The Langley Record

When Alan and Elizabeth Hendricks (and other owners) filed an application to exclude an 11.01 acre site fronting 44th Avenue in Murrayville from the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR), they did so because these are not viable farmlands. Even the Provincial Agricultural Land Commission agreed that the properties had limited potential for agricultural development.

The Hendricks doing all they could to be good neighbours offered property for a municipal trail, opportunity for the ToL to construct and upgrade 44th Avenue (between 216th Street and Benz Crescent) at no cost to the Township, a "significant" financial contribution to an "Agricultural Enhancement Trust Fund", and several other community benefits. The Hendricks operated through the whole process in good faith and expected fair treatment. The application and staff report were presented to Township Council at the June 1, 2009 meeting.

The June 1st ToL Council meeting was another strange one as with the Mufford/64th Overpass Councillor Richter said that there should be public input when agricultural lands are impacted or people seek exclusions. But with the Hendricks application, Richter supported the exclusion and angrily spoke out against a suggested public input session. Some council members then voted to refer this application to the Langley Agricultural Advisory Committee (LAAC) and incorporate a "public input session" into that meeting. As with the Mufford Overpass, the official "Public Hearing" process was ignored in favour of the very nebulous and non-bonding "public input session" that this mayor is now famous for.

The June 18, 2009 LAAC meeting was nothing less than an ambush of Mr. Hendricks. He was lured in to what he was thinking would be a fair discussion regarding his land. He thought he was being asked to provide constructive information, in exchange for constructive advice. Instead, Mr. Hendricks was forced to provide a presentation on his proposal (guess no one present could read the extensive staff report and application??) After that, Mr. Hendricks had to be lectured by Mayor Green's supporters and a member of LAAC that broke ranks by failing to listen to the public and decided to preach to Mr. Hendricks.

The final sacking of Mr. Hendricks came from none other than self-appointed quarterback Mayor Rick Green, who pontificated about wanting to "protect farmers". He said that people spoke of protecting farmlands, but he (Green) wanted to protect farmers. Mr. Hendricks, we feel so sorry for you neighbour. You acted in good faith and this mayor set you up for an ambush.

Let's see, shall we add this one to the list of Green comic book hero defenses?

Protection from gang violence

Protection from so-called hate crimes

Protection from "top-down" land use planning

Protection from crime in Aldergrove (security guards offered)

Protection from crime in Walnut Grove (is he for real?)

Protection from the Provincial Government

Protection from Metro Vancouver

Protection from Translink

Protection from the railroads

Protection from taxes

Protection from water metering

Protection from sand pits

Protection from aquifers

Councillor Kim Richter, Charlie Fox, Jordan Bateman and Bob Long probably protested the unorthodox "public input" session. We aren't sure if the Green-Richter slate is showing strong signs of a break up, but we wonder if Councillor Mel Kositsky is becoming Mayor Green's new lackey? He has often been seen voting in lock step with Green and seems to fiercely defend Green's primary platform issues.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Cowboy Mayor Roped Again

About one week ago Mayor Rick Green of the Township of Langley strapped on his dual six-shooters to instruct the RCMP how to do their jobs once again. The exercise was another usual Green tactic to harness the energy of the press to propel his mayoralty stardom and let everyone know that there is a new self-appointed sheriff in town.

The object of Green's rage was an alleged "hate crime" that had occurred in Aldergrove. Green analyzed the reports and then cloaked himself in knickers and a cape to act as judge and jury. He spoke as though the allegations were proven and adjudicated facts and that these Aldergrove teens were immediately guilty.

Well, today's Province newspaper carried this article which makes it clear that perhaps the attack was not "unprovoked" and innocents violated.

"We walked over to the park and we saw all these East Indians in [the tennis courts]," he said. "They tapped on the fence and said, 'Come on, little boys, come and play with us.'"

The youth and his companions took those words to be offensive, and three of them entered the courts, where the players began using racial epithets, the boy said.

"They're calling us little white boys," he said. He and his friends responded by calling the Indo-Canadian men "sand-niggers," he said.
To the boy's father, the allegations of racism are overblown.
"It was just a bunch of kids calling each other names," said the man, who came to court with his son, as did the mother. Parents of accused young offenders can't be named because it would identify the accused."

It's not like the RCMP to issue an off-the-cuff statement that conjure up images of hate crime without a proper investigation. The Langley RCMP has been especially cautious not to label crimes hate crimes in the past. Was this sudden change in policy a direct result of the cowboy mayor playing the role of Law & Order Sheriff again? Very interesting.

We'll have to see what comes of this trial in time, but these parents from Aldergrove must have been publicly embarrassed in that small community by this mayor's comments. The Langley Record wonders what they think of this cowboy mayor. Better yet, wonder what Rattan will think of this latest news, as he had already called this play! Perhaps another shake of the dinosaur head is in order for Green Mr. Rattan?

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

The Langley Times Out of Touch AGAIN

We at The Langley Record could not believe the absolute SHITE that The Langley Times Editor Frank Bucholtz has published today. How does a standing ovation for former Township of Langley Mayor Kurt Alberts (who was extremely instrumental in causing the new Langley Events Centre to happen) suddenly because a signal from the masses that they want current mayor and council to work together?

Firstly, Mayor Green severely limited his own comments when he invited Kurt Alberts and Howie Vickberg to join him and council on the floor. Much more could have been said in praise, but Green remained silent. The audience did not hesitate in standing for Alberts because everyone there knew that Mayor Green had absolutely nothing to do with making the Langley Events Centre (LEC) happen, and in fact, did all he could (with his sidekick Councillor Kim Richter) to derail the LEC. Kurt Alberts greatly deserved the standing ovation and that is why the people responded with the outpouring. It had NOTHING to do with Rick Green.

Either Editor Bucholtz is smoking something strong, or his eyes of been seriously blinded by Mayor Green's constant calls to him and his publisher to bitch about his press or lack thereof. Did Bucholtz not see Mayor Rick Green totally ignore former Mayor Kurt Alberts at the Golden Ears Bridge ceremony on Sunday? Maybe Bucholts should have attended yesterday's council meeting to watch Green, Richter and Kositsky carry on past grudges by voting against borrowing for the Mufford/64th Overpass? Or should Bucky have been present for Green's vote against a Murrayville sustainable development yesterday that also dates back pre-election? Yes, Mayor Green the "champion" of transit voted to defeat a high-density development that would in time perhaps support improved transit of some sort!

Oh but Bucholtz surely must remember Green's calls to The Mimes over the Fort Langley Rowing Club and LEC articles where Alberts was interviewed. Many people opine that Bucholtz owes something to Green that goes way back to their Delta roots. Maybe they should both come clean and put their cards on the table. And where is the publish of The Mimes in all this?

From Day 1 Green has been the one to try and divide and conquer this council. To this day his ego does not allow him to say one word outside the council table to Councillor Grant Ward, and that is just plain despicable. Working together? We say BULLSHIT. Mayor Rick Green should have gone to breakfast with Councillor Richter and skipped the LEC opening along with her. Green didn't support the LEC, he had NOTHING to do with the LEC, and he certainly would like nothing better for it to fail.

Hey Bucky, get those green coloured glasses off, will ya? Why don't you start checking out what happened to Green's Land Trust and related promises? Council voted many months ago to have Green's consultant quantify land that could go in to a trust. No report has been produced to date and this was to be a very small consulting engagement. What do you say Bucky? Or have you lost your abilities to investigate and hold people accountable?

Monday, June 15, 2009

White Dinosaur Head Sighted in Township

The Indo-Canadian newspaper VOICE had some very funny things to say about Township Mayor Rick Green in Rattan's Rumble found here. Rattan has a great sense of humour, and asks with reference to Mayor Green:

"What world is this white guy living in? The one created by the Vancouver Sun? Maybe he should start reading this newspaper and give his dinosaur head a good shake!"

We here at The Langley Record wondered if Rattan was referring to Mayor Green's 2009 look or the 12 year old photo he insists all staff use? Rattan in his whit make a great point about this whole race issue. Politicians like Green love to use the race card for their own devices when they wish to get some publicity and appear to be the defender of the populous. But many times they join the chorus to bitch about all these immigrants entering the country.

Defending the populous should be left to the RCMP that we pay to do so. We don't need photo ops and lime light. The RCMP can work with the community to determine what is a hate crime and what is not. Perhaps if politicians like Green stop meddling in police business, race relations will improve.

We wonder if we can get Rattan to do a regular column for The Langley Record. This would give our readers yet another perspective. What do you say Rattan?

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Monday June 15th Township Council Meetings

Township Council will meet as follows. Please note that a Public Hearing meeting is scheduled for 7:00pm as well. Although the Council Calendar shows the Public Hearing, the agenda page for this meeting appears blank. Glitch in the ToL website we gather. At least all if not part of this Special Hearing will be for the public to comment on the ToL Annual Report for 2008.

Monday, June 15, 2009

(click the links below to view or download documents and reports)

Special Township Council Meeting - 3:00 PM

Agenda

Minutes of Special Council Meeting - June 1, 2009

Special Public Hearing - 7:00PM

-- No Agenda For Public Hearing Available From ToL --

View or download the 2008 Annual ToL Report here

Regular Township Council Meeting - 7:00PM

Agenda

Minutes of Regular ToL Council Meeting - May 25, 2009

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Have A Little Horse Sense

A Langley Record Editorial

Recently we praised Mayor Rick Green for what appeared to be a turning of the page on past flexing of his ego and the I problems that has haunted him in the recent past. We at The Record thought we could stick to the issues at hand and retire the Raging Bull reports. Well, guess again.

Green's family raises horses, runs a riding instruction school, etc. No issues with that. However, Mayor Green recently summoned a certain female community leader to his office for a meeting related to some promotional brochures that her group produced. They help market Langley to the urban and rural lovers from all parts of our province and country.

Apparently Mayor Green feels it necessary to constantly scrutinize and micro-manage the police, Township staff and now, a community organization and their director. Despite the fact that this female executive is NOT a Township staff member, Mayor Green decided to pick her apart for what the mayor viewed as her group not promoting Langley's horse community and events enough to the mayor's liking.

We have it on very good sources that this female executive (who only has the interests of the community at heart) was reduced to tears as Mayor Green became raging bull and tore a strip off this fine member of our community. Yes folks, tears. Can you believe the arrogance of this mayor to tell the police, staff and now civic groups, how to do their jobs? They are the experts and this grocery manager thinks he can do it all better than they??

The Editorial Board of the Langley Record met today over some coffee and several of us wonder what Langley's feminist champion Councillor Kim Richter thinks about all this. Does Richter support this cruelty and abussive behaviour against female professionals? Do tell us Maddam, we are so waiting to hear from you.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Flip Flop Season At ToL Council

Summer is almost here, but it certainly is flip flop fashion season for Township of Langley Councillor Kim Richter. Monday's council meeting was one flip flop fashion display after another.

A group of Township soccer associations presented a delegation to council because a new Western Diversification grant program may provide significant funding for these groups and the Township to partner together to provide an artificial turf application to the Willoughby soccer field. Its an exciting proposition and these soccer groups are looking to raise $250K amongst themselves to make this happen.

After the delegation, Councillor Kim Richter ignored the 7 or so soccer folks that came out to present and asked the administrator to comment on whether these same grant monies could be secured for the proposed Aldergrove Pool project. HUGE flip flop here folks!

A little over one month ago a member of the Parks, Recreation & Culture Advisory Committee made a presentation to council regarding the planning of an Aldergrove Pool. Richter had her usual permanent phony smile face on and didn't say much. (Is that a smile or an attempt at holding the eyeglasses up?) But at the following council meeting, Councillor Richter attacked her follow councillors with a verbal assault about how projects like this pool, how they are a little rich for these tough economic times, and how this council must realize that when you approve projects like this pool, one has to consider that apart from the capital costs, Richter said these facilities require operating budgets (gee, no kidding?).

Richter opposed the 5% tax increase and said that she would only support a .93% tax hike. She was conveniently absent from the council meeting where there was a vote on this year's budget, even though she has never voted in favour of any budget in the ToL. We've said it before and we will say it again...Councillor Kim Richter loves to order off the dim sum menu, but she is almost certain to skip out on the funding mechanism or the bill.

More Kim Richter flip flops to follow from the last meeting. Stay tuned as we are requesting audio of the flip flops.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Richter Lashes Out At ToL Council Yesterday

*** Tuesday Morning Update ***

Ultra Vires - is a Latin phrase that literally means "beyond the powers". Its inverse is called intra vires, meaning "within the powers". It is used as a legal term in a number of common law contexts. -- Wikipedia

RE: Mayor Rick Green's Motion last night...

How can it be ultra vires to ask a large group of FCM to support this resolution? That's all Green was trying to accomplish here! All we can say about that and Richter is stultus!

We should have added that during Councillor Richter's outburst she accused Mayor Green's motion of being Ultra Vires. We thought we would provide a definition here and expand your knowledge of the Latin language.

We just received news late last night that Councillor Kim Richter put forth a major attack against Mayor Rick Green at yesterday's Township Council Meeting. Here's what we know thus far...

Mayor Rick Green asked Township Council yesterday to approve his motion to support the Town of Halton Hills, ON at the upcoming Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) meeting taking place in Whistler from June 5th - 8th. This motion to "Buy Canadian" is in response to local and state spending in the USA on roadwork and other infrastructure projects with a specification that only US firms and supplies be used for the projects. Apparently local and state governments are not bound by NAFTA in the USA, only the US Federal Government, despite the fact that these funds will funnel downward to the local and state governments from the US Federal Government. You can read more here.

Mayor Green's Motion was very similar to this one by the Town of Halton Hills. We are told it was a clean motion and was very straight forward. Our sources tell us that no one on council and most especially Mayor Green expected what would happen next. Councillor Kim Richter with anger on her face we are told pressed her button with impunity to get into the speaker's queue. With her head trashing back and forth Richter declared Green's motion to be faulty and provided additional rant until Green told her that she can vote as she wishes and the motion will be debated further at FCM this week. Green then called for the vote after no other councillors wanted to speak to the motion. Mayor Green's motion was approved with only Councillor Kim Richter opposed. We are told that her rage continued after the vote with her being visibly angry at the council table.

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Township Council Meeting - June 1, 2009

**** IMPORTANT UPDATE ****

Township Council will meet at 4:00pm tomorrow and with no in-camera meeting before the public 4:00pm session.

Monday Township Council Meeting for June 1, 2009 at 4:00pm

This week due to a compact agenda, all business will be handled in a 4:00pm session of ToL Council. There will be no 7:00pm meeting this week. Click the links below to access the documents.

Also, the Township of Langley has issued a DRAFT of its Annual Report for 2008. You can read all about the Township's finances and programs in this great report. Although citizens rarely do it, residents can send a letter to Mayor and Council through the Township clerk to comment on the Annual Report. Another avenue of public participation that people don't take full advantage of. Again, click the link to access the document.

ToL Annual Report for 2008

Minutes - Special Council Meeting of May 25, 2009

Agenda - Monday Council Agenda for June 1, 2009 - @ 4:00pm

Doc 5

Friday, May 29, 2009

Mayor Green and Councillor Richter Had It All Wrong

By Langley Record Special Editor Reed Fraser

On Monday, Langley Township council received the audited financial statements for the municipality for 2008. The statements are, yet again, a vindication of the exemplary work of Langley Township staff, and the previous council, including former Mayor of the Township, Kurt Alberts, while at the same time an indictment of Councillor Kim Richter and Mayor Rick Green's "The Sky is Falling" Chicken Little act that got them elected in November.

Despite the constant refrain for the last few years from the councillor representing the Township landed gentry and rural elite -- Kim Richter -- that her fellow councillors were spending money like drunken sailors, and the municipality was wallowing in dept, finances seem to be in pretty good shape at the Township.

Township finance director Hilary Tsikayi notes in an attachment to the audit that Debt and Agreements Payable decreased from $26.8 million in 2007, to $24.8 million in 2008 because there were no significant new debts incurred in 2008.

"The $24.8 million debt for last year is comprised of $21.5 million repayable from Development Cost Charges and $3.3 million in land purchase agreements repayable from future land sales," Tsikayi says. "The Township has no debt payable from current taxation revenue," writes Tsikayi.

The consultants, KPMG Accountants, give high marks to Township senior staff for co-operation, and note that all is in order. KPMG states that the Langley Events Centre, funded by three major sources, the province, the Township and external partners, has "to date" cumulative expenditures of $50 million, with confirmed revenues to match that amount.
The events centre, say the auditors, was funded in part by Victoria, $15 million, with the same amount from the Langley Development Group, Trinity Western University sprung for $3.5 million, Langley School District $3 million and Langley Gymnasium (sic) put up $1 million, with the Township providing the balance, $19.5 million.

Was the tight-bunned Richter, or her Jolly Green compatriot heard to say, Well, it looks like we we've been proven wrong again? Not bloody likely. Richter has been so strident in her false claims of financial doom, while at the same time supporting full-time fire crews on the one hand, voting against a budget to finance them with the other, all the while ignoring supposed NDP social values and passing the buck to the province on seniors' assisted living housing and arguing that the gentleman farmer's market deserves a larger than normal community grant, that it is too late for her to start listening to a voice of reason, an independent and respected chartered accounting firm.

And what do they know anyway, that Richter doesn't, after all, the councillor for the horsey set is a business professor, even if her mind has been tightly constrained from examining new ideas, by a bun tied too tight at the back of her head, for years.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Mayor's Report Refreshing - Same Old Anger From Richter

*** Update May 26, 2009 ***

We spoke with several informants about last night's ToL Council meetings. The afternoon meeting was punctuated by a vicious assault on a Fort Langley art gallery and Tourism Langley. It's a well-know fact that Richter has deep-seated hatred for the Langley Regional Airport, Tourism Langley, and several other groups and their management.

Yesterday was beyond expectation as Cllr. Richter first praised Tourism Langley for a packet of colourful promotional brochures, and then lashed out like a second ego at their use of a photo of a beautiful heritage building that is home to a well-known art gallery in the Township. Of course the attack was especially vicious and vindictive, as the gallery is owned by the former Township mayor and his wife. Richter asked staff to investigate if other galleries were afforded the opportunity to be photographed and how this gallery was selected. Perhaps Richter should get out of her elite south Langley estate and visit the other galleries to find that most are in strip-mall locations and not in beautiful heritage homes?

With Richter's ultra-ego primed, she also offered up what must be her eighth scalding attack on the poor old Langley Lodge Society that serves many elderly Township residents and is trying desperately to raise funds to expand. Richter and Kositsky ignore the fact that this facility doesn't qualify for BC Housing or Fraser Health monies, and insist on sending the request for a grant back to staff to waste more staff time. Kositsky seems to do no more than be grumpy and pour on layer after layer of red tape this term. What's up with that? Councillors should be helping the community do what needs to be done, not creating roadblocks and red tape.

In the process of Richter attacking this community asset (the Langley Lodge Society), Richter then launched into a very upsetting attack on the Salvation Army and their soon to open Gateway of Hope facility. Richter first said that at least the Gateway of Hope was tackling a social problem (homelessness) in the community (like the Langley Lodge doesn't), but then she went for the throat of the Salvation Army by saying she did not realize that the ToL offered $1M in funding over 20 years to the Gateway of Hope. Was she sleeping during these council meetings? What numerous issues of the local newspapers did she not read folks?

Richter's attack on the Salvation Army is very detestable an Councillor Kim Richter should hang her head in shame. Shame, shame on you Kim. Mayor Green had his head down during the whole discussion and it looked like Mayor Green wanted to crawl under his desk due to Richter's comments. We thinks Mayor Green is getting a good taste of Councillor Kim Richter and is not foolish enough to overlook her caustic nature and hatred that could spill over to him if he lets it. We think he is smarter than that and is seeing the light.

Next the Kwantlen-suported farmer's market came in with a presentation and said they weren't there to ask for anything. In the end, they were looking for $3,000 from the ToL to cover shoppers parking at the market. While the farmer's market will be a great community asset and the society that runs it is non-profit, still the sellers will make money from this venture, and this is why they signed up. The sellers also made sure that this Langley Farmer's Market would be held on Wednesdays so as not to interfere with their Saturday farmer's market sales where they get higher prices for their produce.

The same Councillor Kim Richter that assails the Langley Lodge Society and the Salvation Army, constantly referring funding requests to the budget or grant processes then offered the Kwantlen-sanctioned farmer's market $3,000, which is $500 more than the usual Community Grant of $2,500, and this comes after the Township grant application process has closed and grants for 2009 have been awarded. Richter wanted this $3,000 to be approved immediately by council without any application or in-camera discussion. Far from her usual insistence that her fellow councillors handle things by advanced Notices of Motions and such. WOW!

Earlier this year the Aldergrove Credit Union had a development permit on the table with ToL council. Councillor Steve Ferguson excused himself from the debate and vote because he wasactive with the credit union's board of directors. Richter serves on the Board of Governors of Kwantlen and is a professor there. The person making the delegation we ae told was a colleague of hers. Is not this a huge conflict of interest for Richter? Should she not have excused herself?

The biggest switch for the good was Mayor Rick Green who deserves a huge pat on the back. The Editorial Board of the Langley Record almost choked on our popcorn as we watched cable TV and heard the Mayor's Report. In a very impressive display of professionalism and team-building, Mayor Green waxed elegant as he discussed various community meetings he (and sometimes his pleasant wife) attended over the past few weeks. As not to leave others out, Mayor Green then went through a list of councillors and meetings they had attended on his behalf, or as representatives of council. Kudos to Mayor Green for extending this much-needed olive branch. This is everything we have been waiting for from this mayor and we truly commend him for this respectful and thoughtful Mayor's Report. Maybe Councillor Richter should watch Mayor Green and take some notes? Despite teaching Organizational Behaviour, she gets a failing grade in practices what she preaches. She certainly doesn't behave well in this council organization.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Monday, May 25, 2009 Township Council Meetings

Meetings of Township Council Support Documents and Reports

(click on links to open documents for viewing or downloading)

Special Meeting of Township Council 3:00 PM

Meeting Agenda

May 4, 2009 Special Meeting Minutes

Regular Meeting of Township Council 7:00 PM

Meeting Agenda

May 11, 2009 Regular Meeting Minutes

Doc 1

Doc 2

Friday, May 22, 2009

Tragic Loss This Morning in Langley

The Editorial Board of the Langley Record are very saddened by the news that at 6:30am this morning in the 2600 block of 232 Street, a female cyclist lost her life. Our hearts and prayers go out to this unidentified cyclist's surviving family members. It is so tragic and we understand that the motorist did remain at the scene and that alcohol and speed have been ruled out. The news is covered by the Langley Times here and The Langley Advance here.

The Langley Record had no idea just how timely our post yesterday would be. It is our sincere hope that people will become more aware of cyclists, as well as being much more tolerant and accommodating of other road users. Pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders, and motorists all have the right to use the roadway. We all need to be aware of each other's presence and respect them.

We trust that Anne Patterson, the author of this extremely insensitive article will now apologize to the cycling community and put aside selfishness, the true root of this issue.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Bashing Urban Langley

The Editorial Board found this absolute trash posted as a freelance article to the Langley Times. The article was written by Anne Patterson. She is the spouse of Township finance committee civilian member Calvin Patterson, a lawyer. You will recall that Patterson is a financial contributor and staunch supporter of Mayor Rick Green during the campaign.

The Pattersons and Mayor Green all live on large rural properties. So what's wrong with this article? Well, he's a few to chew...

"Inspired by a series of cycle races held in the area in the last couple of years, a group of horse-owning, child-oriented neighbours decided to take back their streets from the clutches of the Township planners, many of whom live in Kitsilano, anyway."

What? Township staff living in Kits? How many do that? We don't find the attack on ToL staff to be very funny and they certainly deserve more than this. Next we have:

"I guess it was inevitable that the manic two-wheelers from the city would discover our quiet little street, where the horses outnumber the cars.

Man o' man, statements like these really support the notion of a rural Langley Township elite sitting on their large acreage properties in central and south Langley. Denouncing the urban areas, newcomers to the ToL, complaining about the proliferation of high density developments, and all these "threats" to their rural lifestyle.

Does Mayor Rick Green share this same philosophy as his very strong supporters? After all, the good mayor also has acreage, horses, and the related trappings of the rural elite as well. Does he share this anti-urban view of the Township? Shame, shame on Mrs. Patterson and the rural elite for driving yet another wedge between the rural and urban residents of Langley Township.

Sometimes we wonder what's in the water! What could drive people to oppose various Township initiatives and attack our urban Langley residents? Can't we all just get along?

Actually it is all very odd that this author would say...

"It's that we felt our normally hospitable impulses were being abused by urban bullies with no respect for our rural lifestyle."

Some time ago some concerned citizens sent us some photographs of a certain person of interest bullying the rural neighbours by filling in some sensitive wetlands adjacent to their property with rocks. This fill would then facilitate crossing this sensitive area with their horses, while at the same time blocking access to other residents. We hear Township staff served a warning here because of a protective covenant on these lands, which would prohibit these types of activities and the resulting impact on the neighbours. Out of respect we did not publish these photographs and the story. Need we say more?

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Mayor Rick Green - Where Are You?

When the spat of gang violence rocked Langley sending regional media to all corners of Langley Township and the City of Langley, Mayor Rick Green was very vocal and present for every photo op and interview. This was not going to happen in his Township. Law and order, throwing these people in jail for a long time, et al. All good things to do in these times of gang wars that put the general public at great risk. But what else is Mayor Green prepared to do about these problems beyond just the talk that has all but disappeared?

We note that a Provincial Remand Centre is still on the agenda in BC. One is badly needed and even Mayor Green's publicist agrees that Langley Township would be a great location for this remand centre. Sites have been identified here as well. As pointed out, these remand facilities are very secure and bring lots of good paying jobs to a local community and its businesses. There is much talk these days about community courts and the Township of Langley could negotiate a deal with the provincial government to take in a remand centre in exchange for a new Langley Community Court. Why not?

The Township has lots of land mass that would serve the remand centre well. Gloucester Estates comes immediately to mind, but there are many other options and a location close to local restaurants and shops frequented by remand staff would be preferred. Several communities have stepped up to the plate, including Vancouver and even Mayor Green's old stomping ground of Delta. If Green has any innovation and negotiating skills in his tool box, we would think he would have been right on this whole remand centre band wagon. After all, you can't have it both ways. If you want to get tough on crime and lock people up, then you must be willing to put a remand centre in your municipality.

We think a remand centre is a great idea to stimulate the local economy in Langley Township, and get us a community court that we greatly need and could serve other communities such as Langley City and Abbotsford. The later would not be happy, as Abby has been trying to get a community court for some time now. So, what do you say Mayor Green? Will you walk the talk or just talk the talk on this one?

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Township In-Camera Leak and The Mayor's Puzzle

Now one week has passed since our first expose of a Township Council in-camera leak of Mayor Green's "Piece of the Puzzle Uncovered"to the NDP the day before the official release by Mayor and Council. None of the local newspapers have said one word about this leak and Brian Lewis of The Province is nowhere to be found. Who leaked this in-camera information to the NDP and why?

Its also very funny that this big puzzle has led to nothing. The only one that seems puzzled by all this is Mayor Rick Green. He and his cronies "uncovered" a document that has existed for 20+ years and apparently was no big secret. But Green did take this in-camera from the get-go and then it was leaked. Who is the source of this leak? How can the residents of Langley Township ever trust the integrity of our municipality unless leaks of this sort are fully investigated and the person or persons are punished? Where are you Brian Lewis????

Its also very clear that Mayor Rick Green and his sidekick Kim Richter backed the wrong horse in the MLA races for Langley and Fort Langley-Aldergrove. Green is very proud to be an old Social Credit party member. But it is very clear that Green is a Rafe Mair Socred that now leans very left and embraces the socialists. Did Councillor Kim Richter have that great an impact on Mayor Green or did this socialist streak appear before the unholy alliance and formation of the Green-Richter Slate?

As we reported post-election, Mayor Green was nowhere to be found at Rich Coleman nor Mary Polak's victory parties. Can we assume he was at the union hall holding boxes of tissues for NDP losers Kathleen Stephany and Gail Chaddock-Costello? One could joke about Abbott and Costello, but it would really have to be The Three Stooges.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Great Poem By Good Poet

Our poet is a good poet, unlike that of the dark side. Here is a great post-election poem by Good Poet. No need to explain to you how to read it, you guys (and gals) are smart enough on your own.

Oh by gosh by golly,
It's a loss for poor Wally.

Others went out on a limb,
Including the likes of poor Kim.

NDP support from an old VALTACer.
Sonya likes to hear herself natter.

He wrote letters so he wouldn't open his mouth,
Now I hear dear Eric flown bysouth!

Stephannie is pondering her future,
If she wants success she has to drop all the losers.

A negative campaign will get you nowhere,
But being put out to pasture in Milner.

On that great farmland you will flouish,
If I could only find a crop other than grass there to nourish.

That's the end so lets move on,
Thanks to all that the decision you made was not wrong!

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

All Over For The NDP

*** Update ***

The Editorial Board of the Langley Record was going to hit the union hall to see the butt kicking, but we really didn't want to see a scary face crying. Mary Polak got 12,772 votes at our last count to Kathleen Stephany's 8.060. So who kicked who's butt?

And gee, for a super star, Jordan Braun didn't fair to well with 376 votes to Rich Coleman's 14,576 votes. Better not pay much attention to the BS of a certain local political blog run by a politician's hack eh?

Just goes to show you that if you run your campaign with class and take the high road, the people will respond and reward you. Congratulations in a BIG way to Rich Coleman and Mary Polak. Two people with tremendous class and always looking at how they can take the high road.

Better be careful taking any advice (especially any political advice) from Editor Big Sod. Boy, did he ever call this one wrong! But then again, he always does. His version of reality differs greatly from reality. Kim better watch who she knocks and who she viciously attacks. It definitely goes against the grain of the broader community.

We also note that Mayor Rick Green was very obviously absent from post-election festivities in Langley, while Mayor Peter Fassbender was out doing the right thing we hear. It's called relationship building and respect Mayor Green. But then again, you're better take your advice from Big Sod, Silly Sour Willy and Horny Goad.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Champagne Socialist At Work in Langley

*** Update ***
Please note that Mary Polak also listed her salary on the Sun's survey. Kathleen Stephany of the NDP did NOT list her salary at all. So, do the socialists wish to hide their privileged lifestyle from you? Enquiring minds wish to know. Call Kathleen Stephany and ask her.

The Vancouver Sun's Candidate Survey was recently posted. Langley NDP candidate Kathleen Stephany did not list the type of vehicle she drives and we found that odd. Although the Sun's website did not allow us to access any candidate picture for her, we did discover this photo on the net that identifies her with her car. So, this self-proclaimed intellectual (that supposedly has a heart for the less fortunate), apprently drives an AUDI TT Sport Coupe. We are certain that no one working for a minimum wage of even $20/hour could afford a ride like this.

This new information is interesting given the fact that on May 7th the NDP was calling for the resignation of a BC Liberal candidate for being wealthy. You can read that article here.

BC Liberals candidate Mary Polak on the other hand listed her 2000 Honda Civic Hatchback (standard) as her vehicle in that survey. As anyone who has been to events with Mary Polak present, this is Mary's only ride. Mary Polak has never forgotten her roots and she has walked in the shoes of many of the people she serves in Langley. Keep this in mind when you vote for your MLA.

Here is some info on the starting price of Kathleen Stephany's high-end sports car:

Judging by the condition of Mary Polak's manual transmission Honda Civic, this is generous. Based on what we saw at the last event, we wouldn't pay any more than $1,000 for her car!