According to some of the submissions made in favour of the redevelopment I was "an ill-informed grandstander" but after last night's vote I am "a sane and intelligent person". Marvellous how people's opinion of you changes when you agree with them.
So I am sane and intelligent because I agree with the senior staff. What a pity that the senior staff didn't listen to the elected representatives a little earlier and get out there and do the hard work of identifying other funding sources instead of taking the default position advocated by the Mayor last August; the project will go ahead and if necessary we will fund the shortfall.
As in indicated in the Chamber last night, I have always said that I support the project but wanted to hear again from the public and to have council staff identify some other possible sources of funding. While it is not locked in, I think that there is a very good chance that at least $1 million of outside funding can be found. You can be sure that I will not forget this and will regularly ask about progress.
To everyone who contacted me, both for and against, I thank you for your input and hope that you will continue to keep in touch. On this one I have disappointed some and made others happy but that's how it will be many more times in the next 3 1/2 years. I listen and I read the reports and try to make the best decision I can.
