PelhamToday received the following reader letter regarding Pelham Ward 1 Councillor Wayne Olson's recent commentary arguing against Niagara amalgamation:
How refreshing to hear a politician, any politician, publicly recognizing, by far the biggest problem facing our supposed ‘democracies’ today.
Wayne Olson writes: “…the monopolization of power in the hands of an unelected bureaucracy….”
We are already there, yet almost all politicians continue to pretend that they are the ones making policies and not their staff.
I enjoyed reading his interpretation of centralization (even bigger government), not being the only answer to any solution for the citizens and taxpayers of Niagara, but disappointed that he ignored the most basic argument against such centralization: the sheer cost of an ever-growing Regional bureaucracy.
Maybe we should first get back to basics and demand our local elected politicians do some basic cost investigations into a comparison between the Regional and the 12 municipal costs, the increases in staff numbers, the total costs of salaries, benefits and any other additional economic ‘perks’ they may accrue. And not to ignore those already retired, who continue to receive index-linked and protected pensions from the taxpayers for up to 30 years, maybe more.
If anyone actually believes that these ever-increasing pension demands can be covered by existing pension funds, in perpetuity, with even more bureaucrats choosing earlier retirement, I can only offer my sympathy.
So, as all the figures should be public, and easily available, which elected politician is going to step up and demand a report, between say, 2000 and 2023, showing the staff increases and cost increases at the Region and within the 12 municipalities?
Whatever the cost comparisons show, the best choice for the Regional taxpayer is simple.
If a One Niagara bureaucracy is the cheapest, go for it.
However, if the 12 municipalities combined have cost less, then there is something to be debated, seriously and publicly, before any decision should be made.
And it still doesn’t come close to debating by far the biggest ‘elephant in the room’ of all.
I repeat the above quote: “…the monopolization of power in the hands of an unelected bureaucracy….”
Whether it be the Regional bureaucracy, or the combined 12 municipal bureaucracies, or even a combination of both, just which politicians will show the will, or the courage, to even attempt to sack those already entitled bureaucrats whose total and complete dismissal is the only act that can possibly be integral to any serious, economic, governance reform in Niagara Region?
As for the author admitting to a ‘conflict of interest’? I find that a bit sad. I do think that Niagara Region has far too many politicians, but at the same time, also believe that it is only local municipal politicians who can truly represent local municipalities. It’s sad that this, all too often, no longer seems to be the case but would hope that those who truly care are still out there and will continue to fight for their own communities first and foremost.
Andrew Watts
Wainfleet
