This story really is sad:
http://tinyurl.com/y9gl3qv
Councillors spend thousands in public cash on donations that boost their profile
Incumbents get unfair advantage 'using 'taxpayers' pockets,' critics say
Kelly Grant
Toronto councillors spent more than $55,000 in taxpayers' money last year on donations to groups including churches, seniors' clubs, ratepayers' associations and minor sports teams that splash politicians names across their jerseys.
And if the past is any guide, the councillors who made these donations last year will do so again as the Oct. 25 election looms, reinforcing their near-insurmountable incumbent advantage.
"I think these kinds of donations are inappropriate," said Myer Siemiatycki, a municipal politics expert at Ryerson University. "When a municipal councillor gives funds to local ratepayer groups - not from their own pocket, but from taxpayers' pockets - it's a way of boosting the popularity and legitimacy of that incumbent that gives them a tremendous advantage over any challenger."
A little-publicized rule in the city's expense policy lets councillors draw from their $53,100 office budgets to donate to local organizations, including those they might solicit for support come election time. The cheque simply has to be cut before Labour Day in a campaign year, when more stringent financing rules kick in.
James Morton
1100-5255 Yonge Street
Toronto, Ontario
M2N 6P4
416 225 2777
www.jmortonmusings.blogspot.com
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