Dear Editor,
[Re: LETTER 鈥� RCMP fight shows need for 91原创 amalgamation, 91原创 Advance Times, June 26]
In response to Rob Hunt鈥檚 letter in the June 26th 2024 edition of the 91原创 Advance Times, I would like to say that any measure to reduce expenses to the taxpayers by way of amalgamation of the two 91原创s would be welcomed by me.
I can鈥檛 see any benefit in having separate RCMP jurisdictions. Good grief, are the Townie staff now going to stop City residents from using any of 鈥渢heir鈥� services? Surely there is a way to share the services and to adequately share the costs.
It begins with dialogue. What we have is a power struggle.
I don鈥檛 believe amalgamation will happen, because councils and bureaucrats in both municipalities would never allow it. Even if it did happen, I don鈥檛 think it matters which bunch spends our money. They both make use of the alternative approval process to avoid letting taxpayers have a vote on issues where significant sums are spent. No vote is held when borrowing money that significantly raises our taxes.
The only time opinions matter is at election time. I would be happy to vote for candidates who support restoring the citizen鈥檚 right to vote. I am not in favour of developer-friendly candidates who smile at every opportunity to erode the electors' democratic right to vote.
Deciding which council would better govern after an amalgamation, either Township or City, as far as I鈥檓 concerned, you can take your pick 鈥� Tweedle Dum or Tweedle Dee.
Richard Penner, 91原创 City