
The new year brings high expectations and great challenges for the new council. Dealing with the budget is going to be our biggest challenge.
The main thrust of the election CAG pledge that was signed by 22 candidates, focused on the fact that taxes are 1/3 less in the counties. In order for Cornwall to grow and prosper this issue needs to be addressed, that’s why I signed the pledge to roll back taxes.
The reality is that our police and fire budgets are growing at an disproportionate rate when you compare them to other city departments. If we are to make any progress, these budgets need to be dealt with and the new council should lead by example. We do not need a raise, we should be cutting our budget by 20% over the next 4 years (5% per year).
We need to be pumping more money into our social programs. Our seniors and those that are less fortunate will need the most help in the future. Our local senior population is expected to double over the next 20 years and we better prepare now.
Mark A. MacDonald
Councillor, City of Cornwall
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