Letters to the Editor (part five)

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: Harewood resident opposes firehall location

Once again we have another Harewood resident, Paul Walton, espousing why the Harewood Fire Hall was inappropriate for use by the 7-10 Club. I have a question for all those who deemed it an inappropriate location; did you ever come down and take a look at the service, sit down and talk to the people using it? My guess is no. If you had you would have seen that by far the majority of people using the service are simply Families Individuals and even Students who cannot make ends meet through government subsidies or low paying employment. You would have seen people that for the most part are your neighbours, currently living quietly amongst you, in Harewood and surrounding neighbourhoods and that the space in the Fire Hall was actually larger than that used at St. Peters .

Most of the outcry against the service moving to the Fire Hall was put out by a few people spreading doom and gloom propaganda to the larger masses of Harewood. Was NYMBYism involved, most certainly? Amanda Young, a local teacher, at least had the courage to state publicly that no matter what the 7-10 Club did she would never support its relocation to the Fire Hall, Jack Tielman put together a Web BLOG that was full of misinformation and postings bordering on hatred of the poor, usually anonymous. Again had either one visited the service, NO?

The vast majority of people in Harewood are by no means NIMBY’s, sadly they are being coloured by the minority who had no qualms about spreading false information.

Oddly enough this is exactly what happened to the 7-10 Club, the view of the many being influenced by the actions of but a few.

Re: handing out crack kits

I am greatly confused with regard to the rational of handing out Crack Kits to addicts. After much research on the inter-web I have been unable to find any concrete studies on the transmition incidence of HIV and Hepatitis C through the shared use of crack pipes or evidence supporting the harm reduction aspect of these kits.

What I have found is that one supposed reason for handing these kits out is the wish to reduce the intravenous use of crack and the higher risk of the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C through the shared use of needles. If this is the case then it seriously puts into question the very efficacy of needle exchange programs. The problem is, there is a dearth of evidence that suggests needle exchanges have had a significant effect on the reduction of HIV and Hepatitis C.

Rather than handing out free crack kits on the streets, which may have the effect of drawing on the curiosity of youth to obtain such followed by the logical outcome of then trying them out, a greater focus should be made towards the awareness of existing needle exchange programs. If one still insists on handing out crack pipes then let it be done through these existing programs, not in the middle of residential neighbourhoods. .

VIHA’s behaviour in all of this is questionable to say the least. To not involve City Council, local residents & businesses, in there decision to hand out free crack kits and now removing vehicle identification in hopes of continuing the handout surreptitiously leads one to seriously question their motives.

Writing Letters to the Editor

I am always encouraging people to write letters to the editor of our local papers if they have a particular issue or story they want to comment on. There are a few things you need to know when doing this.

• Keep it consise, trying not to have more than 200 words
  
• Don't make comments that could be considered slanderous
  
• Expect your letter to be edited (see below for an example)
  
• Don't take edits personally. Sometimes they can change the whole context of what you are trying to say and in that case let the editor know how you feel. The Daily News once edited one of mine, removing one sentence and changing one word, totally changed the context.
• Don't expect every letter you send to be printed. While I have had litterally hundreds of letters printed over the years many have not been.
• Don't expect the various newspapers to edit your letter in the same way. Each will do as they do and it can be amusing to see what they remove or how they rephrase a letter.
• Finally HAVE FUN with it. Yes letter writing can be a serious endeavour but a little humour or sarcasm can make for enjoyable reading.
  

AS SENT:
Re: Canadian Federation of University Women
The only mistake the Nanaimo Chapter of the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) has made is to call their public meeting an All Candidates event. More appropriately it would have been better to call the event a meet & greet, for potential female candidates running for office, something no different than other organizations have done in the past.

In 2005 Friends of Plan Nanaimo held a number of gatherings throughout the city for the candidates they were endorsing, if other candidates showed up they to were allowed to speak and field questions from the Audience. The Builders Association routinely invites a few chosen candidates, usually a number of incumbents with specific others, who would support their agenda. There is nothing wrong with this.

Personally, knowing some of the members of the CFUW, I am confident they would not encourage voting for a person simply because of gender. These are well educated women, involved in the community, and as such I am sure would advocate their members, other women as well, to vote for candidates based on community participation and awareness of issues that face the community.

I hope to see more women getting involved but also my hope is that more of the so-called visible minority population does so as well. First Nations are the perfect example of this. While they comprise a large percentage of the population there is no formal representation on council. The sad fact also being that if they live on reserve they cannot even vote municipally. Good on you CFUW and anyone else who will actively encourage people to take part in the upcoming election, especially in doing so encouraging people to get out and vote? As a candidate for City Council I plan to attend as I see it as an excellent opportunity to further my own education.

AS PUBLISHED:
Nanaimo Bulletin Sept 30, 2008

Specific candidate meetings not unusual
To the Editor,
Re: Women only undemocratic, Sept. 23.
The only mistake the Nanaimo Chapter of the Canadian Federation of University Women made is to not call their public meeting a meet and greet, for potential female candidates running for office – something no different than other organizations have done in the past.

In 2005, Friends of Plan Nanaimo held a number of gatherings throughout the city for the candidates they were endorsing. If other candidates showed up, they to were allowed to speak and field questions from the audience.

The builders’ association routinely invites a few chosen candidates, usually a number of incumbents with specific others, who would support their agenda.

There is nothing wrong with this.

Knowing some CFUW members, I am confident they would not encourage voting for a person simply because of gender. These are well educated women, involved in the community, and as such, would advocate their members, and other women as well, to vote for candidates based on community participation and awareness of issues that face the community.

Good on CFUW and anyone else who actively encourages people to take part in the upcoming election.
Especially if doing so encourages people to get out and vote.

Gordon Fuller
Nanaimo


Nanaimo Bulletin
editor@nanaimobulletin.com

Dailey News
letters@nanaimodailynews.com

Harbour City Star
star@nanaimodailynews.com

VOTING IN THE MUNICIPAL ELECTION

First-past-the-post system: This is the system we use in Nanaimo for Municipal elections and refers to the basis on which votes are counted in order to determine who is elected. A first-past-the-post system is one where ballots are not valid unless they have been marked by the voter to indicate the candidate(s) that the voter wishes to have elected. No more candidates can be indicated than the number of vacancies to be filled.

Often voters think that because there are eight positions for City Council they need to pick eight names from the list of candidates. This is not true and can ultimately cause those you want to see elected to lose (see Plumping).

Counting of the Votes: Where there are multiple council positions, 8 in Nanaimo, to be filled, the votes on each ballot are counted as being of equal value to each other. Even though a voter might have a distinct order of preference among the candidates there is no mechanism for such preferences to be shown on the ballot.

Candidates are elected consecutively according to who receives the largest number of votes. There is no pre-determined percentage of the overall vote required to be gained before a candidate is elected so a candidate can be elected with a very much smaller percentage of the vote than under any other electoral system.

Plumping: Plumping allows voters to vote for fewer than the number of candidates to be elected. It permits voters to concentrate their voting power on those they support, rather than being constrained to also vote for those they oppose. Rather than voting for all eight council positions a voter can chose to vote for simply one, two or more if they wish.

Prepared by Gordon Fuller – October 3rd, 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.

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).

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

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