Broken Promises? Hardly!

Recent press out of Fort Langley here and here will certainly mislead those unfamiliar with ParkLane Homes and their Bedford Landing project. Those familiar with the issues here know that the same handful of people have done nothing but offer negative remarks but little in the way of productive and constructive solutions for our community.

The comical thing is that some of the people mentioned are NOT Fort Langley residents, but portraying themselves as Fort Langley residents possibly to add to their credibility? To set the record straight, Doug McFee, Larri Woodrow, Bays and Bob Blackhall and Keith Robertson who all identify themselves as "Friends of the TransCanada Trail" are NOT residents of Fort Langley.

We would also like to set the record straight by saying that any claims of promises broken by ParkLane Homes are equally false and misleading. Statements by these folks show a complete disconnect in what they support and embrace. Just look at this:

Province Article:

"We wanted a vibrant and lively area along the riverside, not a quiet residential space"...said Smith.

Langley Times Article:

"The original development was sold on a vision of rural, riverside and peaceful," said Rodney Blackwell, chair of the Fort Langley Community Association.

and

"Bedford Landing was not supposed to overwhelm the rest of the village. We don't want a busy urban development and that's what this will do." Rodney Blackwell

Which is it you want folks? Vibrant and lively or peaceful?


History
ParkLane purchased this land from forestry group Interfor, that once ran a sawmill on this old Fort Langley property site. Prior to the purchase, Interfor was looking for a rezoning and made some promises to the Township in exchange for the rezoning.

Following the sale (and being good corporate citizens), ParkLane Homes as new owners sought to provide the community with amenities and develop a quality community. Of the 80 acres, ParkLane preserved roughly half or 40 acres as dedicated green space, conservation areas and linear parks (trails).

Interfor committed to provide resources ($250K - $300K) to upgrade facilities for both the Rowing Club and Canoe Club that are active on the river. ParkLane inherited this promise and together with the Township of Langley developed facilities for these two clubs that make others envious. In the end, ParkLane Homes spent far more than the original Interfor commitment of $250K - $300K. You can hardly call this a broken promise, can you?

Caring for Pedestrians
Interfor had committed to the Township for provision of a pedestrian overpass to enhance the usability and attractiveness of the riverfront. ParkLane inherited this commitment and will soon provide funding for a $1M pedestrian overpass. What promise was broken here?

The Rowing Club, Kwantlen First Nations and the Township saw a huge need to do a commercial dredge of the Bedford Channel to help cleanse this waterway and enhance recreation here. It was estimated at that time that a commercial dredge would cost approximately $2M !!

Bedford Channel Dredge Costly
The Township went to ParkLane regarding the commercial dredge. The company crunched the numbers and had a very difficult time finding a business case to help the ToL. They wanted to, but the huge price tag made it far from economically viable. The ToL reviewed the approvals and realized that basements were not approved for some Bedford Landing homes. The ToL offered ParkLane approval of some basements in exchange for the commercial dredge. ParkLand agreed that this would make things more economically viable and a partnership was struck, with the ToL offering $50K, GVRD $50K and the Provincial Government putting in abother $100K in grants. Again the final bill to ParkLane Homes was more than the estimated $2M and the company installed a self-scouring system for an additional $500K. Another broken promise here perhaps? Hardly.

While the Township has approved legal secondary suites, much of the basement homes in Bedford Landing do not have secondary suites as this group of critics claim. But the offering of basements for recreation rooms, spare bedroom or a home theatre helped ParkLane offset the cost of this huge community gift of the deeper channel.

An Attractive Adult Community Area
Interfor committed to "senior housing" that could only be purchased by "seniors". There is currently no Bylaw in the Township of Langley that specifies any specific age for "senior housing". The Bylaw is vague in that regard. Again, ParkLane homes honoured this promise by building some apartments that were marketed to folks 45 years of age and old. NO Township Bylaw required this. The reality is, most people who purchased this product are at least 55 years of age (empty nesters), with many being 65 and over. No promise broken here that we can see!

Smaller Footprint - More Landscaping
The original Interfor approval called for a 3 story building with 100 apartments and 8 townhouses in the original plan. ParkLane presented Township Council with a proposal for 4 stories and only 78 units. The critics complain and claim that ParkLane is trying to "squeeze every last drop of profit" out of this land. Yet, the current 78 units have a smaller footprint than the original plan for 100 units and 8 townhouses. Imagine that!

The Hotel That Shouldn't
Interfor hired a consultant to design their original development. This consultant drew up some grand plans for a waterfront area and hotel with 90 rooms. The same consultant developed similar plans for a waterfront project in Pitt Meadows. The developer in Pitt Meadows crunched the numbers and looked at usage and determined it was not economically viable.

Economic Realism Or Do They Want A Casino in Fort Langley?
ParkLane Homes like any company in these hard economic times must review all developments to ensure their plans align with market conditions. No one has any crystal ball to say when this economic downturn will change, or how well it will recover. So, ParkLane reviewed the old hotel proposal from the former Interfor consultant, spoke with some hotel chains and people in the business, looked at visitor figures and choices of accommodation (bed & breakfast), and have determined that a hotel in this development is NOT economically viable. Has ParkLane really done anything wrong in sidelining plans for what could be a very large and ugly white elephant visible from the roadway and the waterfront? We think not.

Despite having a 24-hour casino and a convention centre, the Coast Hotel in Langley City is only 77 rooms. How on earth can any economy support the building of 90 room in Fort Langley?

We could go on, but we think our readers are wise enough to read between the lines on this one. Given the fact that Doug McFee and his group made a delegation to Township Council last year to criticize ParkLane Homes for a waterfront development plan that was YET to be issued at that time, the claims of promises broken is very unfounded to put it politely.

We MUST conclude that ParkLane Homes should be commended for their fine corporate citizenship in our community and their follow-through on the promises made by others. ParkLane has been building nothing but quality products at all price ranges, making them affordable for people in Langley. They have contributed greatly to the cleansing and viability of waterways, greenways and trail systems. In very tough economic times, ParkLane Homes has not failed the majority of the residents of the Township of Langley and they continue with their commitments and generous contributions. We wish all to know the truth and to support their efforts. Let's stop bashing ParkLane Homes and the beauty that is Bedford Landing. A gem right here in the Township of Langley.

The Experts Love Bedford Landing - Imagine That!
Recently a member of our Editorial Board took some well-respect urban planners to Bedford Landing. They were amazed at the range of housing options, affordability and quality. They couldn't help but photograph every corner and housing type. They are now presenting these slides of Bedford Landing in their communities elsewhere in North America as examples of quality sustainable development. So while the world envies at our gems, a handful of critics cast these same gems around like feed for swine. Go figure!

Langley Chatter

News Flash

LANGLEY CHATTER REPORT

While intelligence agencies around the globe monitor "chatter" that streams in from phone, Internet, fax and other sources, The Langley Record monitors the chatter of the Township as our frank reporting troubles some. Our new Langley Chatter report will advise you of the latest talk and chatter we received from our Langley intelligence sources that run the gamut of political affiliations and position.

Our latest intel reveals that a handful of people are VERY upset by our posts. Langley area pharmacists are working overtime as a community service to refill prescriptions for this small band of folks in need of serious medicating. Orders have also been placed for some very fashionable straight jackets as seen above, just in case the meds fail to work. Area doctors have also been busy raising doses and frequency of use instructions for these patients.

As if this was not enough, the rusty old PR engine for one of these people has tried to crank itself to life, but the tired old posts are not garnering any comments as readership has bled heavily from the sudden political attacks against have alienated a once-shared support base. Even former allies now concede that the unholy alliance with the kingpin (or should we say "Queenpin"?) has resulted in multiple elections losses as a result of this misalignment.

Yes folks, the PR engine will have you believe as they did from the start, that this blog is simply evil. But as we have consistently reported the facts and called it as we see it, people have now learned where the true disinformation is coming from and where the truth can be found.

Stay tuned to the Langley Record, as very soon we will uncover yet another smoke screen that attempts to fabricate truth and mislead you. This journey will take us to a quaint little area of Langley Township. Wait until you hear this one!

More Quack, Quack, Quack...

Councillor Kim Richter has once again showed her true colours. Her old duck line (used and abused often in Township Council) has come back home to roost... no pun intended!

Pretending to befriend who she previously referred to as the "Council Six Pack", with sweet calls and comments of concern, the gloves came off when these folks didn't trust her or tell her their every move. Good thing, as a look at The Times shows the level of hatred for her fellow Councillors. But hey after all, only a fool would trust her when you consider the amount of old baggage and antics that have occurred in the past.

Shortly after the campaign Richter's "Editor" (you know, the same guy that does what he accuses us of doing) printed some comments and Willy Nilly commented back about Richter not being able to work with any mayor or Council. There was complete and utter denial from that other blog, but we must agree with Willy Nilly now! Very prophet Willy! Right on!

In our opinion Mayor Green has his faults and his own way of doing things that rub people the wrong way, but he does pick and choose his battles somewhat and he doesn't hold grudges year after year about silly things. He will also entertain criticism that is focused on issues. This is FAR more than we can say about Cllr. Richter, someone who has refused to talk to some colleagues for years and then suddenly changes her tune when a particular relative comes in from Ottawa. She also doesn't consider critics from the general public that are NOT public officials. Going on the attack against them is simply political suicide over time.

Cllr. Richter's behaviour should seriously raise the eyebrows of the electorate. We are hearing that Mayor Green's supports are taking a very hard second look and we did predict what is happening today. Another "Editor" would have you believe it just happened yesterday, but we are dealing with a Councillor that is calculating and strategic, all for her own benefit and profile. Never for the benefit on another.

Just remember what has been said many times at the Council table about ducks and watch what is happening folks. Expect the heat to rise even higher as we get closer to election time. This person will also try to drag Cllr. Bateman into everything. Why? Because Bateman recently had a corporate fundraiser and we do hear that some serious cash flowed his way. We know for a fact that people in Surrey were called to fund a mayor's run in the Township of Langley by a certain female Councillor. When the dollars didn't materialize, her energy was focused on a slate with Mayor Green. What else can you do when people don't have the confidence to put the cash up? Perhaps the bitter harvest is now here because of a would have - could have - should have scenario? Keep watching. The gloves came off with the Times news plant.

Brown's Pit - Someone Better Fill Coleman In!

Last year the residents around Brown's Pit was concerned that gravel extraction in the area would make a mess of the Hopington Aquifer. Although it was a political hot potato (as the BC government was clearly in favour of building a new Port Mann Bridge, Fort Langley-Aldergrove MLA Rich Coleman swung into action. All those that know Rich very clearly recall him meeting with Councillors Jordan Bateman and Charlie Fox, collecting all the facts, then letting Victoria know this plan would definitely impact the aquifer and couldn't happen.

Some four weeks after MLA Coleman took up the charge, Mayor Rich Green appeared in the driveway of some opponents, along with several Milner Greens. A day late and a dollar short, still Mayor Green took credit for "fighting" and winning the case in his latest report card on Monday evening. As this clearly fell within the jurisdiction of the Provincial Government and they can basically do whatever they wish without consulting this mayor, how can he possibly take credit for this work? MLA Coleman even met with the residents at his request to let them know the project would not be moving forward and that he had worked all this out.

We are certain word has now gotten back to MLA Rich Coleman. We'd love to be a fly on the wall in his office when the news came in that the rookie mayor has taken all the credit.

Just Like a Bad Dream - Only This One Doesn't Go Away

Sonya Paterson, a former defeated Township Council candidate (who ran on Richter's invisible slate) seems to be doing Councillor Kim Richter's dirty work yet again. You will recall that Paterson appeared before Township Council (after filing a jaded, if not inaccurate Delegation Request) last year to ask who the tens of thousands of Mufford overpass supporters were. Just like the rest of her crew, Paterson just couldn't let the issue drop after the group tried to intimidate Council and behave as disrespectful children. In fact, she just can't seem to let go with much of anything. NOT being elected should have sent a clear sign to Paterson that the ToL taxpayer is not impressed with her sideshows, and computer reconfigurations that mysteriously send out caustic e-mails all by themselves don't seem to command much credibility from the general public. Those "reconfigurations" occurred several times for Paterson.

After that zany Paterson Council delegation, Councillor Kim Richter promptly filed a Notice of Motion regarding the matter. At the next meeting when the Richter motion came up, Paterson we are told was present and smiling in the audience, accompanied by one piss poor "videographer". The Cheshire Cat smiles quickly vanished when even former slate pal, Mayor Green, did not second this wacky motion. In fact, no one seconded it and Paterson made the walk of shame out of Council chambers in defeat once again. You may also recall that prior to these antics, Paterson tried unsuccessfully to get both langley MLA's criminally charged by the RCMP for what she viewed as a violation of the Elections Act for their endorsement of some Langley School Board candidates. It was yet another embarrassing crash and burn defeat when the RCMP announced they had investigated the matter and found no grounds for this and other accusations against Township Councillor Jordan Bateman who Paterson also tried to pull into the matter. You would think someone would smarts after all that negativity and move out to another province or something to get away from all that embarrassment.

But....

Now the Editorial Board of the Langley Record uncovered some rising chatter with word that Sonya Paterson this week made some calls that included the local media outlets. We understand that she was also requesting that Mayor Green interrogate some Council members because they that had non-secretly met in the Municipal Facility with some leadership of the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) to get an update on several Langley files and to discuss troubling gravel extraction applications and what the Township could do to prevent them. A good thing for the citizens of the Township, don't you think?

Apparently Paterson did not study the duties of a councillor to see that it includes meeting with staff and other orders of government to gather facts, expert opinions and relevant data, in order for them to make informed decisions on our behalf. It's a good thing this one didn't get elected, eh? More importantly, Sonya Paterson was not at the Municipal Facility during the time of this meeting we have discovered through our investigation. So, did Councillor Kim Richter get Paterson to do her dirty work once again?

Paterson really should examine who her friends really are. Both Councillor Kim Richter and an unnamed significant other have been overheard in public places several times laughing at Paterson for her zany antics. The most recent chuckle was at the most recent Douglas Day Banquet when Richter belittled Paterson for hiring two psychics to try and locate her little missing dog. It was a cruel maneuver that shocked more than a few guests. While these guests had no love for Ms. Paterson, given her circumstances with that poor little pooch gone missing not far from a major roadway, we don't see any humour in this latest Richter outburst that could not be overheard. Yet Richter and company laughed the night away at Sonya's expense once again.

While the Editorial Board of this blog doesn't consult mystics and psychics as a news source or otherwise, we could understand Sonya Paterson doing everything she possibly could to locate this (apparently) prized little doggy of hers.

The moral of the story is....When you become someone's puppet, they tend to lose all respect for you. Is that the case here perhaps?

Haiti Relief - A Langley Home Town Effort

A faithful reader of this blog has asked if we could provide information to our readers regarding a local effort to help Haiti. As The Langley Record is meant to be a hometown Langley news outlet that cares very much about our community and people in general. We are happy to take time out of our political coverage to aid the efforts of people in our community that are reaching out to help the poor people of Haiti that are suffering so much. Please read the information and links here and consider a generous donation today.

Global Aid Network (GAiN) is a division of Power to Change, based right here in Langley. The Vancouver Giants is partnering with GAiN and the Langley Events Centre to raise money for the Haiti relief efforts. The Vancouver Giants press release says in part:

When Giants fans cheer on their team at the Langley Events Centre on Saturday, January 30th against the Prince George Cougars and on Sunday, January 31st against the Portland Winter Hawks, they can
also make a donation towards Haiti relief efforts.

GAiN will have a booth set up in the concourse of the Langley Events Centre where spectators can make their donations and information on how they can give will appear on the jumbo-tron and announcements will be made throughout the game.

GAiN is already on the ground in Haiti. They are busy distributing emergency kits that contain food, water purification tablets, tents and other basic necessities. They are also running medical clinics and providing trauma counselling for survivors. Until February 12th , the Canadian Federal Government will match your donation.

If you won't be at the game, please take a moment to click here and give a generous donation online to GAiN now!

So Where Did This All Come From?

This blog has always called it like it is and we never removed posts to pander to any political forces. We have also been fair to praise and fair to criticize. This week saw Mayor Rick Green present HIS Annual Report. This report traditionally focused on COUNCIL accomplishments and other major events that occurred the previous year in the Township. The Editorial Board of The Langley Record has now received word back from several spectators in the Council audience that night, or who watched the proceedings on television.

The response was overwhelming that this Annual Report was a Rick Green report, all about him. He neglected some significant projects that launched in 2009 and "Mayor" Ferguson gave his report afterward to remind the mayor. What was neglected? Things like the opening of the Golden Ears Bridge, the Langley Events Centre (where Mayor Green holds season tickets), the long-awaited opening of the Salvation Army's Gateway of Hope and a host of others. At one point Councillor Richter even leans over to her Council colleagues to comment on this "ME" report. We obtained the audio files from the ToL and enhanced them for clarity to make sure.

Councillor Richter and others made copious notes and while watching with the Board on TV, we thought certain she would refute Mayor Green point by point. We do have to credit her with asking for clarification on the Mayor's rail task force, but we had anticipated more with all the note taking. Quite frankly this task force should be the least of our worries and Richter should have much bigger fish to fry.

While we praise Councillor Richter for speaking out at the meeting and through her "political strategist", we must also ask her how this situation with her and Mayor Green being at odds is just NOW coming to light? It is no secret around the Council table that Richter has reached out to the "Council Six-Pack" and others with somewhat of a gesture of peace. At the Douglas Day Banquet, Cllr. Richter interrupted a guest speaking with former Mayor Kurt Alberts in order to tell Kurt that he was greatly missed at the Council table and how this new mayor is something else. Several people directly heard and reported these statements to The Record. So, where did all this displeasure come from and when????

Councillor Kim Richter has spent her career on Council building walls around her contrarian views and tactics. Why on earth would any intelligent Council member throw away common sense and simply trust her just like that? Richter's "political pundit" did not help her win friends and influence people with her latest blog post. In fact, he has publicly stated that Kim Richter doesn't trust anyone. So, why should she be trusted?

If Kim wants to earn back the respect of Council, she is going to have to be up front and voice her displeasure in public and at the Council table. No more behind the scenes lobbying and a clear stance on the issues at hand. As Kim always says, "If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it must be a duck". To which we add.... Quack! Quack! Quack!

And while we are at it, what's up with the removal of comments and replacement of her "Editor's" lame attempt to smooth over the previous strong stand?

Little does Cllr. Richter know, but her Council colleagues love to have her "political brain trust"... "The Editor" back in action. It only gives them more reasons not to trust her. She certainly does much better alone. Now if she just comes out of the closet (or perhaps back room) and speak her mind in public, she may give her colleagues legitimate reason to work with her. She has certainly taken a baby step in the right direction and for that we salute her efforts. Now what?

Opaque - The New Transparency For Kim Richter?

At a recent Township (Council Priorities Committee - CPC) budget meeting Councillor Kim Richter suggested that Council examine water metering IN THE URBAN AREAS and that they also consider NOT adding the proposed additional police officer for the next few years as recommended by the RCMP based on population growth.

At Monday's Special Township Council meeting on January 11th the minutes of that CPC came before Council for approval. Cllr. Richter quickly jumped in to ask that the minutes be revised to clearly indicate her intention of wanting to meter water in the URBAN areas of the Township only. She then apparently threw away all of the political rhetoric on her website and election platforms for the past many years, asking staff why these comments were directly attributed to her (Councillor Richter) in the record.

Staff agreed to amend the minutes to say that there was a "Council discussion" related to these issues raised. Can you imagine that? Cllr. Kim Richter constantly chastises her Council peers for what she perceives to be any hint of lack of transparency and accountability. Yet Richter had the Township record amended so that her comments in Council appear vague and not attributed to any one single Township Councillor.

Apparently for Cllr. Kim Richter, opaque has become the new transparent. Better throw away those old campaign buttons and revise that website Councillor, as once again your walk does not line up with the talk.

Only ONE Pocket - Kim Richter and Mayor Green Take Note

What amazes our Editorial Board each year is how Councillor Kim Richter (and now Mayor Green) separate taxes. They somehow think that if tax increases are not in the form of property tax increases, somehow that will buffalo the general public?

Richter constantly promotes things like raising user fees in the Township. Green just comes up with ridiculous budget numbers that are irrational and never add up. Someone needs to educate Cllr. Richter on the fact that whether it is property taxes or user fees, it is the same public taxpayer pocket. You can slice it and dice it all you want Kim, but it all comes out of the same pocket!

It also amazes us that each and every year the loudest griping comes from the rural residents of Langley with regards to budgets and increases. The fact of the matter is that in 2009, Township Council received 30-40 positive feedback sheets during the public budget input process. At least 30-40 urban residents (who pay proportionally more taxes than their rural neighbours understood the need for the tax increase and supported it. Our Editorial team took a straw pole amongst our neighbours in 2009 and all of the people we spoke with were happy with the services and levels of service they were receiving from the ToL and were happy to pay for them. Many of them resented Mayor Rick Green's suggestions that the Township could be operated on a shoe string, and viewed this approach as nothing more than a cheap political tactic. They fully understood that Cllr. Richter could be placed in that same boat.

One pocket there is Kim and Rick. Better come to Jesus and repent of your past sins.

Spin, Spin, Spin...

As we are about to enter a New Year, some things just never change. We see this Langley Times article on the Township budget process here and the spin job that is already heating up. Since taking office, Mayor Rick Green quickly discovered that his take on the Township was not reality-based. We believe he was already well-aware of that. His constant denial of the facts and truth cause those of us that love Langley to be hugely concerned.

It's OK that Green was a transplant from Delta and didn't grow up in Langley, but did live here for about 10 years. Sometimes an outside perspective is good. But Green managed (through voter apathy and aligning himself with a handful of people with axes against the Township, former mayor and council) to push Kurt Alberts out of the mayor's seat. Kurt was a man that loved and still very much loves the Township. What people may not realize is that during his tenure as mayor, Kurt refused many of the automatic pay increases. Kurt's salary was in the low to mid $50K range. Rick Green's compensation is in excess of $120K with salary and expenses. He recently received a huge raise with the latest Metro Vancouver averaging formula. Even the mayor's pal, Langley Times Editor Frank Bucholtz, could not ignore that one!

But back to the spin...Green is now busy spinning his version of the news related to the ToL budget. His Finance Committee of campaign cronies (except for Cllrs. Ferguson - Richter was really friendly to Green at that time), came up with a VERY lame report. It said nothing, did nothing to address the maintenance needs of a growing municipality, would have depleted fund reserves, and would have led to a $9M+ deficit in 3 years! This very thin "report" did not even spell out how their proposed .93% tax increase could be obtained!

Yet Mayor Green continues to stick to the spin and ignores the huge white elephant in the room. Green also fails to understand that even his proposed .93% (if it was do-able), is still a far cry from his 0% tax increase times 3 years. Green was that careless that he failed to do his homework on the Township's finances. A process that is very open and with all documentation available for public consumption. The man should have known going into the election that 0% was not do-able at all, but he created false hope and optimism amongst his band of malcontents.

Don't believe the Green spin. Attend the budget meetings yourself and hear from the various directors what reality is. The budget meetings are open to the public (despite Green's secret budget meetings last year). The dates for the Council Priorities Committee (CPC) Budget Meetings are January 14th and January 28th at 3:30pm - 5:30pm. Other meeting dates may be announced. The last meeting was held in the Fraser River presentation theatre. Count on the next meetings being in there or the Salmon River committee and meeting room.

Don't just wait for the budget open house and some pretty picture boards. HEAR the facts yourself and don't believe the SPIN.

Mayor Green Unrealistic Once Again

The local rag reports here that the ToL budget process has begun and Mayor Green has already launched his attack against Township Council. Green appointed three people that either supported his campaign with time, or gave money to his campaign. He keeps trying to paint this group as a simple group of Township citizens, but the reality is that they are political insiders.

Last year after 12 weeks of budget reviews this committee could only ask basic questions about why this or that expense is placed in this category on the spreadsheets. How can Green say that a more extensive process is what we need when he fully knows that there was already an extensive process last year. Mayor Green also knows very well that his proposed .93% would have drained Township Utility funds and caused a deficit of over $9M by year three of his budget plan. Mayor Green loves to talk about him or his cronies having "concerns", but he is NEVER specific about what these concerns are, nor does he ever fully explain these "concerns". In our opinion it is all SMOKE and MIRRORS with this mayor and it directly relates to his inability (with or without Council support) to conclude with anything other than a 4-5% tax increase for 2010.

How can a zero budget be promoted by this mayor when we all know that the provincial government has just downloaded PRIME BC costs of $1,000 per police officer, the Murrayville Fire Hall will go to full time in 2010, and significant roads and infrastructure must be maintained. Can this mayor understand English? Rene Payer provided an excellent presentation to council on their responsibilities to maintain Township assets. How can Mayor Green ignore the facts here with unfounded "concerns"? Time for Mayor Green to get real!

Local Rag Mis-Reports

One of the two local Langley rages mis-reported and its interesting that this happened. The final vote on the borrowing Bylaw for the 64th and Mufford overpass was on the table. Green, Richter and Kositsky voted in lock step on the other votes and apparently Mayor Green and Cllr. Richter were expecting much the same for the final vote.

Wise Cllr. Kositsky did not raise his hand to oppose the final vote, and this caused the mayor to reiterate 3 times the question for this opposed. We listened to the recording and it was a bundle of laughs. We spoke to councillors present and found that Kositsky had his head down writing each time Cllr. Richter and the Mayor looked his way with a vote call.

It's fine for Cllrs. Richter and Kositsky to vote as they wish, but Mayor Green's lack of support for the funding Bylaw just shows once again that he is ignoring the Will of Council. The same Will he took an oath to defend. Perhaps Kositsky's message for not voting with the twofers was to show that there was nothing personal about this Bylaw and that sometimes people have to move on.

This mayor doesn't understand that sometimes you can get more with sugar than lemons. Also sometimes you have to move on from your opposition and support the Will of Council. So, for the sake of making the 64th Avenue overpass a personal thing, Mayor Green lost yet another opportunity to gain some respect with his council. We also know not to trust our local rags for accurate political news! Keep reading the Langley Record for the accurate reporting of the facts!

2010 Budget Bombshell

Just one hour ago The Editorial Board of The Langley Record received confirmation of the discussions today at a Township Council Priorities Committee (CPC) meeting on the 2010 budget. We can confirm the following:

1. No members of the press were present.
2. Staff presented on Sustainability and Asset Maintenance.
3. The presentation talked of staff, mayor and council's responsibilities to maintain Township
assets (roads, sidewalks, parks, etc.).
4. Staff presented a realistic look at a Township in fairly good financial shape that will require
roughly a 5% tax increase in order to maintain current service levels, adding just one new
police constable per year and minimal additions elsewhere for items sent to budget by Council
in the past few weeks.
5. The reality is that there has been more downloading that includes higher water and other
GVRD rates to municipalities and a requirement to pay for the RCMP Provincial Police
database system known as PRIME. Costs that used to be covered by the provincial
government will now cost the Township about $1,000 per police officer, we are told.
6. The collective bargaining agreement and a full-time fire hall in Murrayville by August 2010
figure into the mix. Tax increases projected at 2.50% would be needed in other years of the 5
year projection.

We are told that Councillor Kim Richter asked Township Administrator Mark Bakken if a ZERO tax increase budget was possible. Bakken responded that anything is possible and that in order to get to 0%, council would need to cut some $7-10Million dollars out of the budget.

Editor Comment: Of course cuts like that would lead to compounding costs in future years as roads and other infrastructure deteriorate and crumble to bits.

Cllr. Richter then commented that perhaps the Township needs to look at not hiring an additional police officer each year (a cost of $144K per officer) and perhaps the ToL needs to look at water metering and charging for water use in the urban areas where GVRD water is supplied, but not any private wells in the rural areas.

Editor Comment: After checking official ToL recordings of the last ToL Council meeting The Langley Record learned that Cllr. Kim Richter once again made a distinction between urban Langley and Rural Langley, when a staff report regarding a recommended sidewalk inspection program was presented to council. This report addressed types of sidewalks and usage (lower in rural and of a different type material), the report suggested inspecting the small amount of rural sidewalks every 5 years and the larger amount of urban every 3 years. Richter suggested that rural receive the same treatment of inspection every 3 years for the rural Langley. Apparently now this rural service could be paid for at the expense of taxpayers in the urban areas through water metering?

We wish to point out that Cllr. Richter has never voted to approve any Township budget and was absent from the final Finance Committee meeting in 2009, as well as when the 2009 budget vote came before council. Will thee be repeat absences during the 2010 process given the bitter pill that was floated by Township staff today?

We must stress that the budget battle has only just begun and all that all comments made at the CPC are very preliminary. But certainly the comments made at the CPC meeting today will set the stage for fireworks in early 2010. The next CPC meeting takes place on January 14 & 28, 2010 at 3:30pm. Stay tuned.

Although not present for the CPC meeting, you can now expect the local rags to read this blog and dispatch the usual lazy reporters forthwith to produce a lame story or two for your consumption. But remember that you read it here first folks!

Just Another Blame Job - A Matter of Respect!

A recent Letter to the Editor in the Langley Advance by Mr. Doug McFee "Land Plan Shows Disrespect" has spurned our Editorial Board to do an investigation into this issue. The question here truly is, who was disrespectful? The Township of Langley or Mr. McFee? Firstly, we wanted to get to the heart of the facts. Something that Mr. McFee in all his wisdom, failed to do. Apparently re is relying on public innuendo and speculation, rather than taking the time to do his homework. Pity, pity, as that in itself is disrespectful!

The Township of Langley it turns out, is not hiding anything at all. In fact, if anyone should be blamed , it is Trinity Western University, for not coming out publically sooner. But Mr. McFee is a good buddy of Trinity Western and McFee’s SRES (Salmon River Environmental Society) partners with the university on a number of public education projects. We gather this is a HUGE case of not biting the hand that feeds you, or not whipping your master. McFee decided that someone had to be blamed and so he puts that blame solely on the shoulders of the Township of Langley – how disrespectful!

The Editorial Board of the Langley Record has determined from our investigation that yes, the Township owns one of the properties in the composite plan of three properties that TRINITY is making application to withdraw from the ALR. Trinity is a growing (both in student body and reputation) university campus of international quality. Many of their existing dorms are old and in significant need of repair . Where do you go for that as your campus is full? Pick up stakes like others do and leave the community? Or simply look to expand across the road and remain dedicated to the local community!

The advertisement in the paper we have confirmed was paid for by Trinity Western University, not the Township. The paper chose the location of it in the ‘Classified’ section – not the Township. Our investigation also revealed that the Township will serve as a point of contact for input and public feedback, but this is being done more as a courtesy. This may seem to lack transparency to some, but we hear the ToL doesn't want to go there with this mayor and his lack of transparency on many issues in only his first year.

The Township as we understand it, has no part in reviewing these plans for appropriateness. This will be Trinity’s job, along with the ALC, who are paid to do that. Trinity planed an open house for this evening - Dec. 10^th from 4 – 6. Once again, this news could have been found with a mere phone call to Trinity – the applicant! Once again the Editorial Board determined that it was Trinity that chose the date and time for public input. The fact that this came forth just before Christmas is something that Mr. McFee should discuss with Trinity.

We can go on and on regarding this issue. Actually the local papers has spelled it all out quite well using factual details in the story. This situation could have been avoided if Mr. McFee would have done his homework and been more respectful in his approach. Instead he choose to simply blame. Unfortunately for Mr. McFee he has lost a lot of respect with the informed public on this issue and that includes the SRES. In the future we will all know well to read letters from this source with skepticism.

What Will Kim Do?

Chatter is increasing in the Township of Langley as Councillor Kim Richter has been making it known to many over the past few weeks that she is now very unhappy with Mayor Rick Green and his lack of performance. For his part, Mayor Green is making it known to anyone that will listen to him, that Cllr. Kim Richter is clearly the enemy.

As we all know, Kim and Rick had a secret slate going on, sharing the same platform and soundbites. Now there is nothing to show for these efforts...not one accomplishment to point to. The budget season is gearing up and talk is that the mayor's band of merry men who gave money and time to his election campaign are poised to once again waste staff time and Township resources for nothing. The shy report was more like shite and the mayor's insistence on secret committee meetings, led councillors assigned to the committee to boycott the final report meeting.

We have now received confirmed reports that Mayor Green has been busy meeting with his three supporters to map out a strategy to force Township Council to give them more say in ToL budget matters. The group was overheard talking about orchestrating a smear campaign against council in the local press if the council could not be persuaded to meet their power demands. We wonder what local editor will oblige them? Not too hard to figure out! We also wonder why anyone on council would give them partisan group anything. And what will Councillor Kim Richter do about all this? Will Richter allow these strong-arm tactics against a council that she is a member of to continue without resistance? Richter clearly supported this witch hunt at the start of the term and it has done nothing but waste serious amounts of staff time and taxpayer money!

Will Kim try to get others to do her bidding or will she come to the Council table and do the right thing? Tough choices ahead and we shall see of Richter has what it takes to stay on Township Council.

Classic Mayor Rick Green

This week we saw classic Mayor Rick Green in action as the Metro Vancouver Directors (Green included) allowed a 25% raise in compensation to sail on without any objections. Of course Mayor Green did voice his "concern" outside and in advance of the meeting when questioned by the press. But once inside the Metro meeting, Green remained silent.

Classic Green...rambles on about unspecified "concerns" at almost every Township Council meeting and in almost every nauseating Mayor's Report. Yet Green is never specific about what his actual concerns of his are. Most especially when he always seems to ignore those very same vague musings, and either allows things like the Metro raise to happen, or ends up voting for something like the Township's Water Management Plan.

Mayor Green and Councillor Kim Richter spoke in unison for many weeks during the last round of Township budget deliberations about the economic downturn and the need for political leaders to live with less, as they claimed the general public was doing. Indeed Green beat his fellow councillors over their heads for approving a reasonable tax increase last year. One that was much lower than its neighbours. The same budget that now allows Green and Richter to fund pet projects and causes. As the Metro Vancouver Board member, Green will now be paid $316 per meeting plus expenses, as opposed to the old rate of $253 plus expenses. If meetings run over the allotted time, board members are actually paid more.

Green loves to spout off about such things, but he's the first person to stick his face in the big feed bag. The Langley Record wonders during these hard economic times where Horny Toad, Willy Nilly and the rest of that elk are now? How could their hero allow such a thing to just happen? We won't even talk about the rest of this article just yet. But let's be very clear that hypocrisy is very much alive in the mayor's seat in Langley Township. Take what you hear with a grain of salt there, as actions always speak louder then words when it comes to Mayor Rick Green.

Thanks to Jeff Nagel for a factual article. Wonder if his editor received any calls from a certainly Langley Editor?

Promises Broken

This is the first of a long series on Promises Broken by Mayor Rick Green of the Township of Langley. Candidate Green promised much in 2008 while on the campaign trail and now we see if the rubber has met the road after one year on the job.

The Water Management Plan

During the campaign Township Council received a DRAFT Water Management Plan. Staff detailed measures that COULD be taken in order to help conserve our precious water supply. The DRAFT report suggested that private wells could be metered to help people see how much water was being used, with an eye at helping them to now conserve and cut back on this usage.

Then candidate Rick Green took this draft plan and metering proposal to the streets. He told the public that the Township of Langley would meter private wells, conveniently leaving out the for purposes of conservation part. Green promoted the idea that water meters would include the ToL billing residents for water from private wells.

As this issue was before Council and then Mayor Kurt Alberts did not know the wishes of Council, he wasn't able to comment on this issue until the final debate. By then the damage had been done. Kurt Alberts DID NOT support water metering even for conservation purposes, as that would give the perception of billing, etc. Neither did the majority of Council and so before the election, this metering provision was removed from the draft plan. Kurt Alberts was being a great mayor by waiting to see what the wishes of Council were. He put aside his own opinion to give that a chance. All of this planning was being done so that the Township of Langley would say how water would be managed here, and not the Provincial government dictating.

On Rick Green's candidate website which was removed directly following the election, but which The Langley Record has full copies of, Green said,

"Currently - Under Kurt Alberts leadership the Township initiated a Water Management Plan. without initial public input and consultation starting with a joint Township and Provincial Government initiative in 2004 designed to tax the groundwater resource.

This initiative was designed to go public and to be sent to Victoria for implementation in early 2008 after a very short two month time frame, including two open houses.

After a significant taxpayer revolt, Council backed off of the Taxation Authority and metering of private wells. The second draft has now been introduced and will be studied over the next ten months. This plan includes an estimated administration cost of $700,000 to 1,000,000 per year for 20 years. Who pays and for what?

Proposed under Rick Green

Put a hold on the current proposed draft Water Management Plan #2 and hold talks with the Provincial Government, our MLA's and the Federal Government through our MP to identify our real needs in this process, specifically to address the needed water line infrastructure required into areas such as Brookswood, Aldergrove, Murrayville and the Gloucester Industrial Estates.

There are some positive recommendations within this plan but also some very real negative impacts or certainly items to be clarified. Something that needs immediate review is the estimated annual cost of $700,000 to $1,000,000 per year for 20 years to pay for annual administration of the plan...."

Promise Broken
On September 21, 2009 Council approved the very same plan that Kurt Alberts had supported. Mayor Green did not raise any objections and only Council Kositsky voted in opposition to the plan being forwarded to the Provincial Government. Mayor Rick Green broke this promise to the residents of the Township of Langley.

Broken Promises

Just one year ago many, many promises were made to the residents of the Township of Langley by a certain candidate for mayor. These promises tickled the ears of many that listened. Old men dreamed dreams and the electorate shifted with high hopes. Everything sounded good to them and it was all wrapped in promises of "openness and transparency".

But very quietly and unnoticed by most residents, the day after the election Rick Greens website came down along with all the promises and audio files. Since that day, the promises of election past have faded and survive only in the minds of those that can recall what was said to the masses.

We here at The Langley Record have not forgotten the promises made to you. So, starting this week we will be previewing a new weekly series entitled, "Promises Broken". It's the stuff that The Langley Mimes can't print for fear of angry calls to their puppet editor. The Langley Retreat won't publish it as they struggle to stay out of bankruptcy and attract more advertising dollars. A certain female councillor's site promised you long ago that they would provide some reports, but apparently they are still out fishing and perhaps afraid to piss off some joint supporters because they were once part of the slate. So, we at The Record are here to present the facts without pulling any punches. Stay Tuned, the best is yet to come!

This Train Isn't Leaving The Station

By Guest Editor Mildred Manor

The Editorial Board of this blog have given Mayor Rick Green the benefit of the doubt regarding his light rail task force, despite the involvement of the Milner Greens. But I have an opposing viewpoint and they have graciously allowed me to publish it here. Thanks fellow EB members!

This Train Isn't Leaving The Station

Why you ask? Well likely because Mayor Green and his citizens committee (or so he states - we will discuss that later in this post) didn't do their homework prior to presenting to all the Mayors and Councils south of the Fraser. The City of Surrey announced some time ago their support for a rail demonstration project in conjunction with the heritage rail folks (Mufford, Holt, et al - all staunch Milner Green campaign supporters). Trying to capitalize on Mayor Green's position, his cohort (read "cronies") decided to work the momentum created by Surrey and developed a proposal to extend this through the Fraser Valley on the old interurban line. Mayor Green and his group reported to Township Council on Oct. 5th. The report titled "Fraser Valley Heritage Rail Update" in actual fact wasn't an update. It was a proposal for ToL Council to back his supposed south of the Fraser Rail Task Force.

With due consideration and politeness Township Council indulged and appointed a member of Council to this task force. Prior to presenting to Council, Mayor Green and his band of tired engineers (including hanger on member Jacob deRaat) presented to Langley City Council.

With his chest puffed and his ego stroked by Township Council, Green felt he had tied the issue up (no pun intended). Things started to unravel later that week as Township Council received a pointed and rather blunt letter from TransLink C.E.O., Mr. Tom Prendergast in which he straightened the record out on several points that Mayor Green and his misguided citizens committee made in their presentations to numerous councils. Further, he implored the committee to correct the points made regarding TransLink's alleged support (which the committee interpreted quite incorrectly - listen folks, listen) and told Green in no uncertain terms to remove the TransLink logo from their presentation.

This was a huge blow to the committee as one of their reported key partners for support (both moral and funding) was allegedly TransLink. Mayor Green then shot back a letter to Mr. Prendergast using Township letterhead (what you scream!). I thought this was a citizens committee and that Mayor Green was actually just a simple citizen (Rick Green) on the committee, and not the Mayor as he had reported. So all of a sudden this is a Township Committee and his rebuttle is now clearly laid out on Township letterhead and I would guess typed by Township staff. Interesting that Green failed to use the "Mayor's letterhead" with his name and picture only - choosing to use the mayor and council letterhead. Perhaps he felt that all the names collectively added credibility to his cause? This is evidence of a blatant lie to Township Council and an abuse of power in his position as Mayor - are you a citizen or Mayor when you speak for this committee Mr. Green? We are very confused as you appear to throw your mayor's cape on and off at will.

Doesn't this bring back memories of the supposed "private citizen" Rick Green presenting to the ALC and mentioning five times in the presentation that he was mayor - another Community Charter violation methinks!

Now comes the biggest blow. My sources tell me that on Monday a week ago all members of Township Council, Mayors and Councils south of the Fraser and all other government bodies received a letter from the Mayor of the City of Langley simply challenging Mr. Green (no not Mayor Green) and his antique band of self-proclaimed railway officinados to answer to eleven points that represent some legitimate questions regarding the reality or authenticity of this proposed demonstration project. Apparently this rational letter caused an explosion. I guess it is fair to say relations between the Langleys are at an all-time low. With Mayor Fassbender's letter and Translink's rebuttal in hand this guest editor suspects that this project has derailed and hit the end of the line. There won't be any diesel smoke blowing from these engines, just from that smoke blowing from the ears of the Milner Greens. Of course as Holt and deRaat are from South Surrey and Whiterock, it would be unfair to label them as true Milner Greens. So why do they muck around in Langley anyway?

Next time folks, cross your 'T's' and dot your 'I's' before you stoke the coals. It will be a long time coming now, as all credibility has been lost. Area councils were all told that this proposal had regional support from all the other communities and TransLink. But now we find it was all a sham and this is why This Train Isn't Leaving The Station.

Monday Township Council

Township of Langley Council will hold a Special Meeting only this week as the agenda remains light. Of special note are two items before Council this week:

1. A report on Traffic Calming
2. The Master Transportation Plan - Road Network Plan and Classification

Also of interest is consideration for a resolution by Council to eliminate refugee transportation loans. Apparently the federal government gives loans to refugees to cover their medical examination and transportation to Canada. These refugees then come to Canada with debt that could total up to $10,000. Advocates would like to see the loans eliminated so that the government could simply pay the transportation costs for the refugees and lessen their burdens. Sounds like a great idea to us!

October 19, 2009 Special Council Meeting - 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Agenda and Reports (click green title bar to save time):

Oct 19 2009 ToL Council Special Agenda