However, Councillor Bill Phillips described the process, so far, in 3-words, in expressing opposition
St. Catharines' mayor defending Niagara goverance reform to his council colleagues Monday night.
Mat Siscoe pointed out the current system means taxes will keep going up, and housing, homelessness and land development will not be addressed. "I have seen the disconnect between a level of government, that sits upon the hill, and does not answer questions. I have listened to regional staffers, get quoted in the paper when asked why they can't handle resident complaints, state that they're not set up to handle resident complaints."
However, Councillor Kevin Townsend pointed to a letter showing the mayor's support for a smaller region. "Instead, we've sat here, and watched, with respect Mr. Mayor, you sign onto a plan without any real planned ideas, that gives you full power and control if you partner with a mayor."
The mayor challenged the idea there's been little public consultation.
Councillor Bill Phillips described what he feels is happening, as Regional Chair Bob Gale's latest idea of a chair and 12 mayors for the region is considered. "It reminds me of 3-simple words... Ready, fire, aim... there isn't any plan as to what is going to be happening."
Mayor Siscoe repeated the problem is the region is disconnected from residents. "And I will say, I've heard many councillors around this table, echo, those comments multiple times, over the 3 1/2 years that we've sat here, in a variety of different situations, with different people presenting in front of us."
Council passed a motion that incudes future referendum on this issue, and releasing past reports by consultants.
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