Ontario's Fiscal Imbalance

The government of Ontario estimates that, taken as a whole, Ontario sends $23 Billion more to Ottawa, then it receives. I read this and instantly I'm constipated.

Why aren't the citizens of Ontario in revolt? What do you think the 106 MPs Ontario
sends to Ottawa are doing about it? You can email them they can tell you directly! This is Premier McGinty's advise to Ontarians. The reason there is not enough money to rehabilitate our ailing infastructure is Ottawa is taking too much! Sounds like passing the buck to me.

The solution? We start at the grassroots by discussing these matters with our neighbours. Then we get our local councils to push our county councils. They in turn push our provincial legislature who hopefully can force Canada's parliament to act, and act now!

Let the Games Begin

Last nite the Ramara Township's new council was officially inaugurated and sworn in. Like a group of Kindergartners, at their first day of school, there was plenty of enthusiasm and smiles from the new council members. Unfortunately enthusiasm will not be enough to get the job done. Our kindergarten kids will need direction, guidence and to be effectively lead.

The re-elected Mayor Bill Duffy stated Councils priorities to be:

1. Commercial Development of the Rama Road/Hwy 12 Corridor
2. Growth in the Township in the context of the IGAP
3. Getting the Brechin Sewer Project up and running - ohhh sounds expensive!!!!

I was glad to see the Mayor clearly establish his priorities and that he will champion these issues with this new council. This is not too different from the goals and priorities of the old council. Now he has to find a way to finance these expensive goodies.

To the members of council, I will be there to remind him that our property tax base can not be the only source of financing. If paraphase the words of God's Mayor, Hazel McCallion of Mississauga, "1st you make sure the monies in the bank, then and only then will it get build". I hope this will be the approach adopted by the new Ramara Council. Funding can't come from the ratepayers, in the form of taxes, rather Ramara needs to go out and get the grants and transfers from upper level governments. All project launches should contigent on secured funding. Never start a project, hoping at some point, the cheque will come along, sometimes later.

I feel there is plenty of money earmarked from municipalities, and that Ramara just needs to get better at securing it. Mayor Duffy this must be your approach to funding. I feel their needs to be a thorough review of Ramara's current approach for grant's and transfers. Ramara must adopt those best practice methods, currently employed by other municipalities, that have been successful in securing these funds, and to establish it's performance goals and measures. Ramara can no longer ask it's ratepayers to fund alone it's capitial projects.

Local Improvements are for the benefit of designated ratepayers (ie Bechin Sewers). The community as a whole must not be asked to contribute these improvements, when there is no direct benefit for them. The new council must adopt a 'user-pay approach' in its bylaws. Current township practice is to bury certain expenditures (ie feasibility studies pertaining to a local improvement) in the General Expeditures budget. Does this happen only because the township feels one is watching? As of now you should be warned citizens of Ramara are watching, and that you should be ready to answer the following, when council approves or authorizes any of the following items:

1. a new expenditure (ie another study) or appropriation (ie local improvement)
2. the Sale of township asset or property
3. to assume responsibility delivery of a new service, for which liability previously did not exist

- Why take this action, and how does it benefit the citizens of Ramara? What are the goals for this action? How will you measure the effectiveness and the success of the action?

- What is the scope of the bylaw? Who will pay for it? How much will it cost? How did the decision to allocate costs get made this way?

I like the make-up of the new council. A good mix of practical knowledge and a committment (at least stated during the campaign) for more open and responsive governance. This should go a long way to reforming the culture in council, and the township as a whole. My dealings with the staff of Ramara township have been very positive, and council should consider this excellent human resource, in their decision making process.

All that aside, actions speak louder then words! From now on you will be judged not by what you say, rather by what you do! All I ask that members of councils to be prepared to explain to me your reasons for your actions. To show me that you considered all the facts and considered all risks that may result, from your actions. That you will give true consideration to the input of your constituents. That your decisions are logical. I can accept mistakes can happen, but smart decisions can manage their risk and negative impacts. Finally that your actions must always for the benefit of the residents of Ramara.

I may disagree with your decision, but as long as you give true consideration to the points above, you will have my respect, and you can count on my support.

We have a great democracy in Canada. It's greatest virture is the citizen's right to participate in it. Look for ways to bring down the barriers that hinder your constituents participation. Never consider any question directed to you, as an attack on you. Rather see it as exactly what it is, a concern from a constituent who want to know. Be proactive in your communication with your constituents.

To my fellow citizens, don't ever believe that your elected officials have all the answers. You must get involved to. Understand that you have a role to play in government as well. Consider all those Canadians, past and present, who have made the ultimate sacrifice, giving you the priviledge to participate. You honour their sacrifice when you participate. Get involved!

To Mrs. Brooks, Mr's Snutch, Jamal, and MacMillian, thank you for your service, in the last council. To the current members of Council, and all the staff of Ramara Township, thank you for your ongoing committment to Ramara.

Ontario's Initiative for Better Government

On Thursday, Dec. 7, there will be a meeting at Barrie's South Shore Community Centre to discuss the various new proposed voting methods by the Province of Ontario.

I had hoped to attend this gathering, but it conflicts with the 1st Sitting of Ramara's council, that same eventing.

If you live near Barrie, I recommend you attend this meeting.

My home!

This is the link to my local municipal government http://www.township.ramara.on.ca/

I have chosen to title my blog The Peoples Republic of Ramara (PROR) to illustrate the parallels between the system of government of the old Chinese regime (PROC), and the current administration in Ramara Township.

Like all municipalities in the province, upper tier governments unfairly burden municipalities to deliver services, that are far beyond their means to finance. This fiscal imbalance will be the new councils most pressing issue. The old regime in Ramara were unable to establish a game plan to address this point, due to its persistent infighting amongst each other, related more to personal biases, then a difference in philosophy. As such, like the old PROC, the PROR accomplished nothing of note and no significant capital projects ever got off the drawing board.

A new council was recently elected and will be sworn in on December 7. Good luck to you all!