What About Riverview

In my last musings,I mentioned that Riverview town council had changed their regular council meeting to 4p.m. from 6 p.m.. It took a bit but I think I was given an answer by town staffers. It’s summer and they have always done it.Why I ask? Ah! I really don’t know was the reply.Could it be that council just wants to enjoy the summer? Or is it that any sensitive issues can be dealt with and not have anyone from the community there because of the time? Or is it,that they have forgotten,even though we do not always attend like we should,that council serves the town,not themselves and therefore MUST be consistent on scheduling regular meetings?

It seems  that despite two new councilors on council,the same old attitude is there and an air of disrespect is continuing to exist.Where is the transparency that the returning councilors campaigned on? Are the new councilors being muzzled or have they to found it easier to be followers than leaders?Why also are the minutes of recent council meeting not being published on the towns web site.They have two weeks to update them before the next council meeting! How are we as taxpayers to know what is happening that effects us if we don’t know until after it’s to late?  Great way to put your own agenda into effect with no opposition and then claim that no one is interested.

Ian Gunn

Well,after a bit of a break after the election,I’m back and cranked.I’m going to give you all a bit of a shotgun blast of topics right off the bat.

First and foremost,why the heck has Riverview town council suddenly changed council meeting from their normal 6 p.m. start times to 4p.m.? There was never a published notice as to why and no straight answers yet.I’m still trying to find out.Could it be because the air conditioners turn off early in the summer or is it that council ,despite everyone campaigning on transparency ,council meetings at a time when everyone is at work.Great move council!

Second,looks like the new road work done last year in the industrial park is having a lot of it being redone.Strange! No quality control to make sure it was done right the first time by the engineering  department.At what cost to the tax payer is that one going to cost I wounder? And what is with all the land scape work ,paving of walking trails in an industrial park,park benches and such ? Must have been some sweet deal with the owners of the park to get the tax payer to pay for that upgrade!

Speaking of upgrades.More talk of a new town hall or is it a renovation? Depends on the day and who’s talking about it I suppose.Either way,this would be a prime time for council to show a leadership roll in being energy efficient and environmentally conscious.This would be a prime time to convert the heating and cooling system to a geothermal heat pump system.It would in very short time pay for itself as it uses the heat for the ground(renewable resource) and reduce the dependency of fossil fuels and electricity.The side benefits are two fold.A/  lower the towns carbon footprint and B/ reduce operating expenses.A heat pump is less expensive to operate and maintain.To reduce the foot print even further,the town hall could install solar panels and produce some of it’s own electricity and save more and reduce more.

The town is also looking at possibly a new ice arena.Play it smart council and chat with the folks in Fredericton town hall as they are looking at using heat pumps,geothermal that is,to make it less expencive to operate their two new arenas. Time for Riverview town council to lead,not follow.

Last but not least.I am getting very tired of the editor of the Times Transcript being turning what was once a great newspaper into a RAG. When are you folks going to learn to do proper investigative  reporting?Recently,it’s been the manager of Codiac Transit that has been under attack with half truths and mis information or only part information.Never have they printed retractions or apologized for publishing incorrect information and ruining peoples reputations.When is the editor going to learn some journalistic manors and proper investigative reporting? While he’s at it,he should look more closely at the environmentalists he supports and promotes to see what their qualifications are and how accurate they present their information.

I say that after reading about the provincial government putting up $1.3 million dollars to protect wetlands for the migrating birds that visit Mary’s Point every year.Funny! Mary’s point could very well likely suffer some of the worst damage once the causeway gates are permanently opened.Also interesting is the new study that shows the Bay of Fundy is getting warmer,just the thing that Salmon hate when it comes to spawning.Something not caused by the causeway gates.Bet your friendly River keepers never looked at that one nor did the editor on the T&T.

Well,that’s about it for now from this side of the river.

I had an interesting conversation with a former organizer of a local cultural group and events.Although it is a Moncton area group,on many occasions, he has attempted to host events in Riverview.All have ended in less than financially successful. Keeping in mind,this is a group that is for the GREATER Moncton area.

It seems,that folks from Moncton will not come across the river to partake in or support events in Riverview.I have heard this before but never as bluntly put.I have heard business folks raise the same concern.Potential customers calling for  directions only to say forget it as Riverview is to far to go . Now come on folks,you are not driving to Shediac, Sackville or Amherst,you are just crossing a river to Riverview.Monctonians are for the most part,closer to Riverview than Dieppe and yet…OH! IT’S TO FAR TO GO !!!

Now think about it folks,we share the same bus service,have a new WIDE bridge and causeway to get over to our town.We have some great small businesses,Pubs and walking trails.We have parks that may be better suited for great outdoor cultural events with better parking than Moncton does but still,Monctonians will not come.

Just so you will know,you do not need a passport to come to Riverview.There is no curfew  that indicates you can onl come into our town between certain hours,traffic is no where near as heavy as either the north end of Moncton or the Champlain mall area and there is no toll both either.Oh! And we do have gas bars just incase the LOOOOOOG trip across the river runs your gas tank dry.

So ask yourself the question.Why not go to Riverview to enjoy events there or shop or visit friends?

Ian Gunn

One of the nice things about a rainy weekend,is that it allows me a chance to just kick back and not do yard work.The down side is that it keeps me from my outdoor hobbies and/or just vegging on the back deck and socializing with friends and neighbors. These kind of weekends also allow me time to think about what’s doing in Riverview or not.

By not I mean,why is it that this town cannot seem to get one major event that could draw folks to a 2-3 day event.One of those type of events that people just have to come to because they are fun,enjoyable and good for all ages.But what type of event may have that draw and where? After a bit of thought,it came to me that there are two prime areas in Riverview that are prime for a major  event that could easily host major events.The first being the sports fields down by the Byron Dobson arenas,including the arenas for indoor activates such as a pub/food bash.The other location is at Kaisley park and the high school football field and baseball field. The park has  a nice band stand great open fields and both facilities have ample parking.

So what type of event.I would strongly suggest that there is a new event going on in Moncton that is in the wrong location due to poor parking,poor layout and lack of ability to grow into a great event because of it.this event could be moved to Riverview and with a minor name change,still retain it’s original flavor.That being the Moncton Highland Games.Kaisley Park would be the better set up as it offers slightly better accessibility off of the highways and is better shaded with lots of trees spread out from the park to the high school.Currently,as I understand it,a number of the associations members live over here in Riverview and with a minimum amount of effort,this event could develop into a premier event for the town.The local arts center would also be available to lend assistance and the community businesses would be very open to such an event.

Time for Riverview to think outside the box in how to promote itself and look at events that not only will be enjoyed by the tows folks but also bring in those from away.

Ian Gunn

Well,my first attempt in politics is over and depending upon how you look at it,the ultimate success was not there.There were however,many success during the past 4 weeks of campaigning.I learned a lot about making sure to be in better shape for the next time.A heal injury hampered my ability to personally visit as many homes as I wanted to.Need to start training now so that doesn’t happen again.On the plus side,my great team did a super job in getting my fliers into 95% plus of the mail boxes in the ward.Great job gang.

I also met my fellow first time candidate,Peter Walker and had some great discussions with him on election day.Even though he achieved 10 more votes than I did,he is a fine gentleman who could have served well as councilor and would have no problem loosing to him.Look for Peter to run again as well.

One item that became interesting in all of this was the budget required to run a campaign,real or perceived. Peter and I both had small budgets and focused on fliers and going door to door.The incumbent on the other hand,spent a small fortune on signs,continuing to add them up to and including election day.Adding them on election day may have been a violation under the elections act and an inquiry will be made on that item.

The observation I have on that one is that is did the amount of signs sway voters into believing the incumbent had the support so I won’t bother to vote or just follow along and vote for him on perceived support? Difficult to say at this point.

The one thing that was surprising while were were going door to door,was the amount of dissatisfaction for the incumbent but it did not translate into his defeat.What it did translate into was the usual low voter turnout for a municipal election.The only conclusion I can draw is that the voters of Riverview are content to gripe over coffee but don’t have the concern to get out and vote.For me that means potentially watching council for another 4 years,make decisions and spend tax dollars with out consulting or involving the tax payer.On the horizon are a number of high dollar project that the citizens of Riverview are being kept in the dark about and my hope is that the three new councilors will question these project and encourage council to hold public meeting on the project before one tax dollar is spent.

Ian Gunn

Well,here we are the day before the election and all campaigning has now ceased as per the rules that govern the election.Win or loose,this has been an interesting experience and I have learned a lot. The one thing about being a candidate and running a campaign,is that there is no right way only a better way to get your point out there.The other thing I’ve noticed,is how uninterested a larger part of the community is about elections and how many didn’t even know there was one coming up.

During this campaign,I have had the great pleasure with speaking with a few folks who have immigrated to Canada from former communist countries.They undersatnd the value of democracy as they have had to fight for it.We tend to take it for granted.

If their is one thing from this experience I would like to get across to you all is get out there and VOTE. By not voting you are giving away your rights and allowing your apathy to create governments that are no longer reporting to and being responsible to you.They will administer your community  like a business and not allow input from the tax payer. So again,weather you like the candidates or not,even if you spoil your ballot in protest,VOTE.

Ian Gunn

The past few days have been rather interesting for me.As a candidate in a municipal election,there are few sources of feedback on how you are doing,other than those you speak with directly in your ward  or words of encouragement from friends in other parts of town.

So when the TimesTranscript editors began a series to look at the candidates in the tri community elections,I thought it would be of some value.Well,so much for that thought.What I did see was a total lack if investigative unbiased  reporting.Instead,we saw signs of favoritism and pure laziness. The lazy part was in the lack of effort to get out on the street and canvas for peoples opinion on the issues in various wards and contacting as many of the candidates as possible.

There have been two major issues with this style of reporting that have really angered me and have shown that the T&T is trying to influence this election in all three communities.I will however,direct my concerns to Riverview only and let those in the other two communities fight their battle.

The T&T editors tackled on to Ward One incumbent Ron Davis.They labeled him as an embarrasment to the Ward and to the town because of a minor brush with the law over a trespassing issue.An issue that is now past,dealt with and record cleared. It is past history and no worse than getting caught picking your nose in public.This is pure election interference and trying to sway votes from one to another.

The second issue appears in the Saturday,May 10th issue of the T&T in which the editors have published ward maps for the three communities and the candidates photos.That part was good.Then they proceed to put a check mark next to the candidates that they endorse.That is not an opinion but a straight out attempt to influence the outcome of an election.This should be investigated by Elections New Brunswick under the elections act and I believe charges laid.

I know that some would say that I’m crying foul because I was not picked.That is not the case as I personally feel that these things can be a curse rather than a blessing.However,we the candidates,incumbents and challengers should be allowed the decency of being treated equally with the T&T providing interviews with the candidates and our platforms and letting the voters decide rather than telling them who they should vote for.This is supposed to be a democracy not the bad of days of influence peddling of the 1920’s and ’30’s.

I would encourage you the voters to ignore the T&T’s opinions,familiarize yourselves with your candidates and their platforms.Call then and ask them the questions that are important to you.Then vote on Monday       May 12th.

Ian Gunn

Candidate Ward 4 Riverview

I don’t often get cranked about the RCMP as there is not much that we can do about them as they are controlled federally. However,as a tax payer,we pay for their service.According to the contract  with the Codiac RCMP,my understanding is that there are supposed to be a minimum of two patrol cars in Riverview at all times.So on the way home this evening around 4P.M. coming down Vaughn Harvey and approaching the bridge,we were at the traffic lights,with lights flashing and siren blaring,one RCMP cruiser rushes by on the way to … west Riverview.As best I could tell,he came form the Mountain Road area. Where I ask were the two cruisers  that are supposed to be in our town?  Another waste of tax dollars.Seems the only time we see them is sitting at a speed trap or going home. Looks like it’s time for town council to monitor the service we are receiving more closely form our RCMP.

Ian Gunn

Candidate for Ward 4 Riverview

Last night was the first all candidates meet and greet in quite some years.One veteran councilor recalled that the last time an event like this was held,one would have to go back some 15 years.

My first impression of the event was that it was a bit disorganized at first but not in anyway was one in a panic.All candidates were directed back stage for photo’s for the TimesTranscript then mill around and chat with the fellow candidates. Then the time came to appear on stage in two rows on stage center.Music was supplied by Ivan and Vivian Hicks which made for a nice intro.The format for the evening would be the candidates from each ward,beginning with Ward one,would be given two minutes to chat about themselves and their platform. The moderator and host for the evening was T&T reported,Alan Cochrane.

The time on stage was interesting on a number of levels for this rookie.As we sat in the lights(I would have loved to have had my sunglasses) one did feel a bit uncomfortable being in the spotlight. But as time wore on,a certain comfort did begin to creep in.The two minute time limit was working well and then….it happened.The first bomb shell.One of the incumbents complained about a candidate running with the unfair advantage of having the local MLA campaigning door to door with him.He cried foul!

Then the second bomb shell was dropped when another incumbent likewise cried foul about a negative flier campaign being waged. I won’t go into full details but it was interesting to see this side of politics and how the veteran councilors handled themselves and their concerns.

My opinion on it may be different than most as I have relied on my old football coaches way of coaching.We always play our game,never theirs. In their shoes,I would probably be ticked as well but… I stick woth my game plan.

Then,it was my turn at the microphone.Deep breath,approach the stand and advise the moderator that there were three candidates not two( he read the wrong page) and I should have spoken second,not first but didn’t let him know as it played to my advantage. And then I opened my speech and the nerves hit.I managed to get half way through when I decided to end it gracefully. Friends told me I did fine and sounded good.To me,I could hear my voice begin to tremble which is why I stopped short. In hind site,I should have used cue cards and the house lights should have been up.A number of us found it difficult to connect with the audience which led to the gitters.

After 18 of us and one hour almost to the minute,we adjourned to the Mall area of the center for the meet and greet.This was the best part of the evening for me as I truly enjoy the one on one contact. I meet a lot of great folks and received a lot of positive feedback.

Would I do it again? In a heart beat! Dispite the nerves,it was all worth it and I learned a lot for the next time.

Oh! I should mention that how one dresses tells the audience a lot.A good number wore suits and ties,looking like CEO’s. The remainder of us dressed in various degrees of of casual.Next time! I wear my KILT!!!

We are down to 4 more days of campaigning then a day off,Sunday then the election. It’s time for you folks to step up to the plate,ask questions of those running where they stand on the issues that concern you then get out on Monday May 12th and VOTE.

I certainly hope you will all remember me on that day and remember that

I AM COMMITTED TO BEING A PRODUCTIVE COUNCILOR FOR WARD 4.

Ian Gunn

Candidate for WARD 4 Riverview.

This coming Monday evening,May 5th at the Riverview Arts Center,all the candidates for the Riverview municipal election will gather for a meet and greet.The idea to hold such an event is most welcomed by this candidate as it allows all of us to,under a two minute time frame,speak to a large (hopefully) group of taxpayers. While this is not a debate,I’m sure some candidates and incumbents a bit nervous and possibly combative in their approach.

So how does one prepare for such an event? Remember,after the two minute speech,you will be getting together for a one on one or in groups with your audience. That first impression on stage will go a long way to have them approach you and ask questions.I can only speak for myself on this one and I can tell you that I have been rolling this around in my mind all week and have not committed anything to paper yet.Why? I honestly hate scripts and do not want to sound slick. I prefer to have a loose format of information in l my mind and will go with the flow as the evening unfolds. For me,the bottom line is to appear comfortable but not aloof not like some slick sales person.Ironically though,that is what we will be doing that night,selling ourselves. Although I have done a few years as a university DJ,to many years ago and I do feel comfortable with a microphone, this is a ball game that I find very challenging and has the adrenaline flowing.

As for the speech? I have three in my mind ,all three with different closings. I think a strong pot of coffee,some sun and fresh air tomorrow along with doing a dry run or two and I’ll be ready.

The event itself is a first at the municipal  level in recent memory.This is a genuine opportunity for you the voter to come out  and first listen to the speeches .Remember,there are 6 running for AT LARGE, 4 for WARD 1, there are 2 for WARD 2, there are 3 for WARD 3 and Three for WARD 4. This is a perfect time to ask the candidates running in your ward the hard questions,especially those who are your current councilors.With 6 running for at large,what a better time to talk to them all and find out what they are about.We only have one more week to go before the election. Now is the time to,as a voter,GET INVOLVED!

It is my hope to see the arts center full of voters and lots of questions being asked once the speaches are over.

Ian Gunn

Candidate,Ward 4

Riverview