Editor, The News:
Re: Pitt Meadows stands up for land reserve (The News, Nov. 22).
I must say I was glad to read that headline. However, I was confused when I found out that those who are advocating this worthy cause are none other than Mayor Deb Walters and MLA/councillor Doug Bing.
Surely we can’t be talking about the same Ms. Walters and Mr. Bing who worked so hard over the past four years to have a large parcel of land removed from the ALR in Pitt Meadows.
Must be some mistake.
I did note that Ms. Walters has introduced a motion to support the Agriculture Land Commission. That would be the same ALC that dropped the “condition” that land along the North Lougheed Connector be covenanted for agricultural use, thus paving the way for removal of said lands from the ALR.
I can imagine that Ms. Walters and Mr. Bing are pleased with the Agricultural Land Commission these days.
But being pleased with the ALC when it gives you what you want should not be confused with supporting the Agricultural Land Reserve.
Mr. Bing says the province is only making sure that the ALR is “being run efficiently and in the best interest of the public.”
I suppose, if you want to put in another mall across from the one you already have, and the ALC says ‘go for it,’ that’s pretty efficient work.
The provincial agriculture minister is proposing to give local governments more control, calling for ‘community growth applications,’ to be decided by local governments.
I expect Ms. Walters and Mr. Bing are really excited about that one.
The opportunities for even greater efficiencies are mind boggling.
Michael Sather
Maple Ridge
Editor’s note: Michael Sather is the former MLA for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows.
Pick one
Editor, The News:
Re: Pitt Meadows stands up for land reserve (The News, Nov. 22).
This article is the exact reason why I got into the debate with Maple Ridge Coun. Cheryl Ashlie a month or so ago about elected people being in conflict.
I could see it coming and here it starts.
Pitt Meadows Coun. and Liberal MLA Doug Bing is more concerned with defending his provincial government than he is with protecting the interests of Pitt Meadows, in this case, supporting the Agricultural Land Reserve.
Mr. Bing “sought to soothe some exaggerated fears raised by a leaked [provincial] document” during the council meeting.
Mr. Bing has no business advancing or defending any provincial interests while acting as councillor.
His job is to do what’s best for the city, not smooth the way for the province.
Will Ms. Ashlie do the same thing in Maple Ridge while serving as constituency assistant to Mr. Bing?
Both need to choose which job they prefer, as neither can do justice to both.
Cheryl Baron
Maple Ridge