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Speak Up

Did I hear someone say amalgamation?

That "a" word that makes me shiver with the thought of increased taxation. That's my first thought anyway. I have to think of it the way I think of medicine. It is unpleasant and it tastes awful, but it may be what's required to move our region forward.

We have some services we need and use on a regional basis that might be more efficiently delivered by a regional body. We also might be able to increase our ability to adapt to the change in the world economy.

The natural resources that have been the backbone of our economy since its earliest history will no longer be able to carry the load.

Some parts of those industries are renewable, like forestry and fisheries, and therefore will be around for some time, but it will not be enough to sustain our communities, as they exist today.

The mayors council would be a good place to start. Perhaps the provincial government, who are very fond of studies, could haul out the checkbook and pay for someone to look at some alternatives, mandated by the six municipal mayors of the Chaleur region.

Let's find out what people think, and devise a system that has the best interest of the people of this region. I have often heard it said that we are unique in this area. It's an opinion I happen to share. However, that uniqueness is also what makes something like amalgamation difficult.

My greatest fear is the level of taxation. I believe municipalities need to have another source of funding besides property tax to fund their own infrastructure needs. These kinds of changes require provincial changes in provincial legislation as well, but I would think if you brought a proposal to the government that entertained such changes, along with some sort of amalgamation plan that required them, you would get a hearing.

We need to innovate, and not look to past practice as our sole source of ideas. The distance between Petit-Rocher and Pokeshaw is much shorter than it was even 30 years ago, in more ways than one. We share more in common than we differ, and together we have a better chance of building a successful community.

Fighting amongst ourselves has held us back, and we can't afford to be held back any longer.

How about it, mayors?

Paul Chapman is a local freelance writer.