Half of 3 million HST ballots returned

VICTORIA – More than 1.6 million voters sent in their ballots for B.C.'s referendum on the harmonized sales tax, a participation rate that matches the 51 per cent turnout for the 2009 B.C. election.

Elections BC sent out just over three million ballot packages starting in June, then extended the deadline for returning them by two weeks after a labour dispute at Canada Post delayed distribution.

Temporary staff at Elections BC are working seven days a week in two shifts, intending to have the ballots verified and counted by the end of August. A simple majority of votes cast will decide whether B.C. keeps the HST and lowers the rate by two points to 10 per cent in the next three years, or reinstates the former seven per cent provincial sales tax on top of the five per cent federal GST.

Acting chief electoral officer Craig James said the time extension increased the cost of the referendum by $500,000 but the total cost is estimated to be $8.9 million, well under the initial estimate of $12 million.

The only other mail-in referendum in B.C. was the 2002 vote on aboriginal treaty principles, which saw a return of 790,182 votes, about one third of the total sent out.

MLA Ralph Sultan's AGM

Mr. Sultan just held his AGM and was said to be 'in full control' of it. There have been some rumours that West Vancouver's Mayor Pamela Goldsmith-Jones might be interested in his position as MLA for Capilano - West Vancouver.

North Van councillor considers Liberal nomination

July 7, 2011

North Vancouver city councillor Mike Little has confirmed he's considering running for the provincial Liberal nomination in North Vancouver-Seymour. That riding is presently held by party MLA Jane Thornthwaite. Speaking with Public Eye, Mr. Little stressed such a run is dependent on the Liberals allowing incumbent candidates like Ms. Thorntwaite to be challenged. Moreover, he said, "I have no interest in embarrassing the current candidate or the party and I want to work with them."

"I've known her for quite a long time," the councillor continued. "As long as she's been involved in politics I've been dealing with her. But there are a lot of people in the community who think it would be a good role for me and I'm considering my options. Likewise, if the party doesn't allow a challenge then I will still be on council and she will still be my MLA and I will still work with her."

http://www.publiceyeonline.com/archives/006211.html

North Shore 2011 Consumer Advocacy Group Seeks new Membership

The Harmonized Sales Tax is a hastily planned taxation system. British Columbia has one of the highest costs of living conditions in Canada.

On June 21, 2011, Gary Hee, announced future plans to initiate the North Shore 2011 Consumer Advocacy Group in North Vancouver, B.C. The primary purpose of the Group is to analyze, record and document,and emphasize the cost effects of the Harmonized Sales Tax charged on taxable items purchased by individuals and families. News media organizations will be informed of the Group's findings by press releases when evidence is available.

The secondary purpose of the Group is to watch for, highlight, and prevent future government plans or intentions to tax HST on the sale of existing older homes and related renovation construction projects.

This not-for-profit organization is seeking new members. Students up to seniors are welcomed. Other chapters will be formed in the future. A steering committee will manage the policies and mandate of the Group.

A suggested membership fee of $12.00 per year is voluntary or by donation.

Mailing address is Suite 460, 1641 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver, BC, V7M 2J5

Contact by email: garyhee@hotmail.com

DNV Considering Random ballots

So the DNV wants to experiment with random names instead of alphabetical order on the ballots. If the premise is that the bias tends to be for the names at the top of the ballots or closer to the beginning of alphabetical order, then Roger might not be happy and you might not have to think Big. Will it make any difference?

HICKS, Robin

MURI, Lisa

LITTLE, Mike

GILMOUR, John

BASSAM, Roger

NIXON, Alan

WALTON, Richard

MACKAY-DUNN, Doug

BACK, Holly

A FIREMAN, Unknown

QURESHI, Wendy

Speaking of who, has anyone heard of other random names who might be running in this November's Municipal Election?