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Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Letters to the Editor (part four)

The following are some of my letters to the editor over the past couple years. I have found, since submitting my first many years ago, that this is a means, one widely read, to express an opinion on events in the city and realms further afield. I fully encourage people to write letters to the editors of what some fondly consider our local rags, though don’t be surprised when they appear and are edited by the paper. In one letter I submitted the editor changed one word, eliminated one sentence and totally changed the context of what I was saying. 


2007
Re: NDP opposition critic for Homelessness & Mental Health
It was my pleasure to recently spend a few hours with the NDP Opposition Critic for Homelessness and Mental Health. On by far the day of the worst weather to date, pouring rain after 2 days of snow fall, I have to be honest and say I half expected a call cancelling his visit. Never one to make assumptions, at least I do my best not to, I walked down to the 7-10 Club to meet him for his scheduled visit at 7:30am and low and behold he and his two person entourage showed up, on time and ready to go.
As much as most people would view David Chudnovsky’s trip with some degree of skepticism, it seems more often than not the shared view of politicians is one of blowhards just out for a photo op, all talk and no action. Hey again I have to admit my view, despite knowing a number of honourable politicians, is that most will gladly be there to cut the ribbon but have little or no experiential knowledge of just what it is they are cutting it for, other than of course the photo op.
To give credit where credit is due Mr Chudnovsky is, in my opinion, taking the issues of homelessness and Mental Health seriously. He sat and spoke to a number of patrons of the 7-10 Club. We then proceeded to walk through the downtown in the rain and slush, speaking to a few others, to visit Samaritan House Shelter for Women. How the rest of his tour of Nanaimo went I don’t know but in the time I spent with him I must say I gained a level of respect for the man and yes the politician. If the rest of David’s journey continues to enlighten him to the realities of homelessness then it can only benefit the population if the NDP come to power in BC. Here’s hoping that his example will spur the ruling class to do a bit of the same.

Re: Liberal funding for homelessness
Recent funding for homelessness announced by the Liberal Government is less than a drop in the bucket and further maintains outdated ideas and band-aid solutions to addressing homelessness in BC. With no new affordable housing on the horizon the government can throw as much as they want at outreach and shelters but without a home to be placed in the money could be just as, or more than, effectively given to the homeless themselves.
While sadly there will always be a need for shelters they are expensive. The $21,850 yearly expense per bed at Samaritan House, based on a budget of $437,000 for its 20 beds, would fund 3 single apartment units per year. Multiplied by 20 that equals 60 apartment units per year. Throw in the cost of the 25 beds at the Salvation Army’s shelter and you are looking at a total of 135 units of housing on a yearly basis.
If Gordon Campbell’s government wants municipalities to provide land for affordable housing then the Provincial and Federal Governments should provide matching funds, based on the market value of the land, towards building the housing. The means to eliminate homelessness are there, but without the will on the part of all levels of government homelessness will be an issue for years to come.

Re; Unfair to lay 7-10 Club problems on city council shoulders.
I must thank Mr. Tieleman for his recognition that the 7-10 Club is a “much needed organization,” though it leads one to wonder exactly why then was he so opposed to its relocation that he devoted an entire Web Blog to spreading misinformation about the service and its relocation. Rather than accusing Rev. Lon Towestago of “piling blame on the residents of Harewood,” when in fact Rev. Towestago only mentions “some vocal citizens,” Mr Tieleman should perhaps look closer to home. Through the use of scare tactics, misinformation and bigoted comments posted anonymously about the poor, his Blog site contributes greatly to influence the negative view of Harewood residents.  
It is unfortunate that many of those opposed to the 7-10 Club moving into the neighbourhood, including Jack Tielman, chose not to go to the 7-10 Club and see for themselves the value of such a service. If they had they would have seen that by far the vast majority of people using the service are simply Families, Individuals and even Students who cannot make ends meet despite the growth in the economy. They would have seen people that for the most part are their neighbours, currently living quietly amongst them, in Harewood and surrounding neighbourhoods. They would have seen that the Fire Hall would have been an ideal replacement site for the 7-10 Club.
The vast majority of people in Harewood are by no means NIMBY’s, sadly they are being coloured by the minority, “some vocal citizens,” who had no qualms about spreading false information and apparently wish to continue doing so.
Ironically this is exactly what happened to the 7-10 Club, the view of the many being influenced by the actions of but a few.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Letters to the Editor (part three)

The following are some of my letters to the editor over the past couple years. I have found, since submitting my first many years ago, that this is a means, one widely read, to express an opinion on events in the city and realms further afield. I fully encourage people to write letters to the editors of what some fondly consider our local rags, though don’t be surprised when they appear and are edited by the paper. In one letter I submitted the editor changed one word, eliminated one sentence and totally changed the context of what I was saying. 

Re: Empire days

As Nanaimo celebrates Empire days for the 141st time I have to wonder how many people actually think about what they are really celebrating. 
Even in Great Britain Empire is no longer celebrated.  Do we in Nanaimo really wish to commemorate one country imposing its will over others through conquest, colonization, subjugation and yes even extermination.  Can we accept this truth of Canada’s History? 
Imagine an occupation that brought with it genocide, in addition to cultural, institutional and systemic racism with which Aboriginal peoples as well as other Canadians still have to contend.  Do we wish to remain indifferent, trivializing and devaluing the contributions of virtually everyone not of British descent by celebrating Empire? Or would we rather acknowledge what First Nations and the many other cultures have contributed to the making of our City and Country.
If this was simply about celebrating Nanaimo’s history then we, like every other community in the former British Empire , would be placing the focus on our fair city, perhaps celebrating Nanaimo Days or even Snenymeux Days in honour of the first peoples of the land.
As the Peoples Participation Movement so eloquently puts it, "Parades are fun, Empires are not."


Re: Climate action dividend
In their most recent budget the Provincial Liberal Government of BC proposes that every British Columbian will receive a $100 Climate Action Dividend this June.  While this may be all well and good for those with an address, what about the estimated 10 – 15,000 homeless in the province?    Does the government propose to hit the streets and hand out $100 bills so that all will receive equal and fair treatment?  What about those on income assistance, will they receive the $100.00 just to have it clawed back by the Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance?
Interestingly enough it is the poor who have the least impact, in terms of environmental footprint, on climate change.   By doing nothing for those living in shelters or on the streets the government stands to save 1 – 1.5 million dollars.  I suggest, being somewhat fair to all, Campbell and his cronies distribute the cash to agencies that serve the homeless and those less fortunate in our communities. 
I for one, plan to donate my $100 cheque to the Nanaimo 7-10 Club Society and challenge others to do so as well.  In this way not only do those who will not receive the dividend benefit but we also increase the value of the $100 by the 29% equivalent in tax credits we would receive by using the $100 as a charitable donation.  If you wish to join me in this call (714 0917) or e-mail (admin@nanaimo710club.org).

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

FREE NANAIMO FROM KONTROVERSY

Many people have read about the “Free Nanaimo From Koruption” bumper stickers that have been floating around for the past year or so.


(Edition 2)

Since our Mayor Gary Korpan decided in his infinite wisdom to sue Tony Parkin (activist against waterfront highrises & re-institution of lifeguards at public beaches) and Angela Negrin (downtown small business owner - Pirate Chips) regarding the bumper sticker they have become ever more prevalent than they seemed to be prior. Korey Korolek, who announced on September 22, 2008 that he will be suing the City of Nanaimo, not over the bumper sticker, is routinely seen in newspapers wearing a t-shirt with what has now become a logo for those upset with the shenanigans of our civic leaders. At a recent council meeting I saw at least eight brave young souls wearing the bumper sticker taped to their shirts, apparently this even made it onto our local cable channel. I am even seeing far more vehicles sporting the distinct slogan.

After first accusing and threatening to sue myself and fellow directors of Friends of Plan Nanaimo in May of 2007;

(May 15, 2007)

To the so-called Friends of Plan Nanaimo political party
Imagine how your mother and family would feel if they saw signs and bumper stickers that demean and libel your years of public service, falsely alleging the you committed one of the vilest crimes in the Criminal Code.

(Edition 1)

If you have any shred of decency, you will stop production, retrieve, and destroy all copies, then donate your ill-gotten gains to the Homelessness work of the Salvation Army.

PS You should be aware that the very best Libel & Slander lawyer in BC lives in Nanaimo. He is a good friend of mine and he supports the NNC because it will revitalize downtown, diversify the regional economy, expand business opportunities, and create jobs.

Gary Korpan
Telephone
City Hall 250-755-4400
Home & Law Office 250-758-9445
Website
www.Nanaimo.ca
Illegitimi Non Carborundum

(FPN found out a week later that Mayor Korpan was no longer a member of the Law Society and should not have been mentioning a so-called law office in his signature)

The issue of the bumper stickers has spiraled to almost mythic, for Nanaimo, proportions. The initial threats against FPN were dropped, we had to hire a real lawyer, and then followed up with threats to take pictures of every vehicle with a Free Nanaimo From Koruption bumper sticker and take appropriate action against them all.

While one does not want to in anyway advocate the outright slander or libeling of a person, I don’t believe the bumper sticker in any way does, this is a but a sign of the continuing frustration of the electorate against our local government. On numerous occasions, as I have spoken to council, I have been called a liar, various names, as well as being one of many who have been denigrated when legitimately talking about issues we hold dear. Have I ever contemplated a lawsuit? No. It is unfortunate that it is those in power and with the financial means who willingly drags others, less able to afford the costs, through our legal system for what I consider a frivolous waste of everyone’s time.

As we move forward to the municipal election I would ask that Mayor Korpan drop the lawsuits against Tony Parkin & Angela Negrin, refrain from further threats against those sporting the bumper sticker and FREE NANAIMO FROM KONTROVERSY.

To express your opinion on this;
Phone Gary Korpan at:
City Hall: 755-4400
Residence: 758-9445
e-mail: gary.korpan@nanaimo.ca

Snail Mail
Gary Richard Korpan
3598 Hammond Bay Road
Nanaimo, B.C. V9T 1E9

Gordon W. Fuller - Sept. 25th 2008
gordonfuller.blogspot.com

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Issue Awareness

A recent story in the Nanaimo Daily News, Event Offers Services to Homeless (Sept. 22, 2008), has our illustrious mayor complaining that he was not informed of the Homeless Fair and that it was ‘neither in his planner for events on Saturday or in the schedule for councillors.’ "I didn't know about it. I go to things I'm invited to," said Korpan.

It behooves not only our local politicians but also provincial and federal to be aware of the issues and in touch with what events they might attend that are happening in their constituency. This said it is also the responsibility of anyone running for public office to do the same. It should not be the responsibility of others, unless they volunteer or are paid to do so, to keep them apprized.

As a candidate for City Council I have made a point, for years, of attending council meetings and becoming involved with various community groups and non-profits (see City Election Platform). I participated in all of the workshops related to the Official Community Plan review, more on that later, and most recently attended a workshop to revise Nanaimo’s Public Art Plan. I also speak and write frequently about the issues and would encourage others to utilize letters to the editors as a means to voice their opinion. This has given me the knowledge and experience I believe necessary to be effective as a City Councilor. As the electorate who will be voting in the upcoming federal and municipal elections it is your responsibility to choose those candidates you feel will best overall serve in public office.

Published in todays, Sept. 23rd, Daily News is my most recent letter to the editor with regards to the above:

Re: Politicians don't need an invitation to aid homeless
I couldn't agree more with the editor that homelessness and poverty have been sadly lacking as an issue during this federal election campaign. As one of those who helped to set up the homeless fair I have to apologize to Mayor Gary Korpan for not informing him of the event, I also have to apologize to city council as well as those federal politicians currently running for office. Wait a minute. I have no need to apologize to anyone.

While no major advertising campaign was put in place to give notice of event, there were stories in the papers as to what it was about, when and where. Surely as politicians in touch with their constituents they would at least have a member of their team looking for such events.

This said, I did receive calls from both Jean Crowder and Zeni Maartman's NDP campaign organizers and as it turned out neither could not make it due to prior bookings. Coun. Diane Brennan was the only politician who did make it to the event.
This was an event for the homeless run in part by the homeless, many of whom volunteered during the day.

Kudos go out to Karen Bonnefoy and Barbara Anne Rivers who provided shampoos and haircuts until 6:00 p.m. to ensure no one went without. And kudos to all who made this a successful first annual event.

As for any politician who says they were not invited; If you would like to be informed of other events coming up prior to the elections, give me a call. My number is in the book.

Gordon W. Fuller
Nanaimo

Letters to the Editor (part two)

The following are some of my letters to the editor over the past couple years. I have found, since submitting my first many years ago, that this is a means, one widely read, to express an opinion on events in the city and realms further afield. I fully encourage people to write letters to the editors of what some fondly consider our local rags, though don’t be surprised when they appear and are edited by the paper. In one letter I submitted the editor changed one word, eliminated one sentence and totally changed the context of what I was saying.

Re: Alternative approval process
Kudos go out to Beverley Eert and the many others who helped coordinate and volunteer in the gathering of Electoral Response Forms regarding the annexation of Regional District Lands.  As one of those volunteering, both at Maffeo Sutton Park and the FPN sponsored table at Port Place Mall, a number of concerns about the process arose for me.  Cedar residents have no say with regard to annexation of land from their community; this specific process implies that those not signing are agreement with the annexation; the city only had to put a couple notices about the process into the newspapers, yet notice of the parking survey is in the papers almost daily; and, the fear of sanctions, by the city or developer, that was a concern of many of those who would not sign.

For me, I found that equally as many people who signed the forms did so not only because they did not like the potential development, environmental impact and ongoing cost to taxpayers, but because they thought the process undemocratic.  Having collected the required 10%, not including those handed in to City Hall, a number of us will be out again over the long weekend at Maffeo Sutton Park .  I encourage anyone who has not filled out the required form to drop on down and do so.  If Nanaimo City council decides to go further, having failed by this means, let’s hope they do so without exorbitant cost to the taxpayers of Nanaimo by tying a referendum to the upcoming municipal election.
 
Re: Chamber of commerce awareness of homelessness issue
I congratulate Mr. Lobay, and hopefully the rest of the Chamber of commerce, on being aware that homelessness is a complex issue that needs all sectors, social, political as well as business, to be onside when developing solutions for community.  I do however have to correct him on one thing; the city does not as yet have a plan.  What was essentially presented for public input was a plan for a plan and not the plan itself.

Many of us look forward to the actual plan which will hopefully be comprehensive enough to allow us to move forward, leveraging funds from all levels of government to provide the supplements and housing needed to alleviate the growing homeless problem in Nanaimo .  Yes the municipality will have to contribute as well, something they have done in the past, and one hopes the means for doing this will be firmly entrenched in upcoming revisions to the Nanaimo Official Community Plan.

When all is said and done the Homeless/Harm Reduction plan, as well as the OCP, will either guide the way or gather dust as have so many other plans.  As Mr. Lobay says, “solutions can only be developed with collaboration and tenacity.”   As we move forward I sincerely hope the Chamber of Commerce will be tenacious in taking an active role in this collaboration.

Re: Homeless & Harm reduction action plan
After 6 months work and $60,000 spent the citizens of Nanaimo finally had a chance to view what will be Nanaimo 's own "Harm Reduction and Housing First Action Plan."  In my opinion we have taken a step forward in looking at the provision of housing for the City's homeless population but the process itself has been less than community friendly. 

It was decided by Council that the SAFER Nanaimo Committee would be the steering committee for the process.  SAFER, formed as a result of recommendations from the Downtown Security and Downtown Social Response Committees recognizing that "'communication and coordination' between stakeholders will be key to managing the issues of public order and social exclusion in the city centre."  They called for a group comprised of  the RCMP, Bylaw Services, Social Planning, Downtown Nanaimo Partnership, Vancouver Island Health Authority and members of the downtown business & residential communities.  Despite this and after several requests SAFER will not allow representatives of Downtown Neighbourhoods on the committee.

In seeking out input for the action plan City Spaces Consulting interviewed the heads of the three downtown neighbourhood associations with little or no input from the association members.  Two of these groups hold monthly meetings and would have been ideal venues, had City Spaces chosen, for greater community input.  Finally we had the open house; great idea though how much input does one really have at these even assuming they can get there?
 
While I personally think the plan good it relies heavily on the political will of the municipality. With the upcoming public hearing of the revised Official Community Plan it is important for people to know that the OCP contains little on attaining affordable housing.  Unlike the Kelowna , Victoria and Vancouver  Official Community Plans, that have extensive sections on housing, ours is but a page and a half that is wishy washy at best.  I encourage everyone to attend the public hearing, June 19th, and speak out.  I also have been assured that feedback from the public regarding the Harm Reduction and Housing First Action Plan will still be accepted.  The action plan is to be posted on the City of Nanaimo Website, where one can also view the most recent draft of the OCP, and comments can be sent to Brenda McBain – City Spaces Consulting via e-mail at bmcbain@cityspaces.ca .

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Letters to the Editor (part one)

The following are some of my letters to the editor over the past couple years. I have found, since submitting my first many years ago, that this is a means, one widely read, to express an opinion on events in the city and realms further afield. I fully encourage people to write letters to the editors of what some fondly consider our local rags, though don’t be surprised when they appear and are edited by the paper. In one letter I submitted the editor changed one word, eliminated one sentence and totally changed the context of what I was saying.

Re: Defiance will not help the Cable Bay cause.
So it appears that Cable Bay Lands Inc. plans to move forward without the RDN Lands and council in its infinite wisdom has given first and second readings to, “redesignate lands, amend the Urban Containment Boundary, and add site specific policy to permit a mixed use comprehensive development within the new ‘Resort Centre’ designation.”  How does one have first and second reading when the new plan for Cable Bay isn’t ready?   How can council make such a decision when it hinges on the outcome of fourth reading, likely in October, to adopt the changes, ie; Resort Centre, to the Official Community Plan?”
 If there is misinformation out there then it is the responsibility of all involved, developer, council, opposition, and newspapers, to provide credible information from which an informed opinion can be based. 
 As for this papers comment that “planning accounts for sprawl and development in the South End will help the downtown.”  This is a prime example of Urban Sprawl, need I remind you that there is room within what was the urban containment boundary for over 35,000 more residents?  Need I also remind you of the impact on the downtown from development in the North End?
 I close with a quote from your own editorial, “It is misinformation of this sort that damages legitimate efforts to question real flaws either in the development process or within developments


Re: Councils process found wanting
At the latest city council meeting I asked the question, “When does a city policy become worth less than the paper it is printed on?”  While this was with regard to how council could even consider Newlook Capital’s attempts to "strata convert" the 109 unit rental apartment building at #1 Chapel St. when city policy sates it will, “prohibit the conversion of existing residential rental buildings to condominium status when the rental vacancy rate falls below 3% in Nanaimo,” further events during the meeting would pose other interesting questions.  Oddly enough, being facetious here, council decided, despite heartfelt pleas from a number of seniors impacted by the potential stratification, to postpone a decision until the middle of September.  Shame!
Moving to further events spoken of, apparently annexation of Regional District Land into the municipality is a non issue, kudos to the 8000 people who signed the electoral response forms and the volunteers who collected them.  The strange part; it appears that Cable Bay Lands Inc. plans to move forward without the RDN Lands and council in its infinite wisdom gave first and second readings to, “redesignate lands, amend the Urban Containment Boundary, and add site specific policy to permit a mixed use comprehensive development within the new Resort Centre designation.”  How does one have first and second reading when the plan for the development won’t be ready for at least a week?   How can council make such a decision when it hinges on the outcome of fourth reading to adopt the changes to the Official Community Plan?”
Looks like we have a lot more than the cost of paper to worry about in Nanaimo? 


Re: South-end park funds called 'waste' of cash
To say spending money to improve a city park is a waste until you eradicate the drug problems shows the predominantly reactive nature of dealing with such a complex issue.  Those who have long lived in the South End, 15 years in my case, recognize the issues with addiction have been going on far longer than since the Hiltz’s have been in the area.  We recognize the problem cycles from good to bad, not only in this neighbourhood but others as well.  A recent example; since the lot behind McDonalds has been fenced in the numbers of people hanging out in the immediate vicinity has dwindled.  While it is true they have simply been moved on, this is all part of the cycle.
One has to laud both Tanya and her husband Doug for taking on the task of organizing a block watch program.  Programs like these are beneficial not just for peace of mind but for the sense of community they bring as well.  However, statements like that made above devalue the hard work of the many others also working to make the neighbourhood the special place it is.  The simple fact is the more families and others use Deverill Park the less likely those practicing illegal activity will want to be seen in the area. 
As long as the province fails to provide enough services for addiction we will always have a problem; as long as landlords, local and absentee, fail to inspect their properties on a regular basis we will always have a problem; and, until we come together as a community we will always have a problem

Monday, September 15, 2008

HOMELESS


It started well before birth in the stygian depths, fetid dank moistness, of our mothers’ wombs. A self projected on us prior to conception by the abject dysfunctional behaviours of our parents and past generations. Spewed forth from the dark crevasse between our mothers’ legs we grew up fast, tormented by the misbegotten memories of incessant generational abuse and neglect. Hidden away in murky corners of basements and closets we escaped into the twilight gloom of dimly lit streets and alleyways. Sleeping in shadowy alcoves, desolate corridors, refuse and needle strewn rooms of long deserted buildings haunted by the ghosts of those gone before us. Abandoned we walk the night. Eyes glazed, legs, cheeks, and mouths wide, we take in the disease-ridden jism from the corrupt underbelly of the cold dark unforgiving city.


* And We Dream! *


Gordon W. Fuller, April 11/2002

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Election Platform 2011


Election Platform 2011

Building Community
An Alternative to Vested Interests


In running for Council for the fourth time I believe I would bring a balanced perspective with both personal and professional experience around social issues as well as his involvement over the years with various community groups and boards on issues from Homelessness & Housing, Food Security & Poverty, to Neighbourhood & Community Planning and Downtown Revitalization.


A long time Social and Community activist I know it is critical to recognize the importance of a healthy diverse economy in providing meaningful employment and the necessary tax base from which to run our fair city. “We need a strong advocate on council representing the interests of the South End, an advocate who also understands the issues in other areas of the city as well. There is much to be said for the Ward system as opposed to the at large. This becomes even more apparent when we consider south of the Hospital area has seen no elected representation for years.”


I am a third generation Nanaimoite, having lived in Nanaimo for the past 30 years most spent in the South End and Downtown areas. In 2002 I completed a degree in Child & Youth Care at Malaspina University/College while working full time as manager of Samaritan House Emergency Shelter. I am currently employed with Nanaimo Youth Services Association as Coordinator of their 20 unit Youth Housing Complex.


I believe Nanaimo is a unique city that still has an opportunity to work collectively towards not repeating the mistakes other cities have made in the past. We need to focus on the preservation of Nanaimo’s heritage with development that works in harmony with the waterfront and mountain vistas, maintaining the unique character of neighbourhoods and the community, Citizen Driven and Not Developer Driven. Smart Growth not rapid growth should determine Nanaimo’s future.


We need to implement sustainable small-scale social programs throughout Nanaimo that move away from the institutional and towards community integration. We must work towards Social Equality and the elimination of the endemic poverty that exists in Nanaimo. This process can be accomplished in part through innovative sustainable affordable housing options that do not place a greater burden on the already high taxes that exist in Nanaimo. It is imperative that we, as a community, recognize and value diversity and the potential of all citizens in contributing to make Nanaimo a vibrant and inclusive community.


In keeping with a vision of a healthy community I believe that we must look towards the environment both urban and rural. Initiatives towards green energy, environmental protection and public ownership of our drinking water must also be given priority.


Nanaimo Community Vision
"Nanaimo will be a community that respects people. It will hold neighbourhoods as the building blocks of the city. Nanaimo will be safe and supportive for people of all ages and all income levels. It will be an attractive place to live with the historic downtown core forming the "heart" of the city. Change in the city will be based on the foundation of community participation. Nanaimo will be a community that respects and preserves the environment and one that is pedestrian friendly. It will be a city of social and economic opportunity that has a diverse economy and a wide range of social, recreational, cultural and artistic amenities and services."


Platform


Communication & Community Involvement
At its best the city currently does the required bare minimum to promote community participation. The ultimate result of this is often seen by people getting up in arms when decisions are made that they see having a direct impact on them. This has most recently been seen when related to placing Supportive Housing in various neighbourhoods throughout the city.
The City needs to preempt this by meaningful communication and education on issues affecting the community. When elected I will take steps to improve communication and community involvement by initiating town hall style meetings, informing the public via social networking and newspaper flyers and any other cost effective means suggested.
First Nations:
Through my work and community involvement I have gotten to know many people of First Nation heritage. I have also built relationships with a number of councilors and the chief of Snuneymuxw First Nation. As one of the poorer of the first nations groups in BC the city of Nanaimo needs to support the Snuneymuxw people in their efforts of seeking redress from Provincial and Federal Governments. Nanaimo needs to continue to cement its relationships with the Snuneymuxw and work towards making this a better community for all.
Parks:
“From recreational to Tot Lots we need to ensure all of Nanaimo’s Parks are safe from rezoning in the future.” This was my original statement from 2008 and in the interim progress has been made. It is not however totally there yet. With nagging from people like myself the City of Nanaimo initiated a bylaw that now recognizes parks as being dedicated and the only way to change that would be through the will of the people.


The flaw in this process is that to rezone does not just require a referendum, it can be through the Alternate Approval Process (AAP). The Alternate Approval process would require gathering 10% of the Voting population to sign an approved petition form and is usually used when government want to push something through as it is extremely difficult and time consuming to gather the required signatures. Unlike a referendum where both yes and no votes count in the Alternate Approval Process if you do not sign the petition form you are deemed to be saying yes.


The properties, at Maffeo Sutton Park, offered to a developer for a hotel at the Convention Centre have been zoned Park. We also need to look at the purchase of Linley Valley West as well as other properties and increase the amount of green space for the enjoyment of both citizen and tourist.


When elected I will work to change the City Process and look to disallowing the AAP unless for emergency or simple measures. I will also work towards measures that allow for the increase in park space in Nanaimo.


Water:
We need to ensure that privatization of water never comes up on the agenda of the Municipality and Regional District. Nanaimo needs to look to the purchase of the watersheds surrounding our drinking water.


Development must not take place at the sacrifice of future water use and supply.


The Snuneymuxw First Nation does have some claim to the watershed area and we must work with them towards utilizing the watershed and Nanaimo River for the benefit of the community.



Planning & Development:
Nanaimo is fast becoming a laughing stock, among communities across Canada, when it comes to urban planning. We need to implement smart growth principals creating density within rather than by expanding through sprawl. In the event that the Cable Bay Developers default on their taxes the City must look at pulling the Urban Containment Boundary back to its pre 2008 designation.


Community contributions towards subdividing and density bonusing must be brought in line towards a more reasonable percentage that will benefit the community.


Neighbourhood involvement needs to be the first step for developers before taking their projects to the city for approval. At least two neighbourhood plans should be initiated each year to give the immediate community input on future development in the neighbourhood.


Housing, Homelessness & Concentration of Social Services
The City of Nanaimo must lobby provincial and federal levels of government to work with the municipality in the provision of affordable/social housing and other means to end homelessness and poverty in Nanaimo. I have been involved in working towards alleviating homelessness for well over a decade and was involved in the development of Nanaimo’s Homelessness Strategy.
I offer no apologies for my commitment to addressing homelessness and my steadfast belief that in order to do so as well as to combat poverty we need to decentralize many services as well as housing and place them throughout the community.


Most communities work from the adage that you put the services where the people are. This has tended to concentrate services in the downtown or bordering neighbourhoods and results in urban decay and the ghettoization of the community. Poverty is not located in any one area and as such we need to look at creating smaller scale services outside of the downtown areas. We need to move away from large scale all-in-one institutional settings.


Food Security:
The City of Nanaimo must adopt a food charter coordinating municipal strategy that will encourage greater support for local food producers. The recent addition of Urban Garden’s to the re-developed Zoning Bylaw for Nanaimo is a step in the right direction towards food security and by allowing the sale of grown food a step towards allowing added income to those in need in Nanaimo.


While Urban Gardens are a good step the allowable portion of property to be used favours smaller lots. When elected I will work towards an across the board 75% usage.


Mayor & Councillor Behaviour:
Recognizing that comming before council can be a stressful process ALL citizens must be treated with dignity and respect.


City Council Terms of Office:
Too often this has become a career, many having sat on council for 25 years or more. I believe we need to limit the number of terms a person sits on council to 2 or 3 at the most. This would allow for a quicker turnover to fresh ideas and enthusiasm on the part of newly elected municipal officials. Mayoral terms should be limited to a maximum of 2.


Council Salaries:
Prior to the election council effectively raised the pay for this coming council by almost 26% over the next three years. Council justifies this by stating that Nanaimo Council and Mayor salaries are far below the median salary when compared to 12 similar communities.


The problem with this rationale is that as communities strive to reach the median the median will always increase. It is my belief that Council and Mayoral salaries should be tied to cost of living increases only.


At the current salary of $26,000.00 Nanaimo councilors make more than 44% of the population of Nanaimo and if you add in the amount of $11,000.00 received by those that also sit on the Regional District Board the wage rises to more than 59% of the population. Not bad for what is essentially a part time job.


When elected I plan to keep my day job and donate 50% of my council society back to the community. I will also be putting forward a motion to have council salaries tied to cost of living increases only.



A strong believer in an open communication process you can feel free to contact me at:
Ph: 250 754 6389Cell:
Cell: 250 797 0531


e-mail: gorfathome@yahoo.ca