It rightly appears that this subject is getting a little more press, namely letters in the yesterday’s Guelph Tribune’s issue .

However to comment on your Managing budgets, I totally agree with the need to review well ahead of time.

However for example the ‘ other factors’ you mention are critical to deal with, ie. the impact on rising fuel costs, oil with a $150 to $200 a barrel cost is not too far away and it’s impact on today’s city operating costs.

Don’t loose Guelph Hydro !.

Maybe the 20 minute transit service has to be reversed ! Departments to find innovative ways to become leaner ie., reduce their transportation costs immediately which may affect service and personnel. As mentioned previously , forget the artificial skating rink and splash pool in front of city Hall.

Wage increases to be applied on what’s realistic and not cost of living as the latter is just going to skyrocket.
The CAW are at long last realising that ! Their message has to be passed along ! Residents have to become more cost effective !

What is happening in Calgary is being caused by extrodinary circumstances and is unique to them.

The imact on seniors is real and as I mentioned in my email, my combined increases are less than one %, caused by a major part of my employee’s pension being non inflationary, namely what I received annually 10 years ago, I will get the same amount the year I die.

Karen I realise the future doesn’t look great as we witness losing well paying jobs with service type ones, increasing # of workers without pensions, higher worldwide food costs , security concerns, increasing crime, etc . It certainly no doubt will require many unpleasant decisions.

Hope the above is of value

Regards

Bob Ackerman