John A. Bell For Mayor

Amalgamation Efficiency	This topic encompasses more than just the amalgamation savings itself. I believe that to address this issue, the efficiency of decisions made by council must be taken to task. The idea that in a country taxed amongst the highest in the world, and a city taxed amongst the highest in the country, there are still budget crunches and service cuts plaguing the council is baffling to myself. I do not believe that the act of amalgamation is the culprit, but in the decisions made afterwards is where the issue lies. The question must be asked; where are these tax dollars being spent, and how should this be altered to utilize these dollars for the better of the city? This question will be answered by myself in the following issues of this table. Equal representation should also be at the forefront for those smaller communities (North Gower, Manotick...) forced to amalgamate with the larger metropolis of Ottawa. The voice of these communities is just as important as those that lie within the city proper.
Infrastructure	The most important place to spend tax dollars is on core services. I believe that is is far more important to maintain and modernize the physical aspect of the city that will pay far greater dividends for the citizens of Ottawa than spending elsewhere. Keeping the city's roads, bridges, parks, and public transportation in top condition is paramount to running an efficient and healthy city. Diverting tax dollars from social engineering causes (campaigns against pesticides, smoking bylaw enforcement as examples) will utilize dollars in a more productive manner. It will also attract more outside investors and businesses to come to Ottawa. I believe that this is far too important an issue to be overlooked.
Increased Police and Emergency Services	Services vital to a stable and vibrant city. With recent events taking place, of murders, and gang activity, people are not feeling as safe as they once might have, with good reason for sure. Increasing the budget to the Ottawa Police will allow them to hire more officers, and maintain a more visible presence and availability in each community within Ottawa. Programs and plans could be put in place that would help deter more violence from happening, something we all desire for ourselves and family. As of October 14, during a meeting with the Ottawa Witness Group, one of these programs would be to take a more responsible look at the operations of the Ottawa Police Services Board. This would be necessary to facilitate more trust and understanding between the police services, and the communities they serve.
Official Bi-Lingualism	This issue is merely a titular one in nature that does not address the real problem in the city of Ottawa. Enough talk has been spent on this for no good reason. The real problem lies with uni-lingual French services offered in Ottawa. These must be improved greatly to allow French speaking citizens the same level of services that the rest of the city utilizes. That is the real issue. Where there is poor service, it must be improved. Links with the provincial government must be formed to ensure that services they are responsible for are exemplary (i.e. legal services).
NCC	A better and transparent working relationship must be formed with this organization. I believe that NCC lands residing within Ottawa, and any plans for these lands, should be part of a consultation process with the city to protect the interests of the citizens of this city. I do not believe that developing places such as the Moffat Farm should be unilaterally decided behind closed doors. As citizens of this city, I believe that we have the right to bar such projects from happening if they are not in the best interests of everyone in Ottawa. The NCC is a government agency, and should thusly be held accountable to everyone.
Social Engineering	A term that I believe is a hindrance to the growth and well being of the city of Ottawa. This type of issue takes away from having a well run council. Issues like smoking in bars, and lawn care are given too great an importance by the current council. Creating bylaws that take away the freedom of choice for adult individuals is an affront to every citizen in Ottawa. Responsible lawn care for an individual's property starts and stops there. Being an owner of property allows that person to choose what they wish to do with their lawns. Spending money on anti-pesticide campaigns takes valuable tax dollars from more worthwhile projects. As far as this anti-smoking policy, I suggest a fair compromise: if you have an age restriction (over 19 to enter), then everyone is an adult, and should be allowed to choose to smoke or not. If an establishment chooses to be smoke free or not is their decision. With the severe economic impact set upon bars, this bylaw must be revised.