Editor, The News:
I have been attending the all-candidates’ meetings and I’m taken aback by how few people show up for these things. Granted, it is a dog and pony show, where the candidates try to curry every last vote out of you.
But if they were relying on these meetings to get their word out, they are barking up the wrong tree.
Fraserview was a good showing for the warm-up, Webster’s Corners had the best candidate-to-constituent rating, then it tailed off. Whonnock was as expected, a small group of dedicated voters who turn up to anything Whonnock and would secede from Maple Ridge if they could, and the church at Laity View and River Road was a bit of a farce. Twenty-five candidates (take away their handlers and family) and maybe the same number of curious onlookers, that will vote, once they figure out which association they belong to, whether it be the Silver Valley, Rock Ridge, River Road, or Shady Lane.
I attended them all; I listened to every canned and careful speech designed specifically so as not to push the envelope too far and turn off the eligible voter, and it helped me make a few decisions.
All I know for sure is there wasn’t enough time to get to know them all, and how dare they suggest I need internet, e-mail, blog, and Twitter, and tweeter capabilities just to be informed.
I went to four all-candidates’ meetings and I am pleased that many candidates put their heads on the chopping block just for democracy (and my amusement).
I applaud them all. Now let’s hope that passion spills over to the people who vote.
Bob Garbutt
Maple Ridge
A vote for change
Editor, The News:
Wake up, Maple Ridge, and get out and vote for change.
If you look around at our neighbouring communities (see Bonson’s Landing, Fort Langley), you can see the positive changes taking place. Yet Maple Ridge is mired with indecision and inaction.
Maple Ridge has lost its small town charm, yet it does not have the services, amenities, or jobs of a larger community.
Yet this council has decided its members deserve another raise and will pay for it by raising your taxes.
Does council not read the headlines regarding overspending governments bankrupting their countries ?
The demographics of Maple Ridge have changed dramatically over the past 20 years and, like it or not, we are a bedroom community of Vancouver.
Yet all we do is continue to do piecemeal development without the proper transportation corridors.
Does anyone on council actually have to commute to work? Have they tried leaving at 6 a.m. and returning at 5 p.m. to see what it is like ?
We need to embrace change and with long-term vision to make our community livable.
I urge everyone to get out and vote for change. I know I will.
G. Jay
Maple Ridge
Let’s talk
Editor, The News:
I have found this election to be extremely frustrating.
I just don’t understand how this municipality has gotten so caught up in the small issues and lost focus of the real relevant ones.
Take for example the council raise. A good council member dedicates countless hours. What the public sees is the very small component, not the endless meetings, then after-hours fundraisers and presentations.
As a member of the public, I attend a fair share of these and I always see the dedicated council members in attendance, at each and every one, often at their own expense.
I agree with the raise. We need to attract people who are experienced and educated.
In every profession you can find someone who is willing to do the job for less, but is that who you want doing the job? Do you get the same product?
An intelligent council can make decisions that saves us hundreds of thousands of dollars. Seems like a good investment to me
Let’s talk about the important issues: plans for expansion of public transportation, homeless population and increasing/encouraging new business growth.
Chelsa Meadus
Maple Ridge
Replant
Editor, The News:
Coming local elections are a time of reflection.
I challenge all of us to reflect upon the council that spent your money and represented your opinion in the last two terms.
Ask yourself if you now pay double for your mortgage, food, hydro, heating and other everyday expenses during this period. Have your wages doubled in the past six years? Did your property tax double? Did your services and amenities in Pitt Meadows improve by an equivalent amount?
On Nov. 19, we need to remove the chaff and replant for a fresh crop.
J. McLean
Pitt Meadows