Archive for August, 2008



fear+blame+guilt=power?

August 23, 2008

I don’t know what’s worse, that White Rock politicians (elected and activists) rely so heavily on fear, blame and guilt to try to control one another, or that White Rock citizens fall for it.

Nothing’s stronger in this community than the pride of the people. Unfortunately over the past few decades, there have been too many ransom notes pinned to that pride.

The result is a massive accumulated debt of public trust. The City’s independence has been used as collateral too many times.

At some point the weight of that debt will overwhelm the value of the City’s pride and independence. Many are saying that has already happened. Read on »


White Rock’s greatest challenge

August 20, 2008

cognitive dissonance
noun Psychology

the state of having inconsistent thoughts, beliefs, or attitudes, esp. as relating to behavioral decisions and attitude change.


agreed: delay unreasonable

I agree with the points made by Mr.Hughes in his letter printed in today’s Peace Arch News.

I also agree that the sidewalk replacement took far longer than it should have. That’s why I kept asking Council to stop insisting on micro-managing then dithering on the town centre streetscape. The torn up street was left incomplete while City Council decided to not decide before finally accepting what had been planned right from the start. The Councillors now complaining that it took too long to finish the sidewalk have absolutely no one to blame but themselves.

Below is Mr. Hughes letter. Read on »


linguistic consequences

August 19, 2008

Demanding “better” design results in developers or property owners comparing their proposed project to the worst they could theoretically design.

It would be far more effective to articulate principles, standards and goals expected to be achieved.

How do we help the community become more sophisticated in its approach to development?


city must do something now

August 13, 2008

When I light my hair on fire, I get burned and it hurts. What is the city going to do about this? It is clearly a safety issue that should be addressed immediately.