An Interactive Forum for Positive Change

November 21, 2024

Member Meeting

Summary:

The people have spoken! On a cold, blustery evening, Crowsnest Pass Taxpayers’ Association Members arrived to participate in the “INTERACTIVE FORUM FOR POSITIVE CHANGE,” held on November 21, 2024. The forum gave attention to citizens’ purpose – a need for inquiry regarding local government excessive spending, increasing debt and high taxes. The evening’s attention was given to the deliberation of the following three questions:

1. In what areas do you think spending could be reduced?

2. In what areas do you think revenue could be increased?

3. How could local government be more transparent?

Participants were enlightened by the evening’s table talk conversations and presentations. It was an opportunity to participate in a community engagement process where opinions mattered. Participants’ insights brought critical awareness to solutions to decrease taxes. It was apparent that there is a need for CHANGE. The evening’s discussions deliberated upon dialogue which affirmed that VOICE, in a public participation process, is critical to decision-making. It was a chance to share thoughts and concerns in mindful ways. The process demonstrated that feedback is a valuable tool necessary for community growth. Information shared was intended to offer solutions so that the community of Crowsnest Pass may flourish. The expression “one another and together” cultivated the kindling of a collection of ideas. The Crowsnest Pass Taxpayers’ Association appreciated an evening where taxpayers’ wisdom congealed giving greater perspective to solutions for issues and concerns. A huge thank you as we strive to learn and grow from you in our effort to be an effective, transformative organization. Transparent leadership is our aim. We look forward to future colloquies.

READ ON FOR RESULTS:

In the matter of “what areas do you think that spending could be reduced,” many suggestions were shared. At the top of the list and consistent between table talks was the concern for excessive spending of fleet, administrative salaries (too many at the top and not enough to do the real work) and disproportionate beautification projects which lacked qualified workers’ skills and quality workmanship. There was discussion for a need to create a skilled work force of local workers rather than contracting services. The continual spending of funds on propaganda shared unease. Lastly, the municipal operating budget, fails to illuminate important matters such as legal fees, contracts, requisitions, and fleet details (to name a few). It was felt that an efficiency audit would prove beneficial.

Discussions regarding increased revenue sources were informative. Suggestions were diverse and represented members’ discernments. Of priority, appeared a need to seek and expand upon “economic drivers” which exist within the community, such as the Pass Powderkeg Ski ll. Business incentives included: development of an industrial park with services as a means to promote “industry and big box stores;” marketing small business by including tax incentives; enhance advertising strategies which would stimulate tourism and applaud the Crowsnest Pass environment, history, amenities and recreational activities; a desire to promote further development of campgrounds for travellers and tourists as a revenue source, and; the need to develop a vision with ardent initiatives that would attract diverse business opportunities to include industry, entertainment, arts and culture, recreation and the shopping experience. Groups shared the important role collaboration offers, as an effective planning tool between local government and its citizens, when planning for growth, economic sustainability and community wellness. A need for community engagement and collaboration between the many organizations and citizens viewpoints would prove to be a valuable and essential support.

Discussions revealed that the lack of transparency by our local government is a grave matter of concern. Dialogue shared the desire for disclosure of information for which citizens have a right and privilege to have access to. Sharing is education, teaching, learning and assures positive and effective relationships between constituents and elected officials. Concern for the present day communication process, to inform Crowsnest Pass citizens, is unproductive and poor by design. There is a want by taxpayers that local government embrace an understanding of the

notion of “service” and the impact this concept has on achieving the trust of its electorate. Discussions demonstrated an apparent lack of transparency in the following: deliberation of the MCNP operational and capital budgets; planning and development practices as unfair and unjust; ineffective input regarding excessive spending for projects; lack of public disclosure for budget line items, such as legal, contracts and requisitions; processes and procedures regarding bylaws and resolutions as unjust and unfair; greater public input required in decisions which impact community decision-making; top down model of governance is abrasive and inflammatory; elaborate spending of tax dollars; a need for council meetings which embrace respect for public consultation; and, consistency of information dispensed by councillors, Mayor, CAO and MCNP administration.

In conclusion, the on-going lack of trust between citizens and elected officials is prevalent. There is a feeling that public disclosure of information is withheld and not transparent. The greatest reveal and, concurrent amongst taxpayers, was the need to spend taxes on necessary expenditures required for municipal operations prior to making capital decisions and that capital decisions should entail and embrace the voice of its citizens. In this disclosure, citizens have a greater desire for efficiency in operations, such as snow removal, road maintenance, repairs and upgrades and infrastructure. The analogy, “we do not do home renovations prior to repairing a leaky roof” best describes this incentive. Suggestions to improve communication included poster and bulletin board communique; door-to-door pamphlets or brochures; information attached with utility bills or other public information; digital and non-digital communication inclusive of all populations; informational town hall meetings to address important bylaws, resolutions, development and vision planning; live council meetings on the internet; mail-outs, advertising and publications to include all taxpayers; expediency in returning phone calls, letters and email inquiries; public input regarding municipal operational and capital budget planning meetings; and finally, an opportunity for input to lower the debt, reduce spending and lower taxes.

The Crowsnest Pass Taxpayers’ Association thanks you for your voice - the voice of taxpayers ,constituents, and the electorate. Your insights are valuable and assist our association in future planning. The Integrative Forum for Positive Change was a valuable experience worth sharing and one which demonstrated there is wisdom in people’s voices.