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NCIMSS hosted the meeting with Sebastian & Patrick acting as moderators (referees)

We See 11/11/11	Municipal Debates Thursday at Library
	Another ‘style’

As I have argued elsewhere the Lester Center all candidate ‘debate’ proved uninformative --- the Library debates went deeper – but had faults too

Below is quick review of Library ‘all candidates’ meeting

See especially my question on use of ‘in-camera’ meetings and mayor’s Alpha Male response (bark?)

Plus ‘ironic’ Wiens poly-tricks sign (word seems to be Jamaican slang for politics as usually played)

Kathy Bedard was ‘clear’ winner (for me)

Bedard suggested that a better way of dealing with Airport was to make it into a Regional Airport –bringing in neighbouring communities using the SQCRD etc --- Both Bedard and Corinna Morhart emphasize ‘Council as a group’ to counter Mussallem approach of ‘Council to be led’ ---- plus their capability to interact respectfully one on one with both Councillors and all community members, etc

Morhart also made a good observation pointing out that the Official Community Plan (OCP) ‘required’ to be updated in 2012 --- but then it ‘required’ yearly Report cards too

Mussallem in one of his macho moods

In photo left – unlike others in room, Jack ‘unable’ to sit down --- projecting ‘take charge’ vibes – and ‘barking’ at anyone that might not meet his approval

‘Only I can lead (Council) and direct (city staff)’ ---- His opponents either lacked (his) experience or lived somewhere else than Rupert --- the mayor of Toronto does not live in Toronto proper – ditto the Mayor of Surrey does not live in that City were thrown back at him --- he objected geographically to both – Here is similar for Surrey Mayor

Mayoralty candidates gave a 10 minute speech and then 5 minutes of questions from public --- questions repeated to each – thus ‘view’ on Pinnacle Pellets location on waterfront – and ‘view’ of Enbridge pipeline ---Then there was Lothar whose ‘questions’ tended towards endless monologues The second half of meeting had statements from both Council and Trustee candidates present	The room was full --- but many were candidates

I put forward the observation that PR City Council appears to meet more in-camera than any other jurisdiction --- would the candidates agree that only the matters given to close the meeting can be discussed at the in-camera meeting?

My question at end Mayors’ debate--- left ---and Mussallem’s ‘answer’ below

Given the number of lawsuits and land deals the City involved in – ‘understandable’ so many in-camera meetings --- Plus Mussallem stated I was simply wrong about legality --- presumably any topic listed in the legislation could be discussed once meeting in-camera (not just those used to close the meeting) --- Thus the recent ‘leaked’ newspaper article that the Regional District will soon change its name to North Coast etc –was presumably decided in-camera and Mussallem seems to contend done quite legally – And the leak? More on this later

Note these are Development Districts – as per map

Educational needs

It was brought up by several candidates that local college should be offering more training for construction type work --- this clipping from BC Stats seems to underline this ---- construction type employment should show major increase (assuming all those mining projects etc go ahead) --- more later

And speaking of candidates

I see this person too cheap to buy 2 wooden stakes – so ‘borrows’ the City telephone pole (Illegally?) to support his sign --- and note the ’Accountability’ – iron-ic isn’t it?

Plus Prince Rumour says that candidate now working in another Province – which will make attending School Board meetings a little difficult (if elected).

	City of Rainbows
	Recent images

Here is view of storm gathering strength --- damage more to

Alaska lower mainland than North Coast

Created by LG on 11/11/2011

Last updated on Saturday, November 12, 2011

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Municipal Debates Thursday at Library