tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10291038804836528642012-01-07T17:40:28.239-08:00Nick Hodge for Lumby Councillornoreply@blogger.comBlogger331100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029103880483652864.post-35831274816597003012012-01-07T17:40:00.000-08:002012-01-07T17:40:28.251-08:00

Budget time in the Village, and oh what a complicated process it is. My first step was to look for a comparison to other communities in the region, and fortunately the Provincial government has made it easy - a downloadable Excel file that I filtered for just the North Okanagan. Here are the results: 704 - Taxes and Charges on a Representative House - 2011 Municipalities

Nick Hodge for Lumby Councillornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029103880483652864.post-72770893874583364892011-12-19T00:51:00.000-08:002011-12-19T08:02:17.553-08:00

I caught up on back issues of the Morning Star over the weekend and Lumby recreation figures in three articles.A Friday December 16th article extolls the virtues of spending $57,000 of next year's White Valley Parks, Recreation and Culture budget on a new water spray park and a new outdoor fitness circuit. Total project cost $435,322. Leap forward two days to Sunday December 18th and there's an

Nick Hodge for Lumby Councillornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029103880483652864.post-35963709595628696202011-12-17T11:08:00.000-08:002011-12-17T22:57:10.364-08:00

December 19th council will hear a presentation promoting a ban on the use of cosmetic pesticides in the Village. I have collected a few links to sources I think I can trust, and will add to it as more info is forthcoming. May 2011 Andrew McLeod writes that the provincial Liberals and NDP agree, and legislation is coming. The Ministry of Environment refers to a bi-partisan committee (which is

Nick Hodge for Lumby Councillornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029103880483652864.post-20507264085505029362011-12-09T23:39:00.000-08:002011-12-09T23:39:09.349-08:00

For my first foray into how things work at council I thought I would pick something that would be relatively uncontroversial. I think it will be useful for the water bill to show historical consumption rates similar to our hydro & gas bills. But primarily it's a test to see if it possible to get things done while on council. If you have any ideas for short, simple projects that would make life

Nick Hodge for Lumby Councillornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029103880483652864.post-52834003853274250172011-12-05T22:43:00.000-08:002011-12-05T22:43:40.083-08:00

Nick Hodge for Lumby Councillornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029103880483652864.post-43959500302736676602011-11-24T20:27:00.001-08:002011-11-24T20:59:42.356-08:00

Local good-paying job with Village There's a job posting on the Lumby village web site. The posting closes December 9th, and that's about all I know about it. http://www.lumby.ca/index.html More construction jobs coming The construction management company in charge of the inSite Senior Care facility slated for construction in spring 2012 is Kasper Development Corporation . It will be for 46

Nick Hodge for Lumby Councillornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029103880483652864.post-29134909501039531062011-11-20T08:41:00.000-08:002011-11-21T18:01:15.335-08:00

http://www.elections.civicinfo.bc.ca/2011/reports/electionresults.asp?localgovernmentid=66 Mayor Kevin Acton Councillors Randall Ostafichuk Lori Mindich Jo Anne Fisher Nick Hodge Thank you. I look forward to three years of representing Lumby residents on council.

Nick Hodge for Lumby Councillornoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029103880483652864.post-76994262895145880892011-11-09T23:52:00.000-08:002011-11-10T18:02:13.290-08:00

That taxation without representation is wrong has been around for 225 years. People should not be surprised at my belief that Lumby council should have at least a majority of residents. This was an issue in the 2009 by-election. Two of the councillors at that time were residents of Area D, and at least one person running in the by-election was, too. It was possible that after the election 3 of

Nick Hodge for Lumby Councillornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029103880483652864.post-79655627146792398042011-11-04T06:38:00.000-07:002011-11-04T12:28:45.730-07:00

Response to Lumby and District Chamber of Commerce Week 2 questions(Saturday AM, October 29, 2011)What practical, researched and considered ideas do you have to bring employment to Lumby and area? (Long term or short term employment). (Home based basket weaving is not an option). Studies have been done in the past looking at economic drivers for Lumby. These studies are still relevant. Some

Nick Hodge for Lumby Councillornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029103880483652864.post-26663313930030605052011-10-27T22:46:00.000-07:002011-10-27T22:46:42.204-07:00

Week 1 response to Lumby and District Chamber of Commerce questions 1. What do you think are the top 3 things Lumby can do to improve the downtown business economy? Village can improve signage to local amenities (schools, arena, ball park, curling club, skateboard park, pool, health unit)  Village can continue improving the walking/cycling connections between residential areas and downtown. 

Nick Hodge for Lumby Councillornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029103880483652864.post-50207872317480923952011-10-20T06:20:00.001-07:002011-10-20T06:45:02.484-07:00

November 19, 2011 will be my second attempt to be elected to Lumby council. The first attempt was in August, a much more pleasant time to be out meeting people while they worked  in their gardens. Maybe more people will be home this time. The number of empty homes I came across that summer surprised me. Approaching a house there would be a car in the driveway, and the curtains perhaps half

Nick Hodge for Lumby Councillornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029103880483652864.post-67406381147625346402011-05-29T22:43:00.000-07:002011-05-30T22:16:22.439-07:00

I am taking part in two 50-year celebrations in June. Amnesty International began in 1961 with the publication of an article in a newspaper. On June 15th, Vernon Group 138 will raise a toast (Schubert Centre 7.00pm). In 1961 the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) and the Canadian Labour Congress joined together to create the New Democratic Party of Canada. The first leader was Tommy

Nick Hodge for Lumby Councillornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029103880483652864.post-72144406678633282202011-04-20T22:19:00.000-07:002011-10-14T00:43:21.943-07:00

Laila Yuile has gone to the trouble to look back on the circumstances that brought us to this prison referendum. I'm Laila Yuile, and this is how I see it

Nick Hodge for Lumby Councillornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029103880483652864.post-39373028333881211372011-04-13T16:19:00.000-07:002011-04-13T16:19:48.712-07:00

I am not sure this provides the antidote, but it is certainly a good summary of why we got to where we are.

Nick Hodge for Lumby Councillornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029103880483652864.post-674115584968421952011-01-03T21:27:00.000-08:002011-01-03T21:56:18.170-08:00

Individually, bees aren't very intelligent (not like humans, anyway). So how do they organize themselves to make good group decisions? The Five Habits of Highly Effective Hives - Thomas Seeley - The Conversation - Harvard Business Review

Nick Hodge for Lumby Councillornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029103880483652864.post-78700279132009753432010-11-13T23:34:00.000-08:002011-04-05T11:05:10.703-07:00

In the search to find an alternative to the saw milling industry for Lumby, we need to unearth our underutilized assets - the things we have in abundance that other people cherish. Things that reproduce, will not run out, and that we can exchange for dollars. Feel free to add to this list: Motorcycling Hwy 6 Salmon watching Hang gliding Snowmobiling Hiking, boating, camping A good list so far,

Nick Hodge for Lumby Councillornoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029103880483652864.post-46248683771912332002010-09-14T15:54:00.000-07:002010-09-21T15:28:44.546-07:00

In deciding whether or not to register for the HST, the general rule is, "The HST is good for business". Compare the two scenarios below to see why business supports the HST.  Impact of HST on Net Income (Business)  Net income is higher if a business is registered for HST. Do you pay HST on anything? That amount is an Input Tax Credit if you register, & is deducted from the HST

Nick Hodge for Lumby Councillornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029103880483652864.post-58257459017784550082010-09-02T02:44:00.000-07:002010-09-02T02:44:58.770-07:00

Nic Marks: The Happy Planet Index | Video on TED.com

Nick Hodge for Lumby Councillornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029103880483652864.post-88993895175513004172010-08-13T21:38:00.000-07:002010-08-13T21:39:08.530-07:00

Artist Don Elzer is the first (in my little world) to come up with a good name for the proposed correctional institute in Lumby - "Acton Prison". Don's opposed, by the way. Any others come to mind?

Nick Hodge for Lumby Councillornoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029103880483652864.post-23144396404753752722010-07-17T12:54:00.001-07:002010-11-07T17:21:16.031-08:00

First, let's be clear. There is no tax bracket that will take more than 100% of your wage increase, and more income is always better than less. Now back to the topic... Some people use Canada Revenue Agency as a  forced savings account, treating a large tax return as a windfall from a benevolent government. Here's two basic strategies (there are others) to set this up: CRA as savings account

Nick Hodge for Lumby Councillornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029103880483652864.post-8970975815140336242010-07-14T14:46:00.000-07:002010-07-14T22:41:12.158-07:00

It is not a slam dunk that the prison will provide jobs for locals unless we can get through the screening process and land the position. What do I need to know that I haven't already seen on TV? Fortunately, the provincial government has a web site outlining the process and skill set they are looking for. Not enough time to look? Here's the Coles Notes version: ++++ Basic employee requirements

Nick Hodge for Lumby Councillornoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029103880483652864.post-85542410574710496692010-06-25T16:42:00.000-07:002010-06-25T17:00:42.706-07:00

I can live with a prison in Lumby. There are some benefits, not the least of which is that people will be coming to town to visit. They may stay overnight, stop into the bakery, and even buy a six-pack. Christians, too, will be able to practice their faith more fully - visiting prisoners is an important act of faith. Matthew 25:35-46 The risks are something we live with every day, regardless of

Nick Hodge for Lumby Councillornoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029103880483652864.post-46201800918886110342010-05-09T13:43:00.000-07:002010-05-09T13:43:09.355-07:00

CBC News - Canada - Funding OK'd for rural broadband internet Good news for Mabel Lake Road, Cherryville & River Road perhaps. North Okanagan Regional District is on the list at

Nick Hodge for Lumby Councillornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029103880483652864.post-12323965155699070432010-05-02T00:56:00.000-07:002010-05-02T00:58:33.409-07:00

My work web site gives the explanation with an example, but the gist of the argument is that if you are in business, or a not-for-profit, then wait until after July 1st to make purchases of items that have PST as part of the cost.

Nick Hodge for Lumby Councillornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029103880483652864.post-26413955534508412332009-10-31T08:46:00.000-07:002010-07-21T12:42:11.308-07:00

CEP Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada

Nick Hodge for Lumby Councillornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029103880483652864.post-5273159028585703412009-09-22T23:04:00.000-07:002010-09-21T11:50:59.972-07:00

Nick Hodge for Lumby Councillornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029103880483652864.post-87309759013374217222009-08-15T22:35:00.000-07:002009-08-15T22:36:09.806-07:00

to Janet Green (councillor) and Kevin Acton (mayor). Lumby is in good hands.

Nick Hodge for Lumby Councillornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029103880483652864.post-58554054525377359542009-07-26T18:32:00.000-07:002011-04-05T11:01:14.719-07:00

The Chamber of Commerce forum will be at 6.30pm July 29th, at the White Valley Community Centre. Each candidate has 6 minutes to introduce themselves & answer 2 pre-circulated questions. Question 1. What are your priorities for our community? Merlin Mann famously said that, “You eventually learn that true priorities are like arms; if you think you have more than a couple, you’re either lying or

Nick Hodge for Lumby Councillornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029103880483652864.post-43358989607772018642009-07-20T04:19:00.000-07:002009-07-20T10:43:00.599-07:00

'Downtown revitalization'. Who can be against making our Village a more attractive place? Surely not anyone interested in winning a popular vote.Wait a minute. We haven't finished paying for the last downtown revitalization. The 2008 financial statements show that we still owe $223,815. The debt will be paid off in 13 years - 2022. When I say 'we', I mean ALL the property owners and residents of

Nick Hodge for Lumby Councillornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029103880483652864.post-84778936472164096982009-07-06T21:58:00.000-07:002009-07-07T16:13:52.987-07:00

Eric Foster, MLA encouraged me to run for office one day, but I don't mean to imply that it was an endorsement. Let me explain.During the last provincial election in May, Eric Foster was the Liberal Party candidate. At a forum in Vernon, I leapt up to the mike to question Eric's statement that land under the Agricultural Land Reserve had actually increased since 2001. The Liberal campaign had

Nick Hodge for Lumby Councillornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029103880483652864.post-84961365664404887552009-07-05T22:57:00.001-07:002009-07-07T16:13:37.972-07:00

Consultants are writing Lumby's Transportation Strategic Plan, and I predict that one of the recommendations will be to install parking meters. Now that a bylaw enforcement officer is on staff, parking meters offer a steady source of income to the Village and the easiest bylaw to enforce.1. The vehicle owner's name and address is easily available.2. The loss of having a vehicle towed far

Nick Hodge for Lumby Councillornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029103880483652864.post-66039908818432042732009-07-05T07:38:00.000-07:002009-07-07T16:14:06.715-07:00

I can appreciate that those living in the surrounding rural areas think of Lumby fondly, but decisions that they make at council will not affect them financially. I believe that the majority of Village councillors should be Village residents.'No taxation without representation!'

Nick Hodge for Lumby Councillornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029103880483652864.post-33277586731170888682009-07-01T22:44:00.000-07:002009-07-07T16:01:05.752-07:00

1. to represent the residents of Lumby on council2. to find a way to improve communication between council & residents3. to keep parking meters out of downtown Lumby

Nick Hodge for Lumby Councillornoreply@blogger.com0