Todd Stone is the new guy. Looks interesting.
Recently turned 40, lived in Kamloops for 23 years, the founder of a software company.
Definite community leader: served as board member on of the regional United Way, vice chair of Board of Governors for the local university – and much more. No doubt a rising star in the Liberal government.
As Minister, here are his priorities as set by the Premier. He will:
- Ensure continued investment in the province’s infrastructure, which is so critical to achieving a healthy and growing economy.
- Lead efforts to complete the South Fraser Perimeter Road and the four-laning of the Trans-Canada Highway.
- Continue progress to replace the George Massey Tunnel.
- Ensure that the public approves any new funding sources for transit improvements in Metro Vancouver.
Get the wording? “Ensure … lead … and continue progress” on all the road-based projects. But transit? The wording doesn’t say ‘Get it done.’ Or ‘Support the region in getting transit where it’s needed to achieve a healthy and growing economy.’ Not even ‘Help the region achieve a consensus.’
It’s to watch over the process and make sure citizens get a vote within a year and a half – without an assumption that something will go ahead. That assumption is reserved for the road projects.
A region-wide debate of historic significance is going to be forced on us with almost no time to prepare. The pressure will be immense, and the possibility of failure quite real.
So a few questions for the new minister:
Will you back any consensus that might be achieved by regional leaders for the vote to be put to Metro taxpayers? In other words, will you use your political capital to push for a yes vote?
Second question: If the vote doesn’t proceed, or it fails, or is significantly underfunded, what then? No transit improvements in the Lower Mainland at the same time as new road, tunnel and bridge construction moves ahead apace?
Third – and maybe the only one you can answer at this time – what’s your vision for the urban region that will be shaped by your infrastructure? Particularly in the absence of transit to help shape and serve it.
In short, what kind of city and region does Todd Stone actually want to see?
My question is: how can those who are concerned about what the answers to these questions organize to influence the outcome? Obviously as things stand we have not been heard and the election is done. What is the next step for US?