Counterpoint: Question #6
The Lindsay Post is running a weekly series of questions, with answers by both the "Yes" and "No" sides of the issues.

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Question #6:How will your vision guide and benefit future economic growth for the city?

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      A man spent his waking hours snapping his fingers. When asked why, he responded: "It keeps the tigers away." "Why, there isn't a tiger within 2000 miles," replied the questioner. "You see, it works" he said.

     We have economic development departments because we are afraid not to. And because some other municipalities have them. With departments of economic development in place, every modest example of business growth is seen as proof of their effectiveness and justification for their continued existence. But do they work to foster economic growth, at what cost, and at whose cost?

     An economy is a complex of human activities undertaken for profit, and concerned with the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services. Many factors can contribute to the growth of an economy, or to the contraction of an economy for that matter. Of all factors which contribute to economic growth, such as a well educated and motivated workforce, the availability of natural resources, and proximity to markets, the least essential is a Department of Economic Development.

     Having said that, if the newly re-created two-tier system of county government following a "yes" referendum vote chooses to dabble in a government managed economy, so be it. However, we would all be well advised to demand proof that there is a net benefit to having an economic development department. Is the local economy stronger because of it? The answer is probably, no.

     Gimmicks such as give-away computerized CoKL business cards are wasteful of tax dollars. Airport expansion is best left to the private sector. Most economic development department initiatives merely re-distribute wealth, taking from every taxpayer to benefit a few. Business incubators give an unfair competitive advantage to some entrepreneurs at the expense of others.

     How will the return to a Victoria County and the former sixteen municipalities benefit future economic growth? What will encourage the expansion of existing businesses and motivate new businesses to locate in our community? What will induce young high-school graduates to remain within our community? There are several answers including removing red tape and stopping city government from competing against private enterprise. Probably the most important is lower taxes.

     After a two and a half year experiment in big city government, taxes are rising out of control, city debt and deficits are skyrocketing, municipal services are declining, and reserves are being plundered in a desperate bid to buy votes.

     Money has no political loyalty and will locate where it is welcomed. The low tax environment which will come with a return to two-tier government will foster economic growth.

     A spirit of inter-municipality competition will create the economic climate necessary to encourage business expansion. Sensible local by-laws, within a reasonable County Official Plan, will remove the legislative impediments to the entrepreneurial spirit. We need building departments and building officials whose purpose is to remove roadblocks to development instead of a system which puts layers of administration , jumbo-sized policy manuals, fat rule books, regulations galore and "big city government" procedures and attitudes ahead of getting things done.

     There is absolutely every expectation that strong and effective local chambers of commerce, farm organizations, tourism and manufacturer's associations can promote economic growth. It is in the best interests of their members and the community at large to promote and develop the local economy. First, however, we must get out of their way. A strong and vibrant economy comes from the people, not government. Fewer governments, which we acquired with the City of Kawartha Lakes, is not the same as less government. With less government the local economy will flourish.