Archive for October, 2011
Little ideas series for Burlington: Valuing Public Input
If you could change one thing make our city better, what would it be? [Watch video here or read article below.]
Welcome to “Little ideas that can make a big difference,” a video and article series aimed at getting us talking about how we can make Burlington’s neighbourhoods better for everyone.
Burlington is a great city – there are many terrific things happening in our neighbourhoods and here at City Hall. But a hallmark of great cities – and great governments – is they are always looking for ways to improve. Finding those opportunities to improve is the focus of this series.
Today’s idea: improving public influence in decision-making. [Watch video here or read article below.]
In the last election, residents made it very clear you want change in government. You asked for more input in decision-making, and you want decisions to better reflect a community vision for our city.
There are many steps we can take to improve public engagement in decision-making. I’ll discuss those in future videos and articles. But the first step is a change of attitude at City Hall to value the input we receive.
City Hall does an excellent job of asking residents “what do you think?” Where there is room for improvement is incorporating what we hear in final decisions.
Graham new pier contractor, as joint venture with Jardeg
I did not support the retender path because of the additional costs and timelines, but alternatives to complete the pier are now closed, so we need to get on with the retendering. However, I remain concerned about the amount of money spent on this project when we have other significant priorities – our hospital and infrastructure repair, to name just two. I also have reservations about the joint venture with Jardeg. Finally, I will continue to push for transparency on the legal costs, design changes and alternatives considered on this project, so residents can hold your representatives accountable for the decisions we’ve made.
City open to returning Crossing Guard Bill
Following an outpouring of support from the community for Bill O’Rourke, former crossing guard at the Baldwin & Locust corner, I’ve been working behind the scenes with city staff to discuss returning Bill to his location.
Bill was advised in the summer he was being relocated for operational reasons to another spot, but the times did not work with his schedule and he went on a waiting list. When residents heard he was being relocated, dozens contacted my office asking for him to be returned.
That’s my goal, and I’m working with city staff to that end. I also maintain regular communication with Bill, who is also one of my constituents.
My Take: Crossing guards provide more service than simply escorting children safely across the street. They often become a vital part of the community fabric, and from all the letters and calls I have received about Bill, it’s clear he was a cherished part of our local community. I will continue to follow this situation and will let you know when any changes are imminent. That may take some months, but I will update the community when there is any news.
Hospital, highway, downloading top issues in election
Vote October 6
Funding for Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital, a highway through the escarpment in North Burlington and uploading social costs previously downloaded to the property tax base are emerging as three key issues in the provincial election Oct. 6. Though there are many issues in the election, including education funding, tax increases, jobs, and the environment – these are the main concerns facing the municipality and Burlington taxpayers.
In August, the government announced funding for JBMH’s redevelopment, and we will expect whoever is elected Oct. 6 to honour that commitment.
Regarding the highway, a coalition of residents, civic leaders and government officials at the municipal and regional level are seeking assurances that whoever is elected will not run a portion of the Niagara to GTA highway through our escarpment, a world biosphere. Both Burlington city council, and Halton Region council have passed resolutions opposing such a highway.
Continued uploading of social costs is critical for Burlington’s financial health. Halton Region has saved $40.2 million in uploaded costs since 2007; $13.7 million of that are the savings for Burlington taxpayers.
When all uploading costs are completed by 2018, the net annual benefit for Halton Region is expected to be $22.5m , with Burlington’s share being $7.4m. If those costs are not uploaded, Burlington will have to fund these items, at a time when we are facing a significant infrastructure gap. Staff recently told council our infrastructure deficit is $250-300m, with additional annual expenditures of $3-5m needed.
We need the uploading to continue so we can direct the savings to core infrastructure costs.
Please check out the articles covering issues that you've told me matter to you. I value your feedback on them because it informs the decisions I make. If you want to let me or others know about concerns or events in your neighbourhood, please get in touch.