UBCM's uselessness

Soon to be the UBCLG's uselessness.

The Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) has struck a sour note with legislative reporter, Tom Fletcher, as evidenced in his September 12th, 2012 article "Towns tackle modern problems" in the Morning Star.

About time too.

First, Tom's story, parts of which are condensed:

"Local politicians are preparing for their annual convention, to be held September 25 to 28 here in the provincial capital.

One of their first orders of business this year will be a vote to raise the dues paid by local governments to the Union of B.C. Municipalities, to cover rising travel costs for staff to serve on provincial committees.  The plan is also to change the name to Union of B.C. Local Governments, to reflect the participation of the regional districts and aboriginal communities.

So what do these committees and conferences accomplish?  The UBCLG, as it will soon be known, is mainly a lobby group for local politicians to seek changes to federal and provincial laws to keep up with changing times.

The resolutions offer a snapshot of modern problems facing local governments.  A major theme is public safety..."

(condensed list):  "Columbia Shuswap Regional District wants more provincial policing money for rural communities;  Surrey wants better notice and control of a growing number of medical marijuana licenses issued by Ottawa.  Pitt Meadows, home to a Hells Angels clubhouse and drug-related crime familiar to most urban communities, wants B.C. to follow Alberta's lead and give police authority to remove known gang members from bars and clubs.  Metchosin is seeking support to decriminalize marijuana ... and make Ottawa's sex-offender registry public for convicted repeat offenders; Ashcroft wants to give emergency services authority to deal with...hoarding...little or no authority (at present) to enforce compliance with health and safety standards when a building is owner occupied."

"delegates voting with wireless devices to condemn smart meters..."

"Other resolutions tackle complex and important issues, such as the effect of hydro development on municipal water supplies.  But alas, most will be lost in the convention noise, overshadowed by political posturing over matters best left alone."

"Last year's convention featured the low comedy of delegates voting with wireless devices to condemn smart meters..."  (blog: absolutely hilarious!!!!)

"This year, in addition to factually challenged railing about oil tankers, there will be a tough stance taken against shark's fin soup, which will no doubt strike fear into the Chinese fishing fleet."

"Once delegates vote themselves more taxpayers' money to run this show, perhaps they should keep their grandstanding to a minimum. 

Tom Fletcher" 

The UBCM's Mission Statement shows they want to be all things to all people.

Get a load of this: 

The values we want associated with UBCM as an organization are:

• Credibility and accuracy in what we do
• Timely and effective in how we respond
• Valuing teamwork and respecting diversity in everything we do
• Being non-partisan and objective in how we present ourselves

Our vision is to most effectively represent and serve all local governments in BC.

Guided by our values and to achieve our vision the purpose of UBCM is:

To represent and serve all local governments in BC by:

• Being the recognized advocate for their common interests
• Meeting the members' common needs

We will be the recognized advocate for local government in BC in:

• Policy development and implementation
• Government relations
• Communications externally
• Liaison with other groups

Our priorities for meeting the members' common needs are through:

• Communication to members
• Advice and training for local government officials
• Convention
• Information sharing

We strive for continuous improvement in all that we do."

And all that striving for continuous improvement has led to a resolution on hoarding. Oh my God!

Taxpayers are continuing to realize how useless the UBCM actually is.  Many people have said the best thing to do is to kill elected officials' attendance.

"Or maybe the UBCM itself," offers Kia.

And the UBCLG.