Dear Editor,

Councillor Thomas stated this week that my budget position is intended to boost my re-election prospects.
Such cynical comments are beneath my good and otherwise most congenial colleague. 

• I voted against the budget because I thought we could do much better than a miniscule 0.21% haircut off of a proposed budget increase.

• I voted against the budget because, just like the transit driver I quoted at council, I believe that conventional (not mobility) transit has had its day and that our residents just aren’t using it in sufficient numbers to justify its massive price tag.  Again, that came from a transit driver, for heaven’s sake.

• I voted against the budget because I believe we can make staff reductions now at city hall and not kick that can off to the next budget in the next term.

As for votes, I am under no illusions. In a charming line, Premier Dalton McGuinty once said that the government just cannot deliver a new pony to everyone’s driveway - but people vote for those who promise just that.

Sincerely,

John A. Tamming
Owen Sound City Councillor