Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:
Schickworks Signs and Stitches has installed the first of 10 vinyl wraps for City utility cabinets. A Laureen Carruthers photo of an old Chevrolet truck is now installed at the Corner of 2nd and Oliver Street on the larger of the two utility cabinets. This utility cabinet is one of the more complicated cabinets to wrap, due to the dimensions and tricky box layout. In the coming weeks, the remaining nine wraps will be installed on cabinets around the city, weather permitting.
On June 27th a Selection Committee, consisting of three City Council members and three Board members from the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society, went through the tough process of selecting ten photos out of 120. The ten photos will be printed on vinyl and wrapped around ten City-owned utility cabinets within Williams Lake this month.
“It is a priority for the City of Williams Lake to take proactive measures to manage graffiti and beautifying our community,” says Mayor Kerry Cook. “Programs such as the Cabinet Wrap Initiative for City owned infrastructure is a great start, but we need to work in collaboration with the private sector and other levels of government to implement further successful results in other areas of our community.”
The City hopes to continue this project as partnerships arise.
Showing posts with label Kerry Cook. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kerry Cook. Show all posts
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Mayor Cook writes to defeated WL Council Candidates
On December 1st - WL Mayor Kerry Cook wrote to defeated candidates who ran for WL Council in last November's civic election of which you can read a copy of that letter here
I applaud her for this initiative as it shows that all candidates - whether elected/defeated - have something to offer to our local democracy and in that vein, society itself is the ultimate winner. When I first ran for WL Council in 2005, I received a letter from then-Cariboo-South MLA Charlie Wyse thanking me for running for public office.
In the future though - I'd like to see both the Cariboo Regional District and School Board Chairs write similiar letters to defeated candidates thanking them for their contributions to the local election races
SBF
PS: Because of the message that Mayor Cook conveyed to defeated candidates, like myself - I'm in the process of drafting a letter to her making suggestions about what improvements that her Council could make in order that Williams Lake can be one of the greatest communities in British Columbia.
When the letter is complete - I'll share a copy of it here
I applaud her for this initiative as it shows that all candidates - whether elected/defeated - have something to offer to our local democracy and in that vein, society itself is the ultimate winner. When I first ran for WL Council in 2005, I received a letter from then-Cariboo-South MLA Charlie Wyse thanking me for running for public office.
In the future though - I'd like to see both the Cariboo Regional District and School Board Chairs write similiar letters to defeated candidates thanking them for their contributions to the local election races
SBF
PS: Because of the message that Mayor Cook conveyed to defeated candidates, like myself - I'm in the process of drafting a letter to her making suggestions about what improvements that her Council could make in order that Williams Lake can be one of the greatest communities in British Columbia.
When the letter is complete - I'll share a copy of it here
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Sue Zacharias on 2008-2011 WL Council Accomplishments...
This morning, WL City Councillor Sue Zacharias published a Facebook note citing all of the good things, and, as she cites, under the leadership of Mayor Kerry Cook, that the 2008-2011 WL City Council has done
Read her full Facebook note here
However, I'd like to take a moment to discuss my own thoughts on it:
1)Develop and Implement Arts and Culture Plan
Supporting the existing local Arts & Culture Function is not and does not constitute "A Plan". A Plan is how you will achieve a health Arts and Culture Sector with a plan for a new Performance Arts Centre (long overdue). This should have been done at the beginning of the term by the local government (City of WL/CRD) and not the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society, who is a stakeholder in the process, but should not be doing the work itself (reminds me of the fox in charge of the henhouse)
2) Update City Economic Strategy
Again - this is something that should have been started at the very beginning of this term and not mere months before an election... economic development should be something that has our attention everyday and not when we're close to an election
3)Completion of Courthouse Square improvements including 1st Ave sidewalk replacement - just a friendly reminder that this project was overbudget by $40,000
4) Complete a Service Delivery Review:
a)Implemented a Service Delivery Review process designed to objectively review specific departments or functions in order to maximize efficiency, improve customer’s service and/or reduce costs. - WL Council put Staff in charge of looking at existing services - talk about a double standard. When reviewing services - it should be done by someone external... Of course, if WL Staff are looking at it, it only stands to reason that they'll keep existing services where they're at.. and not look at new opportunities to do more with less, especially if it means less City workers'...
b) Prepared and adopted Secondary Suites, Nuisance Property, Graffiti, Boulevard Parking and False Alarm Bylaws - meanwhile voters' are mad over the Registration Fees for the False Alarm Bylaw and how this Council handled the issue of consulting the public on the thorny issue on regulating parking on City owned Boulevards'
c) Passed Industrial Tax Revitalization Bylaw - considering Williams Lake has the #1 Heavy Industry Tax Mill Rate in BC, I don't expect industrial companies to make use of this tax tool for the foreseeable future...
Finally - I'd point out that this Council could cut deeper by eliminating the Executive Assistant position, roughly $60,000 in savings. In this time of restraint - Council needs to do more of its' own work, like writing its own reports and doing research..
Read her full Facebook note here
However, I'd like to take a moment to discuss my own thoughts on it:
1)Develop and Implement Arts and Culture Plan
Supporting the existing local Arts & Culture Function is not and does not constitute "A Plan". A Plan is how you will achieve a health Arts and Culture Sector with a plan for a new Performance Arts Centre (long overdue). This should have been done at the beginning of the term by the local government (City of WL/CRD) and not the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society, who is a stakeholder in the process, but should not be doing the work itself (reminds me of the fox in charge of the henhouse)
2) Update City Economic Strategy
Again - this is something that should have been started at the very beginning of this term and not mere months before an election... economic development should be something that has our attention everyday and not when we're close to an election
3)Completion of Courthouse Square improvements including 1st Ave sidewalk replacement - just a friendly reminder that this project was overbudget by $40,000
4) Complete a Service Delivery Review:
a)Implemented a Service Delivery Review process designed to objectively review specific departments or functions in order to maximize efficiency, improve customer’s service and/or reduce costs. - WL Council put Staff in charge of looking at existing services - talk about a double standard. When reviewing services - it should be done by someone external... Of course, if WL Staff are looking at it, it only stands to reason that they'll keep existing services where they're at.. and not look at new opportunities to do more with less, especially if it means less City workers'...
b) Prepared and adopted Secondary Suites, Nuisance Property, Graffiti, Boulevard Parking and False Alarm Bylaws - meanwhile voters' are mad over the Registration Fees for the False Alarm Bylaw and how this Council handled the issue of consulting the public on the thorny issue on regulating parking on City owned Boulevards'
c) Passed Industrial Tax Revitalization Bylaw - considering Williams Lake has the #1 Heavy Industry Tax Mill Rate in BC, I don't expect industrial companies to make use of this tax tool for the foreseeable future...
Finally - I'd point out that this Council could cut deeper by eliminating the Executive Assistant position, roughly $60,000 in savings. In this time of restraint - Council needs to do more of its' own work, like writing its own reports and doing research..
TNG endorses a re-elected Kerry Cook for Mayor of WL
Courtesy of a Tsilhqot'in National Gov't Press Release:
The Tsilhqot’in National Government (TNG) supports the re-election of Kerry Cook as Mayor.
“We appreciate Kerry Cook for her fiscal responsibility, honesty and dedication. These are elements of a good leader, ” said TNG Tribal Chair Chief Joe Alphonse.
Kerry Cook has shown first nation support and attended many of the different Tsilhqot’in functions including a trip to Punky Lake Wilderness Camp, a camp dedicated to providing services aimed at crime prevention and community healthy development. Her involvement at the camp was admired by the youth and recognized by the Tsilhqot’in leadership.
“Since Kerry Cook has been mayor her collarboration with the Tsilhqot’in Nation and other key stakeholders have helped to reduce the crime rate in Williams Lake,” said Chief Alphonse. “Crime is at the forefront of issues that effect the health of the communities. Without her support and positive intention we wouldn’t be moving towards a healthier community.”
In Mayor Cook’s platform she expressed that on day two as Mayor the city made a commitment of over $120,000.00 towards crime reduction which resulted in a 90% reduction in some areas.
“As an instructor for the Thompson Rivers University for so many years we believe the current Mayor supports education and most importantly we believe that when she states she has a sound financial plan for Williams Lake she is speaking the truth,” states Chief Alphonse. “I believe that Kerry Cook is the best candidate that reflects the overall true population of Williams Lake with a straight-forward and honest approach. Although we have had different opinions over matters concerning the Tsilhqot’in Nation we have be able to deal with them in an open and respectful way.”
The Tsilhqot’in National Government (TNG) supports the re-election of Kerry Cook as Mayor.
“We appreciate Kerry Cook for her fiscal responsibility, honesty and dedication. These are elements of a good leader, ” said TNG Tribal Chair Chief Joe Alphonse.
Kerry Cook has shown first nation support and attended many of the different Tsilhqot’in functions including a trip to Punky Lake Wilderness Camp, a camp dedicated to providing services aimed at crime prevention and community healthy development. Her involvement at the camp was admired by the youth and recognized by the Tsilhqot’in leadership.
“Since Kerry Cook has been mayor her collarboration with the Tsilhqot’in Nation and other key stakeholders have helped to reduce the crime rate in Williams Lake,” said Chief Alphonse. “Crime is at the forefront of issues that effect the health of the communities. Without her support and positive intention we wouldn’t be moving towards a healthier community.”
In Mayor Cook’s platform she expressed that on day two as Mayor the city made a commitment of over $120,000.00 towards crime reduction which resulted in a 90% reduction in some areas.
“As an instructor for the Thompson Rivers University for so many years we believe the current Mayor supports education and most importantly we believe that when she states she has a sound financial plan for Williams Lake she is speaking the truth,” states Chief Alphonse. “I believe that Kerry Cook is the best candidate that reflects the overall true population of Williams Lake with a straight-forward and honest approach. Although we have had different opinions over matters concerning the Tsilhqot’in Nation we have be able to deal with them in an open and respectful way.”
Mayoral Candidates debate Tolko - Creekside Operations
This past Sunday, WL Mayoralty Candidate Walt Cobb spoke out on what he would do with regard to operations at Tolko - Creekside Division. See his press release here
Meanwhile, yesterday, WL Mayoral Candidate Scott Nelson also revealed his plans for Tolko - Creekside. See that here
Today, Kerry Cook responded to this by calling Mr. Nelson and Mr. Cobb's plans as "grandiose & empty campaign promises" - see that here
My own question to Kerry Cook would be:
If you've been working on this -- how about progress reports?? How does this community know that this issue has been a priority for you and your Council? Because right now - it doesn't appear that way..
Meanwhile, yesterday, WL Mayoral Candidate Scott Nelson also revealed his plans for Tolko - Creekside. See that here
Today, Kerry Cook responded to this by calling Mr. Nelson and Mr. Cobb's plans as "grandiose & empty campaign promises" - see that here
My own question to Kerry Cook would be:
If you've been working on this -- how about progress reports?? How does this community know that this issue has been a priority for you and your Council? Because right now - it doesn't appear that way..
Monday, November 7, 2011
2nd WL Mayoralty Forum
In a tightly packed room at the TRU Cafeteria at 7pm Monday - Williams Lake residents' came out for a final time to hear from Mayoralty Candidates Kerry Cook, Scott Nelson and Walt Cobb
After a 1 minute opening statement from each candidate - a question and answer period ensued including:
1) Do economic benefits supersede human and other social factors when it comes to resource development, like a mine?
2) How will you vote on renewing the Co-Gen Plant's Water Use Agreement in 2012, in addition to local industry usage of treated City water in their operations?
3) With regard to the City's new OCP/ICSP - how will you implement a livable/sustainable City?
4) How would you ensure sustainted or improved local government services, like the local pool?
5) How will you get local business to have more sustainable practices or even get "green businesses" to locate to Williams Lake?
6) Defend the responsibility of local government for the promotion of local food security?
7) Will you support or even expedite the transfer of Cariboo Lodge to a local seniors housing body?
Editor's Note - while Scott Nelson and Walt Cobb were supportive of this proposal, Kerry Cook suggested that it would be difficult, if not impossible, to do so, given the terms of the contact that saw the City acquire Cariboo Lodge for $10 in early 2008, however Scott Nelson later rebutted saying that he would sub-lease Cariboo Lodge to the local seniors housing body for $1 for a 50 or 100 year lease
8) If elected - how would your platform address the needs of young professionals setting up their home in Williams Lake?
9) What role should the mountain biking sector play in City planning?
10) Will you work towards an arrangement with IHA (Interior Health) for bus services to Kelowna for those requiring cancer care?
11) How will you work with local First Nations?
12) What is your stance with regard to investment in the Arts sector
The forum then concluded at 8:33pm
Those in attendance included WL City Councillor candidates Steve Forseth, Paul Kandola, Mike Bouchard, Peter Bowman, Gord Keener, Tenessa Fairburn, Surinderpal Rathor, Laurie Walters, Sue Zacharias, CRD Area 'E' Director hopeful Stacy Wong and School District #27 Zone 5 Trustee hopeful Dr. Sheila Boehm
The next forum will be Monday, November 14th at 7:00pm in the TRU Gym for the 13 Williams Lake City Councillor Candidates (Tenessa Fairburn has already served notice that she is unable to attend)
After a 1 minute opening statement from each candidate - a question and answer period ensued including:
1) Do economic benefits supersede human and other social factors when it comes to resource development, like a mine?
2) How will you vote on renewing the Co-Gen Plant's Water Use Agreement in 2012, in addition to local industry usage of treated City water in their operations?
3) With regard to the City's new OCP/ICSP - how will you implement a livable/sustainable City?
4) How would you ensure sustainted or improved local government services, like the local pool?
5) How will you get local business to have more sustainable practices or even get "green businesses" to locate to Williams Lake?
6) Defend the responsibility of local government for the promotion of local food security?
7) Will you support or even expedite the transfer of Cariboo Lodge to a local seniors housing body?
Editor's Note - while Scott Nelson and Walt Cobb were supportive of this proposal, Kerry Cook suggested that it would be difficult, if not impossible, to do so, given the terms of the contact that saw the City acquire Cariboo Lodge for $10 in early 2008, however Scott Nelson later rebutted saying that he would sub-lease Cariboo Lodge to the local seniors housing body for $1 for a 50 or 100 year lease
8) If elected - how would your platform address the needs of young professionals setting up their home in Williams Lake?
9) What role should the mountain biking sector play in City planning?
10) Will you work towards an arrangement with IHA (Interior Health) for bus services to Kelowna for those requiring cancer care?
11) How will you work with local First Nations?
12) What is your stance with regard to investment in the Arts sector
The forum then concluded at 8:33pm
Those in attendance included WL City Councillor candidates Steve Forseth, Paul Kandola, Mike Bouchard, Peter Bowman, Gord Keener, Tenessa Fairburn, Surinderpal Rathor, Laurie Walters, Sue Zacharias, CRD Area 'E' Director hopeful Stacy Wong and School District #27 Zone 5 Trustee hopeful Dr. Sheila Boehm
The next forum will be Monday, November 14th at 7:00pm in the TRU Gym for the 13 Williams Lake City Councillor Candidates (Tenessa Fairburn has already served notice that she is unable to attend)
Thursday, November 3, 2011
1st Mayoral Forum - Williams Lake
This afternoon - before 68 people, Scott Nelson, Walt Cobb and current WL Mayor Kerry Cook outlined their platforms and what they would do for the City of Williams Lake as Mayor at a forum co-hosted by the local Chamber of Commerce/BC Northern Real Estate Board held at Beeotcheese's Restaurant from 11:30am - 1:30pm
Each candidate received 3 minutes for their opening statement and 5 minutes for their closing statements
Questions asked included:
* Overspending
* Economic Development
* Industrial Taxation and how to solve it?
* Municipal Auditor General
* How to have an open and transparent local government
All-in-all - a friendly debate but at the end, sparks clearly flew between Scott Nelson/Kerry Cook with their closing statements
The best line was delivered from Walt Cobb - "one mayor left the barn door open (Nelson) and the other let the horse out (Cook)" in reference to the Fire Hall Budget Overruns
Next forum for the Mayoralty Candidates - 7pm Monday at Thompson Rivers' University where I'm told that all 3 Mayoralty Candidates will be present (Cook, Cobb and Nelson) contrary to what was reported in today's WL Tribune
Update - Video from the forum today (courtesy of Williams Lake Tribune) - see here, here, here, here and here
Each candidate received 3 minutes for their opening statement and 5 minutes for their closing statements
Questions asked included:
* Overspending
* Economic Development
* Industrial Taxation and how to solve it?
* Municipal Auditor General
* How to have an open and transparent local government
All-in-all - a friendly debate but at the end, sparks clearly flew between Scott Nelson/Kerry Cook with their closing statements
The best line was delivered from Walt Cobb - "one mayor left the barn door open (Nelson) and the other let the horse out (Cook)" in reference to the Fire Hall Budget Overruns
Next forum for the Mayoralty Candidates - 7pm Monday at Thompson Rivers' University where I'm told that all 3 Mayoralty Candidates will be present (Cook, Cobb and Nelson) contrary to what was reported in today's WL Tribune
Update - Video from the forum today (courtesy of Williams Lake Tribune) - see here, here, here, here and here
Monday, October 31, 2011
Review of Platforms - Sue Zacharias/Kerry Cook
Very recently - both WL City Councillor Sue Zacharias/WL Mayor Kerry Cook put out detailed re-election Platforms which I wish to review...
I know that she is sincere when she says these goals. The real problem is that she's taking two years with no results except the recent formation of a Task Force on Ec Dev which is slated to report out on Dec 31st. And if re-elected - will she get that, in business, time is money....?
Finally - for myself, I hope to be in a position to release my own full platform on Friday which will include my full campaign goals - if elected. Stay tuned!!!
SBF
Sue Zacharias - see here
Goal #1 - Agree with her but have to ask where this Council was the entire term. Economic Development should be a priority everyday and not just weeks before a local election
Goal #2 - Agree with her. If Victoria can find $500 million for BC Place (1 facility) and $500,000 for Grey Cup activities - then they should be able to fund recreation and other facilities in Rural BC that generates the funds for our urban cousins' in Metro Vancouver and other urban areas of BC...
Goal #3 - Agree with her here. The community has seen reductions in various crime categories, but let's remember - it is because of the work of all and not because of one City Council or one individual. Tackling crime is everyone's job... Also - people I've talked with say that not only do we need a Drug/Alcohol Detox facility but we need to take a closer look at our local social services and ensure that they are providing the very best services that they can and the benefits of those social services are reaching those that need it
Goal #4 - Self explanatory
Goal #5 - I somewhat take umbrage with this statement, given how many Central Cariboo Joint Committee meetings' I've attended. Personally - I don't think it is "Team Spirit" when you tell your neighbour (City of WL to CRD) how to do their job...
Goal #6 - Agree with most goals she's laid out. Corporate Vote is one item I don't think you'll see Victoria get into. Too messy for provincial politicians to get involved in when they have enough to keep them busy, politically. Also - I question her dedication/respect for seniors' when she voted to turn over Heritage House to CMHA (Can. Mental Health Assoc) when local seniors' have previously said that they wanted it to remain for seniors' purposes, voted to defer any decision on Cariboo Lodge to a Task Force (who knows when that report will be made available) and her reaction to comments from two local seniors' in Sept of 2010 on a development proposal by Luigi Mandarino by using the words "appalling". Again - we need not agree with what one says but calling one's comments as "appalling" is something we should all steer clear of. All she had to do (and she wasn't at the Public Hearing to hear the full context of their comments) was thank them for their comments and politely say that she disagree with the views
Kerry Cook - see here
Key Goals: Safer Streets - Encouraging Development - Sustaining our Community
Safer Streets:
This Goal I agree with - working on reducing crime, with everyone, should be a year-round job
Encouraging Development:
I know that she is sincere when she says these goals. The real problem is that she's taking two years with no results except the recent formation of a Task Force on Ec Dev which is slated to report out on Dec 31st. And if re-elected - will she get that, in business, time is money....?
Finally - for myself, I hope to be in a position to release my own full platform on Friday which will include my full campaign goals - if elected. Stay tuned!!!
SBF
Friday, October 28, 2011
Region Wrap-Up - Oct 28th edition
In Quesnel:
* Quesnel Councillor Sushil Thapar reports on all projects over budget and how much long term debt the City of Quesnel has acquired in the last few years. See that here. Also - Mr. Thapar and Mary Sjostrom were discussing this on the radio this morning. Should Thapar/Sjostrom be re-elected, I wonder if their clearly polarized relationship will continue for the 2011-2014 term of Quesnel Council
* Quesnel Community Economic Development Corporation snags another award - see more details here
In Williams Lake:
* The new Business Expansion/Attraction Strategy Task Force have their first meeting this week - see more here
* This past Wednesday - in the online comment section of the Williams Lake Tribune, user "True54321" said this, in part:
She (Kerry Cook) was in part responsible for the community policing debaucle and the resignation of 32 people in one day including Bob MacIntosh
Interesting comment - I've also heard this confirmed through others as well...if true, it doesn't speak well of our local Community Policing team. Maybe connected to the decision to no longer have a personal presence for Community Policing at Community Corner, see the blog post I did on that here
* A Reminder that there are three "All Candidate Forums" in Williams Lake next week. On November 2nd from 5:30pm - 8:00pm at the Tourism Discovery Centre for WL City Councillor candidates only and at WL Seniors' Village on Thursday, November 3rd at 7:00pm and also Thursday, Nov 3rd from 11:45am - 1:30pm for the 3 WL Mayoralty Candidates only at Beeotcheese's Restaurant (by Lo's Florist). Contact WL Chamber of Commerce at 250-392-5025 or visitors@telus.net for ticket purchase information for the WL Mayoralty Candidate Forum
* Quesnel Councillor Sushil Thapar reports on all projects over budget and how much long term debt the City of Quesnel has acquired in the last few years. See that here. Also - Mr. Thapar and Mary Sjostrom were discussing this on the radio this morning. Should Thapar/Sjostrom be re-elected, I wonder if their clearly polarized relationship will continue for the 2011-2014 term of Quesnel Council
* Quesnel Community Economic Development Corporation snags another award - see more details here
In Williams Lake:
* The new Business Expansion/Attraction Strategy Task Force have their first meeting this week - see more here
* This past Wednesday - in the online comment section of the Williams Lake Tribune, user "True54321" said this, in part:
She (Kerry Cook) was in part responsible for the community policing debaucle and the resignation of 32 people in one day including Bob MacIntosh
Interesting comment - I've also heard this confirmed through others as well...if true, it doesn't speak well of our local Community Policing team. Maybe connected to the decision to no longer have a personal presence for Community Policing at Community Corner, see the blog post I did on that here
* A Reminder that there are three "All Candidate Forums" in Williams Lake next week. On November 2nd from 5:30pm - 8:00pm at the Tourism Discovery Centre for WL City Councillor candidates only and at WL Seniors' Village on Thursday, November 3rd at 7:00pm and also Thursday, Nov 3rd from 11:45am - 1:30pm for the 3 WL Mayoralty Candidates only at Beeotcheese's Restaurant (by Lo's Florist). Contact WL Chamber of Commerce at 250-392-5025 or visitors@telus.net for ticket purchase information for the WL Mayoralty Candidate Forum
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Mayoral Debate on the Fluoride Referendum Question
Earlier today, Walt Cobb (WL Mayoral Candidate) said this on the Fluoride Referendum Question:
Walt Cobb is also critical of how fellow candidate Scott Nelson has handled the issue: “Well first of all, they’re (the city) suggesting through the referendum we’re already putting fluoride in the water which isn’t true. The second is the other candidate who is pointing fingers because he is saying the mayor should be doing something when in fact fluoride hasn’t been used since his term of office.”
The City hasn’t put fluoride in the water supply since 2005.
The referendum question will be put to residents when they vote in local elections November 19th.
Cobb and Nelson are challenging incumbent Kerry Cook for the mayor’s chair.
Meanwhile - Williams Lake Mayor Kerry Cook (seeking re-election herself) says:
“There is certainly no intent to be misleading on this issue, we want people to be as informed as possible when they come out to vote on the issue November 19th.”
Cook also said the fluoride issue should have been handled years ago.
My take:
1) Ms. Cook, who's been here long enough, knows that this has been put to a vote a number of times including in the 2005 Election ( I remember voting no to continue putting fluoride in the City's water system but the community, as a whole, said to continue putting fluoride in)
2) Let's leave this issue as a "personal health issue" and not a political one, allow the community to decide, one by one, if it wants to continue or not. But I suspect given the fact that the public is now informed that fluoride, in fact, has not been injected in the City's water since 2005 that they'll vote to kill it altogether
SBF
Walt Cobb is also critical of how fellow candidate Scott Nelson has handled the issue: “Well first of all, they’re (the city) suggesting through the referendum we’re already putting fluoride in the water which isn’t true. The second is the other candidate who is pointing fingers because he is saying the mayor should be doing something when in fact fluoride hasn’t been used since his term of office.”
The City hasn’t put fluoride in the water supply since 2005.
The referendum question will be put to residents when they vote in local elections November 19th.
Cobb and Nelson are challenging incumbent Kerry Cook for the mayor’s chair.
Meanwhile - Williams Lake Mayor Kerry Cook (seeking re-election herself) says:
“There is certainly no intent to be misleading on this issue, we want people to be as informed as possible when they come out to vote on the issue November 19th.”
Cook also said the fluoride issue should have been handled years ago.
My take:
1) Ms. Cook, who's been here long enough, knows that this has been put to a vote a number of times including in the 2005 Election ( I remember voting no to continue putting fluoride in the City's water system but the community, as a whole, said to continue putting fluoride in)
2) Let's leave this issue as a "personal health issue" and not a political one, allow the community to decide, one by one, if it wants to continue or not. But I suspect given the fact that the public is now informed that fluoride, in fact, has not been injected in the City's water since 2005 that they'll vote to kill it altogether
SBF
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Another questionable Kerry Cook comment....
Earlier today on the Rush - Kerry Cook responded to Scott Nelson's charge that she had failed to call Target and encourage them to come to Williams Lake by calling his charges "ridiculous"
Near the end of the interview, she stated:
"I only wish that I had an prioritized (economic development) list at the beginning of my term"
A very interesting comment which really begs this question:
1) If Economic Development is so important to her now, why not form an Ec Dev Task Force at the beginning of the term with key targets/goals for Economic Development, rather than with 29 days to General Voting Day....?
My opinion - this is a political ploy, plain and simple. Ms. Cook hopes voters will forget 2009/2010 and focus on the "here and now" and reward her "purported" work on EcDev with another 3 year term.
At the end of the day - I hope that voters' will cut through the spin and see that this is a Mayor who has no ideas on Economic Development and has had none since she took office in December of 2008 and reward one of the other two Williams Lake Mayoralty Candidates instead, either Scott Nelson or Walt Cobb, with the Mayor's Chair, on Saturday, November 19th
SBF
Near the end of the interview, she stated:
"I only wish that I had an prioritized (economic development) list at the beginning of my term"
A very interesting comment which really begs this question:
1) If Economic Development is so important to her now, why not form an Ec Dev Task Force at the beginning of the term with key targets/goals for Economic Development, rather than with 29 days to General Voting Day....?
My opinion - this is a political ploy, plain and simple. Ms. Cook hopes voters will forget 2009/2010 and focus on the "here and now" and reward her "purported" work on EcDev with another 3 year term.
At the end of the day - I hope that voters' will cut through the spin and see that this is a Mayor who has no ideas on Economic Development and has had none since she took office in December of 2008 and reward one of the other two Williams Lake Mayoralty Candidates instead, either Scott Nelson or Walt Cobb, with the Mayor's Chair, on Saturday, November 19th
SBF
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Kerry Cook defends launch of new EcDev Task Force
Kerry Cook also took time after last night's Council meeting to defend the newly formed Business Attraction and Expansion Task Force
See that video here
As Councillor Rathor said last night - if Economic Development was such a priority, then why wasn't this Task Force active at the beginning of the term, rather than at the end of the term and with exactly 30 days until voters' decide the next WL City Council for the 2011-2014 term.
Just my own thoughts...
SBF
See that video here
As Councillor Rathor said last night - if Economic Development was such a priority, then why wasn't this Task Force active at the beginning of the term, rather than at the end of the term and with exactly 30 days until voters' decide the next WL City Council for the 2011-2014 term.
Just my own thoughts...
SBF
Kerry Cook staunchly defends registration fees for False Alarm Bylaw
After last night's WL Council Meeting, WL Mayor Kerry Cook took a few minutes to staunchly explain the reason for the registration fees for the new False Alarm Bylaw
Out at events this week - people like the registration aspect but absolutely hate the fee that goes along with it. In fact - some have suggested that this issue will sway their vote
For the record - I disagree completely with the registration fee but the registration aspect I agree with so the City can get information on how to reduce or eliminate the false alarms that the City faces - both for Police/Fire
SBF
Out at events this week - people like the registration aspect but absolutely hate the fee that goes along with it. In fact - some have suggested that this issue will sway their vote
For the record - I disagree completely with the registration fee but the registration aspect I agree with so the City can get information on how to reduce or eliminate the false alarms that the City faces - both for Police/Fire
SBF
Kerry Cook focussed on Task Forces, not Jobs
WL Council at their meeting last night approved the appointments to the new Business Expansion and Attraction Task Force with Councillor Rathor opposed. The Task Force will be meeting today at 7am. It was noted that other Councillors could attend, if they wish
See the story from the Rush here
However, Williams Lake Mayoralty Candidate Scott Nelson noted the following, after the meeting:
Why is Mayor Kerry Cook focussed on Task Forces/Committees and not focussed on protecting jobs. An example of this:
60 jobs at Zellers....gone. Why didn't Mayor Cook pick up the phone and protect those 60 jobs, rather than studying things to death
Update - See a video on this topic from Scott Nelson here
My own take:
1) As Councillor Rathor noted - is Mayor Cook stretching herself too thin? Example of this - she and her two Alternates failed to attend the CRD Board Meeting of October 6th
2) I don't see a process selection process for the Committee, other than a staff report which none of my readers will get to read online because of the continuing issues with the City's "CivicWeb" server which provides online access to Council or Committee of the Whole Agendas.
3) How were decisions made about who gets to sit on the Task Force. I further note that Ray Sanders - TRU Director is a member of the Task Force. How was that decision made, independent of the Mayor who works at TRU and why not declare a conflict and leave the room so that the decision has the appearance of being done without no undue influence on Council
See the story from the Rush here
However, Williams Lake Mayoralty Candidate Scott Nelson noted the following, after the meeting:
Why is Mayor Kerry Cook focussed on Task Forces/Committees and not focussed on protecting jobs. An example of this:
60 jobs at Zellers....gone. Why didn't Mayor Cook pick up the phone and protect those 60 jobs, rather than studying things to death
Update - See a video on this topic from Scott Nelson here
My own take:
1) As Councillor Rathor noted - is Mayor Cook stretching herself too thin? Example of this - she and her two Alternates failed to attend the CRD Board Meeting of October 6th
2) I don't see a process selection process for the Committee, other than a staff report which none of my readers will get to read online because of the continuing issues with the City's "CivicWeb" server which provides online access to Council or Committee of the Whole Agendas.
3) How were decisions made about who gets to sit on the Task Force. I further note that Ray Sanders - TRU Director is a member of the Task Force. How was that decision made, independent of the Mayor who works at TRU and why not declare a conflict and leave the room so that the decision has the appearance of being done without no undue influence on Council
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Appt of Business Attraction/Expansion Task Force Members
At tonight's WL Council Meeting - Council will consider a recommendation from In-Camera as follows:
That the report of the Manager of Economic Development dated October 6, 2011 be received and the following individuals be appointed to the Business Expansion & Attraction Strategy Task Force as per Council Resolution No. 342/11:
Tracy Gard, Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce
Sheila Mortensen, Williams Lake Central Business Improvement Area
Ray Sanders, Thompson Rivers University, Williams Lake Campus
Glen Holling, Real Estate
Ross MacLean, Gibraltar Mines
Councillor Geoff Bourdon, City of Williams Lake
Mayor Kerry Cook, City of Williams Lake
That the report of the Manager of Economic Development dated October 6, 2011 be received and the following individuals be appointed to the Business Expansion & Attraction Strategy Task Force as per Council Resolution No. 342/11:
Tracy Gard, Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce
Sheila Mortensen, Williams Lake Central Business Improvement Area
Ray Sanders, Thompson Rivers University, Williams Lake Campus
Glen Holling, Real Estate
Ross MacLean, Gibraltar Mines
Councillor Geoff Bourdon, City of Williams Lake
Mayor Kerry Cook, City of Williams Lake
Thursday, October 13, 2011
WL News...Oct 13th edition
1) Richard Vollo runs for WL Council - see here and here
2) Local teachers say - Local issues require local decision making - see here
3) WL Mayor Kerry Cook clarifies intent of False Alarm Bylaw - see here
Editor's Note - curious as to why Mayor Cook felt the need to remove the alarm keyholder requirement without it returning to WL Council for a formal decision, as it was part of the False Alarm Bylaw passed on Nov 23rd, 2010. Just asking...
4) Kerry Cook kicks off her re-election bid last Thursday with her supporters - see here
5) Now, Tribune columnist (and local musician) Dean Fulton says the alarm registration fees are a "cash grab" - see here
6) Local resident Micheal Atwood (and Kerry Cook supporter) argues why Scott Nelson should not be Mayor of Williams Lake once again - see here
Meanwhile, in Quesnel:
1) Mary Sjostrom says: Bring On the Quesnel Mayor's Race...but keep it clean - see here
2) On Tuesday, Oct 4th - Quesnel and Community Economic Development announced that it had won the Economic Development Association of Canada marketing award for best interactive media - see more details here
Finally...
A review of the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) October 6th minutes indicates that Williams Lake Mayor/CRD Director Kerry Cook was absent from this meeting. While this is not unusual - the fact that she and both of the City's 2 Alternate Directors' - Sue Zacharias/Surinderpal Rathor was unusual, given the CRD Board meeting was in Williams Lake. This, in spite of the fact Mayor Cook did say at the Sept 15th CRD Committee of the Whole that the CRD Board Agenda needed to change in order to accomodate her schedule. Note - her fellow Mayors' (Mary Sjostrom from Quesnel, Jay Vermette from Wells, and Mitch Campsall from 100 Mile House) were in attendance for this meeting
2) Local teachers say - Local issues require local decision making - see here
3) WL Mayor Kerry Cook clarifies intent of False Alarm Bylaw - see here
Editor's Note - curious as to why Mayor Cook felt the need to remove the alarm keyholder requirement without it returning to WL Council for a formal decision, as it was part of the False Alarm Bylaw passed on Nov 23rd, 2010. Just asking...
4) Kerry Cook kicks off her re-election bid last Thursday with her supporters - see here
5) Now, Tribune columnist (and local musician) Dean Fulton says the alarm registration fees are a "cash grab" - see here
6) Local resident Micheal Atwood (and Kerry Cook supporter) argues why Scott Nelson should not be Mayor of Williams Lake once again - see here
Meanwhile, in Quesnel:
1) Mary Sjostrom says: Bring On the Quesnel Mayor's Race...but keep it clean - see here
2) On Tuesday, Oct 4th - Quesnel and Community Economic Development announced that it had won the Economic Development Association of Canada marketing award for best interactive media - see more details here
Finally...
A review of the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) October 6th minutes indicates that Williams Lake Mayor/CRD Director Kerry Cook was absent from this meeting. While this is not unusual - the fact that she and both of the City's 2 Alternate Directors' - Sue Zacharias/Surinderpal Rathor was unusual, given the CRD Board meeting was in Williams Lake. This, in spite of the fact Mayor Cook did say at the Sept 15th CRD Committee of the Whole that the CRD Board Agenda needed to change in order to accomodate her schedule. Note - her fellow Mayors' (Mary Sjostrom from Quesnel, Jay Vermette from Wells, and Mitch Campsall from 100 Mile House) were in attendance for this meeting
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
WL Mayoralty Candidates duke it out over False Alarm Bylaw
Earlier today - Williams Lake Mayoralty Candidate Scott Nelson, on Welcome to Williams Lake, stated that if he was elected Mayor, he would repeal the alarm registration fee structure with regard to the False Alarm Bylaw and called it nothing more than a "fee tax-grab" - see more details here
For her part - current Williams Lake Mayor Kerry Cook defended the registration fees as follows (courtesy of the Rush):
The mayor of Williams Lake is encouraging city residents to register their alarms before October 30th.
Kerry Cook says 200 people have registered so far and says it's led to a 23% reduction in false alarms already. She also says a similar bylaw which passed in the central Okanagan led to a 60% drop in false alarms there.
The fee to register is $15 dollars for residential alarm systems and $20 dollars for commercial and other alarm systems.
After October 30th, an automatic $100 dollar fee will be charged for the RCMP or Fire Department to respond to a non registered alarm.
One Question:
1) If 200 people have registered and false alarms have dropped by 23% - why the continued need to impose a fee to register one's alarm system?
Again - people have said they don't object to registering their alarm system but do object to paying a fee to register. This is a money grab by Williams Lake City Hall, notwithstanding the protests by WL Mayor Kerry Cook. The best way to go is ditch the registration fee structure, require free registration and educate the public on how to reduce or completely eliminate false alarms
For her part - current Williams Lake Mayor Kerry Cook defended the registration fees as follows (courtesy of the Rush):
The mayor of Williams Lake is encouraging city residents to register their alarms before October 30th.
Kerry Cook says 200 people have registered so far and says it's led to a 23% reduction in false alarms already. She also says a similar bylaw which passed in the central Okanagan led to a 60% drop in false alarms there.
The fee to register is $15 dollars for residential alarm systems and $20 dollars for commercial and other alarm systems.
After October 30th, an automatic $100 dollar fee will be charged for the RCMP or Fire Department to respond to a non registered alarm.
One Question:
1) If 200 people have registered and false alarms have dropped by 23% - why the continued need to impose a fee to register one's alarm system?
Again - people have said they don't object to registering their alarm system but do object to paying a fee to register. This is a money grab by Williams Lake City Hall, notwithstanding the protests by WL Mayor Kerry Cook. The best way to go is ditch the registration fee structure, require free registration and educate the public on how to reduce or completely eliminate false alarms
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Geoff Bourdon supports Kerry Cook & Steve Forseth?
Last Wednesday, and while Williams Lake Mayor and Council were at the 2011 UBCM Convention, the BC Government posted a short video of Williams Lake Mayor Kerry Cook on the importance of relationship, especially with local First Nations - see that video here. That was at 1:05pm on Wednesday, October 5th
In response - I said, while it was good to see Kerry Cook talk about partnerships, she won't be here after Nov 19th to follow up on her comments with action (this is my own opinion and most of my readers' know how I feel about Kerry Cook after two and a half years in office)
At 1:30pm on the same day (Oct 5th) - WL City Councillor Geoff Bourdon left me this comment:
Hey Steve, you have to be willing to work with whoever wins, it does no service to the community to have people making decisions based on personal differences instead of information.
This comment is surprising, given I don't believe Geoff Bourdon cares who is Mayor after November 19th
Then less than an hour later (2:26pm) - Mr. Bourdon left me this additional comment:
I've never sat on the fence. I look forward to working with you so you can see.
Again - how does know that I'll be or he'll be elected on November 19th (even I don't know what the voters' will be doing - well...God and that individual voter knows who he/she are voting for, both Councillor Mayor and School District Trustee for Zone 6 - City of Williams Lake)
Final Conclusion:
Given the short time to reply to my Facebook post: (1:07pm Oct 5th post and 1st comment at 1:30pm on the same day), given he was at Kerry Cook's BBQ and given his "backdoor" endorsement and the fact there was a billion other words in the English language about my Facebook post he could have used instead, if he objected to it:
1) Geoff Bourdon endorses Kerry Cook for Mayor, just like his colleague Sue Zacharias
2) Geoff Bourdon believes Steve Forseth will be elected on November 19th.
I can not find any other conclusion that fits his comments on my Facebook post of October 5th.
In response - I said, while it was good to see Kerry Cook talk about partnerships, she won't be here after Nov 19th to follow up on her comments with action (this is my own opinion and most of my readers' know how I feel about Kerry Cook after two and a half years in office)
At 1:30pm on the same day (Oct 5th) - WL City Councillor Geoff Bourdon left me this comment:
Hey Steve, you have to be willing to work with whoever wins, it does no service to the community to have people making decisions based on personal differences instead of information.
This comment is surprising, given I don't believe Geoff Bourdon cares who is Mayor after November 19th
Then less than an hour later (2:26pm) - Mr. Bourdon left me this additional comment:
I've never sat on the fence. I look forward to working with you so you can see.
Again - how does know that I'll be or he'll be elected on November 19th (even I don't know what the voters' will be doing - well...God and that individual voter knows who he/she are voting for, both Councillor Mayor and School District Trustee for Zone 6 - City of Williams Lake)
Final Conclusion:
Given the short time to reply to my Facebook post: (1:07pm Oct 5th post and 1st comment at 1:30pm on the same day), given he was at Kerry Cook's BBQ and given his "backdoor" endorsement and the fact there was a billion other words in the English language about my Facebook post he could have used instead, if he objected to it:
1) Geoff Bourdon endorses Kerry Cook for Mayor, just like his colleague Sue Zacharias
2) Geoff Bourdon believes Steve Forseth will be elected on November 19th.
I can not find any other conclusion that fits his comments on my Facebook post of October 5th.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Campaign Ads - City of Williams Lake 2011 Election
Yesterday, I received a copy of The Stew Magazine for October and in it - it contained election ads for Kerry Cook, Scott Nelson and both City Councillors Laurie Walters and Sue Zacharias. You can read it here
But for my readers' information, the campaign ads "slogans" are as follows:
Kerry Cook - Responsible Leadership - Now and in the Future
Scott Nelson - It's time for a positive change for a major focus on jobs, jobs and more jobs
Laurie Walters - Dedicated to Growing Arts, Culture and Heritage
Sue Zacharias - Family Advocate, Safer/Stronger Community, Innovative Industry Planning
Although not in this magazine - Walt Cobb also has campaign brochures out. His campaign slogan is:
H.O.P.E. :
Honest
Open
Positive
Experience
To this point - none of the other candidates, including myself, have done any campaign advertising and I don't expect much, if any,of that until after the formal nomination period closes a week today at 4:00pm
Finally - The Stew magazine reports that for its' November issue - it'll be contacting all of the candidates for their views and let their readers' know what those views are. Likely that issue will be out in late October
But for my readers' information, the campaign ads "slogans" are as follows:
Kerry Cook - Responsible Leadership - Now and in the Future
Scott Nelson - It's time for a positive change for a major focus on jobs, jobs and more jobs
Laurie Walters - Dedicated to Growing Arts, Culture and Heritage
Sue Zacharias - Family Advocate, Safer/Stronger Community, Innovative Industry Planning
Although not in this magazine - Walt Cobb also has campaign brochures out. His campaign slogan is:
H.O.P.E. :
Honest
Open
Positive
Experience
To this point - none of the other candidates, including myself, have done any campaign advertising and I don't expect much, if any,of that until after the formal nomination period closes a week today at 4:00pm
Finally - The Stew magazine reports that for its' November issue - it'll be contacting all of the candidates for their views and let their readers' know what those views are. Likely that issue will be out in late October
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Kerry Cook Re-Election Kick-Off BBQ
Courtesy of Greg Fry (The Rush) via Twitter:
Tonight before 150 supporters (Editor's Note - I'm told a more realistic number at this event was 80) - Kerry Cook launched her official re-election bid (note - Mayor Cook has officially filed her nomination papers with WL City Hall) - see a story on this from The Rush here
Interesting notes:
1) WL City Councillors Laurie Walters, Sue Zacharias and Geoff Bourdon were at this event however Tom Barr and Surinder Rathor were not. I've since contacted Surinder Rathor and he has confirmed that he recieved no invitation to appear at this event. On the one hand - this (not inviting Surinderpal Rathor) would not be in keeping with her inaugural speech in which she state that the community needed to come together and not build walls, but on the other hand - she wouldn't want to invite people who clearly are not supporters of hers
2) Mayor Cook has appointed her daughter, Stephanie MacLeod (nee Cook) to be her campaign manager. In addition to running Mayor's Cook re-election bid on Facebook - they've established a website as well, which you can view here
Finally - Walt Cobb had 50 supporters at his campaign launch BBQ, Kerry Cook had 80 at hers'. Will Scott Nelson have a campaign launch BBQ? If so - it'll be interesting to see how many supporters' Mr. Nelson would be able to put together at a campaign launch BBQ...if Mr. Nelson does decide to have a campaign launch BBQ
SBF
Tonight before 150 supporters (Editor's Note - I'm told a more realistic number at this event was 80) - Kerry Cook launched her official re-election bid (note - Mayor Cook has officially filed her nomination papers with WL City Hall) - see a story on this from The Rush here
Interesting notes:
1) WL City Councillors Laurie Walters, Sue Zacharias and Geoff Bourdon were at this event however Tom Barr and Surinder Rathor were not. I've since contacted Surinder Rathor and he has confirmed that he recieved no invitation to appear at this event. On the one hand - this (not inviting Surinderpal Rathor) would not be in keeping with her inaugural speech in which she state that the community needed to come together and not build walls, but on the other hand - she wouldn't want to invite people who clearly are not supporters of hers
2) Mayor Cook has appointed her daughter, Stephanie MacLeod (nee Cook) to be her campaign manager. In addition to running Mayor's Cook re-election bid on Facebook - they've established a website as well, which you can view here
Finally - Walt Cobb had 50 supporters at his campaign launch BBQ, Kerry Cook had 80 at hers'. Will Scott Nelson have a campaign launch BBQ? If so - it'll be interesting to see how many supporters' Mr. Nelson would be able to put together at a campaign launch BBQ...if Mr. Nelson does decide to have a campaign launch BBQ
SBF
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)