I'm not really sure what you mean or why you have a problem with us creating a new fun event for people in this city … let alone what it has to do with your political frustrations. I think maybe you have the wrong idea about what we're doing here.

I'm volunteering my time and energy to create something new and fun because I saw a need for a West End event that could be a catalyst for neighbours here to mix & mingle. The 12th St. event is a totally different vibe. I don't see the two as competing. If anything, I envisioned promoting the 12th St Fest at Summerfest.

The festival is my way of connecting with my community and giving back. It's the antithesis of "just wants to take shots at commenters" – it's creating something new. What have you done for this city lately?

We are not reporters. We don't run this site to "report on the real issues." That's what the good folks at the Newsleader & Record are PAID to do. We write about what interests us, when we have time to write it. In other words, it's our hobby, not our job. If the things that interest us don't interest you, you are welcome to take your eyeballs elsewhere.

How long we've been in town is irrelevant, but I'll answer you anyway. Will's family came to New Westminster in 1909. His grandfather was born here. So was his father. Will lived here for most of his life, and moved back six years ago or so. I attended college here years ago, and moved here about four years ago.

We can (and likely do) disagree about local politics, but I don't see what that has to do with an event like this summer festival. It's just a good time with neighbours in the community. Unlike certain other festivals, it has no grant funding, so it's not even contributing to the debt load you're so concerned about for the city. There are no "special interests" who are behind this, just ordinary folks. Lighten up.

It may benefit you to understand that promoting your own event is the commonly known way to effectively ensure its succuss.

Taking a pot-shot at a person's spouse because you imagine they are interfering with your agenda, with no suggestion of evidence, is a great way to ensure those who are curious will avoid your event.

BTW, I have no political or other interest in the success of Summerfest or your event (I've tried, but couldn't find any online information to give it a name), so please don't assume I'm part of the conspiracy to "de-rail the 12th st event". I'm just someone who finds comments like yours in bad taste.

Thanks for commenting. In the interests of keeping the comments on this website well informed, please be aware of the following:

1) I am not really involved with the planning or genesis of the Summerfest in Grimston

2) I am not really involved in NEXT New West.

3) NEXT New West is not involved (perhaps not even aware) of Summerfest in Grimston Park.

4) John Ashdown of the West End business assn, organizer of the 12th st festival IS involved with organizing the Summerfest in Grimston Park.

5) One goal of the Summerfest in Grimston Park is to promote the 12th St Festival. It is a perfect booster event, set prior to the 12th St. schedule.

6) I like and support the 12th st festival. I volunteered last year to help John and his his team.

7) NEXT New West is not a political group and has no plans or need to derail anything. But then again, I wouldn't really know, not being involved very much.

8 ) I think you are trying to infer that I am part of some political movement or team that is trying to do… something, I don't know. At least you got my name right.

Please do not use a name and email address that points to others, as if you speak for them. It is plain to me you are not currently on city council. You also spelled his name wrong.