Here's a small sampling of what local residents are talking about on Twitter during the election campaign here in the Royal City. Terms beginning with the "#" sign are used to make searching for topics easier through Twitter's search feature. The person posting the comment is identified by their "handle" - the "@" sign followed by a user name.
@shadwell123: Based on following #nwelxn, it seems THE biggest issue in #newwest is location of campaign signs. This is what turns people off politics.
@breebop: What are the benefits of Montessori? And if there are clear benefits, why isn't it available to all students? #nwelxn
@geoffpomper: No one is talking about reduced services in #NewWest , taxes are higher each year yet garbage and recycling only every 2nd week! #nwelxn
@matthewlaird: I wish there was more fact checking of candidates' wild claims in #nwelxn, a lot of things are easy to say if you don't have to prove them.
@10thtotheFraser: #nwelxn my top 3 school issues: 1. Getting schools built 2. Budgeting/spending priorities 3. Programs of choice
@dirtywhitecouch: Top #nwelxn issues: 1. Community recreation spaces 2. Commercial development 3. Schools
@canspice: Hey #NewWest city councilor candidates! I'll vote for you if you push for a ban on leaf blowers. Seriously. #nwelxn
@JasonLesage: Yes, transit needs more funding, but we shouldn't stop increasing bridge capacity for #NewWest #nwelxn Not either/or issue.
@JordanFoss: Apprehensive. #nwelxn RT @therecord: Sixteen days to the civic election. Are we excited #newwest?
@hungrytaurus: There's something about Mayor Wayne Wright that makes me want to hug him. He embodies #newwest to me : ) #nwelxn
Behind the scenes: See reporter Christina Myers' blog at www.royalcityrecord.com for more on our analysis.
Want to make a comment? If you think we have it all wrong, or you just want to share your opinion about social media use in the New Westminster election, visit Christina Myers' blog at www.royalcityrecord.com, or follow her on Twitter, @ChristinaMyersA.
