Episode 75: No Tax Joy, Armstrong Advocates, Ballooning Budgets, Flag Flap, Queensborough Bus

In this week's FTR podcast, it starts off with a discussion regarding Jay Joy's presentation to New West Council. He asks if the 3.5% Climate Action Levy can be removed from the utility bills of New West residents and business owners. Coun. Nakagawa says no way. While Mayor Johnstone tells Joy he was 'misinformed'. So who was right?A familiar face showed up to the special Queensborough Council meeting to advocate for a new turf and track field at Ryall Park South. Former NWP mayoral candidate Ken Armstrong made a presentation to Council asking them to support this important investment in his Queensborough neighourhood. Find out what the staff response was and why Armstrong left the meeting a very happy man!Metro Vancouver presented their new trimmed down budget this week and it included double digit budget increases for as far as the eye can see. Yet Metro Vancouver wanted taxpayers to applaud their efforts at spending less. Should they?Tis the season of resident association meetings. A few of them have taken place the last few weeks including in Brow of the Hill, West End, Massey Victory Heights and Downtown. They were packed with federal politicians, wonder why? As one federal election candidate said "this election is considered as a job interview". Does that also mean it's also time for a performance review for our former Member of Parliament?Queensborough MLA Steve Kooner asks the BC NDP Minister of Education some tough questions about funding for a bus transporting high school students to NWSS. The Minister's response in the Legislature might come as a surprise!Popular CKNW host Mike Smyth talks Metro Vancouver budget and whether it's appropriate to fly the USA flag at Queen's Park Arena. Listen in to the interview and summary of responses from his callers.The FTR podcast is available on all major platforms including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you enjoy it, be sure to tell your family and friends to follow!