OF POLITICS AND PROPERTY TAX

The final rounds of discussion/debate of next year's budget are taking place and according to the Journal's Keith Gerein the final vote split along ideological lines. The four "no" votes came from the the four most conservative councillors; Sarah Hamilton, Jennifer Rice, Karen Principe and Tim Cartmell. The councillors on the winning side of the debate expressed irritation at the dissenters especially Jennifer Rice and mayoral candidate Tim Cartmell. who noted that even though next year’s hike was lowered to 6.1 per cent, this council's cumulative record still amounts to a nearly 22 per cent increase over four years.

It probably is not far fetched to think that the budget debate may be a preview of some councillor's platforms for next year's election.