was never a big fan of Gordo, but at least he got shit done. First Christy's hst referrendum and now this plebosite, what a joke. You call this leadership.Just another step backwards.
This. Christy Clark is not a very good leader. The leader gets voted in to do whats best but any actual difficult decision she makes she puts it back on us and overall the general population is not very good with difficult decisions. Too many short term issues that we put greater importance than long term ones, part of the reason forecasting and planning for the future is difficult for most.
Overall Translink really isn't that bad in terms of efficiency but they have had some major screw ups and debacles that get major coverage and they've been ripped pretty hard (some of it justly). If Translink ran smoothly 99% of the time then have one minor problem then they would still be considered incompetent.
The whole plan for tomorrow is difficult in the sense that we are effectively being asked to pay for future citizens benefit. I am still in favour of the increased tax but I see the dilemma here.
One difficulty here in Vancouver is that it is an expensive city to live in. The cost of living is very high, comparable to SF and NY, even though our provincial income taxes are one of the lowest in Canada. The problem is that NY and SF both have major industries that generate revenue and the overall city benefits. Whats Vancouver's great income generator? Junior mining? lol. We don't really have a tech industry, we don't have oil, we don't have finance. We are the junior team for people in these industries and when they get the call up they leave for NY or Toronto, or silicon valley. Most people, particularly the ones on this board, are willing to sacrifice a higher wage elsewhere and endure increased expenses to live in this area. I know I do because I really enjoy mountain biking any day I want.
I have no sympathy for those complaining about having long commutes and already paying taxes on fuel. I feel the tax is justified because the cost should reduce consumption which benefits everyone with cleaner air and reducing other harmful impacts. Also, you have just as much right to live closer to work as anyone else. I choose to pay more for rent/property and have a minimal commute than to buy a bigger piece of land south of the Fraser but then spend more time commuting and paying for gas. As far as the toll bridge, don't worry, all new things will be tolled eventually, just like SF and I would not be surprised when pay per distance driving becomes a reality (and we will wish we could take public transit then).