It's not all bad. Our city had a council meeting in chambers on Monday night. They passed a motion to help low income citizens afford housing. They also passed a "no plastic checkout bag" law including compostable and biodegradable bags. Polystyrene foam cups, take-out containers, plates and bowls are now banned.
The most controversial motion was an update on the sign bylaw. They crossed the line when they banned political signs from personal property. What about "no farm no food in India" signs that are all over the community? What happened to our Charter of Rights and Freedom?
On September 13 at a land use meeting, there was a motion by proxy to ban seven Surrey citizens from City Hall. These citizens have never been arrested, been removed from the building or done anything unlawful. They have been vocal about about city issues and the mayor does not want them at council meetings. It has never been done before and the other councillors want to know if they sought a legal opinion. It would appear if you don't agree with the current mayor if it's a zoom meeting he will just disconnect your call or now they are back having public meetings, ban you from the building. On a Zoom meeting in June I watched, he disconnected 22 people off who called in without letting them finish. Is this constitutional? Can you not voice an opinion?
This mayor was given a car allowance of $14,580.00 a year. I'm sure other mayors are given a car allowance too. Our mayor asked Purchasing to buy an new 2019 Buick Envision SUV. He was caught gassing it up at the works yard (no tax and no charge for him) and the City of Surrey had the vehicle on their fleet insurance. When caught, he laughed and then repaid the allowance. Thanks to investigative reporters and Freedom of Information!
In early September this year Mayor McCallum reported a vehicle ran over his foot to the RCMP and filed an insurance claim with the Insurance Corporation of BC. This incident took place in a super market parking lot with many cameras. Upon investigating the RCMP turned the file over to a Richard Fowler a special prosecutor for assistance. They are looking at charges of public mischief and fraud.
Our mayor Doug McCallum (77 and divorced) is living with Surrey Councillor Allison Patton (left her husband and 9 year old daughter for a much older mayor). They have been living together for at least a year and a half. He's involved in her business and she votes on his council. Isn't that a conflict of interest? You can't make this stuff up!
