This just in ! George Smith has withdrawn from the race for the Mayor's chair.....Citing personal reasons Smith told Tofinonews that with much regret he won't be running for office. More details as they become available.
I think George's heart and enthusiasm was in tact. He was ready to do a good job.
Can anyone tell me why so many people were gung-ho about Sally's dismissal, yet only a few signed up for George's online petition to have Sally reinstated if she wanted to ?
If the majority wasn't willing to support him, maybe he saw the writing on the wall early enough to throw in the towel. I know I'd be inclined to do the very same thing, kinda like, um...Melakaliki Maka...see ya later folks!
Maybe George endorses Josie but does that reflect on what town wants? Surely there must be someone else who wants to take up this charge. Democratic process must be served and just reigning in Josie wont serve that. I will run if no one else will.
You have to give some credit for stepping up to the plate however I can not vote for Josie based on the principle they have sought and achieved a tax exemption for the garden, restaurant, and hostel for as long as I can remember - or maybe we fault council for approving that. Perhaps there are details I am not aware of - an astute businessperson finding the loopholes?
Here's the details that you seem to be unaware of from the tax exemption bylaw: "That portion of District Lot 123, Except Plans 20646, 28696 and VIP73401, Clayoquot District, classed as Class 8 Recreational, only, and not including that portion classed as Class 6 Business and Other and Class 1 Residential, shown outlined on Schedule "B" attached hereto, which sketch is declared to be and form part of this bylaw, owned by George Patterson and held by the Tofino Botanical Gardens Foundation."
As you can see the candidate doesn't appear on title and the only exemption is for the actual garden.The Land Conservancy also receives a tax exemption for the former Harold Monks property.
For future reference, it is admirable that people would put their name forward for consideration for an elected position in the community - but please remember puting your name forward, or deciding to run is a small step in a large committment. The election is one day, the committment is 3 years. Please understand the job description before applying for it.
I think Josie will make a fine critical thinking mayor. Her political leanings are obvious and as such should be no surprise. My only concern is that she focus on town issues (sewer, the shore, infrastructure, etc)and not on regional and provincial issues. We need to look inward to fix our little town before we can engage in bigger external issues. Yes Harper/Clark are screwing up but so are we. Constantly screaming for resignations is an unworkable solution. Its time to make some hard decisions. Transparency is key to us the constituents understanding the logic of councils decisions. All the secret Squirrel stuff is what makes people angry. Lesson for the future leadership.
26 comments:
Let's hope Josie doesn't withdraw.
One horse town?
Let's hope Josie does not regard this as a coronation.
Perhaps the election should be postponed. Garth, Ralph.......hat ring throw. Please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was the first to tell Josie that she is the new mayor. We chatted at length and she seems genuinely concerned about the excessive use of in-camera.
With Braeden & Perry gone there may be some guarded optimism. I hope.
What happened between middle of December and now to change George's mind?
I think George's heart and enthusiasm was in tact. He was ready to do a good job.
Can anyone tell me why so many people were gung-ho about Sally's dismissal, yet only a few signed up for George's online petition to have Sally reinstated if she wanted to ?
If the majority wasn't willing to support him, maybe he saw the writing on the wall early enough to throw in the towel. I know I'd be inclined to do the very same thing, kinda like, um...Melakaliki Maka...see ya later folks!
Oh and yes indeed, this is Josie's coronation.
Ya get whatcha get.
Garth voted to "restructure" .No votes for him.ever.
He saw himself to be the maverick that held out against the others.
What happened ? Maybe he just got conned.
Only he knows I guess. :-(
what a disaster!
Hey council............step down....call a full election. This is ridculous. Might as well start fresh. Again
Maybe George endorses Josie but does that reflect on what town wants? Surely there must be someone else who wants to take up this charge. Democratic process must be served and just reigning in Josie wont serve that. I will run if no one else will.
It is too late.Nominations closed a while ago but thanks for your offer.
Congratulations Josie!
You have to give some credit for stepping up to the plate however I can not vote for Josie based on the principle they have sought and achieved a tax exemption for the garden, restaurant, and hostel for as long as I can remember - or maybe we fault council for approving that. Perhaps there are details I am not aware of - an astute businessperson finding the loopholes?
Here's the details that you seem to be unaware of from the tax exemption bylaw:
"That portion of District Lot 123, Except Plans 20646, 28696 and
VIP73401, Clayoquot District, classed as Class 8 Recreational, only, and
not including that portion classed as Class 6 Business and Other and
Class 1 Residential, shown outlined on Schedule "B" attached hereto,
which sketch is declared to be and form part of this bylaw, owned by
George Patterson and held by the Tofino Botanical Gardens Foundation."
As you can see the candidate doesn't appear on title and the only exemption is for the actual garden.The Land Conservancy also receives a tax exemption for the former Harold Monks property.
It's too bad George could not follow through. Others would have ran if he had not committed to running.
Thanks for details on tax exemption.
so how does the monks property operate as a vacation rental?
vacation mental?
Good question ! Please bring it up at question period.
For future reference, it is admirable that people would put their name forward for consideration for an elected position in the community - but please remember puting your name forward, or deciding to run is a small step in a large committment. The election is one day, the committment is 3 years. Please understand the job description before applying for it.
Congratulations Josie!
On December 18, 2012 8:13 PM, George Smith wrote on this blog,
"I truthfully don't have the time for this job, but if elected I will give it 100% win lose or draw."
I am not aware of any other forum or website (besides this blog) GS used to communicate or connect with citizens.
I am relieved he realized the extent of the commitment required to be a good Mayor before election day.
I dont understand how they get a tax exemption for the garden, when they charge people to enter, assume just because its owned by a society?
I'll try to post the relevant District of Tofino bylaw for exemptions . It might take a while for me to find. Thanks , Ralph
I think Josie will make a fine critical thinking mayor. Her political leanings are obvious and as such should be no surprise. My only concern is that she focus on town issues (sewer, the shore, infrastructure, etc)and not on regional and provincial issues. We need to look inward to fix our little town before we can engage in bigger external issues. Yes Harper/Clark are screwing up but so are we. Constantly screaming for resignations is an unworkable solution. Its time to make some hard decisions. Transparency is key to us the constituents understanding the logic of councils decisions. All the secret Squirrel stuff is what makes people angry. Lesson for the future leadership.
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