Monday, May 12, 2008

Poor Idea

Tim Banks says, 'Cliff's mad because he thinks he owns the franchise on making no sense at the microphone. Suck it up Clifford or you'll have no one left to whine about.'
Charlottetown quits municipalities federation
Last Updated: Monday, May 12, 2008
CBC News
The City of Charlottetown is pulling out of the Federation of P.E.I. Municipalities, and taking a quarter of the group's budget with it.
Mayor Clifford Lee said he and his city are tired of other members of the group expressing resentment toward Charlottetown. Lee announced the decision Monday morning, making reference to an incident at last month's meeting in Summerside.
"A representative from Ellerslie-Bedeford stood at the microphone and applauded the province for taking money away from the City of Charlottetown," said Lee.
"Why are you a member of an organization that thinks it's great news for the City of Charlottetown to lose money? Makes no sense."
The Federation of P.E.I. Municipalities represents 40 Island cities, towns, villages and communities. The smallest — Victoria — has 77 residents, but each member gets an equal voice in federation resolutions.
Until Monday, the largest member of the federation was the City of Charlottetown. Charlottetown paid the highest dues — $40,000 a year— a quarter of the federation's budget.
Equalization a sore point
Provincial Treasurer Wes Sheridan said he's disappointed the city has pulled out.
"I think there's strength in numbers. I think that voice has been a consistent voice for 50-plus years," said Sheridan.
Lee's first order of business going solo with the provincial government is its new equalization formula, which Lee believes will cost Charlottetown citizens $100,000 a year. Because other municipalities will benefit, Lee felt it was unlikely the federation would take a strong stand.
Sheridan maintains the government's new equalization formula will benefit all P.E.I. municipalities, including Charlottetown.

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