I applaud the actions of a local business owner in taking the City of Prince George to court. Downtown revitalization has been on the books since I was in high school and I graduated in 1986. What does that tell you?
The only unfortunate thing about this is that we, the homeowners and businesses, will foot the bill as the city simply raises property taxes to pay. There will be zero fiscal accountability placed on those who sit idly by and do nothing or were responsible for our current state.
The best bet at this time is to attack this three ways. First, a moratorium on any future increases on property taxes needs to be done. If the city cannot utilize the coffer's current contents, then we know just how bad things have gotten. The money should be taken out of the salaries of those responsible or a stop to silly consultancies needs to end. Where else can the money come from?
Second, we need to stop heaping our anger on mayor and council, while their elected positions hold power over the inept management. Finally, we as a city need to stop making everything about mental illness, addiction, and the plight of homelessness. Yes, these are issues, but to disregard the criminality is wrong. It is irresponsible and it is dangerous. When we focus on the social 'excuses', we ignore the real victims.
It is high time that those in the ivory tower stopped paying money for supposed experts to deflect, colour perception, and start telling the truth and being fiscally responsible. Ask any RCMP member if they would have preferred more cops or the new station that looks like a modern art gallery, and they will tell you.
If someone sues the city and the people foot the bill, it is an exercise in being counter-productive.
Mike Maslen
Prince George
