Brent Atkinson by a whisker

This just in from Doris Fassbender, the Deputy Chief Election Officer for the City of New Westminster:

Following a two day judicial recount at the BC Provincial Court, New Westminster Registry, Judge Her Honour Alexander declared the results for the office of School Trustee for the 2008 General Local Election for the City of New Westminster. Brent Atkinson received 3665 votes and Vivian Garcia received 3663 votes. Therefore, Brent Atkinson was declared School Trustee-elect.

Grimston Park - a much larger issue

A whole new generation of New Westminster parents seem to be waking up to the morbidly dysfunctional monolith that calls itself the New Westminster School Board. At issue is the lack of transparency and public process in the decision-making process around the Grimston park proposals (aka “business as usual” in SD #40).

Following the recent civic election, in which voter apathy was once again the ultimate victor, West End parent Cynthia Smith sent an email to Superintendent John Woudzia regarding the Grimston Park issue. In response, Smith received an email from District Labour Council school trustee James Janzen that she clearly found very insulting.

Here is a bit of the email exchange that took place between Cynthia Smith and James Janzen:

1. Cynthia Smith’s email to Superintendent John Woudzia:

Date: November 20, 2008 9:12:05 AM PST
Subject: Grimston Park - a much larger issue

At some point those who represent us must realize that unilateral decisions made behind closed doors and affecting so many are not acceptable - the Grimston Park issue is cited on A4 of the Vancouver Sun today and you may expect the community to watch closely and follow-up.

http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/westcoastnews/story.html?id=3D25c3e

Cynthia Smith

2. James Janzen’s response to Cynthia Smith:

Subject: Re: Grimston Park - a much larger issue (E-mail from School District #40)
Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:19:51 -0800

Cynthia Smith

the report in the Vancouver Sun was of course wrong as so many newspaper reports are. The only decision made was to take the Grimston Park option out for consultation. Anybody who says otherwise is lying. Unfortunately many people prefer to listen to lies, rumours and gossip and will not listen to the truth.

James Janzen

3. Cynthia Smith’s response to James Janzen:

James Janzen,

Your memory of the October 28th, 2008 meeting appears to differ from mine.

Here is the point of difference: Mr Alkins announced that the municipality, the province and the school district had agreed to the land swap between Grimston Park and the old Douglas Rd cemetery site. Mr. Alkins said that he was presenting those in attendance with the choice between a middle school somewhere on Grimston park land, and an elementary school somewhere on Grimston park land. He had current quotes for building, and all that remained was for the school size "option" to be decided. He concluded by saying that he wanted the contractors in place by November 2008 (in other words, right now).

James Janzen, I have spent more than 8 years in post graduate study, in such places as the Smithsonian and the Library of Congress - are you saying to me that I did not understand the presentation that I attended on October 28, 2008 at Lord
Tweedsmuir elementary school in New Westminster, BC?

If you suggest that I shouldn't have believed the presentation, then why was it held at all? What should one believe given the presentation on Oct 28, and the information on the Translink web site? You repeatedly tell me not to believe what I hear. Of course, you must realize that that would include what you are telling me as well.

Cynthia Smith

Our hats are off to Cynthia Smith and the new generation of New Westminster parents who have now been initiated into the shadowy workings of the New Westminster school district. Only time will tell if this new generation can sound the death knell for voter apathy in New Westminster. Stay tuned…

2010 Reason to Celebrate in New Westminster

VOICE New Westminster Council Candidate Betty McIntosh spoke often at the all-candidate's meetings about celebrating New Westminster in 2009, well it looks like we'll have something else to celebrate about in 2010 as well. The 2010 Olympic Torch Relay will be in New Westminster on February 9th, 2010. The City is one of 200 Canadian cities to host a celebration.

The VANOC press release is here and details on how to become a torchbearer can be found here.

Westside Middle School: Alternative Options as Identified by Community Members

Here are the options community members came up with at the public information sessions the SD held on November 4th.

Politicians make too many decisions in secret!

New Westminster gets mentioned in this article in today's Sun.
"Last month, behind closed doors, New Westminster city officials discussed building a school at Grimston Park, a move opposed by many residents who don't want to lose green space. Residents found out about the plans only two weeks later and then organized a rally to keep the park.

Citizens have a right to protest. But they can't do so when officials withhold the very information that would lead residents to rally."

SD 40 Releases Summary Report on Douglas Road Cemetery

SD40 has finally released the infamous Wolf Report that, although never before released, is supposedly the city's worst-kept secret. At one of the recent consulation meetings MLA Puchmayr stated that there were copies all over the city. Well, now you get to see it for yourself.

Letter of Congratulations and Thanks from Blair Armitage

I would like to congratulate Wayne Wright on being elected to a third term as Mayor of New Westminster. To be elected to three consecutive terms after vigorous campaigns is not an easy task and he deserves recognition for this accomplishment.

I would also want to thank the 4,238 citizens of New Westminster for having supported me in this election and my ideas for change in this City. I am humbled that nearly half of the voters of this City endorsed my candidacy. Many, many thanks for your confidence.

Let me assure you that I will continue to advocate on your behalf. I will continue to speak out for the wonderful neighbourhoods of this great city. I will continue to advocate for consultation and consensus. And I will most definitely continue to advocate for improved public process so that the citizens of New Westminster will have their voices heard.

Yours truly,

Blair Armitage