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DEVELOPING: Surrey Mayor demands apology from BCLC boss
VANCOUVER/CKNW (AM980)
Marcella Bernardo | Email news tips to Marcella
1/24/2013

Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts says the head of BC Lotteries owes her an apology for suggesting she acted irresponsibly in the lead up to the recent rejection of a casino project in her city.

"To suggest that I should have voted regardless of public opposition is irresponsible on his account in terms of his comments that he has directed at me."

Speaking with CKNW's Jon McComb, Watts says she felt compelled to address comments made by BCLC boss Michael Graydon, because she thinks they were 'inflammatory'.

"Every councillor voted the way they felt they needed to vote and that should all be respected."

Graydon has not been available for comment.  We've been told he's travelling.

BC's Minister responsible for gaming -- Rich Coleman-- has now released a statement regarding Surrey's Casino rejection.
 
He says he respects the final decision and promises the provincial government will never put a casino where it's not wanted.
 
Coleman's been accused of interfering in the process by personally calling city councillors and opening himself up to concerns he may have tried to influence their votes.

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  • 17
  1. taxed to death posted on 01/24/2013 03:49 PM
    Wheres the "OAF" Coleman in all this....He's as dirty as they come calling surrey councellors interfering with the process and advising them ' they had better vote in favor or no more funding"

    Following Snookies footsteps....resign Coleman
  2. Jartann posted on 01/24/2013 03:50 PM
    This woman needs to get over herself. She has become a bit of a media favorite in recent years, and as with all media favorites her decisions and statements are accepted uncritically. Too often, we have wound up with politicians who looked and sounded so good to media types, only to discover there wasn't much there. Let's see, VanderZalm, Dosanjh, Clark (both) just to name a few.

    Mr Graydon is entitled to his opinion. I happen to agree with him, but then who needs jobs? We hear the same wah wah tale of woe everyday-people need jobs, people need good jobs, blah blah blah. And yet, when someone actually proposes to do something that might lead to some work, the "I am all right jack" crowd shows up to say no.

    I am rather happy that DIane Watts stayed out of provincial politics. We need another naricistic self promoter like a hole in the head. After all, Vander Zalm was a mayor of Surrey at one time. SHe likes to hob nob with the elites at conferences and so on, but when it comes to standing up for people in need of economic opportunity, she walks away if she detects that doing otherwise will make her at all unpopular.
    1. Ron_26 posted on 01/24/2013 05:55 PM
      @Jartann I disagree with you on this one. Although I didn't really have a problem with the project, Ms Watts is an incredible Mayor. She and the council serves the growing community well. No one should be coerced by CEO's or, for that matter, upper governments. She has dealt with this issue responsibly and professionally.
    show more replies
  3. DougB_25 posted on 01/24/2013 04:10 PM
    Get over yourself Dianne.More and more it looks like you are getting ready for a run at a job in a higher level of government.It's also a joke to say that you "voted in accordance with your citizens wishes".In fact,you voted in line with SOME of your citizens.Surrey is a lot larger than south Surrey.You ignored everyone BUT the people in that tiny little part of this rather sprawling city.Many,many people in Surrey think that our city needs a facility like this.As of now,we all have to go north of the Fraser to see any big name artists of any kind.
    Surrey residents need a place in Surrey that can attract performers of high calibre.You know that..All your vote told me was that when a big decision came,and SOME people made a lot of noise,you failed to LEAD. Your past success is more a product of your being in bed with special interest groups and public sector unions in Surrey than it is about having the cajones to stand up and lead whe tough decisions need to be made.South Surrey's gain in this matter is the rest of Surrey's loss.All because you folded under pressure.
    1. True Blue posted on 01/25/2013 08:49 AM
      @DougB_25 What people fail to realize is that sometimes what your so-called "majority of citizens" want is not always what is best for the overall community. Remember that the "majority" of people don't have the skill set, patience or analytical skills or intellectual fortitude to run a city. It takes someone with those qualities to do so; Mayor Watts is one such person. She has proven this time and time again.
      Kudos to Mayor Watts for taking a thorough look at the issue and voting for what was best for the entire community despite the pressure she was being put under. Thumbs down to the councillors who caved under Provincial Government interference and voted for something that would have been detrimental to the environment surrounding the proposed development site, the local families in the neighbourhood, conservation of viable local farmland, traffic levels and would have also contributed towards light and sound pollution.
      You accuse her of not leading? I think she already has done, and will continue to do, a fantastic job at leading Surrey. I for one would love to see her run for Premier after this next election. The Province could use a leader like her.
  4. BorjeP posted on 01/24/2013 04:15 PM
    “BC Liberal MLA Gordon Hogg says he is “surprised” and “disappointed” to learn that B.C.’s minister responsible for gaming made personal calls to Surrey councillors during last week’s public-hearing process on the Gateway casino-entertainment complex."
    Hallo Ms Clarke why is this man still a minister.
  5. BOBF_5970 posted on 01/24/2013 04:30 PM
    i live in surrey and i sure would not like to have a casino in my backyard. taxpayers in our neighbourhood fought city hall to change the number of townhomes being stuffed on an acreage near us and city hall listened and changes were made in our favour. if i wanted to go to a casino i sure wouldn't drive to south surrey when there is a casino at 60th and 176th. i am glad we have a mayor that listens to the taxpayer first and then votes. it is call democracy.
    1. MikeD_5831 posted on 01/25/2013 07:06 AM
      @BOBF_5970 If the mayor had truly listened to ALL Surrey residents rather than the nimbyists in her neighbourhood, maybe she would've voted different. As it is, the local band will now go ahead with their plans for a casino/etc...Surrey will reap none of the benefits, and all of the increased traffic, etc. She has done well for Surrey, but she missed the boat on this one and I doubt I'm the only one that will not be voting for her the next election.
  6. joes_2868 posted on 01/24/2013 05:24 PM
    taxed to death: Yeah, right! like the readers listen to what your have to say.
    1. Ken280 posted on 01/24/2013 06:45 PM
      @joes_2868 I do Thumper Joe the grouse in heat with his Thumping and yammering, walking around with his grouse fright wig on so tight gives him many brain farts during the day! He can't help it here but to rant. Christy told him if he is a good little grouse, CC will be kind and return him a favor! Go NDP Go
    show more replies
  7. fredb_7066 posted on 01/25/2013 12:22 AM
    why doesnt dianne ask coleman for an apology?
    she is a joke but many think she c
  8. BCBornAndRaised posted on 01/25/2013 07:16 AM
    Dianne Watts is probably the smartest cookie involved in BC politics today. Bravo to her listening to the people, and for not letting BCLC (BC Legalized Corruption) have their way with her and the City of Surrey! Surrey is thankful!
  9. bctaxpayer posted on 01/25/2013 07:44 AM
    Watt's no doubt the smartest Politician in BC hands down.Risky Clark must be so envious, that she doesn't come close.
  10. joes_2868 posted on 01/25/2013 09:08 AM
    Ken280: The pain in your left arm is caused by a major illness called NDP!
  11. speakup posted on 01/25/2013 12:18 PM
    And the BCLC and their leader are soooooo trustworthy and on the level......
    Graydon should be FIRED and NO SEVERANCE!!!!
    WHO does he think he is????
    This guy thinks he hasTOO MUCH POWER
    Someone SAVE him before he implodes!!!!!
    Let him go to pasture - it's time.......
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