CBC Story on Rossland Municipal Politics

This story is a good example why taxpayers should always "follow the money" .

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2013/01/04/bc-rossland-conflict.html

Idle No More Protest in Tofino

Idle No More protest at the intersection of 1st and Campbell Friday afternoon.Traffic was briefly disrupted but the protest remained peaceful.

Is By-election Unavoidable ??

Many blog readers have asked if the by-election can be avoided.Here's what the Local Government Act states:

Withdrawal, death or incapacity of candidate

80  (1) At any time up until 4 p.m. on the 29th day before general voting day, a person who has been nominated may withdraw from being a candidate in the election by delivering a signed withdrawal to the chief election officer, which must be accepted if the chief election officer is satisfied as to its authenticity.

(2) After the time referred to in subsection (1), a candidate may only withdraw by delivering a signed request to withdraw to the chief election officer and receiving the approval of the minister.

(3) For the purposes of subsection (2), the chief election officer must notify the minister of a request to withdraw as soon as reasonably possible after receiving it.

(4) The chief election officer must notify the minister if, between the declaration of an election by voting under section 76 (2) and general voting day for the election,

(a) a candidate dies, or

(b) in the opinion of the chief election officer, a candidate is incapacitated to an extent that will prevent the candidate from holding office.

(5) On approving a withdrawal under subsection (2) or being notified under subsection (4), the minister may order

(a) that the election is to proceed, subject to any conditions specified by the minister, or

(b) that the original election is to be cancelled and that a new election is to be held in accordance with the directions of the minister.

Breaking News !! George Smith Withdraws !!

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 George Smith has withdrawn from the race for the Mayor's chair.....Citing personal reasons Smith told Tofinonews that with much regret he won't be running for office.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.

Happy New Year from the blog !

Happy New Year !!
It was a year that began with widespread hope for the new Mayor and Council and ended in a debacle called "restructuring".......feel free to comment with your assessment of the year......

the CAO Hourglass explained

Many readers have asked about the "Hourglass " system and how it works.The diagram below makes it quite clear.All information between council and staff is routed through the CAO.The rationale for this is it keeps council from meddling with staff  .Unfortunately it also isolates council from staff and they only get the version of issues that the CAO deems fit for them to hear.No one on council spoke to Sally Mole about her dismissal and the "restructuring". They will tell you that it has nothing to do with them and is totally up to the CAO.This is the clearest example we have seen in Tofino of what is wrong with the "Hourglass" system.The concentration of power,influence and information in one individual is not healthy for the town.                                                                                                                 

Lana Gibson

Lana Gibson R.I.P.
She was always kind to me.....