BE PREPARED FOR A REPEAT OF THE 2004 BUDGET

On November 4, the draft 2009 City of Ottawa budget will be released. Because of decisions taken by council in the budget directions stage, there is every chance we will face a repeat of the 2004 budget.

The 2004 budget has been described as a train wreck. It contained cuts that were unacceptable to most residents. The closure of swimming pools, elimination of adult crossing guards, and drastic reductions in roadside grass cutting were just three examples. It was possible to defeat most of the cuts that harmed services Kanata residents value during the budget debate.

However, the sheer volume of cuts meant some got by and services did suffer. Reductions in roadside grass cutting or leaf and yard waste pickup were just two examples.

During the budget directions debate in June, Council asked for options to reduce the total number of full time equivalent positions by 500 without saying where those cuts will be made. This is in addition to the $100 million in efficiencies that have already been approved for the 2008 to 2010 period.

Where cuts make sense I have no problems supporting them. My concern is when we call for cuts without considering the impact on services. That is a recipe for a repeat of the type of problem we experienced during the 2004 budget and for several months afterwards.

RIGHT DECISIONS ON OFFICIAL PLAN AND TRANSPORTATION KEYS TO CONTROLLING SPENDING

Many of the decisions that have the greatest impact on City spending are not part of the budget process.

More than anything else, what we decide in the review of the Official Plan will determine whether we are able to control spending. Expanding the urban boundary when it is not absolutely necessary makes it inevitable that the cost of delivering city services will rise faster than revenues. On the other hand, finding ways to intensify while keeping the impact on existing neighbourhoods to a minimum allows us to keep the infrastructure required by new growth to a minimum.

With the Transportation Master Plan, building the light rail route that allows us to bring transit operating costs under control first (the east-west route is far and away the best) helps reduce budget pressures. Trying to build light rail to a community of only 9,000 or widening a road that runs parallel to two rapid transit routes increases costs.

These are just a couple of examples of how “high level” planning decisions affect City spending. Too often the attention the budget gets means that the financial implications of decisions on citywide plans are ignored. We cannot afford for that to continue.

One thing I have pushed for in the Official Plan Review process is a clear picture of what development in different parts of the City costs taxpayers. During the discussion of the phasing for light rail I will be looking at both the transit needs of the city and the impact on costs.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL CANDIDATES IN LAST TUESDAY’S FEDERAL ELECTION

I would like to express my appreciation to all of the candidates who ran in Carleton – Mississippi Mills in this year’s election. Running for office takes time and commitment. Generally in Carleton – Mississippi Mills, regardless of which parties we support, we have had the opportunity to vote for credible candidates. In a democracy that is important.

WORKING FULL-TIME FOR KANATA SOUTH

I appreciate the chance to hear from you about issues affecting our community. You can reach me at 580-2752 (office), 580-2762 (fax), www.feltmateforkanata.com or peggy.feltmate@ottawa.ca