Recently I asked the mayor by email about holding a referendum during the upcoming election in November on building a performing arts centre. Her reply was "I don't believe a referendum question on its merits is necessary at such a early stage when we have not even identified the funding for this project. If and when we get to a place Where Borrowing Might Be Required I will support a referendum on borrowing funds."
I'd think instead of Wasting more taxpayers monies that the time to find out what the taxpayer wants or needs in the way of a PAC is during this November eElection rather than holding a referendum between elections when it will be a greater cost to the taxpayer. A Simple Question of "Are you in favour of spending 40 or 50 million to build a PAC" Yes or No?
It would seem from reading Straight.com there is no money for arts in the provincial or federal governments budgets. "With the cultural Olympiad pumping energy into the local creative scene, there's never been a busier time for artists in Vancouver. But in the midst of all this activity, there are dark clouds rolling in: the recent provincial budget, with its projected 40 per cent cut to arts funding over the next three years - on top of last year's $45 million in federal arts cuts - have left many in the cultural industry feeling uncertain about their future in a troubled economy."
So mayor and council, please explain where you plan on coming up with all this money when our infrastructure is falling apart and we have problems with sewer and potholes. My utility bill has increased by $201.14 between 2010 and 2014. I don't care what city has what and what city can't keep up with them. I live and pay taxes here in Prince George. Lets not spend above our means. We have just built a new RCMP building, there's the Winter Games adding more debt on top of what we already owe, lets pay down some of that debt before going further in the hole. Hold a referendum.
Doug Walder
Prince George
