CRITICS SCOFF AS MAYOR'S WEBSITE SEEKS INPUT ON DRUG USE, PANHANDLING

VANCOUVER -- Mayor Sam Sullivan has launched a survey on his website
seeking residents' views on public disorder issues such as open drug
use and aggressive panhandling.

In a message posted on his site, Sullivan said the survey will be
used to develop a new program to tackle street disorder that will be
brought before city council later this fall.

He said Vancouver is the most livable city on the planet, "but we are
facing significant challenges with public disorder and we must act
now." He said the program he's developing aims to address issues such
as graffiti, littering, bylaw infractions and aggressive panhandling.

The survey's six questions ask respondents to describe city council's
efforts so far to address public disorder, whether they feel it has
increased, and whether it has affected the city's reputation. It also
also asks respondents which issues most concern them, including open
drug use, noise infractions and jaywalking.

But West End Residents Association president Rob Wynen called the
survey a stalling tactic and a joke. "It's a bit manipulative on top
of it," he said. "The city is very aware of what the public's opinion
is on these topics. It's time for the city to do something about it."
Community groups like his own have been offering the city
recommendations for years, but nothing is done, he said.