Letter: Is the Municipality Now a Bank?

December 5, 2012 Editor Opinion

 

Dear Editor,

When did the municipal government’s role change to become a bank for private business? I ask this question in opposition to Township Council voting to grant the Morrisburg BIA a loan “up to $12,000” towards an electronic sign.

From my understanding, the Morrisburg BIA represents the businesses in Morrisburg who are only physically located in the village plaza, and is funded through a fee on their annual property taxes. 

That fee pays for marketing, upkeep, improvements, and such for the plaza. This BIA only represents businesses who are physically located in the plaza and does not allow non-plaza businesses located in Morrisburg or South Dundas to join.

If the Morrisburg plaza BIA wants to put up an electronic sign that costs $21,000, and they need a loan for "up to $12,000" to help pay for it, why does the BIA not go to its members? The BIA’s website claims there are 48 businesses in the plaza, which would amount to a contribution of $250 per business towards this sign. The sign would be paid for in full and South Dundas taxpayers would not be loaning the money to private business.

A loan for $12,000 may not seem like a big amount of money, however the township directly loaning money from the taxpayers for a business improvement project benefiting private business is a bad precedent to set.

Now that they have done it once, what is stopping every other business group in the township from holding their hand out to municipal council when they need to borrow?

Council should rethink granting this loan and encourage the BIA to go to its members. If the members are not willing to pay more towards the sign, then maybe the BIA doesn’t really need the electronic sign.

Or the BIA could just do what the rest of us do when we want to spruce up our humble abodes, borrow from a bank or save up your money.

Phillip Blancher

 

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Our story in pictures

May 2, 2012 Editor Opinion

 

Who will save the South Dundas murals? At this point, three of the murals, all in Morrisburg, are at the end of their lifespan. The Township of South Dundas is responsible for either taking them down and refinishing the walls beneath OR making a fresh start and hiring someone to redo them.

From what I’ve heard so far, the second option doesn’t appear to be under consideration. Rather, it would appear that hope has been laid at the feet of residents who might consider stepping forward as ‘champions’… which, as I already said, has not yet happened and may not happen at all. Let’s face it, not everyone has $10,000 and change lying around for donation toward commissioning a replacement mural. (I’m lucky when I have $10 lying around that hasn’t already been spoken for…!)

Getting down to the ‘nitty gritty’… Why is saving the South Dundas murals important? Because they’re unique and they’re beautiful. They each depict a different part of the history of South Dundas. They generate interest from outsiders… perhaps even draw people into our township. I think they’re an asset to each of our communities within South Dundas and, as such, should be funded by and cared for by… our township. 

As for where the money would come from in the South Dundas budget… I don’t know, but I’m certain that it’s doable. These murals showcase our township… the beauty that surrounds South Dundas… the history… the story. Perhaps the budget for economic development should be raised to encompass the murals… for the probability that they serve to entice visitors to our area… visitors who shop here, eat here, stay here for the night… or for visitors who may decide to put down roots and set up shop in South Dundas.

Adding to that thought, should someone with power… council maybe… decide that murals are to remain in South Dundas indefinitely, perhaps there is an argument to be made for regular maintenance and upkeep, to preserve these murals for as long as possible. 

And, if I haven’t gone too far already, might I make another suggestion… why not add more murals? Not too many, just a few… maybe some with scenes from our recent history. (FYI: I hope to never see any murals with wind turbines in them!)   S. C.

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