It’s time once again for the provincial government to start putting its 2014 budget together and, as in previous years, the pre-budget consultation road show starts this coming week. This year, it’s being held in Clarenville on Friday the 15th of February from 9-11 am at the Clarenville Inn.
Are you reading this and listening Town of Clarenville?
Last year, the Town of Clarenville was conspicuously absent
from the pre-budget consultation process. It wasn't too long after that that our Town officials
went crying to government, on a couple of occasions, for money for “very
important projects” such as an overpass for Clarenville.
Was this a matter of doubting the merits of the process or just someone dropping the ball? I'm sad to say I think it was doubting indifference.
Was this a matter of doubting the merits of the process or just someone dropping the ball? I'm sad to say I think it was doubting indifference.
Regardless of the perceived merit of the pre-budget
consultation process, the process at least forces Town officials to plan - identify potential projects, cost them out and make an initial request to government. I feel that the Town owes a duty to its citizens to
participate in the process. This improves planning and formally gets this planning on the record and on the radar of the Province. Most importantly, this process also forces the Town to listen to its constituents to better determine what is a priority. It really blows our credibility out of the
water when or Town goes after the fact with an ‘important matter’ that either was not recognized or just didn't seem
important enough to bring up when the consultation process was ongoing.
There are no lack of issues that need addressing and the Town
needs to sharpen its pencil and get them presented on Friday. After last year’s pass I submitted my own
list – which is equally valid today. (I’ve linked to my 2012 submission – and you are welcome to borrow from it)
Remember it’s not only the Town asked to participate–
regular citizens can weigh in too and I encourage you all to do that. Those who would like to participate in a
pre-budget meeting are requested to register at least 48 hours in advance of
the scheduled meeting time by phoning 709-729-2944 or by emailing
budget@gov.nl.ca.
According to the government press release/Packet, Individuals who
cannot attend a session are encouraged to provide feedback via an online form
at www.gov.nl.ca/fin Written submissions can continue to be made via mail to:
Minister of Finance, c/o Pre-Budget 2012, Department of Finance, P.O. Box 8700,
St. John’s, NL, A1B 4J6. Submissions may also be emailed to
budgetsubmissions@gov.nl.ca or faxed to 709-729-2070.
Obama’s budget this year pays much attention to education and students scholarships, but nothing satisfying about employment. People try their best to earn some money for a family and children’s education. Why education is so expensive today? Not every family can pay for education year in advance. They have apply for fast cash advance to complete the term-time. But it is not a variant, they will repay this burden for a long time in future. Perhaps people are down because the government is disable to bring changes in our country.
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