Mr. Mayor, it's unusual that you have at least acknowledged my email of May sixth regarding the city manager and his apparent lack of trust to convey confidential information to you (the hiring of former councillor Gilles Prefontaine).
However, I am writing to express my concerns with the new utility capital contributions.
It appears these funds will be put into reserves until the utility improvements are needed. This could be 10 to 15 years out. This is contrary to a pay-as-you-go business model.
First, we all know what will happen to the reserves. They will be given away to non-profits, similar to the now defunct Build St. Albert department.
Second, thousands of residents currently residing in St. Albert may not be living here when the improvements are completed. That means we will be paying for improvements for others to benefit, not ourselves.
I am sure that no one on council, or in administration saved for years to pay cash for their homes. Like 99.9 per cent of the population, they save enough for a down payment, and they took out a mortgage for the balance, paying it off while they enjoy the house.
This is how the city needs to operate.
Use operating funds for up to 15 per cent of the project, then finance the balance over a 20- to 25-year period. That way, we benefit as we pay.
If we do not use the MSI grants for utilities, the city manager will simply use the funds for his personal wish list, including DARP. He will then brag that these special programs were completed without raising property taxes.
But, we will know the truth.
Our utility and property taxes will continue to increase until only the rich can afford to live here.
Perhaps that is your goal.
Norm Harley, St. Albert
