Mayor Kelly confirms deal is money loser

Mayor Peter Kelly says, "It will lose money" On the editorial page this week an article referred to the new convention centre, and government's attitude. It said "although our political system is democratic, derived from the Greek words demos and kratia, which roughly translates to "power of the people" in which elected politicians represent our interests, it is hard not to wonder how much power we, the people, really have". It seems the prime concern of elected officials here in Nova Scotia and HRM are downtown bars, restaurants and hotels.

The cost of this economic disaster will run, when everything is factored in to between $350 and $400 million dollars at which time it will belong to a private company or I suppose we can then buy it for tens of millions more tax dollars. As it stands, based on population HRM taxpayers will pay half the provincial cost and 100% of the civic costs. This would put us on the hook for around $275 to $300 million.

I can't afford nor do I wish to chip in on this kind of a gift for the downtown businesses nor would the vast majority of taxpayers if they were asked in a plebiscite. Better yet establish an "are rate" set so it totally covers all casts of the centre and tack it on to the businesses in the downtown core that will benefit from this deal? You'd hear them scream NO in Amherst. NOT WITH OUR MONEY! We just want to gravy send the bills to John Q Public taxpayer. If its such a great deal let private business build or at least pay for it. If its not a good deal for them its not a good deal for the taxpayer.

We KNOW its going to lose money Mayor Peter Kelly told us so on today's (Wed.) Rick Howe Show. Way to look out for us Mayor Kelly. Remember only Councillors Barkhouse & Watts voted against it. If the taxpayer has any brains these will be the only two returned in the next election.

Bruce DeVenne