The Editor:
Re: 'Extra due diligence' required before New West posts council video online (March 8, 2024)
For brevity, I will be blunt.
First, the City must release the full Feb. 5 council meeting video to prove transparency.
Why the need to confer with other municipalities when you refused Port Coquitlam's advice on budget containment?
Avoid future embarrassment by setting delegate rules: official ID and name, with proof of New West residency. No exceptions.
Did you nix delegate participation at the Feb. 26 meeting in fear of more shaming? "Full agenda," my sweet petunias. That was a direct violation of our civic rights.
Re: New Westminster shop owner: 'I’m really angry at the city' (March 8, 2024)
Second, we lament the closure of Mila + Paige.
Face it, our downtown is now a disgrace and no amount of "pillars" or mayoral word gumbos will fix it.
We want our safe city back and that includes Columbia Street.
We all want to help the impoverished, but not over the safety and well-being of the people who work hard to make New Westminster a wonderful place to live, especially our small biz owners.
Council must face facts and address these issues. I don't want New West to be known as Skid Row, B.C.
- Mary Ruth Olson, New Westminster
