It Just Gets Worse

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business' report on spending by municipalities covers the years 2000 to 2006. In the years from '99 to '01 the City of New Westminster was in a cost abatement program. The tax increases in those years were 0%, 0% and 1%. New Westminster was trying to get into the middle of the pack in taxation in the GVRD. New Westminster was trying to be competitive in the region in order to be able to attract business and industry. In the CFIB study, the lift in civic spending by the city the over the six years was 21%. The spending lift in those six years was significantly held in check by the strategy of '99 to '01.
Now look at the lift in spending from '02 to '08.
During this period, the lift in spending in general operations went from $51.4M to $70.0M. This represents a lift of almost 40%. Taxpayer, you read right. An increase in six years of almost 40%. This comes after the promises delivered by the Mayor, that growth and development would usher in future prosperity . He stated that growth would bring untold benefits, both financial and amenities.
Speaking of amenities, we haven't seen anything built in New Westminster during the tenure of this Mayor. In the meantime, he has seen fit to shut down the Burr Theatre and also the Kiwanis Pool.
An editorial on the Mayor by the NewsLeader this week, ends by asking the question of collateral damage done during this Mayor's term in office.
The answer to that question, as we have found out, is that it has been substantial. Each development that has occurred in the city has represented an opportunity to benefit the residents, businesses and taxpayers of New Westminster. Instead of benefits for the city, we have seen secrecy, back room dealing, benefits for friends, insiders and for the special interests that got the Mayor and his supportive Councillors elected.
The city is undergoing a transition and is becoming a bedroom community.
Many jobs have been lost, and along with them the high tax contributions they delivered.
Tex Enemark, a public policy consultant with work experience in several sectors in the province, in a Mar.13 , 2008 article in the SUN wrote, "
Municipalities pile the load on the business and industrial taxpayers. And nobody cares until the plant shuts down."
Instead of paying attention to the warning signals and to what the CFIB is saying, some councillors and the Mayor continue to have their heads in the sand.
In the June 7, 2008 RECORD, Councillor Bill Harper, the Acting Mayor while several of his colleagues and friends are in China, is reported as saying he was suspicious of the CFIB report, noting that a special interest group conducted it. Now we should all sit up and take notice, because here is a councillor that really understands special interest groups.
- C.C.