Mayor Dave Bronconnier is faithfully defending city council after a coalition of city organizations delivered failing grades to more than half of its aldermen.
The Coalition for Property Tax Fairness (CPTF), comprised of eight business member lobby groups and The Canadian Taxpayers Federation, released its first Calgary Municipal Report Card yesterday, giving the majority of city council less than a C+ on a number of issues regarding how council has been operating.
Bronconnier said he doesn’t put much stock into the report he calls an attempt by businesses to put the bulk of property tax onto individuals instead of the nearly 50/50 even split it is now.
“You know what, I think city council is on the right track,” Bronconnier said. “I certainly know what I stand for and if I had to do it again, I would do it all again tomorrow,” he said, adding council has simply responded to the needs and wants of Calgarians.
Bronconnier, who received a D, said he will be judged where it matters most.
“Well, the grade … I will give myself, will be at the ballot box in 2010 from the city of Calgary.”
Bill Partridge, vice-president of the Building Owner and Manager’s Association and one of the founding CPTF members, said the report is intended to draw attention to how council is performing.
“To be blunt, we were shocked by the results. We’re concerned we’re not getting the leadership our city deserves,” Partridge said.
But Partridge said there were some bright spots in the clouds, referring to Ward 12 Ald. Ric McIver who received an A+ and Ward 10 Ald. Andre Chabot, who received an A.
