More than one loyal reader - yes there is more than one - took issue with my last posting (Let’s Give Fantino the Break He Deserves)
What can I say? Don’t expect Jonathan Swiftian level of satire.
at When The Mayor Smiles.
As penance for the aforementioned perplexing prattle, I’ve compelled myself to read the entire 103 pages of Julian Fantino’s testimony from Shawn Brant’s preliminary hearing. That testimony (August 29, 2007) has just been made public.
The preliminary hearing looked at nine possible charges against Brant related to protests/blockades that took place in the Deseronto area in April and June of 2007.
Brant’s actions relate to the Culbertson Tract – land that the federal government acknowledges is Mohawk land; stolen from them in 1837. To address this injustice the feds have moved to provide redress with a sense of urgency that makes their response to the injustice of the Chinese Head Tax seem swift by comparison. Brant and others are, not surprisingly, becoming impatient. In the meantime developers and entrepreneurs do what developers do - scheme and dream. (1)
Did I mention that the Crown wants to put Brant away for twelve years?
TESTIMONY
Here are some highlights from Fantino’s testimony. I’ll let his words stand on their own and avoid editorializing. I’ll try anyway.
Fantino’s characterization of his first phone conversation with Shawn Brant on June 29/07
Fantino: “Well in essence there was a cordial conversation it was not a confrontational tone to it.”
On being told that senior OPP Officers who had dealt with Shawn Brant were on record as saying that Brant keeps his word.
Fantino: That’s not my impression although obviously other people have it.”
When asked if he understood that the Mohawk tradition of the need to achieve consensus meant that Brant could not offer commitments to Fantino until he spoke with others.
Fantino: “No, not at all…Mr. Brant was in charge … His rhetoric was merely a stalling tactic.
When asked if it was true that Mr. Brant was very respectful of Fantino in his dealings with him.
Fantino: “Yes he was and I of him.”
Demonstrating his notion of respect Fantino admits to this comment he directed to Shawn Brant.
Fantino: “You’re going to force me do everything I can within your community and everywhere else to destroy your reputation.”
An important issue in the Ipperwash Inquiry was how the Tactical Response Unit (TRU) was deployed. A member of the Tactical Response Unit team was convicted of killing Dudley George.
Fantino: “So the circumstances indicate, yes.”
And regarding the authorization of shady and possibly illegal wiretaps what can Commissioner Fantino add to address any concerns us bleeding heart, pinkos might have?
Fantino: “I believe that everything we did was in the greater good.”
What, me worry? See you later.
=====================================================================================
(1) The Ministry of Natural Resources continues to license a quarry on Tyendinaga land that removes 150,000 tons of gravel each year.
One more note: The Tyendinaga Mohawk Police Service has demonstrated excellent peacekeeping and negotiating skills at the quarry occupation site and at the railway blockade. Their Police Chief, Larry Hay, was fired earlier this year by Julian Fantino. Hay had spoken out about racism in the OPP. Imagine.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Let's Give Fantino The Break He Deserves
The constant attacks on that loyal public servant Julian Fantino, OPP Commisioner, are starting to wear your blogger down.
Lately it is his handling of a highway blockade last summer that is in question.
As best as we can determine Fantino had taken time out of his day from personally arresting speeders on the 400 series of highways so as to deal with a voilitle situation in the Kingston area. Thank you Commissioner.
He took charge - personally relieving specially trained negotiaters from the Tyendinga Mohawk Police so that he could deal with Mohawk activist Shawn Brant mano a mano, as they say.
According to the OPP’s website Fantino was functioning “consistent with the recommendations from the Ipperwash Inquiry.”
Few of us will remember the details of Chief Justice Linden's thorough inquiry set up in response to the shooting death of Dudley George. But Fantino does.
One of the things Linden said about the police was this:
“The objective of the police during Aboriginal protests and occupations should be to minimize the potential for vilence and to facilitate constitutionally protected rights including treaty and aboriginal rights and the rights to peaceful assembly."
Fantino is “disappointed (and no wonder) with some in the media and the political arena” for his questioning his handling of events which are clearly so consistent with Linden's recommendations.
It is speculated here that the illegal wiretap info to which Fantino had access gave him cause to to threaten the Mohawk leader with "destroy(ing) his reputation and guaranteeing "your whole world is going to come crashing down."
The NDP's weak kneed, past his prime Sunshine boy Peter Kormos called this language "intemperate" and "bellicose." Say what?
And when did you Mr. Kormos negotiate anything more important than an extended summer recess for provincial polticians?
While some have called for Fantino's resignation, here at whenthemayorsmiles we say let's give the chief the break he deserves.
Lately it is his handling of a highway blockade last summer that is in question.
As best as we can determine Fantino had taken time out of his day from personally arresting speeders on the 400 series of highways so as to deal with a voilitle situation in the Kingston area. Thank you Commissioner.
He took charge - personally relieving specially trained negotiaters from the Tyendinga Mohawk Police so that he could deal with Mohawk activist Shawn Brant mano a mano, as they say.
According to the OPP’s website Fantino was functioning “consistent with the recommendations from the Ipperwash Inquiry.”
Few of us will remember the details of Chief Justice Linden's thorough inquiry set up in response to the shooting death of Dudley George. But Fantino does.
One of the things Linden said about the police was this:
“The objective of the police during Aboriginal protests and occupations should be to minimize the potential for vilence and to facilitate constitutionally protected rights including treaty and aboriginal rights and the rights to peaceful assembly."
Fantino is “disappointed (and no wonder) with some in the media and the political arena” for his questioning his handling of events which are clearly so consistent with Linden's recommendations.
It is speculated here that the illegal wiretap info to which Fantino had access gave him cause to to threaten the Mohawk leader with "destroy(ing) his reputation and guaranteeing "your whole world is going to come crashing down."
The NDP's weak kneed, past his prime Sunshine boy Peter Kormos called this language "intemperate" and "bellicose." Say what?
And when did you Mr. Kormos negotiate anything more important than an extended summer recess for provincial polticians?
While some have called for Fantino's resignation, here at whenthemayorsmiles we say let's give the chief the break he deserves.
Friday, July 04, 2008
Bad Words
Recently a news item out of the U.K. cited a report recommending 100 specific words that should be banned from government documents.
According to the Local Government Association local democracy “will be threatened with extinction” if words like “coterminosity” and phrases like “can- do-culture continue to muddle up reports.
This argument interested me. The point, which seemed to have been missed by many who proffered an analysis, is that government reports need to be written in a way that can be understood by all. We shouldn’t hide behind jargon and bafflegab.
We are “partnershipped” to death these days with “value added” and “proactive” service “facilitated” for us with a “single point of contact.”
Has the word “sustainable” overstayed its welcome? What is really meant by “best practice” and who is a “stakeholder” anyway?
The report inspired your blogger to “fast track” and use his “capacity” to find a “bottom up” but “holistic” way to put forward “value added” analysis and thereby find an “early win” through “evidence based” solutions and “process driven” output for you, my “customers.”
I’m Not Making this One Up
While inspired, alas, I can offer no new insights on how to better use language but, thankfully, OneNewsNow.com can.
The website provides “news from a Christian perspective” and has a policy to replace offensive words with, well, less offensive words.
Earlier this week when American sprinter Tyson Gay won the U.S. Olympic Trials the website dutifully altered the Associated Press recap of the event. Gay became Mr. Homosexual as in “Tyson Homosexual was a blur in blue, sprinting 100 meters faster than anyone ever has.”
Homosexual will be “someone to watch in Beijing next month.”
And how does the new champion feel. The website offered this: “It means a lot to me, the 25 year old Homosexual said.”
This Part I’m Making Up
We think that OneNewsNow.com is on to something.
Let’s get rid of those offensive names in politics.
Bad language is out. Burlington M.P. Mike Wallace becomes Mike Walldonkey.
Sexist terms are forbidden too. Mayor Cam Jackson will from now on be known as Cam Jacperchildren.
And let’s work on political images while we are at it. There is no room for cowards in politics. Ward One Councillor Rick Craven is now Richard Braveheart.
There you go. And you’re welcome.
According to the Local Government Association local democracy “will be threatened with extinction” if words like “coterminosity” and phrases like “can- do-culture continue to muddle up reports.
This argument interested me. The point, which seemed to have been missed by many who proffered an analysis, is that government reports need to be written in a way that can be understood by all. We shouldn’t hide behind jargon and bafflegab.
We are “partnershipped” to death these days with “value added” and “proactive” service “facilitated” for us with a “single point of contact.”
Has the word “sustainable” overstayed its welcome? What is really meant by “best practice” and who is a “stakeholder” anyway?
The report inspired your blogger to “fast track” and use his “capacity” to find a “bottom up” but “holistic” way to put forward “value added” analysis and thereby find an “early win” through “evidence based” solutions and “process driven” output for you, my “customers.”
I’m Not Making this One Up
While inspired, alas, I can offer no new insights on how to better use language but, thankfully, OneNewsNow.com can.
The website provides “news from a Christian perspective” and has a policy to replace offensive words with, well, less offensive words.
Earlier this week when American sprinter Tyson Gay won the U.S. Olympic Trials the website dutifully altered the Associated Press recap of the event. Gay became Mr. Homosexual as in “Tyson Homosexual was a blur in blue, sprinting 100 meters faster than anyone ever has.”
Homosexual will be “someone to watch in Beijing next month.”
And how does the new champion feel. The website offered this: “It means a lot to me, the 25 year old Homosexual said.”
This Part I’m Making Up
We think that OneNewsNow.com is on to something.
Let’s get rid of those offensive names in politics.
Bad language is out. Burlington M.P. Mike Wallace becomes Mike Walldonkey.
Sexist terms are forbidden too. Mayor Cam Jackson will from now on be known as Cam Jacperchildren.
And let’s work on political images while we are at it. There is no room for cowards in politics. Ward One Councillor Rick Craven is now Richard Braveheart.
There you go. And you’re welcome.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Bus Bites #2
A recent Wednesday morning found me on the #4 Pinedale West heading to a part time job at Wild Birds Unlimited on Fairview Street. As this route runs close to the homes of the Mayor and the Ward 5 Councillor, I wondered if the opportunity for an “on bus chinwag” on local affairs might present, but figured I probably be keeping my opinions to myself on this day.
This short trip had begun at Sheldon Park where a creek of the same name had once flowed before being relocated to accommodate development and create “ravine” lots.
The bus moves me down Deerhurst past Mathewman Crescent. Named for Benjamin Matthewman, who had settled in the Burloak Upper Middle area around 1835, the street name was registered with one “t”.
Matthewman was active in the Appleby community that had taken its name from a small northwestern English town located in the historic county of Westmoreland. Just to the east, but off this route, Fothergill Boulevard was, in fact, named for an Appleby England family who farmed at Freeman.
Several other streets in this subdivision honour Burlington and Nelson township pioneer women:
#Amelia after Amelia (Cole) Fothergill who farmed on Appleby Line.
#Phoebe for Phoebe (Land) Lucas
#Hannah after Hannah Davidson who farmed on Walker’s Line.
#Amanda for Amanda (Kaitting) Baxter who lived at the historic Balsam Lodge at 2290 Queensway.*
Our bus goes west on New Street, up Wedgewood and turns toward Appleby Mall near Mullin Way. (Owen Mullin was Burlington’s youngest ever mayor, 32 years when elected in 1962.)
John Henry Walker Jr. House
After a quick stop at the Mall we meander along Longmoor eventually making it back to New Street at Eastway Plaza; then, west to Walkers Line and north past the John Henry Walker House Jr. (496 Walker’s Line. Heritage Burlington notes that this Edwardian vernacular Queen Anne Style house with adjoining barn are the sole surviving structures from the original Walker farm.
Built in either 1908 or 1913 John Henry Junior inherited 20 acres of farmland south of the existing Centennial Bike Path. (See www.burlington.ca/heritage for more on this property.)
Our bus turns left and I try to imagine the Hamilton Radial Electric line that ran through here from 1906 to 1925.
I get off at Woodview and walk up to work.
*Peggy and Les Armstrong’s 2001 book Burlington’s Streets – What’s Behind the Name? - is an interest resource on Burlington history
This short trip had begun at Sheldon Park where a creek of the same name had once flowed before being relocated to accommodate development and create “ravine” lots.
The bus moves me down Deerhurst past Mathewman Crescent. Named for Benjamin Matthewman, who had settled in the Burloak Upper Middle area around 1835, the street name was registered with one “t”.
Matthewman was active in the Appleby community that had taken its name from a small northwestern English town located in the historic county of Westmoreland. Just to the east, but off this route, Fothergill Boulevard was, in fact, named for an Appleby England family who farmed at Freeman.
Several other streets in this subdivision honour Burlington and Nelson township pioneer women:
#Amelia after Amelia (Cole) Fothergill who farmed on Appleby Line.
#Phoebe for Phoebe (Land) Lucas
#Hannah after Hannah Davidson who farmed on Walker’s Line.
#Amanda for Amanda (Kaitting) Baxter who lived at the historic Balsam Lodge at 2290 Queensway.*
Our bus goes west on New Street, up Wedgewood and turns toward Appleby Mall near Mullin Way. (Owen Mullin was Burlington’s youngest ever mayor, 32 years when elected in 1962.)
John Henry Walker Jr. House
After a quick stop at the Mall we meander along Longmoor eventually making it back to New Street at Eastway Plaza; then, west to Walkers Line and north past the John Henry Walker House Jr. (496 Walker’s Line. Heritage Burlington notes that this Edwardian vernacular Queen Anne Style house with adjoining barn are the sole surviving structures from the original Walker farm.
Built in either 1908 or 1913 John Henry Junior inherited 20 acres of farmland south of the existing Centennial Bike Path. (See www.burlington.ca/heritage for more on this property.)
Our bus turns left and I try to imagine the Hamilton Radial Electric line that ran through here from 1906 to 1925.
I get off at Woodview and walk up to work.
*Peggy and Les Armstrong’s 2001 book Burlington’s Streets – What’s Behind the Name? - is an interest resource on Burlington history
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Tabuns in Burlington
Peter Tabuns’ was once a municipal politician. From 1991 – 97 he represented an east Toronto ward.
He was defeated in 1997 when a candidate with a similar name – Larry Tabin - siphoned off Peter Tabuns votes.
According to Wikipedia, Tabin, who ran no real campaign, was put up to running by some of Tabuns’ constituents who were unhappy with his leadership in stopping smoking in restaurants and bars. These constituents, it is alleged, owned eateries and watering holes on the Danforth.
Today, Tabuns is the Member of Provincial Parliament for Toronto Danforth and Energy and Environment Critic for the Ontario NDP.
Burlington Presentation
This week he escaped from a Queen’s Park debate venturing out to suburbia to speak to a largely partisan group in Burlington. Interestingly, he drew on his experience as a local politician.
“Politicians are simple people. They respond to rewards. They respond to punishment.”
This was in answer to a question about engaging people in order to address our environmental problems.
As a Councillor Tabuns observed colleagues moving off positions when there was significant public pressure. Some would call this gutless, unprincipled even. Others, your blogger included, would call it representing the people.
Tabuns Argues for a Move Towards a New Energy Economy
In a nutshell Tabuns’ analysis is this:
*Our environmental problems are not new.
*People are tired of government inaction on the environment.
*The “do-nothing” duo of McGuinty and Harper aren’t making the necessary investments to move us to a new economy and new jobs.
*This new economy should emphasize renewable energy and replace excessive hydroelectric power with conservation measures, move to co-generation and eliminate waste of energy.
*Various estimates demonstrate that ‘renewable is doable.’
*We can solve the problems but we need to put pressure on governments who “don’t take these issues seriously.”
Tabuns cited examples from other jurisdictions (Pennsylvania, California, Denmark and others) that are taking these matters seriously and acting.
Iowa farmers, once skeptical of wind power, now see it as a “second harvest.” Portugal has no oil of its own so has made the installation of solar panels part of its building code. In California energy savings are increasing disposable income.
Back to the idea of taking action. Tabuns quoted American Steelworkers who believe that “ if you are not at the table then you’ll be on the menu.”
Peter Tabuns is challenging us to get to the table.
He was defeated in 1997 when a candidate with a similar name – Larry Tabin - siphoned off Peter Tabuns votes.
According to Wikipedia, Tabin, who ran no real campaign, was put up to running by some of Tabuns’ constituents who were unhappy with his leadership in stopping smoking in restaurants and bars. These constituents, it is alleged, owned eateries and watering holes on the Danforth.
Today, Tabuns is the Member of Provincial Parliament for Toronto Danforth and Energy and Environment Critic for the Ontario NDP.
Burlington Presentation
This week he escaped from a Queen’s Park debate venturing out to suburbia to speak to a largely partisan group in Burlington. Interestingly, he drew on his experience as a local politician.
“Politicians are simple people. They respond to rewards. They respond to punishment.”
This was in answer to a question about engaging people in order to address our environmental problems.
As a Councillor Tabuns observed colleagues moving off positions when there was significant public pressure. Some would call this gutless, unprincipled even. Others, your blogger included, would call it representing the people.
Tabuns Argues for a Move Towards a New Energy Economy
In a nutshell Tabuns’ analysis is this:
*Our environmental problems are not new.
*People are tired of government inaction on the environment.
*The “do-nothing” duo of McGuinty and Harper aren’t making the necessary investments to move us to a new economy and new jobs.
*This new economy should emphasize renewable energy and replace excessive hydroelectric power with conservation measures, move to co-generation and eliminate waste of energy.
*Various estimates demonstrate that ‘renewable is doable.’
*We can solve the problems but we need to put pressure on governments who “don’t take these issues seriously.”
Tabuns cited examples from other jurisdictions (Pennsylvania, California, Denmark and others) that are taking these matters seriously and acting.
Iowa farmers, once skeptical of wind power, now see it as a “second harvest.” Portugal has no oil of its own so has made the installation of solar panels part of its building code. In California energy savings are increasing disposable income.
Back to the idea of taking action. Tabuns quoted American Steelworkers who believe that “ if you are not at the table then you’ll be on the menu.”
Peter Tabuns is challenging us to get to the table.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Kitchen Report #2
In his report Kitchen explores seven different ways to help fund the restructured GTAH transit and transportation system.
1. Dedicated Municipal Fuel Tax
This would involve an additional tax at the pumps piggybacked onto the existing price of gas. Those who use the roads would pay. A rate of, for example, 6 cents a litre would be the equivalent of a 4.7% to 6.6% increase in property taxes. This year’s rising gas prices have left many commuters hot and bothered. Could such a tax be sold with a commitment to lower property taxes?
2. Tolls and Congestion Charges
Tolls and Congestion Charges “can be effective in controlling people’s behaviour” and are in place in many jurisdictions around the world. Kitchen recommends them for major highways but notes that some decisions are needed prior to putting these charges in place as to whether the existing public transit system offers an effective alternative. Perhaps Metrolinx provides a forum for this.
3. Tax on Non residential Parking Spaces
The City of Toronto already has the right to tax parking spaces and such a tax would likely have some impact on deterring auto use and increased transits.
4. Vehicle Registration Charges
Again Toronto is the only city that currently can levy such a tax. Taxes could be higher for higher emitting cars, heavier vehicles (as they do more damage to roads) or older cars.
5. Drivers License Charges
Municipalities could also take a chunk of an enhanced charge on licenses but Kitchen does not recommend this.
6. High Occupancy Toll Lanes
Apparently HOV lanes in the U.S. are not meeting their objectives. So in some cases these lanes are being turned into High Occupancy Toll Lanes where you can pay for the pleasure of getting a faster ride. Kitchen wants us to try this one out.
7. Value Capture Levies
If a property’s value is enhanced through spending on public infrastructure and zoning decisions it could be appropriate to capture some of the gains that the private sector has realized.
Kitchen feels this could apply in mega projects such as subway or rapid transit expansion.
Time for Action
Lots to think about in Financing Public Transit and Transportation in the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton. Kitchen's final recommendation for a GTAH wide special purpose body made up of directly elected Councillors recalls similar governance discussions in the '90's. Nothing happened then. But something must be done on this file and soon.
1. Dedicated Municipal Fuel Tax
This would involve an additional tax at the pumps piggybacked onto the existing price of gas. Those who use the roads would pay. A rate of, for example, 6 cents a litre would be the equivalent of a 4.7% to 6.6% increase in property taxes. This year’s rising gas prices have left many commuters hot and bothered. Could such a tax be sold with a commitment to lower property taxes?
2. Tolls and Congestion Charges
Tolls and Congestion Charges “can be effective in controlling people’s behaviour” and are in place in many jurisdictions around the world. Kitchen recommends them for major highways but notes that some decisions are needed prior to putting these charges in place as to whether the existing public transit system offers an effective alternative. Perhaps Metrolinx provides a forum for this.
3. Tax on Non residential Parking Spaces
The City of Toronto already has the right to tax parking spaces and such a tax would likely have some impact on deterring auto use and increased transits.
4. Vehicle Registration Charges
Again Toronto is the only city that currently can levy such a tax. Taxes could be higher for higher emitting cars, heavier vehicles (as they do more damage to roads) or older cars.
5. Drivers License Charges
Municipalities could also take a chunk of an enhanced charge on licenses but Kitchen does not recommend this.
6. High Occupancy Toll Lanes
Apparently HOV lanes in the U.S. are not meeting their objectives. So in some cases these lanes are being turned into High Occupancy Toll Lanes where you can pay for the pleasure of getting a faster ride. Kitchen wants us to try this one out.
7. Value Capture Levies
If a property’s value is enhanced through spending on public infrastructure and zoning decisions it could be appropriate to capture some of the gains that the private sector has realized.
Kitchen feels this could apply in mega projects such as subway or rapid transit expansion.
Time for Action
Lots to think about in Financing Public Transit and Transportation in the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton. Kitchen's final recommendation for a GTAH wide special purpose body made up of directly elected Councillors recalls similar governance discussions in the '90's. Nothing happened then. But something must be done on this file and soon.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Kitchen Report #1
Earlier this year a report by Trent University Professor Harry Kitchen got some coverage in the mainstream media.
This report, Financing Public Transit and Transportation in the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton: Future Initiatives*, includes among its recommendations a call for tolling roads.
This caused quite a stir as apparently our right to drive at no cost is enshrined in the Constitution somewhat like Americans right to bear arms. Here is my new slogan for Ontario license plates: “Drive Free or Die.”
In all seriousness though this is a good report that should promote serious discussion.
Let’s Get The Price Right
It is really a no-brainer to say it but we need an effective and efficient public transit and transportation system for economic and environmental reasons. Things are getting worse not better.
As Kitchen says “something must be done.”
An important aspect of what must be done is setting correct prices.
Kitchen notes:
“A more efficient and effective transportation system can only be achieved if users (businesses, individuals and governments) pay for the infrastructure and operational cost of services it provides – building, maintenance and repairs plus environmental damages."
He sets out some principles.
For example, those who benefit from local infrastructure and the services it provides should pay for it. (This is called the benefits based model.)
According to Kitchen, services such as public transit and highways “have a mix of private and public good characteristics” and, therefore, financing should be based on the theory of “second best.”
Principles of efficiency and fairness would suggest that car and truck drivers pay a charge that reflects the full cost (capital, operating plus congestion and environmental costs).
But car and truck drivers pay nothing to local governments for each trip taken while transit users are charged when they travel.
This logic justifies some subsidization of public transit but also provides rationale for the implementation of road charges that are designed to control road use.
So while subsidizing public transit makes sense Kitchen says that determining the exact subsidy (and what you’ll pay at the farebox) is a “tricky business” that really has more to do with politics than actual costs. And that is probably the way it should be until the competitive form of transportation i.e., roads is costed properly.
If there was a level playing field “public transit might not require a subsidy to be competitive: certainly it is unlikely that it would require the size of subsidy it often gets.”
Back to you Tomorrow
If you’re still with this argument I know you will be keen to find ways to put proper prices in place. But you’ll have to wait until tomorrow.
Here is a bit of a tease. It is complicated because while the problems that need solving are GTHA wide ones the responsibility for our transit and much of our roads is generally in local hands.
*You can find this report on the Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario’s (RCCAO) website.
This report, Financing Public Transit and Transportation in the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton: Future Initiatives*, includes among its recommendations a call for tolling roads.
This caused quite a stir as apparently our right to drive at no cost is enshrined in the Constitution somewhat like Americans right to bear arms. Here is my new slogan for Ontario license plates: “Drive Free or Die.”
In all seriousness though this is a good report that should promote serious discussion.
Let’s Get The Price Right
It is really a no-brainer to say it but we need an effective and efficient public transit and transportation system for economic and environmental reasons. Things are getting worse not better.
As Kitchen says “something must be done.”
An important aspect of what must be done is setting correct prices.
Kitchen notes:
“A more efficient and effective transportation system can only be achieved if users (businesses, individuals and governments) pay for the infrastructure and operational cost of services it provides – building, maintenance and repairs plus environmental damages."
He sets out some principles.
For example, those who benefit from local infrastructure and the services it provides should pay for it. (This is called the benefits based model.)
According to Kitchen, services such as public transit and highways “have a mix of private and public good characteristics” and, therefore, financing should be based on the theory of “second best.”
Principles of efficiency and fairness would suggest that car and truck drivers pay a charge that reflects the full cost (capital, operating plus congestion and environmental costs).
But car and truck drivers pay nothing to local governments for each trip taken while transit users are charged when they travel.
This logic justifies some subsidization of public transit but also provides rationale for the implementation of road charges that are designed to control road use.
So while subsidizing public transit makes sense Kitchen says that determining the exact subsidy (and what you’ll pay at the farebox) is a “tricky business” that really has more to do with politics than actual costs. And that is probably the way it should be until the competitive form of transportation i.e., roads is costed properly.
If there was a level playing field “public transit might not require a subsidy to be competitive: certainly it is unlikely that it would require the size of subsidy it often gets.”
Back to you Tomorrow
If you’re still with this argument I know you will be keen to find ways to put proper prices in place. But you’ll have to wait until tomorrow.
Here is a bit of a tease. It is complicated because while the problems that need solving are GTHA wide ones the responsibility for our transit and much of our roads is generally in local hands.
*You can find this report on the Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario’s (RCCAO) website.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)