Dear editor:
After just attending a third all-candidates forum Oct. 9, I have come to the conclusion that this is one of the most important elections that we have experienced in the 14 years that we have lived in Cochrane.
The key issues include the massive capital spending projected for a proposed new aquatic centre and curling rink, both of which are needed, but at what cost?
I suggest the gold-plated version for both facilities at over $54 million is not supportable, and the incoming council must re-examine a revised business plan, including the question of where a new or upgraded curling rink is located. As a long-time curler here and elsewhere, the current rink is long past its due date and something must be done very soon. However, we have been told by some of the incumbent candidates seeking re-election that nothing is absolutely etched in stone regarding the aquatic centre/curling rink and that a formal business plan will be developed and presented to council later this fall.
Given this scenario, why did the existing council give the green light on hiring a project manager (Tango) at a cost to taxpayers of $1 million when we’re still debating both the cost and the timing of building these facilities? This was totally irresponsible and premature in my mind and yet another example of putting the cart before the horse.
Susanne Gaida, senior manager of project services, is quoted as saying, “The decision to bring Tango aboard was not based on cost but experience.” Quite frankly, that kind of justification has happened far too often in this town and that is why most of us are fed up with rising taxes every year with no apparent payback or value added.
So as you contemplate who to vote for Oct. 21, I strongly suggest that we send a strong message that the honeymoon of spending beyond our means is over and that fiscal accountability and good stewardship of our limited tax dollars must be paramount.
Glen McGlaughlin
