Dear Editor:
Approximately 25 years ago, the Hyack Festival Association presented the first annual Santa Claus Parade. It was a fun event hosted by sponsors and Hyack volunteers until 2013. I rode the float as Mrs. Claus for several years.
Last year, I understand Chuck Puchmayr and Bill Harper insisted the city present the "Parade of Lights" and succeeded by using city-paid employees. It has never been made public what the cost was. Could it have been the equivalent of the "annual grant" Hyack had applied for to help with the costs of all events for the year? The grant was denied by the current council.
I understand Hyack Festival Association is again prepared to present the Christmas parade this year, but I understand if Chuck and Bill are re-elected, they plan it to once again be presented at our cost by the city. Our council has cost us millions that need not have been. An example is the Bailey bridge, which offered by the Government of B.C. but was refused by our council, in which I understand Jonathan X. Cote played a major role?
Another is, as Chuck Puckmayr was quoted, "We now have no choice but to spend 'millions' to put in an elevator to make Pier Park accessible!"
New Westminster is known for its high taxes and poor roads. Just take the Canada Way exit to the Wait For Me, Daddy monument, once you pass 10th Avenue, Eighth Street needs repaving to Columbia Street. Also drive Carnarvon Street to the Anvil Centre! We look like a "poor city."
I do not believe New Westminster is still a city of "blue-collar" workers. Less than 25 per cent of residents voted in 2010, let's make it 75 per cent in 2014 with the extra 50 per cent being non-labour-council voters. It is time for "new faces" on our council.
Geraldine Harder-Anderson, New Westminster
