If we accept shrinking government -- that is radically cutting services -- it is possible to cut taxes and have a balanced budget. The trouble is Mayor Ford wanted to cut taxes (which he did), maintain services and balance the budget.
And that can't be done.
Something's gotta give... .
http://bit.ly/pMsPaF
David Rider
Urban Affairs Bureau Chief
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, facing a huge budget hole in 2012, is off to Queen's Park on Wednesday morning to meet with Premier Dalton McGuinty.
The offices of the Conservative mayor and Liberal premier, whose early, wary détente has given way to partisan hostility, were mum Tuesday about topics on the agenda for the 8:45 a.m. sit-down.
Ford asked for the meeting. A senior provincial government source said he is "looking forward to hearing what (Ford) has to say."
Ford is on record asking the province for more than $150 million in specific projects, including roadwork and increased child care subsidies, plus half the TTC's $429 million annual operating costs.
Since the mayor's February request, the city has plunged into 2012 budget deliberations, with Ford floating the possibility of deep service cuts and staff layoffs to erase a projected shortfall of between $443 million and $774 million.
2 comments:
Ford wants to get the money and then later proclaim his fiscal miracle without mentioning this little tidbit, should it come to pass.
Ford campaigned also on a promise that he would not seek money from the province until Toronto's fiscal office was in order. Blah, blah, blah.
Of course, it is appropriate to get extra cash from the province. That's how, unfortunately, Confederation is set up. Cities have only the rights provinces give them, and many projects have to be specially funded by the provinces. It's a bad system, filled with back scratching and threats, but there it is.
Former Mayor Miller pleaded for more fiscal independence, and got some, which resulted in being able to levy the vehicle registration tax. Unfortunately, Ford dropped that tax, claiming it unfair, and unnecessary as the 'gravy' would more than make up for it. Right. No gravy = over $60 million in lost revenue yearly.
McGuinty would be wise to remind Toronto of this while he writes the blank cheque.
Very good analysis - thanks!
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