The wit and wisdom of Podunk for 2008

The Daily News featured some interesting quotations from local residents in the Friday edition of the paper. Compiling some thoughts from the locals on a wide range of issues for this new year, with more than a few observations that may raise a few eyebrows or chuckles depending on your point of view.

It's one of the few items in recent memory that hasn't included a quote from the always ready Mayor, but perhaps he was out of town at the time of the interviews.

There were others however that seemingly like to tallk! However, we're not sure which local contributor is going to like being called a wind bag, but we at least hope that they paid for year long subscription...


If things don't change, they'll stay as they are
By Kris Schumacher
The Daily News
Friday, January 04, 2008
Page Five

In honour of a past tradition here at the Daily News, we are bringing our readers a wrap-up of some words of wisdom from some of our city's great and good - plus some far-fetched blown smoke from local wind-bags (we'll let you decide which is which).

We've assembled a panel of local experts (actually they were the only people available and willing to speak to us during the holidays) to assist in compiling a list of insightful predictions and hopes for the year ahead.

Charlotte Rowse,
Civic Pride promoter:
"I'd love to see businesses coming in and filling up those stores on Third Avenue and in the mall. It's really disturbing, in all the years I've never seen it so bad. I would certainly like to see city council not take so many trips so that the money could be spent around Prince Rupert. We're still so much in debt and our taxes are so high it's ridiculous, so I hope council will watch their pennies for us."

Mike Ambach,
North Coast project manager, Prince Rupert World Wildlife Fund:
"My prediction is that environmental concern will continue to dominate the public agenda across Canada, as it has for the better part of last year. It will play largely into the 2008 election, and we're probably going to see an increased creativity around solutions for various environmental issues, climate change being the foremost one, coming from an array of areas. I think we're at a threshold point for taking the issues by the reigns."

Farley Stewart,
Executive director for the Friendship House:
"What's that quote from the guy who got beat up by the L.A. police? [Ed. note; Rodney King] There were riots in L.A. and he came on the radio and asked, 'Can't we all just get along?' It's an election year I think too isn't it? So I'm looking forward to seeing all the politicians again, and I hope we can all get along."

Phylis Bowman,
Columnist and local historian:
"There's nothing new that we haven't heard before, and it's going to be interesting to see what all these promises and predictions come to. Let's just say that we've heard it all before, like "we're going to be a big world port." It's an election year isn't it? Well we'll probably hear the same old song and dance, and hopefully we'll get some new blood in."

Ann Ferguson,
Chair of the Prince Rupert SPCA:
"I predict dogs and cats in Prince Rupert will continue to fornicate, and the shelter will be bursting at the seams as usual."

Nelson Kinney,
Prince Rupert city councilor:
"I predict that we're going to really go ahead, that we're going to become quite prosperous with our industries and everything. But also I'm working hard with others for various smaller things, such as better access for people that have disabilities, and we need more senior housing so badly. We also really have to work with our youth, not just tell them what to do. I'd like to meet with the youth and work with them, possibly get a roof for them at the skatepark. The city owns the Kin Hut, why not let them have a repair shop and a place to sell hot dogs and stuff?"

Denise St. Arnaud,
Chief librarian, Prince Rupert Library:
"I predict every taxpayer in Prince Rupert will be a member of the library, and all the outstanding fines will be paid back."

Brian Musgrave,
Owner of Rainbow Chrysler:
"I think from a local economy standard, with the things that have happened in our community and those that are happening, everything from the port and gaming centre to things at Ridley, I'm looking forward to an increased population. I think we'll continue to see more people move to Rupert or move back to Rupert to fill in positions that are being created with new job opportunities. I'm fairly optimistic for some strong growth in 2008 over 2007, and I think the biggest thing that's going to determine our direction for the next five years is Phase 2 (of the container port)."

Ron Miller,
Fire chief, Prince Rupert City Fire Rescue Department:
"From a personal perspective, 2008 gets me a little bit closer to retirement, which at my age and time in my career is quite noticeable. I'm hoping from a community standpoint it is another step forward. We've made some huge strides in 2007 getting our community back on track, and I'm optimistic that it's going to be improved all the more. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens with the election year, I know city council has had a difficult time in dealing with all the issues. It's going to be interesting to see if they all choose to re-enter and endure some more of the abuse that they've had, or who else might step up to take on some of the abuse and heartaches and extra work."