Brennan or Ruttan?

[Evergreen]

Once again, Titan5 has tried to use “facts” to discredit city council. His allegation that the conference centre costs are running at more than $100 million is simply incorrect. The costs are in and the centre was built for less than the budgeted amount of $72.5 million. In addition, I don’t think six years on city council on Diane’s part is “baggage” – it’s valuable experience in running our city.

At the all-candidates debate, John said he would step away from discussions between Lantzville and our city if he felt there was a conflict of interest. Conflict is inherent on any regional matter, because our city will always have interests independent from surrounding municipalities (although this doesn’t mean we can’t collaborate). How then could John, as mayor, look out for the best interests of our citizens on regional matters?

[titan5]

Once again, Titan5 has tried to use “facts” to discredit city council. His allegation that the conference centre costs are running at more than $100 million is simply incorrect. The costs are in and the centre was built for less than the budgeted amount of $72.5 million. In addition, I don’t think six years on city council on Diane’s part is “baggage” – it’s valuable experience in running our city.

At the all-candidates debate, John said he would step away from discussions between Lantzville and our city if he felt there was a conflict of interest. Conflict is inherent on any regional matter, because our city will always have interests independent from surrounding municipalities (although this doesn’t mean we can’t collaborate). How then could John, as mayor, look out for the best interests of our citizens on regional matters?

Apparently Evergreen does not feel the remediation work at the civic arena nor the roadwork and services at the Foundry site or the conference centre should be taken into account.

I would be happy if Diane would tell the public what the exact total is, but alas, it is another one of those things that is best left to the next council. Like Vancouver, the current council feels we don't really need to know how much we paid.

I find it hard to believe that City Finance does not have all the bills in yet. After all it opened the first week of June. Here we are in November, some 160 days later, and ITC Intertech has yet to finalize their bills? I don't think so. I think Council has instructed Finance not to produce the figures until after the election.

John also stated at the very same forum that Korpan has already committed our water to Lantzville in a signed 2005 MOU a copy of which can be found here:

http://www.nanaimo.ca/assets/Municip...ille_Water.pdf

A MOU that Diane also supported. Funny enough at that exact same council meeting were Diane and Gary (and others) proudly announced the MOU, they also annouced a $200,000 contribution by Lantzville to the PNC. Coincidence?

Furthermore the City is continuing to quietly negotiate the supply of its water to Lantzville and other members of the RDN. The recent issue being the condition that Lantzville restrict the use of the water to within its UCB. In other words, as long as Lantzille does not then agree to provide it to the Foothills project.

I could be wrong but I think, to now renege on that arrangement could open the city up to litigation.

[Evergreen]

No one is saying there aren't agreements with Lantzville, or that they won't be honoured, so there's no need to get defensive. Our council has done a fine job of building relationships with our neighbours in Lantzville. I'm just wondering how John proposes to act as mayor without a conflict of interest in these matters, as a resident of Lantzville. He certainly has a right to run for mayor and is an active member of the Nanaimo business community, but this is a question I'm interested in as a voter and it was not adequately addressed in the all-candidates debate.

[titan5]

No one is saying there aren't agreements with Lantzville, or that they won't be honoured, so there's no need to get defensive. Our council has done a fine job of building relationships with our neighbours in Lantzville. I'm just wondering how John proposes to act as mayor without a conflict of interest in these matters, as a resident of Lantzville. He certainly has a right to run for mayor and is an active member of the Nanaimo business community, but this is a question I'm interested in as a voter and it was not adequately addressed in the all-candidates debate.

Probably the same way Brennan and Korpan act as members of the City on the RDN board when dealing with matters between the City and any RDN member. With professionalism.

For example, when Korpan and Brennan voted in favour of moving the Jeffs property from Lantzville into Nanaimo and they sat on both the City side and the RDN side, how did they handle that matter? Nothing like negotiating with yourself for the best deal possible.

[Yetharius]

2008 Citizen of Nanaimo

John Ruttan, nothing more to consider, thanks and bye.

[kickidee]

Thanks old hippie!! I've been mulling over the decision and as you say Ruttan was a mystery to me except I liked his view on an issue or two. It will be good for those of us who want to see change not to split the votes too much or Mayor Korpan will sail through the split like he did last time.

[kickidee]

I'd sure vote for any council or mayor who remained open and let us know how much stuff cost. One thread said we were sposed to get the convention center and hotel for 50 mill and then spent over 7 mill on just the convention center no hotel and that deal is crumbling then this Calgary ad is giving credit to Korpan (and for what?) If only the facts were available straight from council. Wouldnt that be refreshing?

[Rickj]

Furthermore the City is continuing to quietly negotiate the supply of its water to Lantzville and other members of the RDN. The recent issue being the condition that Lantzville restrict the use of the water to within its UCB. In other words, as long as Lantzille does not then agree to provide it to the Foothills project.

I could be wrong but I think, to now renege on that arrangement could open the city up to litigation.

The bulk of the Foothills project is within Lantzville's UCB.

[Rickj]

2008 Citizen of Nanaimo

John Ruttan, nothing more to consider, thanks and bye.

Would you want Tony Mengual or Isabella Gagnon as Mayor?

[Old Hippy]

Yeah but what about the temper part, Titan5 - you just ignored that. Does John Ruttan have an anger management problem?