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Politics »

2011 election results: Puchmayr edges out Osterman on council; Campbell, Phelan, Mortensen join school board,

Preliminary New Westminster election results are in, and the results are not entirely unexpected. As in the 2008 election, there is only one new face on City Council, but unlike last time, voters did opt for change on school board. And despite an energetic campaign by challenger James Crosty, incumbent mayor Wayne Wright won by a landslide.

Politics »

What are you losing if you don’t vote Nov. 19?

Remember that scene in “You Have Mail” where Meg Ryan is explaining to Greg Kinnear why they should break up? She confesses to him that during the last election she went for a manicure and forgot to vote. That’s right, went for a manicure, and forgot to vote. Apparently this is more common that I would have thought as 75% of New Westminster’s population didn’t vote in the last election – were they at the spa?

Politics »

Who are you voting for? TF editorial team shares our picks for mayor, council & trustees

Public endorsements of candidates are not uncontroversial. Pat Tracy, editor at the Record, has publicly come out against them, and those who do share their endorsements open themselves to criticism for their choices. Those of us on the ‘editorial board’ of Tenth to the Fraser, who do the daily work of writing for the site, soliciting & editing guest posts, approving comments and interacting with readers and Facebook and Twitter, debated whether or not to share our picks for this election, but in the end we decided we must.

Politics »

Civic election candidates weigh in on cycling issues in New West

When you cycle in New Westminster you see transportation issues through a different lens. Factors which affect a cyclist’s safety and mobility can be very different that those affecting trips made in a vehicle. In addition the vision and understanding of civic politicians towards cycling issues can greatly influence the quality and level of cycling in a community.

Politics, Schools »

Kathleen McConnell asked the candidates about family issues in the New Westminster election, focusing on two areas: what elected officials can do to help families, and specifically what changes candidates would advocate for if elected. This post focuses on answers from trustee candidates; a second post will follow focusing on mayor & council candidates.

Politics »

Vance McFadyen inspired by riverfront, maddened by traffic [mayor]

Inspired by our riverfront location and maddened by traffic, mayoral dark horse Vance McFadyen would divert truck routes to the city’s perimeter and dreams of connecting Front St. to the new Pier Park & Quay with a vehicle and pedestrian ramp, thus eliminating the need for train whistles in the most irritable location.

Politics, Schools »

Casey Cook: better planning needed to improve decision-making [school board]

Incumbent trustee Casey Cook believes New Westminster is on track in terms of programs of choice and the number of support programs offered, however he believes more planning is needed to improve decision-making, including strategic, communications, performance management and transparent budget management plans.

Politics, Schools »

David Phelan wants New West to be ‘leaders in education’ [school board]

David Phelan wants the New Westminster School Board to keep the focus on creating the best education system possible, protecting what we do well and being aware of emerging trends in education that can help us improve, such as the introduction of School Learning Gardens, partnerships with community organizations such as the Royal City Farmers Market and new technologies that can support learning.

Politics, Schools »

Choice in public education most important to James Janzen [school board]

School trustee candidate James Janzen was the first to respond to the first Tenth to the Fraser all-candidates trustee candidates survey. The most important education-related idea or issue to James is ensuring choice for children and parents in public education.

Politics »

Cal Donnelly wants a more livable, inclusive New West [council]

Improving livability in New West is one of Cal Donnelly’s priorities. Some of his ideas? Taking trucks off the Pattullo Bridge during daytime hours, upgrading recreational facilities and improving the City’s communication with citizens.

Politics »

Jaimie McEvoy values proactive planning, financial due diligence and blue-sky thinking [council]

All candidates were asked to share one ‘blue sky’ idea they would bring forward if cost was no object. Jaimie McEvoy offered five, and justified by saying, “That’s just the amazing thing about New Westminster. We refuse to accept the apparent limits as the end of what we can accomplish. And as a result, we often succeed.”