I am campaigning for election in Ward Two – Rural North and ask for your vote on June 20.
Although we just elected a new council last October, two rural councillors unexpectedly resigned in March. That’s forced by-elections in Ward Two and Ward Three – Rural South.
I encourage you to read the resignation letters from former councillors Dennis Rome and Barry Fowell. See them by clicking here. Brandon Sun subscribers can also look for an April 15 news article about those resignations.
Please explore my election website at glenkirby.ca to learn more about the challenges facing rural Oakland-Wawanesa. Sign-up for my free email newsletter, a great way to get municipal news and by-election information. Follow me on Facebook by clicking here.
Council is holding a public meeting in Nesbitt at 7 pm on April 15 to preview the proposed 2019 municipal budget. I plan to make a submission concerning the imbalance in taxes paid by rural and village residents towards so-called shared expenses.
Rural ratepayers have contributed 85% or more to shared expenses including municipal office staff and the fire department, even though Oakland has only 65% of the population. Wawanesa has paid no more than 15% even though village residents comprise 35% of the municipal population.
Shared services are a big reason why rural municipal taxes jumped nearly 40% during the first four years of amalgamation while village basic taxes dropped 31%.
Regards,
-Glen