Conservative Urges Restraint - North Vancouver Londale

Should be an interesting race in North Vancouver Lonsdale.
Naomi Yamamoto - BC Liberals
Janice Harris - NDP (being declared today)
Michell Corcos - Green Party
Ian McLeod - BC Conservatives (article in the North Shore News)


http://www2.canada.com/northshorenews/news/story.html?id=4ad700a8-9a66-40d4-bc26-0a57bee5d59c

Women in Politics

Following is a letter I sent to all major Metro Vancouver papers. I wonder how it applies to North Van politics:

International Women's Day just passed and was celebrated throughout the world by progressive people both as a triumph and a reminder that women's struggles are ongoing. Full equality for women in Canada (and the world) can only be achieved if women participate on equal terms in all areas of Canada's social, economic, and political life.

I personally find that a major cause for this lack of equality is that many men simply DO NOT want women taking over "their turf." Of course this is ridiculous most of you say, however in my experience and knowledge of men's psyches, I deem it to be true. There are many extreme examples, Marc Lepine comes to mind.

Hopefully as time marches on and the "old boys' clubs" fade into the sunset, women will get on with it. I hope so!

It's Official: North Vancouver-Seymour MLA Daniel Jarvis has retired!

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
March 25, 2009

Jarvis Stepping Down As MLA

North Vancouver – After 18 years of service, North Vancouver-Seymour MLA Daniel Jarvis will not seek re-election.

“It’s been a great pleasure and honour to serve as an MLA for almost two decades,” says Jarvis. “I had hoped to have the opportunity to serve four more years to see this riding through the current economic uncertainty and to work with my constituents. But I must now turn the page. My spirit is willing but my heart has other plans and this riding deserves 100 per cent attention and dedication from their MLA.”

Earlier this year, Jarvis successfully underwent a quintuple bypass.

"I want to thank Dan for the tremendous service he has given British Columbia and his family for supporting him in his work," says Premier Gordon Campbell. "Dan has always remembered why he got into politics - to make life better for all British Columbians and represent his constituents. Dan has been a valuable member of the team and we’re going to miss him. I wish Dan, Dianne and the entire Jarvis family all the best in the future."

Jarvis has lived and worked on the North Shore for 40 years and is a fourth generation British Columbian. Before being elected to the BC Legislature he was involved in the real estate and construction industries. He also worked in the general insurance industry for ten years.

He has a long history of community service. He has been involved in amateur sports including girls softball and hockey. He has coached and organized girls baseball leagues. Jarvis is past-president and organizer of the North Vancouver Minor Hockey Association. Jarvis also co-owned and served as president of the old Nor-Wes Caps Junior Hockey Association. He was also a member of the Capilano Kiwanis Association.

“I want to thank my constituency staff for all their hard work in helping me to serve my constituents,” says Jarvis. “I’m going to miss the Legislature and all my colleagues. In particular, I want to thank Premier Campbell for all of his support and for putting British Columbia back on track. My time as an MLA has been exciting and I would not trade the past 18 years for anything.”

Independent Candidate David O. Marley, West Vancouver-Capilano

Further to my March 13th e-mail, I thought you might be interested in the accompanying NS News article. FYI, I've attached a hand-out explaining both why I'm running as an independent candidate and why I'm campaigning for BC-STV in the referendum on electoral reform that will be held simultaneously with the election.

Also, I've attached a letter to the editor, written by my fellow independent candidate, Vicki Huntington, who is running in Delta South, which summarizes how and why an independent MLA will have equal access to all the facilities and resources of the Legislature and constituency offices. The one thing that an independent MLA will not have is a muzzle, supplied by a political party boss and his or her back-room advisors.

As to this last point, I've attached a column, written by Keith Baldrey, the BCTV-Global News Legislative Bureau Chief, that appeared in the March 20th edition of the NS News. In it, he rightly opines that the excessive power of the premier's office, and the resulting suppression of democracy, will likely feature as a major issue in this election. I certainly intend to make it a central issue of the campaign in West Vancouver-Capilano. It's "David and Gordiath".

If you are prepared to support my campaign, or even if you simply believe in democratic participation, please forward this e-mail to all those you know who live on the North Shore and who might be interested in the election, with the request that they do likewise.

Thank you.

David O. Marley
www.vote4marley.ca

DNV Taxpayers pay without any INFO

Following is a letter that I wrote to the North Shore Outlook today:

It was upsetting reading Sam Cooper's excellent article regarding the Kuttners' settling with the District of North Vancouver. Granted, the Kuttners can get on with their lives, however what really happened after the 1979 mudslide?

The entire system is intrinsically flawed. The District taxpayers are paying for this whole process, yet we don't know any more than we did immediately after the slide. What about the reports that were commissioned which stated, i.e. "The (Klohn Leonoff) report recommended a number of risk reduction measures, such as the removal of fill and improvement of drainage for all properties, including those with low and very low risk ratings ...? It appears that very little, if any, of this preventive work was carried out prior to the event which resulted in Mrs. Kuttner's death .. (which was) both predictable and preventable."

Why are only we the taxpayers held accountable? Where is the accountability of government? Why were these allegations of negligence swept under the rug? And why are the legal fees and settlement costs not readily available to the people who are paying the bills?

Polygon's Branches on Whiteley Court in Lynn Valley nearing completion

One hundred homes from a total when complete of 167 including 32 rentals are scheduled for release on June 18 th. at the second phase of Polygon's Tri-Phase 'Branches' on Whitely Court. It should all be complete by July. Some people are currently moving in to the first phase. The price range is between $400,000 and 550,000 depending on market fluctuation between now and then. All three buildings are four stories. The third phase is completely devoted to 32 rentals units which are set to rent from between $1,500 and $1,700 per month for a 2 bedroom.

The development hasn't been without its controversy. The original Whiteley Court built in the early 70's was rental stock only and had many more units than the 32 being offered by Branches. The rental rates were also far lower than what Branches will be but the building didn't have the amenities and had been let to run down so it became slated for demolition. The controversy was whether or not the District did not enforce upkeep and maintenance by-laws that led to those living in Whitely Court to ultimately lose their accommodation. The District claims there were never enough complaints about the building's condition to warrant any action against the landlord and there were also rumours that the residence at Whiteley Court did not want to complain for fear of their rent going sky high. In any event, the bottom line is that 64 reasonably priced rental units were lost and some average folk lost their 'affordable' place of residence in North Vancouver, something that is becoming a rarity here. Which brings to mind, in terms of affordable housing, the last project in North Vancouver was done 30 years ago.

There has also been the controversy of increased traffic congestion and access to the Branches development. The underground parking access to Branches is on the Whitely Court side and with 167 units, predominantly 2 bedrooms means approximately 325 more cars in and out of the East 27 th. and Whiteley Court intersection each morning and afternoon rush hour. But then, as part of its obligation there is Polygon's, plan to allocate $180,000, toward public art on Whiteley Court in Lynn Valley. All is saved.

This was once a quiet and relatively safe cul-de-sac for the elderly and retired residence of Kiwanis Tower many of whom regularly walk along Whiteley Court to and from the Lynn Valley Center. I'm not sure what safety protocols Polygon has taken to improve safety but everyone will certainly have to take much more care because it's no longer a quiet little Lynn Valley back street.

DNV Financial Disclosure available online

Click here to see The 2008 DNV Campaign Financing Disclosure Statements are available at the DNV Website.

March 12, 2009 Education Week message from the Chairperson

March 12, 2009 Education Week message from the Chairperson
On behalf of the Board of Education, I would like to provide you with an update regarding a number of important decisions and reports from the Public Board Meeting of March 10, 2009.
Meeting highlights (please consult board motions for reference)Investigating the Possible Closure/Consolidation of Balmoral Secondary with Carson Graham SecondaryThe Board introduced a consultative public process (through Policy 610) to investigate the possible closure of Balmoral Junior Secondary and consolidation with Carson Graham Secondary effective June 30, 2012. This community consultation process will enable the School District to achieve the best possible educational opportunities and facilities for our students. The Board will be required to make some challenging decisions related to this capital project and will do so through its consultation with the Carson Graham and Balmoral communities as well as all other school communities across the North Vancouver School District.
At present, the Project Agreement with the Ministry of Education provides for two options: accommodate 800 students at the rebuilt Carson Graham, while continuing to operate Balmoral, or consider the closure of Balmoral, and accommodating 1100 students at the new, seismically sound Carson Graham. It should be noted that continuing to operate two separate schools, one with a student population that is significantly under-capacity, would have consequences that will need to be addressed in future planning and decisions.
Recognizing the significance of the decision that the Board of Education would be facing for the future capacity of Carson Graham and the implications that this will have for the entire School District, the Board of Education will be conducting a series of meetings across the School District. In addition to the Public Meeting for the consideration of the potential closure and consolidation of Balmoral School with Carson Graham School, a series of Towards the Future for Schools 2009 meetings will be held.
Parents and community members are invited to attend these consultation meetings to receive information and to provide their input into the important decisions that the Board of Education will be facing in regards to the potential consolidation and closure of schools. All members of our community are encouraged to participate in these important opportunities.
The Community meeting for the consideration of the possible closure of Balmoral School is scheduled for April 1st at Balmoral Junior Secondary School.
Report on the Location of Neighbourhood of Learning Proposal in Conjunction with Windsor HouseThe Board received the Report on Possible Location of Neighbourhood of Learning proposal in Conjunction with Windsor House and approved the option of relocating Windsor House, in conjunction with the SANE Neighbourhood of Learning Proposal to Maplewood School, effective September 2009, upon the expiry of the current lease with the Lions Gate Christian Academy (LGCA). The School District will look into viable options for LGCA at other school district facilities.
North Vancouver High Performance Program – Site RelocationThe Board received the report on the relocation of the North Vancouver High Performance Program (HPP) and provided its support to Option A: an elementary program for Grades 5 through 7 at Brooksbank Elementary and a secondary program for Grades 8 through 10 at Windsor Secondary. This relocation option provides support for the promotion and expansion of the High Performance Program.
Report on the Viability of Introductory Pilot Early Mandarin Bilingual ProgramThe Board received a very comprehensive report into the Viability of an Introductory Pilot Early Mandarin Bilingual Program. While expressing general support for continuing to provide increased opportunities for students, including language instruction, the Board recognized the complexity of introducing this program and the need for increased consultation with the community. The Board has requested the establishment of a district review committee to conduct research and a feasibility study with respect to a potential Mandarin Bilingual Program within the North Vancouver School District and will receive a report by December 2009.
Report on the Feasibility of Providing One or Two Specialized Classes for those with Autism in Two Separate Schools in the District – March 10, 2009The Board will be implementing a “Learning Centre for Autism and related disorders” for September 2009 upon consultation with the Student Services Department. This Centre will take into account certain elements of the “Report on the Feasibility of Providing One or Two Specialized Classes for those with Autism in Two Separate Schools in the District” and many of the notable considerations contained within the “Autism Learning Environment” proposal.
Further decisions The Board:• Approved the School Community Connections grant applications valued at $8,000 each to support projects at Canyon Heights, Norgate Elementary, and Handsworth Secondary. • Received a report on the status of recommendations contained within “A Study of Services for Students Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder” – October 2006.
In closingWe encourage all students, staff, parents and the community to check our website for regular updates and for the dates, times and venues of all of our public meetings.
Future Meetings and Community Consultation Sessions (all meetings begin at 7:00 p.m.)
Proposed closure of Ridgeway AnnexWednesday, March 25th, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Ridgeway Annex 450 East 5th Street
Proposed closure of Balmoral Jr. SecondaryWednesday, April 1st, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Balmoral Jr. Secondary 3365 Mahon
“Towards the Future for Schools 2009” Series of Meetings
Windsor & Seycove families of schools meetingThursday, April 2nd, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Windsor Secondary School 931 Broadview
Argyle and Sutherland families of schools meetingMonday, April 6th, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Argyle Secondary School 1131 Frederick Road
Handsworth, Balmoral and Carson Graham families of schools meetingWednesday, April 8th, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Carson Graham Secondary 2145 Jones Avenue
Finance and Facilities Standing Committee April 7th 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Leo Marshall Curriculum Centre
Public Board MeetingsApril 14th and April 28th at the School Board Office
On behalf of the Board of Education, I thank you for your continued support. Enjoy your spring break!
Sincerely,
NORTH VANCOUVERBOARD OF EDUCATION
Jane ThornthwaiteChairperson

CNV Election Finance Disclosure Documents available online

The 2008 CNV Campaign Financing Disclosure Statements are available at the CNV website.

The quick summary of total contributions and those over $100 for the elected councillors and mayor:

Mayor Mussatto: $24,693 in contributions, $6,450 from various arms of CUPE, the remainder from a mixed group, including $2,500 from Pinnacle International.

Councillor Bookham: $1,650 in contributions, from individuals.

Councillor Clark: $4,584 in contributions, $1,950 of which from CUPE.

Councillor Fearnley: $4,438 in contributions, including $1,563 from Mr. Fearnley himself and $1,000 from Pinnacle International.

Councillor Heywood: $2,049 in contributions, all from individuals.

Councillor Keating: $21,463 in contributions, including $5,200 from CUPE and CAW, $1,650 from Mr. Keating himself, and $1,500 from Pinnacle International.

Councillor Trentadue: $10,731 in contributions, including $6,200 from CUPE and CAW.

Some of the councillors also received indirect assistance from the efforts of the Canadian Labour Congress, who spent $153,762 in support of various municipal and school board candidates throughout B.C.

EDUCATION FUNDING RISES

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
2009EDUC0030-000354
March 13, 2009
Ministry of Education



EDUCATION FUNDING RISES DESPITE DECLINING ENROLMENT


VICTORIA – School districts will see an additional $84 million in operating funding over last year, the highest funding level ever, despite the continuing trend of declining enrolment, Education Minister Shirley Bond announced today.

“This is the ninth consecutive year of increases to school district operating funding,” said Bond. “We are ensuring that no school district will receive less funding than they received last year, even though many school districts throughout the province are projecting further declines in student enrolment next year.”

The additional funding brings school district operating funding for the 2009-10 school year to $4.551 billion. Average per-pupil funding is expected to increase to an estimated $8,323 in 2009-10 – a $205 increase over the 2008-09 funding of $8,118. The per-pupil funding amount has increased by an estimated $2,107 since 2000-01. The per-pupil funding is increasing even though districts throughout the province forecast they will have almost 7,000 fewer students next year.

School districts project they will have 538,274 full-time students in 2009-10, compared to 545,269 this year. Only eight of the 60 school districts expect to have more students in 2009-10.

“In the current global economic environment, Budget 2009 protects and increases education funding and reflects our commitment to B.C. students and to our education system,” said Bond. “Boards of education will also have to manage through some challenging times, but the good news is that we continue to increase their funding despite the global economic downturn.”

School districts with an enrolment decrease greater than one per cent in a year receive extra funds from the Province. The Province also provides additional funds to help districts with a decrease in enrolment of four per cent or more, and districts with a decrease of seven per cent or more over the previous three years. This year, districts are expected to share more than $12.5 million to help with declining enrolment.

The government is working to make B.C. the best-educated, most literate jurisdiction on the continent. Since 2000-01, the Province has increased funding to B.C. public schools by close to $1.3 billion: $873 million in operating grants and $407 million in one-time grants. During the same period, the number of students in the system has declined by nearly 53,000 and enrolment is expected to decrease by another 14,000 students over the next five years.

An Idea to save DNV Taxpayers money and to promote information accessibility

I just thought of a cost-saving and more efficient way of educating District of North Vancouver residents regarding municipal matters -- Advertise in the North Shore Outlook instead of the North Shore News.

I know for fact that the rates are better, but more importantly the Outlook is around for an entire week, while the North Shore News is replaced every two or three days.

It's win-win for the taxpayers, both financially and for increased access to information.

Janice Harris seeks NDP nomination in North Van-Lonsdale

News announcement from Janice Harris is official,according to the North Shore Outlook today:

Former District of North Vancouver councillor and mayor Janice Harris will seek the NDP nomination in North Vancouver-Lonsdale hoping to run against B.C. Liberal candidate Naomi Yamamoto in the May 12 provincial election.

According to a press release Harris will draw on strong support from environmental activists and call the B.C. Liberals to task for "paying lip-service" to green initiatives and lack of vision in "the current economic crisis."

According to the press release, Harris' leadership skills were best displayed as mayor in her handling of "the Riverside slide in January, 2005."

NDP Jockey for Position in North Vancouver

While North Vancouver-Lonsdale waits for an announcement from the local New Democrats on the nomination bid of former District Councillor Janice Harris, Maureen Norton is blazing a trail for the NDP in North Vancouver-Seymour. Norton's blog (http://monorton.wordpress.com/) is live and carries her campagn slogan "Stop the Liberals - Vote Mo".

Policy 610: Investigating Pros and Cons of Closing Balmoral School

Letter to the Editor that appeared in this weekend's North Shore News.

Dear Editor:

In the last few months the North Vancouver school district has announced funding to replace and seismically upgrade three schools -- welcome news. With respect to Carson Graham secondary, two scenarios have been put forward. The first scenario would see the existing Carson Graham school replaced with a new facility with a capacity of 800. The second scenario would see the closure of Balmoral junior secondary and an amalgamation of students into a larger Carson Graham, with a capacity of 1,100.

Over the past two months, the Carson Graham PAC has received a steady stream of questions and requests for information from parents about which scenario will secure the very best for our students when the construction dust settles. It is abundantly clear to us that there are a large number of concerned parents who want to ensure that the debate over these two scenarios takes place in an open and constructive forum -- before the school board makes any decision.

Fortunately, there is a well established process that ensures just such public dialogue takes place: Policy 610. Policy 610 was established to ensure a measured approach to debating the pros and cons of a school closure. Having lived through it 2006, Balmoral and Carson parents know the process well.

The issue of whether to commence the Policy 610 process for Balmoral goes before the school board on Tuesday, March 10 and interested parents are encouraged to attend the proceedings.

The Carson Graham PAC executive strongly urges our school trustees to vote in favour of initiating Policy 610. Let the process get underway and let the board be informed by the widest level of public input possible.

PAC executive

Carson Graham secondary school

DNV buys Van Insberghe Property

Finally justice is achieved. Nancy has been through Hell and back regarding the DNV's lack of respect. Not only that, but the District taxpayers have paid well over the $1,074,200 recently given to Ms. Insberghe as solace for 4 years in political, financial, and legal limbo.

I wonder how much in legal fees was paid by DNV taxpayers over the last 4 years.

Dan's Still the Man: North Vancouver-Seymour

24 Hours Legislative Reporter Sean Holman offers this insight into the Dan Jarvis campaign in North Vancouver-Seymour. According Holman on his blog PublicEyeOnline.com:

North Vancouver-Seymour legislator Dan Jarvis hasn't been spotted at legislature recently. The reason: Public Eye has confirmed Mr. Jarvis underwent major surgery late last month. Although our understanding is that surgery hasn't changed the provincial Liberal backbencher's intention to run for re-election. Mr. Jarvis, who was acclaimed as the party's candidate in that riding on February 12, will be running against New Democrat hopeful Maureen Norton, the chief steward for North Shore Health and Community Services.

Referendum on Single Transferable Vote, May 12th, 2009

On May the 12th 2009, General Election Day, when we go to the ballot box in the constituencies of CAP-WV, NV-Lonsdale, and NV-Seymour indeed across the Province we will vote for a candidate the 'ol' first past the post way' and we will have the opportunity to answer a referendum question asking us to choose electoral reform or to keep things as they have been for decades.

Do we need change? Is the 'first past the post' system antiquated? Does it waste votes?

Does BC-STV better reflect what the electorate actually want because virtually all votes cast are counted and actually go to a candidate? Is this a chance for the party you've always voted for to finally get a seat in the legislature?

Might more people actually vote and participate in democracy if they thought their vote would definitely count?

Those opposed to BC-STV speculate it will not deliver better representation and/or reduce accountability in constituencies because there will be multiple MLAs per riding who could be voted in by special interest areas of the riding. They argue it is a 'complicated' system of voting.

'First past the post' asks the voter (always has) to choose 1 candidate and that is all you get.

BC-STV asks the voter to choose 1, 2, 3 0r more candidates according to your preference.

Let's not loose sight of the fact that BC-STV was chosen by a non-partisan Citizens Assembly on Electoral Reform.

Please educate your self and make an informed decision on this most important referendum on May 12th, 2009

http://www.citizensassembly.bc.ca/public/extra/animations.xml

http://www.gov.bc.ca/referendum_info/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single_transferable_vote