As we've catalogued on the blog in recent months, the prospect of her stepping down from Council has been a discussion point going back to the days of her entry into the recent provincial election run up.
Should She stay, or should she go...
Councillor Rice just one of many to make the jump to provincial politics
Ms. Rice's success over PRDTA President Joanne Larson, secured her nomination for the NDP and from that point on, it would seem she was on a clock, with only the end of her running time on council to be determined.
The topic of Ms. Rice's future only intensified with her successful quest for provincial office. With many offering up their thoughts on her future with her pending decision to be discussed, debated and/or argued in any number of forums around the city.
You can review the full archive of the recent election campaign here.
Monday night, the newly elected MLA for the North Coast, provided the post script to her Council days (though she wasn't on hand to deliver it personally).
You can review the announcement to Council from their video website, the Councillor's farewell was delivered by City Administrator Robert Grodecki, at Monday's session. (see the notice at the 21:30 minute mark)
Councillor Carlick-Perason followed up the announcement, by providing her tribute to the departing Councillor, a sentiment echoed by the Acting Mayor for the night Nelson Kinney.
Not surprisingly, the Northern View was the first of the media outlets in the city to herald her decision.
Over the last six months or so, the Northern View has been the most adamant on the theme that the Councillor had to step aside, at times with a fascination that bordered on the fanatical.
The tone of the editorials from the publisher Todd Hamilton in particular seem to have provided a sub plot to the debate as Rice supporters (and even the MLA elect herself), offered up the rebuttal's to Mr. Hamilton's at times rather incendiary polemics.
Her departure now provides Prince Rupert City Council with a decision to make, as they work out the requirements and cost out the prospect of a by election to fill her seat.
As they consider that decision to come, they may wish to include a referendum on some outstanding civic issues, including the recently deferred Emergency Services building.
Or perhaps they will take guidance from the City of Golden which at the moment is considering reducing the number of councillors that sit on that City's Council, dropping the number from six to four.
That is a suggestion that we imagine that could fall under the "working smarter" mantra of council of late and a recommendation that might make for an interesting discussion around the Council chamber, but perhaps is one that is most likely for a later date.
The Northern View article on Councillor Rice's departure can be found here.
Other Media reports on her departure can be found below:
Northern View-- Rice Sworn in as North Coast MLA
CFTK-- Rice Leaves Council (video)
And for your archival purposes, (the Best of?) the Councillor must go contributions can be found below.
June 5-- The Northern View-- This gentleman prefers brunettes (editorial)
May 29-- The Northern View-- Attacks on Rice ineffective (letter)
May 29-- The Northern View-- Time for Rice to step down (letter)
May 29-- The Northern View-- Hamilton's "infatuation" crosses the line, says MLA elect Rice (letter)
May 22-- The Northern View-- Time to live up to election promises (editorial)
May 22-- The Northern View-- Now is the time for Rice to step down (editorial)
May 8-- The Northern View-- Hamilton's attacks on Rice offensive (letter)
May 1--The Northern View-- Rice gives Hamilton a failing grade (letter)
April 24--The Northern View-- The education of Jennifer Rice (editorial)
February 12-- The Northern View-- Prince Rupert City Councillor Jennifer Rice should resign her seat (editorial)
Jen Rice won the North Coast running for the NDP. In fact much of B.C.'s coast is orange. As is northwest B.C.up to the Yukon border. There is little discussion on CBC, and certainly not in the Northern View, recognizing how the new provincial government is not represented in this pivotal part of the province. This huge hunk of land, islands and water went NDP orange. But...
ReplyDeleteThe following quote aptly describes the efforts of Todd Hamilton, publisher of the Northern View, and David Black, CEO of Black Press, which owns the Northern View. David Black is also proponent of a $25 billion oil refinery in Kitimat.
"Not a corner of the earth exists where the oil and gas magnates have not convinced the locals by establishing the cultural narrative in their favour.
The end result is always the same.
All pain and no gain and a handful of fabulously wealthy people who think its all great."
Written by Whatthe on The Tyee, Postcard from Fort Nelson, B.C.'s Gasland
Todd Hamilton's work is about "cultural narrative." Ours.