What frustrates me (actually, really pisses me off), is the endless spending of other peoples money on non-core services, by Councils and Governments.
Like any "business" you must set your budget to suit your income. There are, of course, many different ways that you can slice and dice expenses (there will be winners and losers), but income is the key to the puzzle (and this is ALWAYS the limiting factor).
You can't keep going back to "shareholders" for more money for "other" things when you can't deliver the basics properly.
I get that there are many different views on what core services are for Councils and that there are always more people and services wanting money than it is ever possible to deliver. And this is where the hard decisions need to be made.
I have commented on this regularly in the past and below are a few of my thoughts.
Spend Less:
Heritage housing
Community facilities (some)
Over engineered cycle ways
The Stadium (I know that this is a done deal...but stand by my original position)
Spend more:
Social Housing
Transport (including both Public, via MRT and roading networks)
Underground infrastructure
Community facilities (some)
The Mayor, Phil Mauger is absolutely correct with his recent comments. If the Council doesn't reduce its spending, or alternatively sell off some assets (which is a very short-term view and won't solve the underlying problem), then the only other alternative is to tap the ratepayer for more money.
I applaud all those people who stand for Public Office. I imagine that it is a particularly tough gig, and something I have no intention of doing. However, as a ratepayer, I have a right to my views on the subject.
I'm not suggesting that our communities don't need Libraries...but if it comes down to Libraries vs Sewerage...I'm going to pick Sewerage.