Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 591
Second Plebiscite question - fire hall?
1/10/2008 at 4:56 PM
On another thread (18th and Maple) it is indicated that the mayor has given up trying to purchase the land at 18th & Maple, and that it will now proceed with building the new fire hall on City-owned land at 19th & Maple.
Given that (1) the resolution/by-law passed by council was site-specific (18th and Maple), and (2) that it involves the expenditure of more than $1,000,000 of taxpayer dollars, it seems to me that the issue will require a vote of city councillors to change the location from 18th to 19th and Maple.
I don't think that the mayor can unilaterally change the location without council approval. Council voted for a specific site fronting on 18th Street, not a site on reclaimed swamp land several hundred feet away from 18th. Proceeding without council approval could invite litigation.
That said, here's my question for ebrandoners:
The casino plebiscite is scheduled for March 12th. The cost is fixed, no matter whether one, two or ten questions are asked.
Isn't this an ideal opportunity to seek the input of the public on which site they want the fire hall to built on (Maple vs. Fleming)? Given that it is taxpayers' money that will be spent, and their lives that will be affected by the decision, wouldn't it make sense to consult them?
The issue of a specific firehall location was not a serious issue last election. Although it was discussed, Dave Burgess never, ever mentioned that his choice location was 19th and Maple. In other words, this is an issue that the public has never been consulted on.
As I said, it won't cost anything to add a second question to the plebiscite. Why not ask taxpayers what they think? Voter turnout is going to be high. What an ideal opportunity to seek the support/guidance of the people who will actually be paying for this thing.
I can't imagine why our elected officials (mayor and council) wouldn't want to hear from the people they supposedly represent. After all, they just paid $15,000 for a survey. This costs nothing.
What do my fellow ebrandoners think?