Double-duty councillors
Re: Bradley unveils new initiatives in state of the Region address, April 12
It was encouraging to see Chair Jim Bradley and regional council establish the shared services office in a proactive move. The Bill 39 facilitator has not been appointed yet for Niagara or the other two-tier regions.
Shared services are a good idea, shared councillors is also a good idea. Ask Oakville or Burlington or Oshawa and Pickering.
Few services are more important than the service of the elected councillor. A councillor that serves locally and the Region makes good sense as a shared service. Niagara Falls thought so last term, but the Region said no.
It is encouraging to think sewer and water, economic development and fire services could be considered. Double duty directly elected city/regional councillors would makes citizen representation a helpful shared service that should also be considered.
Bruce Timms
St. Catharines