Pubdate: Tue, 17 May 2011 Source: Abbotsford Times (CN BC) Copyright: 2011 The Abbotsford Times Contact: http://www.abbotsfordtimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1009 Author: Cam Tucker, The Times PROTESTS AT MISSION COUNCIL Residents of Mission unhappy with their district council made their voices heard last night prior to the council's regular Monday meeting. Despite the rain, as many as 100 protesters were expected to show up last night outside district chambers to voice their displeasure with what they believe is a mayor and council that has, for the most part, lost touch with its residents. "There's a number of issues," said Larry Newell, a Mission resident and former director of inspection services for the district. "They just don't particularly listen. They don't believe in the natural laws of administrative fairness. I've never seen anything like it in my working career." Recently, former Mission councillor Ron Taylor and current councillor Jenny Stevens each had their computers seized by the RCMP as part of a breach of trust investigation. It's been alleged that leaks pertaining to the district's controlled substance bylaw have filtered their way from Mission council during in-camera meetings. The controlled substance bylaw - better known as the marijuana bylaw - allows the district's Public Safety Inspection Team to perform unwarranted searches on properties drawing more than 93 kwh of electricity per day. Residents subject to these searches have been forced to pay upwards of $5,000 as an inspection fee, regardless if marijuana - or a grow operation - is found. The bylaw has now become the subject of a class action lawsuit against the District of Mission and backed by the B.C. Civil Liberties Association. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.