Events Update

Hot off the e-press. 

Nov. 8 - Victoria West Community Centre(521 Craigflower Rd)  6:30 to 9 pm

Nov. 14 - Burnside Community Centre (313 Jutland Rd)  7 to 9 pm

Nov. 15 Oakdlands Community Centre (#1-2827 Belmont Ave.)  7-9 pm

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New Stuff

First of all, the Saanich Civic League isn't a Victoria thing, but you should check them out.

Moving right along, the Victoria Chambe of Commerce has asked business-related questions to all of the candidates in the CRD, including Victoria. That's here.

We've also finally found some dates for all candidates meetings, which are:

TODAY! (Tuesday) Nov 1st 6pm James Bay Community School

Monday Nov 7th 7pm Fernwood Community Assoc 1923 Fernwood Road – Mayoral candidates only

Wednesday, November 9 at 7 pm. All-candidates meeting on housing and poverty at First Metropolitan Church on Pandora.

Enjoy! - VV

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Candidates on Social Media

Straight from here:

You are invited to attend Social Media, Citizen Engagement and Municipal Politics on Monday, October 17th at 6:45pm at the University of Victoria, David Strong Building, room C126.

Mat Wright will be asking a panel of municipal candidates and political organizers their thoughts on Social Media as it effects municipal issues, in particularly the challenges and opportunities for citizen engagement at this level.
 
All municipal candidates who are using social media as a component within their campaign are invited to be part of the panel. Please contact @MatVic on Twitter.

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Big News

After a cryptic conversation with Paul Brown last week, during which he mentioned that I should "keep Monday the 3rd clear", it turns out he's announcing three new candidates for City Council at noon in front of City Hall.

Not only that, but the candidates will be running as a slate, something that hasn't been done since the 2005 election hammered the VCE into non-existence. Coupled with the "Dean Team" unofficial slate and the impressive list of backers for both sides, this is going to be a truly vicious election. I'm excited, are you?


So today I met with this group's - we'll call them the Other Slate - campaign manager. He outlined a platform focusing on changing the way Council operates, streamlining municipal services and operations, and generally gathering the reins on City Hall.


Who's on the Other Slate? I won't ruin the surprise, and anyway it's no one you know (yet). Make no mistake - these are not big names, but this slate is going to be a contender. The list of backers, organizers, and endorsements for the Other Slate will ensure that.

The Other Candidates

In the meantime, it looks like Shellie Gudgeon has also semi-announced that she will run for Council. Shellie is the owner of the Fifth St. Bar and Grill, and has been heavily involved in the Hillside-Quadra neighbourhood and the community at large since setting up shop in Quadra Village.  She has never run before, and her website is not up yet but will be here.


Stay tuned for another update on Monday after the Paul Brown announcement, and for our continuing Know Your Candidate interview series.


Vic Votes

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Updatification

So! Today was the final advance voting day, leaving us with five, count 'em five days left before general voting day, which is this Saturday from 8 am to 8 pm. We've said it before, but best of luck to us all.

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Now, first thing's first, the news:

Monday's article on the referendum

Another series of interviews from B Channel News

More on the vandalism situation mentioned in our previous post

Time Colonist candidate bios

Focus Magazine appears to be hosting a forum on the Bridge at Alix Goolden Hall on the 17th at 7pm.

johnsonstreetbridge.org has started it week-long Blue Bridge art show at Studio 16 1/2 in Fan Tan Alley.

Don't forget about this: The City of Victoria Youth Council, the Students of Colour Collective, and the University of Victoria Students’ Society are pleased to provide an opportunity for young voters to engage with candidates running in the upcoming by-election at an All Candidates Forum on Thursday November 18th from 12:00-1:30 at the Uvic Cinecenta in the Student Union Building

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Moving on, are you going to vote on Saturday? 'Cause you should. Why, you ask? There are a lot of reasons, one being that you have a chance to honestly and truly have your say in how the biggest infrastructure project this city has ever seen goes ahead.

Another reason (this one's an oldie but a goodie) is that municipal governments have the most significant direct impact on your life. Just because zoning is one of the most boring things you'll ever come across in life doesn't mean it can't decide what you do for a living, where and how you do it, where you live, how much your property is worth, and much more. Maybe you don't own any property, but sit down a figure out how much of your rent is your landlord's property tax. Having trouble finding an apartment? Maybe that's because the city's secondary suites bylaw needs some love. You get the point.

But you know what the best reason for voting is? It takes half an hour, and if you don't do it everything will stay exactly how it is right now, nothing will change, and we'll all just go on wondering why life slowly gets weirder and harder in our beautiful, sleepy little Victoria.

Best of luck to us all,

V V

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Oh Boy! New Events!

The City has just announced two events, both to be held at City Hall over the next couple of weeks. For those of you who attended (or will be attending) any of the "Vote No" forums, this is a chance to hear the other side of the debate and ask some questions. Enjoy!

Johnson Street Bridge Open House

November 13, 2010 at 10:00am

Learn Why Replacing the Bridge is the Sustainable Option

Wednesday, November 17 · 7:00pm - 9:00pm

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