We might just see a twister and a strike of lightning simultaneously if Council can pass today's budget unscathed.
Here are the final set of recommendations for Council to consider for approval today.
What strikes me as new and significant in the mix is this:
Louie Against (suggested several amendments relating to indemnity and insurance which were cleared up by a sweeping single sentence amendment by Deal, very concerned about liability issues and protecting the city’s interests, we don’t have enough protection, Moore’s statements do not work against the law as it is currently written, from a legal standpoint it doesn’t work, making the liability issue that much more of a concern, moral component about what we as a city are promoting, and as it stands right now, complete desensitization of violence to children)
Reimer Against (smaller promoters boxed out, Canadian Criminal code, inherent violence in marketing)
Woodsworth Against (not enough time with staff report released yesterday particularly because federal and provincial legislation is on the way, police costs, concussion risk, gang concerns, too many serious questions unanswered)
Jang For (sport has evolved, not all about violence, positive values can be taught to kids)
Deal For (about time to move forward, report answers all possible questions)
Chow For (balances interests of citizens with practicality, and comfortable with trial basis)
Anton For (looks forward to attending the event, staff report was very informative, an in relation to Louie’s amendments, let the legal department do their jobs – Council should not get involved in setting indemnity and insurance dollar thresholds)
Stevenson (finally arrived) For (was at Metro Vancouver meeting, report is thorough and he has thought about the issue for a while, previously ambivalent but now supportive, safety concerns now have been cleared up for him, don’t impose morals on people – this is about proper regulation)
Meggs For (pros should contribute more cash to amateur sports)
The motion passes 6-3. MMA is back in Vancouver for at least two years.
The voice of the local pro wrestling community Dave Teixeira is up. References community charter that gives municipalities the right to regulate comabt sports. Should be happy about that power. Quotes the injury stats – more deaths in badminton. more serious injuries in cheerleading. Shares with Council his love for cheerleaders however. Makes the correction that in terms of economic IMPACT (makes the distinction from the staff report), it would be about $20 million. Jang asks about copycat cases in the public with wrestling and MMA. Dave talks about protecting the fanbase and their safety. But you need to weed out those that are going to do what they are going to do in terms of mimicry. Meggs asking if wrestling is going up or down? Dave says wrestling in down about 20 per cent so far, directly as a result of the UFC phenomenon. Eating pro wrestling’s lunch, and now UFC is exploding because of masterful promotion. Dave makes good point about bad apples in politics just as there are bad apples in the world of MMA, and so don’t quote individual injuries on isolation.
This latest speaker is ridiculous – says MMA is only sensational violence that is only about the bottom line. It represents toxic values – keep Vancouver UFC free like it is nuclear free. Jang asks this aikido dojo sensei about the violence of other martial arts. Jang says parents should be involved. Yes, but kickboxing and MMA studios cannot get insurance. Are you against karate? No, as long as it is properly administered. So Jang asks, if there is regulation, what is your issue? Intent and intention (aikido is all passive and defensive without competition). MMA is about punishment, and karate and other martial arts are not about violence. Woodsworth is now beaming because she finally found someone to agree with her. Best submission and best knockout purses are questioned. Speaker says it is all about money, and questions statistics from universities like John Tomkins down south who have quantified the low injury rates of MMA. He is speaking out of his ass quite frankly.
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“Perhaps it was my silk dress or the new perfume I’ve been wearing lately. When I asked Suzanne Anton what her New Year’s resolution was, she replied, “To kiss a pretty girl!” and pecked me on the cheek.” – Writer Emily Barca describing her encounter with the lone NPA City Councillor on New Year’s Eve.
