Current River ward election candidates weigh in on city service cuts

Superior Morning6:32Current River Ward

When it comes to election issues the question of where a candidate stands when it comes to taxes is key to many voters. But how do you weigh that against the cores services a city provides its citizens.

Thunder Bay's next city council will likely have to decide between cutting city services, and raising taxes.

In Current River, some candidates for ward councillor say programs have to be preserved.

When it comes to taxes versus services, the city should stay on course, Candidate Claudio Monteleone said.

"It's not about cutting services, but it is about seeing the services that are critically needed in our community — the services that people expect. And that's basically what we have to concentrate on."

Incumbent Andrew Foulds said he also feels the city should maintain the services it provides.

"Most people do not mind paying taxes, as long as they see value for their taxes."

Foulds said he does not believe in service cuts, for either hard or “soft” services, like parks and recreation.

"They are in my mind, equally as important. We need to be investing in those things that improve quality of life, [and make] sure that our parks are maintained."

But candidate Dick Waddington said he feels the city needs a full services review.

"Unfortunately we've never had an actual one. We've had one run by administration who tried to protect their empire, and we've had one run by the union who of course wants to add everything. So, we have yet to see a real core services review."

Waddington said the city should operate just one golf course.

Candidate Andy Wolff said any service cuts should not affect the front line, but should be made at the management level.

"I am totally against service cuts on the front-line services. If any cuts are needed to be made, it would be from the top down."

City administration did its own Core Services Review in 2012, but few changes resulted from the report. The review recommended the elimination of the Municipal Golf Course, which has since been closed.