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Team Brandon

Hackeda
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2746

Hackeda
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2746

Team Brandon
11/28/2016 at 8:39 AM

Team Brandon's trip to the legislature has been cancelled due to weather. In my opinion, it should be cancelled indefinitely.

The team was set to invade the leg in Winnipeg today according to the city's website "with a clear message that Brandon is open for business in all facets of the community." Really? Who said we were closed?

Our elected Brandon MLAs Reg Hewler & Len Isleifson can't get this clear message to the legislature and to Winnipeg? If they can't do it or it's "not my job", then this issue of putting Brandon out there should be revisited.

With endless amounts of social media and easy avenues to travel to bring awareness to what Brandon has to offer, surely a taxpayer-paid field trip is not necessary.

Winnipeg is two hours away. They know Brandon exists. If they don't, then it's something we're not doing right here. We shouldn't have to travel there to bring them here. We're the second largest city in Manitoba!

I am not a supporter of wasted tax dollars and especially duplication of services, which is what I see this field trip being.

Our taxes will go up again in 2017 and I'd like to know how much this field trip is costing the Brandon taxpayer, City of Brandon?

Don't hold your hand out constantly for taxpayer dollars when expenses like this are unnecessary. Just how many free lunches do municipal, provincial and federal employees need?

It's high time governments start spending our money wisely. If they can't, maybe they need to find other employment.
Johnbisonbear
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 4183

Johnbisonbear
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 4183

I too would
11/28/2016 at 12:11 PM

like to know the cost of the trip.

Already heard from Dean Hammond on CKLQ that we will be getting hit with a tax increase this budget. I want to know what the city is planning on cutting from the budget, I don't like going out for a meal (and that's not too often these days) and seeing city staff out grazing while taxpayers are paying.

By the time the city realizes there is a problem with people trying to pay their taxes it will be too late.

Get out the scissors and start cutting!
foxtrot11
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2688

foxtrot11
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2688

Agreed
11/28/2016 at 1:50 PM

With both the above statements.

Is there a case of perimeter-itis in this province? Of course there is. But we have elected officials right here in the city that are supposed to be who our city officials go to to address concerns or ask for guidance. Spending tax payer money to have a fun day trip for a bunch of city elites is not the right way to do this.

I think our mayor and councilors need to open their eyes to what is happening WITHIN the city and acknowledge problems here at home before venturing out on missions like this.

We have serious crime issues that police are working very hard to get a handle on. Not to mention they have not even made a dent in the smaller fish of the drug trade in Brandon from what I understand.

We have a new sanitation by-law officer that from what I have seen in my neighborhood has not made a dent in the bins left out and filthy yards that need to be dealt with. Not to mention a "by complaint" system for the other by law departments that is not a viable way of operating.

We have small to micro sized businesses trying desperately to get a foot hold in the city - but crushing taxes, business licence fees, waste disposal, out of control commercial rents and lack of resources keeps them from succeeding.

I could go on and on. Bottom line is the city of Brandon needs leadership that is present and accountable.

Edited by foxtrot11, 2016-11-28 13:58:13
JackAzz
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1436

JackAzz
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1436

Seriously?
11/28/2016 at 2:35 PM

Its a two hour car ride. Its not like there would be any kind of significant cost. There are costs associated with running a city. They can't be expected to seek approval for residents every time they spend a few hundred dollars.

Johnbisonbear
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 4183

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 4183

well...

11/28/2016 at 3:58 PM

JackAzz said "Its a two hour car ride. Its not like there would be any kind of significant cost. There are costs associated with running a city. They can't be expected to seek approval for residents every time they spend a few hundred dollars. "

the city didn't ask for approval from residents when they give money to the Keystone do they? Looks like the centre will be getting their million dollars after all. That's more than a few hundred dollars.

The city didn't ask for approval when they bussed kids to Winnipeg to see the WSO did they? Nope!

Does the city ask approval for all the meals taxpayers pay for their employees? Nope!

Does the city ask if we all approve of city busses running on stat holidays? Nope! Bet that costs more than a few hundred dollars!

All this spending adds up Jackazz!

We have two MLAs that should be looking after our city's interests thru the provincial government. I helped elect one of them.

Adam

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Adam
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Tax impact
11/28/2016 at 4:29 PM

Just for a basis to understand impact on the big picture, a couple years ago it was said that $400,000 in new expenses that have to be covered by property tax increase would account for roughly a 1% increase in property tax bill (the city portion of the bill, the school division part of the bill if not accounted for). So on a house whose city tax bill is $2000, it would take $400,000 in new expenses to amount to $20 in new tax. Or put differently, [b]$10,000 in new expenses would amount to roughly 50 cents in new tax on the same property. [/b]

Assuming this is a new expense that wasn't accounted for by another trade-off in the budget, how much of a new out of pocket expense do folks think it would be to send the bus to Winnipeg and back and run the booth/coffee break? and how does that compare to possible benefits for the city in your opinion? (not pretending to have the answer myself)
plane watcher
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 209

plane watcher
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 209

agree and disagree
11/28/2016 at 5:44 PM

If he OP is suggesting that the action is a waste of time, effort and money, I'll tend to agree. It comes across as a gimmicky photo op.

On the other hand the OP claims that "Winnipeg is two hours away. They know Brandon exists. If they don't, then it's something we're not doing right here. We shouldn't have to travel there to bring them here. We're the second largest city in Manitoba! "

Of course they know that Brandon exists, but they don't really "KNOW" that Brandon exists.

Brandon is Manitoba's second largest city, as the OP states, but still we represent only a small proportion of the overall provincial population. The political power in Manitoba, in all of the parties, see little difference from their point of view between Brandon and Portage la Prairie, or the Morden Winkler area which are both closer to Winnipeg, or the Dauphin area, the Swan River area, the The Pas are, the Thompson area, which are all more 'exotic'.

Which is to say that from the view inside the perimeter, the rest of us are all pretty well equal - the populations of both Brandon and Dauphin are miniscule compare to the population of Winnipeg, even though Brandon's population is several times that of Dauphin's. It's a matter of perspective.

Among the provinces in Canada, Manitoba is unique in this respect - in having a single major metropolitan center representing 75% of the total population.
BlueBear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 166

BlueBear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 166

They
11/28/2016 at 5:54 PM

never went!So why are everyone's panties all
bunched up?

foxtrot11
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2688

foxtrot11

Joined: Feb 2009

Posts: 2688

A few hundred??

11/28/2016 at 6:03 PM

The last time I got quotes to rent one of those busses to and from Winnipeg it was well over $1500 for the bus alone. Then add the meals for all those "delegates".

This is not a few hundred bucks in this case.

Someone else said it here - feels more like a photo op than true care for what Brandon is about.

michelle
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2611

michelle
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2611

Team Brandon
11/28/2016 at 6:29 PM

I disagree with the original poster. It was a planned bus trip to Winnipeg, showcasing and welcoming economic development opportunities in Brandon. It never happened due to inclement weather, but I don't think this is out of the norm for a typical City Economical Development strategy.

If the City of Brandon were sitting idle on their thumbs waiting for development to come to Brandon I would be more concerned and believe me, people would then be complaining about the City NOT taking efforts to attract business. When politics are involved, networking with Provincial politicians (whether you like it or not) is part of the process, like it or not.

Participation, collaboration, investment and political involvement with the party in power are key components in keeping our City development in the forefront in our Province. I don't believe a modest bus trip and hosting coffee breaks at the Legislature are something to get hung up about. I'm glad they will be taking this step.

I do not work for the City and have no affiliation. I'm just a taxpayer who thinks Team Brandon is not such a bad idea for the minimal cost inferred. I applaud the efforts in sending a team of capable organizations and city officials to Winnipeg to let them know what we have to offer and how to go about it.

I feel confident that the planned trip was modest with minimal expense.
ultraguy
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1096

ultraguy
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1096

.
11/28/2016 at 6:51 PM

I'm not too rustled up about it. Some people said that they wanted the city to be run more like a business. Businesses have to pay for advertising from time to time.
Hackeda
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2746

Hackeda
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2746

Measurable outcomes?
11/28/2016 at 6:55 PM

Is this another expense that cannot be justified with measurable outcomes? Where is the concrete evidence that Brandon and residents are getting anything from these networking trips?

Networking is only worth it if we get payback from it. Rubbing shoulders and scratching each others backs does nothing for us here unless we see results.

And how many people going are the taxpayers paying for?

I do agree with the gimmicky photo op comment.

If taxpayers aren''t concerned with a few hundred or a few thousand dollars being spent on trips to showcase Brandon to a city two hours away, what is the magic number taxpayers become concerned with? That bottom line on their tax bills that they can''t understand how that number increased 15%, 25% or 40%? I guess at that point we just blame BSD for it?

Whether it''s a few hundred or thousand, those "small" amounts add up over the course of a year. The money has to come from somewhere.

Why can''t our MLAs talk a bigger talk about Brandon? They are already being paid to be there. Just how many people do we have to pay and send to Winnipeg before we get anything out of it? If our elected MLAs can''t get Brandon on the map, city officials can?

I''ve worked in government and I''ve seen the waste first hand. I''ve seen the attitudes toward our money & time when no justification is required.

I don''t waste my money or time on anything where I don''t get something in return. I expect the same discipline from governments spending my money.

Why shouldn''t we expect to see concrete results for things being paid for by us?

Edited by Hackeda, 2016-11-28 18:57:45

michelle
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2611

michelle

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 2611

Elected officials

11/28/2016 at 7:07 PM

Johnbisonbear said "

JackAzz said "Its a two hour car ride. Its not like there would be any kind of significant cost. There are costs associated with running a city. They can't be expected to seek approval for residents every time they spend a few hundred dollars. "

the city didn't ask for approval from residents when they give money to the Keystone do they? Looks like the centre will be getting their million dollars after all. That's more than a few hundred dollars.

The city didn't ask for approval when they bussed kids to Winnipeg to see the WSO did they? Nope!

Does the city ask approval for all the meals taxpayers pay for their employees? Nope!

Does the city ask if we all approve of city busses running on stat holidays? Nope! Bet that costs more than a few hundred dollars!

All this spending adds up Jackazz!

We have two MLAs that should be looking after our city's interests thru the provincial government. I helped elect one of them. "

We elect people in confidence so they can make decisions. That's what democracy is all about and it's why we vote.

I cannot imagine every decision would be taken to the residents for approval, as it would cost a fortune. That would not be practical or cost effective..

Johnbisonbear
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 4183

Johnbisonbear
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 4183

If the city
11/28/2016 at 9:13 PM

was setting up booths (is that what they are doing) trying to 'sell' Brandon to people who might relocate here I'd be all for it. How about some details COB?

However, after listening to the news at 6 our Premier stated that the cupboards are bare and even going so far as to suggest that already signed contracts need to be rolled back.

Hackeda
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2746

Hackeda

Joined: Nov 2007

Posts: 2746

Absolutely agree

11/28/2016 at 9:44 PM

TEN said "do you all feel the same when Premier Pallister and his entourage come out to Brandon for an announcement?
I know that when they where here last week, I was certainly disappointed that all they had to announce was they were working on expansion of the sponsorship program for immigration. Now that was lame and I'll bet a lot more expensive. "

I think these people we elect NEED to cut their own expenses! IMO, Pallister wasted money coming here for that last announcement of course.

I don't need to SEE our elected officials. I need to SEE them working for us and I need to SEE results.

Do they have so much money in their personal accounts that they just spend whatever, whenever without thinking about the future? They've got to stop doing it with tax dollars.

Taxpayers have to hold them accountable and not only at election time but throughout their terms.

Hackeda
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2746

Hackeda

Joined: Nov 2007

Posts: 2746

Not a Walmart Roll Back

11/28/2016 at 9:51 PM

Johnbisonbear said "was setting up booths (is that what they are doing) trying to 'sell' Brandon to people who might relocate here I'd be all for it. How about some details COB?

However, after listening to the news at 6 our Premier stated that the cupboards are bare and even going so far as to suggest that already signed contracts need to be rolled back. "

Can he roll back signed contracts? If so, he better start at the top...or at least the excessive salaries not the slaves making 50g.

All these head honchos...they should start with cutting back their salaries or pensions or other benefits. Can't keep squeezing the little guy

If the city is bringing business here...let's see it. You don't keep paying for advertising if it's not paying off.

Johnbisonbear
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 4183

Johnbisonbear

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 4183

Elected officials

11/29/2016 at 8:41 AM

michelle said "

Johnbisonbear said "

JackAzz said "Its a two hour car ride. Its not like there would be any kind of significant cost. There are costs associated with running a city. They can't be expected to seek approval for residents every time they spend a few hundred dollars. "

the city didn't ask for approval from residents when they give money to the Keystone do they? Looks like the centre will be getting their million dollars after all. That's more than a few hundred dollars.

The city didn't ask for approval when they bussed kids to Winnipeg to see the WSO did they? Nope!

Does the city ask approval for all the meals taxpayers pay for their employees? Nope!

Does the city ask if we all approve of city busses running on stat holidays? Nope! Bet that costs more than a few hundred dollars!

All this spending adds up Jackazz!

We have two MLAs that should be looking after our city's interests thru the provincial government. I helped elect one of them. "

We elect people in confidence so they can make decisions. That's what democracy is all about and it's why we vote.

I cannot imagine every decision would be taken to the residents for approval, as it would cost a fortune. That would not be practical or cost effective.. "