were handed out last night in conjunction with the Taste of Tri-Cities event. You'll likely read about the awards in local newspapers over the next few days, but I'd like to use this space to give the deserving winners some more-immediate recognition.
In the Arts and Culture category, Helen Daniels was the winner (Theatrix was also nominated).
Community Action: the Soroptomists (Vickie-Marie Ayers, Claudette Friesen and Barb Hobson were other nominees).
Community Volunteerism: Ron Curties (Terry Towner, Anne Lodge, Michael Simms, Jonathan Ho, Jennifer Lee).
Environment: Vanessa LeBourdais (no other finalists).
Neighbour to Neighbour: Chrissy Duncan (no other finalists).
Youth: Best Buddies, the youth leadership group from Dr. Charles Best High School, pictured above (other nominees were My Lynn Quan and Jade Wong).
Douglas College Lifetime Leadership Award in honour of Myrna Popove: Diane Thorne (John Wolff was the other nominee).
Congratulations to all, and a special tip of the hat to singer-songwriter Joyelle Brandt, judges Johanne Dumas, Lisa Landry and Brad West, Master of Ceremonies Wim Vander Zalm and SCD chair Cathy Burpee.

Happy for now, but taxes are too high

2011-09-19T21:11:00.000-07:00

Coquitlam City Council has just made public the results of its latest citizen-satisfaction survey and, on the surface, it appears city residents are a pretty satisfied lot. Scratch a bit deeper, however, and there are several areas where it's apparent that there's growing discontent, especially about high property taxes.
First, though, a little anecdote from tonight's council meeting. After Jennifer Renny, senior research manager of Ipsos Reid (which conducted the survey), finished presenting the report to the meeting, Councillor Lou Sekora complained that the report had just been dropped on his desk, and that he hadn't had enough time to digest its contents.
A city staffer calmly responded that, in fact, the report had been mailed to all members of council in July. Seemingly unfazed by this answer--an answer that suggested that Sekora had failed to read a report that was sent to him two months prior--Sekora grumbled something about his having wanted today's report delivered earlier to him so he could have compared its findings to those of the July report. Clearly, however, there was only one report--a fact confirmed to me later by staff. Classic Lou.
Back to the report. The big finding is that "Virtually all (99%) citizens rate the quality of life in the City of Coquitlam positively." That's two points higher than the regional norm, and it's a figure that's three points higher than last year. In fact, over the past nine years, the lowest score was 95% (in 2008).
Significantly, of this year's 99%, 47% of respondents rated the quality of life as "Very Good"--a six-point gain over last year, which had, in turn, been the highest to date.

A Good Quality of Life
Bottom line: more Coquitlam residents rate the quality of life as "Good" than ever before, and more of them are also rating it as "Very Good" than ever before.
It certainly makes sense to me that so many people have the good sense to realize what a fine community we live in, compared not only to less-prosperous and more-poorly managed areas of the province and country, but also to most other parts of the world. We have a wonderful balance of public facilities, recreational amenities, infrastructure, and access to the outdoors.
However, it's not Utopia. "On an unprompted basis, citizens point to transportation as the most important local issue facing the City of Coquitlam (40%)," the report states. Traffic congestion, the Never-Green Line, and lack of rapid and public transit were mentioned.
As well, high taxes and government spending, especially as it relates to property taxes, figured highly as areas of concern.
In fact, it's clear to me that Coquitlam residents are starting to grow quite concerned about the high level of our property taxes. This is evident from a question regarding citizens' choices on the issue of balancing taxation and delivery of services.

Cut Services, Don't Raise Taxes
The report disclosed that, for the first time in the survey's history, more people were in favour of cutting services (46%) than increasing taxes (45%). As recently as 2007, 58% of respondents were saying they favoured increasing taxes, compared with only 31% who supported cutting services.
I believe that the fact the balance has now tipped reflects the fact that property taxes have risen at far too high of a rate, especially for many local businesses.
It's a message that Councillors and candidates will ignore at their peril.

Three months and counting

2011-09-14T08:33:00.000-07:00

It's now been three months since the Stanley Cup riot of Wednesday, June 15. Three months--91 days, to be exact--and still not a single charge against any of the rioters.
This isn't a civic issue, and it's not a subject that's likely to arise during the campaign, but it's still something that, understandably, a great many people care about very deeply.
The riot was a disgrace. And our glacial justice system is also a disgrace.
At least, the Vancouver Police Department's new website, which was launched in order to give the public the opportunity to help police identify the miscreants, is proving to be a success.

A personal memory of 9/11

2011-09-10T08:48:00.000-07:00

As the world marks the 10-year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack on the U.S., and honours the innocent (and, in many cases, heroic) men and women who lost their lives that day, most of us will also remember exactly where we were and what we were doing on that unforgettable morning. Please allow me to share my memories:
I was headed to YVR, scheduled to fly on a 7 a.m. flight to Calgary for a meeting with my colleagues at The Report magazine, that morning. It was only when I pulled into the YVR parking lot at about 5:50 a.m. (8:50 a.m. Eastern) that I heard the first brief radio report of a plane crashing into one of the World Trade Centre buildings. I thought it was an unfortunate accident, probably involving a small aircraft.
By the time I got to the departure lounge, I learned that another plane had flown into the WTC. And it was apparently no accident. Nevertheless, my fellow passengers and I actually boarded the WestJet plane that was supposed to fly us to Calgary. However, several minutes later, amid rising confusion and uncertainly, the attendants instructed us to de-board and wait in the departures lounge until we could get clearance to fly. Many people were on their cell phones. And a few were sobbing.
After waiting for perhaps 30 minutes, I realized that even if planes were to fly later in the day, I would miss my meeting in Calgary, so I headed back to the parking lot and home to my office. I don't know how much longer the folks in the departure lounge stayed until they finally left.
Later, I realized that my scheduled flight was surely among the first (if not the first) grounded flight in Vancouver, and that if I had been on an Air Canada flight to Calgary that left just a few minutes before my WestJet plane was scheduled to leave, I would have ended up stuck in Calgary for several days because, of course, air traffic ground to a halt because of 9/11.
I have saved my flight documents from that morning -- a souvenir of a dramatic, sorrowful and unforgettable day.

Beam me up, Scotty

2011-09-08T20:55:00.000-07:00

Metro Vancouver, the regional government formerly known as the Greater Vancouver Regional District, is an restless beast. It has increasing aspirations to region-wide power but its decision-making body is composed of directors who are not directly elected by voters, but appointed from area councils.
And now they want us to dematerialize.
Say what?
According to a report brought to Coquitlam Council on Tuesday, Metro Vancouver reported this summer on the results of its 2011 Sustainability Congress, held in late June in Vancouver. The Congress reportedly confirmed that five issues, previously identified in conferences and through public engagement, are important to the people of the region. These five are food, climate change, energy, security and...wait for it...dematerialization.
Really? Dematerialization? I'd bet that fewer than 1,000 Metro Vancouver residents have even heard of the term, let alone have made it a priority issue for the good folks at Metro to tackle.
So what exactly does it mean? One's thoughts turn immediately to the Star Trek transporter, or to a blast from a laser beam. Or maybe that's disintegration. Whatever.
Metro explains that "dematerialization" is built upon the concept (belief? philosophy? wish?) that "there are finite limits to the amount of resources we can extract from our planet, and that a system built upon the premise of unlimited consumption of natural resources is unsustainable." Here's Metro's definition.And because of this, we have to embrace zero-waste programs and something called "cradle-to-cradle" manufacturing.
Reality check here folks: I'm a waste-not, want-not kind of guy, but I smell a big, stinking bureacracy at the heart of this thing whose ultimate aim is a command economy that's the opposite of free enterprise, consumer choice, and general freedom.
How many times have we seen handwringing do-gooders over the past four decades warn about the "limits to growth", the collapse of agriculture, the population bomb, etc, ad naseum? And how many times have they been wrong? Every time, that's how many.
The handwringers are the small thinkers who see everything as a zero-sum game. They don't understand human ingenuity. They don't understand wealth creation. And they fail to see how their policies can wreck our economy.
At least Metro Vancouver's not going to be doing all that much about the five priorities, including dematerialization, that they've identified. They've positioned themselves as a "convenor of key regional contributors, and a catalyst for the development of collaborative strategies that will ultimately help secure a more sustainable future for the region." Gotta love that bureaucratese.
The board of Metro Vancouver has voted to forward the results of the Congress to Premier Clark and area MLAs and MPs, business associations and NGOs, and has also directed staff to consider the implications of the Congress's outcomes in 2012 program planning and budgetting.
I have a suggestion. Dematerialize the whole program, and you'll save time, energy and money.

Yup, I'll be running in the November election

2011-09-02T11:43:00.000-07:00

Loyal readers of the Tri-City News will notice that I'm not in my usual Friday spot in today's edition. Instead, there's a new Face to Face columnist, Andy Radia, and a note from the editor explaining that I've stepped aside to concentrate on running for Coquitlam Council in the November election. And so, today marks the "official" launch of the campaign.
Besides the announcement in the News, I've also issued a press release, which I've pasted below. Updates to our website are coming soon, as well. Please check back here often for more news and for my thoughts on the campaign as it develops.
And, oh yes, the photo above shows my two sons and me, on election night in May 2010, when, with the help of scores of volunteers such as them, we were proud to finish in a very strong second place--our share of the vote, 31%, totalling more than the third- to eighth-place finishers combined.

O’Neill sets sights on Coquitlam Council seat
COQUITLAM –Journalist and community activist Terry O’Neill has announced his decision to run in the November 19 general election for a seat on Coquitlam City Council.

O’Neill first ran for council in the May 2010 by-election, collecting 31 percent of the vote to finish a solid second among eight candidates.

“Coquitlam residents told me they want a strong voice and firm hand at City Hall to keep property taxes down, push for construction of the Evergreen Line and ensure that council’s focus stays squarely on local affairs,” O’Neill says. “They’ve spoken loud and clear, and now it’s time for the work to be done.”

O’Neill brings a record of more than three decades’ worth of community volunteering to his candidacy. He was a founding member and past president of The Eagle Ridge Residents Association; currently sits on the board of the Coquitlam Foundation, a leading charitable organization; is a member of the organizing committee (and Master of Ceremonies) for the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s annual Walk for Memories in the Tri-Cities; and chairs the finance committee of St. Joseph’s Parish.

O’Neill is a past MC of the Crossroads Hospice Society’s Treasures of Christmas gala and also sits on the board of Signal Hill, a provincial educational society. As well, he has been honoured by the Red Cross Society of Canada for humanitarianism and by Canada Blood Services for distinguished citizenship—both in recognition his lifelong commitment to their blood-donor programs.

O’Neill’s career has seen him win national news awards while editing and writing for such publications as B.C. Report and the Western Standard. More recently, he was worked with the National Post and Coquitlam’s Tri-City News, for which he wrote half of the weekly Face to Face column for more than five years. He was the inaugural winner of the Christian Coalition of B.C.’s award for Journalistic Integrity.

“With my record of community involvement and professional accomplishment, I believe I can be trusted to listen to the voters, make the tough decisions, and be held accountable for my actions,” O’Neill says. “The bottom line is that we can work together to find realistic, commonsense solutions to our problems.”

A graduate of Simon Fraser and Carleton universities, O’Neill and his wife, Mary O’Neill, principal of Dr. Charles Best Secondary, are the parents of two grown sons.

-30-

A strong second

2010-05-15T21:08:00.000-07:00

Well, the results are in and I finished a strong second. Congrats to winner Neal Nicholson and all the other candidates. And thanks again to everyone who voted for me and helped with the campaign. Detailed results here.

Thanks to all!

2010-05-15T19:32:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to thank everyone who voted for me today and everyone who pitched in by phoning, driving and campaigning. Polls close in less than half an hour now, and we'll be heading down to city hall to watch the results being posted.

Whether I'm elected or not, this campaign has been a winner. Thanks again to all the people who worked so hard and supported me with so much enthusiasm. This has been a true team effort.

Fighting for lower and fairer taxes

2010-05-14T08:51:00.000-07:00

We're running some new ads in the two community newspapers today which are adding a new wrinkle to our messaging.

In the past, we've been concentrating more on telling people who I am. Now, we're focusing on one particular message: lower and fairer taxes. Everywhere I go, people are upset to hear that city council is raising property taxes by 5.28% this year.

People also don't want special new taxes put on homeowners or motorists to pay for the Evergreen Line.

And, of course, most people are opposed to the provincial government's introduction of the HST. This isn't a municipal issue, but I'm still hearing about it everywhere I go.

I continue to tell people that I am deeply disappointed that the provincial government introduced this harmonized sales tax regime after promising not to; that Victoria failed utterly in explaining how the tax will work and why it's supposedly needed; and that the provincial government decided to proceed with this legislation in the face of massive, widespread public opposition.

I believe that, in the face of this tsunami of opposition, the premier and his cabinet should have taken a step back and reevaluted the province's position and really listened to and then attempted to answer the questions and meet the concerns.

Their failure to do so has not only hurt the government politically, but also shows a disrespect for the public.

I continue to believe that, as most major economists say, the HST will have a long-term beneficial effect on the provincial economy by making businesses more competitive, thereby creating jobs and wealth.

Nevertheless, for now at least, the government needs to back off, rethink everything, and develop a better implementation plan -- possibly one that has a phase-in period that lessens the short-term impact on consumers.

Meantime, here's a link to the Coquitlam Now's editorial on the by-election.

Looking forward to higher voter turn-out

2010-05-13T16:17:00.000-07:00

I've just spoken with the city's Chief Election Officer and she has informed me that turn-out to the advance polls, which ended yesterday, was significantly higher than in the most recent by-prior by-election.

A total of 834 people cast ballots over the three-day advance poll leading up to Saturday's by-election. That's well over double the number (368) of people who voted in advance polls the last time the city staged a by-election.

That earlier by-election ended up attracting only 5% of registered voters, with the winning candidate taking less than 1,300 votes.

I've long believed that high voter turn-out worked in favour of my campaign, and so I'm very pleased by today's news.

Advance turn-out stronger than last by-election

2010-05-12T12:27:00.000-07:00

The final advance poll before Saturday's general voting is today, until 8 p.m., at the Poirier Community Centre. If you are unable to vote on Saturday, please vote today--and bring a friend too.

Meantime, the Tri-City News' headline today says that voter turn-out to the first two days of advance polling was "not promising" compared to the advance turn-out during the last civic general election.

But compared with the advance turn-out at the last by-election, the turn-out this year is actually is exceptionally strong; in fact, more voters cast their ballots in the first two days this year than in all three days last time around. I take this as a good sign!

Mainstreaming the message

2010-05-12T10:58:00.000-07:00

It's not even noon yet, and the campaign has already enjoyed some great publicity. First off was our 'Burma-Shaving' (display of roadside signs) at the intersection of Como Lake and Clarke this morning. Thanks to Dave, Andy and Roger for helping me out.

Next, I learned that the BCIT broadcast journalism feature on me had been posted on the school's website. Here's the direct link to the story. Thanks to Rob and Zameer for their great work! I must say, it was certainly odd being on the other side of a camera and a reporter's questions. In the end, I'm very pleased with the results.

Going live tonight on Roadkill Radio

2010-05-11T17:38:00.000-07:00

I'm going to be talking with Kari Simpson and Ron Gray on RoadkillRadio.com this evening at 8:10 p.m. We'll talking mainly about my campaign and the by-election, but we'll probably veer off in other directions, too. If you're a Canucks fan, you might want to listen to Roadkill on the computer and watch the game on television with the volume muted. Just a thought....

Some candidates aren't taking this seriously

2010-05-11T09:56:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: I'm happy to now report that several of the candidates I mentioned, below, have now taken the opportunity to engage the public by answering the questions posed by TheV3H.com.

In a municipal election, the general rule is that any publicity is good publicity. That's one of the reasons I have been conscientous about replying to media questions and surveys about the campaign and my candidacy. It certainly paid dividends when I promptly submitted a requested op-ed to the Georgia Straight, and was rewarded with a very positive mention in The Province.

Today, it's been disclosed that I'm the only candidate to have answered a series of questions posed by the Tri-Cities-specific e-news site, TheV3H.com. Frankly, it astonishes me that candidates who say they are serious about running don't take the time to engage the public by answering such questions.

My leading rival, Neal Nicholson, apparently thinks TheV3H.com is important enough to advertise on it, but not important enough to give it (and the voters of Coquitlam) the courtesy of answering its questions.

Let's name some other names here: Brian Babcock did not attend a single all-candidates meeting, and didn't answer questions for V3H. His excuse for missing the meetings? He was out of town on a sport-fishing trip.

Massimo "the mystery man" Mandarino has also been a complete no-show, with no explanation, and has written nothing.

Andy Shen, the very young SFU student, appears to be running for the sport of it and to brag about his 2,000-plus Facebook friends. He attended the meetings, but didn't write for V3H.

Owen Coomer, a 20-something bar manager, admits he ran for mayor in the last general election merely to get his name better-known. He attended two of three meetings before saying he was too ill to appear at the third. He seems to be serious in his candidacy this time out, yet he didn't respond to TheV3H's invitation.

Ralph Banni attended all three meetings, responded to the Georgia Straight, but apparently ignored TheV3H.com request.

Andy Wickey and Nicholson were at all three meetings but wrote nothing for V3H.

Being a good city council member means being direct, honest and willing to communicate with voters. Is the silence from the majority of council candidates an indication of their unwillingness to communicate with the residents of Coquitlam? If so, what does this say about what sort of council members they will be?

Everyone is complaining about the fact voters don't take these by-elections seriously. Perhaps if all the candidates who have entered the race treated the by-election seriously themselves, the voters would follow.

Click here to read the questions and answers at the site, or simply scroll down.

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, and why you are running for council?
My candidacy is a natural extension of both my interest in public policy and my growing commitment to community service. As a professional journalist, I have specialized in commentary about political matters; the time now seems right for me to move from talk to action. As a long-time activist, I have worked to improve not only my neighbourhood but also the whole of Coquitlam. A seat on Coquitlam Council would facilitate this passion.

2. What do you see as the most important issues currently facing the City of Coquitlam?
Owning and maintaining a home in Coquitlam is becoming increasingly difficult, and I believe that Council should act where it can to lessen the financial burden on residents. Consider property taxes. In the year 2000, my wife and I paid $1,699.07 in property taxes. In 2008, we paid $2,328.87—an increase of 37 percent. That dramatic rise is unacceptable, especially at a time when inflation was running at only one or two percent a year. Utility bills are also a problem. This year, our bill increased by 17 percent, and it’s gone up 84 percent since 2004. Again, this is simply unacceptable.

These increases seem to be driven, in part, by over-spending. According to a recent study by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, Coquitlam had a dismal record of overspending on operating costs in the years 2000 to 2007. The Federation calculated that, if operating expenses had simply kept pace with population growth and inflation, Coquitlam’s spending should have grown 20 percent in that time. Instead, spending grew at more than twice the expected rate, or 41.9 percent. Once again, this is simply unacceptable.

3. How will you work together with Mayor Richard Stewart and Council to make Coquitlam better?
Throughout my years of community involvement, I have a record of collegiality, hard work and good humour. While I am most noted in the Tri-Cities for a weekly political debate column in one of the local newspapers, my friends, associates and colleagues know that I embrace team work and striving for common goals. I have no doubt that I will be able to continue this approach once on council.

4. How will you encourage more people to become involved with their civic government?
The key is communication. Most of us lead busy and complex lives. Many of the people I’ve talked with while going door to door in Coquitlam over the past month say they have no time to keep up with civic affairs. City Hall can and should find ways to communicate simply and efficiently with residents in order to encourage greater engagement

Interchange information

2010-05-10T16:22:00.000-07:00

You might remember my earlier posting about Maillardville's concerns about the lack of a consequential upgrade to the Brunette/Highway 1 interchange.

Well, a communications person with the Port Mann Bridge project noticed the item and sent me an email explaining that the current plans don't call for major changes because, essentially, other "regional transportation improvements", including some impacting the Brunette-Blue Mountain-Lougheed Highway intersections, may be in the works; therefore, it wouldn't make sense to plan major changes to the Brunette/Highway 1 interchange at present.

Here's the full text of the note:

Dear Mr. O'Neill:
I read your blog this weekend regarding the Coquitlam All Candidates Meeting held last week and would like to point out that the information contained in your blog is not quite correct [http://electterryoneill.blogspot.com/2010/05/battle-brewing-over-bridge-traffic.html].
In fact, there will be some safety and efficiency improvements in place at this interchange by 2013 to address short- to medium-transportation demand. Current plans for Brunette include a staged approach so that additional improvements can be made based on scope and timing decisions for a number of other regional transportation improvements such as the North Fraser Perimeter Road and potential improvements for the Brunette-Blue Mountain-Lougheed Highway area that could be integrated with Highway 1 and the North Fraser Perimeter Road. It would not make sense to spend public funds reconstructing the Brunette Interchange today only to have it become redundant in the near future. It is for this reason that the preliminary design concept has changed.
Many decisions about the local and regional lie with other planning agencies and we work closely with them to ensure our project designs consider this bigger picture.
I welcome you to attend our Cape Horn informational open house at Coquitlam City Hall on May 18 if you any questions about the Port Mann/Highway 1 Project.
General inquiries can also be directed to:
Web: www.pmh1project.com
Email: info@pmh1project.com
Tel: 1-877-999-7641
Yours truly,
Pamela Ryan
Communications Counsel
Port Mann/Highway 1 Project
Transportation Investment Corporation
Suite 1420 - 1111 West Georgia Street, Vancouver BC V6E 4M3
pryan@ticorp.ca

Big Labour's big problem?

2010-05-08T22:46:00.001-07:00

With less than a week to go now before the by-election, it's clear that the contest is shaping up as a battle between the single Big Labour/NDP candidate and everyone else on the centre-right. The only problem is that the majority of Coquitlam voters don't realize it.

The Left's champion is Neal Nicholson, who is backed by the NDP machine, endorsed by NDP politicians and the firefighter's union, and supported financially by CUPE.

With all this union support, one wonders about Nicholson's statement at last Wednesday's Maillardville all-candidates meeting (pictured), in which he agreed with my idea that, as a budget-control measure, we should reduce the size of the city staff through attrition and retirements. In other words, we should institute a hiring freeze until we get spending under control.

Does CUPE know about this? Has the New Westminster Labour Council heard? If so, do they agree? Not likely.

I have no reason to doubt Nicholson's sincerity, but I can't see how Big Labour can support a man who backs a reduction in the city's work force. That just ain't Big Labour's style. I await an explanation.

Meantime, I believe that I have emerged as the leading non-Big Labour candidate. My policies are aimed at providing the most good for the broadest range of Coquitlam residents, not just for special interests. I believe that using common sense, we can find common ground on most of the big problems facing us.

By the way, those doubting my memory of Nicholson's statement need only listen to the audio recording of the proceedings, which is now conveniently on-line here.

Fighting the five-percent tax hike

2010-05-08T14:47:00.001-07:00

Here's my newest press release, which I'm distributing door-to-door today. It's going over very well.

O’Neill calls for city hall cuts & lower property taxes

COQUITLAM – With yet another huge property-tax hike looming over Coquitlam, independent candidate Terry O’Neill has called for immediate steps to protect homeowners.

O’Neill, who is running in the May 15 by-election, points out that council adopted a budget on May 3 calling for the average homeowner to pay an additional 5.28% more property tax this year.

Added to last year’s 7% increase, the two-year total is quadruple the rise in the cost of living over the same period.

“The average worker or small-business owner certainly hasn’t received 12% in raises or earned 12% more profit over the past two years,” O’Neill says. “It’s unacceptable for council to continue saddling the citizens of Coquitlam with this sort of tax burden.”

He said council must immediately freeze hiring and re-examine all aspects of the budget. “The city has to cut its spending, starting immediately,” O’Neill said.

O’Neill recently wrote a passionate plea in defence of homeowners, housing affordability and lower property taxes in Coquitlam. The article, published by the Georgia Straight, drew praise from Province columnist Jon Ferry.

“…I was happy to see that Terry O’Neill, a candidate in the May 15 Coquitlam city byelection, has been vigorously defending the suburban lifestyle he and his wife have enjoyed for the past 30 years,” Ferry wrote in his paper’s May 3 edition.

O’Neill has had a distinguished career in journalism and communications. He is also a past president of The Eagle Ridge Residents Association and currently sits on the boards of several non-profits, including the Coquitlam Foundation.

Eight candidates, one choice

2010-05-07T14:17:00.001-07:00

Both local papers have published some coverage of the all-candidates meetings that took place earlier this week. Here's a link to the Tri-City News' story. And here's a link to a story in The Now.
The News has also published a handy guide to all eight candidates.
Remember to vote: May 8 at Pinetree Community Centre; May 12 at Poirier Community Centre. May 15 at any of 11 schools. See the city's website for details.

Burquitlam meeting a big success

2010-05-06T21:56:00.000-07:00

The third and final of the all-candidates' meetings is now over. I'd say it was another great success for the campaign, and probably my best performance of the three. The photo shows the little display I set up in the gym of Banting Middle before the meeting began.

Here's the text of my Opening Speech.

I’d like to begin by thanking the Burquitlam Community Association for hosting this meeting. Thanks, also, to everyone in the audience for attending. It’s great for democracy.

You know, I’ve been talking to hundreds of voters over the past month, and many ask, “Why are you running?”

My answer is simple: After a long career in journalism writing editorials and opinion pieces like the Face to Face debate in the Tri-City News, the time has come to stop talking and start doing.

I’ve always dug for the truth and taken strong stands. Indeed, my job was to spark debate. Now, I'm ready to put down my reporter’s pencil and serve my community in a different fashion, as a city councillor.

Now is the time to listen more intently.
Now is the time to collaborate and seek common ground.
Now is the time to work with my neighbours, my community and all voters to make Coquitlam an even better place than it already is.

My priorities are not unlike those of the majority of voters:

*We want sound management of our city’s budget, keeping tax increases to a minimum while protecting key services. I’m happy to report that there’s wide agreement among my fellow candidates on this point.

Mr. Nicholson, for example, agreed with me last night that council should reduce the number of workers on the city payroll, using attrition and retirement.

*There’s also broad agreement on an issue that’s of great interest to Burquitlam: completion of the Evergreen Line. Here, however, Mr. Nicholson and I disagree. I want all B.C. taxpayers to pay equally for the shortfall. Mr. Nicholson, however, favours raising funds by slapping a special charge on motorists using the Barnet Highway.

[Note: later in the meeting, Mr. Nicholson attempted to explain that his toll or user-fee idea was actually more of a general, long-term thought, and not directly related to paying for the Evergreen.]

I’ve been involved in community affairs since I helped found The Eagle Ridge Residents Association 30 years ago.

I can be trusted to make the best decisions for all Coquitlam.

And I promise to be accountable for my actions in office.

Please vote “Terry O’Neill” on May 15. Thank-you!

Battle brewing over bridge traffic

2010-05-06T10:56:00.000-07:00

To no one's surprise, last night's all-candidates meeting in Maillardville centred on issues directly relating to this most historic of Coquitlam's neighbourhoods.

But, while it was no surprise that issues surrounding community planning, recreation, heritage, arts and culture, and crime figured prominently in the discussion, what caught most of us off guard was the news that the provincial government is planning no upgrades* to the Brunette interchange as part of the Gateway Program , even though construction of the new Port Mann Bridge will greatly increase traffic.

Several members of the audience complained that an already-difficult traffic situation in and around Maillardville would become intolerable once the new bridge starts pouring more traffic onto the freeway and, ultimately, over the Brunette interchange.

In response to the concerns, I made it very clear that I would do my utmost to see that the community's concerns are addressed. "The squeaky wheel gets the grease," I told the audience, and I plan to be one squeaky wheel!
*[Update: I should have written 'no significant upgrades']

Opposed to punitive Barnet road usage fee

2010-05-04T21:54:00.000-07:00

From funding the Evergreen Line and lowering business taxes to expanding library services and maintaining support for local non-profits, our first all-candidates meeting covered alot of ground.

To my mind, the defining moment of the debate was when Neal Nicholson said that, if elected, he would support the imposition of a road usage fee (a toll?) on motorists using the Barnet Highway. The proceeds, he said, would help pay for the Evergreen Line. If memory serves me correctly, he declared he wanted to ensure it would "cost a lot" (or something to this effect) to drive the Barnet.

Luckily, I followed Nicholson in the speaking order and said, in no uncertain terms, that it would be unfair to penalize motorists who, by necessity, have to drive to and from downtown Vancouver from Coquitlam. Moreover, I pointed out that the entire region, if not the entire province, will benefit from expansion of rapid transit.

This being the case, the burden should be shared by all, not shouldered disproportionately by one segment. The video that's part of this posting is of my complete answer. Please visit my Facebook page for more videos.

Here's my home-stretch ad

2010-05-04T15:14:00.000-07:00

Here's an advance look at the ad that'll be running in tomorrow's Tri-City News. We're in the home stretch now!

Defending suburbia and suburbanites

2010-05-03T13:47:00.000-07:00

As I informed readers last week, I recently submitted an op-ed column to the on-line edition of the Georgia Straight newspaper, after the editor put out a request to all eight candidates.

I quickly agreed to write the piece, but didn't think it would be widely read by Coquitlam voters. I did conclude, however, that the column would allow me to elaborate on an important part of my campaign platform: defending suburban homeowners. (The picture shows central Coquitlam on a foggy fall morning a few years ago.)

The Straight published the piece last week, and I figured that was the end of it (although I did check the paper's website from time to time to see if anyone else had written a column; as of today, only one other candidate had done so).

Imagine my pleasant surprise, then, when a friend called me a few hours ago (while I was in the middle of door-knocking in Ranch Park) to deliver the great news that my column had caught the interest of Jon Ferry, the Vancouver Province newspaper's front-section columnist and, furthermore, that Ferry had written in today's paper that he was in complete agreement with my position.

All in all, it's great news for the campaign, especially as we head into the three consecutive all-candidates meetings this week. Here's the Province column, below:

Suburban living offers quality over quantity

Out in Langley over the weekend, I was struck by just how pleasant life in the Lower Mainland suburbs can be with a large lot, a sizzling barbecue and a backyard full of kids.

And I thought how it wrong it was for politically correct politicians and transportation "experts" continually to rail against suburban sprawl as it were some form of disease.

Not everyone loves downtown living, at least if they have a family to raise or an animal or two to feed.

Nor do they thrill to the mantra of forced housing densification, or eco-density, that's become so fashionable among academics and urban planners.

For many Lower Mainland residents, the dream is not to live in a luxury condo in Vancouver's West End or Olympic Village. They'd much prefer a single-family home in the Fraser Valley with a decent-sized backyard, approachable neighbours and some trees their children can climb.

But too often their voices go unreported in civic reports, university studies . . . and B movies that invariably give the suburbs a bad rap.

That's why I was happy to see that Terry O'Neill, a candidate in the May 15 Coquitlam city byelection, has been vigorously defending the suburban lifestyle he and his wife have enjoyed for the past 30 years. "This is our home. This is where we live," the longtime journalist wrote in a Georgia Straight op-ed. "And this place . . . despite what some downtown urbanites might think, is not some sort of suburban blight. It is the manifestation of our hope and dreams."

It was much the same point that retired Maple Ridge teacher Dan Banov made recently in taking issue with patronizing remarks by local city Coun. Craig Speirs about the alleged inactivity of those who lived on large suburban properties. "The kids are less healthy, more obese," Speirs was quoted as saying.

Banov, who lives on acreage in Whonnock, quite rightly questioned where Speirs had got his information. "I always thought children living closer to nature would give them a healthier life, climbing trees instead of monkey bars," he fired back in a letter to the Maple Ridge News.

Certainly, life in the suburbs isn't all peaches and cream. And suburban motorists increasingly are being taxed to death. But despite the media hype about people moving into the urban core of Vancouver and other large cities, there's little or no evidence suburban living is becoming any less popular in North America.

High-profile U.S. geographer Joel Kotkin says the reason is that the suburbs represent for most people the best, most practical and most community-minded choice for raising their families.

"Indeed, for four decades, according to numerous surveys, the portion of the population that prefers to live in a big city has consistently been in the 10-to 20-per-cent range, while roughly 50 per cent or more opt for suburbs or exurbs," Kotkin noted.

The bottom line? Lower Mainland community leaders need to stop fixating on the supposed virtues of densification and downtown living . . . and start sticking up for the burbs. After all, they're where most of us live.

Successful reception energizes campaign

2010-04-30T11:28:00.000-07:00

Almost 100 supporters and potential supporters, friends and family members gathered with my team and me last night at a campaign reception at the Westwood Plateau Golf & Country Club. The photos show some of the gathering.

It was a great success! Bringing so many concerned and involved citizens -- including four members of city council -- together to talk politics and campaign strategy or simply to network and get to know one another made for a memorable evening. My thanks go out to my team and to everyone who attended.

One of the many highlights for me was the short speech I was able to deliver. Upon conclusion, I realized that it was the first actual political campaign speech I'd ever delivered. Yes, I've given dozens of political addresses in the past, but they were all as a journalist looking at or analyzing politics. This one was different because I'm now actually running for office.

The audience gave me a great reception, including several bursts of applause during the speech and enthusiastic applause upon conclusion.

I've included many of the themes that I touched on in the address in an e-mail I've been sending out this morning to supporters and potential supporters. Here's the text:

Hello Coquitlam Voters,

We’re in the home stretch now! Just two weeks are left until the Coquitlam Council by-election on May 15. And we’re closer yet to the Advance Polls:

 May 5, at Poirier Community Centre, 630 Poirier Street.
 May 8 at Pinetree Community Centre, 1260 Pinetree Way.
 May 12 at Poirier Community Centre, 630 Poirier Street.

All polls are open 8 a.m. til 8 p.m.

I hope that, by now, you’ve had time to consider which candidate to support. And, of course, that you’ve chosen me. If so, thanks very much. Every vote is crucial in what is shaping up to be a tight race.

Over the past several weeks, I’ve met hundreds of residents during my daily walks through Coquitlam neighbourhoods. Rain or shine, I’ve listened, taken notes, and promised to act responsibly to find solutions.

If you’re still undecided, please check out my website at www.terryoneill.ca, and you’ll see that I stand firmly for fiscal responsibility, action on transit issues, better strategies for dealing with street-level crime, and a commonsense approach to the homeless problem.

You might also want to read my blog, http://electterryoneill.blogspot.com, where you can find my insights on campaign-related news and other issues.

I’ll also be attending three all-candidates meetings next week. They take place:

 May 4, 7 p.m. at David Lam Campus of Douglas College, Lecture hall A1470 (sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce);
 May 5, 7 p.m. at Place Maillardville, 1200 Cartier Ave. (sponsored by the Maillardville Residents’ Association);
 May 6, 7 p.m. at Banting Middle School, (sponsored by the Burquitlam Community Association).

Please let me know by return email if you have any questions or need help in getting out to the polls. Thanks for taking the time to get involved!

Terry O’Neill
Involved. Trusted. Accountable.

Living the Great Canadian Dream

2010-04-29T16:37:00.001-07:00

The Georgia Straight's online edition has just published my op-ed on what I think the most important campaign issues are. As you'll see by clicking on the link, I decided to concentrate my response on one specific and vital area.

The paper extended an invitation to all eight candidates in the May 15 election but, so far, I haven't seen anything from the others.

The message and the masses

2010-04-29T09:05:00.001-07:00

With the first advance poll for the Coquitlam Council by-election less than a week away now, one might assume that the majority of residents would know about the vote and also have some sort of an understanding about who the candidates are. From what I've learned from several weeks of intensive door-knocking, however, the truth is that about half of Coquitlam residents are not even aware of the by-election. My recurring newspaper ads, such as the one pictured here (which will run tomorrow), have helped raise awareness, but it's clear that more is needed.

Are there ways to better inform voters of important municipal events such as this by-election, thereby engaging more interest and boosting turnout? It's an important question, especially considering the fact that the last time the city held a council by-election only 5.1 percent of registered voters cast ballots.

One of the problems is the city's own tight restrictions on pre-election advertising. For example, candidates are not allowed to erect lawn signs until 10 days before the election day. Moreover, the size of the signs are strictly regulated; none may be greater than two-feet square.

One idea I proposed recently to city officials would be to allow candidates to place standard-sized pamphlets at information centres in libraries, community centres and city sports facilities. Currently, however, no such display is allowed.

Council's decision, to add two survey questions the by-election, was designed to encourage voter turnout. That's a good, short-term fix. But we also need good, long-term ideas to ensure that voters are so engaged with the city that they don't have to be cajoled to cast ballots. It's something I'll work on when I'm on council.

UPDATE: Coincidentally, Canada Post is today delivering official "Notice of Election by Voting" cards in the mail today.

Helping unravel the homeless riddle

2010-04-28T08:43:00.000-07:00

It was perhaps 15 years ago now that my then-small sons and I were traipsing through a forest that is now the site of Scott Creek Middle Schoool, finding hidden trails, secret hiding spaces and otherwise enjoying some midday fun.

Our adventure took an unexpected turn when a man suddenly emerged from the forest. Nervous at first, we soon engaged him in conversation and learned that he was sleeping among the bushes and trees and spent his days scrounging for food from bins. It was then that I realized for the first time that the "homeless problem" was not confined only to the downtown eastside.

I raise this now because of two stories in our local papers today. This one describes the end of Coquitlam's "wet-weather mat" program for the year, and the ongoing dispute about how best to temporarily house the homeless. This one here reveals the startling news that a local business owner, operating only about a kilometre away from the site where my boys and I came across our homeless man, had set up his own privately operated shelter to help the homeless who live in forested land adjacent to his business. Bylaw enforcement officers have now shut down the unlicensed operation.

I've got to hand it to that business operator, Gerry Sly, for his commitment. While activists and politicians continue their lengthy and important discussion over how best to respond to the problem, Mr. Sly took decisive, short-term action.

The homeless problem is complex for the very reason that there's a different set of circumstances for every person who is homeless. Many are addicts or suffer from a mental problem. Some can't cope with the strictures of living in a modern society. A small number are, quite simply, vagrants.

With these varying causes in mind, whatever solution we find to the problem must, therefore, be careful to help the truly needy while not facilitating free-loading pauperism. Moreover, a true-long-term solution should also include a recipient's commitment to treatment, counselling or education.

Celebrating 'Santacruzan'

2010-04-24T16:11:00.000-07:00

One of the benefits of all the door-knocking and group-meeting with which I've been engaged for the past month has been the opportunity to meet so many new people and become associated with so many outstanding organizations. This morning, I spent time with members of the Filipino community here in Coquitlam who are hard at work organzing a big event for next month.

It's called "Santacruzan." Also known as "Flores de Mayo," it's a religious festival, in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is traditionally celebrated in May with a parade of colourfully decorated floats and elaborately dressed participants representing biblical and historical figures, under a canopy of elaborate floral arches. The photo above shows a typical procession in the Phillipines.

Coquitlam's "Santacruzan" will start with an assembly at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 8, at the gym at Our Lady of Fatima School. The procession then goes along Alderson Ave., up Allison Str., along Edgar Ave, then finally down Walker Str., ending at Our Lady of Fatima Church, where a mass will be celebrated at 5 p.m. It'll all be followed by a Dinner and Dance at the Church Hall, starting at 6 p.m.

Santacruzan is shaping up to be both a great spectacle and a moving spiritual experience. The public is invited to watch and then to join in the fun at the Dinner and Dance. Tickets are $20 each, and can be obtained by contacting Myrna Mata at 604.524.4393 or 778.889.4664, or by emailing mlmata@telus.net.

Oh yes: watch for me at the dinner-dance selling raffle tickets!

Amassing more moss than most

2010-04-23T13:09:00.000-07:00

It's reported today that Vancouver is home to more "green" roofs than any other city on the continent, save three.

I'm thinking, though, that we'd surely rank Number One if the organization keeping track of this "growing" phenomenon counted the thousands of local roofs whose shakes, shingles and tiles are covered with lush carpets of moss of the sort that grow so well in our mild, rainy climate.

The photo (above) shows the famous grass-covered roof at Coombs, on Vancouver Island. Look closely, and you'll see one of the animals.

Controversy, questions and candidates

2010-04-23T09:19:00.000-07:00

City council has now decided on the exact wording of the two survey questions that will be presented to voters as part of the upcoming by-election. Advance polls are May 5, 8 and 12. Voting day is May 15.

As you'll recall, council agreed with a motion from Counc. Doug Macdonell to add the non-binding, referendum-style questions in the hopes the survey will draw more Coquitlam residents to the polls. Voter turnout to the last by-election was a lowly five percent.

Here are the questions:

1. Currently, dogs may run off-leash in the Mundy Park trail system between the hours of dawn and 10:00 a.m., seven days per week. Are you in favour of (please pick only one response):◦ Increasing the permitted time◦ Decreasing the permitted time◦ No change to the current permitted time.

2. Smoking is currently not permitted in, amongst other places, all parks, trails, commercial buildings / work places, bus stops, schools and within three (3) metres of entrances and other openings. Are you in favour of the City of Coquitlam expanding the prohibition to include public patios and additional public spaces where minors (under 16 years of age) are permitted to be present. · YES NO

I'll be writing and talking more about these issues in the weeks to come, especially at the three all-candidates meetings that have now been scheduled.

Making "Nevergreen" into Evergreen

2010-04-21T07:40:00.000-07:00

They call it the "Never-green" Line. That's the name a great many Coquitlam residents have given to the oft-promised but never-constructed Evergreen rapid-transit connection to Coquitlam Centre from Lougheed Mall.

Mayor Richard Stewart told council on Monday that he has received assurances from both the provincial government and Premier Gordon Campbell (aren't they the same thing?) that the line will, indeed, be built. But two big questions remain: when will construction actually start? and who will make up the funding shortfall?

Interestingly, even as we continue to wait for answers to these questions, Vancouver residents are starting discussions on what sort of east-west rapid transit line should be built along the Broadway corridor.

With the only sign of the Evergreen line still being that hastily-constructed project office in the Coquitlam Central parking lot, news of this development in Vancouver causes me to wonder whether, just as the Evergreen was shunted to a siding to make way for the Canada Line, we are now seeing the beginning of a process that will once again lead to the derailing of the Coquitlam line. I certainly hope not.

Public input on burning issues

2010-04-19T21:47:00.000-07:00

When in doubt, ask the public. That's not a half bad default position for city councils wrestling with vexing problems, but public consulation can be time-consuming and costly. So, faced with continuing controversy over off-leash areas and smoking in outdoor public spaces, Coquitlam Council decided tonight to ask the public for its opinion at the same time as it asks the public to select a new councillor (me, please!) on May 15.
Yes, that's correct. According to reports from tonight's council meeting, the public will be asked its opinion of the two issues in a non-binding survey. I'm given to understand that the questions will not be available for the advance polls, but will be on a ballot in time for the by-election itself.
The decision to ask for formal public input has a two-fold benefit: it will give council some more information upon which to base its decisions; and it will drive more people to the polls on May 15, an outcome that will surely result in a more representative outcome.
I'm looking forward to learning more in the days to come about the shape the questions will take.
Meantime, the Vancouver Parks Board has apparently already heard enough, and voted tonight to ban smoking on city beaches and in city parks.
Just one question: is this really a health issue, or is it simply the Nanny State flexing her muscles?
UPDATE: I've now learned that the survey questions will be asked during the advance polls on May 5, 8 and 12, as well as the regular by-election day of May 15. Good work, council!

High taxes and pyjamas

2010-04-18T12:44:00.000-07:00

As I continue to go door-to-door throughout Coquitlam, I'm learning that there's no single civic issue that everyone agrees is the most important. Among the top-of-mind topics raised by residents are: parking problems, high property taxes, delays in construction of the Evergreen line, illegal secondary suites, garbage collection hiccups, high utility fees, animal welfare, zoning bylaws and, of course the HST which everyone seems to know is not a municipal responsibility, but which is still a subject on which folks understandably want to vent.

I've also learned that it doesn't matter whether I'm door-knocking in the late morning, early afternoon, late afternoon, or early evening -- I'll always encounter a fairly large number of people who are still in their pyjamas!

Translink "under-serves" Tri-Cities

2010-04-14T14:54:00.001-07:00

Over-charged and under-served. That was the theme of our campaign two weeks ago when we protested the big 11% increase in the cost of transit passes. And the "under-served" theme is repeated again today, with a Tri-City News story that reports, "Bus service in the Tri-Cities is falling behind neighbouring New Westminster, Richmond and Burnaby, and TransLink needs to review its transit plan for the region." Read the entire story here.

It's beginning to look a lot like a campaign

2010-04-13T21:55:00.000-07:00

The first full week of May is going to be a busy one on the campaign trail, as the Burquitlam Community Association has now announced that it will stage an all-candidates meeting on Thursday, May 6 at Sir Frederick Banting Middle School from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Earlier, we learned that the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce is holding an all-candidates meeting on Tuesday the 4th, and the good folks in Maillardville are staging one on Wednesday the 5th. Today, we received an email informing us that the CoC event will take place at the David Lam Campus of Douglas College, room A1470, from 7-830 p.m. Details still to come on the Maillardville event.

I expected all-candidates meetings to take place, of course, but I was mildly surprised today when I received a phone call from "Cameron" of the "Coquitlam Firefighters Political Action Committee," who invited me to attend a private meeting with a panel of the committee. And, yes, the committee really does exist. It even has a webpage.

I'll not refrain from employing incendiary punning to say that I think the intention of the meeting is for them to grill me on my platform, but that I may also have a chance to fire some questions their way.

Fulfilling work with the Foundation

2010-04-12T09:44:00.000-07:00

The Coquitlam Foundation, on whose board of directors I sit, is staging its big Awards Night at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 14 at the Evergreen Cultural Centre. If you haven't already made plans to attend, I recommend you drop by to support the many great community organizations and outstanding individuals that we will be honouring with upwards of $50,000 in grants, bursaries and scholarships.

Both of our Coquitlam papers have run display advertisements promoting the event, and haven't charged us a penny for it. Thanks! The Tri-City News also ran a long story on our award winners and our plans for the evening last week. And now the Vancouver Sun's Keeping Track page has published a short list of the winners. It's all good!

Hope to see you there on Wednesday.

UPDATE: I've now posted photos of the event on my Facebook page.

Vancouver council runs afoul of common sense

2010-04-10T22:27:00.000-07:00

Politicians have been known to promise the electorate "a chicken in every pot." Vancouver councillors are breaking new ground, however, in allowing a coop in every back yard.

And, while the denizens of the downtown eastside scour garbage bins or line up at the Salvation Army for something to eat, council has also decided to deprive the soup kitchens of the means to add some substance to their offerings, choosing to build a $20,000 shelter for abandoned fowl, rather than sending the birds to the butcher.

A chicken in every pot? Not if it's an abandoned bird in Vancouver.

All-candidates meeting May 4

2010-04-09T09:08:00.000-07:00

Save the date: The Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce has announced that it will be holding an all-candidates meeting on Tuesday, May 4, from 7-9 p.m. No word yet on a location.

I have to thank the good folks at the Chamber for staging this. It takes a lot of time, effort and expense to put on one of these events, especially when there will be upwards of half a dozen candidates on the stage (see post, below).

One way or the other, it's bound to be a great evening, where Coquitlam residents will have the chance to assess all the candidates in person. I can hardly wait.

Nomination week takes an unusual twist

2010-04-08T21:41:00.001-07:00

According to the City of Coquitlam's website, there are now seven candidates running in the May 15 by-election. Nominations close tomorrow, and that number could rise to eight or nine. [UPDATE: It ended up being nine, including Maxine Wilson.]

Or maybe fall back to six, according to this Tri-City News story, which reports that former mayor Maxine Wilson may have to withdraw from the race due to poor health.

[UPDATE on April 9: And now the Coquitlam Now is reporting that Wilson's indecision is because of an "undisclosed health issue."]

I hope that her health problem is nothing serious. But if she is so concerned about her well-being that she has made public her indecision over whether to run for the open seat on council, then one must conclude that it is a significant illness or affliction. Let's hope, then, that she has a speedy recovery.

Meantime, that little advert at the top of this post is what you'll see from time to time on the news pages of the aforementioned Tri-City News's website. It serves a two-fold purpose: immediate promotion of my candidacy; and quick access to my website, which can be accessed by moving your cursor over the ad and simply clicking (it doesn't work here, but does on the paper's website). Look for a similar one soon over at The Now.

Earth to Eby: Grim Reaper does stalk the Skids

2010-04-07T09:24:00.000-07:00

The column I wish I had written this week: Pete McMartin's masterful look at David Eby and the B.C. Civil Liberties Association's ridiculous griping about No. 2 Firehall's supposedly discriminatory mural, pictured here.

Kateslem Program: The Inside Story

2010-04-06T20:43:00.000-07:00

I spent this evening at a fundraiser at the John B Pub in the company teachers, parents, community workers, civic leaders and other supporters of the Kateslem After School Program.

I first became aware of this worthy project when the Coquitlam Foundation decided to award it a grant last year. Following up on that, I wrote a feature story about the program for what was supposed to be a revamped new Coquitlam Foundation website. Well, more than four months later, the old site is still in place, and the story still hasn't been published on line.

Until now.

Yes, I've decided to use this opportunity to draw some well-deserved public attention for the program by publishing the story here first. So, without further delay, here it is:

PLANTING THE SEEDS OF SUCCESS

Como Lake Middle School’s Kateslem program is using its Coquitlam Foundation grant to cultivate healthier children

‘The more engaged we are with at-risk kids, the less crime we’ll have on the streets.’ --Principal Cindi Seddon

It has been said that children are like plants. Both need nourishment to flourish and thrive. But whereas plants need cultivation, children need education.

There are few more fertile grounds in which to nourish children through education than the rich fields of our community’s classrooms. But when school ends for the day, and there’s no safe place for an at-risk middle-school-aged student to go for the rest of the afternoon, what then?

It is a question that was being asked in 2008 at Como Lake Middle School in Coquitlam. And the answer that parents and educators found was the Kateslem After School Club, a unique, no-fee program for 11- to 14-year-olds offering everything from homework help and life-skills education to community-service opportunities and sporting activities.

A Kateslem program (the name comes from a First Nations word meaning “coming together”) had been operating successfully for a decade at Banting Middle School in Coquitlam, but new funds needed to be raised for a similar one to be launched at Como Lake. Cindi Seddon, Como Lake’s principal, explains that all funding for the program has to be raised from outside sources.

This is where the Coquitlam Foundation entered the picture. After receiving an application for funding in early 2009, the Foundation decided to grant the program $3,500.

“In recommending the awarding of the funding, our grants committee was most impressed by Kateslem’s potential to make a positive difference in the lives of children who may be at risk of falling into crime, drug addiction or even prostitution,” says Coquitlam Foundation Chair Colleen Talbot. She points out that the Kateslem program’s goals mesh well with the Coquitlam Foundation’s mission to encourage and support initiatives that build a vibrant, sustainable and healthy community.

Seddon says programs like Kateslem would not be possible without community support. “At Como Lake, we have been incredibly lucky to be the second site in the district to have the Kateslem After School Program for middle-school aged children,” she says, explaining that the program provides students with a structured, after-school program from Monday to Friday. “The more engaged we are with at-risk kids, the less crime we’ll have on the streets.”

Seddon continues, “This kind of targeted programming only comes at a cost, and we are most grateful to the Coquitlam Foundation for helping to financially sponsor Kateslem.”

While the Como Lake program is only just beginning, its Banting counterpart is enjoying ongoing success. Program Director Karyn Bell points to the story of Brianna, a shy and withdrawn Grade 6 student at Banting. “She didn’t make friends easily,” says Bell, “and her teachers were concerned about her development.” Brianna (not her real name) entered the Kateslem program and began to blossom. “It benefited her in every way—academic, social,” adds Seddon.

After Brianna graduated from middle school to high school, she came back to volunteer at Kateslem. “She and others her age act as role models for the kids,’ Bell explains. “They know the program really well because they’ve already been through it.” Brianna was so involved with Kateslem that the program rewarded her by adding her to its part-time staff while she was in Grade 12. “It was a way for us to give back to her for giving to us.” Today, Brianna—the one-time social outcast—is studying in a post-secondary institution with the aim of making a career of helping children, just as she was helped.

Brianna is just one of many success stories. Kateslem’s participants often improve their marks and are less disruptive in class. And, outside of school, there’s no telling how many children have been steered away from anti-social behaviour.

With such positive outcomes, the Coquitlam Foundation’s grant can be viewed as an investment in the future—not only the future of at-risk children, but also the future of the entire community. What’s clear, says Seddon, is that without the kind of community support shown by the Coquitlam Foundation, “the Kateslem program would not be possible.”

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You can learn more about Kateslem by contacting Karyn Bell, Kateslem co-ordinator, at karynskateslem@yahoo.ca or 604.250.9332.

An official candidate

2010-04-06T09:29:00.000-07:00

It's official. I'm now a candidate for Coquitlam City Council in the May 15 by-election. Here's the press release, above, that I'm now in the process of distributing. Just click on it to get a magnified, easier-to-read view.

Meantime, I had a successful evening door-knocking in my neighbourhood yesterday, making contact with dozens of nearby residents, many of whom became enthusiastic supporters on the spot (!) and agreed to place signs on their lawns later in the campaign.

The number-one issue on the minds of most people in this neighbourhood was secondary suites. No two shared the same concerns, however. Some thought enforcement was too lax. Some thought it was too stringent. Some were concerned with suites' impact on street parking. Some with suite owners not paying their fair share of utilities fees. Good discussions all 'round, and definitely a subject that is worth looking into.

Easter flower project blooms again

2010-04-03T13:29:00.000-07:00

And now for some non-political news: Our annual Easter Flower Distribution at Eagle Ridge Manor took place earlier today, and it was another great success.

Once again, Art Knapp Plantland generously donated all the potted plants, which a team of volunteers (pictured) from St. Joseph's Parish distributed to about 75 patients at the long-term care facility, which is located on the Port Moody-Coquitlam border.

A special thank-you should go to hard-working and warm-hearted staff at the Manor, who seemed just as thrilled about the flowers as the patients. As well, a big shout-out to Mary P-D and her family for making the hand-crafted cards and then being there in force once again to help with the distribution.

All in all, a very good day for everyone involved!

Ticked off at Translink

2010-04-01T15:58:00.000-07:00

What a terrific reception our four-person team (the three pictured and the fourth taking the photo!) received this morning at the Coquitlam Central station of the Westcoast Express as we distributed flyers protesting today's 11% increase in the cost of transit passes. A great many people were grumbling about the huge hike and were glad to learn that there's at least one candidate running in the May 15 by-election who is just as bothered by the massive April Fool's fare increase as they are.

There are no easy answers to these sorts of issues, but you can bet that we'll work hard to ensure that costs are kept in line, transit services are run efficiently, and passengers who rely on public transit are no longer subjected to these sorts of imposed-from-on-high cash grabs.