Same old city council, and not surprisingly
the same old style of politics. During the very difficult
budget period municipal representatives scurried to reduce the
amount property taxes have to increase. This is an election
year and the gentlemen and lady downtown sure realized a 13 per
cent increase in taxes might prove to be the catalyst for
change during the elections in November.
Archaic political pedagogy is at work in
Greater Sudbury. Essential and emotional services such as
libraries and transportation are placed on the chopping block.
An atmosphere of total despair is painted.
The problem with how council thinks is every
thing to them its either black or white. We either have to keep
providing services the way they are, or cancel them. Why not
put out a request for a proposal to see if some innovative
entrepreneur would like to take over the running of the
city-owned ski hills. The city can examine business plans and
potential agreements brought forward.
I become very upset when I read the outlying
communities have to fight to maintain the services they rightly
deserve. Not being a politician who was around during the
region versus city squabbles, I truly see Greater Sudbury in a
holistic sense. Monetary savings through efficiencies and
proper financial management must be realized throughout our new
city to provide infrastructures and services deserved by the
taxpayer no matter where he/she may live. Talks of tax revolts
are a sign that enough is enough.
We talk about attracting businesses and
professionals to our city. All the consultants hired over the
past few years have stated economic growth in Greater Sudbury
is within our reach. Yet, we continue to dismantle the tangible
facets of our community that doctors, business people, nurses,
engineers, etc. look for when they seek a new area to move to
with their young families. Let us stop devaluing our fine city
by not maintaining or even expanding desired services such as
modern road infrastructures, water and sewer upgrades,
libraries, public transportation, emergency and policing
services and the arts. It's time for change.
Joe Cimino
Sudbury