Spending is the main issue

Letter to the Bradford Times October 21 2010
After four years of intense growth and in spite of changing its character, Bradford West Gwillimbury’s “New Look” is admired by many people.
It almost seems we have been untouched by the recession… or have we? I along with other people are concerned, not so much about the growth in itself, but rather how fast it is going and its financial impact on the taxpayers. Is this growth sustainable for this town? Or are we heading for much tougher times that, some claim, could lead the municipality into an insolvent situation?
The dramatic increase in property taxes and very high user fees, impacting taxpayers and businesses alike, are signs worth paying careful attention to.
A new direction and a change of mindset in council must take place if this town is to be the place to live, work and play! The new direction requires: Re-establishing council’s authority, responsibility and more accountability.
I share the view of many that the main underlying issue in this election is: spending.
Major changes are happening and even more are coming (some of them overdue), rejuvenating and modernizing the town to better service its residents. The question is: at what cost? Are the taxpayers aware of or properly informed about the cost and how these changes will be paid for? Are we mortgaging our children’s future and our own lifestyle, with this fast pace of development?
With the upcoming election, this is the time for the taxpayers (which include members of council) to demand a financial account and future impact of the cost of all these changes to help them to make an educated voting decision.
The revitalization of the downtown has been debated for years. Some improvements have been done, some buildings have been renovated or are having a facelift, with more cosmetic improvements on the way, but that is only going to get us part of the way there. As a downtown business owner I am aware of the current studies, efforts and difficulties of finding an overall plan to really revitalize the downtown. A major boost to such a plan will be moving the Administration Office to the downtown. This would build on the other improvements to help achieve the key goals of filling vacant office space, increasing accessibility and improving business activity.
Combined with the current expansion of Disette Street, to remove heavy trucks and drive-through traffic – albeit at what final cost to BWG taxpayers? – is the best hope for a true downtown revitalization plan, one that can be supported by the taxpayers and businesses alike.
Hopefully the new council will inform clearly the residents (taxpayers): how our town is growing, how they will benefit from it and at what cost. This is the time to discuss these issues, before the new council is elected, and to have the elected council members be held accountable for their promises.
To all the candidates running for offices, my best wishes during this challenging but critical time in our town’s future.
– Frank P. Henriques, FPH Financial Services