Henry's Blog

“Henry Braun has served the Canadian Pacific District of the Christian and Missionary Alliance in a variety of roles. He has been a District Executive member, a District treasurer and has also served on the District Finance Committee.

He has demonstrated a strong ability to lead with passion as well as careful attention to details. He works well in a team environment and raises the energy and effectiveness level through his articulate and insightful leadership. He is sought out for counsel in decision making and is able to provide excellent wisdom from his personal and business experience. He has been a deeply valued member of our District family and continues to be a helpful resource to our leadership team.”

Rev. David Hearn

District Superintendent

Canadian Pacific District

“I am pleased to see Mr. Henry Braun seeking a seat on Abbotsford City Council in the upcoming Civic election.

Having shared a seat on the Abbotsford Airport Authority Board with Henry, I found him to be a man of sound business principles, strong ethics and a person passionate about the growth and success of our City and its assets. I believe Henry would be an excellent addition to City Council.”

David Lane

Abbotsford Businessman.

“I have known Henry Braun for about two years. Our Eye Clinic is a tenant in his previously owned shopping complex. Henry is a very honest, personable and genuinely a nice guy. He is very trustworthy and intelligent. I think he will be a definite asset as a member of City Council for Abbotsford.”

Dr. Parm Sandhu, B.Sc., O.D.

EyeMax EyeCare

#120, 31935 South Fraser Way

Abbotsford, BC. V2T-5N7

This last week on the campaign trail has been grueling; my day begins at 4:30 a.m. and often doesn’t end until 10 p.m., Needless to say, I am looking forward to November 19, when life will return to something more normal. However, today, I carved out my morning to attend MEI’s Remembrance ceremony where my 10 year old grandson was part of the choir.

It is not often that I am moved to tears, but this morning was one of those times. Mrs. Welsh, delivered an amazing address about a Canadian soldier who died on October 8 or 9, 1916, during the battle of Ancre Heights at Regina Trench, Somme, France, during the First World War. James (Jimmy) Cleland Richardson, received the highest and most prestigious award for British and Commonwealth forces, the Victoria Cross.

He was 20 years old, born in Scotland and a resident of Vancouver, and then later in Chilliwack. He was a Piper in the 72nd Seaforth Highlanders of Canada. During the Battle of Ancre Heights, the company was held up by very strong wire and came under intense fire. Piper Richardson, left the trench and piped along the fence line playing his pipes. This so inspired the troops that they rushed the enemy’s position and captured them. Sometime later, the piper was detailed to help with the wounded and some prisoners and realized that he had left his pipes behind and insisted on going back to retrieve his pipes…he was never seen again.

Richardson’s pipes were thought to be lost in the mud of the Somme for almost 90 years until 2002, when a Pipe Major responded to an internet posting and discovered that Richardson’s pipes were not lost. A British Army Chaplain, Major Edward Yeld Bate had found the pipes in 1917 and brought them home after the war to a school in Scotland where he was a teacher. Through a series of events, the pipes were identified as belonging to Richardson. An anonymous donor facilitated the purchase of the pipes on behalf of the citizens of Canada. In November of 2006, the pipes were repatriated to Canada and placed at the British Columbia Legislature as a reminder of a generation’s valor where they are on display.

Let us pay tribute and honor those who gave their lives in order that we might live in freedom and peace. Take time to tell a veteran, how much you appreciate their service to this great country of Canada.

Numbers don’t lie, but selectively used they can be misleading.

In the City’s material promoting the “Yes” vote, a base year of 2007 is used for the projection of increases in water demand through to 2016.

Here is the graph from the City’s marketing campaign information showing PROJECTED water usage.

Using these numbers, the actual water usage since 2007 is ignored. Instead, growth in water demand is projected for each of the years following 2007 until Abbotsford reaches excess demand during the summer months of 2016.

I have now received from the City’s Water Project team the actual water usage for 2008 to 2011, which shows a significant difference between what the City “projections” and what actually occurred over the past four years.

Here is the graph of ACTUAL water usage. My hand drawn graph shows both the City’s projections as well as the ACTUALS .

Year Peak Peak Average
MLD Date MLD

2011 93.1 7-Sep-11 70.6 (as of Sept 30, 2011)
2010 106.8 26-Jul-10 73.3
2009 126.6 22-Jul-09 76.9
2008 119.8 16-Jul-08 75.9
2007 139.2 12-Jul-07 78.2

MLD = Mega Liters Per Day (1 ML equals 1,000,000 Liters)

Based on this information, rather than the “projected” 15% growth in water demand, there has in fact been a 33% decrease. Conservative projections for 2011 would indicate usage of less than 25,800 ML, the lowest water usage since 2002. No one thought we had an urgent water problem back then. This is quite a different story than the one being told in the promotional material!

What can we learn from this new information?

1. There is an understandable skepticism regarding the “numbers” chosen for the City’s “yes vote” marketing material!

2. Using the City’s own projection assumptions, but applying them to the ACTUAL water usage since 2007, current capacity will not likely be exceeded until some time after 2016.
3. If we use the ACTUAL downward trending from 2007 and apply it to the ACTUAL usage numbers, available capacity will certainly not be exceeded until long after 2016. I suspect the real number is somewhere in between. Inevitably, the water usage trend is dependent upon new development and arrival of new businesses. Given the current, and short-term, projected, economic indicators, we are likely to experience relatively slow growth with no significant new development for the next number of years.
4. A further factor likely to reduce usage even more in 2012 is the fact that the new smart meters and conservation efforts have only been in place for a short time. I believe that, given the opportunity, these efforts and the people of Abbotsford will reduce water usage even more.

My conclusion is that the urgency portrayed in the promotional material regarding our projected water needs for the immediate future is inappropriate based on the facts of ACTUAL water usage. While, at some point in time, Abbotsford will need additional water, the “vote yes now or else” message doesn’t hold water.

“I have known Henry and his family for over 40 years. He is honest, trustworthy, hard working and a good listener. He is willing to research areas he needs more information on prior to making a decision.

His added knowledge of the history of Abbotsford and his business qualities will make Henry a great Councilor for the City of Abbotsford”.

Daryl Kirton

“I am very pleased to see Henry run for public office in Abbotsford. I believe both small and large businesses as well as families and individual citizens will all benefit from Henry’s fiscally responsible, and common sense approach to details. Both integrity and honesty have been the benchmark for all business involvement I have experienced with Henry. I look forward to a future in Abbotsford knowing we have those interests well represented with Henrys extensive experience and track record.”

Mike Lobe

Late disclosure of actual Abbotsford Peak water usage statistics shows that the City’s material promoting the “Yes” vote has significantly over-projected future water needs. In his pursuit of a seat on City Council, Henry Braun obtained previously undisclosed information from City Water Group staff.

“It appears that the City has been using inflated projections, rather than actual usage, for the years of 2008 through 2011″, Braun says. “The City’s own information clearly shows the trend has been downward since 2007, and is 33% less than the City has stated”. Average daily use has also decreased by 10% over the last 4 years.

For some time Braun has been seeking disclosure from the City of the actual water usage for 2008 to 2011. “The numbers used by the City have had the effect of scaring some people into thinking that if they don’t vote “yes” we will run out of water very soon. In looking at the City projections I couldn’t understand why they weren’t using actual data”, explained Braun. This information has now been provided to the Council hopeful by the City Water Group and shows a significant difference between what the City “projects” and what actually occurred during the past four years (see graph below).

Based on the previously unavailable information, rather than the “projected” growth in water demand, there has in fact been a decrease. Conservative projections for 2011 would indicate usage of less than 25,800 ML, the lowest water usage since 2002. An urgent water problem was not identified by the City 10 years ago.

The new information was disclosed by Braun at the all candidates meeting held on November 8, 2011, as well as the forum held by the Rural Ratepayers Association at Bradner Hall on November 9. “There is an understandable skepticism regarding the numbers chosen for the City’s “yes vote” marketing material. We need more transparency, more information and straight talk about the risks and benefits if we are to make informed decisions about major undertakings such as the proposed Stave Lake P3 megaproject”, urged Braun. “Inevitably, the water usage trend is dependent upon new development and arrival of new businesses. Given the current, and short-term, projected, economic indicators, we are likely to experience relatively slow growth with no significant new development for the next number of years. The new smart meters and conservation efforts have only been in place for a very short time but are already having an impact. While, at some point in time, Abbotsford will need additional water, the “vote yes now or else” message doesn’t hold water.”

“I came to meet Henry almost 20 years ago through our mutual involvement in the local track and field scene.

His leadership skills and vision were instrumental in building a strong foundation for our sport in this community. He clearly demonstrated that he was a man of integrity, energy, and unfailing commitment to both our youth and to this community. Abbotsford would be well served with Henry as a Councillor”.

April Arsene

Executive

Valley Royals Track and Field Club

Abbotsford, BC

As Jodi Rell, recent Governor of Connecticut, once said, “At the end of the day, the goals are simple: safety and security.”

At the recent Mayoralty all candidates meeting, comments were made by several candidates that there would be reductions in the police budgets stemming from reducing paperwork. While this sounds good on the surface, the reality is quite different. Having served on the police board from 1993 – 1998, I know that if any meaningful cuts are to made, it means reducing the police force. Policing is one of the most basic of services that any City must provide a level of protection and law enforcement that keeps our citizens safe.

During my tenure, police efficiency was something we discussed often. For the most part, the “paperwork” isn’t paper at all, rather it is PRIME – a computer records management in which officers log in to file reports electronically. PRIME is not optional “paperwork”. It is legislated for police throughout British Columbia. Nonetheless, it apparently works very well, even if the data input can be a painful process.

Unfortunately, the evolution of law has required ever increasing reporting requirements. This is very frustrating for the men and women charged with keeping our community safe, but it cannot be avoided if the legal system is to result in convictions rather than dismissal of charges on technical grounds. If we want our laws changed, then we need to express our views to our Federal and Provincial governments, asking that some common sense be applied in this area. The hockey riots in Vancouver and the length of time it is taking to lay charges is not the fault of the Police, but rather the Rules of Disclosure, which in my view, are out of control. Rather than convicting criminals, these rules have handcuffed our police and crown prosecutors. Under the Rules of Disclosure, every scrap of evidence must be looked at by the police before a charge can be laid. To do otherwise could result in the case being thrown out in Court.

In my view, there are primarily two groups of criminals in Abbotsford. The first group is comprised of gangs that deal in drugs, guns and other organized crime. The second group is made up of unorganized individuals who are responsible for most of the property and violent crimes in order to feed a drug habit. The only way these addicted and desperate people know how to get the money to feed their habit is to steal something from others.

Our Police Chief, Bob Rich, is a proponent of dealing with policing issues by being proactive rather than reactive, especially as it relates to Gangs. The work that Sergeant Mike Novakoski is doing in our schools to combat gang recruitment with Project Vector is nothing short of spectacular.

Despite improving crime statistics, we need to do more. We need to get to our kids earlier – as early as Grade 1, 2 and 3. Talk to any elementary teacher and they will tell you that they can pick out the kids that are in trouble as early as Grade 1. These kids need help. And maybe with early addiction identification or a propensity to petty crime we can keep them from falling into criminal behavior. Waiting until they are in Grade 8 and 9 is too late. Increasing the priority on school intervention is an idea worth pursuing now while we have the chance.

All of us need to get involved. Big Brothers, Big Sisters, our communities of faith and other indirect crime prevention groups are all looking for volunteers. We, as a community, need to take every step possible to come alongside these kids before they get recruited by the gangs. We, as community, need to intervene wherever possible to encourage and support agencies that provide recovery, employment and support services. It is often the case that when government takes over, programs lose their heart. It is the people who are passionate about helping those on the shadowy fringes of our society that will make a difference.

Crime prevention begins with the basic premise: teaching, ensuring, and enforcing the principle that “crime does not pay”. Working together, we must make a difference in the lives of our kids who are at risk, and we must do so before police enforcement is involved. Until we are able to defeat crime before it starts, cutting our police forces is not viable if we prize safety and security.

“I’ve known Henry for many years and enjoyed serving with him on the Abbotsford Airport Authority.

His leadership is exactly what’s needed for our growing community. Henry has the skills, experience and vision Abbotsford needs. He’s a great listener who ensures that everyone’s interests are thoughtfully considered.”

Gurpreet Gill – Abbotsford Airport Authority

“In November, 2004, I was asked to join the Abbotsford International Airport Authority Board as a Director. Henry Braun was a member when I joined and for the next four years I worked with Henry on that Board. I found Henry to be an honest, sincere person, eager to ensure that the best decisions were made for the Abbotsford Airport and the City of Abbotsford. His pleasant, easy going personality made it a pleasure to work with him – he was a great fit with the rest of the board. Henry is a good friend, a great neighbor and a very capable business person. I highly recommend Henry Braun for a position on the council of the City of Abbotsford.”

Jim Barrett, Commercial Pilot

The fact that confusion abounds around the Stave Lake Water Referendum continues to support my reasons for deciding to vote “No”.

To reiterate, a “Yes” vote must mean specific approval of the Referendum question and its essential elements (in effect, “yes” to all 10 of the questions expressly or impliedly contained in the 185 word Referendum question. Please refer to my October 29 blog – Guide for Voting For/Against the Water Referendum). However, some people seem to be of the view that a “No” vote means something more than what it is; an inability to vote “Yes”.

Let me be clear. My “No” vote does not mean:

– that I am part of or supportive of any alliance, group, person or movement related to the Referendum. I have come to my conclusions independently after careful consideration of all of the facts and arguments I could gather.

– that I am opposed in principle to P3s. I believe that public/private partnerships are appropriate in some circumstances.

– that I am of the view that coordination with Mission is essential, as opposed to important. Communication and coordination with our neighboring civic governments is critical, except in situations where Abbotsford’s needs would be compromised.

– that I am opposed to Federal funding.

– that I am in favor of the status quo. Additional water will be required by our community if we intend to grow. I am opposed to moratoriums on growth and in favor of growth as a sign of our community’s health (as opposed to growth for growth’s sake).

– that I am critical of City staff or consultants. In my view, this is all part of the democratic process. My criticism is focused on the Referendum and, to some extent, the assumptions made by it, and lack of information related to it.

In summary, I urge both sides in this debate to stick to the facts. There is no reason to allow the level of debate to generate to fear tactics or personal attack. We must all remain open-minded, ready to entertain reasoned discussion over this important topic. The issues are complex enough without jumping to conclusions and making unwarranted assumptions based on a decision to vote “Yes” or “No”.