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		<title>Another tie delays the zeros</title>
		<description>Discuss Another tie delays the zeros</description>
		<link>http://themcleodreport.ca/columns/991-another-tie-delays-the-zeros.html</link>
		<lastBuildDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 06:09:52 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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			<title>RE: Another tie delays the zeros</title>
			<link>http://themcleodreport.ca/columns/991-another-tie-delays-the-zeros.html#comment-2501</link>
			<description><![CDATA[Thanks Sandy. I did notice this little gem from Martin Hayward, the City Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer: "in order to achieve the property tax levy target of 3.8%, 2.0%, and 0%, it is recognized that unless sustainable additional non property tax supported revenue is realized, the services the City provides both directly and indirectly would have to be reduced to some extent." Didn't the Mayor promise no service reductions with his 0% increases? gryff :)]]></description>
			<dc:creator>Peter Griffith</dc:creator>
			<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jun 2012 20:48:41 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://themcleodreport.ca/columns/991-another-tie-delays-the-zeros.html#comment-2501</guid>
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			<title>RE: Another tie delays the zeros</title>
			<link>http://themcleodreport.ca/columns/991-another-tie-delays-the-zeros.html#comment-2500</link>
			<description><![CDATA[I don't think Nancy Branscombe or Joni Bachelor could get any more arrogant. If I have to hear from them two blowing their own horn on how they are smarter and better than anyone else on council, I think I am going to gag. Nancy and Joni's hostility towards the Mayor and the majority of other council members, has got to the point of no return. The Mayor would be smart to take them up on their threat and remove them from the service review committee, as there is a good chance they are going to sabotage it anyway. As a taxpayer I don't want 'tax em' to the hilt councilors on a review committee that refuses to consider the will of the majority of Londoners.]]></description>
			<dc:creator>Elaine Murray</dc:creator>
			<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jun 2012 19:39:52 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://themcleodreport.ca/columns/991-another-tie-delays-the-zeros.html#comment-2500</guid>
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			<title>Sally</title>
			<link>http://themcleodreport.ca/columns/991-another-tie-delays-the-zeros.html#comment-2499</link>
			<description><![CDATA[ I've seen cases where wages and benefits have gone over 80%, so I think you are dead on that point. Still, some of the "cuts" proposed I think are not a bad idea. For example, turning off streetlights in the middle of the night. Sometimes I am working at 3 or 4 am in the morning, and I can drive from one side of the city to the other a barely see a dozen cars in total. Even if it was not a cost saving measure, why not turn off or turn down some street lights at that time just for the principle of saving energy? Turn off street lights at night? How about making sure they work at all? The one on my street has been broken for years. I have seen them come to fix it, but it is still broken.]]></description>
			<dc:creator>Sally Field</dc:creator>
			<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jun 2012 16:44:51 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://themcleodreport.ca/columns/991-another-tie-delays-the-zeros.html#comment-2499</guid>
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			<title>RE: Another tie delays the zeros</title>
			<link>http://themcleodreport.ca/columns/991-another-tie-delays-the-zeros.html#comment-2498</link>
			<description><![CDATA[Peter if you go to the agenda of the June 25th Strategic Priorities Cte meeting, which can be found at the city's web site, you will find the budget changes needed to cut $25 M. I didn't find any that were one time revenue sources, but I could have missed it. It should be required reading for citizens.]]></description>
			<dc:creator>Sandy Levin</dc:creator>
			<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jun 2012 15:52:39 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://themcleodreport.ca/columns/991-another-tie-delays-the-zeros.html#comment-2498</guid>
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			<title>New MPAC Assessments for Old South/North coming soon!</title>
			<link>http://themcleodreport.ca/columns/991-another-tie-delays-the-zeros.html#comment-2497</link>
			<description><![CDATA[ Hopefully MPAC completes the new property assessments for Old South and Old North properties soon. London knows the property values in these areas do not currently have a property assessed value. Until resolved London will continue to have MAJOR tax shortfalls. Hopefully London council pushes MPAC to complete in time for this years budget.]]></description>
			<dc:creator>Anne Klein</dc:creator>
			<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jun 2012 14:53:08 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://themcleodreport.ca/columns/991-another-tie-delays-the-zeros.html#comment-2497</guid>
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			<title>RE: Another tie delays the zeros</title>
			<link>http://themcleodreport.ca/columns/991-another-tie-delays-the-zeros.html#comment-2496</link>
			<description><![CDATA[ Sandy, if there are "no repeats" is that included in the $25 million shortfall that is being used - or will it be in addition? gryff :)]]></description>
			<dc:creator>Peter Griffith</dc:creator>
			<pubDate>Wed, 27 Jun 2012 21:25:15 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://themcleodreport.ca/columns/991-another-tie-delays-the-zeros.html#comment-2496</guid>
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			<title>RE: Another tie delays the zeros</title>
			<link>http://themcleodreport.ca/columns/991-another-tie-delays-the-zeros.html#comment-2495</link>
			<description><![CDATA[What gets missed in the argument is that in order to cut $18 M last year, the city had to use one time money (no repeats), some service changes, eliminating positions, added revenue (parking fees, user fees) AND provincial uploading of Ontario Works. Eventually one or more of these "sources" run out. The easy stuff has been done. And as far as getting rid of assets, who would buy a facility that doesn't make money (convention centre)?]]></description>
			<dc:creator>Sandy Levin</dc:creator>
			<pubDate>Wed, 27 Jun 2012 21:00:29 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://themcleodreport.ca/columns/991-another-tie-delays-the-zeros.html#comment-2495</guid>
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			<title>Austerity budget time London</title>
			<link>http://themcleodreport.ca/columns/991-another-tie-delays-the-zeros.html#comment-2494</link>
			<description><![CDATA[Introduce austerity budget to resolve inefficiencies of a bloated bureaucracy NOW. NO more tax increases. Eliminate all non essential services and staff immediately. Reduce benefits and retirement packages. Require greater contributions by employees. Unload all non-essential services and assets; the John Labatt Centre, the Dearness home, etc. Tender out Storybook Gardens. Eliminate summer student hires. Introduce and increase parking fees to all municipal employees who park a vehicle on city property. Contract out all services for every recreation facility. Eliminate the Commissionaires . Increase By-Law Services to reduce Policing costs. Create volunteer fire positions. Increase e-Commerce and online services. License City Works Yards to legalize lunch time gambling. Charge fees to inspect and permit outdoor fire pits & add health tax. Demand the utmost fiscal and responsible bureaucracy for London.]]></description>
			<dc:creator>Phil Simms</dc:creator>
			<pubDate>Wed, 27 Jun 2012 16:08:21 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://themcleodreport.ca/columns/991-another-tie-delays-the-zeros.html#comment-2494</guid>
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			<title>RE: Another tie delays the zeros</title>
			<link>http://themcleodreport.ca/columns/991-another-tie-delays-the-zeros.html#comment-2493</link>
			<description><![CDATA[Brenda, under Council procedures, the Mayor does not break a tie. The Mayor, like the rest of Council, only has one vote.]]></description>
			<dc:creator>Sandy Levin</dc:creator>
			<pubDate>Wed, 27 Jun 2012 14:39:17 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://themcleodreport.ca/columns/991-another-tie-delays-the-zeros.html#comment-2493</guid>
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			<title>RE: Another tie delays the zeros</title>
			<link>http://themcleodreport.ca/columns/991-another-tie-delays-the-zeros.html#comment-2492</link>
			<description><![CDATA[I have a nice house in Old South and the cost to me of a 2.8% increase is about $150. a year. It is a small price to pay to retain good bus service, limit lay-offs at City Hall, keep pools and day cares open and continue to support new affordable rental housing. I'd gladly pay it just to rid us of this annual haggling at Council. There are too many constructive things that are not being addressed.]]></description>
			<dc:creator>Gregory Playford</dc:creator>
			<pubDate>Wed, 27 Jun 2012 13:06:25 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://themcleodreport.ca/columns/991-another-tie-delays-the-zeros.html#comment-2492</guid>
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			<title>Threated by leaders...</title>
			<link>http://themcleodreport.ca/columns/991-another-tie-delays-the-zeros.html#comment-2491</link>
			<description><![CDATA[Quitting a job for ethical reasons, like refusing to abide by a policy that violates a constituents basic human needs for continuing survival in the community a Councillor represents is commendable...o therwise you're resignation is a threat to take your pay without doing any work.That's stealing. Deuteronomy 5:19.Neither shalt thou steal. Do the people running this city really need the likes of a Pope to step up to the mic and explain to them the meaning of lust...If you don't understand the meaning of work for pay, you're not fit for public office IMO.]]></description>
			<dc:creator>Orange Lily Eater</dc:creator>
			<pubDate>Wed, 27 Jun 2012 12:44:01 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://themcleodreport.ca/columns/991-another-tie-delays-the-zeros.html#comment-2491</guid>
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			<title>Hyde Park Resident</title>
			<link>http://themcleodreport.ca/columns/991-another-tie-delays-the-zeros.html#comment-2490</link>
			<description><![CDATA[I support a zero tax increase because we will still have water and sewer charge increases and Downtown Development Levee which are key infrastructure investments. Basically, this will be a focussed tax increase. I know this will mean service cuts but the reality is, all level of governments are cutting, Feds, Prov, Municipal and household budgets. Unfortunately, there is always a cost.]]></description>
			<dc:creator>Nicole Buteau</dc:creator>
			<pubDate>Wed, 27 Jun 2012 12:20:46 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://themcleodreport.ca/columns/991-another-tie-delays-the-zeros.html#comment-2490</guid>
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			<title>Threated by leaders...</title>
			<link>http://themcleodreport.ca/columns/991-another-tie-delays-the-zeros.html#comment-2489</link>
			<description><![CDATA[Isn't it the mayors job to break a tie? How many times can a council be recalled to vote on an issue before the head honcho has to step up to the plate? Isn't it like baseball, one, two, three strikes and you're out, call in a pinch hitter, steal a base, the clock is ticking, soon it will be election time again. Do councils inherit unfinished business? Do they begin their terms by whipping the slate and abandoning past priorities, but keep their privileges? Who sets the agenda? I want to talk to the boss. Is anyone in charge here?]]></description>
			<dc:creator>Brenda</dc:creator>
			<pubDate>Wed, 27 Jun 2012 12:08:55 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://themcleodreport.ca/columns/991-another-tie-delays-the-zeros.html#comment-2489</guid>
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			<title>A couple of Zero's</title>
			<link>http://themcleodreport.ca/columns/991-another-tie-delays-the-zeros.html#comment-2488</link>
			<description><![CDATA[I find it very interesting that eight members of this council will vote a zero tax increase but some of the eight will support Joe F in his levy's. Obviously the tax payers will have to pay out of pocket one way or another. Joe has been,and is trying VERY hard to get some cash coming in without breaking his "promise" after all, in the end, a city can not run with Zero money coming in.]]></description>
			<dc:creator>Red</dc:creator>
			<pubDate>Wed, 27 Jun 2012 11:55:53 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://themcleodreport.ca/columns/991-another-tie-delays-the-zeros.html#comment-2488</guid>
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			<title>Threatening leadership...</title>
			<link>http://themcleodreport.ca/columns/991-another-tie-delays-the-zeros.html#comment-2487</link>
			<description><![CDATA[I'm with Joe. I'm sick and tired of listening to people I don't know, people who don't know me, making threats in public, that will essentially boot me out of the poorhouse and onto the streets. Me and my peer group of Social Assistance Beneficiaries are already living below the national poverty line. We're holding on tooth and nail to lowest common denominator. We aren't a percentage point. We are uniquely relevant parts of the whole. If we slip any lower the basic minimum acceptable standard of living and quality of life for everyone will decline. Please stop uttering threats. It's causing what would probably be diagnosed as mental illness if I wasn't waiting to be put on a waiting list.]]></description>
			<dc:creator>Brenda</dc:creator>
			<pubDate>Wed, 27 Jun 2012 11:46:30 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://themcleodreport.ca/columns/991-another-tie-delays-the-zeros.html#comment-2487</guid>
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			<title>cutting costs</title>
			<link>http://themcleodreport.ca/columns/991-another-tie-delays-the-zeros.html#comment-2486</link>
			<description><![CDATA[ I've seen cases where wages and benefits have gone over 80%, so I think you are dead on that point. Still, some of the "cuts" proposed I think are not a bad idea. For example, turning off streetlights in the middle of the night. Sometimes I am working at 3 or 4 am in the morning, and I can drive from one side of the city to the other a barely see a dozen cars in total. Even if it was not a cost saving measure, why not turn off or turn down some street lights at that time just for the principle of saving energy?]]></description>
			<dc:creator>joneil</dc:creator>
			<pubDate>Wed, 27 Jun 2012 11:25:47 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://themcleodreport.ca/columns/991-another-tie-delays-the-zeros.html#comment-2486</guid>
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			<title>Zero Per Cent Resolution</title>
			<link>http://themcleodreport.ca/columns/991-another-tie-delays-the-zeros.html#comment-2485</link>
			<description><![CDATA[In any Corporation, private or public, 60 to 80% or more of gross revenue goes to paying wages, benefits and in many cases the costs of benefits of those retired. There is precious little to cut in any budget as all expenses increase each year . Council can get to zero each year by the "death by a thousand cuts," significant layoffs, or the route Windsor and many corporations have gone with lower pay and lower benefits for new hires. There are rumblings that the CAW and UAW in the US will go this way. The alternative on the road to zero is to cut or reduce services which has already happened. This method would be similar to be pedalling to Toronto on the 401 instead of taking the car by staff cuts (not attrition). If London really wants ZERO then this is the real choice. Municipalities, Car-makers and scores of businesses are making the same decision. Which do you want? There is no free ride. By the way Phil. Excellent work. Thank-you]]></description>
			<dc:creator>David Dimitrie</dc:creator>
			<pubDate>Wed, 27 Jun 2012 10:26:56 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://themcleodreport.ca/columns/991-another-tie-delays-the-zeros.html#comment-2485</guid>
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			<title>What is most important to London</title>
			<link>http://themcleodreport.ca/columns/991-another-tie-delays-the-zeros.html#comment-2484</link>
			<description><![CDATA[I really think that the idea of a zero percent tax increase is a bit like putting the cart before the horse. I think all members of council want to get for London what Londoners want most for their community. The question is how to obtain that. Personally I would happily cut some of the money provided to keep hockey arenas open, provided there were more public skating time. Maybe raising the fees for ice time at arenas would make the budget process a little easier. I mean can every kid afford to play hockey? No, then subsidizing the cost of ice time is in effect subsidizing the recreation of some of the more fortunate people in our city.]]></description>
			<dc:creator>Roderic Brawn</dc:creator>
			<pubDate>Wed, 27 Jun 2012 09:30:51 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>http://themcleodreport.ca/columns/991-another-tie-delays-the-zeros.html#comment-2484</guid>
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