Jim Diodati points to public consultation, Doug Ford says this will save taxpayers
Ontario's premier and Niagara Falls mayor standing firm together there are too many politicians in Niagara, and taxpayers need relief.
During his visit yesterday, Doug Ford pointed out government restructuring must be Niagara led, whatever form that is, and he would approve it.
Mayor Jim Diodati called claims of no public consultation factually incorrect. "Started in 2000 with the Burkley report, commissioned by the Region of Niagara, and conveniently put on the shelf. Then, 2019, we had public meetings in which everyone who had an opinion in Niagara was asked, and then we had the standing committee meetings with the province in 2024."
He says the money saved must go into needed infrastructure upgrades, such as the water treatment plant.
The premier disputed claims that reducing the number of politicians, or some form of amalgamation, does not bring cost savings to taxpayers.
Doug Ford said after 30 years in business and politics, he's never seen those studies.
He added finding efficiencies works, to bring down the cost. "Politicians aren't going to vote themselves out of a job, it's like asking turkeys to vote for Thanksgiving. And, I don't mean they're turkeys by any means, but again, you aren't going to put yourself in the oven, you're going to keep collecting taxpayers money, you're going to have double digit tax increases."
He added 126 politicians in Niagara exceeds what's in Hamilton or Toronto.
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