Agassiz Harrison Observer - Latest Comments

Re: Agassiz-Harrison Observer - Shame on CBC’s coverage

Patriotpatriciaslight — Sun, 13 May 2012 19:46:36 -0000

John, great letter, and thanks for your patriotism, all true Canadians understand and respect the sacrifices of our forefathers and fellow citizens for our benefit. For shame CBC, as a national representative and holder of our culture and heritage in all other things, how could you let those moments slip when you are not paid directly for ratings but rather from the public purse.

Re: Agassiz-Harrison Observer - Agassiz grow op could have earned $2 million a year

tori01 — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 01:39:52 -0000

I onl;y deal here is if I can buy this property for a deal!!

Re: Agassiz-Harrison Observer - Agassiz grow op could have earned $2 million a year

tori01 — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 01:39:02 -0000

Ok so now what?? Big deal. He gets nothing for time and cost us tax payers $45,000 or more to process. :(

Re: Agassiz-Harrison Observer - Councillor Van Laerhoven moves up to mayor's seat

hoa — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 20:46:14 -0000

with regards to the planning stage of a new gymnasium to be attached to the fitness/activity centre, please consider all the available spaces at the local gyms (AESS, KES, ACS & Seabird Isl.Comm. school) and the Ag. hall, as they often stand empty. With an effort to co-ordinate these community spaces, a new gymnasium wouldn't be necessary, which by the way will only add to our tax burden.

Re: Agassiz-Harrison Observer - An end to anonymous commenting

Observereditor — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:16:12 -0000

<jessica> Thanks for all your comments. We didn't expect it to be popular for everyone. But to clarify for @JakeBanana, this is a chain-wide decision that has been in the works for a longer period of time than the current election, and certainly not a locally made decision based on the local political scene or players.

Also, the current commenting system (Disqus) already does provide the editor of each newspaper's site the commenter's email address, so it's not a completely anonymous system anyway. I would think the only completely anonymous way to communicate with a newspaper is to drop an old-school letter through the mailbox, as all online interaction leads back to an email or ip address.

There are many ways to still have your opinions heard, including online. We do hope you'll continue to engage in conversation with us in the ways listed in the above story. Thanks again!

Re: Agassiz-Harrison Observer - An end to anonymous commenting

Rorschach13 — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 22:48:25 -0000

This...I think...is a mistake. Sometimes choosing to remain anonymous is not about not having the courage to stand behind your ideas...it's instead, about wanting to say something that you would otherwise feel you could not. This could be true for a variety of reasons and although anonymity sometimes acts as the refuge of cowards it can also be a shield for those who need it...it can serve as a cloak to protect those who would otherwise face consequences that might preclude them from taking part in the dialogue.
In a perfect world we would all be allowed to participate openly in every discussion without fear of our ideas being used against us at some later point...but the world is far from perfect and on the internet something that you say remains there...forever. Imagine if every thought or comment had to be so closely vetted...so carefully scrutinized that you dare not make it all for fear that at some point your employer...or the government...or anyone at all might google you and be able to wield your ideas against you in some way.
Some people...and I would include myself in this category...use these comment sections as a way to feel as though they can contribute to a responsible public dialogue without having to fully reveal who they are. In this way your ideas can be judged on their own without people able to scrutinize and dismiss them based on their source. This encourages the reader to see past the commenter...whether this person is poor or rich...a police officer or a garbage man...a nurse or a teacher...a man or a woman...a college student or a retired senior living on a pension...ceases to matter...only the idea matters...in a sense it in the purist form of democracy.
Two months ago, a woman commenting in a local newspaper in Neuvo Laredo, Mexico was found decapitated...she'd been tortured and murdered by the Zetas, a powerful drug cartel, for commenting in the local paper. The "Laredo Girl" had been making anonymous comments in support of the local crackdown against the Narco gangs. When her anonymity was betrayed...she was murdered and the gang left a sign on her body reading " "For those who don't want to believe, this happened to me because of my
actions, for believing in the army and the navy. Thank you for your
attention, respectfully, Laredo Girl...ZZZZ." This woman was unquestionably brave...and for that she paid the price...but it isn't one that she should have had to pay.
It seems that this move to "out" people is an attempt to hold people accountable for what they say...however, this is a double edged sword. Without the premise of anonymity the "Laredo Girl" would have kept her thoughts silent...and when it was revealed who she was...her anonymity ended...it was then that those who opposed her freedom...silenced her.
Anonymity is not always the night into which someone escapes after throwing a rock through a window...it is sometimes a shadow which obscures someone who needs its safety...needs its sanctuary ...needs its freedom...please consider this.

Re: Agassiz-Harrison Observer - An end to anonymous commenting

Gerrywithhope — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 21:44:06 -0000

So sorry one would believe there is no hope in canada.
I live near there, and as rule find only a fool will stand with words alone. Take off the mask. Actions speak louder than words when choice or preference are concerned. When the media began all they wanted was a profit or revenue stream .. to make money... These days of wonder, social networking has extended that reach but is they still need to obtain that pot of gold. For that reason you may be correct..
If you are not willing to openly speak to the truth, with your true likeness, your comment should be highly suspect. Not to mention not nearly as effective.
As I have a long paper trail an have lived loved and learned in many lands , I would agree many citizens do hold resentments and old boy networking is certainly apparent.
The Large fish in small pond mindset, combined with the modern day Chamber of Commerce are allowed to control the agenda, nothing will change facebook has your " Ip" address an so will Black press..have a nice day.

Re: Agassiz-Harrison Observer - An end to anonymous commenting

JakeBanana — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 21:10:51 -0000

All 5 readers of this newspaper's website will be disappointed. This policy must have had some political weight behind it. The person who I commented negatively about before the last election did not get elected and he's probably steaming mad and thinks that I may have had something to do with it. LOL!

I choose to be anonymous. It is my choice or preference. This is just another repressionistic scheme that takes away peoples' ability to choose. Or perhaps it's just another byproduct a part of the New World Order.

When this new policy is implemented, two things will happen.

1. People will stop writing their true feelings or opinions.

2. The people who have let their identity become public and voice their true feelings and opinions will have their cars and homes vandalized by people who didn't like what was written. They may even be physically assaulted. Their children may be bullied at school. Their 'opportunities' for employment in this overly nepotistic society will be limited or maybe enhanced. It will be GROUP THINK time and if you're not in the 'right' group or don't belong to the 'Good Ol Boys Club' you may become ostracized.

Basically, this new policy is a joke and people will revert back to what was stated in 1. above out of fear. Sound familiar? History is beginning to repeat itself all over again. The media makes be want to vomit - a waste of time and effort.

Re: Agassiz-Harrison Observer - Paid parking and green waste generates interest at debate

JakeBanana — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 23:32:17 -0000

Facio & Co. sounds a lot better than John Allen + Himself or vs. the World. At least Mr. Facio knows how to be a part of a team, gets along with others and is a kind, well-mannered and compassionate leader.

Re: Agassiz-Harrison Observer - Province pledges better farmland protection

Chilliwack — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 16:36:07 -0000

Hopefully this will continue to stop the lost of A1 farmland in the Valley and Chilliwack area that has been taken out of the ALR for a period of time when it should not have been.

Shame on those that let this happen.

Re: Agassiz-Harrison Observer - Paid parking and green waste generates interest at debate

Richard Shelley — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 18:02:28 -0000

This paper misquoted me and should read -
A great business leader here in Harrison recently told me,
“Visitors to Harrison buy an ice cream cone and walk our beach.
We need more for them to do”.

Re: Agassiz-Harrison Observer - Paid parking and green waste generates interest at debate

John Allen — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 21:00:01 -0000

Pay Parking . Now they are talking about killing tourism completely with an ill-considered pay parking scheme. Let us remember that when pay parking was introduced in provincial parks a few years ago, our local lakefront park (Greenpoint) saw a 90% drop in visitors. Just like the provincial government foolishly did, Facio & Co are basing their business plan on the ridiculous idea that the number of visitors will stay the same and they’ll all happily pay. Rubbish. They will stay away in droves leaving only geese to graze the $500,000 beachfront pasture. I strongly suspect that the administration and capital costs will ensure that taxpayers throughout Harrison will be paying heavily for a money-losing scheme which will be the final nail in Harrison’s coffin. Don’t be fooled by the promise of net revenue from pay parking. It’s more likely to be another financial disaster if this crowd runs it. A few tourists might pay a little but taxpayers will pay a lot more.

Re: Agassiz-Harrison Observer - No Metro Vancouver mayors sign tax-control pledges

thander — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 13:37:16 -0000

wonder if they signed a no raise pledge or a pledge to quit if they screw up

Re: Agassiz-Harrison Observer - Getting to know civic election candidates in Harrison

John Allen — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 02:01:49 -0000

Hi No-hoper. I'm glad you brought these questions up as they are obviously bothering you. I don't know where you get your information but you'd be better off getting it right from the start instead of getting all worked up about somenthing so bogus.

Vanderwolf sued me with the active support of Facio and the Village council. It was obviously a SLAPP suit ( strategic litigation against public participation) so I counter sued and won. The lawyers got all the money and the whole debacle still cost me almost $100,000 at the end of the day, even though the Village and or Vanbderwolf had to pay some of my legal costs. It has cost the Village's taxpayers at least $400,000 and maybe $500,000. When I get to be mayor this time, I'll be able to look into this and tell you exactly how much these guys blew on an obviously politically motivated lawsuit. I'd really like to be able to recover this money for the taxpayers from the people responsible. That would be great. So far, they have suffered no penalty for squandering public funds in a vain attempt to shut me up. On top of that $500,000, they eventually had to admit I had been right about vanderwolf all along and had to fire him themselves. I don't yet know what this cost me and the other taxpayers but wouldn't be surprised to find it's another $250,000. Did I mention that I am Harrison's biggest individual taxpayer? In that capacity, I get to pay for this BS twice.
I purchased my Harrison property from the sale of my farm in Chilliwack. My bank at the time ( 1975) was the Bank of BC, not any credit union.
So why don't you quit hiding behind this fake ID and come out like a man and stand up for yourself? No guts or too much to hide?

Re: Agassiz-Harrison Observer - Getting to know civic election candidates in Harrison

JakeBanana — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:55:30 -0000

On whose accord do you think I left? And your 'interesting circumstances' comment is just a feeble shot in the dark.

If you live by the truth, tell everyone how much money you got when you sued the Village over your spat with Gerry Van der Wolfe. Was it over or under $100,000?

And please do tell everyone about the fiasco of how you initially financed the purchase of your campground - something to do with being on the board of the former Fraser Valley Credit Union perhaps?

Come on, vindicate yourself.

By the way, you can't clean it up and straighten it out, just like you couldn't clean up the lagoon when you were on council a long time ago. Your track record is nothing but a list of failures, selfishness and proven dysfunction when it comes to socializing with others on council and in the community.

Re: Agassiz-Harrison Observer - Getting to know civic election candidates in Harrison

John Allen — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:27:36 -0000

Actually, nohoper, I've been around the world twice and am comfortable in many cultures and at least two languages. I've seen the great sights and great cities . I could live anywhere in the world but I still love Harrison. I think I know who you are and, if I'm right, it's not accurate to say that you left of your own accord. I agree with you that Harrison has serious problems currently but I'm trying to clean it up and straighten it out again. You won't find me cowering or fearful. I live by the truth and it will always vindicate me in the end.
John

Re: Agassiz-Harrison Observer - Getting to know civic election candidates in Harrison

John Allen — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:19:12 -0000

Hi Vicky. Sorry if you were offended. My comment was for nohoper, the cowardly individual who is sniping anonymously from the sidelines. I have a very good idea who he is and was quite pleased when he left town in a hurry under "interesting circumstances". I certainly tried to make him welcome but he made some bad choices. It is unfortunate that the internet allows him to continue to spew his bile and misinformation, as he did when he worked here. Why don't you call me for a chat? I know you've been mad at me for a long time but I have no idea why. My door is always open. Yours, John Allen

Re: Agassiz-Harrison Observer - Getting to know civic election candidates in Harrison

Vicky_Sparks — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 21:43:00 -0000

"If you actually know me and really don't like me, it must be because I've disapproved of something you're up to." Really?? Do you really believe that someone could ONLY not like you because you have disapproved of something that that person is "up to"?

Re: Agassiz-Harrison Observer - Getting to know civic election candidates in Harrison

Lesley_Kiss — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:23:25 -0000

Very telling that nohope4canada does not reveal his/her true identity...maybe come to the All Candidates Meeting and identify yourself if you have so many concerns...it's very easy and cowardly to "sling" anonymously...nuff said...

Re: Agassiz-Harrison Observer - Getting to know civic election candidates in Harrison

JakeBanana — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:42:25 -0000

Here we go again!

Re: Agassiz-Harrison Observer - Getting to know civic election candidates in Harrison

John Allen — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:27:19 -0000

I'm astounded that anyone who has been on the last two councils can claim to support the OCP when everything they have approved has been in breach of the OCP. The 10-story condo scheme violated the commercial-only zoning, the 4-storey height limit and the view preservation policies. Juneau's sewer and water cconnections violated the OCP, sewer and water bylaws. The Springs RV Park violated the development permit, building permit, sewer and zoning bylaws. The 5-storey Lake Hill Villas violated the OCP's 4-storey height limit and the zoning bylaw. The Kingma condo scheme opposite the firehall ( which has received two readings of approval bylaws) violates the OCP and zoning bylaws.
This is upholding the OCP??? Rubbish. They have trashed it. I must give them some credit for the nerve to claim to be OCP protectors in the face of such compelling evidence to the contrary.
John Allen

Re: Agassiz-Harrison Observer - Getting to know civic election candidates in Harrison

John Allen — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:09:15 -0000

Hi Jenny. Thank you for your intelligent interst in this election. I hope I have answered the three questions satisfactorily. As for short, the invitation was to submit 200-word answers so that is what I did. Harrison's issues can be too complex to cover in a "sound bite" or a simplistic sports analogy such as "team player" . As for sweet, we are all required to judge the performance of others during elections and vote accordingly. Some of us believe we can do better and offer to serve on council. It is appropraite that we explain why we are dissatisfied with the current council. There are very few opportunities for accountability anymore so we must make the most of these infrequent local elections.
Yours, John Allen

Re: Agassiz-Harrison Observer - Getting to know civic election candidates in Harrison

John Allen — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 23:48:16 -0000

Hi No-hoper.
John Allen here. Sorry you're upset by the "I" references but I'm required to indulge in self-promotion at this time as I do not rely on any slate, team, party, sponsors or gang to get me elected. Voters deserve to know what I've done, what I can do and what I will do. I am very much a team player but will not be part of any gang which puts their interests before the public's interets. I am very clear that I will work for everyone in Harrison, not just the chosen few. If that makes some people uncomfortable because I'm spoiling their cozy little party, so be it. Unlike you, I still believe in Harrison and am passionate about it . Passionate enough to get angry at people who would use it and abuse it for personal gain.
Calling me names is just the predictable mud-slinging and character assassination I've come to expect from those who don't want me shining a bright light in Harrison's dark corners. If you actually know me and really don't like me, it must be because I've disapproved of something you're up to. If you don't give a hoot about Harrison, butt out and let those of us who do get on with the job of saving it.

Re: Agassiz-Harrison Observer - Getting to know civic election candidates in Harrison

Jenny Simons — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 02:03:01 -0000

Some candidates have failed to answer the question and used the opportunity to run down the other candidates, hats off to the candidates who kept it short and sweet and answered the questions

Re: Agassiz-Harrison Observer - Hydro smart meter fears aired at UBCM

Mary — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 12:23:22 -0000

If Hydro is so sure about their meters, why didn't they encourage some independent scientist or engineer to participate in the discussion? I offered to pay to bring some in to participate in the debate but was refused. And all of their "experts", including the head of the smart meters programs, except for the surrey fire chief who really didn't know much about the meters,and the provincial medical doctor who knew nothing about microwave radiation, were from the US. All pushing the hard sell for BC to have more electricity to sell to the US. And all spewing the same old junk.