COUNCILLOR CRITICIZES MAYOR OVER GROW-OP SEARCH FEES

Longtime Mission Coun. Jenny Stevens says 500 homeowners were
subjected to $5,200 grow-op inspection fees.

A first-ever slate of candidates has sprung up in Mission to oppose
the administration of two-term Mayor James Atebe.

The Citizens for Responsible Municipal Government have used unrest in
the community to recruit longtime Coun. Jenny Stevens, an independent
perhaps best known for her outspoken opposition to council's marijuana
grow-op inspection policy, who is again running for council.

Under council's direction, almost 500 homeowners suspected of housing
grow-ops were subjected to inspection fees costing $5,200.

Stevens, 74, says more than 100 homeowners may have been treated
unjustly because no grow-ops were found.

"There have been huge questions. I have grave concerns about the
quality of the evidence present-ed to council," said Stevens.

"One-hundred-and-seventy homeowners were possibly wronged by council,"
she said.

Stevens' home computer was seized on council's orders earlier this
year on suspicion of leaking documents related to the controversy. It
has since been returned by the RCMP. No charges were laid.

Several homeowners have tried to begin a class-action lawsuit against
Mission, while the city has suspended inspections pending resolution
of the pending court action.

Atebe said voters will judge him on his full record during the Nov. 19
civic elections across B.C.

"I believe people will judge me on the overall picture," he said.

"The inspection policy was trying to find a balance between protecting
the community [from crime associated with grow-ops] and not
encroaching on peoples' rights. When you look at the program, it did
help us reduce grow operations," he said.

Stevens said her beefs with the administration go far beyond the
inspection fees. They include property taxes rising at almost three
per cent above the rate of inflation and things like council's plan to
transplant a

"heritage" rhododendron from Langley at a cost of $9,500. (Volunteers
ended up doing it for free.)

Atebe said council has reduced costs, improved financial reserves and
been a steward to hundreds of millions of dollars of investments
coming to the city, including three new shopping malls.

"I'm proud of my record," he said.