There might be an interesting battle shaping up at tonight's city council meeting involving the North Bay Taxpayers Association and its detractors.
A local taxpayer, Steven Deacon, is asking friends through email to attend and speak at the meeting "to mount a considered, and effective opposition, to their bombastic fear mongering".
Deacon says in the email, "In theory, having the North Bay Tax Payers Association in our community should be a good thing for our city as having a group of city residents who advocate for responsible municipal governance and realistic taxation/spending should not be a negative within our community. Unfortunately, this particular group has taken their advocacy in a direction that I don’t support. In particular, I do not agree with their assertion that they 'speak for the collective residents of this city with regards to taxation and municipal governance.' The reality is that they are a small group who have monopolized the conversation – in short, they have become a vocal minority who needs to be reminded that they DO NOT speak for everyone. More importantly, Council needs to see that they don’t speak for everyone!"
He says he's working to organize a group of like-minded residents to attend tonight's council meeting to show Council, and the North Bay Taxpayers Association, that there are other opinions that need to be considered.
"For many years, this association has generally spoke unchallenged in what they have said and to whom they are addressing. Much of what they say is unsubstantiated, unrealistic and inflammatory and I believe it’s time to let them know they don’t speak for me. My favour is that I am asking you to join me on Monday evening at city hall to address council, one at a time, and let it be known that this association does not directly represent our views or the manner in which this advocacy should take place," Deacon states.
However Taxpayer Association spokesman Miles Peters says the group looks upon it as an opportunity.
"We have never contended, nor do we feel that we are speaking for everyone within the city. We're representing those with like-minded views of fiscal prudence and dealing with the economic situation."
And Peters rejects the accusation of being inflammatory.
"We reject that completely. We'd love to hear, on any issue of substance where we could be proven to be inflammatory, whether its the Battalion contract, Memorial Gardens over-run, or any number of issues like the Lakeshore Drive Pinewood Drive issue. I don't think we've been out of line. It's always been this personality thing.
"We're pleased with our position and we wish it would not take on personal tones. Even with staff I don't agree with what staff is doing but as far as individuals and personalities, I would certainly question their competence on things like the hydro loan and the Battalion contract. That seems to be a necessary thing, but it's too big an issue to be personal."
BayToday was unable to contact Steven Deacon for comment.
Tonight's council meeting starts at 7 p.m.
