Letter to the Editor

There is one common element amongst new candidates in this election, about which I am surprised.

It is the assumption by many of these candidates that they will, if elected, be able to greatly change the city’s budget. I wonder what magic wand and unknown skills they possess. Council has unanimously approved its Five Year Financial Plan, which was carefully crafted by very well qualified staff working in collaboration with Mayor, Council and Department Heads.

I have attended most budget meetings and all but a few council meetings over the last five years. I have rarely, if ever seen any of these new candidates attend these meetings where rationales and discussions were heard.

None of these candidates has provided insight as to what they consider frivolous spending. So scratching my head, I wonder if the following might be some of the items to which they refer.

Subsidizing the Ministry of Highways to improve the West Entrance was a problem for a few councillors. It was the opinion of several councillors that twin benches (a department decision) on 14th Avenue were not necessary.  The bioswale on 14th Avenue is sorely misunderstood. The plant growth may not be pretty (to some) but there has not been a single flood since it was installed and the resulting debris and costly cleanups are gone. The total monetary sum of these items would not fill many potholes or lower taxes, let alone barely begin to pay for any infrastructure replacement. We must also remember a large part of the city’s budget is controlled by other authorities, policing and fire protection.

So come on candidates, please be specific and enlighten us about where you will cut and what you consider to be frivolous spending.

Jenny Humphrey,

Cranbrook

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