Council members and mayors across the South Fraser are now calling into question the new task force to discuss a possible light rail demonstration project. Mayor Rick Green, along with reconstituted VALTAC/Heritage Rail members Roy Mufford, Lee Lockwood and Peter Holt did a horse and pony show before city councils from Surrey to Chilliwack. It was started that TransLink and several municipalities were on board with the idea. At Langley City Council they were read a list of communities that were identified as on board. Indeed we suggested that Green had done a good job here on the Langley Record.
Several mayors and council members from the region have now contacted our Editorial Board members to say they are very unhappy with what they felt was deceptive remarks made in their respective council meeting by this group. Even TransLink CEO Tom Prendergast has told Mayor Green and the group to stop using the TransLink logo in their presentations.
It is also interesting to note that Mayor Green in responding to the TransLink CEO used a Township letterhead that lists members of Council at the top. But after taking office, Green had replaced this type of letterhead with one that had his name only, along with a photograph of the mayor. So, it begs the question if Mayor Green selects letterhead based on who he is writing to and whether he wants to suggest that Council is behind him? It all seems very fishy.
The news behind the news. Exploring the political issues, debates and voting records in the Township of Langley and sometimes beyond.
Friday, October 16, 2009
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?
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?
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