Councillors Bestwick, Kipp and McKay
Attempt To Cut Taxes
Balance Of Council Still Resist
You may recall several weeks ago that Councillor's Bestwick, Kipp and McKay tried unsuccessfully to get council to direct staff to find up to a 5% reduction in the budget.
To their credit they are trying once again, this time rather than asking staff to find areas of fiscal restraint they took it upon themselves to present a list to fellow councillors. Councillor Anderson was unprepared to even discuss the proposed cuts (having only been considering the budget since last Dec.) and moved that the matter be tabled to the next council meeting. It is notable that Councillor Anderson is one of the Councillors who as yet has not answered by query as to what measures he is considering to cut taxes. Clearly, reducing spending is not on his radar.
It is understandable if some Councillors simply don't know how to even read and interpret a financial report, or perhaps are simply too lazy to do so, who then will simply ask Mr. Kenning if it is a good budget and simply take his advice.
Unfortunately, this council seems to be over populated this time around with a tax and spend mentality, that frankly is quite disturbing.
By tabling this motion, it immediately meant that the staff recommendation to give three readings to the Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw was also tabled, thus triggering the need for one more special council meeting between now and budget adoption time in May.
The vote to table the staff's recommendation caused a bit of confusion for the Mayor, who apparently voted to table the motion, even though that is not likely what he had meant to do.
It could have been resolved if this council was actually prepared to debate the current financial plan, which seems something they are unwilling or unable to do. There has not been any debate about this $851,000,000 document which makes me wonder if anyone but the 'Three Amigos' actually understand the plan they are adopting.
Perhaps they are avoiding public debate of this matter to avoid the embarrassment that their lack of knowledge might reveal should they actually open their mouths and say what they think.
It seems to me that Mr. Anderson again needs to defer to Mr. Kenning's instructions on which way to vote. The rest are quite comfortable on their perch on the fence and already know how to adjust to the winds, when ever the need arises. Mr. Kenning has given his approval, what else is there, seconded and passed. Next.
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