Episode 121: Exclusive - Major Platform Announcement from NWP, Air Con in Schools, What We Heard & More!

🎙️ NEW EPISODE OF FOR THE RECORD 🎙️This week, Councillor Paul Minhas is joined by NWP council candidate Karima Budhwani for a discussion focused on one of the issues residents consistently raised during the recent What We Heard community listening sessions: public safety, neighbourhood cleanliness, and community well-being.🗣️ WHAT WE HEARDThe hosts begin by reflecting on the completion of the NWP listening sessions held throughout New Westminster. Hundreds of conversations helped shape the party's priorities and provided valuable feedback from residents on the issues that matter most in their neighbourhoods.🚨 SAFER, CLEANER & MORE WELCOMING NEIGHBOURHOODSThe centrepiece of this week's episode is a detailed discussion of the New West Progressives' newest platform announcement.Highlights include:👮 12 new Community Enforcement & Safety Officers on foot and bike patrols🧹 Tripling investment in the successful "I's On The Street" street-cleaning program🩺 Exploring a Car 87-style mental health response partnership🎭 Bringing more buskers, public art and cultural activity to commercial districts🏪 New micro-retail opportunities on Columbia Street🗑️ 100 additional waste and recycling bins🚉 Cleaner and safer SkyTrain stations🎨 A new TAG Team to aggressively tackle graffiti💡 Improved lighting in key public spaces🤝 A Crime Reduction and Public Safety Task Force🚔 A commitment that the Mayor seek appointment as Chair of the New Westminster Police BoardKarima and Paul discuss how these proposals are designed to support public safety while also investing in prevention, neighbourhood vibrancy, cleanliness, and support for vulnerable residents.🏫 AIR CONDITIONING IN SCHOOLSThe episode also reviews a recent NWP news release highlighting concerns about the lack of air conditioning in local schools and the challenges students and staff face during increasingly hot weather events.🏛️ COUNCIL PREVIEWThe hosts look ahead to the upcoming New Westminster City Council meeting, including discussions surrounding:💡 Heritage lamp replacements in Massey Victory Heights👨‍👩‍👧 Family-friendly improvements at təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre🏊 Free swimming lessons for children🏗️ The next phase of the Royal Towers redevelopment proposal💰 A report outlining funding received from senior levels of government🎧 If you're interested in public safety, community livability, local politics, and the future direction of New Westminster, this is an episode you won't want to miss.#NewWestminster #ForTheRecord #NewWestProgressives #PublicSafety #LocalGovernment #NWP #NewWestPolitics