If you read some of the thoughts running the city operations with a $350 million surplus, some candidates for mayor and council have received a boost while Rossi and Smitherman have lost ammunition for their onslaught on the financial situation. Even Councillor Carroll (see Mirror Mar 12 , " Ski Hlls issue could lead to more open budget consultation") warns that "next year a more open policy for debate will likely be more essential as the city braces for more cuts still in 2011... the tough stuff's coming...".
Why as "budget chief" has she put off the reality check until next year?
Well where has the councillor been standing and shouting? Yes, _ shoulder to shoulder with Mayor Miller. She cannot have it both ways. Much more than most of us simple minded taxpayers, she is close to the city's financial operations. She has access to all the data and personnel. Why hasn't budget process been more open_ wasn't she aware of the surplus issues and the need to discuss the impact to the immediate future just after 2010 in this year's presentation?
Her soft warnings indicates a tendency to please for power rather than take a stand for what needs required and said, last year and now.
Without the unanticipated surplus would we taxpayers be facing a 8% or 12% or 16% or even 20% increase? And while the tax rate looks low, are we really paying less for services based on equivalent property to others in the GTA? Remember without the surplus, the increase to balance was about 16% at proposed service and fee levels!
Is there not a need to start building short term "reserves" in the property tax revenues to smoothly adjust_via keeping the rate at 4%? Can anyone really expect McQuinty to change and come up with a quarter billion for TTC operations by Dec 1 2010? (Was McQuinty given a heads up on the city's "lucky" surplus to forego its consideration in the 2010 Ontario budget?)
Contrary to what some think, Rossi and Smitherman likely have more dry ammo to fire broadsides at those in charge who are NOT speaking up strongly and forthrightly _ financially speaking.
The city child has been abandoned by its provincial mother and must consider looking after itself for some time_ no matter how much it contributes regularly to its family's upkeep.
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