Kudos??
written by P val , May 17, 2008 (06:38:49 PM)

Here is a list of Kudos for our soon to be done mayor..

1. Worst roads in PG history
2. Cameron street bridge
3. Casinos Casinos Casinos
4. Small businesses closing daily
5. Property taxes skyrocketing

Yes..he certainly did something to PG..not for PG

glug
written by d_advocate , May 20, 2008 (05:16:38 AM)

dont forget a liquor store or pub on nearly every corner, although Kinsley is probably rosy-cheeked about that one.

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written by MustBMe , May 20, 2008 (05:33:15 AM)

Yes, maybe he should have spent more time with friends and family and less time at the office if this is the result. Lets not forget the great business deal with a US airlines that is sure to make PG prosper beyond compare in the years to follow......

Worst roads etc.
written by Buddy , May 20, 2008 (06:02:16 AM)

I have to disagree with the roads. Sure there's potholes but I think for a city with a real winter and real frost problems they do a great job. I've called in a pothole and it's fixed in no time. Call them in, they can't fix what they don't know about. With the logging trucks and semi's on the roads they beat them up pretty good. I've been in other "winter" cities and they have potholes. We really have nothing to complain about.

I agree we have way too many liquor stores.

It's not the mayor's fault with the bridge. We lacked funds.

Taxes will go up and they certainly have on a regular basis. However I think wages haven't gone up to match.

Small business will close if no one uses their product or service. Can't blame the mayor on that one. Shop local and they will survive.

We have two casino's and I haven't been in either one. If people will go then they will survive.

roads, etc
written by Saved , May 20, 2008 (08:26:00 AM)

Mayor Kinsley can only repair roads if the money is available. Industrial development to provide new tax money has been languishing in this province for decades. It is like the province is paralyzed to do new development.

Our province is well positioned to develop export of hydropower, water, mining and other things but the government is mired in a philosophical quagmire about development. You want good roads? Maybe consider moving to Alberta or Saskatchewan. I heard or read that it takes 3-4 years to drill for oil in BC due to government regulations but in Saskatchewan, with their new government there, it takes 3-4 days. I expect it is a similiar situation in the forestry sector for the logging of salvage wood.

How about the government set a goal of building ten dams in ten years? It can be done if there is the political will to do it. John F. Kennedy set a goal to fly to the moon within a decade and it was accomplished. Then we can have better roads.

Our economy is winding down from the development of the hydropower and forestry sectors in the 1960’s. Can’t anybody see that? Hydropower has to be developed on a grand scale to make it profitable. It requires something more than cottage “windmills and waterwheels” which is about where the vision is for development, in my opinion.

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written by One Happy Camper , May 20, 2008 (08:54:32 AM)

Buddy writes..."I have to disagree with the roads. Sure there's potholes but I think for a city with a real winter and real frost problems they do a great job. I've called in a pothole and it's fixed in no time. Call them in, they can't fix what they don't know about."

Real great job you think LMAO. Call them in you say LOL. When you call in a pothole and they come and fix it and don't do anything about the other ten that surround it, thats real great.
They can't fix what they don't know about...Too funny.
What type of scientist does it take to see our streets are thrashed? Why would you say they can't fix what they don't know about. Perhaps if they were to drive down almost any street in town with a patching truck they could start patching at one end and continue there untill that street was finished. Nope can't do it that way. They drive all the way out and patch one hole, then drive all the way across town and patch one hole, then drive all the way across town and patch another one. This system of theirs is costing us bigtime and is one of the largest wastes of taxpayers dollars I have seen in years.
A month ago I drove to Prince Albert Sakatchewan and from the time I crossed the border into Alberta until I crossed the border back into BC I saw excellent pothole patching results.
Very unlike what we see in Prince George.

Small business closures are a direct result of the city allowing big box retailers into our city.

Saved writes..."Mayor Kinsley can only repair roads if the money is available."
Our taxes have gone up twice in one year for road repairs don't you recall that?

Wow, JFK flew to the moon wow, big deal. That sure patched alot of potholes didn't it. That sure helped the homeless didn't it.

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written by islandplans , May 20, 2008 (09:30:00 AM)

Happy Camper I think you missed Saved's point entirely. The point, as they indicated, was that it takes political will to do something. How you twisted it in your last line shows that you have no concept of what was being said.

Also, sarcastically calling a moon trip a 'big deal' also indicates ignorance, as it was a huge achievement. Personally, I think the money could and should have been spent on other things, but one still has to recognize the magnitude of the moon landing in 1969.

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written by Groovie Girl , May 20, 2008 (09:50:26 AM)

I agree with the roads...

I dont' often see big trucks travelling on Domano Blvd, or St. Lawrence Drive either. Ospika Blvd - from one end to the other... countless potholes yet little semi traffic. I could go on and on... there are a ton of streets needing help that have no semi traffic whatsoever. I remember the tax increases specifically for road repairs - well, when will we see it happening? Stop blaming the winter weather - this is nothing new. Stop blaming semi traffic - it doesn't matter.

I really dont' think Colin Kinsley has done much for our city at all. I do not think he has been much of a representative and there are many, many citizens in this city he has not taken seriously and has simply dismissed.

Kudos??
written by AmberEN , May 20, 2008 (01:57:11 PM)

I dont think he deserves anything but a swift kick in the ass as he's walking out of office. His time and dedication to his work?? You know I was having alittle bit of a downer day cause I havent been able to take my kids out to play but that really gave me a good laugh reading that piece on the mayor.Are you mad or just a close and personal friend to him and trying not to make him look as bad as he does all on his own.

Saved
written by MustBMe , May 20, 2008 (04:39:19 PM)

Let me tell you about hydro power. BC already produces more than it can use. When our politicians and Hydro are telling us to conserve, conserve, conserve..what they really mean is....dont use so much power so we have more surplus to sell to the States. I dont believe they ever went to the moon. I have seen movies that look more authentic than the moon landing coverage. Yes, lets forget all environmental issues and just let mega companies drill for oil, cut down every tree, dig big holes in the ground, dam every river and forget about the future of BC. 3-4 days to get approval to drill for oil? I think you better find where you read that and post it here. I guess BC could be like Alberta and open thier oil industry wide open and sell it off at fire sale prices just to get exploration dollars coming in. The only problem with that is, now thier own oil exploration companies cant compete costwise. Alberta had a 10th the exploration activity in the 80s, yet thier residual returns to the province were greater than they are today. That tells me they are doing something terribly wrong. I think they learnt that from BC when BC sold whole logs overseas and put 1000s out of work here in mill work.

Prince Albert roads
written by Katie McLeod , May 20, 2008 (05:37:35 PM)

Well, One Happy Camper, I'm from P.A. and go there more than once a year and their roads are TERRIBLE. Also if you go the route through North Battleford that highway is not good at all any time of the year. P.G.'s roads are much better. Even our snow clearing is better than that of P.A. I know we have potholes here but other places have much worse all year round. We don't have gravel roads in the city like in P.A. either and we don't put a ton of oil on our gravel roads to mess the undersides of the cars like in P.A. Next, take a trip to Grande Prairie and try their city roads. You could lose your car/truck. This is a bad time of year for potholes, they'll get patched and then they'll reappear. It's the price of living where we have freezing and frost heaves. Prince George is not all that bad. This really has not much to do with the topic but had to say it anyway......

Potholes/Mayor
written by Angelrayne , May 21, 2008 (10:57:50 AM)

Ok...anyone who thinks our potholes aren't all that bad doesn't drive! Sure there have been a few holes repaired only to re-appear...any guesses why??? They were givena temporary fix is all. Tractor trailer are not to blame. I went to Regina in january and we were smack in the middle of a blizzard and -53 weather and they had plow trucks and sand trucks out one after another to make sure the roads were safe. Here that doesnt happen!! Where i live specifically, no one came a graded the road! 2 vehicles could not pass safely because it had not been plowed properly. Yet you go just down the hill to College Heights and their neighborhood streets are perfectly plowed and all neat and tidy. What gives?
Now that ive gone off topic completely....the point is that our taxes keep getting raised for road maintenance etc and they dont actually do anything. Too many booze stops!

AND....
written by Angelrayne , May 21, 2008 (11:06:22 AM)

One more thing that is so disturbing to me is that who in their right mind would "OK" building a seniors home bordering the hood????? Youre moving them from the Spruceland area where they can walk to get groceries or to the park where they will be ralatively safe to an area that is known for violence and drugs, gangs....who is gonna watch them while they go for a walk there??? Did anyone think of that?????? Did Mayor Kingley think it thru???? All i can say about him is that any major decisions for our community was put to a vote and then no matter what the outcome....he did whatever HE wanted. Just great.....
Im just frustrated with how this whole city has changed since i was little! Its truly sad....

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written by danelle , May 21, 2008 (11:58:12 AM)

Yes no doubt - Angelrayne!! Good points!
I for one just do not understand why our property taxes keep going up every year. If anything they should be going down. Yes I know there's inflation but our rates are severely inflated already! Everyone I know who does not live in PG pays WAY LESS in property tax. We're talking $600-800 less a year after the HOG. What exactly are the tax dollars being spent on? I think that should be published in the Citizen. Council needs to look hard at where this money is being spent and start curbing spendatures. Bring on that election in November...someone run for mayor and tell us you're going to lower our taxes. You'll get my vote!!

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written by Buzz , May 21, 2008 (01:17:51 PM)

It's fairly obvious that the majority of people writing comments on this subject do not really know what the job of "mayor" really is. You give him credit for much more power and decision making ability than he really has. It's also easy to point out flaws, however, there has been a HUGE amount of progress & improvements happen in PG while he was in office. If you're going to bring up all of the bad things you believe he's responsible for, shouldn't you also apply the same logic and give him credit for all of the good things in our City?

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written by Angelrayne , May 21, 2008 (01:35:19 PM)

What good things are we talking Buzz? How the downtown core is over run by homeless and how no one wants to shop there? How so many businesses are closing their doors because of high rent/taxes? But lets give credit where credit is due....he did ok the building of the Art Gallery by the Civic Center. Thats important! What about the talk about the public washrooms downtown....thats VERY smart! Should we just employ a dealer to sit outside to make it so much more convenient???? Now they are talking about idle laws!!!! That is just plain silly and everyone knows it! Yes, the emissions is a small part of pollution BUT our lovely pulp mills play more of a part but no one is willing to put some money towards helping THAT cause!
There is a whole lot of controlling going on in this town and its getting out of hand! Truck drivers get blames for everything from pollution to potholes....how bout you drive yourself down south,east etc to get your own groceries since the truckers are obviously an issue to most. Banning smoking in public places AND now your own vehicle, whats next?? Banning it in your home???? NO, i am not a smoker.

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written by Buzz , May 21, 2008 (01:56:36 PM)

Wow...you have issues!! Some of your comments are exactly what I was talking about...you obviously don't know what the role of the mayor is and isn't. Your perception is your reality about how horrible things are in PG, so who am I to argue with your reality? Mine is different from yours, so that just about wraps up that discussion!

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written by Angelrayne , May 21, 2008 (04:51:18 PM)

Nope, just telling it like it is Buzz. No issues at all. :) Get over yourself ;)

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written by Groovie Girl , May 22, 2008 (08:49:41 AM)

Hey Buzz... I agree - if everyone has something negative to say about the Mayor, they should follow up with some positives. You have been asked to provide some, but I have yet to see you do so...?

I agree that he is held responsible for many things beyond his control, but I also believe he is NOT held responsible for enough that IS within his control.

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written by Buzz , May 22, 2008 (09:09:50 AM)

Off the top of my head, with only a couple of minutes of thought:
-UNBC
-Northern Medical Center
-Sports Center
-Civic Center
-2 Rivers Gallery
-Multiplex
-Massich Place
-Baseball fields
-Soccer fields
-Economic Development Alliances (16/97)
-CN Container port
-Airport expansions
-Water infrstructure improvements
-Cariboo Conector plans
-Bridges
-Film Industry
-Big Box destination center (yes, there is lots of economic benefit from them as well as the negatives re: downtown)

I don't have time to do further "research", and I'll leave it up to other's to trash what I've just listed. I've lived here for 28 years and I find it appalling that some people can't see the huge improvements and maturity/growth this city has accomplished, including the years that Colin has been mayor. Nobody, including me, is suggesting that there are no problems either, nor am I implying that Kinsley is perfect, but to suggest that things are much worse because of him is a narrow one-sided view, in my opinion.

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written by taxpayer , May 22, 2008 (12:06:13 PM)

Buzz,
The list of the Mayors accomplishments you have quickley assempbled for our viewing pleasure leaves me speechless.
Please...UNBC ?? Do some research. All of the above mentioned would have happened whom ever was Mayor. I look back on the mayor's accomplishments or should I be more correct in saying the Mayor and Council and can say with confidence that money was wasted on things like a million dollar clock hanging from the ceiling at CN Center or how about miles and miles of fibre optic cable placed at taxpayers expense to serve not one single resident while our roads and curbs go unattended. How about eleven trips to China to attract new business with absolutely no results to show. Meanwhile do you see Rona and Safeway building new stores here. I wonder what happened. The next Mayor better pay attention to opportunities that are happening right here. Make this place look appealing so that others may want to live or invest here. Personally I give up...moving to the Island.

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written by Mike S , May 22, 2008 (12:28:21 PM)

Taxpayer, I hate to put words in someone's mouth, but with that as a disclaimer, here goes: You say "All of the above mentioned would have happened whom ever was Mayor". I may be wrong, but I think that Buzz said almost the same thing for all the 'bad' in the city. I think he said that too much credit and blame is assessed to one man - the mayor. Only when pushed by more than one person, did he list some 'positives' in the city. Again, hate to assume or put words in other's mouths, so Buzz may correct me.

The Old Boy's Network...
written by D.K. Ross , May 22, 2008 (01:09:04 PM)

It is as it shall always be in this town. Too bad.

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written by Buzz , May 22, 2008 (01:39:52 PM)

Accurate paraphrasing MikeS. It's a no-win argument though, and pointless for me to have even posted my views because if a person thinks that the mayor is responsible for all of the wrongs of the world and not responsible for any of the good things, then that's what they'll believe, period. Likewise, if a person believes that PG is a mess, then it's a mess. I happen to love this city, complete with all of it's flaws and problems, but also because of all of the excellence and positives. For me, the grass is greener on this side of the fence, and I'm happy to help grow and mature our city, even if that means making some mistakes along the way. So go ahead, anyone, and shoot me down for supporting our local leadership and being positive about our city...it's a bit like trying to get back at me by swallowing poison!

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written by Another Guest , May 22, 2008 (04:35:29 PM)

Don't take it to heart Buzz - negative nillies are impossible to argue with and are usually more verbal.

We have all heard the old adage - "A happy customer will tell two or three friends about a good experience, but an unhappy customer will tell at least ten friends about their experience "

Saved?
written by Thoughtful , May 22, 2008 (09:43:26 PM)

I agree with you whole heartedly, on all your suggestions, and was thinking about Hydroelectric potential in this province, as you state. Right at Hixon, just down from where Hixon creek runs into the Fraser (South of PG), the Fraser Valley gets narrow and that would be a great place to place a dam across the Fraser, right from the top of one side of the valley to the other side, just think of the potential power production, and the massive water storage potential of the bowl, and all the tributaries running into the Fraser in the same area.

Missed the point???
written by One Happy Camper , May 28, 2008 (12:41:24 PM)

Islandplans
Missed the point???
Saved wrote..."Mayor Kinsley can only repair roads if the money is available."
Seems like a pretty simple point that was made by saved.

You wrote..."How you twisted it in your last line shows that you have no concept of what was being said."

??????????????????????????????????

Is you med prescription due for a refill?

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written by islandplans , May 28, 2008 (01:06:59 PM)

Happy camper. I'm sorry you are so simple I need to spell it out exactly. Perhaps you have inhaled too much campfire smoke. You were mocking Saved's comments on the moon landing. You missed her point about political will being needed for achieving goals. Apparently you were unable to understand her point, and childishly commented on JFK and the moon and potholes. Hmmm.. wish I had a picture book to show you.. it might help. See... she wasn't saying that landing on the moon helped... oh forget it.

For your homework, get someone to help you look up some words such as:

- analogy
- example
- comparison
- non-literal

You're welcome.

hey, I'ma guy
written by Saved , May 28, 2008 (06:00:28 PM)

Thankyou for the interest in my comments above. I am male but it doesn't matter to the context of the discussion.

Here's a better one for you, Thoughtful. You are thinking too small. Instead of a dam at Hixon why not build one at Yale. Flood the canyon and make hydroelectric power. The highway is terrible through there anyway. Then we can drill a tunnel through the mountains from upstream and have it come out at Harrison Lake. Then a floating highway takes the traffic down to the Fraser Valley ............ if John FK organized a moon mission within a decade this project would be a bigger challenge and would generate a lot more electricity.

Perhaps this will keep you ruminating for a while longer.

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written by islandplans , May 28, 2008 (06:39:31 PM)

Saved, my apologies on the gender assumption. I have no idea why I thought that - I might have mixed you up with someone else. Either way, I thought you had valid points that were being ridiculed for no apparent reason.

much appreciated
written by Saved , May 28, 2008 (08:20:07 PM)

thanks islandplans

Mayor Kinsley
written by oceanpearl53 , May 29, 2008 (03:10:13 AM)

Toomany liquor stores,taxes way too high,pot holes, too many to count.Patching them doesn't work.How bout some decent shopping?like a safe way which we once had, no competion here and save on sucks,save money in peegee,I doub't it.Not liking it much here anymore,We are not getting much for our hard hearned dollar,but are expected to give it all out to pay for things we don't receive.Maybe will move to Vancouver,at leat there are some beautiful beaches.

Get a life
written by One Happy Camper , May 30, 2008 (07:32:53 AM)

Island plans you're such a d__k head.
Mocking, ridiculing ????????????
I comment on someones comments and you come out insulting me. It appears you were trying to protect a female friend of yours.
You hoping to get you some? Tired of men are you. Pffffft
Did I say you're a D__K HEAD

Another thing
written by One Happy Camper , May 30, 2008 (07:43:12 AM)

I think if there was some kind of problem with my comments to Saved's post then He would have come in and replied himself. Which is what would be expected. Normal people don't come in with insults flying. Looks like you are looking for a fight.
Apparantly what I said in response to Saved's post didn't offend him did it. Anything I said was said with respect. Did you hear voices telling you to attack me.
Obviously you have let your prescription run out.
Look in the mirror dude, or is it Ms.

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written by islandplans , May 30, 2008 (08:29:38 AM)

Entertaining. I suppose your nickname is to compensate for some serious anger issues. I guess "One Angry Camper" just doesn't look good though.

Let me explain how a forum, and particular 'thread' works here since your apparent limitations make it difficult for you. One person makes a comment. Others reply/respond/agree/disagree. There is no rule that says "only the original poster may respond'. If you are upset at me pointing out your confusion with your first post, then I'm sorry.

I would suggest getting help for your obvious anger problems. Also, you appear to have latent homosexual issues (not that there's anything wrong with that), as you have tried to include that suddenly, and out of the blue, in the comments. To think that someone agrees/disagrees and posts, based on gender or hopes of sexual gratification from a stranger, indicates some troubled thinking.

So here is your task:
- anger management
- address your sexuality (be honest - it's only yourself you will be fooling)
- some reading and comprehension education (I might suggest maybe a... hmm... grade 6 level)

I don't fault you since one cannot do anything about genetics, but with some focus, and hard work, you can make the best of what you were given. Good luck.

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written by islandplans , May 30, 2008 (08:33:53 AM)

Actually Camper, I looked, but failed to see evidence of your accusation of 'insults flying' in my first post. Please point out the insults that were 'flying'.
Also thought of one last task. Ask your partner/neighbour/fishing 'buddy'/parole officer to look up "irony" for you. Your latest post contains nothing but meaningless flying insults.

Can't wait until they reopen Essondale
written by One Happy Camper , May 30, 2008 (09:33:24 AM)

Get your meds refilled dude you have a problem.

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written by islandplans , May 30, 2008 (09:39:23 AM)

Consistent theme of medication. Another issue? You scream a stranger on a forum is a D__K HEAD, and I have the problem? Alright. Whatever allows you to calm down and feel better is all good. One last suggestion. If you feel anyone disagreeing with you is, in your words, 'attacking' you, then I think you are taking forums too personal. Some egos might not be cut out for it. Best to avoid it.

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written by One Happy Camper , May 30, 2008 (09:43:23 AM)

you are what you are

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written by MustBMe , May 30, 2008 (11:30:28 AM)

What was the topic again? A discussion forum isnt really a place to go on and on name calling. Exchange emails and you can insult each other all you want..but please lets get back to the topic at hand.