Oldtown News (Downtown Eastside)
My look at the issues of our Oldtown neighborhood and other political news
Updated: 1 hour 12 min ago
PROPOSED COALITION GOVERNMENT
Oldtown News
Vancouver, BC
PROPOSED COALITION GOVERNMENT
Hi All
It has been an exciting week with the prospect of a proposed new government and in particular the manner in which this government may come about has stirred up citizens from every political stripe across this country. I believe this is great for democracy when citizens rise up, become engaged and voice their opinions.
In our current electoral system, citizens elect a parliament but not a Prime Minister. We leave it up to political parties to choose their own leaders and we vest the responsibility with our elected parliamentarians on how to make parliament work.
This mandate by the citizens is now being played out before our eyes and what is happening is an overthrow of the current regime. This is historical in itself and whether this process is in the best interests of the citizens, only time will tell.
My preference of an electoral system is pro-rep where each party is given a proportionate share of seats based on their popular vote. I'm uncertain whether this taking of political power based on political parties making agreements with each other is the best method of how parliament should work.
I would like to know if the proposed coalition forces before our next election plan to change our system to a pro-rep one? If our representatives do not mandate this legislative change, I suspect we may well be witnessing the usurping of democracy.
While Coalition forces claim that they are representing the majority of citizens who did not vote for the Conservative party and while this is in fact true, in my opinion what the forces are doing in the absence of electoral reform is creating a new party to govern.
In recent times the Reform, Canadian Alliance and Progressive Conservative parties did exactly this--outside of parliament and meta-morphed into the Conservative Party of Canada. They then came before the electorate under a new entity under our current first-past-the-post system, the voters gave them opposition status and then twice bestowed minority status on them.
I hope if the Governor-General allows the Coalition forces to form government before coming before the people for sanction, that her Highness sets a time-limit on their tenure, at which time they must come before the people in order to maintain representative plurality democracy as Canadians currently have.
It seems to me that if the Liberals, New Democratic Party and Bloc Quebecois are serious about working together for the best interests of Canadian citizens they will either form a new Coalition party or enact a pro-rep electoral system where the actual wishes of the voting public prevails.
If the aforementioned parties choose to do neither of these things, what they are doing is subverting democracy for their own self-interests and this will not bode well for any of these current parties come election time.
So at this point, I think citizens are doing the right thing by holding onto our power and letting our elected parliamentarians know if they do not act in the public interest, there will be a price to pay.
Jamie Lee Hamilton
tricia_foxx@yahoo.com
Vancouver, BC
PROPOSED COALITION GOVERNMENT
Hi All
It has been an exciting week with the prospect of a proposed new government and in particular the manner in which this government may come about has stirred up citizens from every political stripe across this country. I believe this is great for democracy when citizens rise up, become engaged and voice their opinions.
In our current electoral system, citizens elect a parliament but not a Prime Minister. We leave it up to political parties to choose their own leaders and we vest the responsibility with our elected parliamentarians on how to make parliament work.
This mandate by the citizens is now being played out before our eyes and what is happening is an overthrow of the current regime. This is historical in itself and whether this process is in the best interests of the citizens, only time will tell.
My preference of an electoral system is pro-rep where each party is given a proportionate share of seats based on their popular vote. I'm uncertain whether this taking of political power based on political parties making agreements with each other is the best method of how parliament should work.
I would like to know if the proposed coalition forces before our next election plan to change our system to a pro-rep one? If our representatives do not mandate this legislative change, I suspect we may well be witnessing the usurping of democracy.
While Coalition forces claim that they are representing the majority of citizens who did not vote for the Conservative party and while this is in fact true, in my opinion what the forces are doing in the absence of electoral reform is creating a new party to govern.
In recent times the Reform, Canadian Alliance and Progressive Conservative parties did exactly this--outside of parliament and meta-morphed into the Conservative Party of Canada. They then came before the electorate under a new entity under our current first-past-the-post system, the voters gave them opposition status and then twice bestowed minority status on them.
I hope if the Governor-General allows the Coalition forces to form government before coming before the people for sanction, that her Highness sets a time-limit on their tenure, at which time they must come before the people in order to maintain representative plurality democracy as Canadians currently have.
It seems to me that if the Liberals, New Democratic Party and Bloc Quebecois are serious about working together for the best interests of Canadian citizens they will either form a new Coalition party or enact a pro-rep electoral system where the actual wishes of the voting public prevails.
If the aforementioned parties choose to do neither of these things, what they are doing is subverting democracy for their own self-interests and this will not bode well for any of these current parties come election time.
So at this point, I think citizens are doing the right thing by holding onto our power and letting our elected parliamentarians know if they do not act in the public interest, there will be a price to pay.
Jamie Lee Hamilton
tricia_foxx@yahoo.com
Categories: Vancouver Blogs
A MEMORIAL PARK IS a FITTING TRIBUTE
Oldtown News
Vancouver, BC
A MEMORIAL PARK IS a FITTING TRIBUTE
I have recently become involved in a project to turn the notorious Pickton property into a Memorial Park and of course nestled among the park trees would be a commemorative area for the women murdered there.
This land I have referred to as a cemetery and I say this not as disrespect to the women who were tortured there.
We will never know how many women are actually buried on this property and I'm strongly of the opinion that the only appropriate redress is by honouring them in a substantial way. Their place on earth must have some meaning and we must never forget the atrocities which happened on that property. We must turn what happened there into something positive.
If the land was paved over with concrete for big box stores or condo developments, this would be a further indignity to the women who lost their lives there. We can honour the women and pay tribute to them by remembering them in a beautiful setting and the proposed memory gardens would bring healing for many. Society also needs to heal from the horrendous brutalization which took place.
A few families of the murdered women are expressing concerns that it would be inappropriate to have a memorial garden on the Port Coquitlam farm.
Of course mainstream media are fuelling this position by continually asking bereaved family members what they think of the idea of the memorial garden concept on this property.
Media and even some family are forgetting something key in all this and that is, many of their family members also had other family.
The Pickton victims had friends and lived in communities which became their surrogate families. These family members, include cherished friends, lovers and boyfriends, vital care-givers & advocates also experienced loss.
These individuals also have valid perspectives regarding planning around the concept of a Memorial garden and Memorial legacy fund. These forgotten folks, of which many provided on-going daily support also have vested interests in what are appropriate actions and tributes to the women who were so tragically taken from us.
I ask family members to consider this.
Other community members are hurting as much as you and their opinions in this affair should not be discounted simply because they were not blood related. So far their perspectives have been completely over-looked. Personally I know many who are hurting with no place to properly remember or grieve just like you and this is tragic.
Many forms of families exist in society and especially none more so than in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver where many of the women were forced to live after their broken lives and families fell apart.
This community was left to pick up the pieces after the women's lives spiralled out of control. Living in poverty, drug addicted amid lost hope were daily staples of life for the now murdered women. Many of these women had community families which they leaned on for support and we must not ever forget this.
The murdered women in unique ways had community in which they were accepted and were part of. Friends who they interacted with, including care-givers, faith groups, advocates and even business operators addressed their worth and human potential with compassion, respect and dignity. Many worked hard to lessen the pain of others,including the Pickton victims who supported other women to ensure their lives had some comforting and happier qualities to it.
The depravity which occurred at the Pickton property should never of happened, moreover, we must never allow it to happen again.
We must collectively share the blame for what happened, however, we must move beyond blame and begin to heal. We must move forward.
We can work to ensure the murdered women have positive lasting legacies. Their legacies should not be Pickton's legacy and I believe the creation of a Memorial Park and the Women's Memorial Legacy Fund will bring redress for the absolute degradation which occurred.
It seems only fitting that those who care and cared about what happened to the murdered women step forward, which many of us are doing, committing and re-dedicating ourselves to continued advocacy on behalf of our deceased friends, family and community members. The women who lost their lives prematurely and through no fault of their own, deserve this respect and honour.
Caring members of society need to come together and work across our values and differences to make this memorial Park into a place where people can visit, grieve, pay respect and honour the countless lives which were stolen. A Memorial Park will enshrine that the victims are never forgotten.
One group, PICA (Professionals in Care Alliance) led by past Notary President, Tom Crean and landscape architect and former MLA, Art Cowie and this blog-writer, among others have stepped forward and initiated re-dress among one of the worst human tragedies in Canadian history.
I'm happy to be working with PICA as a community liaison. Already I have met with a number of family members, interested parties and community members who are supportive of the proposed Memorial Park and Women's Legacy Fund.
Creating lasting legacies and remembrances of the murdered women is beneficial in so many ways.
Children of the deceased will have opportunity to access scholarship funds or to assist with education. Women trapped in addictions or the survival sex trade will have the potential to access treatment or detox programs and groups working to advance rights will gain from legacy funds being available to assist with their work. Most importantly, we all have an opportunity to finally put closure to the carnage by re-shaping the tragedy into lasting, fitting and honoured tributes.
Commemorating the lives of women across this country who are still missing will ensure we never forget or turn our backs on those less fortunate in our society.
While it is understandable that a few family members feel squeamish over this Memorial Park, the process which will be followed is based on trust, consultation, community visioning, love and respect.
Many cherished family and friends are supporting this Memorial Park and Women's Legacy project and I hope all those who have ever lost a loved one or cared about this deeply troubling carnage join us in creating something powerful which bring a message that the murdered women's lives had meaning.
Let us honour their places here on earth.
Jamie Lee Hamilton
tricia_foxx@yahoo.com
Vancouver, BC
A MEMORIAL PARK IS a FITTING TRIBUTE
I have recently become involved in a project to turn the notorious Pickton property into a Memorial Park and of course nestled among the park trees would be a commemorative area for the women murdered there.
This land I have referred to as a cemetery and I say this not as disrespect to the women who were tortured there.
We will never know how many women are actually buried on this property and I'm strongly of the opinion that the only appropriate redress is by honouring them in a substantial way. Their place on earth must have some meaning and we must never forget the atrocities which happened on that property. We must turn what happened there into something positive.
If the land was paved over with concrete for big box stores or condo developments, this would be a further indignity to the women who lost their lives there. We can honour the women and pay tribute to them by remembering them in a beautiful setting and the proposed memory gardens would bring healing for many. Society also needs to heal from the horrendous brutalization which took place.
A few families of the murdered women are expressing concerns that it would be inappropriate to have a memorial garden on the Port Coquitlam farm.
Of course mainstream media are fuelling this position by continually asking bereaved family members what they think of the idea of the memorial garden concept on this property.
Media and even some family are forgetting something key in all this and that is, many of their family members also had other family.
The Pickton victims had friends and lived in communities which became their surrogate families. These family members, include cherished friends, lovers and boyfriends, vital care-givers & advocates also experienced loss.
These individuals also have valid perspectives regarding planning around the concept of a Memorial garden and Memorial legacy fund. These forgotten folks, of which many provided on-going daily support also have vested interests in what are appropriate actions and tributes to the women who were so tragically taken from us.
I ask family members to consider this.
Other community members are hurting as much as you and their opinions in this affair should not be discounted simply because they were not blood related. So far their perspectives have been completely over-looked. Personally I know many who are hurting with no place to properly remember or grieve just like you and this is tragic.
Many forms of families exist in society and especially none more so than in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver where many of the women were forced to live after their broken lives and families fell apart.
This community was left to pick up the pieces after the women's lives spiralled out of control. Living in poverty, drug addicted amid lost hope were daily staples of life for the now murdered women. Many of these women had community families which they leaned on for support and we must not ever forget this.
The murdered women in unique ways had community in which they were accepted and were part of. Friends who they interacted with, including care-givers, faith groups, advocates and even business operators addressed their worth and human potential with compassion, respect and dignity. Many worked hard to lessen the pain of others,including the Pickton victims who supported other women to ensure their lives had some comforting and happier qualities to it.
The depravity which occurred at the Pickton property should never of happened, moreover, we must never allow it to happen again.
We must collectively share the blame for what happened, however, we must move beyond blame and begin to heal. We must move forward.
We can work to ensure the murdered women have positive lasting legacies. Their legacies should not be Pickton's legacy and I believe the creation of a Memorial Park and the Women's Memorial Legacy Fund will bring redress for the absolute degradation which occurred.
It seems only fitting that those who care and cared about what happened to the murdered women step forward, which many of us are doing, committing and re-dedicating ourselves to continued advocacy on behalf of our deceased friends, family and community members. The women who lost their lives prematurely and through no fault of their own, deserve this respect and honour.
Caring members of society need to come together and work across our values and differences to make this memorial Park into a place where people can visit, grieve, pay respect and honour the countless lives which were stolen. A Memorial Park will enshrine that the victims are never forgotten.
One group, PICA (Professionals in Care Alliance) led by past Notary President, Tom Crean and landscape architect and former MLA, Art Cowie and this blog-writer, among others have stepped forward and initiated re-dress among one of the worst human tragedies in Canadian history.
I'm happy to be working with PICA as a community liaison. Already I have met with a number of family members, interested parties and community members who are supportive of the proposed Memorial Park and Women's Legacy Fund.
Creating lasting legacies and remembrances of the murdered women is beneficial in so many ways.
Children of the deceased will have opportunity to access scholarship funds or to assist with education. Women trapped in addictions or the survival sex trade will have the potential to access treatment or detox programs and groups working to advance rights will gain from legacy funds being available to assist with their work. Most importantly, we all have an opportunity to finally put closure to the carnage by re-shaping the tragedy into lasting, fitting and honoured tributes.
Commemorating the lives of women across this country who are still missing will ensure we never forget or turn our backs on those less fortunate in our society.
While it is understandable that a few family members feel squeamish over this Memorial Park, the process which will be followed is based on trust, consultation, community visioning, love and respect.
Many cherished family and friends are supporting this Memorial Park and Women's Legacy project and I hope all those who have ever lost a loved one or cared about this deeply troubling carnage join us in creating something powerful which bring a message that the murdered women's lives had meaning.
Let us honour their places here on earth.
Jamie Lee Hamilton
tricia_foxx@yahoo.com
Categories: Vancouver Blogs
THANK YOU to my SUPPORTERS
Oldtown News
Vancouver, BC
THANK YOU to my SUPPORTERS
Citizens Voted for Change
The election is over and it was a rewarding experience and I had an amazing time. Because of a terrific group of people who rode the campaign trail with me, we achieved what we set out to do and I think this speaks volumes about our Queen of the Parks campaign. Thank You from the bottom of my heart to my fans, friends and supporters.
Running as an Independent is difficult and I knew this when making the decision to run. There are many issues facing our City and my platform was about an expanded social role for Park board. Homelessness is a critical issue in Vancouver that needs addressing and our parks and public spaces are for the enjoyment of all. We need to keep our parks safe and yet bring our homeless citizens indoors from the harsh, cold outdoors.
Running in an at-large system is difficult and the results are often skewed. This election was no exception.
Because of the unfairness of the at-large system, community advocates like myself have no hope in winning unless we park ourselves with a slate controlled by special interests. This makes political life extremely difficult since if you are elected under this system there comes a day of reckoning when you must abdicate the citizens interests in favour of private interests.
This was my last civic election under this current system. I will be campaigning for electoral reform and I want citizens to embrace a new type of electoral system called Single Transferable Vote (STV). We have an opportunity in May to adopt this system so please take the time to learn more about it. Once we adopt it provincially, municipalities will follow suit.
Damian Kettlewell deputy leader of the BC Green Party, locally is heading up the STV forces and I hope to be working closely with him to affect this badly needed change. Unfair elections which we have now are not a cornerstone of democracy and we can change this.
Please see www.straight.com for my analysis on what went wrong for Peter Ladner and what the Non Partisan Association must do in order to have relevance in this City. They must change and become a body which is diverse and has broader appeal. There is now this significant eastside vs westside divide in the City which doesn't bode well for the citizens.
Councillor Suzanne Anton is the sole remaining NPA on Council. Besides tending to her Council duties, as the new de-facto leader of the NPA she has the key responsibility of over-seeing and re-building the party. Her first test of leadership will emerge at the NPA annual meeting. Who will be on the NPA board will determine whether this grand old party has any relevance to the eastside of the City and if it doesn't reflect the diversity of the City, it will most likely crumble. The board will need to reflect a healthy balance of business and community interests.
In terms of Park board and who becomes Chair, normally that spot is reserved for the candidate with the highest number of votes. In this case it is Constance Barnes of Vision and because she is brand new to the Park board, Loretta Woodcock of COPE is the natural choice to be Chair and Vision's Aaron Jasper most likely will become Vice-Chair. This will happen only if Vision doesn't try to control COPE.
However, COPE as an electoral organization in this City may be finished. Because they have a coalition with Vision, many in Vision will privately claim that COPE representatives won only by riding on the coattails of Vision. Vision will move immediately to solidify its power in this awkward coalition and there will be pressure put on COPE representatives to collapse COPE into Vision and this appears all but guaranteed.
So folks please consider learning about the STV system and thank you again for coming out to support my campaign.
Jamie Lee Hamilton
tricia_foxx@yahoo.com
Vancouver, BC
THANK YOU to my SUPPORTERS
Citizens Voted for Change
The election is over and it was a rewarding experience and I had an amazing time. Because of a terrific group of people who rode the campaign trail with me, we achieved what we set out to do and I think this speaks volumes about our Queen of the Parks campaign. Thank You from the bottom of my heart to my fans, friends and supporters.
Running as an Independent is difficult and I knew this when making the decision to run. There are many issues facing our City and my platform was about an expanded social role for Park board. Homelessness is a critical issue in Vancouver that needs addressing and our parks and public spaces are for the enjoyment of all. We need to keep our parks safe and yet bring our homeless citizens indoors from the harsh, cold outdoors.
Running in an at-large system is difficult and the results are often skewed. This election was no exception.
Because of the unfairness of the at-large system, community advocates like myself have no hope in winning unless we park ourselves with a slate controlled by special interests. This makes political life extremely difficult since if you are elected under this system there comes a day of reckoning when you must abdicate the citizens interests in favour of private interests.
This was my last civic election under this current system. I will be campaigning for electoral reform and I want citizens to embrace a new type of electoral system called Single Transferable Vote (STV). We have an opportunity in May to adopt this system so please take the time to learn more about it. Once we adopt it provincially, municipalities will follow suit.
Damian Kettlewell deputy leader of the BC Green Party, locally is heading up the STV forces and I hope to be working closely with him to affect this badly needed change. Unfair elections which we have now are not a cornerstone of democracy and we can change this.
Please see www.straight.com for my analysis on what went wrong for Peter Ladner and what the Non Partisan Association must do in order to have relevance in this City. They must change and become a body which is diverse and has broader appeal. There is now this significant eastside vs westside divide in the City which doesn't bode well for the citizens.
Councillor Suzanne Anton is the sole remaining NPA on Council. Besides tending to her Council duties, as the new de-facto leader of the NPA she has the key responsibility of over-seeing and re-building the party. Her first test of leadership will emerge at the NPA annual meeting. Who will be on the NPA board will determine whether this grand old party has any relevance to the eastside of the City and if it doesn't reflect the diversity of the City, it will most likely crumble. The board will need to reflect a healthy balance of business and community interests.
In terms of Park board and who becomes Chair, normally that spot is reserved for the candidate with the highest number of votes. In this case it is Constance Barnes of Vision and because she is brand new to the Park board, Loretta Woodcock of COPE is the natural choice to be Chair and Vision's Aaron Jasper most likely will become Vice-Chair. This will happen only if Vision doesn't try to control COPE.
However, COPE as an electoral organization in this City may be finished. Because they have a coalition with Vision, many in Vision will privately claim that COPE representatives won only by riding on the coattails of Vision. Vision will move immediately to solidify its power in this awkward coalition and there will be pressure put on COPE representatives to collapse COPE into Vision and this appears all but guaranteed.
So folks please consider learning about the STV system and thank you again for coming out to support my campaign.
Jamie Lee Hamilton
tricia_foxx@yahoo.com
Categories: Vancouver Blogs
I'M VOTING THREE FINE LADIES
Oldtown News
Vancouver, BC
I'M VOTING THREE FINE LADIES
Plump Your Vote
Oldtown News supports the voters in making wise choices today when casting your ballots.
Oldtown News supports those who support Oldtown News and I'm voting for three fine ladies who make up the ABC team.
Re-elect our Queen of the soccer moms Councillor Suzanne Anton, our Queen of the Arts Councillor Elizabeth Ball and our Queen of Hot or Not and she's Hot Councillor Kim Capri.
I've added Park Board Chair Korina Houghton because I adore her and she is really sweet and sincere.
Please folks vote for women candidates and diversity. Plump your vote so those you really want to win - have increased opportunity to win.
Vote Lea Johnson as an strong Independent for Council.
Who I want to be on Park board sandwiched between are Christopher Richardson and Ivan Doumenc. Melissa De Genova is a lovely choice too!
A number of the work less-Indies are worthy people as well. Chris Shaw, Geri Tramutola and Ian Gregson are strong advocates for people in Vancouver.
Now go Vote and plump that Vote.
NB Plumping refers to swelling your vote. Don't vote for the full compliment of candidates you are entitled to. If you only vote for those you really really want to win, by only voting that person and perhaps a few others your vote for your preferred candidate is way stronger because the vote doesn't get carved up as much. So when voting for the Queen of the Parks don't vote for six other candidates (you are entittled to 7 votes for Parks board) because this weakens my vote if I'm your preferred candidate.
See you tonight at the Railway Club at 8pm!
Jamie Lee Hamilton
tricia_foxx@yahoo.com
Vancouver, BC
I'M VOTING THREE FINE LADIES
Plump Your Vote
Oldtown News supports the voters in making wise choices today when casting your ballots.
Oldtown News supports those who support Oldtown News and I'm voting for three fine ladies who make up the ABC team.
Re-elect our Queen of the soccer moms Councillor Suzanne Anton, our Queen of the Arts Councillor Elizabeth Ball and our Queen of Hot or Not and she's Hot Councillor Kim Capri.
I've added Park Board Chair Korina Houghton because I adore her and she is really sweet and sincere.
Please folks vote for women candidates and diversity. Plump your vote so those you really want to win - have increased opportunity to win.
Vote Lea Johnson as an strong Independent for Council.
Who I want to be on Park board sandwiched between are Christopher Richardson and Ivan Doumenc. Melissa De Genova is a lovely choice too!
A number of the work less-Indies are worthy people as well. Chris Shaw, Geri Tramutola and Ian Gregson are strong advocates for people in Vancouver.
Now go Vote and plump that Vote.
NB Plumping refers to swelling your vote. Don't vote for the full compliment of candidates you are entitled to. If you only vote for those you really really want to win, by only voting that person and perhaps a few others your vote for your preferred candidate is way stronger because the vote doesn't get carved up as much. So when voting for the Queen of the Parks don't vote for six other candidates (you are entittled to 7 votes for Parks board) because this weakens my vote if I'm your preferred candidate.
See you tonight at the Railway Club at 8pm!
Jamie Lee Hamilton
tricia_foxx@yahoo.com
Categories: Vancouver Blogs
HAMILTON WINS the ENDORSEMENT RACE
November 14, 2008
PRESS RELEASE
Vancouver, BC
HAMILTON WINS the ENDORSEMENT RACE
Support Reflects a Bridge-Builder
Jamie Lee Hamilton, Independent candidate for Park board who early on had her civil liberties trampled on by the NPA board didn't allow this to derail her campaign.
Ms Hamilton went on to pile up endorsements from every area of the City, reflecting a true representation of Vancouver citizens. Her support spanned the left, centre and right divides of the political spectrum and is a testament to those who see Jamie Lee as a bridge-builder.
Besides racking up declarations of support from two newspapers, XtraWest and the Georgia Straight, a number of former politicians, community leaders, environmentalists, neighborhood activists, prominent and average citizens alike enthusiastically embraced the campaign of Jamie Lee Hamilton which was affectionately dubbed the Queen of the Parks campaign.
From former Mayor Philip Owen to former MP for Van-East, Art Lee to Deputy leaders Adriane Carr of the Green Party of Canada and Damian Kettlewell of the BC Green Party to former Councillor Tim Louis, Ms Hamilton earned their trust, received their blessings and faith for her record of community advocacy.
From prominent businessman Mark James to Downtown Eastside arts promoter & activist Irwin Oostindie to Women Leaders like Colleen Nystedt of MovieSet Inc and Claudia Ferris to Chinatown community Leader David Wong, the Hamilton campaign show-cased the trust citizens have of her.
The Social, Cultural and Gender Diversity of the City was well represented with Councillor Elizabeth Ball, former Councillor Alan Herbert and Little Sister co-owner and Community Hero Jim Deva, voicing their support of the Hamilton campaign.
States Park board hopeful Jamie Lee Hamilton, " I have been blessed by the generous support, respect and kindness bestowed on my campaign. The encouraging words of support from every corner of this City is what keeps a candidate focused. While it was difficult at the beginning of the campaign due to the aforementioned mistreatment, my campaign overcame this and succeeded due to the countless volunteers, donors and faith of Vancouver citizens. This demonstrates to me that Vancouver truly is a world-class and compassionate City which cares deeply for the less fortunate in our society while embracing fairness and equality for all. This bodes well I think for the citizens as we get set to welcome the world in 2010 and if elected as a Park Commissioner, one of the strengths I bring is that of a bridge builder".
For a full listing of endorsers please visit http:queenoftheparks.com
The Hamilton campaign will celebrate election night at the Railway Club starting at 8 pm.
-30-
For further information Jamie Lee at (778) 329-1981 or mobile at (778) 235-3677
PRESS RELEASE
Vancouver, BC
HAMILTON WINS the ENDORSEMENT RACE
Support Reflects a Bridge-Builder
Jamie Lee Hamilton, Independent candidate for Park board who early on had her civil liberties trampled on by the NPA board didn't allow this to derail her campaign.
Ms Hamilton went on to pile up endorsements from every area of the City, reflecting a true representation of Vancouver citizens. Her support spanned the left, centre and right divides of the political spectrum and is a testament to those who see Jamie Lee as a bridge-builder.
Besides racking up declarations of support from two newspapers, XtraWest and the Georgia Straight, a number of former politicians, community leaders, environmentalists, neighborhood activists, prominent and average citizens alike enthusiastically embraced the campaign of Jamie Lee Hamilton which was affectionately dubbed the Queen of the Parks campaign.
From former Mayor Philip Owen to former MP for Van-East, Art Lee to Deputy leaders Adriane Carr of the Green Party of Canada and Damian Kettlewell of the BC Green Party to former Councillor Tim Louis, Ms Hamilton earned their trust, received their blessings and faith for her record of community advocacy.
From prominent businessman Mark James to Downtown Eastside arts promoter & activist Irwin Oostindie to Women Leaders like Colleen Nystedt of MovieSet Inc and Claudia Ferris to Chinatown community Leader David Wong, the Hamilton campaign show-cased the trust citizens have of her.
The Social, Cultural and Gender Diversity of the City was well represented with Councillor Elizabeth Ball, former Councillor Alan Herbert and Little Sister co-owner and Community Hero Jim Deva, voicing their support of the Hamilton campaign.
States Park board hopeful Jamie Lee Hamilton, " I have been blessed by the generous support, respect and kindness bestowed on my campaign. The encouraging words of support from every corner of this City is what keeps a candidate focused. While it was difficult at the beginning of the campaign due to the aforementioned mistreatment, my campaign overcame this and succeeded due to the countless volunteers, donors and faith of Vancouver citizens. This demonstrates to me that Vancouver truly is a world-class and compassionate City which cares deeply for the less fortunate in our society while embracing fairness and equality for all. This bodes well I think for the citizens as we get set to welcome the world in 2010 and if elected as a Park Commissioner, one of the strengths I bring is that of a bridge builder".
For a full listing of endorsers please visit http:queenoftheparks.com
The Hamilton campaign will celebrate election night at the Railway Club starting at 8 pm.
-30-
For further information Jamie Lee at (778) 329-1981 or mobile at (778) 235-3677
Categories: Vancouver Blogs
GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECLARES HAMILTON BEST CHOICE for PARK BOARD
Oldtown News
Vancouver, BC
GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECLARES HAMILTON BEST CHOICE for PARK BOARD
"The Vancouver park board needs members who will stand up to the staff. Even if the public objects, park-board staff will figure out ways to justify the elimination of trees in Queen Elizabeth Park, the addition of restaurants on the beach, and the relentless expansion of the Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park. The best candidate to stand up to the staff and act in the public interest is independent Jamie Lee Hamilton, who has a history of advocating for marginalized Vancouverites".
Editorial
Georgia Straight
My deepest appreciation goes out to the Straight for their belief in me. Thank You to the Editorial team and Mr Dan McLeod!
Please friends save a vote for me on Saturday and please in the next couple of days tell 10 friends to support me and ask them to phone 10 friends. All these votes will make a difference!
Join me at the fabulous Railway Club for our election night party on Saturday starting at 8pm. Please arrive before 9pm so you don't pay the band cover.
Jamie Lee Hamilton
tricia_foxx@yahoo.com
Vancouver, BC
GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECLARES HAMILTON BEST CHOICE for PARK BOARD
"The Vancouver park board needs members who will stand up to the staff. Even if the public objects, park-board staff will figure out ways to justify the elimination of trees in Queen Elizabeth Park, the addition of restaurants on the beach, and the relentless expansion of the Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park. The best candidate to stand up to the staff and act in the public interest is independent Jamie Lee Hamilton, who has a history of advocating for marginalized Vancouverites".
Editorial
Georgia Straight
My deepest appreciation goes out to the Straight for their belief in me. Thank You to the Editorial team and Mr Dan McLeod!
Please friends save a vote for me on Saturday and please in the next couple of days tell 10 friends to support me and ask them to phone 10 friends. All these votes will make a difference!
Join me at the fabulous Railway Club for our election night party on Saturday starting at 8pm. Please arrive before 9pm so you don't pay the band cover.
Jamie Lee Hamilton
tricia_foxx@yahoo.com
Categories: Vancouver Blogs
VOTE MICHAEL GELLER for the DOWNTOWN EASTSIDE
Oldtown News
Vancouver, BC
VOTE MICHAEL GELLER for the DOWNTOWN EASTSIDE
Hi Readers of Oldtown News
The Municipal election arrives this Saturday and I am deeply concerned about my neighborhood the Downtown Eastside. So many politicians or aspiring politicians have used my community over the years claiming how much they deeply care for my area and how they are going to improve the fortunes of this venerable neighborhood. None of these saviors have delivered with the exception of former Mayor Philip Owen who brought us the 4 Pillars strategy.
Now someone has come along who truly understands housing issues, has compassion for the poorer citizens of the area and I believe this individual has the strength to do what is in the best interests of my neighborhood. Moreover, he will rise above partisan politics, bringing a common sense and compassionate approach to governing.
I am endorsing MICHAEL GELLER for Vancouver City Councillor and I ask my readers to please consider supporting him.
Jamie Lee Hamilton
tricia_foxx@yahoo.com
Vancouver, BC
VOTE MICHAEL GELLER for the DOWNTOWN EASTSIDE
Hi Readers of Oldtown News
The Municipal election arrives this Saturday and I am deeply concerned about my neighborhood the Downtown Eastside. So many politicians or aspiring politicians have used my community over the years claiming how much they deeply care for my area and how they are going to improve the fortunes of this venerable neighborhood. None of these saviors have delivered with the exception of former Mayor Philip Owen who brought us the 4 Pillars strategy.
Now someone has come along who truly understands housing issues, has compassion for the poorer citizens of the area and I believe this individual has the strength to do what is in the best interests of my neighborhood. Moreover, he will rise above partisan politics, bringing a common sense and compassionate approach to governing.
I am endorsing MICHAEL GELLER for Vancouver City Councillor and I ask my readers to please consider supporting him.
Jamie Lee Hamilton
tricia_foxx@yahoo.com
Categories: Vancouver Blogs
QUEEN OF THE PARKS RECEIVES MORE ENDORSEMENTS
Oldtown News
Vancouver, BC
QUEEN OF THE PARKS CAMPAIGN RECEIVES MORE ENDORSEMENTS
Support Reflects the Issues Championed by the Hamilton Campaign
In a testament to the diversity and wide-spread support for her Queen of the Parks campaign, Jamie Lee Hamilton running for the Vancouver board of parks and recreation, over the weekend received the support of a high profile environmentalist, Damian Kettlewell, deputy leader of the BC Green party, Darren Bruce, Mr Gay Canada and a young professional couple, Ann Takagi and Colin Topham, who are newer residents to the Downtown Eastside.
Previous announced high-profile endorsers include former Mayor of Vancouver, Philip Owen, Little Sister co-owner and community hero, Jim Deva, Deputy Green party leader of Canada, Adriane Carr, prominent businessman, Mark James, former Member of Parliament for Vancouver-East, Art Lee and President and CEO of Movie Set Inc, Colleen Nystedt.
"I am excited that my campaign has attracted such a wide diversity of support from notable and average Vancouver citizens alike. Our politicians often do not reflect a true representative of the diversity of our City. Our campaign, I believe is a testament to us connecting with the citizens of this great City and it demonstrates the appeal we have. These endorsements reflect the support of issues brought forward by my campaign and I'm absolutely honoured and blessed to receive them ", states Jamie Lee Hamilton.
Jamie Lee Hamilton
tricia_foxx@yahoo.com
Vancouver, BC
QUEEN OF THE PARKS CAMPAIGN RECEIVES MORE ENDORSEMENTS
Support Reflects the Issues Championed by the Hamilton Campaign
In a testament to the diversity and wide-spread support for her Queen of the Parks campaign, Jamie Lee Hamilton running for the Vancouver board of parks and recreation, over the weekend received the support of a high profile environmentalist, Damian Kettlewell, deputy leader of the BC Green party, Darren Bruce, Mr Gay Canada and a young professional couple, Ann Takagi and Colin Topham, who are newer residents to the Downtown Eastside.
Previous announced high-profile endorsers include former Mayor of Vancouver, Philip Owen, Little Sister co-owner and community hero, Jim Deva, Deputy Green party leader of Canada, Adriane Carr, prominent businessman, Mark James, former Member of Parliament for Vancouver-East, Art Lee and President and CEO of Movie Set Inc, Colleen Nystedt.
"I am excited that my campaign has attracted such a wide diversity of support from notable and average Vancouver citizens alike. Our politicians often do not reflect a true representative of the diversity of our City. Our campaign, I believe is a testament to us connecting with the citizens of this great City and it demonstrates the appeal we have. These endorsements reflect the support of issues brought forward by my campaign and I'm absolutely honoured and blessed to receive them ", states Jamie Lee Hamilton.
Jamie Lee Hamilton
tricia_foxx@yahoo.com
Categories: Vancouver Blogs
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
Hi Readers of Oldtown News
I support electoral reform especially STV and ask you to please do the same. Our electoral system is broken and we need to fix it -- JLH
Immediate Release
November 6, 2008
12 municipal candidates declare support for B.C. electoral reform
Vancouver, BC – Twelve civic candidates from across British Columbia have publicly declared their support for electoral reform, and in particular for the proposed British Columbia Single Transferable Vote (BC-ST) system. This multi-partisan group includes candidates from across the province, such as members of Vancouver's Non-Partisan Association (NPA), Coalition of Progressive Electors (COPE), and Green Party; Richmond's Independent Team of Electors (RITE); Victoria's Green Party; and numerous other independents. The movement is also supported by directors from the NDP, federal Conservatives, BC Liberals, and BC Greens.
"Change is sweeping across North America, but taking a public stand for change can be difficult," said Damian Kettlewell, organizer for I Vote Municipally for Candidates Who Support the Citizens' Assembly. "From Kamloops to Victoria, from the heart of the city to the suburbs of Vancouver, we have identified twelve candidates who will voice their support for a more democratic, proportional electoral system: the Single Transferable Vote (STV). We encourage voters to engage with the twelve candidates: volunteer, donate and campaign for these candidates who support change. As well, we are encouraging voters to respectfully contact anti-STV civic candidates and thoughtfully suggest to them that they consider supporting electoral reform.
"Voter turn-out rates are declining throughout most of Canada, and apathy is becoming an unsettling problem. B.C.'s Citizens' Assembly has proposed a new voting system, and considering that B.C. is often a catalyst for change, we feel the time is right for democracy to evolve in our province. It is time to embrace BC-STV."
List of municipal candidates who support BC-STV:
Vancouver - Ellen Woodsworth ~ ellenwoodsworth.com
Vancouver - Michael Geller ~ michaelgeller.ca
Richmond - Michael Wolfe ~ voterite.ca
Coquitlam - Fin Donnelly ~ votefin.com
Coquitlam - Neal Nicholson
Coquitlam - Richard Stewart ~ richardformayor.com
Electoral Area A (UBC) - Ben West ~ votebenwest.ca
Victoria - Sonya Chandler ~ www.vicgreens.com
Langford - Steven Hurdle ~ stevenhurdle.ca
Esquimalt - Norman Swan
Kamloops - Arjun Singh ~ yourkamloops.com
Kelowna - Angela Reid ~ angelareid.ca
Anti-STV municipal candidates:
Vancouver - Andrea Reimer ~ andreareimer.ca
- end -
Background
The BC-STV electoral system was developed and recommended by the non-partisan, 158-person Citizens' Assembly in 2004 and achieved 58% support in a referendum question in the 2005 provincial election. The question will be posed to B.C. voters again in May 2009, and requires 60% support to succeed. The B.C. Single Transferable Vote system reflects the following three values: (1) fairness, (2) better local representation and (3) more voter choice, and is best explained at: http://www.stv.ca/watch . Proponents of BC-STV feel that our current system for electing politicians (first past the post) does not reflect those values as effectively.
For more information:
Damian Kettlewell
Organizer, I Vote Municipally for Candidates Who Support the Citizens' Assembly
(778) 840-8049
damian.kettlewell@gmail.com
Hi Readers of Oldtown News
I support electoral reform especially STV and ask you to please do the same. Our electoral system is broken and we need to fix it -- JLH
Immediate Release
November 6, 2008
12 municipal candidates declare support for B.C. electoral reform
Vancouver, BC – Twelve civic candidates from across British Columbia have publicly declared their support for electoral reform, and in particular for the proposed British Columbia Single Transferable Vote (BC-ST) system. This multi-partisan group includes candidates from across the province, such as members of Vancouver's Non-Partisan Association (NPA), Coalition of Progressive Electors (COPE), and Green Party; Richmond's Independent Team of Electors (RITE); Victoria's Green Party; and numerous other independents. The movement is also supported by directors from the NDP, federal Conservatives, BC Liberals, and BC Greens.
"Change is sweeping across North America, but taking a public stand for change can be difficult," said Damian Kettlewell, organizer for I Vote Municipally for Candidates Who Support the Citizens' Assembly. "From Kamloops to Victoria, from the heart of the city to the suburbs of Vancouver, we have identified twelve candidates who will voice their support for a more democratic, proportional electoral system: the Single Transferable Vote (STV). We encourage voters to engage with the twelve candidates: volunteer, donate and campaign for these candidates who support change. As well, we are encouraging voters to respectfully contact anti-STV civic candidates and thoughtfully suggest to them that they consider supporting electoral reform.
"Voter turn-out rates are declining throughout most of Canada, and apathy is becoming an unsettling problem. B.C.'s Citizens' Assembly has proposed a new voting system, and considering that B.C. is often a catalyst for change, we feel the time is right for democracy to evolve in our province. It is time to embrace BC-STV."
List of municipal candidates who support BC-STV:
Vancouver - Ellen Woodsworth ~ ellenwoodsworth.com
Vancouver - Michael Geller ~ michaelgeller.ca
Richmond - Michael Wolfe ~ voterite.ca
Coquitlam - Fin Donnelly ~ votefin.com
Coquitlam - Neal Nicholson
Coquitlam - Richard Stewart ~ richardformayor.com
Electoral Area A (UBC) - Ben West ~ votebenwest.ca
Victoria - Sonya Chandler ~ www.vicgreens.com
Langford - Steven Hurdle ~ stevenhurdle.ca
Esquimalt - Norman Swan
Kamloops - Arjun Singh ~ yourkamloops.com
Kelowna - Angela Reid ~ angelareid.ca
Anti-STV municipal candidates:
Vancouver - Andrea Reimer ~ andreareimer.ca
- end -
Background
The BC-STV electoral system was developed and recommended by the non-partisan, 158-person Citizens' Assembly in 2004 and achieved 58% support in a referendum question in the 2005 provincial election. The question will be posed to B.C. voters again in May 2009, and requires 60% support to succeed. The B.C. Single Transferable Vote system reflects the following three values: (1) fairness, (2) better local representation and (3) more voter choice, and is best explained at: http://www.stv.ca/watch . Proponents of BC-STV feel that our current system for electing politicians (first past the post) does not reflect those values as effectively.
For more information:
Damian Kettlewell
Organizer, I Vote Municipally for Candidates Who Support the Citizens' Assembly
(778) 840-8049
damian.kettlewell@gmail.com
Categories: Vancouver Blogs
INDEPENDENT ALL-CANDIDATE MEETING SUNDAY NOVEMBER 9
Oldtown News
Vancouver, BC
The Value of Independents and Small Parties in Canadian Democracy: At The Billy Bishop Legion
See the Straight www.straight.com
A number of Independent candidates in the Vancouver municipal election have organized an all-candidate forum for Independents and Small Party representatives on Sunday, November 9 at the Billy Bishop Legion in Kitsilano.
Jamie Lee Hamilton, candidate for Park Board and Lea Johnson, candidate for Council are co-organizing this forum.
The format of the afternoon will feature 3 minute opening addresses by the candidates, then an interactive section with a Media panel featuring Charlie Smith, news editor of the Georgia Straight, The Republic municipal affairs columnist, Reed Eurchuk and Sandra Thomas, a reporter at the vancouver Courier.
Candidates will then have one minute for closing statements.
The afternoon will be moderated by former WestEnder Editor Kevin McKeown, owner of Publicity Plus Event and Marketing.
Co-chair of The Value of Independents and Small Parties in Canadian Democracy, Lea Johnson states, "A characteristic of genuine democracy is the opportunity for meaningful participation by each citizen. To create this opportunity political freedom has to prevail by the expanded participation of independents and small parties. In this way all votes are widely held ensuring that political equity is broadly shared, the opposition legitimately reflects citizen views and a one or two parties do not form a type of totalitarian pseudo-democracy."
Jamie Lee Hamilton the other co-chair of The Value of Independents and Small Parties in Canadian Democracy states, " It is imperative that our democracy has independent-minded citizens who are not tied to political machines voicing ideas and putting forth their ideas and platforms to an engaged and informed electorate. Too often, we have witnessed political power vested in the hands of backrooms and backroom operatives and this has thwarted the political will of citizens and has stilted democracy. We can do so much better than this".
Confirmed Independent speakers include Council candidates John Boychuk, Steve Wansleeben, Lea Johnson, parks candidate Jamie Lee Hamilton, Mayoral candidate Marc Emery and invitations have been sent to the Workless, Marijuana and Nude Garden parties. The Workless has also confirmed they are sending a speaker
The Independents and Small Parties in Canadian Democracy Forum is on Sunday November 9 from 2pm-4pm at the Billy Bishop Legion at 1407 Laburnum Street in Kitsilano.
Vancouver, BC
The Value of Independents and Small Parties in Canadian Democracy: At The Billy Bishop Legion
See the Straight www.straight.com
A number of Independent candidates in the Vancouver municipal election have organized an all-candidate forum for Independents and Small Party representatives on Sunday, November 9 at the Billy Bishop Legion in Kitsilano.
Jamie Lee Hamilton, candidate for Park Board and Lea Johnson, candidate for Council are co-organizing this forum.
The format of the afternoon will feature 3 minute opening addresses by the candidates, then an interactive section with a Media panel featuring Charlie Smith, news editor of the Georgia Straight, The Republic municipal affairs columnist, Reed Eurchuk and Sandra Thomas, a reporter at the vancouver Courier.
Candidates will then have one minute for closing statements.
The afternoon will be moderated by former WestEnder Editor Kevin McKeown, owner of Publicity Plus Event and Marketing.
Co-chair of The Value of Independents and Small Parties in Canadian Democracy, Lea Johnson states, "A characteristic of genuine democracy is the opportunity for meaningful participation by each citizen. To create this opportunity political freedom has to prevail by the expanded participation of independents and small parties. In this way all votes are widely held ensuring that political equity is broadly shared, the opposition legitimately reflects citizen views and a one or two parties do not form a type of totalitarian pseudo-democracy."
Jamie Lee Hamilton the other co-chair of The Value of Independents and Small Parties in Canadian Democracy states, " It is imperative that our democracy has independent-minded citizens who are not tied to political machines voicing ideas and putting forth their ideas and platforms to an engaged and informed electorate. Too often, we have witnessed political power vested in the hands of backrooms and backroom operatives and this has thwarted the political will of citizens and has stilted democracy. We can do so much better than this".
Confirmed Independent speakers include Council candidates John Boychuk, Steve Wansleeben, Lea Johnson, parks candidate Jamie Lee Hamilton, Mayoral candidate Marc Emery and invitations have been sent to the Workless, Marijuana and Nude Garden parties. The Workless has also confirmed they are sending a speaker
The Independents and Small Parties in Canadian Democracy Forum is on Sunday November 9 from 2pm-4pm at the Billy Bishop Legion at 1407 Laburnum Street in Kitsilano.
Categories: Vancouver Blogs
MORE ON COUNCIL'S $100 MILLION GIVE-AWAY
Oldtown News
Vancouver, BC
MORE ON COUNCIL'S $100 MiLLION GIVE-AWAY
On April 3, 2006, Council received a report authored by deputy City Manager, Jody Andrews regarding the expressions of interest from developer bids re: Olympic Village.
The successful bidder, Millennium, states clearly that they will not ask the City to assume any of the risk associated with the project.
On page 10 of Mr Andrews report here are the exact words feom the published report, Millennium offers a guaranteed, unconditional price of approximately $193, 000, 000 that does not ask the City to assume any of the marketing or financial risk in this development.
Councillor Peter Ladner who chairs the City of Vancouver finance committee must clear up what is turning out to be quite the boondoggle.
Questions which loom large include the following:
1) Who knew what and when regarding this project going off the rails
2) Why is the City bailing out Millennnium with taxpayer money when it clearly was presented to the public that we would not incur any of the financial risk associated with this bid?
3) Has Millennium donated to the Mayoral campaign of Mr. Ladner?
4) Why is the City Manager who receives a yearly $300,000 salary remaining silent on this exploding issue?
Jamie Lee Hamilton
tricia_foxx@yaho.com
Vancouver, BC
MORE ON COUNCIL'S $100 MiLLION GIVE-AWAY
On April 3, 2006, Council received a report authored by deputy City Manager, Jody Andrews regarding the expressions of interest from developer bids re: Olympic Village.
The successful bidder, Millennium, states clearly that they will not ask the City to assume any of the risk associated with the project.
On page 10 of Mr Andrews report here are the exact words feom the published report, Millennium offers a guaranteed, unconditional price of approximately $193, 000, 000 that does not ask the City to assume any of the marketing or financial risk in this development.
Councillor Peter Ladner who chairs the City of Vancouver finance committee must clear up what is turning out to be quite the boondoggle.
Questions which loom large include the following:
1) Who knew what and when regarding this project going off the rails
2) Why is the City bailing out Millennnium with taxpayer money when it clearly was presented to the public that we would not incur any of the financial risk associated with this bid?
3) Has Millennium donated to the Mayoral campaign of Mr. Ladner?
4) Why is the City Manager who receives a yearly $300,000 salary remaining silent on this exploding issue?
Jamie Lee Hamilton
tricia_foxx@yaho.com
Categories: Vancouver Blogs
VANCOUVER COUNCIL's $100 MILLION GIVE-AWAY
Oldtown News
Vancouver, BC
VANCOUVER COUNCIL'S $100 MILLION GIVE-AWAY
The Olympic Village mega-project has significant cost overruns and the City has come to the aid of the developer injecting $100 million of the taxpayers money into this project.
At an in-camera vote in October, Council unanimously voted to bail out the developer.
It has come to light through leaked information that this bail-out was done behind closed doors and without public approval.
It is clear that the leak must have come through a member of council and if the politician or politicians who leaked the information had any integrity they would clearly state on the record they are not in favour of secret deals of this nature being made behind closed doors.
COPE and Vision elected officials often lay claim to representing the average taxpayer in the City yet voted in favour of this secret deal. If anyone wants to know where the leak comes from, the spotlight automatically shines on Vision or COPE representatives since they would reap incredible political benefit with the election just mere days away.
The Vision/COPE/One-Green alliance smells victory and they suffered a setback when their Mayoral candidate, Gregor Robertson came under fire this past week when information was also leaked that he allegedly mis-used the public transit system.
NPA mayoral candidate Peter Ladner gained political traction regarding the Gregor Robertson transit fiasco and the Vision/COPE/One-Green municipal alliance had a smoking grenade at their disposal vis-a-vis the council bail-out for Olympic Village.
Council's decision to provide a $100 million give-away goes to the issues of transparency, public trust and accountability.
Unfortunately, Vision and COPE voted in favour of keeping this deal secret and if they were the party to leak this information--as many sources are alleging, obviously in order to gain political advantage over the NPA--this re-confirms to the public--the shadier side of politics. This is why there continues to be erosion of public trust and faith in our politicians.
While many people are struggling in society and what family or individual wouldn't gain from a financial give-away, however, the taxpaying public expects political leaders to be prudent fiscal managers of their money. At the very least, this council bail-out should not have occurred behind closed doors. Expenditures of this nature should be left up to the citizens to decide and this didn't happen.
Now this costly move for taxpayers is being played out in politically partisan ways and perhaps this is the time for citizens to carefully consider whether it's in the public interest (our interest) to embrace big-party political ways at the municipal level.
Jamie Lee Hamilton
tricia_foxx@yahoo.com
Vancouver, BC
VANCOUVER COUNCIL'S $100 MILLION GIVE-AWAY
The Olympic Village mega-project has significant cost overruns and the City has come to the aid of the developer injecting $100 million of the taxpayers money into this project.
At an in-camera vote in October, Council unanimously voted to bail out the developer.
It has come to light through leaked information that this bail-out was done behind closed doors and without public approval.
It is clear that the leak must have come through a member of council and if the politician or politicians who leaked the information had any integrity they would clearly state on the record they are not in favour of secret deals of this nature being made behind closed doors.
COPE and Vision elected officials often lay claim to representing the average taxpayer in the City yet voted in favour of this secret deal. If anyone wants to know where the leak comes from, the spotlight automatically shines on Vision or COPE representatives since they would reap incredible political benefit with the election just mere days away.
The Vision/COPE/One-Green alliance smells victory and they suffered a setback when their Mayoral candidate, Gregor Robertson came under fire this past week when information was also leaked that he allegedly mis-used the public transit system.
NPA mayoral candidate Peter Ladner gained political traction regarding the Gregor Robertson transit fiasco and the Vision/COPE/One-Green municipal alliance had a smoking grenade at their disposal vis-a-vis the council bail-out for Olympic Village.
Council's decision to provide a $100 million give-away goes to the issues of transparency, public trust and accountability.
Unfortunately, Vision and COPE voted in favour of keeping this deal secret and if they were the party to leak this information--as many sources are alleging, obviously in order to gain political advantage over the NPA--this re-confirms to the public--the shadier side of politics. This is why there continues to be erosion of public trust and faith in our politicians.
While many people are struggling in society and what family or individual wouldn't gain from a financial give-away, however, the taxpaying public expects political leaders to be prudent fiscal managers of their money. At the very least, this council bail-out should not have occurred behind closed doors. Expenditures of this nature should be left up to the citizens to decide and this didn't happen.
Now this costly move for taxpayers is being played out in politically partisan ways and perhaps this is the time for citizens to carefully consider whether it's in the public interest (our interest) to embrace big-party political ways at the municipal level.
Jamie Lee Hamilton
tricia_foxx@yahoo.com
Categories: Vancouver Blogs
PARK BOARD HOPEFUL CALLS for CIVIC APOLOGY
Oldtown News
Vancouver, BC
November 6, 2008
PARK BOARD HOPEFUL CALLS for CIVIC APOLOGY
Last night at the Xtrawest hosted mayoral debate, park board hopeful Jamie Lee Hamilton raised the issue of sex trade workers in 1982 being harmed by an act of Council.
Ms Hamilton is working as a research assistant on a project, the Expulsion of Sex Workers 1975-1985 from Vancouver's West End. This project is led by Dr Becki Ross and funded by UBC.
The Council of the day along with then Mayor Mike Harcourt brought in the street activities by-law which began fining prostitutes. In the first six months of its implementation, the city brought in $28,000 in fines.
Along with these fines and other harsh city-imposed actions, sex trade workers endured significant human rights abuses which culminated in their mass evictions from the West End in 1984.
July, 2009 will mark the 25th anniversary of these civil liberties violations.
Ms Hamilton asked mayoral hopefuls Mr Gregor Robertson and Councillor Peter Ladner last night on the public record, if they become Mayor on November 15, whether they would be willing to address this historical wrong by offering a Mayoral apology.
Mr Gregor Robertson stated he favours apologies of this nature because they assist in community reconciliation. He went on to say that he would look favorably to resolving this outstanding blight on the City's landscape.
In contrast, Councillor Pter Ladner questioned whether this would be helpful and further stated he didn't know this had happened and so he would not entertain the idea of an apology.
Harm associated with the sex trade can directly be tied back to the lack of political will during the early 1980's and this of course culminated in the mass murders of countless prostitutes in Vancouver, BC.
Jamie Lee Hamilton is asking candidates running for public office if they are willing to support a municipal apology to remedy the historical wrongs from 1982 and 1984.
Jamie Lee Hamilton
tricia_foxx@yahoo.com
Vancouver, BC
November 6, 2008
PARK BOARD HOPEFUL CALLS for CIVIC APOLOGY
Last night at the Xtrawest hosted mayoral debate, park board hopeful Jamie Lee Hamilton raised the issue of sex trade workers in 1982 being harmed by an act of Council.
Ms Hamilton is working as a research assistant on a project, the Expulsion of Sex Workers 1975-1985 from Vancouver's West End. This project is led by Dr Becki Ross and funded by UBC.
The Council of the day along with then Mayor Mike Harcourt brought in the street activities by-law which began fining prostitutes. In the first six months of its implementation, the city brought in $28,000 in fines.
Along with these fines and other harsh city-imposed actions, sex trade workers endured significant human rights abuses which culminated in their mass evictions from the West End in 1984.
July, 2009 will mark the 25th anniversary of these civil liberties violations.
Ms Hamilton asked mayoral hopefuls Mr Gregor Robertson and Councillor Peter Ladner last night on the public record, if they become Mayor on November 15, whether they would be willing to address this historical wrong by offering a Mayoral apology.
Mr Gregor Robertson stated he favours apologies of this nature because they assist in community reconciliation. He went on to say that he would look favorably to resolving this outstanding blight on the City's landscape.
In contrast, Councillor Pter Ladner questioned whether this would be helpful and further stated he didn't know this had happened and so he would not entertain the idea of an apology.
Harm associated with the sex trade can directly be tied back to the lack of political will during the early 1980's and this of course culminated in the mass murders of countless prostitutes in Vancouver, BC.
Jamie Lee Hamilton is asking candidates running for public office if they are willing to support a municipal apology to remedy the historical wrongs from 1982 and 1984.
Jamie Lee Hamilton
tricia_foxx@yahoo.com
Categories: Vancouver Blogs