Dear Editor:
I attended the public hearing in the New Westminster council chamber on Oct. 28. I was there in support of our neighbours who had requested approval for a change to their renovation plans as a stop-work order had been issued by the city. I know most residents are not able to attend these meetings, so I thought I would share my personal thoughts.
Coun. Chuck Puchmayr took on the role of the prosecutor, his questions and comments were tough and pointed. He seemed to be well versed on the issue before him, and, while he ended up taking a position opposite to my own, I think he did a good job.
Coun. Betty McIntosh also had some solid questions, her tone was friendlier and more of a fact-finding nature. She mentioned how she had been by the property a few times in preparation for the meeting.
Coun. Jaimie McEvoy had relevant questions for staff and our neighbours. I was pleasantly surprised with his performance as I have heard some negative comments with regard to his performance on council.
Mayor Wayne Wright kept the meeting moving and did a good job as chair of the meeting. He had some comments, but nothing I felt was at the heart of the matter.
Coun. Jonathan Cote did not appear to be interested in the subject, but perhaps he had already made a decision based on the written submissions.
Coun. Bill Harper asked confusing questions, I had trouble following his train of thought and what he was getting at. He did not seem to be prepared and in at least one instance had to be corrected bycity staff.
Coun. Lorrie Williams had some good comments and offered some personal history with regard to building in New Westminster. However, some of her comments did disturb me. She talked about how making a decision in favour of the changes would impact the city staff. She was concerned that city staff would be upset with council if they voted in favour of the proposal, as staff had issued the stop-work order. This is alarming as it sends the message to me that council is more concerned about staff than the citizen owners who pay the bills. My understanding of how things should work is that city staff implements the decisions of council. Does they city staff have that much power over council that they are afraid of making a decision that would upset them? This is very troubling, council should be making decisions based on what is best for the city, not is what is best for the city staff.
David Brett of the Queen’s Park Residents’ Association spoke out against the changes. I was surprised, aren’t resident associations there to support the residents? He said he had spoken with neighbours in the area who were concerned about it. I live across the street and look directly upon the house in question, I never heard anything from them. When questioned by Coun. Puchmayr as to what the association wanted and what should be done, Mr. Brett was not able to give a clear answer, just simply that he was against it. There was also another gentleman from the association who spoke out against the process. He seemed more concerned about the size of the home, but no footprint change was being requested. I was very disappointed in the Queen’s Park association, they came off as busybodies simply getting into other people’s business.
I did provide a written submission prior to the meeting in favour of the requested changes. I had no plans to speak, but after David Brett’s comments I felt I had to. I rate my performance as poor; I wish I could have been more articulate to help support my neighbours. It can be intimidating speaking to council, the mayor being way up high on his bench directly in front of you, councillors surrounding you on either side. The design and layout favours council and the mayor, my advice is that if you are going speak have something prepared, perhaps I should have simply read my letter.
I recommend that other residents/taxpayers attend council and school board meetings when they can, I would be interested to read about their thoughts.
Geoff Pomper
