My city’s still breathing, but barely it’s true
At the beginning of this month, news filtered out that a committee has been established to look at the size of the Halifax city council and decide whether it’s too large or too unwieldy. The common thinking is that, yes, it is too large, especially when you consider that similar cities (and even larger cities) seem to operate more efficiently and effectively with fewer councillors. The current Halifax city council is 24 members strong, with a mayor and 23 councillors and at times, the lack of progress in this city frustrates me. Time is wasted debating the affairs of chickens and cats, while actual issues like policing, tax reform and the sad state of affairs that is downtown Halifax are mired in debate, childish bickering and committees.
But let’s be honest. Nothing is going to change and here’s the three reasons why:
1. Pessimism – This is the feeling that persists with almost anyone I know who follows municipal politics. The idea that nothing gets done ever, which, in fact, is actually a strong argument for a smaller council, as there would be less debate and bickering and perhaps some actual decisions and advancements instead.
2. Politics – This is likely the reason that will be given when in a year’s time, council decides to throw out the anticipated recommendation for a smaller council. The idea that it would negatively impact the citizens of Halifax, by having them represent a larger area, having less of a personal touch. If my councillor has to represent half of the peninsula, it makes it harder for me to harangue her about the state of Barrington Street. This is a view that is supported by Tim Bousquet from The Coast. On the flip side, having a smaller council means that the voice and the vote of a single councillor is that much stronger at the table, so maybe that’s better?
3. The Truth – Here’s the real reason why, in a year’s time, council will throw out the recommendation for a smaller council. No one at that table will vote themselves out of a job. Each councillor makes over 65 thousand a year, while the mayor makes a little over 132 grand a year for their service. I can respect that it’s a difficult job without regular 9-to-5 responsibilities. But it’s a decent enough gig and I frankly can’t imagine that any of the councillors has the fortitude to put the city before themselves.