MPP Smith’s newsletter sparks controversy

Story by Jesse Thomas/ Special to Baytoday.ca

City Council members stated very clearly last night that they are infuriated with MPP, Monique Smith’s spring 2007 newsletter that has allegedly printed false information about North Bay’s transit system funding and financial management.

In the bottom left corner of M.P.P Smith’s letter a grey highlighted box reads:

“In March, The Ontario government demonstrated its continued support for North Bay’s transit system by giving the City an additional $1,175,393. This funding for public transit was over and above what the City of North Bay was expecting and, therefore, will free up funds the City had previously earmarked for transit and allow them to redirect it to other priority areas. This is also in addition to teh provincial gas tax money that the City receives, which amounts to more that $1.2 million for 2007/2008, and is being used to fund the construction of the new North Bay Transit Terminal.

Making our transit system a more attractive and efficient option is not only good news for our city, but also for our citizens and the enviornment!"

Mayor Vic Fedeli says, “This statement is, in every way, false and misleading to the public. The statement implies that with the extra funding we could offset the budget and perhaps lower taxes or put it into other services, but there is no other funding beyond the gas rebate. The newsletter also claims Provincial government funding when it is Federal.”

Councillor Judy Koziol called the newsletter propaganda while Deputy Mayor Peter Chirico refuted the newsletter as partisan politics and was enraged that the public, who pays for the government letter, should have to tolerate such irresponsibility and foolishness.

Councillor Dave Mendicino says, “Nothing has changed about the budget; the Federal funding we received has already been worked into the budget which the public has viewed… What irks me most is that this newsletter goes on to propose a solution and questions our financial manage abilities; when they are very much in order.”

All members of council say they will not stand by and tolerate such claims. In any circumstance, council says North Bay citizens must be fully and truthfully informed in order to maintain prosperity and confidence in the City.

Mayor Fedeli says, “Either MPP Smith doesn’t know what she is doing or she expects some sort of political gain. I am demanding that this information be corrected right away.”

After few questions council unanimously voted that a formal request for corrections should be issued immediately.

Deputy Mayor Chirico says he is hoping for a retraction of the statement before the grand opening of the new City Transit on June 15.

“If a retraction is not made before June 15 it will be a great disservice to the City of North Bay.”