I appreciate the efforts of the city to improve the quality of life in some west side neighbourhoods through enhanced housing and beefed-up policing (SP Feb. 21/12.) But until you deal with the root causes of crime, these efforts just mean you are moving the problems somewhere else.
Young girls don't go out prostituting themselves because they like having sex with sleazy men. They do it for money and because they have no other means to earn it. Drug addicts do not mug people or rob homes for any other reason than they need money and robbery is easy access to money. The same can be said for most vices.
Throwing offenders in jail only provides a short-term relief to the problems. Poverty, lack of education and discrimination are the issues that have to be tackled and it will require a co-ordinated effort on the part of all levels of government. It requires hope for the future for marginalized citizens.
Decent affordable housing and access to life's necessities may provide some hope, but they also have to have the opportunity advance beyond bare necessities and create something for themselves. To do less may mean we are simply creating tomorrow's ghetto.
This is a start and I hope it doesn't stop here.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
RAGS and riches
What is the real value to surveys and online polls?
I was one of the lucky 600 called on the Mendel survey. I didn't feel any response I could give to the various questions asked reflected my real views on the issue but simply whether or not my support was hot or tepid. It implied support was there.
The Mendel survey reported positive results in favour of the new RAGS project. Subsequently two online polls reported the exact opposite. For the online polls both sides were working the phones and emails to have their people vote. So do any of the results accurately reflect the opinions of the general public?
Our public will not pay large admission fees wherever the gallery winds up. And taxpayers do not seem to support increased tax subsidies. Please let there be a half way mark.
My worst fear is as the battle continues there will be no survivors and we will not get a much needed beefed up art gallery.
I was one of the lucky 600 called on the Mendel survey. I didn't feel any response I could give to the various questions asked reflected my real views on the issue but simply whether or not my support was hot or tepid. It implied support was there.
The Mendel survey reported positive results in favour of the new RAGS project. Subsequently two online polls reported the exact opposite. For the online polls both sides were working the phones and emails to have their people vote. So do any of the results accurately reflect the opinions of the general public?
Our public will not pay large admission fees wherever the gallery winds up. And taxpayers do not seem to support increased tax subsidies. Please let there be a half way mark.
My worst fear is as the battle continues there will be no survivors and we will not get a much needed beefed up art gallery.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
A tip of the hat
I was very surprised with Mayor Fiacco's announcement that he would not seek re-election in the next civic election. The man was riding high in the polls and I expect would have handily won had he decided to run. It's easy for politicians to hang in after their "best before date" and it takes a lot of self-confidence to walk away from a sure thing to pursue new endeavours. He states he accomplished what he wanted to when he first ran and feels no need to stick around for the ribbon cuttings. He appears to be a man without a big ego.
Given these traits I suspect whatever he has planned will meet with success. I wish him well.
Given these traits I suspect whatever he has planned will meet with success. I wish him well.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Justice for all
I'm not a Vellacott fan, but I was happy to see him win his defamation suit, although the award was insignificant especially if he wasn't awarded court costs. I think it sends a good message that it is one thing to question a politician's stand on an issue or founded facts on their character, but unfounded allegations intended to smear their reputation is not acceptable.
Asking a yes or no question, designed to leave the impression that its true, is the same as stating the untrue accusation. By example, if you ask the yes or no question "Are you still beating your wife." even if you answer no it implies that you once did or that your no response may be untruthful.
Over the last few elections we have been heading into the US style of negative smear campaigns and I for one would like it to stop. Maybe a few judgments like this will help curb these actions.
Asking a yes or no question, designed to leave the impression that its true, is the same as stating the untrue accusation. By example, if you ask the yes or no question "Are you still beating your wife." even if you answer no it implies that you once did or that your no response may be untruthful.
Over the last few elections we have been heading into the US style of negative smear campaigns and I for one would like it to stop. Maybe a few judgments like this will help curb these actions.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Does anyone care?
Saturday's SP (Feb. 11/12) reported further delays on the opening of Lorne Avenue and the negative impact on the small businesses affected by the closure. The city offers its empathy, but empathy doesn't pay their bills.
I live in this area and haven't seen anyone working around the site in months, although we have had a very mild winter. We haven't had heavy snowfall and should not expect excess water from melt. We have been boxed in for years as a result of the Traffic Bridge closure, the lift station development and closure of Lorne Avenue due to the South bridge construction. Our side streets have been chewed up as a result of detoured traffic.
It think its time for less empathy and more action.
I live in this area and haven't seen anyone working around the site in months, although we have had a very mild winter. We haven't had heavy snowfall and should not expect excess water from melt. We have been boxed in for years as a result of the Traffic Bridge closure, the lift station development and closure of Lorne Avenue due to the South bridge construction. Our side streets have been chewed up as a result of detoured traffic.
It think its time for less empathy and more action.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Rose-colored glasses and rear view mirrors
Economist Eric Howe made a comment the other day that Saskatchewan's boom is resource based, to enjoy it, but not to expect it to last forever. Today he was somewhat mocked by Gormley and respected by Mandryk. I tend to agree with Howe.
Resources are commodities that fluctuate wildly. Not too many years ago Saskatchewan's economy was based on wheat sales. Every business held its breath annually to see whether or not the farmers were going to have a good year, which would mean they would have a good year. We are now diversified and not dependent on any one resource - but nonetheless dependant on the commodities market. You only have to look back a few years when the provincial budget went awry because potash revenues did not materialize. This year Premier Wall is cautious on spending because "potash prices have softened."
I took Howe's comments to mean enjoy this boom, but remember that every boom eventually flattens and plan your financial future accordingly.
Resources are commodities that fluctuate wildly. Not too many years ago Saskatchewan's economy was based on wheat sales. Every business held its breath annually to see whether or not the farmers were going to have a good year, which would mean they would have a good year. We are now diversified and not dependent on any one resource - but nonetheless dependant on the commodities market. You only have to look back a few years when the provincial budget went awry because potash revenues did not materialize. This year Premier Wall is cautious on spending because "potash prices have softened."
I took Howe's comments to mean enjoy this boom, but remember that every boom eventually flattens and plan your financial future accordingly.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
The fork in the road
A short while ago the city announced its long-term plan to grow the city up rather than out. Our increasing population was going to be accommodated within the existing footprint. It was to be density over sprawl.
Shortly after that, in speaking with a builder/developer, he said it wouldn't work and that people respond by taking their money to surrounding bedroom communities to get what they wanted, being their own little patch of land. He also said that that the average lot cost in the city is now $150,000 and of that about $35,000 represents new levies imposed on developers by the city, which are passed on to homeowners.
With the release of the recent census data it would appear that migration is already happening. Martensville is the hottest spot, followed by Warmen. It makes sense when you think about it. Living in a bedroom community means you have easy access to the amenities of the city without bearing the costs.
It is also a good time to remember that when our civic leaders speak of our growing and thriving metropolis having a population of 250,000 they are speaking of Saskatoon Region, not just the City of Saskatoon. And to also remember it is only those that live within the city limits that pay the cost of our rapid growth and wear the debt.
Shortly after that, in speaking with a builder/developer, he said it wouldn't work and that people respond by taking their money to surrounding bedroom communities to get what they wanted, being their own little patch of land. He also said that that the average lot cost in the city is now $150,000 and of that about $35,000 represents new levies imposed on developers by the city, which are passed on to homeowners.
With the release of the recent census data it would appear that migration is already happening. Martensville is the hottest spot, followed by Warmen. It makes sense when you think about it. Living in a bedroom community means you have easy access to the amenities of the city without bearing the costs.
It is also a good time to remember that when our civic leaders speak of our growing and thriving metropolis having a population of 250,000 they are speaking of Saskatoon Region, not just the City of Saskatoon. And to also remember it is only those that live within the city limits that pay the cost of our rapid growth and wear the debt.
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