Social Media and Elections - Who should seek answers?

A decision was recently made regarding complaints about the use of Social Media on Election Day in Nanaimo.

Someone looked into it and said there was "Compliance" - there was no harm and therefore no foul.

A couple of tweets and Facebook cover change -  big deal    or   BIG DEAL.

The answer is important - feelings, reputation & democracy is involved.

The question speaks to a very real change in Society and what we have come to regard as "reasonable" behaviour.   Is Social Media just a small new part of the real world or is it a whole new world where the need for new rules and new limits on behavior are just now being realized.

I know a little bit about computers - I worked for IBM after my UBC Commerce-Marketing degree - That first year of training was an intense blend of Systems Engineering and Business Administration.

A computer is in its simplest form a bunch of connections- silicon, wires, circuits and switches.  Think of a light switch at your door. That is a simple computer.  In one position it means function- the ability to see and do things, the other position it means money and energy saving.  Add millions and billions of light switches and you get a modern computer with amazing power to change lives,  remedy social ills, land cameras on comets and find a name, a number or any other bit of information faster and more accurately than ever before.

So does the recent Elections BC decision mean its over?  I understand that they have nothing to do with determining any consequence of actions only to guide compliance, only to try - to do the best they can to help people do the right thing - whatever it is "the right thing" may be.

Does the decision mean the new rules about Social Media on Election Day were or are now well understood or applied and enforced properly and fairly?

Does the decision mean that everyone, especially those Candidates and Council members involved actually understand them, even now?

Mistakes were made - that much I know.  I don't know what exactly those mistakes were.  I don't understand whether the error was "What was done", "How it was done" or simply "When it was done" or maybe even a combination of those and other factors.

I have learned nothing from this mistake other than doing nothing saved me.

Was it really that simple?

Who should be the one to look at this in detail and give a reasonable explanation?

Who should seek to guide the community on difficult sensitive issues?

Parking Plan in a nutshell

Nanaimo downtown parking has been an issue since well before I became a founding member of the city's Transportation Advisory Committee.

In fact it was part of the reason the TAC was formed - to deal with the report from a consultants study of the parking situation in downtown Nanaimo and area.

Parking somewhere- downtown, in Hospital area or around Vancouver Island University - has been on the TAC Agenda almost constantly.

About 2 years ago I will say a new face appeared on the staff side of the table at our meetings.  Rod Davidson was a clear spoken, confident sort that came to us from Penticton with a resume of accomplishment in Parking.  I was happy to know that someone, somewhere had been thru this and had survived.

In a nutshell - Rod is good and he does have a plan.  I had a chance to review it with him on Wednesday.

A year from now expect to see Smart Parking Meter Machines sporadically spaced along the streets in the affected downtown area.  These machines will have smart phone interfaces so you do not have to physically be there to add time.  Cash will be accepted.

Also there will be a car with cameras rushing around in areas without meters to check on the position of your tire stem.  Yes I said "tire stem".  Amazing what technology can do at 80 km/hr.

So the idea is that the best parking will be available for people who want it the most at a reasonable price.  There will be sufficient parking and signage to direct people to it.

That is the plan.  Others have been through this before and survived.  It is the way growing progressive communities handle the issue of parking.

Perhaps like an older sibling going through adolescence - it sounds awful, can't be avoided and in the end gets us somewhere better than before

Keep the faith and consider a bicycle :)



TOMORROW ........................FINAL JEOPARDY 21%

Good or Lucky - which is better - for Nanaimo

        Good or Lucky - Which Management Selection Process is better - for Nanaimo ?

1) GOOD:

A Balanced argument on the "education standard" for a top level manager between the overall business standard of an MBA (Masters of Business Administration) vs the more recently evolved specialized standard for Public & Non Profit orientation of a MPA (Masters of Public Administration)

"MBA" vs "MPA"  Which is better for a 600 employee, $200 Million Civic Organization?   

Don't listen to me - look for yourself please. 

http://www.economist.com/whichmba/forum/miscellaneous/mppmpa-vs-mba

http://colleendilen.com/2010/05/17/5-reasons-why-i-choose-to-pursue-an-mpa-over-an-mba/  

2) LUCKY 

Nanaimo has had 30 years of "lucky" stemming from Jerry Berry's amazing good fortune in being promoted by Grayden Hayward from "Assistant City Clerk to "Assistant City Manager" (arguably a 12 - 21 year career shortcut). Both subsequent Nanaimo City Managers benefited from that same stroke of good luck.  Who hired both of them?  Has Nanaimo's last 30 years, current and future management been determined by a single "LUCKY" move?  

Is it better to be lucky or good? 

Is it time to address 2013's  poor & slow results with a "good" move.  

How about picking a manager based on "WINNING" a competition?

Who has the best education, training & experience?  

Who really WINS that race?

LOOK FOR JIM'S UPCOMING BLOG POSTS:

1) Friday:     DOWNTOWN PARKING - WHAT IS THE PLAN?
2) Saturday: FINAL JEOPARDY - 21%
3) Sunday:   GREAT NATIONAL

Leadercast-Nanaimo's Challenger disaster

Leadercast-Nanaimo's Challenger disaster - demonstrates the need for management change at the highest level.

In large complex structures there are safety systems designed to protect key elements and keep overall operations functioning.  Like a car engine thermostat, a bathtub overflow drain or gas pump handle shut off, small safety mechanism prevent catastrophe.  They exist to prevent major problems that could impact the overall operation of the main structure.  Failure of these relatively small parts can have tragic consequences.  There are many examples. 

The infamous and ill fated space shuttle "Challenger" disaster was caused by the failure of a part called an "O" ring.  This "O"ring was designed to stop hot burning combustion gasses from coming in contact with explosive fuel.  It failed to do its job, the flames touched the fuel. 

Nanaimo's Leadercast fiasco was a similar safety system failure.  The wrong tool was used.  It was like using a hammer to clean a window.  It was wrong.  The safety system that could have caught this, that monitors the appropriate use of tools, failed.

There are several overarching Provincial Acts, Legislation and Regulations governing and affecting Municipal operations.  The Legislative Services department of any City government organization exists to interpret and apply these various rules.  The rules are many, varied, connected and complex.  This is not a game for the faint of heart, hobbyist or armchair quarterback.  Like any trade, profession or sport there is a specific and detailed level of knowledge required and the ability to apply this in a timely and accurate manner.  A reasonable level of education, training & experience is necessary to function at a reasonably high standard on a reasonably consistent basis.  

Nanaimo's Leadercast fiasco was caused by a motion being passed that was later rescinded.

The motion was wrong, the safety mechanism failed,  disaster occurred. 

The real scary part of Leadercast - Nanaimo's "O" ring failure -  is that it could happen again.

The space shuttle was different after Challenger.  Parts, processes & procedures were redesigned and implemented.  Lessons were learned, things moved, things changed.

Has anything moved here in Nanaimo as a result of Leadercast.  The election may see movement on the governance side due to Leadercast.  Is this right? Is this appropriate?

I call this a civic management issue, not a governance issue.  I suggest that this is only one of a series of slow and poor results in the past year.   It is only 1 bad game in this season.  It is a very telling issue or "game" that clearly demonstrates the inability current management to produce quality results.

I suggest it clearly demonstrates the need for a higher level of management sophistication and a more "systems" oriented approach.  One small part can bring down the show.  A commitment to the highest level of education, training and experience at all levels of the organization has to start at the top in order to be applied beyond and below.

Sad Day for Nanaimo Builders-Ray Menard passes

From: "Kelsey Botting" <admin@chbacvi.com>

Subject: City of Nanaimo - Passing of Ray Menard

Date: November 3, 2014 at 9:18:50 AM PST

To: "Kelsey Botting" <admin@chbacvi.com>

It is with deep sadness that the Building Inspection Section wishes to advise that Ray Menard, Plumbing Inspector with the City of Nanaimo Building Inspection Section, has passed away suddenly.  The details related to Ray’s passing are unknown at this time.   All members of the City of Nanaimo, Building Inspection Team are extremely saddened and our thoughts are with Ray’s family.

 

Currently, Senior Management are assessing the number and nature of Inspections booked for today.  We ask for your patience during this time.

 

Thank you,

 

Nelda L. Richardson, Manager

Development Support Services & Business Licencing

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

City of Nanaimo

Mail:  455 Wallace Street

Nanaimo BC  V9R 5J6

Office: 411 Dunsmuir Street

(250) 755-4448

nelda.richardson@nanaimo.ca

 

"Working with the community promoting liveability, fire, health, and life-safety standards"

P SAVE TREES - PLEASE DO NOT PRINT THIS EMAIL UNLESS YOU REALLY NEED TO.

 

 

 

 

Kelsey Botting

Executive Officer

CHBA-Vancouver Island

170 Wallace St, Nanaimo, BC  V9R 5B1

Phone: 250-755-1366   Fax: 250-714-1155

email:  admin@chbacvi.com

 

 

Upcoming Events:

Next Members Meeting – Thursday, October 9^th at Coast Bastion Hotel, Nanaimo

Suppliers’ Night & Auction – Friday, December 12^th, 2014 at The Nanaimo Golf Club

 

There are MANY opportunities & advantages for CHBA Members… check out our website or contact us for specifics. J

 

Speech Speech - Nov 4 All Candidates Format

FAQ’S FOR ALL-CANDIDATES FORUM TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4 • 5 PM VANCOUVER ISLAND CONFERENCE CENTRE
WHICH CANDIDATES ARE INVITED TO ATTEND?
All candidates running for Mayor, Council and School District 68.
HOW DOES THIS “SPEED CAMPAIGNING” FORMAT WORK?
School Board Trustee candidates will be in Newcastle Lobby, City Council candidates will be in Mount Benson Ballroom A and B, and Mayoral candidates will be in the Departure Bay Rooms A and B.
Each candidate has their own table so they can display materials and use it as a ‘speaking space’. We will keep as much distance as possible between tables. Tables will be in alphabetical order, arranged clockwise. Depending on how many candidates register, we will ring a reminder bell every 5-8 minutes to indicate that if a voter is trying to see all the candidates, they must move on to another table.
IS IT MANDATORY FOR VOTERS TO MOVE ON?
No, they can visit as many or as few candidates’ tables as they like and spend however long they wish with each candidates.
ARE VOTERS GETTING ONE-ON-ONE TIME WITH CANDIDATES?
Yes and no. The experience we are taking this from indicated that voters would visit tables in clusters; everyone gets a chance to speak and, the best part is, it most often resulted in a small group discussion and debate.
WILL A VOTER BE ABLE TO MAKE IT THROUGH ALL THE CANDIDATES?
Not likely. Voters are encouraged to educate themselves about candidates by attending other Forums prior to this one, to seek information online, and to check out Candidate Profiles in the local media, such as the November 4th Nanaimo News Bulletin. When a voter has settled on the candidates they would like to know more about, they can create a check list of whom to speak with at this event.
WHAT TIME DOES THIS START?
5:00 - 7:30 pm School Trustees and City Council candidates ‘speed campaigning’. 6:30 - 7:30 pm the Mayoral candidates ‘speed campaigning’.

7:30 pm we will ask voters to take a seat in the main ballrooms for the Mayoral presentation and debate.
WILL THERE BE ANY SPEECHES FROM A PODIUM OR STAGE?
At 7:30 pm we will begin hearing from Mayoral candidates in the main ballroom. Unfortunately, with 49 School District and Council candidates we don’t feel the night is long enough to accommodate everyone speaking from a stage.
WHAT IS THE FORMAT OF THE STAGE PRESENTATION BY MAYORAL CANDIDA TES?
They will be invited to provide an opening address of 2 minutes in alphabetical order. We will then proceed with a moderated, pre-screened question and answer period. Question forms will be available when people arrive, questions are also invited in advance of the event and can be emailed to info@nanaimochamber.bc.ca.
There will not be questions from the floor. Scrutineers will screen submitted questions to keep them clear and concise and eliminate duplication. Our moderator, Hilary Eastmure, will address questions to Mayoral candidates as they have been directed by the questioner or will try to ensure equal distribution of the questions.
Mayoral candidates will also have 'rebuttal chits' that they can cash in to challenge an answer or add their opinion. These are limited so that Mayoral candidates can only cash them in at the best opportunity to rebut. The Q & A period will continue for up to one hour. The Mayoral candidates will have 1 minute each to offer closing remarks at the end of the hour.
IS THERE A COST TO ATTEND?
Only for candidates. There is a small cost recovery fee of $25 (plus GST) for table rental for any candidate wishing to participate. Order your table by emailing info@nanaimochamber.bc.ca or calling Marsha at 250-756-1191
ARE TICKETS OR RSVP’S REQUIRED?
Not for voters. Candidates MUST pre-register so we know how many tables to put out and can prepare an invoice that they will need when filing their income and expense disclosure after the election.

I am being told JOBS, JOBS, JOBS

I received this note in reply to my request for campaign support.

I am being told loud and clear what to do.

Jim,

I live in the rdn, not in the city and as such can't vote. We share an admiration for Nanaimo but perhaps not at the same level. I was born and raised here but moved away for college and again for work, where I lived in Calgary for nearly 10 years. I returned in 2004 but still fund myself working elsewhere. Why? Because there is no industrial activity here. Being a construction manager in the energy and utility sector I know more about most take for granted. I understand business and I have an entrepreneurial spirit but this place is broken and does not allow it to flourish as it would elsewhere. Nanaimo has a big problem and unless guys like you change it, I'm afraid this next term and the one after it will see a massive and unexpected decline in taxes to the point where more than 75% of this place will live below the poverty line. No one wants to pay attention to that. The special interest groups that chase away development, big business and industrial tax, are a cancer here and only you can change it.

If you fail to recognize that, you too will fall. I suspect however you won't though.

Now, I've really got to find some work. I don't build condos or hi rise towers though so... 

Where's the WTE? The bio burner, the multiplex? The wind farm? The pellet facility? 

Good step, Tough Job - someone has to do it.

Jim Routledge

Candidate for Nanaimo Mayor 2014

www.jimroutledge.com

PRESS RELEASE

Jim Routledge                                                                     Oct. 20, 2014

Candidate for Mayor of Nanaimo – Press Release

City Manager has to go!

I’ve made no secret of the fact that one of the key planks in my platform is ousting the current city manager and hiring the best we can find – with an MBA at minimum.

Given the results we have seen at City Hall, it’s quite simple to extrapolate that any business owner or Board of Directors would take a similar action. We have consistently seen poor and slow results – not to mention outright errors and poor judgment. Even when errors aren’t the direct result of the city manager’s actions, he must ultimately take responsibility for the actions of his staff – and for the hiring of that staff.

In fact, I question the hiring of the current manager in the first place – no job search, no job competition – simply putting in place the next person “in line.” This is no way to run a city.

The Leadercast debacle is just one example of a system failure - the real telling thing about that is that there was no move taken to change anything to indicate what went wrong. This error must land squarely at Ted Swabey’s feet. As for the subsequent “cover-up” and lack of information to the public, that is simply a deliberate lack of open and honest communication – but that’s a different topic.

When I make mistakes, I assess what went wrong and do something different; I make a change. I take responsibility for my errors.

I have seen nothing as a result of Leadercast or other slow and poor results. I have heard many calls for a core review at City Hall. I propose to start by hiring an extremely able and competent city manager who can turn this ship around and work with Mayor and Council as a fully functioning team.

"More than Jobs" - Nanaimo Child Development Centre

Good conversation below with Diane Brennan - a Nanaimo Council seasoned veteran and in my eye a "specialist" in the field.  We enjoyed an "All Candidates presentation" yesterday morning - some eye opening statistics about children in our community.  As sad as this is, I feel connected and inspired - finally a problem with numbers attached to it, measurable, quantifiable and qualifiable numbers.  How nice would it be if all the challenges facing Nanaimo Council were "digital" in nature and transparent to ideas and efforts.  I mean that I need to see the effect of my actions.  I learn by my mistakes and apply myself where results appear.

Here is what I learned and thanks to Diane for sharing it and letting me share it with you.

• 

  10/27, 4:04pm
  

  Jim Routledge
  

  
  

  I got the impression that there was a bigger message this morning - they want something

  i got card from Scott Bradford - young and snappy - i like him
• 

  10/27, 4:07pm
  

  Diane Brennan
  

  
  

  Yes they want us to deal with improving Nanaimo's track record on children and families vulnerability Too poor, too hungry, low education scores. We can't do it alone they know that but they want us to act where we can and push senior gov't do do more. For ex we should be pressuring gov't to have a child care policy. The NDP has started the ball on that.
• 

  10/27, 4:09pm
  

  Jim Routledge
  

  
  

  good - that seems reasonable - we have made progress on Supportive Housing, there has been steps in right direction - is the big picture still that dark here?
• 

  10/27, 4:16pm
  

  Diane Brennan
  

  
  

  I think if we use the stat on how many children come to school at 5 yrs "not ready to learn" then we have a problem. What that means is not the hunger issue because where breakfast programs are necessary they are used but it is the developmental readiness is not there for a large number of kids. That says something about the situation of families they are living with. So things like poor housing, lack of literacy, stress of making the rent, buying the food, getting to work on the bus etc. and sometimes violence
• 

  10/27, 4:19pm
  

  Jim Routledge
  

  
  

  ok - you are awesome Diane - I can do something with this - I really do hear it when you put it in words like this. it really is about Jobs and getting this community moving - do you think i am missing something - I know you like Bill, he is awesome. I can deliver jobs - I do have a plan - call me crazy
• 

  10/27, 4:24pm
  

  Diane Brennan
  

  
  

  Actually it is more than jobs. Quite a bit more. Many families are not able to work (disability - chronic illness, psychiatric disorders etc). Others have literacy levels that are too low. Many have developmental issues, too. So while you may bring in jobs, there are many vulnerable people that can't access them. Child care has to come along with jobs or who will be able to take those jobs. Access to trades training is as essential as higher education. Both things need grade 12 and our graduation levels lag way behind. Welfare rates are way lower than the Stats Canada Low Income Cut Off lines (LICO), and the living wage is higher than the LICOs. It is incredibly complex.
• 

  10/27, 4:27pm
  

  Jim Routledge
  

  
  

  Good Balance is what I hear you say - "Child care has to come along with jobs" , "Both things", Housing, Mental Health, Education - yes its complex. I can see its something that nots going to get solved or even properly analyzed today - I need info - wow again lady, thanks
• 
  

Good NEWCASTLE ISLAND question. Whats in it for Jim?

• Penelope Mutschler A lot of my friends are considering you but your stand on building a bridge to Newcastle is a worry.. That is such a beautiful and pristine place and the idea it takes a little effort to get to it makes it special .the sailing community which is vast always talks about the beauty of this ( marine ) park .. I know sailors from the eu and New Zealand, Australia who love it.. Is your company building it ?? Are you in anyway profiting from this..so many of my friends and there friends are not happy about this.

  12 hrs · Like · 1
• 

  Jim Routledge Good questions Penelope Mutschler, a natural connection to make but in fact not so. My love for Newcastle goes back to 1986 when I was hired as Executive Director of the Pavillion Society. (NIPS) I hired a food operator, put on dances, weddings-generally promoted Newcastle. I got money & support from a dozen civic groups groups to do a Plan. This plan is on my website- it's called the LEAD study. It was approved by BC Parks & the Society. That's really what I want- a reason to stop, learn & love Nanaimo history. I respect democracy and the market to figure out how to get there. I really did put the horse before the cart last election or in this case the bridge before the reason to go ... Does that help?

  11 hrs · Like
• 

  Penelope Mutschler So you love this island then.. We first came to nanaimo by sailboat to visit our son who was a student here.. We saw the beauty of this island and town from a different light then anyone who sees it by ferry .. We were so enchanted that we returned to the Sunshine Coast sold our waterfront property and moved here.. We've never looked back.. We have never stayed very long in one place but finally now have found our place of focus and sanctuary . Fourteen years later .. We're still enamoured with this town.. It was Newcastle that started this romance and we've met a lot of like
  minded people who also have come here because they saw the beauty and potential of this town .. We've seen the waterfront development taking place and hoping it doesn't destroy the storybook picture this towns waterfront has.. What makes our waterfront so special is or was to many it's quaintness ..no huge towers ,the lighthouse bistro, our bastion , the little green pickle boats . The park .. We want a mayor who protects this not tears it down for big business..

  11 hrs · Like
• 

  Jim Routledge Good comments Penelope Mutschler, that's real. There is such good reason to be careful, cautious & critical of any plan to "develop" Newcastle. There is equally pressing cause to share this treasure in a measured & responsible manner. I know I am playing with fire here- I hope you feel better knowing that I do have a plan, love and commitment to doing it right. Please keep an open mind on this - just give me a chance to show you what I want - explaining this is a losing proposition. One of the first things I would do if elected is to have a public open house/ e-town hall meeting to properly after all these years present the LEAD study. I have been waiting since 1986 to show the people who wanted the study what was actually done and approved. It's really cool.

  10 hrs · Like · 1
• 

  Penelope Mutschler Thank you for your response .

  10 hrs · Like
•