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You have successfully created the chat room Election Talk 2014.

MsDiva joined

Welcome MsDiva! Thanks for joining us!Moderator6:59 pm

Hi thereMsDiva6:59 pm

Gordon Fuller joined

Just waiting for more folks to show up.Moderator6:59 pm

Hi GordonMsDiva6:59 pm

Hi Gordon! Thanks for joining us!Moderator6:59 pm

Victoria joined

I have no idea why I didn`t just use my real name... it is just second nature in this kind of format to not do so.. it`s Tania

BMsDiva7:00 pm

Hi Victoria! Thanks for joining us this evening!Moderator7:00 pm

hiVictoria7:00 pm

Hola!MsDiva7:00 pm

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Hey MsDiva (Tania) don't worry about it. You choose a nice Nickname. : )Moderator7:01 pm

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Hi ImVoting! Thanks for joining us this evening!Moderator7:01 pm

Thought I would give it a shot; always willing to try something once. Never use aliases.Gordon Fuller7:01 pm

It is an old nickname from WAY' WAY backMsDiva7:01 pm

Hey Ron! Good to see you!Moderator7:01 pm

I appreciate the sentiment Gordon. I leave

it up to people to choose to do so or not. Moderator7:01 pm

Diva's never go out of style MsDiva. : )Moderator7:02 pm

I'm here. Hope this works. Thanks David for giving it a try.Ron7:02 pm

Gord - so many of the chat groups I participate in are with strangers (i.e. a Grey`s Anatomy discussion group) that I just decided not using a real name was safer. MsDiva7:02 pm

Me too Ron. I think that as long as we are all polite and thoughtful, this will be worthwhile.Moderator7:02 pm

Excuse me a moment. I'm going to check Facebook.Moderator7:03 pm

Ditto; used to see a lot of aliases on the Daily News comments before they made ittoo complicated. Ditto Ron's Thanx :)Gordon Fuller7:03 pm

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We should soon have enought present to start the conversation. David are you going to lead off with a question or comment?Ron7:04 pm

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Hi Darcy!MsDiva7:04 pm

hellosheri7:04 pm

Hi Everyone! Looking forward to watching this unfold.Darcy7:05 pm

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Could be interesting.ImVotingRU?7:05 pm

Great turnout everyone. I'm not sure if thisis everybody. But I think we can get thingsstarted. Moderator7:05 pm

im herestephen7:05 pm

what is the agendasheri7:06 pm

and could you advise how many are here?Darcy7:06 pm

What is your opinion on improving traffic in Nanaimo with roundabouts? Catnan 7:06 pm

So to begin with, I would propose that we discuss one of the current topics that havebeen prevalent in this campaign season. Moderator7:06 pm

Anyone have a suggestion for a topic that is important to them, or shall I get things started?Moderator7:07 pm

I just posted it again on my Municipally (A)MUSING group and timeline.Gordon Fuller7:07 pm

I will be particularly interested seeing how different this turns out to be from Facebook conversations which can quickly degenerate.Ron7:07 pm

I would like to know what candidates are

here.Darcy7:07 pm

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Candidates. Would you like to come forward?Moderator7:07 pm

im herestephen7:07 pm

Tania B, school board.. been so focussed on that campaign that I feel a bit out of the loop re: the other racesMsDiva7:07 pm

not a good typer thoughstephen7:08 pm

Catnan; there used to be a really cool roundabout at th bottom of Albert St.; included washrooms. They are a great idea.Gordon Fuller7:08 pm

Sorry Gordon, just to let everyone know, Gordon is running for Council.Moderator7:08 pm

Would it be possible and useful to colour code candidates?Ron7:08 pm

Stephen - is that Stephen C?MsDiva7:08 pm

yep thats me stephen7:08 pm

Ok. All Candidates have presented themselves then.Moderator7:09 pm

So, any suggestions for a topic that someone wants to discuss, or shall I propose one?Moderator7:09 pm

stephen cochranestephen7:09 pm

i think a rundabout would resolve several areas in the city. offhand the 5 way intersection at Needham / Victoria/View st sheri7:09 pm

One more question before we go how do we know howm many people are present?Darcy7:10 pm

Top left corner, DarcyMsDiva7:10 pm

7?Darcy7:10 pm

i agree about the 5 ways intersectionsstephen7:10 pm

While not at the top of my list the use of traffic circles is an interesting one. It is

hard to gauge how well they may be used as they are all in out ot the way places... which tells me that there is anxiety on the issue.Ron7:10 pm

Ok Sheri. Let's talk about the Infrastructure Plans for the city. I believe that falls under the Municipal Transit plan. Moderator7:10 pm

This subject was discussed in the All Candidates Meetings. Moderator7:11 pm

I know many people who don`t really know the rules re: roundabouts/traffic circles. I admit I`m rustyMsDiva7:11 pm

Darcy I count 12 peopleMsDiva7:11 pm

The one on Prideaux works well as it has calmed traffic.Gordon Fuller7:11 pm

Bruce and 5th could use a roundabout, it has high traffic volume, or a lightsheri7:12pm

I appreciate the discussion about the Roundabouts. Does anyone know what

specific Candidates have said about the issue?Moderator7:12 pm

I live on Big Bear Ridge where a new one was put in this past year and there sure are a lot of people who could cause accidents there.Victoria7:12 pm

Bruce & 5th is a regular reminder how many people don`t remember the rules re:a 4 way stopMsDiva7:12 pm

Tab joined

Ok. I'm going to move the discussion along, just to get more participation going.Moderator7:13 pm

Let's talk about : Lantzville Water Issue. It was on the front page of the Bulletin.Moderator7:13 pm

How are the issues under discussion goingto start, end or be kept coherent?Ron7:13 pm

How about a higher level issue such as proportion of city budget for

infrastructure....or waterWanting Change7:13 pm

I will moderate Ron. When I feel the discussion isn't moving forward, I will propose a new topicModerator7:14 pm

so are we discussing waterstephen7:14 pm

Budget is a vital issue Wanting.Moderator7:14 pm

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Yes. We are discussing water Stephen, specifically the Lantaville Water issue at the moment.Moderator7:15 pm

Anybody have any thoughts about this issue?Moderator7:15 pm

What is the end game for selling our waterto Lantzville? Incorporating them in 10 years or so?Wanting Change7:15 pm

OK. So the current issue is Lantzville water, right? And it will remain on this topic til you give us a new one, right?

Ron7:15 pm

My understanding is that Nanaimo taxpayers will be on the hook for the piping costs with Lantzville Residents only responsible for Hookup costs.Moderator7:15 pm

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sorry reading article nowsheri7:15 pm

Yes. That's right Ron. Thanks.Moderator7:16 pm

ya i dont have paper or detailstephen7:16 pm

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Front page of Nanaimo Bulletin for today.Moderator7:16 pm

it states there is 19yrs left in the deal, so im not sure why its relevant todaysheri7:16 pm

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I don't feel the public gets the whole story

on these large issues. There is limited information and rationale for a large decision.Wanting Change7:17 pm

Having problems lost my ability to communicate so re registered and now can't see past comments.Gordon Fuller7:17 pm

Well, the issue has been brought before Council, so it must be relevant right now. Moderator7:17 pm

BC does still follow contract law doesnt it or does new council wish to ignore contract law as the BC GOV seems tosheri7:17 pm

Sorry to hear that Gordon. The program is very simple. I don't know you can see pastcomments. Moderator7:18 pm

i dont think nanimo should be on the hook stephen7:18 pm

Thanks sheri. Thanks stephen. Ok this topic isn't generating much interest.Moderator7:18 pm

Agreed Stephen!Wanting Change7:18 pm

Gord not much was said yet the issue is Lantzville water contractsheri7:18 pm

Let's move along to the issue of City Staff Wages. This is a big topic.Moderator7:18 pm

if they want the water access they should paystephen7:19 pm

Did anybody see the article that Jim Taylor posted on Nanaimo Info Blog?Moderator7:19 pm

The Lantzville water deal is hard to understand. One of the biggest costs to Nanaimo taxpayers in the last few years iswater... And we have more huge expenditures coming in water in the next few as we try to find sufficient water for Nanaimo. It is hard to understand why we would sell our water to Lantzvill wihout taking them over. I note that soon after the deal was closed that Lantzville announced that some old developments

were open. This has also lett us with a precendent. There are lots around here that need water. Must we now provide it tothem as well?Ron7:19 pm

I agree, Nanaimo should be paying only for piping within our boundariesVictoria7:19 pm

but do we have enough for nanaimo residenysstephen7:19 pm

residentsstephen7:19 pm

Was trying to enter this link regarding roundabouts but as the conversation has moved on :) http://www.nanaimo.ca/EN/main/departments/Engineering-Public-Works/4490/all_you_need_to_know_about_roundabouts.htmlGordon Fuller7:19 pm

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Thanks Gordon. People can click the link and save it for further consideration. We can come back to the issue later perhaps.Moderator7:20 pm

perhaps we need to have more time provided for the issue topics please. sheri7:20 pm

City wages....70% of the budget....how canthis cost be controlled without some political will?Wanting Change7:20 pm

Thanks for your thoughts on the Lanztville Water issue Ron. Incorporating Lantzville isdefinitely something to be considered, since we have such close proximity to Nanaimo and it looks like we will be sharing services.Moderator7:21 pm

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i didnt realize it was that highstephen7:21 pm

Stephen: Even as we type, the City is studying on the costs of either a new dam and reservoir or buying some of Harmac's water rights. This is expected to be very costly.Ron7:21 pm

and then we would share it at our ocstephen7:22 pm

cost/?stephen7:22 pm

Hi sheri. Good point, but I want to keep the conversation on issues that people want to comment on. We can come back to Lantzville water if there is interest. Moderator7:22 pm

Current issue : City Staff Wages.Moderator7:22 pm

i went through the wages listed a while back, and i would say i was a bit shocked, but when i looked closely it is normal for todays cost of living, just shocking to see it in writingsheri7:22 pm

The City decommissioned Reservoir #1; no reason it could not be recommissioned.Gordon Fuller7:22 pm

K' I'm a bit slow.Gordon Fuller7:22 pm

Thanks Gordon. No problem.Moderator7:22 pm

Interested left

however i beleive there are too many

middle and upper management positionssheri7:23 pm

Harm ac....first we cut their taxes and nowwe are likely going to pay them a lot for their water rights!?!Wanting Change7:23 pm

and i cant type this fast to respondstephen7:23 pm

Agree SheriWanting Change7:23 pm

i believe too many middle postionstephen7:23 pm

Nanaimo's management salaries have run some 2-3 or more time higher than the BC cost of living. These cannot be scaled back, but as the province has done, they can be kept at zero for a while.Ron7:23 pm

Agreed on Middle Management positions.Moderator7:23 pm

agreed SheriMsDiva7:23 pm

i dont want people to loose jobs but we

have 2 evaluate if we need asssistant to the assistantsstephen7:24 pm

are they comparable to other cities our size for the same positions is one factor and then increases should we fair and not looked at as a cash grab from the citizensVictoria7:24 pm

Here is Jim Taylor's article : http://www.nanaimo-info-blog.com/2013/12/city-of-nanaimo-wages-75000-salaries.htmlModerator7:24 pm

Agreed RonGordon Fuller7:24 pm

Here is a quote : 80.6% of Property Taxes Go To Wages & Benefits It doesn't fix any potholes, or buy shiny new firetrucks ....Moderator7:24 pm

What about the firefighters.....starting wage of $80k? Really?Wanting Change7:24 pm

We have some full time positions where we should have contracts. Ron7:25 pm

Again good point Ron.Gordon Fuller7:25 pm

Yes. The firefighters. Duncan's firefighters are all volunteer as I understand. $80K seems outsized to be sure.Moderator7:25 pm

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the firefighters wages are low. the captains are too high.sheri7:25 pm

how does that compare to other cities the same sizestephen7:25 pm

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Agreed Ron. Contracts! Moderator7:25 pm

i counted 8 firefighters 70k-125k sheri7:25pm

Sorry I am late.T7:25 pm

we are way beyond volunteer firefighters and do not see us going backVictoria7:26 pm

Firefighters wages are based on those of

Vancouver; why that is am not sure.Gordon Fuller7:26 pm

Contracts with specific terms, available forreview by the Nanaimo citizen body are essential.Moderator7:26 pm

The wages should tie to cost of living and not the high housing prices of Vancouver or New York!Wanting Change7:26 pm

the rest were volunteer. the wage is fair and reasonable, they are risking life, not pen and papersheri7:26 pm

Point taken Victoria. How do you feel about wages?Moderator7:26 pm

With regularly scheduled performance audits.Gordon Fuller7:27 pm

Sheri, why do they get paid a lot more than a policeman then?Wanting Change7:27 pm

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we could hire 3 firefighters for the cost of one captainsheri7:27 pm

i agree gordstephen7:27 pm

actually they dont.sheri7:27 pm

Actually wages are similar.Gordon Fuller7:27 pm

Audits. Agreed Gord. Moderator7:27 pm

If one looks at the pentiction Core Review process one can see how we could evaluate our own budget at a glance by looking at three sectors of the budget: Thefunctions which are required by law; those which make us livable; and those which are for our amusement. Not easy definitions, but necessary.Ron7:27 pm

I think the wages are fair and reasonable Victoria7:27 pm

Tali Campbell here - sorry I am late and thanks for putting this on.T7:27 pm

No problem Tali. Thanks for joining.Moderator7:28 pm

yes police officers start at 60,000 to 80,000 depending on unitsVictoria7:28 pm

a police cadet officer earns roughly 36k/yr a military cadet earns 21k/yr sheri7:28 pm

Good Evening. What is the current topic Mr. Moderator?Bill Mc7:28 pm

so what is the jumping off point for wagesstephen7:28 pm

Excellent contribution Ron. Thank you. We'll talk Core Review in a moment.Moderator7:28 pm

Hi Bill. Current Topic : City Staff Wages.Moderator7:28 pm

victoria a first yr RCMP makes $46,000 a first yr fireman makes $86,000 Tinman7:29 pm

We could go all night on that one!Bill Mc7:29 pm

This is the bigger question than wages; CORE REVIEW.; something we must do.Gordon Fuller7:29 pm

Agree! CORE REVIEWMsDiva7:29 pm

an RN makes that kind of wage alsoVictoria7:29 pm

Agreed!Wanting Change7:29 pm

and really in todays cost of living 50k-100kis what most are facing sheri7:29 pm

Ok, should we move on to discussing the Core Review now?Moderator7:29 pm

agree on core review.Tinman7:29 pm

i havent had a 4% let alone any wage increase to go along with infaltion in 5 yearsstephen7:29 pm

I was shocked at reading the staff wages and how many people are related within City staff.T7:29 pm

Victoria has its own police force; not RCMPGordon Fuller7:29 pm

Good point stephen.Moderator7:30 pm

and if the core review gives us the result stephen7:30 pm

Good point T.Moderator7:30 pm

so i think the wages are fair. again its top heavy in middle management and or supervisors. sheri7:30 pm

Victoria: Can you tell us why you think that the City wages are fair when compared to those in private industries? And don't forget the benefits. I don't want to spend a lot of time arguing about the situation or against those who work in our City. We have a lot of very good people. But would they make the same money working outside government?Ron7:30 pm

then what ? slash and burn stephen7:30 pm

Good point Ron.Moderator7:30 pm

I don't believe a Core Review goes far enough.Bill Mc7:30 pm

How so, Bill?MsDiva7:31 pm

Slash and burn is too drastic. But a Core Review done by a 3rd party and transparent to public scrutiny is called for IMO.Moderator7:31 pm

Attrition needs to play a big part here in NanaimoWanting Change7:31 pm

Ditto how so BillGordon Fuller7:31 pm

Ok Bill. How so?Moderator7:31 pm

a core review is not a slash and burn.. it is an analytic process to determine priorities.Tinman7:31 pm

no they wouldnt make the same $stephen7:31 pm

I used to do benchmark work in my union so am familiar with looking at these types of issuesVictoria7:31 pm

if its the goal to treat the council positions like a business and not a trust, then as a business you amalgamate duplicated jobs,and downsize with minimal severancesheri7:31 pm

It doesn't ask the citizens what services you want to provide, how much you want to fund each, and how you want to providethe service.Bill Mc7:31 pm

What kind of review should be conducted if not a Core Review? Who would conduct the review?Moderator7:32 pm

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i agree on downsize stephen7:32 pm

Interesting comment, can you expand McKay?Darcy7:32 pm

https://pentictonpolitics.wordpress.com/2010/10/16/review-the-core-service-review/Gordon Fuller7:32 pm

Let's not forget the last Core Review we did: the one for contracted services. It got us to City employees making about twice what the contracted services folks made previously and there has been no study done to show that it has been worth it.Ron7:32 pm

Certainly, Olsen. Bill Mc7:32 pm

What services and programs does the community want the Bill Mc7:33 pm

sorry, city to provide?Bill Mc7:33 pm

most of these middle managment positions are held by good people who have worked in the jobs a long time and the need to make promotions or lose people was the choice, and now we have abulge sheri7:33 pm

Then, how much money to each program or service,Bill Mc7:33 pm

and third, how to provide the service? Public, private, public and private, or social enterprise.Bill Mc7:34 pm

So, Bill, does this mean a public survey of some sort before the Core Review? Moderator7:34 pm

and then what ones do we keepstephen7:34 pm

I believe a Core Review would answer some of that Bill.Gordon Fuller7:34 pm

What would this be called? Has it been done before? And who would conduct the review?Moderator7:34 pm

It means a very comprehensive survey, yes, one that reflects the electorate accuratelyBill Mc7:35 pm

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for an objective analysis, get someone from outside current staff.Tinman7:35 pm

The current city staff calls a handful of open houses with at most 200-300 people attending as great consultation?!?Wanting Change7:35 pm

In my estimation part of out problem is toomuch internal promotion. While not wishing to argue to worth of individuals, I will argue that those who have no experience outside the City of Nanaimo are, in a sense, crippled.Ron7:35 pm

Core reviews tell you what to do. They don't ask the citizenry anything.Bill Mc7:35 pm

A committee should be struckVictoria7:35 pm

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Great point Ron!Wanting Change7:35 pm

I am hesitant of a core review however this added approach I would be open to the idea again.Darcy7:35 pm

Surveys are indeed valuable. I participatedin the Survey done a few years ago to develop the City's Action Plan and I found it very comprehensive and I felt like I was contributing.Moderator7:35 pm

Good point Wanting.Moderator7:36 pm

It allows full community participationBill Mc7:36 pm

of all vested interests to oversee with equal representationVictoria7:36 pm

Community participation AND a 3rd Party handling the review.Moderator7:36 pm

Sounds like an open transparent concept.Darcy7:36 pm

Good point Bill but there is no reason the

can't.Gordon Fuller7:36 pm

how does that get to the elderly or people estephen7:36 pm

like the Dam issueVictoria7:37 pm

Has this been done before, elsewhere?Moderator7:37 pm

Penticton?Moderator7:37 pm

who cant get on a computerstephen7:37 pm

depending on how the survey is conducted, how the data is interpreted and then how that info is used .sheri7:37 pm

Transparency to that point sheri. The results and proposals available online for perusal by all interested citizens.Moderator7:37 pm

nobody wants to overpay taxes but i can see there are some 'essential services' that others dont consider to be essential. for example drivers may not want to

subsidize public transportation, which is vitally important to many people. but should i as a pedestrian have to pay for road maintenance when I do a fraction of the wear and tear to roads?Hudson7:37 pm

Agreed SheriGordon Fuller7:37 pm

The review remains an excellent idea, but,the how of implementation is the question here.Moderator7:38 pm

That's a great point Stephen. Their participation is imperitive. Perhaps they could be involved with their peers in a town hall formatBill Mc7:38 pm

i dont think asking citizens to give up fire protection, rcmp, water etc is necessarysheri7:38 pm

i think not involving the city in million dollar business partnerships is what is hurting this city.sheri7:39 pm

No. I don't think anyone would agree with that sheri, but 80.6% of property taxes

going to wages is outrageous!Moderator7:39 pm

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Sorry. Got excited there.Moderator7:39 pm

What is need is a whole relook at the way our political system operates. Our current system was established in the horse and buggy era when it was not possible for theelected and the electors to interact very quickly. Now on line forums and surveys are both easy and inexpensive. We need to use them.Ron7:39 pm

sorry that was a typo i meant the city should NOT join partnershiosheri7:39 pm

Part of the problem with many of our plansis they offer the illusion of community input.Gordon Fuller7:39 pm

yes 80 is too high especially at the cost of cutting srvicesstephen7:39 pm

Not give up but make more efficient....2 man response crews from firehall is way to

go....Wanting Change7:39 pm

Forums and Surveys. Excellent point Ron!Moderator7:39 pm

Sheri, did you know that we hired 110 people, spent $17M last year to fight 4 structure fires?Bill Mc7:40 pm

True Gordon. Vigilant public is always necessary along with voting in the right people.Moderator7:40 pm

ya thats rediculousstephen7:40 pm

can we not do better stephen7:40 pm

Gordon is right. There is too much illusion: too much confusion, and not enough illumination.Ron7:40 pm

wow 4 fires! would have been cheaper to let them burn and then rebuildHudson7:40pm

i agree with ron a nd gordonstephen7:41 pm

Agreed...look at the LIST....firefighters

earning over $110,000 with otWanting Change7:41 pm

it was my understanding that the differentexpansions of firehalls and fire services was to prepare for expanded developmentin key areassheri7:41 pm

Thank you Bill. That is illogical. The wages may be appropriate, but they have to reflect the available budget.Moderator7:41pm

Did you know that in BC there is not any statutory requirement to even have a fire department?Bill Mc7:41 pm

I am impressed with the fact McKay showed up with a progressive idea rather then the circular conversation in this City "that won't work" and not providing an alternative suggestion that will.Darcy7:41 pm

Former Chief wanted to go to two man crews. Gordon Fuller7:41 pm

Agreed Darcy!Wanting Change7:42 pm

Bill: You're on Council. What happened to the report from our former Fire Chief whichrecommended two man calls?Ron7:42 pm

Ok Darcy. Thanks for the input, but let's keep things civil.Moderator7:42 pm

that the city 10yr plan called for more services in concentrated areas to lessen traffic requirements in the city, and that those developments would need infrastructure, to support the new housing.sheri7:42 pm

Civil? What was not civil?Darcy7:42 pm

There is a wonderful program called INTEGRATED RISK MANAGEMENT. Look on youtube for Merseyside Fire, you'll see it thereBill Mc7:42 pm

Ron, it was shelved. Bill Mc7:43 pm

I don't want to get bogged down in minutiae everyone. Moderator7:43 pm

Lets unshelve it.Gordon Fuller7:43 pm

So, Core Review, any conclusions before

we move on?Moderator7:43 pm

Current Council will never do anything thatmight take on the IAFFBill Mc7:43 pm

That was not minutia David. It was reality in City HallRon7:43 pm

darcy seemed to be being civil. more of a compliment to bill, from what i read. anyway, move on from that, but that was civil.The Big L7:43 pm

That's the current council. :)Gordon Fuller7:43 pm

Agreed Gordon! T7:44 pm

Ok Big L. My apologies Darcy if I misunderstood.Moderator7:44 pm

The new council needs to be bold!WantingChange7:44 pm

Agreed GordonRon7:44 pm

agreed it has to happen stephen7:44 pm

also, the BC Gov instituted the changes when they privatized the BC Parmedics

they put the oneous on first response on firehalls and underfunded the paramedics,because paramedics were provincial responsibility firehalls were municipalsheri7:44 pm

Everyone is being great. Thanks. I appreciate it.Moderator7:44 pm

and i thought she was complimenting as well....go billstephen7:44 pm

VOTE November 15th for BOLD.Gordon Fuller7:44 pm

Ok. So Core Review modified is a good idea.Moderator7:44 pm

Liberal governmentVictoria7:45 pm

Ron Lamberts plan was to have 4 more hallsBill Mc7:45 pm

Thanks Gordon. Moderator7:45 pm

with no more staffBill Mc7:45 pm

Core Review with LOTS of Public Input, similar to the one done in Penticton.

Moderator7:45 pm

:)Gordon Fuller7:45 pm

no more staff and come up with a long range plan to fase out and become more effecientstephen7:45 pm

Bill, and likely more large fire trucks for those new 20 plus storey "hotels" coming....Wanting Change7:45 pm

Bill isnt te plan to distribute retained staff through the new halls? and the new halls created to support future developments?sheri7:45 pm

The current plan says 40 new firefighters - $4M peryearBill Mc7:46 pm

The review will be conducted by a 3rd party (I imagine), and will focus on the 3 points Bill mentioned. Does that sound right?Moderator7:46 pm

If RCMP can work with auxilliary officers(volunteers) why can firefighters not is this a union thing?Victoria7:46 pm

i agree with victoriastephen7:46 pm

How about a new topic?Wanting Change7:47 pm

New topic then. Thanks Wanting.Moderator7:47 pm

The professin al firefighters treat the volunteers terriblyBill Mc7:47 pm

And there is still the lingering issue between full time and part time firemen, isthere not. Does anyone know whether the ratio here is in line with other similar municipalities?Ron7:47 pm

Victoria, yes! I was just in Scotland and they are run mainly by volunteer firefighters. T7:47 pm

sure im just barely keeping up with my hen pecking typingstephen7:47 pm

New Topic : Nanaimo As A Green City.Moderator7:47 pm

yes!Hudson7:47 pm

Wow... I can't keep up...Ron7:47 pm

Ditto Ron.Gordon Fuller7:48 pm

Thanks Bill, Ron, and everyone, but we're moving on.Moderator7:48 pm

We have a great base to work from to be GreenWanting Change7:48 pm

though this was going to b a video convernce like systephen7:48 pm

Nanaimo As A Green City : Go.Moderator7:48 pm

I'm having trouble too trying to typeBill Mc7:48 pm

skypestephen7:48 pm

Skype next time if people want it.Moderator7:48 pm

Nanaimo As A Green City : Input?Moderator7:48 pm

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Nanaimo has to continue being a green city by keeping our parks and perserving

the ones we have. T7:48 pm

Gheez let me get used to this first.Gordon Fuller7:49 pm

Good point T. What about development and jobs?Moderator7:49 pm

a green city. i would like ay new developments to need to incorporate a green resource in their development. ie solar panel or carbon reducers on the roofssheri7:49 pm

I agree Sheri. T7:49 pm

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having lived in major cities in California and BC, Nanaimo is more livable and moregreen. but it won't stay this way if we continue to develop and don't improve transit to keep paceHudson7:49 pm

at foodshare we partnered with the city to replacesome flower gardens with food gardens ...we harvested 3200 pounds of food ...it worksstephen7:49 pm

So, T, you wouldn't agree to sharing parks with private enterprise?Bill Mc7:49 pm

You can not force those types of amenitieson the market....there needs to be some demand.Wanting Change7:50 pm

Thanks Hudson. Good point.Moderator7:50pm

I would not agree to having our parks turned into public parking spaces.T7:50 pm

depending on the location windmills on the roof, sheri7:50 pm

downtoen business having green space onroofsstephen7:50 pm

Can you believe there is nothing in the transit plan about reducing bus size; a green option.Gordon Fuller7:50 pm

Stehpen good point - see some of that in Vancouver when I was there.T7:50 pm

Isn't that what we did at Maffeo Sutton?BillMc7:50 pm

Here is where the incinerator comes in. Will we be green burning Vancouvers garbage which comes to us on barges? Will we try to reduce our Waste to Zero? Do we have the stats we need to even talkabout these issues.Ron7:50 pm

Green City: we need to review our OCP as soon as possible. The OCP, now, basically gives a handful of developers free reign.Dan7:50 pm

and rdn has the cng buss but its hugestephen7:51 pm

but "wanting change" you CAN require certain energy efficiency standards, which then drives that kind of thingHudson7:51 pm

Good points everyone. Please keep them coming, or take a moment to digest all theinformation.Moderator7:51 pm

Wind farm out in the staright; artists paint;tourist attraction.Gordon Fuller7:51 pm

Has anyone else heard rumours about the

incinerator folks spreading election moneyaround?Ron7:51 pm

Good point Gord.....too many full size buses driving around with. 4 persons!Wanting Change7:51 pm

i am against buildingan incinerator, sheri7:51 pm

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Ron, the Vancouver incinerator project is dying. Why do you keep bringing it up?Bill Mc7:51 pm

and we are all over here??stephen7:52 pm

Dan made a good point here , if you missed it : The OCP, now, basically gives ahandful of developers free reign.Moderator7:52 pm

Let's stay away from rumours SWanting Change7:52 pm

Because it is not dead!! And because our homegrown Nanaimo trash problems remain.Ron7:52 pm

green space becoming green can create jobs and healthy community stephen7:52 pm

How is not dead Ron?Bill Mc7:53 pm

Hi Bill. Ron and I are both passionate about the Incinerator. We pushed hard for it to stop and don't want it back. I know it's supposed to be a non-issue : but vigilance is always needed.Moderator7:53 pm

OCP is suppossed to be reviewed every 5 years; aint that a pip.Gordon Fuller7:53 pm

Thanks for the info Gordon. That's too longfor a review isn't it?Moderator7:54 pm

I don't hink it will be dead either until Vancouver has another site and builds itVictoria7:54 pm

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You're passionate about it, or opposing it?Bill Mc7:54 pm

until we have a solid waste plan we shouldnt commit to dealing with a bigger cities outputsheri7:54 pm

and as i understand even with us making a decision the provincial govt could overrule the issuestephen7:54 pm

I haven't heard that a) Nanaimo has sent word to Metro Vancouver that it would not be accepted... and that the province who opened up the rest of the province in the first place has taken us off their list. If I ammistaken, sem me straight>Ron7:54 pm

Opposing the Incinerator of course Bill. 12,000 people signed the petition against it.Moderator7:54 pm

Vigilance is why people like Ron and I attend Council meetings; tough slog though. Gordon Fuller7:54 pm

I believe the OCP is required to be reviewed every 10 years, but it can be done sooner if desired. The sooner the better.Dan7:54 pm

Victoria, they haven't even announced all the sites they're consideringBill Mc7:54 pm

vancouver is wanting to build its own there are several political reasons they havent yet, the biggest is the pollution it causes that is sucked into chilliwack and hopesheri7:55 pm

As for a green city we ain't going to get one if we keep on doing what we are doingnow.Dan7:55 pm

Ok everyone. The Incinerator issue is important, but, Nanaimo knows what to doif it becomes an issue again, so let's move onto : Green Industry, Green Jobs.Moderator7:55 pm

T left

Topic : Green Industry. Green Jobs.Moderator7:56 pm

Wanting Change: Agreed on Rumours. It is just lamentable that we don't find out about donations to candidates until it is

too late. Enough Said.Ron7:56 pm

How do we feel about Brunie's idea about Coffee shops at terminals for instance?Moderator7:56 pm

I agree with making sure any new devolpment needs to be Green, solar panels, like what I seen in Vancouver gardens on top of roofs ec.Tali C7:56 pm

solar , local food , green houses and then selling it back and creating income from it stephen7:56 pm

How about the proposed pellet plant?Bill Mc7:56 pm

no im not brunie brunie but she got some valid ideasstephen7:57 pm

Bruni has a lot of good ideas and ones thatmany people would be supportive ofVictoria7:57 pm

and thats what we are doing a stephen7:57 pm

at foodshare...it worksstephen7:57 pm

Coffee shops; more low paying jobs.Gordon Fuller7:57 pm

Respectfully what plant is this McKay and where?Darcy7:57 pm

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why do coffee shops have to be low paying?Victoria7:58 pm

Bill I don't believe I have seen a proposal for a pellet plant. Is there a report on it at the City?Ron7:58 pm

promoting business here : fallow food trucks, and street vendors back, sheri7:58 pm

TimberWest at the the old Pheonix site Olsen.Bill Mc7:58 pm

Thanks Bill. A pellet plant sounds interesting. Moderator7:58 pm

they don't have to beVictoria7:58 pm

it is just that we make them be and there is so much profit that goes

elsewhereVictoria7:58 pm

What would the employment be there do they know?Darcy7:58 pm

How about the NRE becoming the glass recycling plant forall the islandBill Mc7:58 pm

Victoria; that's one to ask the coffee shop owners.Gordon Fuller7:58 pm

timberwest is developing a plan for a pellet factory,sheri7:58 pm

Another good point Bill. Keep them coming!Moderator7:59 pm

I've heard 60-80Bill Mc7:59 pm

WOW!!Darcy7:59 pm

Good point Gordon. Don't want to alienate existing businesses.Moderator7:59 pm

like the glass plant ideastephen7:59 pm

Using all the waste normally burned in the woodsBill Mc7:59 pm

Agreed Darcy. Wow!Moderator7:59 pm

Newspaper can be turned into cellulose and used as insulation as well.agnes3577:59 pm

Thank you agnes.Moderator8:00 pm

At Harmac. Already talking to them about thatBill Mc8:00 pm

Deinking of Newspapers was another industry Bill brought up.Moderator8:00 pm

or using exixsting commercial building likea&b for a year round mastephen8:00 pm

What about noise with the glass plant, where would it be located?Darcy8:00 pm

Figuring out how to get new businesses which focus on the reuse of out waste is a path which I would like to see followed up. Are there studies out there which define products from waste and the amounts needed to accomplish them?Ron8:00 pm

marketstephen8:00 pm

Plastic is something that really needs looking at.agnes3578:00 pm

Interesting stephen.Moderator8:00 pm

Both pelllet plant and recycling being the glass recycler for the island are great ideas.Gordon Fuller8:00 pm

agree like both these ideasMsDiva8:01 pm

the lawerenc market in toronto works well and bring in all kids of money stephen8:01pm

Bill MdK I like your idea about newsprint. What is needed to caryy it forward? Ron8:01 pm

i would like to see the development of the area south of the new cruise ship terminal.hotels, shops, causeways, entertainment venue, passenger terminal for train / bussheri8:01 pm

This is it everyone. Nanaimo being a Green Centered City focusing on attractingGreen Industries. That's how you sell the city.Moderator8:01 pm

Agreed Gord. Let's not got bogged down

with a location.Wanting Change8:01 pm

yep im in stephen8:01 pm

There is an international company from Wash state that has determined how to seperate 21 diffffferent plastics.Bill Mc8:01pm

Agreed!!Tali C8:01 pm

I just need to get elected RonBill Mc8:01 pm

What about the thirty five story hotel?agnes3578:01 pm

yes what about the monster on our waterfront???Darcy8:02 pm

Excellent point on the platics Bill. We don'thave to reinvent the wheel here, just look for the good ideas being done elsewhere and implement them.Moderator8:02 pm

Personally another Medical Marijuana plant wouldn't hurt either.Gordon Fuller8:02 pm

and yes plastic is an issues seeing that now its not included in curside pick up andis going in most trashstephen8:02 pm

So what do we need to do to get the info and attract those green enterprises that we would like?Ron8:02 pm

duke point or lantzville should be targeted for future industrial bizsheri8:02 pm

On thehotel down at the cruise ship terminal...who asked that?Bill Mc8:02 pm

Don't kid yourself on the med pot plants. There are not a lot of jobs there unless there is legalization and the product is sold like cigarettes.agnes3578:03 pm

Elected with at least 4 others agreeing :)Gordon Fuller8:03 pm

lolsheri8:03 pm

Surveys are good Ron. Public events showcasing potential Green Industries andcompanies looking at attendance / interest.Moderator8:03 pm

how would you like to make that investment with no purchase ability and 5 year lease renewalBill Mc8:03 pm

The cruise ship terminal idea is good.agnes3578:03 pm

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Not if you;re the busness it's notBill Mc8:03 pm

you can't buy the landBill Mc8:04 pm

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You are losing me McKay.Darcy8:04 pm

what about highlighting a Vancouver island wide contest for greenest business ideasheri8:04 pm

and port jacks up your lease every 5 yearsBill Mc8:04 pm

Thanks to the moderator! I am out.Wanting Change8:04 pm

and we are discussing 3 topis at once stephen8:04 pm

Thanks Wanting. Have a nice evening.Moderator8:04 pm

This conversation seems to be everywhereTali C8:04 pm

Yes stephen. I'm going to bring us back on track.Moderator8:04 pm

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So, Green City : good.Moderator8:04 pm

THXGordon Fuller8:04 pm

Green Industry : good.Moderator8:05 pm

Bill has a lot of ideas on how to make it happen.Moderator8:05 pm

That's a big plus to Bill in my book. Moderator8:05 pm

Let's move onto then : Mayor Candidates.Moderator8:05 pm

how about mattress and carpet recycling?Bill Mc8:05 pm

Leadership. Style. Experience.Moderator8:05 pm

im out but thank you all ...video next time for those of us challenged by speed typingstephen8:05 pm

Thanks Bill. We'll talk about Green Tech more later.Moderator8:05 pm

I can see where this is going. agnes3578:05 pm

As do a lot of good folk out in the public; real public participation would be great.Gordon Fuller8:05 pm

Thanks stephen. Skype next time then.Moderator8:05 pm

McKay certainly has surprised me on the green front and had ideas as to how to play them out.Darcy8:06 pm

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Bill: How much should taxpayers be ready to pay to bring business to Nanaimo... Andwhy do we have to pay it? Ron8:06 pm

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Those three in my mind, scream Bill McKay...I have known Bill for a little bit now and there is no grey line with him, which is good. His leadership and taking control is great and he does his homework.Tali C8:06 pm

Ok Ron. Let's keep this broad if possible. All Candidates. Impressions everyone?Moderator8:06 pm

some of the green ideas are just that ideas, because sometimes the process of recycling a product causes bad pollution toosheri8:06 pm

This is for everyone to talk about their thoughts and impressions now.Moderator8:06 pm

That all depends what you're trying to accomplish Ron. Bill Mc8:06 pm

Sorry Bill. I know this is a bit odd for you, but it needs to be talked about.Moderator8:07 pm

Ok. Gary Korpan impresses

me.Moderator8:07 pm

He does? How..Tali C8:07 pm

He knows his stuff yes, I won't take that away from him.Tali C8:07 pm

Impressions of what?Gordon Fuller8:07 pm

Gary pointed out that Nanaimo citizens need to look for Independents. He's right.Moderator8:07 pm

That's my point Bill. What are we trying to accomplish? It could be growth at any price, it could be moderate growth it couldbe green, it could be.....Ron8:08 pm

Thank you Ron. But general impressions now please.Moderator8:08 pm

Moderator, if you want to keep the reigns in the City Manager's hands, Gary's great!Bill Mc8:08 pm

I think you have hit the nail on the head BillRon8:08 pm

Thanks Bill. Thank Ron. Anyone have

anything to contribute on Gary?Moderator8:08 pm

Laughing hard Bill :) Thanx.Gordon Fuller8:08 pm

And we just recently stopped calling our assistant Marilyn Smith "Maytag"Bill Mc8:09 pm

Any impressions. He was Mayor for 15 years. He financed his own campaign.Moderator8:09 pm

Stay retrired.Gordon Fuller8:09 pm

Gary was NEVER here when he was Mayor.Bill Mc8:09 pm

Ok Bill. Gord. Let's try to keep things constructive.Moderator8:09 pm

Think VICC and think Gary.Gordon Fuller8:09 pm

wasnt it during his previous sit in the Mayoral chair that the city manager grabbed the reigns?sheri8:09 pm

It's true!Bill Mc8:09 pm

Anyone have any thoughts who is not running for office? On any of the other candidates for Mayor?Moderator8:10 pm

It was the day he was elected sheri!Bill Mc8:10 pm

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I was agreeing with Bill; hiis comment made me laugh because it is too true.Gordon Fuller8:10 pm

How about Al Thompson?Moderator8:10 pm

I like his enthusiasm.Moderator8:10 pm

Al is a really caring guy. Tali C8:10 pm

im not running. IMO going backwards is not progressivesheri8:10 pm

Despite McKays impressive display on here my support will and does stand with Bill Holdom.Darcy8:10 pm

Al impresses mesheri8:11 pm

Seriously for Mayor...probably not, but I like his energy.Moderator8:11 pm

Thanks Darcy. Thanks sheri.Moderator8:11pm

Agreed Moderator. Great guy, with great energy Tali C8:11 pm

He does have that Gordon Fuller8:11 pm

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Thanks Tali. Moderator8:11 pm

Al is right on the worker point. And on the roads.Moderator8:11 pm

Al Thompson is a funny guy, but he does not have the knowledge to run the city. Erin8:11 pm

ifa serious shakeup is needed why stay with the same mold? sheri8:12 pm

I am with you on that Erin.Tali C8:12 pm

And, that is probably the juxt of point Erin.Thanks. Still, I like him personally.Moderator8:12 pm

Ok. How about Jim Routeledge?Moderator8:12 pm

i am not sure experience is that big of an issue if you are desiring a changesheri8:12pm

He seems like a nice fellow. He talked about Millers in his speech.Moderator8:12 pm

I dont trust himsheri8:13 pm

He seems to be all over the place.Darcy8:13 pm

Gary brought us, along with two others who are again running, to the point of spending some $5.5 million last year in a desparate attempt to keep the VICC going.This problem remains today in the form of the"need" for hotels which will give us enough high wuality rooms to bill the Conference Centrel Give me a break.Ron8:13 pm

Thanks sheri. Thanks Darcy.Moderator8:13pm

Yeah, too inconsistent with his views... seems to flip flop a lotMsDiva8:13 pm

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I agree, Darcy. He seems really unstable and flip flops on answers all the time Erin8:13 pm

Ok. Good point Ron. Thanks for the Stat. If you have a source, please post.Moderator8:13 pm

Jim seems like he loves this city, but not sure if he is ready.Tali C8:13 pm

Thanks Ms Diva. Thanks Erin. Anyone else?Moderator8:14 pm

i remember that Ronsheri8:14 pm

See the City Budget and Annual Report.Ron8:14 pm

Thanks Ron.Moderator8:14 pm

or past bulletin articlessheri8:14 pm

A lot of nice guys and gal running for mayor but it takes more than

nice :)Gordon Fuller8:14 pm

Ok. Let's move onto Bill Holdom then.Moderator8:14 pm

Impressions about Bill?Moderator8:14 pm

About Holdom: Like Korpan and Brennan part of the crue that brought us the VICC. Also Holdom chaired the group that brought us the current OCP. I can't find it in my heart to forgive him for both those disasters.Dan8:14 pm

seems like a nice man, but i dont have faith sheri8:14 pm

Thanks for the point Dan. Taken.Moderator8:14 pm

Thanks sheri.Moderator8:15 pm

I am a strong believer in his abilities and believe he has the experience we need from the group that are running.Darcy8:15pm

Anybody else have any impressions on BillHoldom?Moderator8:15 pm

I agree with Gordon. I am working on a blog piece about how to pick candidates worth voing for. I do not feel that it is useful to talk about names, but rather about characteristics.Ron8:15 pm

Agree with both comments above, and I don't feel he will be progressive enough asa leaderErin8:15 pm

Thanks Darcy. Moderator8:15 pm

Sounds interesting Ron.Moderator8:15 pm

Ok Erin. Thanks.Moderator8:16 pm

i have a poor impression from my memoryof him on councilwhois8:16 pm

And with the current OCP the expansion ofthe Urban Containment Boundary.Gordon Fuller8:16 pm

Ok. Let's move onto Roger McKinnon then.Moderator8:16 pm

Any thoughts on McKinnon?Moderator8:16pm

need we?Darcy8:16 pm

and his close alignment w d brennanwhois8:16 pm

haha Darcy :)Tali C8:16 pm

He stresses business a great deal.Moderator8:16 pm

His behaviour online to those who ask questions is absolutely appalling Erin8:17 pm

He hasnt impressed me with any opinion. sheri8:17 pm

LOL was just about to type, `must we`? re:McfKinnonMsDiva8:17 pm

Like Gary, both Bill H and Diane B have the ghost of the VICC hanging over their heads.Ron8:17 pm

My thoughts are too precious.Gordon Fuller8:17 pm

lolsheri8:17 pm

Does he have any opinions? If he does, I

haven't heard themErin8:17 pm

Roger McKinnon: another regressive thinking developer. Would lead us back to the 1950'sDan8:17 pm

Thanks for the comments everyone. He stresses finding jobs for VIU students as being a priority. Sounds good.Moderator8:17 pm

Has everyone expressed their thoughts onMcKinnon then?Moderator8:18 pm

also wants to help VIU expand its land holdings...dont trustsheri8:18 pm

he is a doerwhois8:18 pm

Thanks sheri.Moderator8:18 pm

At Coffee Shops?Gordon Fuller8:18 pm

Thanks whois.Moderator8:18 pm

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Ok. It looks like we're done with McKinnon.Moving on then.Moderator8:19 pm

What are people thoughts on...who am I

misssing?Moderator8:19 pm

I would like to know whether he still has ties to Oceanview/Cable Bay or other projects which might bring him into conflict. I have sent a request but have notyer received a reply. Or at least one which a facebook amatuer can find Ron8:19 pm

Thanks Ron. Moderator8:19 pm

Ok. How about Brunie Brunie? Any thoughts anyone?Moderator8:20 pm

I like her personally. Like Al, she's got spunk!Moderator8:20 pm

Love her energy. Tali C8:20 pm

She's lovely.Bill Mc8:20 pm

jhe's not a principal, he's a hired consultantwhois8:20 pm

She has a lot of good ideas about making Nanaimo more Green certainly. :)Moderator8:20 pm

I love Burnie, I hope she comes in

second.Dan8:20 pm

She is right on Nanaimo politics being dominated by men.Moderator8:20 pm

Brunie is passionate reminds me of a mayor in england thats on the news occasionally, a character, she has a great heart, and environmental conscious sheri8:21 pm

I never take Brunie seriosly..does anyonewhois8:21 pm

I admire her passion, and I actually think she has some solid ideas, but she needs a well-rounded platform and she needs to tone down her delivery if she wants to win enough votes Erin8:21 pm

I like Brunie; passionate no doubt and could boost tourist dollars kinda like Frank Ney. Ditto the second comment. :)Gordon Fuller8:21 pm

Ok whois. Point taken, but try to be as polite as possible if you would.Moderator8:21 pm

She just needs to be packaged and she would kick ass.Darcy8:21 pm

Great points many of you. Moderator8:22 pm

i dont think our mayor needs to wear a suit, but i do think the mayor needs to have suits take them seriouslysheri8:22 pm

but would u trust her to manage a 200 million $ budget and i admire her spunk and green ideasstephen8:22 pm

yes i would trust her to manage the budget. sheri8:22 pm

Brunie was the first to take on the privatization of the Boat Basin and with the help of other's won.Gordon Fuller8:22 pm

She is extremely intelligent.Darcy8:22 pm

I think we all agree that Brunie is a great person with great ideas, but maybe she lacks the experience and judgement

needed to be a Mayor...Moderator8:22 pm

Thanks Darcy. I believe that.Moderator8:23 pm

could you please expand on what type of experience you think should come to the mayoral chair? sheri8:23 pm

Brunie. We love her...but, probably not a Mayor...yet.Moderator8:23 pm

i agree she intelligentstephen8:23 pm

everyone here seems to have an impression of what mayor should representsheri8:24 pm

Thanks for the trial David. Not knowing how many comments you may have removed, I am not sure how this beats an issue based facebook page(s) but thanks for the effort. I'm leavingRon8:24 pm

Hi sheri. Experience as a Councilor would be valuable. Experience in Municipal politics, on committees, groups.Moderator8:24 pm

yepstephen8:24 pm

Thanks Ron. Appreciate your feedback. Moderator8:24 pm

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Good question; what type of experience you think should come to the mayoral chair?Gordon Fuller8:24 pm

Where is McKay?Darcy8:25 pm

Ok. Thanks everyone. I think we have covered all the Mayoral candidates.Moderator8:25 pm

Experience: at least a seat on council for aterm. A mayor needs to know how the stings at city hall are knitted and pulled.Dan8:25 pm

hmmm she is an advocate and active in many areas of the city, so in your definition she has experience and so does Alsheri8:25 pm

Have you removed comments?Gordon Fuller8:25 pm

Oops! Thanks Darcy!Moderator8:25 pm

I have not removed any comments Gordon.Moderator8:25 pm

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I think that you definitely need to have served a term on council to run for MayorErin8:25 pm

a balanced perspective and leadershipstephen8:25 pm

I don`t think I could vote for someone as Mayor who hasn`t served a term on CouncilMsDiva8:26 pm

Alright then. Hope you don't mind Bill, but,impressions on Bill McKay?Moderator8:26 pm

How do people feel about Bill McKay?Moderator8:26 pm

I like McKay, very smart guy with a lot of

passion for our city. Tali C8:26 pm

Last Mayor Candidate : Bill McKay. How do you feel?Moderator8:26 pm

Thanx. Gordon Fuller8:26 pm

Thanks Tali.Moderator8:26 pm

all around typr guy done his homeworkstephen8:26 pm

Thanks stephen.Moderator8:26 pm

Bill participated here which shows his willingness to connect with the public. Points for that.Moderator8:27 pm

If Holdom wasn't my #1 without a doubt choice, he would be on my short list....Darcy8:27 pm

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Very knowledgable about the issues, very passionate and approachable. Erin8:27 pm

sometimes when the majority of candidates for mayor come from the pool of council that you dont trust you have to

wondersheri8:27 pm

He has good ideas on attracting Green industries. I value that.Moderator8:27 pm

Thanks Darcy.Moderator8:27 pm

Thanks Erin.Moderator8:27 pm

I appreciated his ability to have a idea's not just deflect and say it is a bad idea.Darcy8:28 pm

hmm...thoughtful point sheri.Moderator8:28 pm

Crappy record on upholding Neighbourhood plans but someone I could definitely work with. Gordon Fuller8:28 pm

yep i could work with as wellstephen8:28 pm

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McKay seems like a nice man but again, i look at past and present and hope for the future to be bettersheri8:28 pm

Thanks Gordon.Moderator8:28 pm

Thanks stephen.Moderator8:28 pm

Yes sheri. Hope for a better future always.Moderator8:29 pm

I have one major concern personally.Moderator8:29 pm

Sorry, this program seems to not like my padsBill Mc8:29 pm

NP Bill. Moderator8:29 pm

I think Bill will do very well as mayor. I think with a good council beside him he can create some progressive policy and get this city back on track. He just has to shake up the staff, get a better city manager and keep his policy directed towards the good of everybody.Dan8:29 pm

Thanks Dan.Moderator8:29 pm

i think its great that the candidates took the time to com to this forumsheri8:29 pm

Agreed sheri. Moderator8:30 pm

i could work with gordon as well eevn though we come from different minds sometimes but we both have our strenghts stephen8:30 pm

But...Moderator8:30 pm

thanks for putting it on, this is great!Tali C8:30 pm

Thanks Tali.Moderator8:30 pm

Elephant in the Room time though.Moderator8:30 pm

Campaign Financing.Moderator8:30 pm

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This is important everyone.Moderator8:30 pm

Bottom line is if we end up with the same as we have it will be four more years of the same. More folk need to become involved over the long term; not just during an election and not just if an issue affects them personally.Gordon Fuller8:30 pm

A classic issue in all politics, but it never loses relevance.Moderator8:30 pm

I am fully funded by family and friends.TaliC8:30 pm

Thanks Gordon.Moderator8:30 pm

Thanks Tali.Moderator8:30 pm

I admire that.Moderator8:31 pm

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i am as well stephen8:31 pm

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I can't thank my family and friends enoughfor their support.Tali C8:31 pm

Thanks stephen. That's excellent.Moderator8:31 pm

i had a 500 budget and thats it stephen8:31 pm

Gary Korpan did make a good point.Moderator8:31 pm

So, you have 59 candidates running in

NanaimoBill Mc8:31 pm

i think more of candidates that use their own money, and have support of family and friends than those that have sponsorships. sheri8:31 pm

no interest groups ans only 4 signe stephen8:31 pm

Agreed sheri.Moderator8:31 pm

signs stephen8:32 pm

Different race (school board) but all my $$is also family, friends & a bit of savings I had. Did take out a loan from my parents as I have a GIC that isn`t due until Dec & family did NOT want me to cash it out earlyMsDiva8:32 pm

Thanks stephen.Moderator8:32 pm

You need money to win and advertise.Darcy8:32 pm

the rest i diid with peole stephen8:32 pm

you need to have every last one declare at

time of electionBill Mc8:32 pm

Thanks MsDiva. Sorry for the hard work.Moderator8:32 pm

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Are you serious McKay?Darcy8:32 pm

Agreed Bill. Moderator8:32 pm

Transparency is absolutely vital to a true Democracy.Moderator8:33 pm

Agreed.Tali C8:33 pm

What do you mean, Bill?MsDiva8:33 pm

i also think more of candidates that participate in public forums like his, community events, visit elderly homes, are involved with youth, and other groups in communitysheri8:33 pm

As in list all your donors?MsDiva8:33 pm

i agree to advertise but it shouldnt be the person who has the nstephen8:33 pm

If a candidate is committed to working for the benefit of everybody and not just a

few special interest groups then I don't really care where the campaign money comes from.Dan8:33 pm

Impossible!! That is just saying what people want to hear!Darcy8:33 pm

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most money that winsstephen8:33 pm

MsDiva made a properly precise point.Moderator8:33 pm

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you can't have some declare and others not. and what are the rules?Bill Mc8:34 pm

This is absolutely elementary and absolutely fundamental.Moderator8:34 pm

Slow down :(Gordon Fuller8:34 pm

i had one donor my mom...was approached by many but declinedstephen8:34 pm

Thanks stephen. That's sweet.Moderator8:34 pm

It seems like it, but it's not. Way too hard to controlBill Mc8:34 pm

also cadidates that use their advertisng money to discuss how where and when to vote are more important to me than just seeing their election graphic next to a local store editorialsheri8:34 pm

Thanks sheri. Moderator8:35 pm

This is an election. Even high school elections include advertising.Darcy8:35 pm

Personally, I would like it to be mandatory for all candidates to divulge their sponsorsand donations over say...$50.Moderator8:35 pm

We need a ceiling.Darcy8:35 pm

i agreestephen8:35 pm

Right Darcy. Moderator8:35 pm

I like the ceiling idea.Dan8:35 pm

Before E-day? You candidates have way

too much time on your hand this week!Darcy8:36 pm

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I appreciate your situation Bill, but this is amust issue for every election. I hope citizens push for it in all future elections.Moderator8:36 pm

Democracy doens't work with Special Interest pulling strings.Moderator8:36 pm

i just learned that more than one of the mayor candidate spent more in there campaign that i made in 1 year salarystephen8:36 pm

Ms. Diva do you support the BC Blujeprint for education?sheri8:37 pm

So, certain candidates have declared publicly that 'they are using their savings'.What happens when we see 'additional' contributions after the election day?Bill Mc8:37 pm

Right stephen. Money in Politics is a big

problem.Moderator8:37 pm

Good point Bill. Rules are necessary. You'reright. Who will make the rules? I'm sure they exist in a proper form already. We find them. Implement them. This is fundamental.Moderator8:38 pm

Darcy; despite taking the week off from my paid job there is still stuff I have to do with it and other commitments than the election..Gordon Fuller8:38 pm

Ok. Everyone. I don't want to get sidetracked here.Moderator8:38 pm

and i should give them my vote outa respect ? or do they really understand what im going thru as a middle income earnerstephen8:38 pm

Let's move onto Candidates.Moderator8:38 pm

my point exactly, so you want to fill out your financial report as well?Darcy8:38 pm

Savings? Mine is at leasst half funded by

credit. :(Gordon Fuller8:38 pm

plus more money can come in last minute.impossible to do successfully.Darcy8:39 pm

Council and Mayor Candidates do you support provincial 10yr plan for the Province and BC?sheri8:39 pm

Ok everyone. Money is a tough subject. Objective rules are necessary. Let's put a pin in it.Moderator8:39 pm

id be more that happy to fill out mine it would taake i line stephen8:39 pm

1 linestephen8:39 pm

and $50 + must be reported.Darcy8:39 pm

Thanks sheri, Darcy, Gordon, stephen. Good points. Let's move onto Council.Moderator8:39 pm

Then you should of done some fundraising.Darcy8:39 pm

Current Subject : Council Candidates.Moderator8:39 pm

I might be biased :)Gordon Fuller8:40 pm

Gail Adrienne. How do you feel about Gail?Moderator8:40 pm

meee too stephen8:40 pm

This is going to take a long time Moderator. Tali C8:40 pm

Right Gordon. Right stephen. Please volunteer thoughts, but discretion.Moderator8:40 pm

yep 26stephen8:40 pm

Fair Tali.Moderator8:40 pm

Please suggest a Candidate you are interested in and people can give their thoughts.Moderator8:40 pm

So : Gail Adrienne.Moderator8:41 pm

I like her personally.Moderator8:41 pm

gail green person studies things before making a decisonstephen8:41 pm

Erin joined

Known Gail for years.Gordon Fuller8:41 pm

Thanks stephen. Thanks Gordon.Moderator8:42 pm

worked with her lots at foodhsarestephen8:42 pm

I encourage everyone to visit her website and look at her platform.Moderator8:42 pm

I think Karen H is very qualified. KC8:42 pm

Bill Mc left

Hi KC. We'll move onto Karen next.Moderator8:42 pm

Karen is a very nice person - met her a couple times.Tali C8:42 pm

Anyone have any more thoughts on Gail?Moderator8:42 pm

Anyone?Moderator8:43 pm

Gail- I like seems quite intelligent I liked

what she had to say when i spoke with hersheri8:43 pm

Thanks sheri. I agree with you.Moderator8:43 pm

she worked on nan area land tristsheri8:43pm

I won't be commenting on Coucil as I am still undecided....how many more days?Darcy8:43 pm

Hi Darcy. You have until Saturday.Moderator8:43 pm

Watch my SHAW video. We all write propaganda. Research further than a candidates website.Gordon Fuller8:43 pm

I know, thanks.Darcy8:43 pm

I found Gail very brusque. KC8:44 pm

Thanks Gordon. Good point.Moderator8:44pm

Thanks KC. That's valid.Moderator8:44 pm

Anyone else for Gail?Moderator8:44 pm

I mean, thoughts on Gail?Moderator8:44 pm

Ok. Moderator8:44 pm

must be body language i read brusque as nervoussheri8:44 pm

Moving on to Karen Hovestad (I think I got that right).Moderator8:44 pm

Thanks sheri.Moderator8:44 pm

Candidate : Karen Hovestad. Impressions?Moderator8:45 pm

i dont have shaw wondering if there was another link to the videos?stephen8:45 pm

Known her for yers.Gordon Fuller8:45 pm

I think she is a very nice lady, met her a couple time. Tali C8:45 pm

You tube KC8:45 pm

Hi Stephen. Here you go : https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLanAKY2RqlVq_rPTKhHP3YmQP9FqvLZ-oModerator8:45 pm

karen as worked hard for autistic children, she has passion but reminds me too much of christy clarksheri8:45 pm

Youtube.Gordon Fuller8:45 pm

Thanks Tali.Moderator8:45 pm

Thanks sheri.Moderator8:45 pm

Christy Clark. ?? Karen is smarter than that. KC8:46 pm

impressions countsheri8:46 pm

She does remind me of Christy Clark too. It's funny. I don't know her platform well admittedly.Moderator8:46 pm

didnt say she wasnt smart but i agree CC isnt sheri8:46 pm

assertive actually went to some candidates and suggested they step down for more serious candidates like her?stephen8:46 pm

She has tons of experience working on various committees. KC8:47 pm

Thanks sheri, but let's try to be polite to everyone, even people not here.Moderator8:47 pm

Google Her and all candidates; see what you find.Gordon Fuller8:47 pm

Ok. Any more thoughts on Karen HovestadModerator8:47 pm

Thanks everyone.Moderator8:47 pm

Let's move onto : Bill Yaochim.Moderator8:47 pm

Sorry for mispells.Moderator8:48 pm

I wouldn't call that assertive. She was really thrown by Brunie.Gordon Fuller8:48 pm

Thanks Gordon. We are on Bill now.Moderator8:48 pm

im talking about others running for councilstephen8:48 pm

Thoughts on Bill Yoachim? Moderator8:48 pm

Bill is running for Council.Moderator8:48 pm

Seems like a great guy.Tali C8:49 pm

Thanks Tali.Moderator8:49 pm

Young. Enthusiastic. First Nations (I believe).Moderator8:49 pm

Known him for years; getting repetitive. Bill has a lot of experience and qualities that will make him a good councillor.Gordon Fuller8:49 pm

bill smart guy ,lots of committee experience, good talker , offer cultural balance stephen8:49 pm

Thanks Gord. Thanks stephen. Moderator8:49 pm

I liked his message of having a strong engaging leadership, and his background is strong support, sheri8:50 pm

Thanks sheri. Moderator8:50 pm

agreestephen8:50 pm

I like Bill personally. I encourage everyone to watch his Shaw video and read his profile.Moderator8:50 pm

Anyone else?Moderator8:50 pm

Talking about Bill.Moderator8:50 pm

hokum certainly plays the partDarcy8:50 pm

:(Gordon Fuller8:51 pm

Didn't follow that Darcy, Gord. Moderator8:51 pm

mispell sorryDarcy8:51 pm

Alright, let's move onto : Jim Taylor.Moderator8:51 pm

Candidate : Jim Taylor. Impressions?Moderator8:51 pm

didnt impress mesheri8:52 pm

Thanks sheri.Moderator8:52 pm

Hasn't really impressed me either.Tali C8:52 pm

Thanks Tali. Moderator8:52 pm

the link u sent was for progress nanimo spots not shaw ...cant find shawstephen8:52 pm

Over reactive. KC8:52 pm

He is a numbers guy.Darcy8:52 pm

Known him for years :) I like Jim though wedisagree on a lot.Gordon Fuller8:52 pm

Here you go stephen : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwE3e1iHtWUModerator8:52 pm

i agree...and seems angrystephen8:53 pm

oftensheri8:53 pm

What numbers experience. KC8:53 pm

Sorry for the large popup there. Moderator8:53 pm

Thanks stephen. Thanks Gordon. Thanks sheri. Thanks KC.Moderator8:53 pm

I personally like Jim a lot.Moderator8:53 pm

I am not sure of his work experience, honestlyDarcy8:54 pm

He does seem kind of...intense, but I think he has the guts to go after lax spending.Moderator8:54 pm

yepstephen8:54 pm

Hmm. What about a business background.KC8:54 pm

he did have a lot to say about tax burden and average tax services also was in favorof core reviewsheri8:54 pm

Part of his platform calls for 0% tax increases for .... 5 years I believe, and, theCore Review of course.Moderator8:55 pm

Well 0% is a dream if we want growth.Darcy8:55 pm

KC. Sheri. Check out his blog. http://www.nanaimo-info-blog.com/2013/12/city-of-nanaimo-wages-

75000-salaries.html Moderator8:55 pm

thankssheri8:55 pm

How can he promise that when he hasn't reviewed the current contractual commitments. KC8:55 pm

ill save the link for latersheri8:56 pm

They are in alphabetical order mine starts around 37 minutes. Hover cursor over the dot thingy and you see the persons picture. Bill 1hr 3 min.Gordon Fuller8:56 pm

True Darcy. But the Operating Budget is $200 million. Can't a city work with that for a few years without making it grow. Maybe trim spending. Look at waste. Look at wages. Look at services. Moderator8:56pm

Sounds good sheri.Moderator8:57 pm

contract law can be deep but its actually simplesheri8:57 pm

Jim has attended Council meetings for

over 3 years and has appeared as a delegation a number of times.Gordon Fuller8:57 pm

If you go back to McKays Green plan he had money generating ideas that in fact could cut spending.Darcy8:57 pm

Thanks Gordon. And he has maintained the blog for 6 years. That's impressive in my book.Moderator8:57 pm

Erin left

Good point Darcy. Thanks.Moderator8:57 pm

Suggestion for research go to City websiteand enter candidates name in the search engine; see what comes up.Gordon Fuller8:57 pm

thanks Gordsheri8:58 pm

Good point Gordon. Moderator8:58 pm

Ok. Any more thoughts on Jim?Moderator8:58 pm

KC left

My opinion : he's got my vote. I think the Council needs a steel-eyed Sheriff with guts. Moderator8:58 pm

2 minutes left how many more can we get in :)Gordon Fuller8:58 pm

My personal opinion of course.Moderator8:58 pm

Alright everyone. It's 9 pm. I'm willing to stay a little longer, but if everyone wants to call it a night I understand. Moderator8:59 pm

Time for me to put my children to bed. I look forward to the next forum the flow was great and I enjoyed the chat. Thanks everyone!Darcy8:59 pm

This has been great by the way. Thanks.Moderator8:59 pm

im willing to stay :)Tali C8:59 pm

i like this!Tali C8:59 pm

Thanks Tali.Moderator8:59 pm

I have to get some work done, too... have enjoyed reading along!MsDiva8:59 pm

I'll be here a bit longer.Moderator8:59 pm

ill staysheri8:59 pm

g`nightMsDiva8:59 pm

Thanks MsDiva.Moderator8:59 pm

MsDiva left

KC joined

Sounds good sheri.Moderator9:00 pm

Ok, for those remaining.Moderator9:00 pm

If you would like to suggest a Councillor Candidate to discuss, please do so.Moderator9:00 pm

Darcy left

ill stay ....would like to hear about those candiadtes who are on the chatstephen9:00 pm

Thanks stephen.Moderator9:00 pm

Any Candidate people would like to discuss.Moderator9:01 pm

I have to be up and out by 6:00am; typicalday. Thanx all for this enjoyable though painful at times experience.Gordon Fuller9:01 pm

i liked Stephens message at the new candidates meetingsheri9:01 pm

thanks Gordon.Tali C9:01 pm

Thanks Gordon. You were great. I'll review your info again more thoroughly. Your participation has earned points for me.Moderator9:01 pm

for the record gord you amaoze me as to how much info you have and can get , kepthe city accounatble stephen9:02 pm

Enjoy all :)Gordon Fuller9:02 pm

Thanks stephen. Gordon's participation has been great. I really appreciate it.Moderator9:02 pm

Gordon Fuller left

Alright, how about a Candidate I was surprised about, but has a lot of advertising : Jerry Hong.Moderator9:03 pm

Candidate : Jerry HongModerator9:03 pm

Thoughts?Moderator9:03 pm

Jerry has a A LOT of money behind himTali C9:03 pm

He seems to offer beer at the QueensKC9:03 pm

Thanks Tali. That would explain the big signs.Moderator9:03 pm

don't think he has what it takes though. Tali C9:03 pm

Thanks KC.Moderator9:03 pm

Jerry has some good business ideassheri9:03 pm

I agree TaliKC9:03 pm

Thanks sheri.Moderator9:03 pm

kimbo left

yep big money...more than me and thanks sheri ...i was nervousstephen9:04 pm

wants to put a brake on taxes qnd supports core reviewsheri9:04 pm

That sounds good sheri. He appeals to a lot of young people I think.Moderator9:04 pm

Most are saying that, but a core review willcost moneyKC9:04 pm

i like that he is a young professional. sheri9:04 pm

True KC. All are saying that pretty much, but it does cost money.Moderator9:04 pm

Agreed sheri. That is commendable.Moderator9:05 pm

to me having the core reviw isnt the same as agreeing that one is eededsheri9:05 pm

Another good point sheri.Moderator9:05 pm

Ok. Any more thoughts on Jerry?

Moderator9:05 pm

he put forward a few ideas on how to encourage youth developing local business, to keep youth here instead of moving sheri9:06 pm

i think he has some vibrant vision that most could get behindsheri9:06 pm

Thanks sheri. That is something to look into. Keeping youth in Nanaimo and not having them all go to the Oil Fields is an important issue.Moderator9:06 pm

yes i did as well and do that for my job currentlystephen9:06 pm

im actually referring to my notes i made atthe meetings i attendedsheri9:07 pm

Thanks stephen. That is valuable.Moderator9:07 pm

Ok. Let's talk incumbents then.Moderator9:07 pm

Candidate : Ted Greves.Moderator9:07 pm

yes Stephen, think your work with youth iscommendable. sheri9:07 pm

Thoughts on Ted Greves?Moderator9:07 pm

id rather notsheri9:07 pm

I love youth haha , might be because I am one ;)Tali C9:07 pm

Valid sentiment sheri.Moderator9:07 pm

lol Talisheri9:08 pm

That makes sense Tali. Good on you for participating in politics.Moderator9:08 pm

Thoughts on Ted Greves?Moderator9:08 pm

like your passion talistephen9:08 pm

Agreed stephen.Moderator9:08 pm

technical question: is there a way to make the window STOP jumping to the last message sent? I am trying to read back and carch up!Hudson9:08 pm

I dont know much about you Tali other

than you are youngsheri9:08 pm

Ted Greves is a special interest candidate. He seldom works for the city as a whole.Dan9:09 pm

Hmmm Showed up at the candidates meeting with the union KC9:09 pm

Sorry Hudson. The program is very secure,but very simple. Moderator9:09 pm

no thoughts here ..dont know him havent seen him do much on councilstephen9:09 pm

Thanks Dan.Moderator9:09 pm

Yes KC. That's right.Moderator9:09 pm

Very concerning.Moderator9:09 pm

Here's what I said about Jerry on my facebook the other day:The Big L9:09 pm

Ya know, after a bunch of research, I have changed my 'who I'm voting for' list around slightly. My previous list didn't have Jerry Hong on it. But then I

remember all the community stuff he represents. He helps throw tons of fundraisers for a huge variety of causes. We had one there in 2013 and raised $6000 for the Colliery Dams society. He also spearheaded an education program ofsorts when there was a huge problem withbar patrons being drugged with GHB. Plus,in this article it says he tackled a robber atQuiznos. Say what! He owns a number of businesses, exemplifies community stewardship and he had always been incredibly approachable. Jerry Hong will have my vote. The Big L9:09 pm

Agreed stephen.Moderator9:09 pm

ya all those yellow shirts was a bit of a message stephen9:10 pm

Thank you Big L. Valuable post.Moderator9:10 pm

Yes stephen. Creepy.Moderator9:10 pm

I don't like the feeling of being strong-armed.Moderator9:10 pm

Democracy doesn't work when mixed with thuggery.Moderator9:10 pm

i didnt know the yellow shirts were union, idid register he had supporterssheri9:11 pm

My opinion. But I felt...uncomfortable.Moderator9:11 pm

Yellow shirts = Firefighters UnionModerator9:11 pm

yep....hence the 110 k list of salariesstephen9:11 pm

Ted Greves has said publicly (I believe) I represent the interests of the firefighters. Idon't have a quote, but I think it is likely true in a close form.Moderator9:12 pm

city workers have to support someone, so that doesnt bother me, however, using your job to campaign doessheri9:12 pm

My impressions exactly stephen.Moderator9:12 pm

Agree sheri. Moderator9:12 pm

Campaign financing. It is a vital topic in allpolitics.Moderator9:12 pm

Who is pulling the strings.Moderator9:13 pm

ted greves has been extremely rude and dismissive at every single council meeting i have watched on tv or have attended. it is so depressing he has this backing.The Big L9:13 pm

its rampant in all levels of electioning sheri9:13 pm

Thanks Big L. That's how I feel also.Moderator9:13 pm

Ted ignores me and my other youth when we ask questionTali C9:13 pm

again, discussing incumbents for me is pointless, im not voting for any of themsheri9:13 pm

denied our grant for the World's Longest Hockey Game and didn't give us a reasonTali C9:13 pm

Valid point sheri. Moderator9:13 pm

he is seldom on the side of progressive policy, and always on the side of more money to firefighters.Dan9:13 pm

i have never received a reply to any email i sendsheri9:13 pm

I have heard the same statement SheriKC9:13 pm

Valid point Tali.Moderator9:14 pm

ignored me as well and im almost the same agestephen9:14 pm

i'll be voting for two incumbents for srue.The Big L9:14 pm

i will be as well big lstephen9:14 pm

i have had several instances when i needed to discuss business proposals withcity and been outright ignoredsheri9:14 pm

Ok. So moving past Ted. Moderator9:14 pm

Shall we move onto other incumbents then? (I know sheri would prefer not to).Moderator9:14 pm

lolsheri9:15 pm

I would like to discuss Bill Bestwick personally.Moderator9:15 pm

Anyone want to discuss Bill Bestwick?Moderator9:15 pm

Impressions?Moderator9:15 pm

or jim kipp or fred pattjestephen9:15 pm

Bill has been a mentor of mine and formerboss..but does he have enough time.Tali C9:15 pm

Right stephen.Moderator9:15 pm

Good point Tali.Moderator9:15 pm

Agree TaliKC9:15 pm

Bill is very busy.Moderator9:15 pm

He seems really busyKC9:15 pm

That is commendable in a way, but

committment is essential.Moderator9:16 pm

if you can not commit t he job why riusheri9:16 pm

has something changed with bestwick lately? he didn't seem himself at the last meeting i was at.The Big L9:16 pm

*runsheri9:16 pm

Billy is SUPER busyTali C9:16 pm

Bill B., Bill McKay, and Jim Kip often voted together against the rest of Council and Mayor Ruttan.Moderator9:16 pm

bill is smart...has huge support but says nanaimo first what will look like as a scout stephen9:16 pm

NHL Scout, Running his own company, anddoes a sports drink, Tali C9:16 pm

Thanks Big L, Sheri, stephen, Tali. Good points. Moderator9:17 pm

wasnt he wanting to have Nanaimo fork

over millions for a new multiplex arenasheri9:17 pm

Having time to read the agenda is pretty importantKC9:17 pm

I like Bill Bestwick personally. He's on my list. He has experience. Smarts. He votes responsibly (most of the time). IMO.Moderator9:18 pm

Really sheri...Moderator9:18 pm

That is a concern.Moderator9:18 pm

for what i heard jim kipp say at the progresssive nanaimo talk i think he should have another shotstephen9:18 pm

Agreed KC.Moderator9:18 pm

preparing for acting on items on the agenda or citizens input on city is importantsheri9:18 pm

True sheri.Moderator9:19 pm

Ok.Moderator9:19 pm

Are we done discussing Bill then?

Moderator9:19 pm

YeaTali C9:19 pm

Shall we move onto Jim Kip?Moderator9:19pm

Candidate : Jim Kip. Impressions?Moderator9:19 pm

Jimmy is a man of his words.Tali C9:19 pm

Thanks Tali.Moderator9:19 pm

i agreestephen9:19 pm

Thanks stephen.Moderator9:19 pm

I like Jim too.Moderator9:19 pm

and not afraid to take on the tuff issuesstephen9:20 pm

worries mesheri9:20 pm

Thanks sheri. May I ask why?Moderator9:20 pm

seems to step up 'just in time'sheri9:20 pm

Joe left

hmm...that's a valid point. I don't get that impression myself. Moderator9:20 pm

Jim is awesome. He's not afraid of city staff. walks the talk. he's not afraid to speak out.The Big L9:21 pm

but faced the music when all, the others didntstephen9:21 pm

Thanks Big L. That's my thought as well personally. Again. Just personally.Moderator9:21 pm

Ran into Jim today. Smart and quick, always a bit rough. He does listen and he works hard, but he is not a team player or a good parlimantarian.Dan9:21 pm

sheri's feelings are valid though. Anybody else have any feelings or gut instincts about Jim?Moderator9:21 pm

i thin he is savvy, feels out situations and makes a choice which side to land onsheri9:21 pm

Thanks Dan. Interesting

impessions.Moderator9:22 pm

Valid point sheri.Moderator9:22 pm

fair enufstephen9:22 pm

I would vote for Jim anyday.Dan9:22 pm

Impressions are important.Moderator9:22 pm

Thanks Dan.Moderator9:22 pm

but i dont want 'politician' i want someonewho is willing to do service for our communitysheri9:22 pm

Another good point sheri.Moderator9:22 pm

Agreed Sheri!! Tali C9:22 pm

agreed, sheri.Dan9:22 pm

Ok. Let's try some new blood then.Moderator9:22 pm

What about Brennan?Dan9:23 pm

How about : Paul GoGo.Moderator9:23 pm

Thanks Dan. We'll go back to incumbents

in a moment.Moderator9:23 pm

absolutely not and i wont vote for her hubby on school board eithersheri9:23 pm

Candidate : Paul GoGo. Thoughts?Moderator9:23 pm

Thanks sheri. Back to Diane in a moment.Moderator9:23 pm

Paul is a good guy, but if experience is thetrial tonight where is hissheri9:23 pm

Paul GoGo. New blood. Any thoughts?Moderator9:23 pm

Good point sheri.Moderator9:24 pm

I think this next council is all about new bloodKC9:24 pm

He has plenty of musical experience.Moderator9:24 pm

i don't know much about him, to be honest. he hasn't been in my line of research. i feel badly, but there are so many people running that i haven't looked

closely at everyone.The Big L9:24 pm

I don't think Paul has what it takes.Dan9:24 pm

Thanks KC.Moderator9:24 pm

Paul plays on his heritage, which is fine, itsvalid roots,sheri9:24 pm

Valid point Big L.Moderator9:24 pm

Valid point Dan.Moderator9:24 pm

Thanks sheri. It is valid. I appreciate that about him.Moderator9:24 pm

Any more thoughts about Paul?Moderator9:25 pm

i agree sheristephen9:25 pm

I think he would be good at bringing more interest into the city, but at what cost? his platform is sponsorships for big projects, but what kind?sheri9:25 pm

Personally...I don't think so myself. Nice guy, but I need someone with more experience in management areas.

Moderator9:25 pm

he does support online involvement, but he is not here tonightsheri9:25 pm

Good points sheri. Well, this event was only posted on Sunday. So short notice.Moderator9:26 pm

oh yeah, you're right. i recall him saying that about getting sponsored names on publicly funded projects.The Big L9:26 pm

KC left

Interesting idea Big L. Moderator9:26 pm

im reading my notes from candidate meetingssheri9:26 pm

You work hard sheri. Thanks.Moderator9:26 pm

More thoughts on Paul?Moderator9:26 pm

im logging off ...thanks all enjoyed it ...have to attend to kids look forward to the results on sat....question how do we find out resultsstephen9:27 pm

Ok. How about Jack Arnold?Moderator9:27 pm

Thanks stephen. Great participation!Moderator9:28 pm

i know nothing about himsheri9:28 pm

thans Stephen, good luck Saturdaysheri9:28 pm

No results stephen. I'll try posting the transcript on Facebook.Moderator9:28 pm

Jack Arnold?Moderator9:28 pm

how about Leon Cake?sheri9:29 pm

jack arnold teacher...didnt get in before by1 vote cuz he was getting an operation same time by election happendstephen9:29 pm

Thanks stephen. Moderator9:29 pm

leon stand up guy stephen9:29 pm

Candidate : Leon Cake.Moderator9:29 pm

Thoughts?Moderator9:29 pm

thanks stephen9:29 pm

Thanks stephen.Moderator9:29 pm

stephen left

Any thoughts on Leon Cake?Moderator9:29 pm

good guyTali C9:30 pm

i think he is a hard working mansheri9:30 pm

him and I are both board members for KidSport NanaimoTali C9:30 pm

Thanks Tali.Moderator9:30 pm

Thanks sheri.Moderator9:30 pm

Any more thoughts?Moderator9:30 pm

my impression was of someone putting themselves forward to give service to hi hometown. very commendable sheri9:30 pm

leon is understated. he's really knowledgeable, giving, listens to people, and a critical thinker.The Big L9:31 pm

i think if he wins a seat he will work hard to learn his jobsheri9:31 pm

Thanks sheri. Big L. I appreciate your insight.Moderator9:31 pm

Any more thoughts?Moderator9:31 pm

Ok. Moderator9:31 pm

Let's move back to incumbents then.Moderator9:31 pm

The Big L left

which ones are left lolsheri9:32 pm

Ok everyone. It's 9:30. We've been going for 2 and a half hours. I'm almost about done, but I would value closing thoughts.Moderator9:32 pm

Closing thoughts?Moderator9:33 pm

yesTali C9:33 pm

Please Tali. Go ahead. For example, who do you like for Mayor? Who do you like for Council?Moderator9:33 pm

I just want to thanks for putting this on

and thanks for those who attended. I hopeon November 15 you think about putting an X beside me, for more info on me www.TaliCampbell.caTali C9:33 pm

thank you for hosting this, i learnt some new things about candidates, which is whyi participated, sheri9:33 pm

Thanks Tali. Appreciate you attending. That's awesome. : )Moderator9:34 pm

Thanks sheri. I'm glad it helped.Moderator9:34 pm

Next time : Skype.Moderator9:34 pm

also thank you to everyone who put there hat in for the election on Saturday, it takesgreat courage and vision to do that and bewilling to serve your communitysheri9:34 pm

Tali C left

Agreed sheri. They deserve a tip of the hatand a pat on the back.Moderator9:35 pm

Thanks for this, now I need to

leave.Dan9:35 pm

goodnight allsheri9:35 pm

Thanks Dan. Have a nice evening.Moderator9:35 pm

sheri left

Dan left

Night sheri. Moderator9:35 pm

Hey Pablo.Moderator9:35 pm

That was fun.Moderator9:35 pm

heyHudson9:35 pm

Interesting to be sure.Moderator9:35 pm

finally i can catch up!Hudson9:35 pm