February 3, 2004

The Mayor & Members of Council
Re Buskers Funding

It appears that my e-mail dated 2nd February was incomplete. I apologise for my limited cyber skill together with a steam driven computer that combined to produce the error.

The recent council decision to fund the Buskers programme flies in the face of the financial crisis facing this city. The proponents of this action are giving way to sentiment over reality. The proposition that the Buskers drew an audience of 200,00 is pure fiction. The argument of, “It’s for the children” is also suspect because of its constant repetition by those seeking tax dollars. The decision is a return to the pre-election era and contradicts campaign promises to be fiscally accountable. It is a regrettable action that involves tax dollars in another open-ended commercial enterprise.

We have been informed that we are facing a $17.3 million shortfall. All the more shocking that $65000 plus any indeterminate overrun can be so easily earmarked prior to the upcoming budget discussions. Explain it to the many homeowners faced with ever increasing costs of taxes and services. Those are their dollars and should not be treated as chump change. There can be no doubt that there is overwhelming opposition to the decision that has been reflected in the polls taken by both radio and television. Election promises were made to listen to the electorate. It is incumbent upon you to re-visit this decision and reverse it.

Respectfully,

Al Nelman