A resident’s comments.
My grandchildren were a blessing in this time of change in Guelph. On March break, they had this old duff out tobogganing for 4 days on ‘Mole Hill’. They pointed out a new building being built on the corner of Gordon and Wellington (I really have to get out more). But their youthful zest got my mojo going and, consequently, I went to College Royal and to a political rally/dinner. Times have definitely changed as the latter’s food was vegetarian (or not), gluten-free and edible for this picky person.
So, Spring is here, you bet. Who cares about the occasional dusting of snow, eh? We’re Canadians, eh?Spring is here, I know, because the gloves are coming off – at least for the municipal, and possible provincial, elections.
For Guelph, the main issue is to build or not to build; to tax or not to tax. Well, cities do crumble and get rebuilt. Were there not seven cities of Troy, one on top of the other? If we could depend on civic philanthropy, government largesse and community sweat-labour to build new buildings, then we could all hoard our monies and take an extra trip or two to a warmer climate. But, in times of economic downturn, how do we get the financially strapped developers (?!) and institutions to ‘pony up’ for our city rather than for an equally worthy neighboring city? Guelph citizenry are intelligent and not prone to short-sightedness. No matter in what adjectival mish-mash you convey sense to urban issues, Guelphites realize that these changing times require leaders who couple vision with a pragmatic nuanced approach to problem solving.
Yes, hold our leaders accountable and vigilant for expenses and budgets, as boondoggles can be painful. The world is a marvelous and complex one – no longer will incremental yearly tax increases pay the piper.
I’m satisfied with the present council and mayor; they are steering Guelph correctly in this 21st century. And whenever I’m disappointed by one of their decisions, I drive by one of the previous council’s achievements, sigh and think ‘that would have been a grand library’.DB