Jump to content

      



























Photo

2018 City of Victoria election


  • Please log in to reply
5915 replies to this topic

#3541 Stephen Andrew

Stephen Andrew
  • Member
  • 385 posts

Posted 17 September 2018 - 03:09 PM

Thanks for weighing in on bike lanes Stephen.

Everything you are saying sounds reasonable although I do question whether there are solutions that will "make everybody happy". There is a constituency that would like to see more bike lanes and there is a constituency that opposes any actual use of any road surface for bike lanes. That is a hard circle to square.

Absolutely review things and figure out the lessons learned from the work so far to guide future expansion.


I believe if we come at this issue with respect for (and I dislike this term) “both sides” of the issue, then we might just make nearly everyone happy. As I said before, it doesn’t have to be an all or nothing position. Those days are gone.
  • A Girl is No one likes this

#3542 Stephen Andrew

Stephen Andrew
  • Member
  • 385 posts

Posted 17 September 2018 - 03:27 PM

It would have been great to have you at the NPNA session Stephen if for no other reason than to counter Ben Isitt's assertion that NewCouncil are "conservatives". I am sure you would have made mincemeat of that remark.

This “conservative” or “right-wing” narrative is tiresome fear-mongering.

To layout my opposition to this “dystopian society” rant that Isitt and his fellow supporters lay out, here’s an edited version of what I said on Facebook after someone laid out some pretty inflammatory statements:


I’m not sure how or where the writer based her erroneous statements on the intent of NewCouncil.ca candidates, however I am going to correct her misstatements and layout the truth. I will deal with the issues that I am privy to as I was unfortunately not in attendance at the first All Candidates meeting.

The writer states, “This election will decide - rip up the bikes lanes or complete the bike grid”

Here’s the truth:

What the independent members of the NewCouncil team actually said is we will “Pause” the project pending an audit of the Johnson Street Bridge Project. We want the lessons from the cost overruns of that major infrastructure project to guide future projects.

So just so I’m clear on this, here are two definitions you should consider:

Definition of Pause: a temporary stop

Definition of Rip Up: to completely destroy (something) by tearing it into pieces.

How we get from “Pause” to “Rip up” is incredulous.

I do not support ripping up the bike lanes and I know the rest of the NewCouncil.ca team have not stated that and will not vote for ripping up the bikes.

So it’s bewildering, no make that fear mongering, that anyone would deliberately mislead voters with a set of untrue statements.

Further on Bike Lanes, here is a statement that I made on the site Vibrant Victoria:

“Before any infrastructure project moves forward I want to see an independent audit of the Johnson Street Bridge.

We need this to review how your money was spent and what went wrong and what went right. This should not take long.

We will learn lessons from the audit that we can apply to all infrastructure projects.

Biketoria is a valued project and I want to see it completed as successfully as possible and with an outcome that has the best value.

I do not want it “on the back burner”.

As to the [number one] priority in my mind: fast action on homeless file. This is getting out of hand. I want to see resources on this so we can move the needle.

I am asking people what they want to see. I have to be honest, expansion of bike lanes is not coming up at the door, online or in my emails. That doesn’t mean I dismiss the issue, I am not, you asked about first priorities and I do not want to mislead you.

I hope the next council will take the time to construct a transparent strategic plan to reflect issues in the city . I use this in my day-to-day work and on the two boards where I serve as a director. This way Council would have a goal and you would know where in that plan each issue stands. I believe cycling infrastructure would high on the list.”

With these two statements I suggest it is disingenuous to suggest we would do anything else.

The writer states, “This election will decide eliminate existing affordable housing policies or build more affordable housing”

The truth:

NewCouncil.ca will soon release a significant policy statement on this issue to which I participated in driving the discussion.

All of the New Council team believes there needs to be a varied array of housing stock. We also believe affordable housing is extremely important.

If anything, I would like to see an accelerated approach to bringing housing on line. There are several steps council can take to speed up the process.

Those are just two issues that appear to elude the writer.

From what I’m reading online and the messaging I’m hearing from candidates who self/identify as “left” or “progressive” (Note: that’s a term that is not exclusive to a small group of candidates), this disingenuous portrayal of candidates such as myself and other members of the new council team is that we are “right-wing” and do not have the ability to understand the issues and lack compassion.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

I would hope after all these years The writer knows me to be a compassionate person who cares for his fellow human beings.

I would hope, as a friend, she would defend any such inference about my character and not propagate a false impression. That’s saddens me. But, I guess that’s politics and nothing matters other than getting “your ideological team elected”.

I do not know the mix of political persuasions of our team. I do know there are varied ideas on issues and the focus is on delivering a better Victoria.

All the candidates know there has to be swift and decisive leadership on the housing file and we all intend to follow through.

We all believe heavy-handed enforcement is not a solution and from a conversation a few days ago, without exception everyone showed tremendous compassion as they presented their views on how to move forward on the file.

And in closing to this post, in case anyone doubts “my” sincerity, I will share my experience from my younger years.

Sadly, I have lived through two bouts of being homeless. I wish it on no one. I found myself sleeping on park benches, train or bus stations and couch surfing.

It was a harrowing experience.

I remember standing at the corner of Yonge and Dundas Street one Christmas Day wondering if my life would get any better. I struggled to comprehend how I was in such a position and I was extremely depressed.

So, today when I hear people say “it’s a choice”, or “all they need is a job”, and “there are shelters”, I know this to not be true.

Through my years as a journalist I challenged this notion and continue to do so to this day.

Thank you for taking time to read my entire post.

If you respond or have questions please tag me so I can continue to engage.

You can also comment on my Facebook page www.Facebook.com/StephenAndrewNews

Edited by Stephen Andrew, 17 September 2018 - 03:33 PM.

  • Nparker, rjag, sebberry and 6 others like this

#3543 Mystic-Pizza

Mystic-Pizza
  • Member
  • 623 posts

Posted 17 September 2018 - 03:32 PM

Well, the good thing is those who run in Civic elections don't run as people  affiliated with any particular political party.

 

We can have a council made up of NDP, LIberal, Conservative, Green, and Libertarian supporters and it never has to be mentioned during elections or play any part in it.


Edited by Mystic-Pizza, 17 September 2018 - 03:33 PM.

  • Stephen Andrew likes this

#3544 Rob Randall

Rob Randall
  • Member
  • 16,310 posts

Posted 17 September 2018 - 03:45 PM

Out of town. I will be at others. Also I will have two online town halls - video and audio

Rob, you know this better than anyone, it’s tough running especially when you have a full time job and other commitments. Had I forseen or even considered running months ago I could have cleared some prior commitments.

However, I’m making myself available on social media, email and phone and I attended one on one meetings when time permits.

If anyone has questions please reach out. I’m happy to answer any and all issues.

 

Understand the prior commitments. Campaigning was the toughest gig I ever experienced. I couldn't even do it properly with a part-time job, it just sucks all your energy. That's why I praise those who put effort into it and berate those that do it half-assed. I know Andrew will put his full effort into it and be a great addition to council.

 

One reason I'm so weary of these lame-o candidates is they suck so much time away from the rest and that's why questions at the ACM last night were limited to only 15 or 30 seconds. How can you gain understanding about parking or infrastructure accountability in a 30 second response?


Edited by Rob Randall, 17 September 2018 - 03:47 PM.

  • nerka likes this

#3545 Nparker

Nparker
  • Member
  • 42,889 posts

Posted 17 September 2018 - 03:50 PM

...We can have a council made up of NDP, LIberal, Conservative, Green, and Libertarian supporters and it never has to be mentioned during elections...

And yet it was mentioned by an incumbent, whose own political persuasion is, shall we say, not exactly centrist.



#3546 nerka

nerka
  • Member
  • 1,236 posts

Posted 17 September 2018 - 04:32 PM

One reason I'm so weary of these lame-o candidates is they suck so much time away from the rest and that's why questions at the ACM last night were limited to only 15 or 30 seconds.

Why does Victoria get nearly all the cranks for the whole region? Don't the cranks, fringe/joke candidates know that they can just as well run and be defeated in Langford, Esquimalt, Saanich, or Sidney?

 

Seriously frustrating at all candidates meetings when there is equal time for serious contenders and for cranks that have essentially zero to say.

 

While elected office should be attainable for anyone, there should be a higher bar in the nomination process. More nominators and a decent size deposit.  If a would-be candidate can't get a LOT of nomination support just by lifting a finger what chance do they have of getting elected?


  • rmpeers likes this

#3547 Jacques Cadé

Jacques Cadé
  • Member
  • 958 posts

Posted 17 September 2018 - 04:45 PM

One reason I'm so weary of these lame-o candidates is they suck so much time away from the rest and that's why questions at the ACM last night were limited to only 15 or 30 seconds. How can you gain understanding about parking or infrastructure accountability in a 30 second response?

 

I agree. But something can be done about it. According to page 7 of the City's Candidate Information Guide, tomorrow at 4:00 pm is the deadline for "challenging" the nominations of anybody who's filed papers. Section 86(3) of the Local Government Act says that "In order to be qualified as a nominator, a person (a) must be an elector of the municipality or electoral area for which the nomination is made".

I will bet dollars to donuts that the City has not bothered to check all the names and addresses of the 25 required nominators for every one of the 39 candidates running for mayor and council. If you go down to City Hall, ask to see the nomination papers, and start plugging nominators' addresses into the internet, I bet you would find that a bunch of lame-o candidates got nomination signatures from friends living in other municipalities, and therefore should be struck from the ballot. I'd do it myself, but I'm out of town.
 


Edited by Jacques Cadé, 17 September 2018 - 05:10 PM.


#3548 Mike K.

Mike K.
  • Administrator
  • 90,628 posts

Posted 17 September 2018 - 04:47 PM

How would you check where those folks live?

Know it all.
Citified.ca is Victoria's most comprehensive research resource for new-build homes and commercial spaces.


#3549 Jacques Cadé

Jacques Cadé
  • Member
  • 958 posts

Posted 17 September 2018 - 05:09 PM

Nominators are required to include their addresses and postal codes. See this example from Saanich's byelection: http://www.saanich.c...r-documents.pdf

 

The building numbers are blocked out online to protect privacy, but visible if you ask to see the nomination documents in person.



#3550 Mike K.

Mike K.
  • Administrator
  • 90,628 posts

Posted 17 September 2018 - 05:32 PM

Gotcha!

Know it all.
Citified.ca is Victoria's most comprehensive research resource for new-build homes and commercial spaces.


#3551 Mystic-Pizza

Mystic-Pizza
  • Member
  • 623 posts

Posted 17 September 2018 - 06:30 PM

And yet it was mentioned by an incumbent, whose own political persuasion is, shall we say, not exactly centrist.

 

Not to say that someone running for Mayor or Council can't mention their political affiliation if they chose to........it's just not usually a good idea to do that in civic politics as they are not running to represent a political party..  

 

I personally advise against it to anyone running in any civic election. 


  • Nparker likes this

#3552 Stephen Andrew

Stephen Andrew
  • Member
  • 385 posts

Posted 17 September 2018 - 08:57 PM

One reason I'm so weary of these lame-o candidates is they suck so much time away from the rest and that's why questions at the ACM last night were limited to only 15 or 30 seconds. How can you gain understanding about parking or infrastructure accountability in a 30 second response?[/quote]

I moderated so many All Candidates meetings that I lost count. They are challenging. They are time consuming. They provide little in the way of actual information to the community.

Neighbourhood groups love them and I often wondered what it was that they are trying to accomplish and if there was a better way.

I remember sittting in one in 2014 that was so stacked in favour of one mayoral candidate, I nearly burst out laughing when the moderator asked that candidate a question.

The moderator was asking candidates on the panel really challenging questions. I remember thinking, “This man has done his homework, good for him”.

Then we got to to the preferred candidate and the question went something like (read with scarcsm) “You are so wonderful, I don’t think you could be anymore wonderful. And your vision for our city is wonderful. Tell us how you came up with this correct plan?”

Of course that is satire of the question, but not far off the mark.

We could have all knocked on many doors that night in that same neighbourhood and reached so many more people. It was disappointing. Truly.

If anyone has a better idea on how to reach out to the community, other thank these meetings, I’d love to hear them.

It’s what I’m going to try town halls. If they don’t get hijacked they could give candidates and voters more opportunities to connect. That’s what we really need.
  • Awaiting Juno likes this

#3553 FogPub

FogPub
  • Member
  • 1,138 posts
  • LocationVictoria

Posted 18 September 2018 - 01:20 AM

Why does Victoria get nearly all the cranks for the whole region? Don't the cranks, fringe/joke candidates know that they can just as well run and be defeated in Langford, Esquimalt, Saanich, or Sidney?

 

Seriously frustrating at all candidates meetings when there is equal time for serious contenders and for cranks that have essentially zero to say.

 

While elected office should be attainable for anyone, there should be a higher bar in the nomination process. More nominators and a decent size deposit.  If a would-be candidate can't get a LOT of nomination support just by lifting a finger what chance do they have of getting elected?

Thing is, if someone thinks he or she has something to say or an issue to raise then running for office gives a fine platform to do so; a platform that should not be denied to anyone at any level of government.

 

Cumbersome though it may be, I don't think there should be any real bar to nomination beyond a) proving you live in the municipality or riding where you intend to run, b) proving you have no prior record of theft, fraud or embezzlement, and c) putting yourself forward. 

 

If this means there's 127 names on the ballot, that's great!  It means 127 people gave enough of a **** to get out and run for office.


Edited by FogPub, 18 September 2018 - 01:21 AM.

  • Mystic-Pizza likes this

#3554 Victoria Watcher

Victoria Watcher

    Old White Man On A Canadian Island

  • Member
  • 65,162 posts

Posted 18 September 2018 - 05:27 AM

this link says there is a meeting this friday

 

http://www.marggardi...tform=hootsuite

 

anybody know anything more about it?



#3555 Sparky

Sparky

    GET OFF MY LAWN

  • Moderator
  • 13,724 posts

Posted 18 September 2018 - 05:38 AM

A local newspaper is reporting that Lisa Helps is holding a Facebook Live event today. I can not see any information about this event on her web page.

 

I am interested in the Facebook Live Platform and would like to watch it from a technical standpoint. If anybody can provide a link and a time I would be very grateful. 

 

ps I thought she quit Facebook.



#3556 Victoria Watcher

Victoria Watcher

    Old White Man On A Canadian Island

  • Member
  • 65,162 posts

Posted 18 September 2018 - 05:54 AM

https://www.facebook...22437631650995/

 

the photo is her and rymo odd.


Edited by Victoria Watcher, 18 September 2018 - 05:56 AM.


#3557 Bingo

Bingo
  • Member
  • 16,666 posts

Posted 18 September 2018 - 05:55 AM

Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps made headlines in March with her decision to delete her Facebook account, calling the social media platform a “toxic echo chamber.”

“In the last election there was some pretty nasty Facebook stuff that came up at the very last minute and our message to our team was: Everybody off their computers. Let’s go hit the doorsteps. Let’s go hit the streets.”

That being said, Helps’ campaign is organizing a “Facebook Live” event today.

“The team has arranged a Facebook Live so people can, I guess, call in or video in — talk to me on Facebook and, again, let’s have an actual conversation about the issues. That’s really what I’m interested in,” she said.

https://www.timescol...line-1.23434176

 



#3558 rmpeers

rmpeers
  • Member
  • 2,618 posts

Posted 18 September 2018 - 07:53 AM

The mayor really seems to be going for the "people are being mean to me" approach this election. While I agree that some of the comments made about her have been offside, I would ask, are they really any worse than incumbents trying to brand the newcouncil folks as rabid right-wingers?

Also, when you have spent the past four years showing a coldhearted disregard for 90% of the people you're supposed to represent, maybe it shouldn't be a huge surprise that your lack of compassion and inclusiveness will result in the occasional mean comment?

Edited by rmpeers, 18 September 2018 - 07:54 AM.

  • Nparker, Stephen Andrew, Awaiting Juno and 1 other like this

#3559 shoeflack

shoeflack
  • Member
  • 2,861 posts

Posted 18 September 2018 - 07:58 AM

The mayor really seems to be going for the "people are being mean to me" approach this election. While I agree that some of the comments made about her have been offside, I would ask, are they really any worse than incumbents trying to brand the newcouncil folks as rabid right-wingers?

Also, when you have spent the past four years showing a coldhearted disregard for 90% of the people you're supposed to represent, maybe it shouldn't be a huge surprise that your lack of compassion and inclusiveness will result in the occasional mean comment?

 

One incumbent, so far. I think the other incumbents are pretty respectful people generally who won't take the Isitt approach to campaigning. But yes, one wrong doesn't make a right, and it would be great if we could stay away from that American-style politics of division and false narratives. It doesn't do anyone any favors.

 

That being said, I don't really think the mayor personally is taking that approach, but rather her biggest fan is, the T-C.



#3560 Nparker

Nparker
  • Member
  • 42,889 posts

Posted 18 September 2018 - 07:59 AM

The mayor really seems to be going for the "people are being mean to me" approach this election...

I suspect that is exactly why she is doing the FB live event, in the hopes that it will draw out the crazies and allow her to appear to be a victim in real time. Make no mistake, Lisa Helps may be many things, but she's no dummy.



You're not quite at the end of this discussion topic!

Use the page links at the lower-left to go to the next page to read additional posts.
 



5 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 2 guests, 0 anonymous users


    Facebook (3)