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Press Release - August 4, 2010

 
Council decision is a symbolic step backwards says Chamber

August 4, 2010 - Halifax, NS – The Halifax Chamber was disappointed to see that Mayor and Council rejected a move to a smaller council at a deadlocked vote of 12-12. “This decision was an important one for the future of our city, and unfortunately their decision is a step backwards,” say Chamber President Valerie Payn. “A smaller council would be better able to work together, be more focused and cohesive. It was also a symbolic decision that reinforces the perception of  Council as adverse to change and content with the status quo.”

Since the beginning of the Municipal Boundary Review Process, the Chamber had been advocating for the reduction of City Council from 23 to 15 Councillors.  “We know that reducing the size of council won’t do the job alone. The onus will fall to Council to be leaders and ensure we have an effective Council devoted to making Halifax a better, future focused city. Appropriate, forward thinking and best practice governance is a powerful tool, and an appropriate size would have been a starting point for good governance.”

“From tax decisions to setting infrastructure priorities, businesses in the city depend on an efficient Council to make smart choices for them,” says Valerie Payn. “It is critical that councillors work within the best governance structure possible. One that enables them to keep focused on their leadership role.”

In response to comments from one councillor that organizations like Citizens for Halifax and the Halifax Chamber of Commerce do not elect councillors Payn says “While it may not be the businesses at the polls on election day, our members are the people who own, manage and work for those businesses and they certainly do vote and they expect us to be the voice of business in making sure the best interest of the entire community are taken into account.”

                                                                                -30-

For more information contact:

Janet Creamer
Communications Manager
Halifax Chamber of Commerce
(902) 481-1240
cell: 499-6494
janet@halifaxchamber.com

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