Tuesday AM News - Feb 14th edition

In Prince George:

PG City Councillor Brian Skakun's request to overturn a provincial court decision to fine him $750 for violating B.C.'s protection of privacy legislation will be heard June 18 and 19 by a B.C. Supreme Court Justice in Prince George reports the PG Citizen

In Quesnel:

WLCTV (WL Community Ind. Televsion) interviews both Quesnel Mayor Mary Sjostrom & former Quesnel City Councillor Ron Paull in regards to political issues facing the City of Quesnel - view here

In Williams Lake:

* WL Council gives 3 readings to an amendment bylaw to charge $0.01 per litre for the Bulk Water Station at the Williams Lake Stampede Grounds but the vote was not unanimous - read here

* Cariboo RD hosts open houses for emergency planning - read here
* Tribune apologies to readers' regarding its' coverage over the McLeese Lake vehicle incident - read here
* Tribune columnist Diana French tackles the issue of a referendum or counter-petition, in regards to borrowing for Woodland Dr Water/Sewer - read here
* Doug Wilson: Practice safe driving - read here
* Joan Erb (President, CC Teachers' Association) - Negotiate, not legislate - read here

Note - School District #27 Board will be meeting in a special meeting tonight to discuss BC School Trustees Association AGM Motions & selecting a Facilitator for the Board's Planning Exercise - see the full Agenda here

Also - Don't forget WL Council will be meeting in a "Budget Committee" tonight at 7pm in Williams Lake Council Chambers.  Agenda does have a section for Public Comment where you can provide oral comments to WL Council on its' 2012 Budget/5 Yr Financial Plan (2012-2016)

In Kamloops:

* Kamloops Council starts its' 2012 Budget Process today - video can be viewed here.

Also - in inviting the public to the City of Kamloops 2012 Budget Exercise, the City states:

We all live here and we all have a voice. You have an important role to play in our City's future. Officials alone should not determine the opportunities and solve the challenges before us. By sharing your priorities and participating in our city's budget process, you help create a strong future for Kamloops.

Citizens are asking for more transparency in government, they've indicated that they want to be included in the process. Sadly, budget meetings are poorly attended. We want to do something to change this.

So this year we're switching it up - the mayor and all councillors will be holding roundtable discussions. Attend one of our budget meetings and talk to a councillor to share your concerns. Today's ideas are often tomorrow's projects.

I'd like to see the City of Williams Lake consider the above in the 2013 Budget exercise as it may lead to a more holistic budget exercise with the community - we could even use the Imagine our Future model used to build the City's Official Community Plan to build the yearly budget and subsequent 5 Year Financial Plan

SBF