By Lucille Frith
Municipal election and public participation – thanks to those who came to the Algonquin Theatre two nights to hear our local candidates explain why voting for them will make a difference in our town of Huntsville. Democracy in action. Each person recognizes the basic issue – their employers (we the taxpayers) want to keep our operating cost (taxes) down while continuing to enjoy a reasonable standard of living.
The standard list of priority issues is basically the same for all: housing, healthcare, the environment, services, and infrastructure. All these come from taxpayer funds. We, taxpayers, are experiencing higher costs for most everything so therefore our municipal government must be as well. That means more must come from the taxpayer to cover the increased costs – not to mention the upcoming new hospitals.
I was prepared to ask a question on Wednesday but public questions were limited and there were no questions allowed from the public on Thursday evening. So now I would like to ask my question, not only of the local candidates but also the public.
TO ALL CANDIDATES SEEKING ELECTION IN HUNTSVILLE and throughout Muskoka:
Unlike what happened in 2018 to the City of Toronto, the Province wants a “Made in Muskoka” restructuring solution.
The District of Muskoka commissioned the Rice Report in 2000 which concluded a single-tier government could produce savings of $4.5 – $5.25 million dollars of per year (remember this was a year 2000 valuation). Restructuring would produce more efficient governance (i.e., less duplication) and equality of representation (i.e., the number of representatives from towns vs townships).
July 24, 2000 the District Municipality of Muskoka passed the following resolution: THAT Muskoka District Council accepts the restructuring plan for a single-tier governance in the District of Muskoka as detailed in Schedule “A” to the resolution of the Ad Hoc Muskoka Restructuring Committee dated July 20, 2000.
A likely reason neither the Rice report nor this resolution never gained traction I would guess, is that our employees (mayors and councillors) don’t want to participate in their own downsizing.
QUESTION: Would each candidate be prepared to support moving toward restructuring the District and Municipal Councils in time for the 2026 election?
Ask this question of your candidate before voting.
All candidates and the public are welcome to reply to [email protected]
More to follow on Restructuring the District and Municipal Councils.
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Bob Braan says
Tax dollars saved? Municipal councillors only know how to spend.
On their own salaries, for example.
27%!!! increase at the District.
How can Muskoka have high taxes when we have the cash cow of cottagers who pay huge taxes yet use very little services?
Rampant, unlimited spending is how.
$620 million!! on services for a handful of connections is another example.
https://doppleronline.ca/huntsville/municipal-water-and-sewer-rates-on-the-rise/
Highest rates in Ontario set to rise yet again.
Another $65 million being blown in Huntsville right now.
“10.8 per cent, that is absurd. I can’t get my head around that,” said Councillor Bob Stone.
https://doppleronline.ca/huntsville/proposed-range-for-the-towns-2023-draft-budget-lands-between-a-5-4-and-7-per-cent-tax-hike/
Totally out of touch with taxpayers struggling with inflation.
To be clear and accurate many on town council are also on District council where many of the same people approved a 27%!! pay increase.
Not surprising at all.
“The public is not a money tree we can just pluck for what we want.”
Sure it is.
They already have at the District.
“How can we justify a substantial increase for ourselves when there are so many in need?” questioned Councillor Don Smith.”
No kidding.
Now is the one and only time to have your say and get rid of those who have chosen to gorge themselves at the public trough while approving the continued unlimited destruction of Muskoka to benefit a few developers.
Find out which of your candidates approved this massive increase.
Say goodbye to all of them.
Stop the rampant, unlimited spending.
https://doppleronline.ca/huntsville/district-council-defeats-attempt-to-reduce-proposed-increase-to-councillor-pay/
Reuben Pyette says
With respect to, District spends far to much money without results. The roads they control in Huntsville are a disgrace. The District Chair position I have yet to figure out what exactly it is they do. Seems like patronage appointments. Get rid of this position in its entirety.
Towns need to take over the areas that fall into their jurisdictions. One stop shopping and move District out of the equation; this puts more money into the pockets of the towns.
I am seeking if elected a 5% reduction in property taxes every year for the next 4 years.
I am seeking the creation of Huntsville owned social housing for at risk citizens without barriers but are homeless to no fault of their own. Housing First puts housing in the control of the town and not developers. Developers should never be landlords and own property on the backs of taxpayers.
District Grants need to be kept within District controlled housing units. Grants for roofing, windows, siding and doors or for heating upgrades should be available to those in need.
I am Reuben Pyette Mayorial Candidate for Huntsville. I want our council to work not prosecute property owners because they have tax dollars to do so.
Thanks