The news behind the news. Exploring the political issues, debates and voting records in the Township of Langley and sometimes beyond.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Credit Where Credit Is Due

This Editorial Board has always maintained that we will report both sides good and bad with regards to the politicians we are holding accountable for their campaign promises. So, here goes:

Mayor Rick Green has done several things of positive note that we want to acknowledge. Firstly, several weeks ago you will recall that the mayor voted in favour of a motion that will authorize staff to establish a consultation with mayor and council to sort out issues and move forward. It was a positive approach that Green supported and in the end only Councillor Kim Richter opposed.

Next, in the last Township Council meeting they dealt with another wacky Richter motion to support her pal, Sonya Paterson. It was a clear attempt by Richter and Paterson to grab some headlines and the use of a VERY old photo of Paterson (don't you love it?) The publicity campaign succeeded and got some press because we all know that the local media is lame and too lazy to investigate anything. BUT, Mayor Green did not second this motion, nor waste any of his time on it. Green clearly had bigger fish to fry that he needed council support on and it appears that Green is slowly learning what we all knew...Councillor Kim Richter is insignificant and don't accomplish anything, except causing "Dis-organizational Behaviour". Again, kudos to the mayor for taking the high road here.

Finally, Mayor Green took the wishes of the majority of Township Council (more transit options and non-skytrain rail) and did something about it. He engaged local communities and politicians and we all know that with some political will, things could happen in this transportation area. Councillor Richter went on the attack, but once again her opposition was very insignificant. A motion to approve the formation of a South Fraser taskforce was approved.

Much can be accomplished when we all work together and although Kim Richter always slighted former Mayor Kurt Alberts for his slogan and talk of working together, we see that it is effective. Richter has promised a report card of sorts on Mayor Green and it has been VERY slow in coming. Perhaps she doesn't have the courage to turn against Willy Nilly and Horny Toad?

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

we had a council member like kim tor what was it 28 years voted against everything and totally disrupted council. lets hope the voters can see the pattern and stop this at the next election.this world needs more cooperation and less grandstanding.

Anonymous said...

mr editor i think it is great that the council voted to hire a consultant to teach council members to play nice.the only thing that i have a problem with that the taxpapers are on the tab for this.these things are taught in kindergarten where they are also payed for by taxpayers. i noticed that council did not mention a cost for this. maybe this cost should be covered by the council members,if the cost was their responsibility maybe they would learn the first time.

Anonymous said...

We think the issue of the workshop was blown out of proportion by the media and one councillor in particular. Guess which one?

Council voted to get staff to check on the costs to spend a few hours reviewing the term thus far and to find perspective consultants to lead the workshop. People are writing to the newspapers and suggesting that mayor and council will be taking an exotic retreat on the tax-payers dime. It was Mayor Green that used the term "retreat" and the others were fine with a quiet place for a day. Just to clarify this vote. It was for staff to return with options and costs.