BEDFORD COMMUNITY COUNCIL CONCERNED WITH MAYORLTY CANDIDATES!

Bedford Community Council Association is concerned with Mayorlty candidates’ position on amalagamation. A recent Chronicle Herald article (A. Pugsley-September 18, 2008) indicated that one of the mayoralty candidates was willing to entertain the idea of a plebiscite on de-amalgamation, with the other two candidates indicating that there is nothing wrong with the way the Municipality is being run.

It is clear to members of the Bedford Community Council Association that all three candidates for Mayor do not quite understand the concerns raised by thousands of their constituents.

BCCA was formed because of Bedford residents’ dissatisfaction with the present governance structure of Halifax Regional Municipality. Other concerned citizen groups are also becoming more active throughout HRM. Obviously, something is wrong!

It should be a concern to everyone that, under the present structure, decisions affecting the very fabric of community life are made by a Regional Council, which consists of representatives that are not accountable to the residents of the individual communities.

Items such as the Chebucto Road widening, where cats can roam, and a Sackville Drive-In Theatre should be dealt with by the individual community. At present, the area Councilor can vote for or against a project or a development in their District but can be out-voted by other Councilors from other Districts. How can this, in the 25th year of Democracy, be perceived as democratic?

The Provincial Government needs to make changes to the existing governance structure of the Halifax Regional Municipality to ensure that communities have a say in issues directly affecting them and have the financial resources to implement programs and services withing the community.

The association believes that the fundamentals of amalgamation can work; however, not as presently executed by the Municipality. Discussions need to be undertaken NOW to determine whether we require a reduced Council, Councillors elected “at large”, Community Councils with decision-making and funding capabilities, or all of the above!

The Bedford Community Council Association believes that all regional areas deserve a greater voice in local issues while, at the same time, preserving the economies of scale benefits of the Halifax Regional Municipality’s management of regional issues.

Support for change comes from many sources. The most important source is that of a voter. At this time of municipal elections, residents should not hesitate to make their voices heard by the candidates. It DOES matter.

For further information visit the BCCA website at: www.futureofbedford.com

Donna Lugar
835-5643
donna.lugar@ns.sympatico.ca