KANATA NORTH NEWS Marianne Wilkinson Councillor, Kanata North CHARGES AGAINST THE MAYOR
On Monday the Mayor was charged by the police under the criminal code. In Canada an individual is considered innocent until proven guilty so it is the Mayors decision on how he will deal with this issue until there is a court decision on the charges. Under the Municipal Act he will lose his seat if he is found guilty and be exonerated if he is found not guilty. Council has no jurisdiction to force him to step down in the meantime. It has made life more difficult at City Hall but we are moving forward in dealing with the budget and other work to ensure that this City is well run, that efficiencies are found and implemented and residents get the services they expect and deserve. I will continue to serve you to the best of my ability and to work with my colleagues to move the City forward.
WINTERS HERE!
This year is quite a contrast to last year with a large amount of snow falling, creating difficult walking and driving conditions. Every year we seem to have to learn how to drive and walk on slippery, uncertain and challenging surfaces. Take your time to avoid accidents and falls. I appreciate your suggestions on improving snow removal and will be meeting with staff to review priorities for street, sidewalk and pathway clearing. With growing snow banks please keep a lookout for pedestrians who may need to walk along the road to reach their bus stop or crossing. With all of this snow sledding hills are now open. In Kanata there is a lit sledding hill in Walter Baker Park off Terry Fox. I also see children using the hills on the golf course and urge parents to ensure that they dont go down the hill towards a road or trees. Safety is a concern at this holiday time. Remember also not to drink and drive
MORE ON THE BUDGET
This week we will be wrestling with the budget. Some ideas have been floated that will likely be approved by the time you read this column. One of these is the review of administrative departments during the first 3 months of 2008. This will be carried out by the Long Range Financial Planning Committee, on which Im a member. We will be looking at the type of work, the efficiency of operations and
reduction of red tape to identify savings that would not negatively impact services to the community or individuals. Whatever is saved above a pre-determined minimum will be used to reduce the tax rate before the final tax bill is mailed in late May. (The interim tax bill you receive early in the year is 50% of the 2007 bill). This review is a quick and dirty overview and does not replace the detailed look at all City operations that is to be carried out during the term of Council. This more detailed review will start immediately after the overview is completed and will include service operations as well as administration. By continually monitoring our operations, looking for efficiencies, using technology wisely and eliminating or reducing programs that no longer serve their original purpose we can ensure that you get value for your tax dollars. Being efficient doesnt mean that we deny services in new areas, such as Kanata North. I will be seeking the necessary approvals to move the construction of the Kanata North Recreation Complex along and to get the seed money to do the necessary studies to put out a proposal for the development of the Main Street of Kanata.
OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW
Public comments on the Official Plan Review for the City of Ottawa can now be made until December 21st. The white papers and other information is available on the city website, www.ottawa.ca in the area Beyond 20/20 Official Plan Review. I urge you to provide your views on how Ottawa should develop in the future.
Serving the residents and businesses in Kanata North
To receive the Kanata North Newsletter, to deal with a concern or make a suggestion contact me at 613-580-2474, email Marianne.Wilkinson@ottawa.ca or through www.mariannewilkinson.com. My office in the Mlacak Centre is staffed Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 am to 3 pm. I am available at a time convenient for you by appointment.
