Chair says Campus Plan best for taxpayers

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Chair says Campus Plan best for taxpayers

(This letter was written in response to a letter from Georgetown resident Chris Klomp that was published March 31). Mr. Klomp, Thank you for sharing your observations and concerns with me about Halton's Regional Campus Plan. While I welcome the opportunity to provide `brief' updates on important issues in Halton, sometimes it is impossible to include all the information that needs to be communicated in 500 words. Having said that, I think that you have missed the broader vision and positive aspects of this innovative initiative. As a progressive government that utilizes all the tools available to reduce costs, you should know that there is a HUGE savings in the construction cost of the facility-- there is only one taxpayer so if the school boards, police and Halton Region can each save money by not having to each purchase their own land and each build their own facilities, then the taxpayer saves money. And, this savings is in addition to the ongoing cost savings in day-to-day operations, given the numerous ways to minimize duplication in i.e. print shop, meeting rooms, and much more. If you were able to access a map of the Campus Plan you would be able to see that it is located on Bronte Road at the QEW and on an Oakville bus route, not far from the Bronte GO station. In fact, the Oakville bus services the administration building now (Regional Administration and Police Headquarters). We have accounted for the `social aspect' of doing business and have been recognized for our accomplishments by being one of few government organizations to have been awarded Maclean's prestigious 100 Top Businesses in Canada. In addition, Halton has been confirmed for the 18th consecutive year, with our AAA rating from Moody's. Leadership and being proactive is a reputation that Halton regional government has enjoyed for many years in Ontario and beyond. Our way of doing business is copied by many municipalities. We embrace our mandate of providing `health and safety' to our residents with the utmost of respect and seriousness. Decentralizing services, is the least efficient way to provide services, both from a human productivity and a financial resource aspect. There are some services that require a more local presence i.e. Ontario Works office or public health, but not administration. You should also be aware that this was the optimum site because it is within 20 minutes of 80 per cent of Halton residents. I know that people travel much further for employment. So I don't think that this is a deterrent to employment opportunities. I have every confidence that the plan that is being proposed is unique and truly represents `out of the box thinking'; something that governments are accused of not doing. I also have every confidence that this is in the best interest of the taxpayers, now and for many years to come. Joyce Savoline, Chairman, Halton Region