20110621_ca_halifax

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Tuesday, June 21, 2011 www.metronews.ca News worth sharing. See pullout in today’s paper

Cases made against, for council reduction

Wild. Rampage

Councillors Outhit, Hum suggest boundary review committees be independent Decision on council size expected within 4 months Consultant hired by board suggests 20-member council way to go RYAN TAPLIN/METRO

JENNIFER TAPLIN

@METRONEWS.CA

An employee at Uncommon Grounds is seen through a window that was broken by a deer that made an unexpected visit to the coffee shop in Halifax’s south end yesterday morning. Story, page 4. PHILIP CROUCHER/METRO

Deer smashes into café

Some speakers urged courage and others caution at the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board hearing into the size of Halifax regional council last night. “I’m asking you to be wise and brave and not come down and say 20 because it’s a compromise,” said Paula Minnikin, representing Citizens of Halifax. She said council should be trimmed from the current 23 councillors to 14. Mayor Peter Kelly, Halifax Chamber of Commerce president Valerie Payn and Coun. Tim Outhit also pressed the case for a smaller council. “I believe a smaller council represents the sentiments of HRM residents,” said Kelly, who proposed a number of 16 plus the mayor. He quoted several polls that show growing support for council reduction.

“All voices would still be heard, as they are in other Canadian cities of similar size to us, but which have fewer elected representatives than we do.” MAYOR PETER KELLY TO UARB

He added he doesn’t believe this would mean a bigger work-

load for the remaining councillors, and if it did, savings could be used to hire more staff. Coun. Linda Mosher told the board the workload already involves 12-hour days and 100 emails a day. A smaller council will also weaken HRM’s clout with the province, she said. “Clearly, in this UARB hearing, the lack of public participation indicates satisfaction.” The fact that the hearing only drew 19 letters and 10 speakers — most of whom were part of “special-interest groups” — shows residents don’t care that much, Mosher added. Outhit and Coun. Debbie Hum raised their concerns about the boundary review committee, which was composed of the mayor and six councillors. The committee’s suggestions to reduce districts were voted down at council in August. “The objectivity of many councillors involved, including my own, is questionable,” Outhit said.

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