***Breaking News - City Manager Steps Down***

June 15, 2009

City manager Terry Totten is resigning and taking a retirement package effective tomorrow -- that decision coming during tonight's common council meeting.

Totten will receive a one time payment of $500,00 and confirmation of the supplemental benefit provided by council in 2002.

He's been city manager since 1993 -- more details and reaction will be posted later.

Teen Dies As A Result Of Injuries In Crash

June 15, 2009

A single vehicle crash near Sussex last week has claimed a life -- the 19-year old driver of the vehicle died at the Regional Hospital this morning as a result of his injuries.
Three of the passengers in the vehicle remain in hospital -- one of them in the Intensive Care unit while another teen was treated the night of the crash and released.
The mishap happened when the car left Route 10 in the Long Creek area Thursday night and crashed over a guard rail into a bridge abutment.
Police tell us none of the victims were wearing seatbelts -- so far no name has been released.

Premier Not Denying Shuffle Speculation

June 15, 2009

Speculation is mounting about a shuffling of the cabinet deck in Fredericton -- and -- Premier Graham isn't about to give any hints.
Graham tells CHSJ News his first priority is to get through the current legislative session -- but -- he says it's not unusual for a government to change its face heading into the final year of its mandate.
Graham told a Liberal fundraiser Saturday evening next fall's provincial election will be centered on economic issues.
Embattled Health Minister Mike Murphy - Education Minister Kelly Lamrock - and - Justice Minister T-J Burke are among those expected to be moved.

Superintendent Says Aging Schools Need T-L-C

June 15, 2009

Nobody more pleased to see the ribbon cut on the new gymnasium at Bayside than District Eight Superintendent Susan Tipper.
It's no mystery that several of the middle schools are starting to show their age and Tipper tells CHSJ News, when they see this set-up, the district realizes it has a long way to go.
She says some of the middle schools don't have cafeterias or proper gymnasiums and the district continues to search for space to deliver the core curriculum as it should be.

New Gym Opens Ahead Of Schedule

June 15, 2009

One month ahead of schedule -- the ribbon has been cut on the new $2.7 million dollar gymnasium at Bayside Middle School.
Saint John East MLA Roly MacIntyre has been pushing for this project for over ten years and tells CHSJ News, this is a happy day for him and the entire riding.
As part of the construction project, the old gymnasium will be converted into a new cafeteria. Total cost is $1.1 million dollars and should be finished by next year.

Union Members Continue To Protest Cuts

June 15, 2009

(Canadian Union of Public Employees demonstrate outside Liberal fundraiser at the Trade and Convention Center Saturday evening - photo by Gary MacDonald)

The post-card campaign to have Education Minister Kelly Lamrock removed from his position continues by Cupe Local 1253.

It represents bus drivers and maintenance staff who will be affected by the budget cuts in education announced earlier this year.

Pam Schilalone is the spokes-person and tells CHSJ News, many parents still aren't aware that 55 bus runs will be terminated in the fall.

She says in total -- the job cuts add up to 700 job losses across the Province and they will continue their protests until the decision is reversed.

Teen Facing Charges In Connection Headstone Vandalism

June 15, 2009

City police say a teen is being charged with mischief in connection with vandalism at St Joseph's Cemetary over the weekend.
Police were called to the cemetary Saturday afternoon and found 36-headstones knocked off their bases -- luckily there wasn't any damage to the headstones - but - they do have to be put back on their bases.
The teen will be appearing in court at a later date.

One Facing Charges In Connection With Vandalism

June 15, 2009

City police say a teen is being charged with mischief in connection with vandalism at St Joseph's Cemetary over the weekend.
Police were called to the cemetary Saturday afternoon and found 36-headstones knocked off their bases -- luckily there wasn't any damage to the headstones - but - they do have to be put back on their bases.
The teen will be appearing in court at a later date.

Deputy Mayor Pushing For Water Committee

The Deputy Mayor wants reps from all three levels of government to take responsibility for water projects in the city.
Stephen Chase is introducing a motion to assign key city - provincial - and - federal employees to oversee all water treatment related issues.
Chase thinks having someone responsible for the issues will be beneficial because there will be more accountability.
The motion will be up for discussion at tonight's Common Council meeting which gets underway at 6:15 in the council chambers at city hall.

New Gym To Officially Open

A ribbon cutting ceremony in East Saint John gets the new work week started for many -- Supply and Services Minister Ed Doherty - Saint John East M-L-A Roly MacIntyre - and - District 8 officials will be on hand to christen the new 2.7-million dollar gym at Bayside Middle School.
There will also be an announcement concerning the tender award for the second phase of the expansion and renovation of the school.

Task Force Meeting With Canadian Blood Services

June 15, 2009

The task force trying to convince Canadian Blood Services to keep it's distribution center in Saint John will meet with C-B-S officials tonight.
Rothesay Conservative M-L-A Margaret Ann Blaney tells CHSJ News she believes they have prepared a pretty impressive presentation.
Earlier this month -- Saint John Fundy Liberal M-L-A Stuart Jamieson said the task force has few tricks up its sleeves if C-B-S officials are not receptive to the presentation.
Blaney confirms the task force does have some surprises -- but -- won't give any other details.
The task force will meet with the Blood Services officials tonight and tomorrow night in Fredericton.

Chretien Says Canadians Ready For A Change

June 15, 2009

(Former Prime Minister Jean Chretien responding to CHSJ News questions)

The Harper Conservatives are staring down the barrel of a summer election -- federal Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff announces later today if he will vote against the government's latest economic statement.

And when asked by us if Ignatieff should vote against the government -- Former Prime Minister Jean Chretien responded "Canadians will not be unhappy to have a different government."

Both the N-D-P and the Bloc Quebecois have indicated they're prepared to vote against the economic statement.

Premier Says Stadium In Running For Funding

June 15, 2009

(Premier Shawn Graham listening to question about Canada Games Stadium funding)

Concern is mounting about a delay in getting the provincial government onside with funding for the makeover of the Canada Games Stadium.

Saint John M-P Rodney Weston tells CHSJ News the federal government is ready to commit to its share.

But Premier Graham tells CHSJ News he's hopeful there will be a positive announcement once the remaining infrastructure program is finalized with Ottawa -- he says it's on the priority list and is of interest to his government.

Total cost of the upgrade of the stadium and track facilities is in the six million dollar range.