Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Re: Hope they paid own way - Regina Dalton
RE: Hope they paid own way – Regina Dalton
Tsk, Tsk, Tsk. Regina, why would you be surprised by Abbotsford City Hall happily squandering a few thousand dollars on a pointless trip to enjoy the ECHL all-star festivities? Having demonstrated their willingness and ability to cost taxpayers millions, a few thousand more is just chump change – with taxpayers as the chumps paying the bills.
Your time might better be spent putting together a primer on how to use that new-fangled, ultramodern communications device the telephone. It seems that nobody at Abbotsford City Hall knows how to use a telephone. Otherwise they could have called the ECHL offices and gotten all the information about local ownership and the one month timeframe at the cost of a few dollars on the long distance phone bill.
Admittedly, while an efficient method of finding out the needed information, a phone call isn’t nearly as much fun as a boondoggle … I mean fact-finding trip on the taxpayer’s tab. Which brings up the question of exactly how many trips were made and at what cost for other fact-finding taxpayer funded vacations on or for Plan A?
No doubt the ECHL management was suitably impressed by representatives of Abbotsford City Hall arriving unprepared, having failed to have done their homework on the ECHL management, ownership and franchise requirements/structure. They were undoubtedly as impressed with Abbotsford City Hall as I and a growing number of other taxpayers are.
Tsk, Tsk, Tsk. Regina, why would you be surprised by Abbotsford City Hall happily squandering a few thousand dollars on a pointless trip to enjoy the ECHL all-star festivities? Having demonstrated their willingness and ability to cost taxpayers millions, a few thousand more is just chump change – with taxpayers as the chumps paying the bills.
Your time might better be spent putting together a primer on how to use that new-fangled, ultramodern communications device the telephone. It seems that nobody at Abbotsford City Hall knows how to use a telephone. Otherwise they could have called the ECHL offices and gotten all the information about local ownership and the one month timeframe at the cost of a few dollars on the long distance phone bill.
Admittedly, while an efficient method of finding out the needed information, a phone call isn’t nearly as much fun as a boondoggle … I mean fact-finding trip on the taxpayer’s tab. Which brings up the question of exactly how many trips were made and at what cost for other fact-finding taxpayer funded vacations on or for Plan A?
No doubt the ECHL management was suitably impressed by representatives of Abbotsford City Hall arriving unprepared, having failed to have done their homework on the ECHL management, ownership and franchise requirements/structure. They were undoubtedly as impressed with Abbotsford City Hall as I and a growing number of other taxpayers are.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Here we go again.
Rush, Rush, Rush.
Does no one at Abbotsford City Hall understand the concept of careful consideration, thinking things through, acting with due deliberation and diligence? It would appear, based on reading the coverage in the local papers, that the question: is it rational, intelligent behaviour to go running around madly trying to get a bid for an ECHL team, a bid that should be a year or more in the making, done in a month?
Desperation is a very, very bad position to be bargaining from. And Abbotsford City Hall is well past desperate on this matter given the multimillion dollar mistake they made on Plan A already, in not having the common sense to secure provincial funds BEFORE taking it to the taxpayers. Now they face the looming possibility of the mirage of an ECHL team they sold the taxpayers as part of their snake-oil sales pitch, disappearing the way all mirages do when approached.
How many more dollars is Abbotsford City Hall’s desperation going to cost taxpayers? What is Abbotsford City Hall willing to pay to avoid being so clearly stuck with a white elephant of an arena? Given their demonstrated inability to admit misjudgement and accept responsibility for local taxpayers being stuck footing the entire bill for Plan A, one can only expect them to adopt an attitude of “cover our A**es”. I fear, based on their attitude and performance so far on Plan A, they will be willing to spend any amount of taxpayer’s money in order to hide from reality or acceptance of responsibility.
I have little doubt that with a willingness to throw any amount of money at this situation, you may well be able to find a black knight to ride to the rescue of Abbotsford City Hall and their white elephant. I say black knight because the bills for this team are likely to end up being paid by taxpayers.
Should Abbotsford City Hall find their black knight I think we can be sure of two things. The first is that Abbotsford City Hall will crank up the smoke machines and roll out the mirrors to once again sell a mirage to taxpayers. And two, that all the important financial arrangements and agreements that lead to a team in the city will be deemed sensitive and hidden from taxpayers as none of their business.
OK three things. The third being that should you decide you really want to know what was agreed to and pursue the truth trough “freedom of information legislation” the city will fight you, as they have and continue to do with those seeking full disclosure on the original finances for Plan A.
This behaviour has left taxpayers only one option in dealing with Abbotsford City Hall: caveat emptor – let the taxpayer beware.
Does no one at Abbotsford City Hall understand the concept of careful consideration, thinking things through, acting with due deliberation and diligence? It would appear, based on reading the coverage in the local papers, that the question: is it rational, intelligent behaviour to go running around madly trying to get a bid for an ECHL team, a bid that should be a year or more in the making, done in a month?
Desperation is a very, very bad position to be bargaining from. And Abbotsford City Hall is well past desperate on this matter given the multimillion dollar mistake they made on Plan A already, in not having the common sense to secure provincial funds BEFORE taking it to the taxpayers. Now they face the looming possibility of the mirage of an ECHL team they sold the taxpayers as part of their snake-oil sales pitch, disappearing the way all mirages do when approached.
How many more dollars is Abbotsford City Hall’s desperation going to cost taxpayers? What is Abbotsford City Hall willing to pay to avoid being so clearly stuck with a white elephant of an arena? Given their demonstrated inability to admit misjudgement and accept responsibility for local taxpayers being stuck footing the entire bill for Plan A, one can only expect them to adopt an attitude of “cover our A**es”. I fear, based on their attitude and performance so far on Plan A, they will be willing to spend any amount of taxpayer’s money in order to hide from reality or acceptance of responsibility.
I have little doubt that with a willingness to throw any amount of money at this situation, you may well be able to find a black knight to ride to the rescue of Abbotsford City Hall and their white elephant. I say black knight because the bills for this team are likely to end up being paid by taxpayers.
Should Abbotsford City Hall find their black knight I think we can be sure of two things. The first is that Abbotsford City Hall will crank up the smoke machines and roll out the mirrors to once again sell a mirage to taxpayers. And two, that all the important financial arrangements and agreements that lead to a team in the city will be deemed sensitive and hidden from taxpayers as none of their business.
OK three things. The third being that should you decide you really want to know what was agreed to and pursue the truth trough “freedom of information legislation” the city will fight you, as they have and continue to do with those seeking full disclosure on the original finances for Plan A.
This behaviour has left taxpayers only one option in dealing with Abbotsford City Hall: caveat emptor – let the taxpayer beware.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Re: Abbotsford News: Our View: Premier has no plans to fund Abby projects
During the referendum we at stopplana.com asked repeatedly at public meetings, on the websites and in the written word why senior levels of government would contribute funds to a project after the City’s taxpayers were on the hook for the full amount. Why when senior staff and council blithely blew off this question did the News fail to pursue this point on behalf of City taxpayers/readers?
It is pretty easy to say “it appears, then, that Abbotsford City Hall should have approached the province for financial support prior to the $85 million Plan A referendum” after the premier says no. It is easy to not pursue questions that Abbotsford City Hall does not want asked, much less to answer. It is pretty hard to stand up for the taxpayers by demanding answers to those “unwanted” questions. It is harder to explain not pursuing answers to such obvious financing questions with their high cost to taxpayers/readers.
While on the subject of obvious questions: Why would anyone contribute funds to building the arena when the city is committed to building the arena and assuming all the costs and massive debt? In fact, with the City’s desperate need for a tenant of some kind for this white elephant, anyone with common sense would recognize an opportunity to squeeze lots of goodies, freebies, bonuses and low, low fees out of Abbotsford City Hall. A little financing help with the franchise fee? Covering start-up/relocations costs? A guarantee of minimum attendance and revenue levels?
Rather than stating the obvious in hindsight or hoping for divine intervention it would better serve taxpayers if the News were to promise to practice diligence in holding Abbotsford City Hall to standards of good financial practices and fiscal responsibility in future. At the very least and in particular with reference to any “success” they have in securing a tenant. Taxpayers cannot afford any more of what Abbotsford City Hall calls “success”.
It is pretty easy to say “it appears, then, that Abbotsford City Hall should have approached the province for financial support prior to the $85 million Plan A referendum” after the premier says no. It is easy to not pursue questions that Abbotsford City Hall does not want asked, much less to answer. It is pretty hard to stand up for the taxpayers by demanding answers to those “unwanted” questions. It is harder to explain not pursuing answers to such obvious financing questions with their high cost to taxpayers/readers.
While on the subject of obvious questions: Why would anyone contribute funds to building the arena when the city is committed to building the arena and assuming all the costs and massive debt? In fact, with the City’s desperate need for a tenant of some kind for this white elephant, anyone with common sense would recognize an opportunity to squeeze lots of goodies, freebies, bonuses and low, low fees out of Abbotsford City Hall. A little financing help with the franchise fee? Covering start-up/relocations costs? A guarantee of minimum attendance and revenue levels?
Rather than stating the obvious in hindsight or hoping for divine intervention it would better serve taxpayers if the News were to promise to practice diligence in holding Abbotsford City Hall to standards of good financial practices and fiscal responsibility in future. At the very least and in particular with reference to any “success” they have in securing a tenant. Taxpayers cannot afford any more of what Abbotsford City Hall calls “success”.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Politics at is morally bankrupt worst
Politics at is morally bankrupt worst
On Tuesday January 9, 2007 I sent a letter to CanWest and various newspapers expressing my thoughts on the complete lack of judgement evidenced by Global’s Vancouver television station and their telethon for Stanley Park. With all the important issues that need funding and public awareness it was to aggravating to remain silent on the insult offered to all those in true need of assistance.
Imagine then how infuriating it was on Thursday to watch the politically desperate behaviour of the NDP, a party that claims to champion those society views as disposable. There, in a disgusting display of opportunism, were various members of the NDP caucus and party as they sought to score meaningless political points against Gordon Campbell for the province not donating millions more to “restoring” Stanley Park. As if nature, another area it would appear the NDP pay only lip service to, were not capable of healing Stanley Park without any “help”.
To add further injury to the numerous insults good judgment, ethical behaviour and a sense of priorities have taken over Stanley Park this week, Gordon Campbell showed a total lack of backbone and jumped on this decadent and senseless Stanley Park bandwagon. Apparently Mr. Campbell’s “NO” is only firm when denying funding to the poor, homeless and those in real need. Appeasement is seemingly the policy of Mr. Campbell and his Liberal’s when the decision has such a potential to negatively affect Liberal party coffers or political fortunes.
Watching this vile display of moral bankruptcy and politics leaves one yearning, make that praying, for the addition to the BC political landscape of a new party with ideas, ideals, honour, the ability to say “NO” and a sense of priorities based on principal and reality. Otherwise I and many others are left disenfranchised, lacking as we do any party or candidates worthy of our support or deserving of being entrusted with the governance of British Columbia.
On Tuesday January 9, 2007 I sent a letter to CanWest and various newspapers expressing my thoughts on the complete lack of judgement evidenced by Global’s Vancouver television station and their telethon for Stanley Park. With all the important issues that need funding and public awareness it was to aggravating to remain silent on the insult offered to all those in true need of assistance.
Imagine then how infuriating it was on Thursday to watch the politically desperate behaviour of the NDP, a party that claims to champion those society views as disposable. There, in a disgusting display of opportunism, were various members of the NDP caucus and party as they sought to score meaningless political points against Gordon Campbell for the province not donating millions more to “restoring” Stanley Park. As if nature, another area it would appear the NDP pay only lip service to, were not capable of healing Stanley Park without any “help”.
To add further injury to the numerous insults good judgment, ethical behaviour and a sense of priorities have taken over Stanley Park this week, Gordon Campbell showed a total lack of backbone and jumped on this decadent and senseless Stanley Park bandwagon. Apparently Mr. Campbell’s “NO” is only firm when denying funding to the poor, homeless and those in real need. Appeasement is seemingly the policy of Mr. Campbell and his Liberal’s when the decision has such a potential to negatively affect Liberal party coffers or political fortunes.
Watching this vile display of moral bankruptcy and politics leaves one yearning, make that praying, for the addition to the BC political landscape of a new party with ideas, ideals, honour, the ability to say “NO” and a sense of priorities based on principal and reality. Otherwise I and many others are left disenfranchised, lacking as we do any party or candidates worthy of our support or deserving of being entrusted with the governance of British Columbia.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Friday, January 12, 2007
Thanks Seven Oaks Alliance
Thank you to the good people at Seven Oaks Alliance church for coming on board for the extreme cold/wet weather plan and giving the plan a much-needed refuge in a more central Abbotsford location.
I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you and pass along something I observed today (Friday). One of your Thursday night guests was boasting, perhaps more accurately taunting, the people who were given relief from the freezing cold somewhere other than Seven Oaks. He was going on and on comparing how well Seven Oaks had treated them and what all the people sheltered elsewhere had missed out on. It was humourous but the best thing was the joy in his voice as recited his list of “goodies”.
When last seen Mr. Steven Ross was slipping quietly out the door with thoughts of the need to flee for his life in his head, as a result of his words of praise for Seven Oaks.
So thank you not only for opening your doors but also for the generosity of your treatment of your homeless guests. Even if they do not express it well they are very grateful for you humanitarianism and benevolence. Paean.
I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you and pass along something I observed today (Friday). One of your Thursday night guests was boasting, perhaps more accurately taunting, the people who were given relief from the freezing cold somewhere other than Seven Oaks. He was going on and on comparing how well Seven Oaks had treated them and what all the people sheltered elsewhere had missed out on. It was humourous but the best thing was the joy in his voice as recited his list of “goodies”.
When last seen Mr. Steven Ross was slipping quietly out the door with thoughts of the need to flee for his life in his head, as a result of his words of praise for Seven Oaks.
So thank you not only for opening your doors but also for the generosity of your treatment of your homeless guests. Even if they do not express it well they are very grateful for you humanitarianism and benevolence. Paean.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Attracting is about Attitude.
I saw in the Tuesday December 26th News that Mr. Raymond Szabada wants to attract high-tech to the Fraser Valley and possibly Abbotsford. Which I think is an excellent idea for Abbotsford and that Abbotsford has several large advantages to offer. A growing international airport, a few minutes travel time from a US border crossing, straddles the Trans-Canada Highway, available industrial land and Greater Vancouver just down the road.
Unfortunately for the citizens of Abbotsford, their tax bills and the City’s future the City lacks a major requirement – city staff and council to work with who are innovative, flexible, future oriented and willing to put in the hard work necessary to attract highly desirable industries with high-paying employment. This is why we currently suffer the phenomena of businesses bypassing Abbotsford on down the highway or across the Fraser River. Fortunately for Mr. Szabada he also plans to work with Chilliwack and Mission, two cities who have benefited from Abbotsford’s anti-business behaviour while demonstrating their ability and desire to attract good industries and their well paying jobs.
Despite Moe Gill’s enthusiastic support Mr. Szabada stands an excellent chance of running into the same situation I have when enquiring about why the City is not working to attract certain businesses with their well paying jobs and excellent tax base potential: a long, long, long list of why nots, can’t dos and an attitude of discouragement.
I do wish Mr. Szabada the best of luck. After all when the City could not seem to get their act together enough to put in place a life saving extreme weather strategy a group of citizens got together and had one in place in time for our November deep-freeze. For the citizens of Abbotsford one can only hope that Mr. Szabada and his group are hugely successful – notwithstanding city staff and council behaviour and attitudes.
Of course the need for Mr. Szabada and his group does cause me to wonder why and for what we pay Mr. Teiehroeb and his entire heavily staffed development department. But then in light of their ill-considered plans to rashly rush to overpay $60,000,000.00 for arena and recreation center I suppose that a few hundred thousand (millions?) of dollars is a petty waste and should be of no concern to taxpayers.
Unfortunately for the citizens of Abbotsford, their tax bills and the City’s future the City lacks a major requirement – city staff and council to work with who are innovative, flexible, future oriented and willing to put in the hard work necessary to attract highly desirable industries with high-paying employment. This is why we currently suffer the phenomena of businesses bypassing Abbotsford on down the highway or across the Fraser River. Fortunately for Mr. Szabada he also plans to work with Chilliwack and Mission, two cities who have benefited from Abbotsford’s anti-business behaviour while demonstrating their ability and desire to attract good industries and their well paying jobs.
Despite Moe Gill’s enthusiastic support Mr. Szabada stands an excellent chance of running into the same situation I have when enquiring about why the City is not working to attract certain businesses with their well paying jobs and excellent tax base potential: a long, long, long list of why nots, can’t dos and an attitude of discouragement.
I do wish Mr. Szabada the best of luck. After all when the City could not seem to get their act together enough to put in place a life saving extreme weather strategy a group of citizens got together and had one in place in time for our November deep-freeze. For the citizens of Abbotsford one can only hope that Mr. Szabada and his group are hugely successful – notwithstanding city staff and council behaviour and attitudes.
Of course the need for Mr. Szabada and his group does cause me to wonder why and for what we pay Mr. Teiehroeb and his entire heavily staffed development department. But then in light of their ill-considered plans to rashly rush to overpay $60,000,000.00 for arena and recreation center I suppose that a few hundred thousand (millions?) of dollars is a petty waste and should be of no concern to taxpayers.
Monday, January 01, 2007
Hypocrisy can afford to be magnificent in its promises; for never intending to go beyond promises; it costs nothing.
