Today's letters: City of Ottawa should stick to essential services

Thursday, Sept. 5: It's good that the mayor kept his tax promise, a reader says. You can write to us too, at [email protected]

Published Sep 05, 2024  •  Last updated 0 minutes ago  •  2 minute read

Ottawa city council is back at work this week. Photo by ERROL MCGIHON /POSTMEDIA

City needs to set real priorities

Re: Big issues on city hall’s agenda, Aug. 31.

The upcoming 2025 budget for the City of Ottawa is in the news, and it’s attracting input from several sources.  Reporter Blair Crawford points out that Mayor Sutcliffe has “stubbornly clung to his election promise to hold tax increases at 2.5 per cent.” Stubborn?  Gee, I think keeping an election promise is better characterized as honourable.

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MP Jenna Sudds weighs in with the information that other Canadian cities are seeing tax increases of seven to 10 per cent. I guess I expect that sentiment from a member of the federal Liberal government that throws money around like pixie dust. Besides, we don’t need to take civics lessons from other municipalities who can’t manage a budget.

Let’s look at cutting services to solve the budget problem. I don’t mean roads, sewers, water, parks, recreation — you know, stuff we need. But the city is not your mommy. How to install a child car seat (go to Canadian TIre) or how to prepare to be a new dad (go to your own mommy) is not within the boundaries of a city service. I could go on.

Not to sound like a grumpy old guy with a “get off my lawn” attitude, but if I do, I am comforted that the city has a website on how to tend to my garden.

Bill Merritt, Kanata

Harris needs to move beyond ‘joy’

Re: Politics of ‘joy’ won’t be enough for Harris, Aug. 28. 

Although positive vision, optimism and a hopeful message can be powerful and resonate with voters, defeating her Republican opponent will require more from Kamala Harris than just a positive attitude.

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However, “joy” has indeed propelled Harris past Joe Biden in a match-up against Trump in the polls, and it has re-energized the Democrats and generated momentum for her. While “joy” can be a component of a winning strategy, Harris needs to make it part of a broader, well-executed campaign plan if she wishes to be effective against her opponent. Her success would depend on the political climate, voter concerns, and how well she can address those issues.

Harris needs to not only boost and re-energize her base but also to appeal to swing voters and disillusioned Republican voters. Going forward, how Harris performs in debates, town halls and campaign events will play a significant role. Her ability to continue to articulate a clear, strong vision, while contrasting herself with her opponent, will be key in winning the race to the White House.

Dono Bandoro, Ottawa

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