Pubdate: Fri, 11 Jul 2003
Source: Surrey Leader (CN BC)
Copyright: 2003 Surrey Leader
Contact:  http://www.surreyleader.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1236
Author: Rob Wilton

SOON TO BE KNOWN AS 'MAYOR OF MARIJUANA'

I wish Mayor McCallum the best of luck promoting Surrey to the world for 
the 2010 Olympics. Given the current pace of inaction and lost ground, half 
or more of the city will be owned by marijuana gangs.

He will be known world-wide as the "Mayor of Marijuana," if he is still 
here. Eight years ago, the city needed to act on this trend and didn't. Now 
police can only deal with 10 per cent of the operations and lose more 
ground every day. What will another seven years bring?

In his 2003 state of the city address, Mayor McCallum stated he and council 
have "worked with relentless determination to establish Surrey as the 
number one city in which to live, work and raise a family." This is 
certainly true for drug dealers who flock here to live, work and raise crops.

His comments have been conspicuously sparse on this issue. His efforts in 
Whalley were greatly needed but it's time to multi-task, Mr. Mayor! The 
rest of the city needs you too.

Like you said "If we all work together we will make our streets safer, our 
local job market stronger and the quality of life in Surrey second to none."

Well, the drug dealers are safe from prosecution, marijuana job market has 
exploded and the quality of B.C. "bud" is world renowned. So, when are you 
going to start "working together" with those trying to make your 
mis-statement true?

No more excuses, Mr. Mayor, the 14 in and around my neighbourhood are 
testimony to your inaction. What's your plan? You were put into office to 
make these tough decisions. It's time to earn your pay.

I hope the citizens of Surrey will call, fax and e-mail city hall and ask 
that very question.

Rob Wilton

Surrey
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom