We were wrong in endorsing Naheed Nenshi three years ago. We’re big enough to admit it. But here’s what he told us then. We’ll let you measure whether he’s lived up to the promises.
Excerpts from the Oct. 17, 2010, editorial endorsing Nenshi:
Of the three (candidates), Nenshi has done the best job of identifying the problems plaguing city hall and articulating the strategies needed to remedy them.
He’s business friendly and passionate about restoring fiscal responsibility and transparency — and cutting red tape.
As former consultant to some of the world’s biggest corporations, Nenshi knows his way around a balance sheet and the complexities of a huge organization such as the City of Calgary.
Nenshi has demonstrated an ability to work well with others. We believe it is essential he use those skills working closely with the people who build homes and create jobs in this city to find a realistic solution to address the costs of growth.
Nenshi’s pledges:
At a Sun editorial board meeting just before the 2010 election, Naheed Nenshi described himself as the “real fiscal conservative” among the field running for mayor.
Soon after his 2010 election, Nenshi told the Sun’s Rick Bell he wants to see less council business done behind closed doors, saying “We are living in a more open world.”
Nenshi said during the 2010 election the previous council was divisive and he would do a better job of getting aldermen to work together, as well as forging better relationships with other levels of government.
Five reasons the Sun is NOT endorsing Naheed Nenshi in Monday's municipal election:
Reason 1: Money hungry
In the spring of 2011, the province lowered its educational portion of Calgary’s municipal tax bill to the tune of $42 million.
Rather than return that money to taxpayers, as was intended, Nenshi and council voted in favour of keeping the money in city coffers.
Then in 2012, the province again lowered its educational portion of the municipal tax bill, this time resulting in $52 million being earmarked for return to the taxpayer (you), which the city kept. Municipal Affairs Minister Doug Griffiths was quoted as saying the money was intended to be returned to taxpayers “since Calgarians were paying more than their fair share,” but instead the city kept it, as per its policy set one year before.
Nenshi has said keeping the $52 million was the “right thing to do,” first saying it was needed as the province has cut some $150 million in capital grants, then changing his tune and saying it was needed for flood repairs, despite the fact the province and feds have said they will cover those costs.
Nenshi has also proposed the city keep the money in 2014, which will be voted on by the next council.
Reason 2: Overtaxing Calgarians
Since 2011, Nenshi has overseen a council that raised the city portion of municipal taxes more than 30% — 10.4% in 2011, 5.1% in 2012 and 13.1% in 2013 for a compounded total of 31% — the highest in recent memory. The indicative tax rate proposed for 2014 is 6.1%, which will be the subject of a debate and vote by the new council in November.
Reason 3: Less transparency
According to a Manning Foundation Report released last month, city council under Nenshi’s leadership met in-camera — away from public scrutiny — for 129.5 hours, equaling about 19% of their total meeting time. Nenshi has said publicly Calgarians can expect “more of the same” in the future.
Reason 4: Doesn’t play well with others
Nenshi has clashed several times publicly with his provincial counterparts, most notably Municipal Affairs Doug Griffiths, whom he has accused of meddling in civic affairs. Just last week, in a new war of words, Nenshi said Griffiths has accomplished nothing for Calgary in his tenure as minister.
Reason 5: Doesn’t play well with his own
Despite saying during this election campaign that the previous council “works well” together, in the spring of 2012 Nenshi hired a psychologist, Dr. Ivan Zendel, to help mediate what he called a “dysfunctional” council.
Say NO to Nenshi says Calgary Sun
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Originally Posted by DonJuan
