whistler - November 19th, 2005
Letter to the Editor


To candidates for Mayor and Council,

Why do we always think that government can solve our problems - more specifically, affordable housing?

Every election time we hear the same old refrain about leadership, about housing and about sustainability (and maybe about the economy from those that really understand where our paycheque comes from). The reason we keep hearing it over again is that it never gets effectively dealt with the previous time, yet we are assured (often by the same people) that this time it will be different.

Governments dominated by socialist 'thinkers' tend to want to control everything and everybody with an overburden of rules and regulations. For this reason, true affordable housing in Whistler for all who need it, will never succeed. You will probably be better off joining a wait list in some Eastern Bloc country.

My solution: Sweep away current taboos and consider massive rezoning for duplexes, secondary suites, 200 to 400 sq. ft., one person condo units, and multi-family rental units. Let free enterprise determine the market and selling price. Let developers, contractors and individuals take the risk and allow them their paycheque. Seek their advice. Step back and allow the free market to function with all its energy and enthusiasm.

Social or controlled housing may offer temporary relief but in the long run will hold people at the poverty line. They will be deprived of the equity gained by home ownership (however small) in a prospering community. Home ownership (again however small) encourages commitment to the community and, down the road, a more settled and secure family life as we all know.

Please don't let me hear again about affordable housing in 2008.

Yours truly,
Signed,
John Richardson
17 - 5525 West Boulevard
Vancouver, B.C.
604 263 9446 home (Vancouver)
604 952 6686 work

anonymous - November 19th, 2005
Jamey, you have run an excellent campaign.
Whistler's future depends on people like you to stay, grow and prosper, marry and raise a family here.
Ted Nebbeling is your best choice.
Please think about it. I know you have done your home work!

It's been a pleasure meeting with you "on the trail".

Tom Horler

anonymous - November 19th, 2005
Jamey I think you missed the point that the previous writers were trying to make. It was the policy decision to control the supply and scope of development here(which by the way is supported wholeheartely by the community) to preserve the surroundings that you are mow a part of that has created the environment that requires these never-ending descussions of affordable housing and how to create it. An economy with less friction (ie a free market) would have resolved this problem long ago. However as a community we wanted to preserve our unique situation.That horse left the barn a long time ago and won't be coming back. Unfortunatley This created the problem of how to provide entry level housing for people like yourself. As the saying goes Be careful what you wish for...... The basic laws of econ0mics are pretty compelling. Fix supply against increasing demand and prices go up. the only way to stop prices from going up is by interference in the free market by government which inevitably means some form of subsidy. Our best case scenario is that our leaders negotiate a solution that taxpayers and the developer can live with. Unfortunaley that is very difficult andusually ends up in a compromise in the housing choices that can be made available and ultimately will restrict your future opportunity and participation in the financial future of the resort.
I echo Tom comment. your passion and enagement in the process is admirable keep working at undertstanding the resort and what makes it tick. Continue to contribute you clearly want to learn
PKelly

anonymous - November 19th, 2005
Mr. Horler, with all due respect I think your comment is rather comical. I'm sure you are aware that Jamey is supporting Ken (and his name is on the adverts). Kelly Richards

anonymous - November 19th, 2005
Just finished voting with my wife Deanne - it was hard to get out the door it was so busy!
If our voter turnout goes up as much as it looked on the surface this will have been a great step forward. Eckhard

anonymous - November 20th, 2005
Sorry Chris Manuel (re: his identical comments on two other closed sites) but I won't be voting for Kristi. I want someone I can trust, who has basic skills and a work ethic (ask why she gets kicked off boards - housing, whistler forum, ...), who isn't in bed with developers, .... I want somebody I can be proud to call our Mayor, ... for me, Ted or Ken are as close as we'll get to that.
A whistler resident since the early '80's

anonymous - November 20th, 2005
I was an undecided voter. Thanks to your comments I went on Kristi's web site to find out more and I have to say she has accomplished a lot within the last 12 years. I pulled out some newspaper articles about issues (WHA, etc.) and I have to say: very dedicated, passionate, hard working, well spoken. So I went and voted for her as I can't stand people who may have personal issues and just dig in the mud. Get the real facts and reasons before you post comments. That's probably why you stay anonymous. I would be proud to have her as a Mayor. Seth