tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435367521078186829.post1851757541581269684..comments2024-01-08T21:00:24.932-08:00Comments on The Straight Goods: Golden Ears Bridge Boondoggle Revisited(Updated February 16/2011)Grant Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944976348166120530noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435367521078186829.post-13975630933423904442011-02-17T21:15:19.931-08:002011-02-17T21:15:19.931-08:00I live in Maple Ridge and I have said, ever since ...I live in Maple Ridge and I have said, ever since they were asking the Public for in-put on how to pay for the Golden Ears Bridge, (and they never listen), "put a .50 cent toll on every bridge in the Lower Mainland and the Sea to Sky Highway. You are correct Grant, toll them all for much less money, everyone gets to pay and it is not a burden at .50 cents. Nuff Said, They don't Listen!hydr0l1c5https://www.blogger.com/profile/00989792069577547351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435367521078186829.post-13073787232215469362011-02-16T23:42:09.175-08:002011-02-16T23:42:09.175-08:00Drew Snider is nothing but a buffoon. He gives us...Drew Snider is nothing but a buffoon. He gives us this sad tale of losses attributed to the Golden Ears Bridge, and has the gall to say that taxpayers will not be on the hook for the shortfall. Well Mr. Snider, where does Translink derive its revenue from, the sale of BC Bud? In the same way as all government entities, shortfalls will be made up by increased taxes and/or fees and reductions in services.<br /><br />One wonders how inept one must prove to be to get land a job as nothing more than a babbling brook.<br /><br />CamCrankypantsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435367521078186829.post-22522676745211645372011-02-16T20:43:34.042-08:002011-02-16T20:43:34.042-08:00I think there will be a lot of people moving out o...I think there will be a lot of people moving out of BC in the not too distant future. People that rent a house/apartment will be the first to move, followed by those that will be lucky enough to sell their properties/homes - some returning to the provinces they left years ago to move to BC.<br /><br />That is quite an achievement by Campbell - drive people away. First they drive out of province to shop because they cannot afford to pay the full prices charged here. No wonder the HST returns are not as good as they say. <br /><br />It is not over yet - only when these parasites that play government, are removed from office, can the healing start.<br /><br />ThanksAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435367521078186829.post-8616986980662991042011-02-16T17:28:41.590-08:002011-02-16T17:28:41.590-08:00BC is pretty much a dead province. The HST has don...BC is pretty much a dead province. The HST has done so much damage, we are not going to survive it. BC has done the worst of all of the western provinces, we are dead last, because of the HST. Big business, mines, banks, gas and oil company's, get billions of our tax dollars. They get huge tax reductions, and are getting more. I saw that motion pass, by the entire House of Commons. Because, large corporations are bottomless pits of greed. They all lined up at the pig trough, squealing for the HST too. I would prefer to see big business, kicked right out of our province, we don't need them. All big business has done, is steal from the BC citizens, with Campbell's assistance of course. We want our BCR back. We want our rivers back. We want every dime back, Campbell has stolen from us.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435367521078186829.post-68015607328988120012011-02-16T11:50:29.044-08:002011-02-16T11:50:29.044-08:00The Golden Ears bridge was just another example of...The Golden Ears bridge was just another example of the Lieberals not being able to do business. Although they like to label themselves as people who can run business all they have done is run the business of this province into the ground.<br />They can't figure out if you make things too expensive people won't use it. They can't figure out that if you reduce the amount of money coming in (lowering corp. taxes) you have less money to spend on health, children, et.c<br />They did figure out how to allow people to "launder money" though casinos, and they did figure out how to make money for the McQuire group, and they knew how to make money for foreign rail companies. o.k. so here is what it works out to the lieberals make money for people who are not hard working citizens of the province or for children, the sick, etc. got it.<br />Now lets get rid of the lieberals.e.a.f.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435367521078186829.post-49427997770248493112011-02-16T11:40:37.750-08:002011-02-16T11:40:37.750-08:00An article from the Vancouver Sun from last year w...An article from the Vancouver Sun from last year with traffic counts: http://www.vancouversun.com/TransLink+considers+reducing+tolls+more+traffic+Golden+Ears+Bridge/3104153/story.html<br /><br />You'll notice the article talks about reducing tolls. After the article came out, Translink RAISED some tolls, because of lesser traffic. <br /><br />Makes sense, eh?<br /><br />I live close to the GEB. When I do go on it, I can't see the license plate number of the car in front of me. It's too far away. This bridge is a joke that we're gonna be paying for for years.<br /><br />My understanding is the concessionaire lets Translink know the traffic count. Does anyone know if that's correct? Fox in a chicken coop?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435367521078186829.post-86527043017475098702011-02-16T11:02:06.212-08:002011-02-16T11:02:06.212-08:00Seth...I wrote this post last year...It`s about fi...Seth...I wrote this post last year...It`s about fiscal mismanagement ...<br /><br />As for federal politics, I can`t stand Harper!!!!<br /><br />Iggy is a twit!!!!!<br /><br />Jack Layton(NDP) is my choice...Unless a good independent runs in my riding.<br /><br />Stay tuned....Grant Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11944976348166120530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435367521078186829.post-12207019188609421582011-02-16T10:56:19.948-08:002011-02-16T10:56:19.948-08:00I can't believe you are gunning for a Harper v...I can't believe you are gunning for a Harper victory!!! <br /><br />Hopefully Iggy and Jack can work out some sort of arrangement like the Catch -22 movement. <br /><br />Both Harper and Jack are against nuke power at a time when the energy issue is the most important issue we face bar none.sethnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435367521078186829.post-78554590192084958242011-02-16T10:31:36.357-08:002011-02-16T10:31:36.357-08:00blah, blah, blah, blah. That's all I hear when...blah, blah, blah, blah. That's all I hear when these people open their mouths. When can we get rid of them?cherylbnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435367521078186829.post-20898761191567536732011-02-16T07:55:21.197-08:002011-02-16T07:55:21.197-08:00There are two words ( I know there are a multitude...There are two words ( I know there are a multitude of other words but I want to spare you from my ranting )I can think of to describe the past and present BC Liberals, Pathetically Corrupt with a capital P and C!Jon Hnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435367521078186829.post-9511823567438059972011-02-16T07:31:03.514-08:002011-02-16T07:31:03.514-08:00Just wait, the $5 billion Gateway and bridge proje...Just wait, the $5 billion Gateway and bridge project will cost the taxpayer dearly, then add the huge expenses for the Canada Line, Sea to Sky, etc. etc. No wonder the mainstream media were extolling the virtues of the Olympics last week, it is merely a smokescreen to hide the fact that the taxpayer is being screwed.<br /><br />The three stooges, BS Bula, and the rest will never report the truth, just mindless rhetoric - a truck load of what the Cockney's say - "Pork Pies"!Evil Eyenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435367521078186829.post-75858680378305974622010-03-29T19:27:16.816-07:002010-03-29T19:27:16.816-07:00The thing that strikes me about this poll is 32% o...The thing that strikes me about this poll is 32% of the respondents would probably not vote. That is not usually included as a question by most pollsters. Also the 9.7% that state they are undecided could well be the king makers.<br /><br />What this poll shows me is that Campbell and James are done in the voters minds and must stand aside.Crankypantsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435367521078186829.post-91449891437336602522010-03-29T00:18:51.983-07:002010-03-29T00:18:51.983-07:00The only answer provincially and federally is a ne...The only answer provincially and federally is a new voting system....PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION IS LONG OVERDUE, you know, the one Campbell did NOT include in his sick ballot game, the citizens committee study of first past the post or single transferable vote. 2. The dangerous, corrupt media problem, clean up how?? 3. Carole James MUST GO.jaydeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13897581398617875658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435367521078186829.post-17858384289885075852010-03-28T20:42:19.360-07:002010-03-28T20:42:19.360-07:00Carole James is working furiously for another Libe...Carole James is working furiously for another Liberal win.<br />Some say she is a Liberal plant within the NDP!<br />Damned clever those Liberals!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435367521078186829.post-54943708534434427182010-03-28T11:04:42.178-07:002010-03-28T11:04:42.178-07:00Well,I don`t want to argue with my friend Mr.Robbi...Well,I don`t want to argue with my friend Mr.Robbins but....<br /><br />On Vancouver island if there was an election tomorrow the NDP would sweep every riding..<br /><br />The Peace river country would be a slight Campbell win.<br /><br />Kamloops would turn orange.<br /><br />The kelowna are would shuffle a seat or two.<br /><br />4 more seats in the GVRD would turn orange.<br /><br />The Fraser Valley,the bible belt,sad,they would vote (according to Michael Smyth) for a shaved ape if they ran as a Liberal...<br /><br />And I guarantee if Adrian Dix or John Horgan was leader of the NDP the orange vote would skyrocket.<br /><br />So as for his poll, the number for the NDP is too low,the last election the NDP received 42.7% of the vote...4% lower than the Liberals..<br /><br />I can`t imagine the NDP have lost 20% support...<br /><br />But with all respect to Mr. Robbins...<br /><br />It`s my opinion that he is sending a message to the NDP to change their leader!<br /><br />Which I totally agree with..<br /><br />Remember,always think outside of the box,it will serve you well.<br /><br />CheersGrant Ghttp://powellriverpersuader.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435367521078186829.post-10067387888381457182010-03-28T10:50:48.912-07:002010-03-28T10:50:48.912-07:00A top BC pollster, Robbins SCE Research, released ...A top BC pollster, Robbins SCE Research, released an opinion poll yesterday and I just can't understand why the NDP can't do better than that convicted criminal and habitual liar Gordo:<br /><br />"If an election were held today in the province of British Columbia, for which leader and party would you caste your ballot?"<br /><br />Gordon Campbell and BC Liberals 21.2 % <br />Carole James and BC NDP 24.2 % <br />Jane Sterk and BC Green 5.9 % <br />John Cummins and BC Conservatives 6.7 % <br />I probably would not vote 32.3 % <br />Undecided 9.7 % <br /><br />http://www.robbinssceresearch.com/polls/poll_686.htmlAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435367521078186829.post-22807441637399681192010-03-28T09:52:33.800-07:002010-03-28T09:52:33.800-07:00Let's all hope Bill Vanderzalm has a little fi...Let's all hope Bill Vanderzalm has a little fight left in him after we take down Gordon (Korsakoffs) Campbell tax. Remember Vanderzalm was the one to implement the PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX that we all pay one percent of now on purchasing a Home. Bill cost us 2300.00 last year to purchase a modest townhome. Are you listening Bill ? Will you make this your last hoorah considering I'm canvassing against this stinking proposed tax ?.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435367521078186829.post-91543630838980782322010-03-28T09:12:02.135-07:002010-03-28T09:12:02.135-07:00To your last sentence, I give an "AMEN, BROTH...To your last sentence, I give an "AMEN, BROTHER!!"Leahnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435367521078186829.post-18788135653362756312010-03-28T09:00:31.294-07:002010-03-28T09:00:31.294-07:00There is one really really big thing to remember.....There is one really really big thing to remember....<br /><br />The Habitual liar Campbell is not only assaulting us with HST,hydro rates spike,msp spike,carbon taxes,he is also killing off salmon,destroying the environment and selling off all our assets...<br /><br />Indeed the NDP may not get rid of the HST..But..They can lower the rate,they can impose corporate taxes on big PROFITABLE industries like banks and oli n gas...<br /><br />They can add tax exemptions to many items..<br /><br />That my friends is the big picture.<br /><br />Campbell is killing us in a thousands ways at once....<br /><br />and perhaps the Provincial Conservatives,Refederation party,even independents can make inroads..<br /><br />But one thing is for certain..<br /><br />Gordon Campbell and the Fiberals MUST BE REMOVED.<br /><br />CheersGrant Ghttp://powellriverpersuader.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435367521078186829.post-14039550699009649282010-03-28T08:27:17.155-07:002010-03-28T08:27:17.155-07:00Grant said - "Saskatchewan,or Manitoba had th...Grant said - "Saskatchewan,or Manitoba had the HST, I think it was Saskatchewan, the NDP came to power and got rid of it,so it can happen."<br /><br />It was Saskatchewan. But the BC NDP have avoided the issue of removing the HST when they become government and I fear that they will keep the HST.<br /><br />So what do we do? Vote for that clown Vander Zalm?! It's like being between a rock and a hard place.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435367521078186829.post-80793815454382531882010-03-28T08:15:19.259-07:002010-03-28T08:15:19.259-07:00Leah...I am going to be canvassing for signatures ...Leah...I am going to be canvassing for signatures either way..<br /><br />Everything can be reversed, I`m still hoping for a Shawn Graham type moment,I`m waiting for the Liberal rats to flee the sinking Campbell...<br /><br />I`m not convinced it will help the economy or government revenues..It didn`t help Atlantic Canada..<br /><br />Leah,my biggiest is that the HST will hurt the econonmy,a big tax hit to consumers/people that hurts the economy...<br /><br />And here is another problem,despite the HST,the Governments(Plural)...Municipal/Provincial/Federal or all going to need more tax revenue,due to the corporate giveaway,which means even after an HST we get saddled with more tax hits on all ends.<br /><br />And I heard some very disturbing news on the radio yesterday,from Ottawa,the federal Liberals hosted some event,the key speakers who seem to have the ear federal liberal policy makers....<br /><br />Have told Iggy that the Federal Liberals need to impose federal carbon taxes and they need to reform healthcare,particularly,raise taxes..Again with the treat the bad old baby boomers and health rationing...<br /><br />For goodness sakes,there is plenty of money available,get out of Afghanastan and start charging corporate taxes again...<br /><br />So it appears that federal Conservatives definatly can`t be trusted,Federal Liberals aren`t worthy of trust(They helped ram the HST down our throats)...<br /><br />So unless the federal NDP can win,or make big gains,there appears to be an across all Governments screw job going on.Grant Ghttp://powellriverpersuader.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435367521078186829.post-36934811022325173422010-03-28T05:42:46.114-07:002010-03-28T05:42:46.114-07:00Grant, the HST is not necessarily a done deal! Tha...Grant, the HST is not necessarily a done deal! That's what MSM and PAB want us to be believe, and many do. <br /><br />If our petition approved by Elections BC is successful numbers-wise...it will be submitted to the Legislative Standing Committee with two options:<br /><br />1. Implementation of the results of the petition or...<br /><br />2. It goes to a province wide Initiative Vote. There we must have a majority vote (more than 50% of registered voters), as well as a majority in 2/3 of electoral districts to pass. If it passes, the Libs will have to legislate to stop, or repeal the HST. <br /><br />If this happens later than sooner, we can take heart that any monies Ottawa has received in the form of HST must be returned to the citizens of the province, not the Liberal government.<br /><br />On another note of interest, there is a lawyer drafting up an injunction to stop this...and they feel he will have success at the SCoC level because of the cost to the federal government if we're ignored. The monies collected from HST are going to be considerably more than either level of government is leading us to believe. Billions more. Based on the fact that Ottawa will have to refund all HST received, and that it could effectively bankrupt them when they have to pay it back - the injunction stands a good chance of succeeding.<br /><br />As much as depending on the Initiative Petition to succeed, if it should fail...and there is NO guarantee it won't...then we have to rely on two things:<br /><br />1. Successful recall of the liberal government in November.<br /><br />2. The integrity of the NDP to repeal this tax themselves. <br /><br />I'm not sure that will happen when they see the volume of money involved in it. A sum that would make our eyes bug out if we knew the total amounts collected, which we never will. Of course.Leahnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435367521078186829.post-86015360624395694162010-03-27T21:29:13.481-07:002010-03-27T21:29:13.481-07:00The number of vehicles crossing the Golden Ears Br...The number of vehicles crossing the Golden Ears Bridge will not give an accurate estimate of revenue derived from tolls. There are no toll booths. Translink collects their money through a transponder system and through pictures of license plates of those vehicles without a transponder. This works to a point for vehicles carrying BC plates. The tolling system has no way of collecting from vehicles licensed outside BC. They get free access and there have been some reports that a good portion of the traffic is truck traffic bearing foreign plates.<br /><br />Our transportation gurus are not the sharpest knives in the drawer. The lack of turnstyles allows many people to ride Skytrain for free. No toll booths on a toll bridge allows many to use the bridge for free. Then they wonder why their revenue is less than it should be.<br /><br />Another flaw in their approach to these tolls, is that one only pays when one gets a bill in the mail. If a person uses it once, it probably costs more to process the bill than what Translink derives from the toll. Toll booths would work better for the casual user and foreign licensed vehicles. <br /><br />CamCrankypantsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435367521078186829.post-62687543987638673502010-03-27T20:42:10.054-07:002010-03-27T20:42:10.054-07:008:09PM...Bill Teileman is going to be in my neck o...8:09PM...Bill Teileman is going to be in my neck of the woods on Monday,with Nicholas Simons....<br /><br />But let me be perfectly clear, the HST initiative can`t stop the HST whether it is successful or not....Gordon Campbell can ignore it,cabinet/Government perogative....<br /><br />Also,the HST is already the law of the land,the Federal Senate in Ottawa got the HST bill,didn`t debate at all,all the senators Liberal and Conservative gave it the nod of approval and sent it off for royal assent....<br /><br />The only thing left is for the BC Legislature to repeal the PST,leaving us the HST...<br /><br />"recall in the fall" is the only other option...<br /><br />If the NDP take power in the fall,or in 2013...<br /><br />We can pay back the HST bribe and take back our tax soverngty.....<br /><br />Saskatchewan,or Manitoba had the HST, I think it was Saskatchewan, the NDP came to power and got rid of it,so it can happen.<br /><br />As for the Golden ears traffic counts...<br /><br />The golden ears bridge is the only major bridge in the GVRD that does not have a traffic cam that can be accessed on computer,that was done on purpose so the internet crowd can`t see the empty bridge,again more manipulation...<br /><br />So anyway,I will attempt to locate the actual numbers....<br /><br />Back to the HST initiative, it is still important for us to succeed even if Campbell ignores it, it will help drive the recall nails into his coffin at "Recall in the Fall"<br /><br />CheersGrant Ghttp://powellriverpersuader.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2435367521078186829.post-54475977576670812662010-03-27T20:09:27.410-07:002010-03-27T20:09:27.410-07:00Grant - Can you provide some recent traffic counts...Grant - Can you provide some recent traffic counts over the GEB? I can't seem to find any.<br /><br />Hopefully this will be just be another nail in Gordo's coffin come this fall. And I'm also looking forward to see your name on the HST initiative as a registered canvasser at Elections BC when we take down Gordo's Horse Shit Tax in the next few weeks.<br /><br />I never thought that I would say this but Hail Victory!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com