Thursday April 17, 2014 (Vol. 39 No. 31)
V O I C E
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W H I T E
R O C K
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S O U T H
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A time of reflection: Internationally known South Surrey rrey painter Robert Genn, coming to terms with pancreatic cancer, muses uses on the continuing, self-defining importance of artistic expression. i see page 39
Barinder Rasode says she will seek Surrey mayoralty if incumbent Watts declines to run
‘Isolated’ councillor quits Surrey First Kevin Diakiw Black Press
Saying she is being discouraged from thinking or acting independently, an outspoken Surrey councillor is cutting ties with the Surrey First team. Effective immediately, Coun. Barinder Rasode is leaving Surrey First, the “coalition of independents” led by Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts, that, until now, held every seat on Surrey council. And Rasode told Black Press that if Watts chooses not to run again in November’s civic election, she will run for mayor. “I do believe if the mayor’s chair is vacant, I
do believe I would ❝I joined what I understood around the Newmake a very strong ton Town Centre to be a coalition of voice for the resiPlan and called independent voices, but dents of Surrey… for more police. I no longer believe that a very competent The reaction independent voices are voice as well,” from her fellow encouraged or respected.❞ councillors, she Rasode said in an exclusive interview said, was an “isoCoun. Barinder Rasode Wednesday at her lating” experiCloverdale home. ence. She said the move to leave Surrey First “That heightened isolation has led me to wasn’t prompted by a potential run for mayor. re-evaluate how effective I can be in a team Her tipping point on the mayor’s coalition environment,” Rasode said. came months ago, when Rasode stated pub“I joined what I understood to be a coalilicly that the city needed to revisit its strategy tion of independent voices, but I no longer
believe that independent voices are encouraged or respected.” The pushback she says she’s getting on council is preventing her from doing her job effectively; “That is my reason for leaving.” Last month, Coun. Linda Hepner confirmed she was testing the water for mayoral support if the mayor should decide not to run. In a poll of other councillors, Coun. Bruce Hayne said he would consider a mayoral run if Watts wasn’t in the race, and Coun. Tom Gill said he might. The rest of council either said they hadn’t thought about it or outright rejected the idea. i see page 4
White Rock in talks
Odds of imminent city strike abated Tracy Holmes Staff Reporter
Beach buffer
Eileen Jarrett photo
Machinery that has been on the waterfront in Crescent Beach since late February continues to dot the landscape, as the City of Surrey works to replace 26 deteriorating wooden groynes with composite-plastic, marine-friendly structures that will better weather the conditions. The $1.4-million effort is anticipated to continue into May.
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A stalemate in negotiations between the City of White Rock and its unionized employees has seemingly been lifted. CUPE spokeswoman Roseanne Moran said Wednesday that new talks have been scheduled between the two groups for late next week. The progress was announced less than 48 hours after the local (40201) union president described odds of a strike in the city as “very good.” Mike Guraliuk told Peace Arch News Tuesday that when the two sides left mediated discussion that wrapped up April 1, “we were not talking.” Coupled with a strong strike mandate, Guraliuk predicted 72-hour strike notice would be issued late this week. Talks between the city and union broke down two weeks ago. Essential-service levels were finalized by the Labour Relations Board on Monday. i see page 4