Pubdate: Fri, 28 Sep 2012
Source: Coquitlam Now, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012Lower Mainland Publishing Group, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.thenownews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1340

MUNICIPAL LEADERS SHOW SOME SPINE

Mayors sometimes do the darndest things. When together, these elected
municipal leaders occasionally show surprising clarity - away from the
mundane ribbon cutting and haranguing headlines back home.

At this week's Union of B.C. Municipalities convention in Victoria,
the mayors of the province voted on numerous items.

Two in particular catch our eye - both throwing the ball in Ottawa's
direction.

Mayors and councillors passed a motion Wednesday that asked Prime
Minister Stephen Harper to talk with B.C. reps about the unpopular
federal cuts to the Kitsilano Coast Guard service. A day earlier they
voted in support of decriminalizing marijuana.

Although neither were unanimous, both motions demonstrate some united
backbone by the municipal leaders on hot button issues.

The Harper government has refused to budge despite growing anger over
the closure of the Kitsilano Coast Guard service. It is hard not to
see Ottawa's decision as a cold, cost-cutting act with no concern for
its ramifications.

Experts and municipal leaders warn that eliminating the Kits station
will double response times to marine emergencies and could result in a
loss of lives. Hopefully it won't become the West Coast version of the
Walkerton tragedy.

As to the marijuana vote, the supporters can expect an even colder
shoulder from Harper.

Despite studies and evidence that show the weed's health benefits when
used as prescribed medication, along with the revenue potential for
governments, the likelihood of the Conservatives giving this vote a
sniff is remote.

If Harper wouldn't listen to the nation's police chiefs, victim
services groups and health care providers who stood up for the long
gun registry, don't expect him to toke on this one.
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MAP posted-by: Matt