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Friday, October 31, 2014
SERVING MISSION SINCE 1908
Vulnerable Happy Halloween! citizens focus for mayoral candidates
Non-profits host all-candidates meeting Carol Aun MISSION RECORD
Mayoral and council hopefuls squared off for the first time Tuesday night to discuss social service issues at the first all-candidates at the Clarke Theatre. More than 300 people attended the event organized by Mission Community Services Society, Women’s Resource Society of the Fraser Valley, Mission Friendship Centre, Fraser Valley Child Development Centre and Mission Association for Community Living.
Mayoral forum
Each mayoral candidate was asked specific questions, and others could offer their input by using one of their three rebuttal cards. The only topic every candidate spoke about was how to clean up the streets of downtown. Retired MLA Randy Hawes believes an abstinence program is needed in B.C. to help those with addiction problems. “Now the government’s policy on dealing with addition and mental health is to give all the money to Fraser Health,” said Hawes, noting the agency treats addictions with methadone, which brings needles in to the community. “We have to get to know every one of the people on the street. …
we need police to do that.” Hawes explained once the vulnerable individuals are identified, they can be assisted to get the help they need. “We’re are not using the right approach in the province for addiction,” said Hawes, noting it’s a community problem and it’s up to the community to do something about it. Wendy Bales argued different solutions are needed for different people. “We need to start with housing first,” she said, noting if users are off the streets, there won’t be as many needles discarded in the community. Community advocate Kevin Francis maintained, “Policing won’t work; it’s been tried. Abstinence won’t work; it’s been tried … We need to start believing science, not politicians.” “I don’t agree abstinence is the only solution,” said incumbent mayor Ted Adlem. Coun. Tony Luck questioned where the funding would come from for more police officers. “Abstinence works only if it’s what they want to do. We can’t force it,” said Luck, who suggested a good relationship with Victoria CONTINUED ON 5
Zombies Eden Parent, Phebe Hunter and Mac Treacher are ready for Halloween. The final day of the Mission Arts Council’s 10 Days of Terror Haunted Attraction: A Tribute to the Walking Dead is tonight from 7 to 10 p.m. at Mission Raceway Park. The haunt is for ages eight and up, and anyone under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Proceeds will support programs at MAC. BOB FRIESEN PHOTO
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