Comments for Skeena Institute

Comment on About by Mbowles

Mbowles — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:15:00 +0000

Thank you Miguel for the site. It was interesting and I am sure it made people think a lot more about the election.

Comment on Prince Rupert Election 2011 by Brian Johnson

Brian Johnson — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 09:27:00 +0000

When I was first elected in 2003, we had arrears of over $500,000 for the 2 communities. Within a year and a half they paid arrears and committed to their obligation on a monthly basis.
New LESA’s were signed and our relationship began to improve…. I do not know what ocurred in the last 3 years but only wonder……

Comment on Prince Rupert Election 2011 by Tboudier

Tboudier — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 07:10:00 +0000

After looking into your question #3 further and speaking with a fellow Rupertite, I have found out that the funding was sent directly to the villages and then the school district billed for services provided.

Comment on Issues by Brian Johnson

Brian Johnson — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 06:21:00 +0000

Committing to organization
I have heard at many levels in our community that an Administrator that was being advised by a consultant to perform her duties, has found other employment outside our district. While it is nice to see an idividual excel in life……It cost our district and children dearly! I’m shocked!

Comment on Prince Rupert Election 2011 by Voting Taxpayer

Voting Taxpayer — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 04:33:00 +0000

Perhaps I have to specifically address this to the incumbents, all of whom remain silent to date. So far, only 2 candidates (non-incumbents) have responded. Remember, I have an ‘X’ to make on Saturday.

Comment on Prince Rupert Tax Burden by Jennifer Rice

Jennifer Rice — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 18:23:00 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZKIckW1UlE

Here’s my response on youtube at the all candidates forum regarding this issue. Please also go to:

http://votejenrice.com/all-candidates-video-recordings to watch the entire forum online.

Unfortunately, the current tax rate is becoming increasingly challenging for many Prince Rupert citizens to afford. I do believe council should work hard to relieve the tax burden on residents. This would require an in depth look at evaluating our city’s needs and prioritizing items and services. Ideally, this wouldn’t mean too many compromises that cause hardship. Without compromising services, I do not propose to reduce taxes at this time. That’s not to say I feel the alternative is to automatically increase taxes either.

I think we need to keep in mind that Prince Rupert is not only a small community but we are also a remote community and that poses some costly challenges based on our geography. It would be unrealistic to compare similar communities of our size because we do not have the benefit of leveraging off a larger, nearby city centre. We are a small community at the end of a long road situated on the edge of the continent and the Pacific ocean. Our geographic situation poses some costly challenges such as affording an off-location airport.

Two suggestions are to build a sustainable fiscal base by lobbying higher levels of government for an improved municipal funding formula. We also need to lobby higher levels of government for a fairer system of infrastructure funding.

Presently about eight cents of every federal tax dollar goes to municipalities. This is no longer enough to support the increasing responsibilities downloaded onto municipalities. It is unrealistic with Prince Rupert’s population to continuously raise property taxes to maintain city services. I believe all municipalities should work together and lobby for increased transfer payments or improved funding programs to relieve this burden.

Current funding programs require municipalities to match up to half the costs of infrastructure projects. For cash-strapped communities such as Prince Rupert, this means much needed infrastructure projects go unbuilt while larger communities with higher revenues get shovel-ready projects off the ground. This archaic system favours larger cities and leaves smaller ones out in the cold. I would lobby for a revamped system that is equitable and inclusive of small communities such as Prince Rupert.

Comment on Prince Rupert Election 2011 by Farley Stewart

Farley Stewart — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 01:48:00 +0000

I would like to apologize for not making it to the All Candidates Forum last week. When I found out the date it was going to be held I tried to change my appointment. I did inform the organizers I would not be able to attend this one because of medical appointment I needed to keep, it was set up weeks ago. I had to go to St Pauls Hospital for an angiogram and echogram, it was very stressful for me. But after all that I went thru I will be okay. It looks like I can put this behind and focus on my campaign. I just want to say thank you for those who knew and wished me well. I have gone to the issues page answered four questions. Peace.

Comment on Issues by Brian Johnson

Brian Johnson — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 23:50:00 +0000

School Trustee Candidates attendance during this election process…
A school trustee needs to be knowledgable of their commuunity and future leaders.
Louisa, Marty and I were at these public forums……
We were the only trustee candidates at the UNBC forum to hear challenges the students were facing.
I would like to thank the student union for holding this forum.
The knowledge I attained will assist me in future years to come!

Comment on Prince Rupert Election 2011 by Josepf

Josepf — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 23:13:00 +0000

Looks like our consultant is in the news … again.

http://blogs.vancouversun.com/2011/11/14/retired-and-rehired-in-b-c-school-districts/

A few familiar names there!

Comment on Role of School Board in Student Success by Brian Johnson

Brian Johnson — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 22:20:00 +0000

Hi Sam
There is Zero tolerence in regards to bullying within the school district. I was on the receiving end of bullying when I went to school but must add that the bullying started outside of school time.
I remember a police officer on the news, asking people to come forward and make a report to proper law officials. This officer was investigating a suicide of a student who was being bullied.
Most victims being bullied rarely come forward for fear of being a “snitch”.
The RCMP and community organizations can educate staff and students on rights and identifying bullying. Prevention is better than a cure.
I did look into a few cases of bullying when I was a Trustee…. I can assure you that these cases were addressed and dealt with in an appropriate manner.
I do not tolerate bullying.
The issue of 1st Nations graduation numbers is a complex issue. I am a Nisga’a citizen and am very aware of our peoples challenges. I’m available if you wish to sit down with me. Call me at 250 600 1959 and I will make time to listen to your concerns.