Nov 2009
I’m writing in regards to your article “PCU Centre important for quality of life: resident” (Herald-Leader, Nov. 21).
Who wrote the article? I find the entire article to be a propaganda piece, designed to inspire the community and provide additional support for a project that should never have been approved. My problem is not with the PCU Centre project specifically, but with what I see as a major failure in leadership at city hall. As a new resident to Portage, I’m thoroughly angered at the mismanagement I’ve come to see, especially after reading through your online archives of how council has operated. I can’t wait until the next election.
I’ve reviewed the plans, fees and costs related to this huge project and though it will be a beautiful addition to the community, I ask one simple question: at what cost? Already, we see pleas in the paper for “donations” for a public project that will inevitably see tax increases and ballooning user fees to help pay for something the city cannot really afford. I was taught a simple financial rule many years ago: if you can’t afford it, you shouldn’t buy it.
Financial mismanagement and corruption were major factors in the bankruptcy that affected the State of California recently. Though California is long way off from Portage, its lessons of excessive government spending should be observed.
The existing recreational facilities are also set to “dry up” in Southport and in Portage, as stated in your article. Has anyone discussed the way those decisions were handled?
Does city council really believe a large recreation facility will solve many of the problems Portage is struggling with? The lack of professional services cannot, in any major significance, be attributed to the lack of recreational facilities. I find such comments to be naive.
I should think council would have made a list of real issues facing this community and how they might address them. I’ve made a short list of places where the money might have been better served:
1) Child-care facilities — If your looking to attract new people to our beautiful city, you’re going to need childcare. Have you tried to find a daycare with open spots? I wish you luck. The city could have assisted in the construction of large childcare facilities.
2) Small business grants — Create opportunity with new business development. Small businesses are the backbone of the Canadian economy. Imagine the possibilities.
3) Renovations — The existing recreation facilities could have been completely renovated, both in Southport and Portage. Now, we’re going to be left with perfectly good facilities sitting abandoned. What a waste.
4) Transit system — Any city wanting to improve life for its people should consider a small, but efficient, transit system. Such a system could be profitable and double as a way for kids living within Portage to travel to school, should they live a significant distance away.
5 Safety patrols — The city is plagued with a number of troubled areas. I propose that a number of safety patrols could focus on these trouble spots with 24/7 patrolling, in cooperation with police. Such patrols exist in downtown Winnipeg and serve the people well.
6) School renovations — North Memorial School could sure use renovations. The staff are amazing and truly passionate with teaching children, however the facility could use some improvements. The computers are also in need of updating. This makes me wonder about the state of the other schools and their technology.
7) Rainy day fund
8) Other areas — Does the city have enough nurses? Have we enough long term care facilities for seniors, based on the predicted increase in retirees? A fully lit bicycle walking path that allows the people to travel across Portage would be useful and great.
My point is simple, the city cannot afford to spend its treasure on one “recreational” project, when other core areas are in need of attention. It’s too late now; the project was approved. It’s really unfortunate that council wouldn’t listen to the very people who elected them. They might want to reflect on why they are working where they are.
Benjamin Disraeli is famously quoted, “I must follow the people. Am I not their leader?”
Michael Cole
Portage la Prairie
http://www.portagedailygraphic.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2196508