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Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Urban Centres Need To Grow

Growing the province's urban centres, like Saint John,  is key towards future growth and prosperity -- that from David Campbell of Jupia Consultants.

Campell was speaking at a Saint John Board of Trade luncheon and he tells CHSJ News the urban vs rural debate is a distraction.

He says urban growth does not have to come at the expense of rural growth and it will be the urban sector that will move the province forward.

He says if Saint John focuses on it's key sectors like IT, healthcare, and energy, other industries like retail will grow as well.

Police Chief Speaks Out On Bath Salts

A scary new drug that's been known to cause paranoia, hallucinations, psychotic episodes and death has been banned by the feds, and Police Chief Bill Reid says that's a good thing. Bath salts, or MDPV, were previously not subject to government legislation. 

Reid says while the drug hasn't been a big problem in Saint John so far, its popularity among youth in Maine is a worry.

Reid says the force has been keeping a close eye on the trend and he's hoping now that they're illegal the drug will have even less of a presence in the community.

Liberals Vowing To Go All Out To Win In Rothesay

The Liberals say they're ready to refute any attacks the Conservatives may launch in the battle to win the provincial byelection in Rothesay. They see winning that byelection, the first since Premier David Alward assumed office in September of 2010 as being a big deal. 

Interim leader Victor Boudreau tells CHSJ News the Conservatives accusing the previous Liberal Government of political patronage is like the pot calling the kettle "black", especially in light of former Rothesay M-L-A Margaret Ann Blaney's appointment as C-E-O at Efficiency NB. 
 
The Premier vows the Conservatives will not be making any campaign promises in the leadup to the June 25th vote.

Boudreau maintains the Liberals are recovering quite nicely from their election rout.

Ship Ahoy! First Cruise Ship Of The Season Arrives

It's that time of year again--the first cruise ship of the season has docked at the Marco Polo Cruise Ship Terminal. The Carnival Glory houses over 2000 passengers and is home to a wide range of restaurants, casinos, bars and lounges. Today is its first call of the year in Saint John

Captain Salvatore Rassello being presented a commemorative explorer telescope by Port CEO Jim Quinn. Deputy Mayor Shelley Rinehart and councillor Donna Reardon were also on hand. The captain tells CHSJ News it's still the same old Saint John since the last time he was here. As Rasello put it, "fishing boats, fog....everything as usual.

Boston is the next port of call for the Carnival Glory and the ship will return to Saint John on June 12.

Father Of Dead Soldier Excited About "Highway Of Heroes"

The decision to designate Highway 2 as the Highway of Heroes getting a thumbs up from a Saint John father whose son was killed in Afghanistan. 

Donnie Greenslade still remembers when his son's body was returned to this country and travelling along the Highway of Heroes in Ontario to C-F-B Trenton with people along the way paying tribute and how comforting that was.

Private David Greenslade, a Saint John High grad, was killed with five other soldiers when their armoured vehicle hit a roadside bomb in April of 2007.

St. Martins Being Plagued By Vandalism

The RCMP is investigating several incidents of vandalism and mischief in St. Martins. 

Police are asking for your help in finding those responsible.

Over the past couple of weeks newspaper boxes have been set on fire, mailboxes pushed over, windows have been smashed out of the fishway, and graffiti scratched into the fishway building.

You're being asked to contact police should you see anyone who appears to be loitering or acting suspicious.

District 3 RCMP at 506-832-5566 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Marigolds On Main Street Celebrates 15th Year

Main Street getting the golden treatment thanks to hundreds of kids planting marigolds.

Marigolds on Main Street is celebrating its 15th year and organizer Barry Ogden tells CHSJ News he will run into young adults who reflect on the experience.

He believes empowering children is a reason why the event has been successful for so long and taking ownership in the community helps reduce vandalism and keeps kids out of trouble.

Other communities will also be planting the golden flowers, including Quispamsis, Sussex and St. Stephen.

For more information about Marigolds on Main Street, click here.

John Wilcox Wins Liberal Nomination

Former policeman John Wilcox winning the Liberal nomination for the Rothesay seat in the upcoming by-election.

The seat was vacated by Margaret-Ann Blaney who left to head up Efficiency NB.

Wilcox tells CHSJ News he is going to be Rothesay's next MLA and his approach to winning it will be quite simple -- he will be knocking on doors and speaking to the issues.

He believes the Conservatives have not represented the issues well -- such as the controversy surrounding MRI funding.
Wilcox adds it is a good opportunity for the Liberals given the circumstances of Blaney's departure.

Conservative Candidate Ted Flemming and NDP candidate Dominic Cardy are also vying for the job -- the election will take place on June 25th.

Expected Move-In Date Set For New Police Station

After months of delays, the Saint John Police Force revealing their planned move-in date at the new justice complex.

Police Chief Bill Reid tells CHSJ News the force should be moving into its home in Peel Plaza by July 15th, barring unexpected issues. In the meantime there are housekeeping issues to consider such as parking and moving equipment to new locations.

They were supposed to make the move in April. Reid says the new station has improved technology and work space, which will work toward reducing crime.