The all candidates meeting is important. However, i am surprised how little information i have heard from the candidates. Their platforms, etc. Be it facebook, westerly, this blog. What about a blurb on the billboards. Is it because people are too afraid to reveal too much, as the town easily judges? Or is it just the nature of public office? I appreciate dorothy baert,s letter as she did reach out for better or worse.
My concern too is not knowing anything about the candidates. Then there are the photos of candidates with the mayor on the Mayor's facebook page. That to me says that they are 'with' the mayor. If the town needs a new direction and new leadership then electing the current mayor or minions will not change anything. Vote wisely folks. Right now all we've got for information is past council efforts and photos like the above to guide us. Just keep our taxes down. The 300% tax increase coming and then some of the candidates possibly working towards getting us to commit to a rink, another further additional tax increase is frankly scary.
Omar Soliman here. Thank you all for your input on the upcoming elections. I have not been campaigning in the traditional fashion of taking out ads in newspapers or using social media. I have been approaching as many individuals to speak one on one as much as possible. Systematically going through the town, and hoping to reach the outer limits closer to the election date. If you would like to reach me directly at any time day or night I am available. 2502669121 is my direct line which will be on 24/7 before and after the elections. The only thing I have been saying is that we all need to understand our rights and that voting is one of the most important ones. Thank you all for your time and your input. Omar Soliman
Thanks omar. Door to door is great and a must but an outline of your platform costs nothing on here or on you fb page. It will reach people you may not reach.
Thank you. Let me outline some key issues that I feel are important.
1. I believe that the lack of elector assent when dealing with major issues as well as applying for long term loans is a problem we have in the community. Rather than giving the shareholders one solution to a problem, we need to come up with more than one option and explain the consequences of each decision we make. Referendums should be easily conducted in a town of our size without problem.
2. In looking at options I am surprised no one has considered BOOTing (Buy, Own, Operate, Transfer) the sewage treatment facility until the district has produced and saved enough to purchase it from a private company. The problem with borrowing money from the provincial or federal government is that Canada is already in enough debt as it is. Since we do not contribute to the nations GDP with a substantial export, we cannot rely on the government to help us.
3. We need to diversify our portfolio. Tofino is a beautiful place and no one can ever take that from us, but we need to produce something and not keep all of our eggs in the tourism basket. Connecting ourselves with BCs debt will hurt us in the long run.
4. Housing being one of the main issues in Tofino is always on my mind. Privatization, as well as subsidized housing, or a combination of the two is attainable. A Tofino Works program that also deals with local and seasonal residents is crucial not only for employment, but for classifying individuals in one of those two groups. You would need to call me so I can elaborate more. 2502669121
5. Spot zoning has become a problem, individuals who feel they do not fit in any one general zone are given their own Comprehensive Development zones which can be written with any regulation they request. This is unfair and needs to stop. It’s harsh to say but if your business or housing development cannot fit within the criteria of our general zoning regulations then maybe you shouldn’t be building a house or starting a business until you can figure out how it can.
6. We have an air pollution problem in Tofino that no one is addressing. Over 400,000 vehicles and trucks come through every year. The no idling bylaw is ineffective, our traffic system is inefficient, and there is no where to park unless you own an RV. The option I have been presenting is one way streets in the downtown core as well as paid visitor parking, and monthly seasonal passes for employees to park at a reduced cost. Again it is just an option not a mandate.
7. Common Unity. Our town is the most amazing place in the world. We need to find the common denominator that connects us all and keeps us here(it’s not surfing). Once we find that one thing that unites us we cannot lose.
I love this town and everyone in it. And I know that there is good in everything we do. We need to show it not just for our own benefit, but to show the world that it is possible to have peace regardless of gender, creed, belief, or wants.
These are all options I have been working on and will continue to do so elected or not. The council is here to serve, not to lead. But everyone needs to make their voices heard through a vote. Wouldn’t it be amazing to have the highest voter turnout percentage in Canadian history. We can make it happen.
I agree with the first two comments on this page....... We know practically nothing about the platforms of the candidates. They fail to inform the populance of their ideas, goals or potential plans. What, exactly, are their priorities? Are we to assume that all the info we'll get is going to be at the all candidates meeting, which is a poor forum at best. I haven't heard anything yet, from any candidate, that would lead me to give them my vote. I've read and heard lots of criticism of the current mayor and council, but aside from Omar revealing that he has little actual knowledge of how municipal government works I haven't seen anything that I'd consider any type of a political campaign. If we elect these people (and I assume that we will elect seven of them) will we then be kept in the dark as to their policies, like we are now before the election. Josie, of course, will win the popularity contest, despite her history of non-performance. As for councilors? Probably six of her friends. The next four years are going to be "tough" city, indeed.
Pretty sure it’s: A) providing for good government of its community. B) providing for services, laws, and other matters for community benefit. C) providing for stewardship of the public assets of its community. D) fostering the economic, social, and environmental well being of its community.
Omar has the right to defend himself from criticism. I applaud his posting. It's a hell of a lot more than we've heard from anyone else. Right or wrong, at least he has the courage to speak out.
Jarmo came across at the all candidates meeting as the guy to vote for having run a multimillion dollar solar business with a bunch of employees. Sounds like he could keep our taxes down.
Jarmo "sounds like he could keep our taxes down". I don,t know if he can achieve that or not, but he was the only candidate who really wanted to. Got my vote.
......from a comment on another topic on this blog.......... ". We've seen the propaganda from the current establishment. The mayor wants to tax you out of existence," How true. Look at her record, look at the constant increases in your tax bill. Look at the quantity of staff in the District office, look at the proposed liquid waste management financial plans. Tax, spend. Tax, spend. Tax, raise taxes, spend that too. We cannot afford another four years of Josie Osborne. Jarmo gets my vote. Running a municipality involves looking after "the people's business", it's not a facebook popularity contest and a platform for photo-ops.
Omar, we all know what connects us and why we live here. We don't need to waste time and money to find it. You are new here so eventually you will figure out what that is.
Here are the candidates statements: http://www.tofinochamber.org/tofino-election/
1:05 This is a democracy - you want to know about candidates' stands on particular issues? Email them or talk to them. Come to meetings and ask tough questions instead of simply complaining on pages like this. You get the elected officials you deserve. Here's a link to their email addresses: https://bc.localelections.ca/election_candidates/134_2018_candidates.html.
1:05 This is a democracy - if you want to know what the candidates think about an issue email them or talk to them! Go to meetings and ask the hard questions instead of just complaining on pages like these. You get the elected reps you deserve. Here's the link to their address for you: https://bc.localelections.ca/election_candidates/134_2018_candidates.html.
I loved the part where Jarmo pointed to the over $3 million that the district puts out in payroll, and said "That's something we will be looking at". Yep, Jarmo gets my vote!
Did you notice that everyone had a time limit rule, including the mayor. They all played by the rules......except the mayor, who played dumb at first, and then simply kept speaking, because, I assume, she figures the rules don't apply to her, since she's the mayor. Isn't that strange? Same as the zoning on her property, her dog running loose on the beach, and her "ecolodge".
If Jarmo gets elected, but has little or no success at reducing taxes, despite concerted effort, the taxpayers could still win. There could be a change of culture at city hall that could be better in the long run. I think it's worth a shot.
I seem to constantly receive notices from the District , advertising new jobs, two this past week! Are all these new positions really necessary or is it just a case of empire building?
1:47....... As with temporary foreign workers, you must first explore (or at least pretend to explore) the domestic marketplace before you can import workers from another country. You'll soon see a bunch of recruitment posts from one of the local hotels, so they can bring along this year's crop of foreign workers, claiming that all attempts to find staff in Canada were unsuccessful. Likewise, at the district office all positions must first be advertised locally, before the position can be filled by a person who has already been selected for it. These "new jobs" you're seeing now are timed to be filled before the election results take effect. Or maybe it's just a coincidence. Yeah, that's it, it's just a coincidence. There's no corruption, it's just a coincidence.
I see a few different numbers being tossed around regarding various aspects of Tofino's finances. But the one number I have not seen, and I'd really like to know, is how much tax revenue the mayor has spent on her attack on the owners at South Chesterman Beach Homes. She admits that it's pretty much a hopeless situation (hence a waste of money), since they're still in operation and it costs more to enforce than can be recovered, but the actual dollar amount is being kept well concealed. Probably because if the taxpayers ever found out the real amount of money wasted, that would be the end of her re-election hopes.
9:53 Upholding and enforcing municipal bylaws are not an "attack". VRs are not now nor have they ever been a permitted use in that property. The other side of this issue is that a small group of property owners, a number of which do not live here, have for years refused to accept the word No, and have been exhausting every legal angle they can find to continue the fight, and the rest of us are having to foot the bill for their temper tantrum. Enough already.
1:51 You, the mayor, and a few other delusional people have decided that this battle (I'll call it "Josie's pissing contest") is actually a fight worth having. Why you continue to think this is a mystery to me, since it has produced absolutely nothing in the way of housing for anyone. Whatever, you're entitiled to your opinions. However, I for one, (and I'm sure there are many other taxpayers who feel the same way) am absolutely furious that she would waste hundreds of thousands of dollars of MY money fighting this foolish legal battle. She had the option to simply leave things alone, let the status quo as it's been for twenty years,grant a couple licenses, use the money gained to supply at least some affordable housing, and avoid all this strife and conflict. Instead, well everyone knows what she did instead. She won't get my vote, I'll guarantee you that........ END THE WASTE!! -- VOTE JARMO FOR MAYOR!!
I simply cannot believe that I just read this article in The Westerly, and saw Josie Osborne speak about the affordability issue, while she sits in the District Office and blows through money like there's a bottomless well of it for her and staff to consume as they please.
Right!! Who believes Josie will save us from the over stuffed bureaucracy at CITY HAUL. No! that is not a spelling mistake. The answer, of course, is no one. The greatest pivot in political history fools no one. Progress takes time she says. She needs more time. Just another term or two. She needs it to secure her legacy.
Gravy dripping from their lips and chin, her sycophants and groupies are eagerly waiting for the next wave of environmental fashionism, for new rounds of virtue signaling, arts and culture spending, reconciliation, a bike lane in every pot. Your parking spot is in the mail.
Consulting fees on the housing project have worked beautifully. Now, the consultants can comfortably pay cash for their new homes in the city.
It would have been a more effective strategy had she drove the campaign wagon around town, yelled "scramble", whilst throwing handfuls of money to the public, along the parade route.
At least a few of the beleaguered citizens might be able to use it towards their own down payment.
If you took the money that was blown on the two or three housing consultants who duplicated everything that had already been paid for, then throw in the complete waste that was spent on the housing expediter who, by the way, is not done wasting money and add that to the million or so that's being pissed away on the legal mess of the South chestermans imbroglio. That amount of money was enough to have serviced the districts own affordable housing property as well as get started on a small lot subdivision or a multifamily project. when academics assume that mere credentials qualify as practical experience this is what happens. bread and circuses jobs for everyone and nothing gets done.
Honestly anyone who reads this blog cares about Tofino. Having said that, sadly most of the readers will just read this blog, a few will respond anonymously and very very few will actually do something about it.
There is no future in the Staff at DOT or the current Council. It isn't their fault, you get what you get. These individuals would be unemployed in any competitive city but in Tofino Aaron Rogers gets close to $100K and our biologist facebook Mayor Josie looks like the future.
Drain the swamp.... VOTE FOR JARMO... it is the only chance we have.
Tofino politics has grown into a weird culture unlike any other. Look down the road at Ucluelet. Four councillors instead of six, and likewise, a corresponding amount of staff in the District Office there. Under the current Tofino leadership this mass of taxpayer funded humanity has only grown larger and more entrenched. And higher paid. There's too many of them.They all seem to have an assistant or a deputy and one is now even looking for a "confidential secretary".They cost us all far too much. There is no reasonable person upon this earth who can justify the staff levels in the District of Tofino office, to oversee the business of a small village of two thousand souls. Still, both mayor and councillors praise the "team" and the wonderful job they're doing. Staff levels, taxes, utility fees all continue to rise. We don't have enough water, we cannot find an affordable way to build the sewage plant, kids are walking in the street because there's no sidewalk, people cannot find a place to live and are leaving town as a result, there are no premises available for new businesses to operate. It's so bad that staff at the hospital (and God knows we NEED these essential people) cannot find accomodations. Most of these problems are the same problems that faced Tofino last election and the election before that one. Nothing has changed! Failure to govern follows yet another failure to govern, followed, incredibly, by more praise of the great job being done by "the team". I've heard the weak excuse that you need to pay the big bucks in order to attract the best people. Perhaps. But there's a part to the deal where you pay out the big bucks and demand performance and accountability in return. That part seems to have been overlooked. Poor leadership. Lack of direction. Loss of focus on the "big issues" as we're distracted by plastic bags. paving stones, bollards, and bike lanes. At the all candidates meeting, Jarmo said (speaking about payroll in the district office) "We're going to be looking at that". Good enough for me. It's a start. Jarmo gets my vote. VOTE JARMO FOR MAYOR
I really believe we need a change. I think that some of the old councilors, Dorthy and Al need to go, they have past their best before dates. I have also changed my mind, regarding the Mayor, a very nice person but I think that she has been very disappointing as a leader. While she says she is concerned about affordable housing, she has done absolutely nothing to reduce the cost of housing. I am ready to give Jarmo my vote.
Jarmo deserves our support. Not even elected yet, and I see him making great steps toward educating himself on the goings on in our village. He's already doing a lot of work, and I'm sure he will be ready to hit the ground running once elected. This is a smart man, organized and focused. Not a movie star, but I don't want a movie star. I want someone to take over the management of the business of the District of Tofino. Like 6:46 above, I believe we need a change. The existing mayor and council just haven't done the job.
Agree about Dorothy and Al having to go. Dorothy has achieved her aim of improving Main Street in front of her store and Al has been sat on the fence of indecision for so long now.
And don't forget Councillor McMaster...... He wants another four years so he can continue to pump tax money into "affordable housing". It didn't work before, it's not working now, but he believes that if we just spend more money on it we can make some real progress. Soon, with work, planning and YOUR MONEY, we'll be close to the point where we're getting ready to start the process of actually putting shovels into the dirt! Why, can someone please explain to me, after failure upon failure, over a period of years, and the waste of huge amounts of our money, does the District of Tofino continue to believe that they're qualified to get into the real estate industry? Good intentions, I believe, but Duncan also needs a rest.
Duncan sold his Chesterman’s Beach house for $1,375,000 so maybe he is qualified to get into the real estate industry !! Maybe not so qualified for “ affordable housing “.
I agree - Duncan, Dorothy, Al & Josie have to go ! Out with the old guard who have padded their pockets and self interests enough Jarmo take the helm with some fresh new councillors.
I agree that the current administration needs to go. But I do not agree with the veiled accusations that they have been "padding their pockets", or stealing, or acting in a corrupt manner for personal gain. These people have stepped forward and served us to the best of their ability for periods of years.It took dedication, hard work, and a great deal of their personal time to do so. We may disagree with the things they have done and we may disagree with their methods and we may disagree with their political perspectives, but that doesn't give us the right to publicly slander them, smear their names, and hold them up to ridicule. They've done the best they could do. We, the people who elected them, owe them a thank you. Don't forget the group that sat in those seats before these seven of our fellow citizens. Things were once worse, and they could easily be worse again. Four years from now, we'll be asked to fill those seven seats again. If you thought that you might be treated in this manner, accused of being a thief only out to better yourself, would you step forward and offer to serve? Perhaps you've noticed, perhaps not, that the best qualified of our fellow citizens are not on the ballot. There's a reason for this.
There are a few reasons why the “best qualified” don’t run. The daytime meetings prevent many people from participating. The sheer length of meetings are prohibitive. Public accountability or public abuse has always been part of the job. In former times, this was done theough letters to the local newspaper or even through posters on local bulletin boards. It is important that elected officials do not engage in activities or promote projects that put them in a real or perceived conflict of interest or abuse of office.
The Post Office used to permit anonymous mass mail outs of libelous and malicious material, stuffed into every box a day or two before election day. Democracy has always been a rough sport for some.
The truth is that Josie is going to be returned as mayor, like it or not, .while her challengers will get a few votes, neither are up to the job of mayor. The complainers on this site do not represent the majority of Tofino voters.
@1:25..... What I did was started with a list of all the councillor candidates, and then , one at a time, crossed off those that I absolutely would not vote for, until I only had Brit, Steph, and Tom left. I think I might vote for Al too, just cause he gotta have something to do and he's not really a bad guy.
No, 6:51, you're wrong. Josie is going to get a big surprise on the 20th. She's demonstrated for six years that she's the one that's not up to the job. Her record of non-performance clearly shows the need for a change, and Jarmo is easily capable of taking on the job. Perhaps the facebook and I-phone people will still support the photo-op mayor, but the people who pay the taxes, own the properties, and operate the businesses that support this town are sick of Josie's waste of their money.
Sophie L'Homme created a list of 13 questions suggested by community members for all candidates to answer. She has compiled candidate responses at tofinoelections2018.ca so this is another resource for more info on the candidates.
It's always hard to for me to tell if people are being serious on this blog or not?
If everyone leaving comments on here is serious about their views then I sure hope that you are more involved in the democratic process then sitting on a computer and complaining.. If you want change get up and be an engaged citizen.
If, however, you just want to sit around and complain maybe you've come to the right place. Just don't expect change based off of your blogging skills.
It's enough to make you puke......... Josie and all three incumbents get re-elected. https://globalnews.ca/news/4166519/tofino-bc-municipal-election-2018/
57 comments:
The all candidates meeting is important. However, i am surprised how little information i have heard from the candidates. Their platforms, etc. Be it facebook, westerly, this blog. What about a blurb on the billboards. Is it because people are too afraid to reveal too much, as the town easily judges? Or is it just the nature of public office? I appreciate dorothy baert,s letter as she did reach out for better or worse.
My concern too is not knowing anything about the candidates.
Then there are the photos of candidates with the mayor on the Mayor's facebook page.
That to me says that they are 'with' the mayor.
If the town needs a new direction and new leadership then electing the current mayor or minions will not change anything.
Vote wisely folks.
Right now all we've got for information is past council efforts and photos like the above to guide us.
Just keep our taxes down.
The 300% tax increase coming and then some of the candidates possibly working towards getting us to commit to a rink, another further additional tax increase is frankly scary.
Omar Soliman here. Thank you all for your input on the upcoming elections. I have not been campaigning in the traditional fashion of taking out ads in newspapers or using social media. I have been approaching as many individuals to speak one on one as much as possible. Systematically going through the town, and hoping to reach the outer limits closer to the election date. If you would like to reach me directly at any time day or night I am available. 2502669121 is my direct line which will be on 24/7 before and after the elections. The only thing I have been saying is that we all need to understand our rights and that voting is one of the most important ones. Thank you all for your time and your input.
Omar Soliman
Thanks omar. Door to door is great and a must but an outline of your platform costs nothing on here or on you fb page. It will reach people you may not reach.
Yep well said 1:27.
I for one say who is Omar Soliman and why would I vote for somebody I have no knowledge of?
Thank you. Let me outline some key issues that I feel are important.
1. I believe that the lack of elector assent when dealing with major issues as well as applying for long term loans is a problem we have in the community. Rather than giving the shareholders one solution to a problem, we need to come up with more than one option and explain the consequences of each decision we make. Referendums should be easily conducted in a town of our size without problem.
2. In looking at options I am surprised no one has considered BOOTing (Buy, Own, Operate, Transfer) the sewage treatment facility until the district has produced and saved enough to purchase it from a private company. The problem with borrowing money from the provincial or federal government is that Canada is already in enough debt as it is. Since we do not contribute to the nations GDP with a substantial export, we cannot rely on the government to help us.
3. We need to diversify our portfolio. Tofino is a beautiful place and no one can ever take that from us, but we need to produce something and not keep all of our eggs in the tourism basket. Connecting ourselves with BCs debt will hurt us in the long run.
4. Housing being one of the main issues in Tofino is always on my mind. Privatization, as well as subsidized housing, or a combination of the two is attainable. A Tofino Works program that also deals with local and seasonal residents is crucial not only for employment, but for classifying individuals in one of those two groups. You would need to call me so I can elaborate more. 2502669121
5. Spot zoning has become a problem, individuals who feel they do not fit in any one general zone are given their own Comprehensive Development zones which can be written with any regulation they request. This is unfair and needs to stop. It’s harsh to say but if your business or housing development cannot fit within the criteria of our general zoning regulations then maybe you shouldn’t be building a house or starting a business until you can figure out how it can.
6. We have an air pollution problem in Tofino that no one is addressing. Over 400,000 vehicles and trucks come through every year. The no idling bylaw is ineffective, our traffic system is inefficient, and there is no where to park unless you own an RV. The option I have been presenting is one way streets in the downtown core as well as paid visitor parking, and monthly seasonal passes for employees to park at a reduced cost. Again it is just an option not a mandate.
7. Common Unity. Our town is the most amazing place in the world. We need to find the common denominator that connects us all and keeps us here(it’s not surfing). Once we find that one thing that unites us we cannot lose.
I love this town and everyone in it. And I know that there is good in everything we do. We need to show it not just for our own benefit, but to show the world that it is possible to have peace regardless of gender, creed, belief, or wants.
These are all options I have been working on and will continue to do so elected or not. The council is here to serve, not to lead. But everyone needs to make their voices heard through a vote. Wouldn’t it be amazing to have the highest voter turnout percentage in Canadian history. We can make it happen.
Sorry. This is an edit. BOOT stands for Build Own Operate Transfer
Sorry. This is an edit. BOOT stands for BUILD(not buy), OWN, OPERATE, TRANSFER
I agree with the first two comments on this page....... We know practically nothing about the platforms of the candidates. They fail to inform the populance of their ideas, goals or potential plans. What, exactly, are their priorities? Are we to assume that all the info we'll get is going to be at the all candidates meeting, which is a poor forum at best. I haven't heard anything yet, from any candidate, that would lead me to give them my vote. I've read and heard lots of criticism of the current mayor and council, but aside from Omar revealing that he has little actual knowledge of how municipal government works I haven't seen anything that I'd consider any type of a political campaign. If we elect these people (and I assume that we will elect seven of them) will we then be kept in the dark as to their policies, like we are now before the election.
Josie, of course, will win the popularity contest, despite her history of non-performance. As for councilors? Probably six of her friends.
The next four years are going to be "tough" city, indeed.
Pretty sure it’s:
A) providing for good government of its community.
B) providing for services, laws, and other matters for community benefit.
C) providing for stewardship of the public assets of its community.
D) fostering the economic, social, and environmental well being of its community.
In 2018 we call that a BURN 1:05
Have a nice day
Is Omar trying to NOT get elected by posting on here, with multiple edits and burning other posters???
Omar has the right to defend himself from criticism. I applaud his posting. It's a hell of a lot more than we've heard from anyone else. Right or wrong, at least he has the courage to speak out.
Jarmo came across at the all candidates meeting as the guy to vote for having run a multimillion dollar solar business with a bunch of employees. Sounds like he could keep our taxes down.
Jarmo "sounds like he could keep our taxes down". I don,t know if he can achieve that or not, but he was the only candidate who really wanted to. Got my vote.
......from a comment on another topic on this blog.......... ". We've seen the propaganda from the current establishment. The mayor wants to tax you out of existence," How true. Look at her record, look at the constant increases in your tax bill. Look at the quantity of staff in the District office, look at the proposed liquid waste management financial plans. Tax, spend. Tax, spend. Tax, raise taxes, spend that too. We cannot afford another four years of Josie Osborne. Jarmo gets my vote. Running a municipality involves looking after "the people's business", it's not a facebook popularity contest and a platform for photo-ops.
Omar, we all know what connects us and why we live here. We don't need to waste time and money to find it. You are new here so eventually you will figure out what that is.
Here are the candidates statements: http://www.tofinochamber.org/tofino-election/
I believe they all have websites so google them.
1:05 This is a democracy - you want to know about candidates' stands on particular issues? Email them or talk to them. Come to meetings and ask tough questions instead of simply complaining on pages like this. You get the elected officials you deserve.
Here's a link to their email addresses: https://bc.localelections.ca/election_candidates/134_2018_candidates.html.
1:05 This is a democracy - if you want to know what the candidates think about an issue email them or talk to them! Go to meetings and ask the hard questions instead of just complaining on pages like these. You get the elected reps you deserve. Here's the link to their address for you: https://bc.localelections.ca/election_candidates/134_2018_candidates.html.
12:37....3:13...... That link is no good, goes nowhere
Just like most of those candidates. LOL
I loved the part where Jarmo pointed to the over $3 million that the district puts out in payroll, and said "That's something we will be looking at". Yep, Jarmo gets my vote!
Did you notice that everyone had a time limit rule, including the mayor. They all played by the rules......except the mayor, who played dumb at first, and then simply kept speaking, because, I assume, she figures the rules don't apply to her, since she's the mayor. Isn't that strange? Same as the zoning on her property, her dog running loose on the beach, and her "ecolodge".
A link that should work....
https://bc.localelections.ca/election_candidates/134_2018_candidates.html
If Jarmo gets elected, but has little or no success at reducing taxes, despite concerted effort, the taxpayers could still win. There could be a change of culture at city hall that could be better in the long run. I think it's worth a shot.
I seem to constantly receive notices from the District , advertising new jobs, two this past week! Are all these new positions really necessary or is it just a case of empire building?
1:47....... As with temporary foreign workers, you must first explore (or at least pretend to explore) the domestic marketplace before you can import workers from another country. You'll soon see a bunch of recruitment posts from one of the local hotels, so they can bring along this year's crop of foreign workers, claiming that all attempts to find staff in Canada were unsuccessful. Likewise, at the district office all positions must first be advertised locally, before the position can be filled by a person who has already been selected for it. These "new jobs" you're seeing now are timed to be filled before the election results take effect. Or maybe it's just a coincidence. Yeah, that's it, it's just a coincidence. There's no corruption, it's just a coincidence.
The Giant never sleeps. It just keeps getting bigger.
I see a few different numbers being tossed around regarding various aspects of Tofino's finances. But the one number I have not seen, and I'd really like to know, is how much tax revenue the mayor has spent on her attack on the owners at South Chesterman Beach Homes. She admits that it's pretty much a hopeless situation (hence a waste of money), since they're still in operation and it costs more to enforce than can be recovered, but the actual dollar amount is being kept well concealed. Probably because if the taxpayers ever found out the real amount of money wasted, that would be the end of her re-election hopes.
9:53 Upholding and enforcing municipal bylaws are not an "attack". VRs are not now nor have they ever been a permitted use in that property. The other side of this issue is that a small group of property owners, a number of which do not live here, have for years refused to accept the word No, and have been exhausting every legal angle they can find to continue the fight, and the rest of us are having to foot the bill for their temper tantrum. Enough already.
1:51 You, the mayor, and a few other delusional people have decided that this battle (I'll call it "Josie's pissing contest") is actually a fight worth having. Why you continue to think this is a mystery to me, since it has produced absolutely nothing in the way of housing for anyone. Whatever, you're entitiled to your opinions. However, I for one, (and I'm sure there are many other taxpayers who feel the same way) am absolutely furious that she would waste hundreds of thousands of dollars of MY money fighting this foolish legal battle. She had the option to simply leave things alone, let the status quo as it's been for twenty years,grant a couple licenses, use the money gained to supply at least some affordable housing, and avoid all this strife and conflict. Instead, well everyone knows what she did instead. She won't get my vote, I'll guarantee you that........ END THE WASTE!! -- VOTE JARMO FOR MAYOR!!
https://www.westerlynews.ca/municipal-election/qs-candidates-for-mayor/
I simply cannot believe that I just read this article in The Westerly, and saw Josie Osborne speak about the affordability issue, while she sits in the District Office and blows through money like there's a bottomless well of it for her and staff to consume as they please.
Right!! Who believes Josie will save us from the over stuffed bureaucracy at CITY HAUL. No! that is not a spelling mistake. The answer, of course, is no one. The greatest pivot in political history fools no one. Progress takes time she says. She needs more time. Just another term or two. She needs it to secure her legacy.
Gravy dripping from their lips and chin, her sycophants and groupies are eagerly waiting for the next wave of environmental fashionism, for new rounds of virtue signaling, arts and culture spending, reconciliation, a bike lane in every pot. Your parking spot is in the mail.
Consulting fees on the housing project have worked beautifully. Now, the consultants can comfortably pay cash for their new homes in the city.
It would have been a more effective strategy had she drove the campaign wagon around town, yelled "scramble", whilst throwing handfuls of money to the public, along the parade route.
At least a few of the beleaguered citizens might be able to use it towards their own down payment.
If you took the money that was blown on the two or three housing consultants who duplicated everything that had already been paid for, then throw in the complete waste that was spent on the housing expediter who, by the way, is not done wasting money and add that to the million or so that's being pissed away on the legal mess of the South chestermans imbroglio.
That amount of money was enough to have serviced the districts own affordable housing property as well as get started on a small lot subdivision or a multifamily project.
when academics assume that mere credentials qualify as practical experience this is what happens. bread and circuses jobs for everyone and nothing gets done.
Honestly anyone who reads this blog cares about Tofino. Having said that, sadly most of the readers will just read this blog, a few will respond anonymously and very very few will actually do something about it.
There is no future in the Staff at DOT or the current Council. It isn't their fault, you get what you get. These individuals would be unemployed in any competitive city but in Tofino Aaron Rogers gets close to $100K and our biologist facebook Mayor Josie looks like the future.
Drain the swamp.... VOTE FOR JARMO... it is the only chance we have.
Tofino politics has grown into a weird culture unlike any other. Look down the road at Ucluelet. Four councillors instead of six, and likewise, a corresponding amount of staff in the District Office there. Under the current Tofino leadership this mass of taxpayer funded humanity has only grown larger and more entrenched. And higher paid. There's too many of them.They all seem to have an assistant or a deputy and one is now even looking for a "confidential secretary".They cost us all far too much. There is no reasonable person upon this earth who can justify the staff levels in the District of Tofino office, to oversee the business of a small village of two thousand souls. Still, both mayor and councillors praise the "team" and the wonderful job they're doing. Staff levels, taxes, utility fees all continue to rise. We don't have enough water, we cannot find an affordable way to build the sewage plant, kids are walking in the street because there's no sidewalk, people cannot find a place to live and are leaving town as a result, there are no premises available for new businesses to operate. It's so bad that staff at the hospital (and God knows we NEED these essential people) cannot find accomodations. Most of these problems are the same problems that faced Tofino last election and the election before that one. Nothing has changed! Failure to govern follows yet another failure to govern, followed, incredibly, by more praise of the great job being done by "the team". I've heard the weak excuse that you need to pay the big bucks in order to attract the best people. Perhaps. But there's a part to the deal where you pay out the big bucks and demand performance and accountability in return. That part seems to have been overlooked. Poor leadership. Lack of direction. Loss of focus on the "big issues" as we're distracted by plastic bags. paving stones, bollards, and bike lanes.
At the all candidates meeting, Jarmo said (speaking about payroll in the district office) "We're going to be looking at that".
Good enough for me. It's a start. Jarmo gets my vote.
VOTE JARMO FOR MAYOR
HI:
This is Jarmo Venalainen.
Please have look at my website to see what positions I have with regards the issues in our community,
www.jarmoformayor.ca
Please pass on to others who may be interested.
Jarmo Venalainen
Mayoral Candidate, Tofino
Hi:
I have put all of Tofino's ACTIVE and IN-PROGRESS Bylaws on my website.
They are compressed versions of the files as I received them on Oct 5th 2018, when I purchased them.
They are available for the common good of our community for free, but I cannot guarantee their accuracy.
If you need a legally correct version, please get it from the District Office.
https://jarmoformayor.ca/tofino-bylaws
Happy reading.
Jarmo
I really believe we need a change. I think that some of the old councilors, Dorthy and Al need to go, they have past their best before dates. I have also changed my mind, regarding the Mayor, a very nice person but I think that she has been very disappointing as a leader. While she says she is concerned about affordable housing, she has done absolutely nothing to reduce the cost of housing. I am ready to give Jarmo my vote.
Jarmo deserves our support. Not even elected yet, and I see him making great steps toward educating himself on the goings on in our village. He's already doing a lot of work, and I'm sure he will be ready to hit the ground running once elected. This is a smart man, organized and focused. Not a movie star, but I don't want a movie star. I want someone to take over the management of the business of the District of Tofino. Like 6:46 above, I believe we need a change. The existing mayor and council just haven't done the job.
Agree about Dorothy and Al having to go. Dorothy has achieved her aim of improving Main Street in front of her store and Al has been sat on the fence of indecision for so long now.
Before Dorothy voted in favor of the new sign bylaw, she first made sure that all her nonconforming signs would be grandfathered
And don't forget Councillor McMaster...... He wants another four years so he can continue to pump tax money into "affordable housing". It didn't work before, it's not working now, but he believes that if we just spend more money on it we can make some real progress. Soon, with work, planning and YOUR MONEY, we'll be close to the point where we're getting ready to start the process of actually putting shovels into the dirt! Why, can someone please explain to me, after failure upon failure, over a period of years, and the waste of huge amounts of our money, does the District of Tofino continue to believe that they're qualified to get into the real estate industry? Good intentions, I believe, but Duncan also needs a rest.
Duncan sold his Chesterman’s Beach house for $1,375,000 so maybe he is qualified to get into the real estate industry !! Maybe not so qualified for “ affordable housing “.
I agree - Duncan, Dorothy, Al & Josie have to go !
Out with the old guard who have padded their pockets and self interests enough
Jarmo take the helm with some fresh new councillors.
I agree that the current administration needs to go.
But I do not agree with the veiled accusations that they have been "padding their pockets", or stealing, or acting in a corrupt manner for personal gain. These people have stepped forward and served us to the best of their ability for periods of years.It took dedication, hard work, and a great deal of their personal time to do so. We may disagree with the things they have done and we may disagree with their methods and we may disagree with their political perspectives, but that doesn't give us the right to publicly slander them, smear their names, and hold them up to ridicule. They've done the best they could do. We, the people who elected them, owe them a thank you. Don't forget the group that sat in those seats before these seven of our fellow citizens. Things were once worse, and they could easily be worse again. Four years from now, we'll be asked to fill those seven seats again. If you thought that you might be treated in this manner, accused of being a thief only out to better yourself, would you step forward and offer to serve? Perhaps you've noticed, perhaps not, that the best qualified of our fellow citizens are not on the ballot. There's a reason for this.
There are a few reasons why the “best qualified” don’t run. The daytime meetings prevent many people from participating. The sheer length of meetings are prohibitive. Public accountability or public abuse has always been part of the job. In former times, this was done theough letters to the local newspaper or even through posters on local bulletin boards.
It is important that elected officials do not engage in activities or promote projects that put them in a real or perceived conflict of interest or abuse of office.
The Post Office used to permit anonymous mass mail outs of libelous and malicious material, stuffed into every box a day or two before election day. Democracy has always been a rough sport for some.
"Anyone lived in a pretty how town"
We need a list of Council members to vote for:
Jarmo for Mayor
Council:
??????
The worst thing is the splitting of votes. Someone need to put up a sign with those names.... Go Tofino, drain the swamp!...
The truth is that Josie is going to be returned as mayor, like it or not, .while her challengers will get a few votes, neither are up to the job of mayor. The complainers on this site do not represent the majority of Tofino voters.
https://youtu.be/YZXFdikh-70
@1:25..... What I did was started with a list of all the councillor candidates, and then , one at a time, crossed off those that I absolutely would not vote for, until I only had Brit, Steph, and Tom left. I think I might vote for Al too, just cause he gotta have something to do and he's not really a bad guy.
No, 6:51, you're wrong. Josie is going to get a big surprise on the 20th. She's demonstrated for six years that she's the one that's not up to the job. Her record of non-performance clearly shows the need for a change, and Jarmo is easily capable of taking on the job. Perhaps the facebook and I-phone people will still support the photo-op mayor, but the people who pay the taxes, own the properties, and operate the businesses that support this town are sick of Josie's waste of their money.
Sophie L'Homme created a list of 13 questions suggested by community members for all candidates to answer. She has compiled candidate responses at tofinoelections2018.ca so this is another resource for more info on the candidates.
Today is VOTING DAY.
It's you chance to have an effect on local public affairs.
Vote, make your voice heard.
Jarmo Venalainen
Mayoral Candidate, Tofino
www.jarmoformayor.ca
It's always hard to for me to tell if people are being serious on this blog or not?
If everyone leaving comments on here is serious about their views then I sure hope that you are more involved in the democratic process then sitting on a computer and complaining.. If you want change get up and be an engaged citizen.
If, however, you just want to sit around and complain maybe you've come to the right place. Just don't expect change based off of your blogging skills.
See you at the council meetings!
It's enough to make you puke......... Josie and all three incumbents get re-elected. https://globalnews.ca/news/4166519/tofino-bc-municipal-election-2018/
Re 8:53PM Time for you to crawl back in your hole and hibernate for the next 4 years 'til the next election.
1:13. I am sure your vote was well informed. But why hibernate for 4 years? Surely 3 will do.
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