Stumble Upon

del.icio.us

Digg

Facebook

Print

Email

speakup

The Fredericton chapter of the Conservation Council of New Brunswick and the Fredericton Arts Alliance have each conducted surveys of city councillors on issues close to their hearts.

The conservation chapter asked local council candidates to comment on recycling, a ban on the use of cosmetic pesticides, a city-wide anti-idling policy and a ban on drive-thru construction, among other issues.

Mayoralty candidate Tim Andrew supported the ban on pesticides and plastic bags, a ban on drive-thrus, support for a no-idling policy and support for a new southside bottle depot.

Incumbent mayor Brad Woodside didn't respond to the survey.

In Ward 9, candidate Jo-Ann Fellows supported a ban on cosmetic pesticides.

In wards 1 and 11, political newcomers Bill Maxon and Wendy Hebert answered all questions in favour of the environment, the conservation council group said.

Ward 1 incumbent Dan Keenan said a local pesticide ban wouldn't work without a provincial ban in place.

Ward 11 candidate Doug Pond wouldn't support the anit-idling policy or a drive-thru construction ban.

Coun. Tony Whalen, who has been returned by acclamation, supports integrated pest-management practices rather than a ban on pesticide use.

Coun. David Kelly, who is reoffering for his Ward 12 council seat, is open to more study on the pesticide ban but wouldn't support a ban on drive-thrus.

In Ward 7, incumbent Scott McConaghy supported another bottle return location and a no-idling policy.

Tracy Glynn, chairwoman of the Fredericton chapter, said the questions were no-brainers.

"Waffling on any of these issues demonstrates a baffling disconnect between their views and the views of the majority of Frederictonians who consistently want to reduce threats to health and the environment," she said.

Glynn said Ontario and Quebec recently introduced legislation banning the use of pesticides for cosmetic purposes on lawns and gardens and are urging municipalities to follow suit.

The Fredericton Arts Alliance, a non-profit advocacy association, asked the city's two candidates for mayor to respond to an arts survey.

The results of the survey and an online discussion may be found at www.stu.ca/stuforum2/get/mayoralty.html