Victoria Vision: Westshore

Showing posts with label Westshore. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Campaign spending in Colwood - Lilja Chong massively outspent everyone else

The spending for the council race in Colwood is interesting. Lilja Chong massively outspent the competition, She spent $12,770.96 and the all the other candidates only spent about $1,750 more than that. Over $9,000 of her money came from one person, former Colwood councilor Ernie Robertson.

Mayor Raised Spent Own money
Carol Hamilton $3,724.60 $2,501.42 $800.00
Robin Stanbridge $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
David Shebib $0.00 $0.00 $0.00

Candidate Raised Spent Own money
Lilja Chong $12,194.45 $12,770.96 $0.00 (1)
Duane MacNeill $3,895.00 $3,895.00 $3,895.00
Rob Martin $2,659.66 $3,659.66 $1,809.66 (2)
Terry Trace $2,500.00 $2,424.05 $0.00 (3)
Jason Nault $3,264.95 $2,226.75 $2,787.71 (4)
Gordie Logan $1,600.00 $1,444.57 $0.00 (5)
Cythnia Day $521.15 $671.15 $671.15
Robb Marty $300.00 $293.18 $300.00
Steve Huneck $274.90 $274.90 $274.90
Natalia Lebedynsky $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Paul DeVito $1,664.79 $1,614.79 $1,414.79
Daryl Clark $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 (6)
Frank Kennedy $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 (6)

Notes
1) Former Colwood councilor Ernie Robertson contributed $9,026.11. 2017 Saanich by-election candidate Mike Geoghegan donated 41,868.34
2) His own contribution comes from his business
3) Terry Trace had a $500 donation from Anthony Trace and $2,000 from her business Terrus Estates Ltd
4) Jason Nault's campaign had a surplus and he was reimbursed $1,000 making his contribution $1,787.71
5) Gordie Logan received $900.00 from unions
6) Both Daryl Clark and Frank Kennedy withdrew from the eleciton but are still required to fill out an election financing form

Sunday, November 16, 2014

2014 View Royal Election Results

2,136 out of 7,605 voted for a turnout of 28.1%

Mayor

David Screech 1,336 - sitting councilor
Brian Burchill 725
David Shebib 45

Council - 4 to be elected

Heidi Rast 1,536 (+181) incumbent
John Rogers 1,499 (+217) incumbent
Ron Mattson 1,417 (+404) incumbent
Aaron Weisgerber 966
Mark Brennan 885
Wes Kennedy 780

Past Election Results
2011 2008 2005 2002 1999 1996 1993 1990

2014 Sooke Election Results

3,881 out of 9,354 voted for a turnout 41.5%

Mayor

Maja Tait 2,527 sitting councilor
Herb Haldane 1,263 sitting councilor
David Shebib 26

Council - 6 to be elected

Kerrie Reay 2,171 (+592) incumbent
Ebony Logins 2,116
Brenda Parkinson 2,034
Kevin Pearson 1,870 (+2) incumbent
Rick Kasper 1,847 (+112) incumbent
Bev Berger 1,807 (-17) incumbent
Jeff Bateman 1,783
Kel Phair 1,430
Mark Whiteson 1,031
Justin Hanson 1,029

Referendum
Would you support the District of Sooke working with the community to develop multi-use community centre facilities?
Yes 3,072
No 631

Should the District of Sooke join other municipalities in renewing and restating its opposition to the expansion of oil tanker traffic through Coastal BC waters?
Yes 2,618
No 1,138

Past Elections Results
2011 2008 2005 2002 1999

2014 Metchosin Election Results

1,584 out of 4,287 voted for a turnout of 36.9%

Mayor

John Ranns 1,334 (-120) incumbent
Ed Cooper 183 (-208) incumbent
David Shebib 39

Council - 4 to be elected

Bob Gramigna 1.082 (-150) incumbent
Andy MacKinnon 1,068
Moralea Milne 1,010 (-40) incumbent
Kyara Kahakauwila 828 (-93)
Chris Moehr 568
Anne Richmond 565
Karen Watson 414 (-145)

Past Election Results
2011 2008 2005 2002 1999

2014 Langford Election Results

4,532 people out of 23,864 voted for a turnout of 19.0%

Mayor

Stew Young 3,727 (+1,408) - incumbent
David Shebib 556

Council - 6 to be elected

Lillian Szpak 2,760 (+824) incumbent
Denise Blackwell 2,540 (+580) incumbent
Lanny Seaton 2,373 (+542) incumbent
Winnie Sifert 2,326 (+493) incumbent
Roger Wade 2,236 (+596) incumbent
Matt Sahlstrom 2,174 (+494) incumbent
Jim Munro 1,328
Pauline Adams 1,293
Dustin Finerty 1,241
Grant McLachlan 1,065 (-154)
Mark McInnes 1,003
Paul Barber 889
Timothy Power 854
Andre Mollon 368

Referendum
Are you in favour of the City of Langford being amalgamated into a larger regional municipality?
Yes 2,222
No 2,209

Past Election Results
2011 2008 2005 2002 1999 1996

2014 Highlands Election Results

518 out of 1,723 voted for a turnout of 30.1%

Mayor

Ken Williams 480 - sitting councilor
David Shebib 42

Council - 6 to be elected

Leslie Anderson 458
Karel Roessingh 453 incumbent
Marcie McLean 411 incumbent
Karen Burns 408
Gord Barid 398
Ann Baird 395
Sherry Clayton 214

2011 the council was acclaimed

Past Election Results

2011 2008 2005 2002 1999 1996

2014 Colwood Election Results

2940 people out of 11,536 voted for a turnout of 25.5%

Mayor

Carol Hamilton 2,368 (+956) incumbent
Robin Stanbridge 359
David Shebib 94

Council - 6 to be elected

Rob Martin 1,896 (+251) incumbent
Cynthia Day 1,881 (+230) incumbent
Gordie Logan 1,846 (+145) incumbent
Jason Nault 1,708
Lilja Chong 1,564
Terry Trace 1,430
Natalia Lebedynsky 1,226
Duane MacNeill 935 (+124)
Paul DeVito 676
Steve Huneck 480
Robb Marty 327

Past Election Results
2011 2008 2005 2002 1999 1996

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Paul Holmes - How I will be Voting in Sooke

Another person has taken my up on my offer to express who there are voting for and why, this time Paul Holmes:

Here's how I'm voting in Sooke this Saturday.

Council

Brenda Parkinson

Justin Hanson (Pro-Am Party)

Jeff Bateman

Kerrie Reay (Incumbent)

Ebony Logins

Kelvin Phair

Mayor

Herb Haldane

I have only lived here for four years. Sooke is a great community with a mosaic of interesting people, a vibrant arts scene, a beautiful natural setting, and truckloads of issues that arise when rural sensibilities clash with suburban demands. And a political gong show that competes with the very worst I've seen.

In choosing my candidate choices, I approached each with a particular issue: the notable lack of a sidewalk in the busy traffic/parking area outside Poirier Elementary School, a problem unique to this Sooke school. A sidewalk on the yet-to-be-developed side would quickly alleviate the bulk of the danger, so it struck me as a pretty obvious amenity, especially with the vocal "pro-sidewalk" crowd. Apparently not, as only a handful were willing to take a stand on the issue.

Some, notably Bev Berger and Rick Kasper, seem loathe to take a position on any issues at all. In a Twitter exchange (beginning with another voter), Ms. Berger even suggested that as a member of a Council of 7, it would somehow be irresponsible that she take positions on issues at all. It very much reminded me of the famous quote accredited to former Prime Minister Kim Campbell that "an election is no time to discuss serious issues." No offence intended, Ms. Campbell.

This baffling notion that if the electoral outcome proves to make your disclosed position beyond reach, that it should somehow preclude you from taking positions on issues in the first place requires staggering mental gymnastics. Or, it is a case of "playing it safe" taken to the extreme, which might just seem sensible (albeit deplorable) for an incumbent, given their propensity to be re-elected by default in our region. The other possibility, which I propose, is that there is a fundamental misunderstanding of the role of a Councillor (or, really, of a "leader" in the usual sense of the word).

Actually, the general lack of decisive leadership around the Council table was quite shocking. I get the sense many of these elected officials believe their role is something of a cog in the bureaucracy, as opposed to "leaders" who, at the very least, stand up for what is right, sensible, fair, or even "attuned to their philosophical leanings" when the machinations of government do not produce desired outcomes. Frankly, I'd rather have a crazed idealougue with principles and well-formed opinions, than self-styled "checkmark makers" for the bureaucracy. It's no coincidence, therefore, that my selections for Council include only one incumbent.

In an Orwellian moment at their final Council meeting, the Council went to great lengths to congratulate each other over agreeing unanimously on over 90% of all the votes over three years. Congratulations for this? On the contrary, this sounds like a far too homogenous group operating in lockstep when it comes to the complex public policies they face in this growing and changing municipality. I'd appreciate quite a bit more healthy dissension, thanks.

Council

There exist many excellent choices amongst the Council candidates. These are my top 6, for whom I will be voting.

First, nobody cares more about the community than Brenda Parkinson. It doesn't really matter who you ask: left, right, center, anti-tanker, pro-tanker (just kidding - that's not a thing), old Sooke, new Sooke, rural, suburban, hippie, yuppie, etc. When I hang out with my artsy friends, Brenda is loved. When I hang out at the Legion, Brenda is loved. When I'm at the Sooke Fall Fair, Brenda is loved. Everyone knows Brenda, and everyone loves Brenda. If there is one "no-brainer" vote on the ballot, it is Brenda. There is absolutely no reason she shouldn't top the polls on the Council ballot. And, she would deserve every bit of it.

Even if people are opposed to amalgamation, they should have a serious look at Justin Hanson. All my dealings with him have demonstrated a deeply held passion for our community. As a lawyer, I'm sure he'd have little issue standing up to the bureaucracy either, when it's necessary. Sooke would be better off with a person of his calibre on Council.

Jeff Bateman also strikes me as a deeply sincere candidate; passionate for the community. At the all-candidates meeting, he was easily the most impressive speaker. And, of all the people who listened to my personal beef, Jeff was quite keen to take the time to understand the issue I raised. Imagine a politician that takes time to engage with the citizens! Crazy, right?

Kerrie Reay is the one incumbent I wouldn't discard from the rest of the lot. She is easily the brightest of the existing group, and having known her for a few years prior to moving here, I am well aware of her understanding of leadership, and capability in being a leader. Having some experienced people on the new Council isn't an entirely terrible idea, but not too many. I'm sure Ms. Reay would absolutely disagree with me about the previous Council, and it would precisely be her willingness to disagree with me that would convince me further of her leadership capacity (disagreement is good, remember).

(If you feel strongly there should be two incumbents, which I don't, you should consider Kevin Pearson as your second "keeper"; the other two should enjoy reading some good books on leadership over the next 4 years.)

I believe Council should reflect, as best it can, the composition of the community itself. As such, given her age and penchant for Youth-related issues, I'll be voting also for Ebony Logins. Time will tell if this was a good idea or not. Regardless, I think she'll win easily, and I have high hopes for her.

Finally, since I have 6 votes, I will be assigning my final vote to Kelvin "Kel" Phair. I found him to be "rough around the edges", but not at all disagreeable. It seems he doesn't take himself too seriously, too, which is refreshing in an ego-driven bloodsport like politics. He also strikes me as a "legend level" hard worker, which can't hurt either. Honestly, I suspect a fellow of his lot (the tradesman who's probably seen it all) does not take a lot of crap, and is pretty likely to push back against those dispensing it.

Mayor

The decision for Mayor was more difficult, mostly because I found neither of the candidates particularly compelling. I briefly considered a protest vote for the "other" other candidate, David Shebib, who, as best I can tell, is running on a democracy has failed us all platform in all 13 municipalities.

Both Mayoral candidates are current Councillors (a strong liability, as noted). When I approached both with my issue, I received a willingness to listen from Herb Haldane. From Maja Tait, in contrast: total, absolute silence. I tried on three occasions to engage Maja Tait in a meaningful way. Mr. Haldane, in contrast, returned my first phone call, and discussed things further with me at the candidate's debate.

Some of Maja's vocal supporters took to social media to discredit my issue (and it's vocal proponent) in a fashion I might expect to find in an Alabama state senate campaign. As distasteful as this was, however, their enthusiasm in this manner certainly may have been uncoordinated and coincidental.

Finally, there is a disturbing "whisper campaign" directed against Haldane. This includes a number of non-specific accusations I won't bother the reader with, other than to say that nobody seemed privy to any actual evidence. It sounded more like hopeful speculation, or bizarre desperation from supporters of a campaign that, by all outward appearances, appears to be leading. Of course, these are simply my observations - those of one unfamiliar with "what really goes on" in Sooke.

Anyway, my reluctant vote for Mayor is Herb Haldane. I think he'll do better than my three other options: Maja Tait, nobody, or David Shebib (in order of preference).

Paul Holmes

Sooke Resident

Saturday, November 08, 2014

Shaw TV - View Royal Candidates

Ron Matson and Aaron Weisgerber did not record candidate profiles

Thursday, November 06, 2014

Brian Burchill, candidate for mayor of View Royal

It is 2014 and if you want to seriously run for office you need to offer at least something online. Brian Burchill, who is running for mayor of View Royal, offers nothing. What I can find out about him online is his work with Association for Responsible and Environmentally Sustainable Sewage and his stuff as a 9-11 Truther

Friday, October 31, 2014

A Question for all Sooke Candidates

Paul Holmes is a good friend of mine and lives in Sooke, here is one question for all the people running for election in Sooke:

Paul Holmes

4 mins · Victoria ·

My question to all ‪#‎Sooke‬ candidates in the upcoming election...

Each day 400 students go to Poirier School. Bordering on this is the Woodland Creek development. In their planning for the approach to the school along Arranwood, the developer has used the standard road width, allowing for only one sidewalk, effectively forcing dozens of children to unnecessarily cross the busy street twice each day.

In our view, this is not only poor planning, but is also an accident waiting to happen.

In the interests of children's safety, will you commit to working with the Woodland Creek developer, and/or provide the appropriate funding and by-law changes to ensure a sidewalk is built along the side of Arranwood from Caffery to Poirier School?