Fiscal Prudency

The largest problem for nearly every government past, present or future is finances. It's tough enough to balance the family budget, let alone the governments. It's difficult finding a balance between taxation, social services and the always fluctuating market that is the economy. By diverting funds away from unnecessary projects that will do little to improve our society as a whole, saving cash whenever available, and introducing new social services slowly, every government can achieve and remain in the black ink.

Part of the problem for Langford is a focus on business, and not people. While this can (and in this case does) lead to problems with democracy and environmental preservation it also hurts the city's cheque books. No government should have a debt, or if it does, it should have a transitional plan for it to avoid making repayments decades into the future. Does Langford have one? It doesn't appear so.

To begin a fiscally responsible period in our city's history, we should review the size, effectiveness and cost of city administration. Nothing may come of it, but it is very important to understand how much of the city budget is attributed to organization and the day to day functions of a city. Further investigation should look into (if possible) making better use of our taxpayer's money. Next, we should avoid wasting money on facilities and projects the electorate failed to ask for. That means our many sports fields, and Goldstream Avenue "beautification" was a huge waste of money. In the future, unless we discover gold under every home in Langford, we should think twice before giving the stamp of approval to every flashy, but lacking in substance initiative.

Within only a few quick and painless steps, we have already saved the city millions of dollars. These "new" funds should be put towards a variety of sources. A portion should be put towards emergency preparedness immediately, along with pedestrian safety features near parks, schools and other community centres. The later plan would be only required for one budget, the next progress report on our finances wouldn't require such measures. Next, we should pass a living wage in our community. With the policy in place we should rehire community based policing officers and youth to remove invasive plant species on crown land throughout the city seasonally. Supporting the Goldstream Food Bank should also be placed high on our priority list. Further money should be put towards expanding Langford Trolley service, integrating bicycle lanes and trails, and a bicycle sharing system. Finally, with anything left over, we should invest in the Emily Carr WestShore Performing Arts & Education Centre and other cultural events.

Barring a discovery of fail whale fiscal management and subsequently mass amounts of surplus cash, it's likely that this won't be achieved in one year. To avoid further sinking into debt by divulging translucent cash into these points, one would be wise to immediately begin those cost-saving measures, and slowly transition into this blueprint. Should further problems still remain, a hike in the business tax rate should not be taken off the table.

Supporting families during times of discord, new public safety features, environmental endeavours, cultural advocacy and a sense of organization for times when our wildest fears become reality. It's all under this very social democratic budget in progress. How about you adopt it Langford?