A step at a time, the county is getting closer to firing on all cylinders. We’re seeing another shot for a unified whole to present the area’s assets.
New Glasgow has issued a rallying cry in regard to a local governance study that, months ago, many feared was beyond saving. The proposed study, partly funded by the province, was to look at the local model involving six councils governing 48,000 people, possible alternatives to that and better ways of sharing services.
Lack of agreement among the councils about funding the municipalities’ portion of the bill shelved the study.
Thoughts of resuscitation and the call for renewed co-operation are much welcome.
Mayor Barrie MacMillan, in a news conference Friday, reiterated New Glasgow’s support for the study. Specifically, MacMillan said the town is willing to go back to the table to reconsider the local funding formula, following up on a suggestion from Pictou Mayor Joe Hawes.
We don’t know what that alternative might be, but speculation is that a different funding formula could see each municipality’s share proportional to its assessment. That would provide a break to the smaller towns that saw the $25,000 each originally estimated as more than they could afford.
The hit and miss history of this proposed study reflects the crux of the problem. Residents might ask, what if the opportunity of a lifetime came to Pictou County and the six councils couldn’t co-ordinate efforts well enough to capitalize?
That’s the risk we face if co-operation isn’t a priority.
The study would provide answers about ordering various finances – bread and butter issues councils need to know to make any changes.
In Friday’s announcement, MacMillan also called on the public to express their views to their local politicians. Much discussion of the study has been in the air since it was first proposed – among the public and council members. Let’s take this opportunity to keep it up, don’t let the chance slide again.
