Episode 80: Donair Machete, Citizen Assembly, May Day, Budget Transparency, Congestion Tax, Richmond CardGate and much more!

In another 60 minute packed podcast, co-hosts Daniel Fontaine and Paul Minhas talk New West politics. First up to the bat is a discussion on the $110,000 Council committed to make permanent the Citizen Assembly. It was a pilot project that was initially heralded as an opportunity to streamline the city's engagement activities and make them more effective. While the survey says yes, a couple of NWP councillors said no. Find out why.Did you hear about the machete wielding thief who entered the Paradise Donair shop on 12th Street? He scared the living daylights out of the staff and was subsequently arrested and charge by the NWPD. Unfortunately, the judge let him out the next day and told him to 'behave'. What gives? Is this the new normal in New West?May Day has been around for 155 years. It used to receive lots of support from the School Board and City Council, but no more. While other organizations recently cobbled together get tens of thousands of tax dollars, May Day gets a fraction of that to keep the lights on. May Day Committee member Scott Rains let er rip at Council and told them the organization needs to regain its special status within the city. But were the politicians actually listening and willing to act? "Holy micromanagement Batman" said Councillor Nadine Nakagawa in response to a motion asking for more openness and transparency in city budget-making. If approved, it would have meant all projects at the city would have to have a budget and it would be readily available to the public. So why did the motion get voted down? Tolls. Levies. Congestion Pricing. You take your pick. It appears the BC NDP government is about to make driving your vehicle a lot more expensive. Have municipal politicians really convinced Victoria to give them new taxation power to help fund public transportation in Metro Vancouver? And will it really cost you $200 more per year to drive?We also do an event roundup and much, much more! If you like the podcast be sure to tell your friends and family and encourage them to follow. It's available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and all major platforms.