Matt Todd's Pursuit of Idyll Minds

The email message copied below is typical of the Coleridge MO I’ve observed over the past 3 years.

He says he doesn’t support staff digging out records of the Town Centre land sale negotiations to make them public during an election. Is it because people knowing the truth will undermine his campaign? Will it weaken his criticisms when people see that the City made a lot more money by opting for a payment plan? Is it that citizens might agree that a payment plan was a good idea since the deal netted the City more than our top-shelf appraiser said should be expected?

You wouldn’t know this because you don’t attend our closed-door sessions, however, Coleridge lied at the all-candidate’s meeting last night. Read on »

Should there be term limits for city councillors?

Personally, I don’t think so. However, sitting in a councillor’s chair should not be a life-long occupation.

We have candidates who are already in their 3rd decade of sitting on council and halfway through their 2nd decade. Ironically, they are the ones on the slate with “renewal” in its name and calling for change on council.

I agree that room should be made for new voices and perspectives on city council. The question is, who should be removed in order to create that space? Logic would suggest, those who’ve been there longest should be considered for the trapdoor-in-the-floor first.

Whose time is up? It’s up to voters to decide.

If you think term limits might be a good idea, don’t vote for the candidate who’s already been in a council chair for over 20 years: Coleridge.

Coleridge is at it again. The Friday Oct 24 edition of the Peace Arch News quotes him saying things that are simply not true.

The truth is, the deal between the City and BOSA Properties has been public information and posted on the City’s website for years. It’s no secret that the City used a second mortgage contract as the legal tool to secure the final payment for the land purchase.

This was the subject of debate during the last election. Either Coleridge has forgotten or he’s hoping you have.

It really is a pointless argument anyway because the City will receive its money in a couple months, right on time.

Sometimes issues are distressing only by how some people perceive them. If the fear is not realistic, the action they request might not be effective or appropriate.

It is these times that I have been accused of not listening. But I did listen. I listened and perceived the issue differently than they did. Read on »

A few months ago, a statement I made out of frustration was printed in the newspaper. I clearly proved that I am not a seasoned politician.

If you are still wondering what I really meant, I hope you find the answer below. If not, please contact me. I’d be happy to answer your questions.

 
Q: Why did you say that about old ladies?
A: I was referring to an individual in a picture in the newspaper. I shouldn’t have said “old lady”. Her age and gender had absolutely nothing to do with the point I was trying to make.

No matter what your age or gender, It is not a good idea to ignore safety signs and it is not a good idea to walk down the middle of Johnston Rd. Read on »

As a result of my initiatives, White Rock now has:

• bylaws and regulations that allow legal secondary suites
• a transportation strategy giving direction for improving all forms of mobility, including walking, cycling and cars
• recommendations for improving the quality of life, including new ways for council to engage and communicate with citizens
• a draft bylaw with clear criteria for protecting trees and agreement to plant more trees in appropriate places
• the rest of the region following its example for smoke-free public spaces
• a comprehensive set of recommendations for improving waterfront parking
• direction for ensuring the future will continue to have housing options for seniors, families and people with disabilities
• professional processes for supporting and encouraging quality public art

Unfortunately, many of these achievements are simply plans for action. White Rock needs a Council that is able to stay focused on following through with its plans. I’ve demonstrated that I have a consistent vision and the tenacity required to achieve it. That’s why I’m asking for 3 more years as a City Councillor – to finish the work I’ve started.

[This is a note I wrote September 26 while my website was offline. In the interest of openness and transparency, I'm posting it now.]

In my observation in White Rock, it seems the difference between leaders motivated by hope and those motivated by fear is not necessarily their goals, but how they go about achieving them. But what are the unintended consequences of each approach?

[This is a note I wrote September 26 while my website was offline. In the interest of openness and transparency, I'm posting it now.]

I am not a political windsock following the winds of whim. New information changes minds. There’s been too many times in history that demonstrate the majority opinion can and does change.

So, whether it’s 5 or 5,000 people petitioning me, I test the idea against my vision, principles, and values — that’s more important to me than winning or losing votes. I’m here to consider the information available to me and act in the best interests of the community, not myself. Doing what the majority of emails or loudest voices command would be selfish if I truly believe it’s not the best choice.

[This is a note I wrote while my website was offline. In the interest of openness and transparency, I'm posting it now.] 

Had the sidewalk construction proceeded without delay, the project would have measured in days, not months. 

[This is a note I wrote while my website was offline. In the interest of openness and transparency, I'm posting it now.] 

Sometimes it seems manners are more important than truth. 

Nobody has yet told me that it’s a good idea to walk in the middle of the road. Nobody has told me that it’s a good idea to ignore safety signs. Nobody is actually arguing that what I said is incorrect. Some are offended that I dared say it at all. Others were offended by my insensitive language — the lack of manners in the words I used. And on that, I agree.