One of many challenges facing our city is getting things done while being fiscally prudent. There are lots of good and exciting projects to consider. However, this puts us at risk of having to raise taxes dramatically or going into debt. We could reject proposals, but then we might miss out on some great opportunities or end up having to pay more for them later. So how can we have both?

While I do believe we need to make tough choices and say no at times, I also think we should look for ways to maximize the city’s finances so we’re in a better position to complete projects.

Even if it’s the region’s responsibility, if it has to do with Cambridge, I think we should help. I prefer to avoid hiking taxes or purchasing debentures. To me, that’s a boring solution anyway — and all too common in several municipalities across Ontario. Let’s be creative and think of something better.

When the economy picks up again and people and businesses are in better shape financially, we should be looking into expanding corporate sponsorship and fundraising opportunities.

When it comes to building a new bypass around Cambridge, we should ask corporations across the province to help sponsor various sections of the road. We could tell them it is going to be a busy transportation corridor; and that they have a great opportunity to gain some recognition.

While we won’t name the road after them (since there would be several contributors), we could have signs up that would list the sponsors. It would be done in a tasteful manner.

Fundraising events are also key. For example, if a neighbourhood wants a pathway or a stop sign, while the city could look at contributing something toward it; the ward councilor could organize a community event that would help raise money for the cause.

Perhaps the city could look at major fundraising initiatives to help raise funds to bring the GO train to the city. There are numerous opportunities. One could be holding a special festival of some kind. We could have auctions, too. Another would be to have Cambridge council members do certain actions in return for raising large sums of cash. One option could be for Mayor Doug Craig to shave off his beard and moustache if we raise a certain amount. Perhaps the entire council would consider temporarily dying their hair green. Maybe Councillor Pam Wolf, an NDP supporter, will consider dying her hair Tory Blue. We could also arrange for people to pay money to dunk certain councilors in the dunk tank. In fact, I am aware that there are several people who would pay big money “to go get Ben” However, in order to make Coun. Tucci feel better, I would bet that there are at least a handful that would be after me as well, and so I say “welcome to the club”.

Now, it’s all a matter of balance here. If we get too carried away we could become the laughingstock of the province and may not be taken seriously. We do need to be professional. However, there is no reason why we cannot have some fun with it and raise some money at the same time.

We’ll have to examine the full content of the Municipal Act to see what’s allowed. If we come up with something reasonable that is not permitted in the act, then we should push the provincial government to get those changes incorporated so we can proceed.

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