December 1, 2009 - 2:40 pm |
Posted by Jonathan Ross
Show me the money!
I scoff at lone NPA councillor Suzanne Anton and lone NPA Park Board Commissioner Ian Robertson talking about”offers from concerned citizens” or “private donor…offer[ing] $100,000” with regards to the decision to stop subsidies to the Stanley Park petting zoo and the Bloedel Conservatory.
Where are these mysterious donors? Why not bring them forward, or at least the cash for someone who wishes to remain anonymous, and back up your words?
Oh yeah…and one more question:
Why would either institution turn such a contribution down if the money was being offered?
These are the kinds of empty attacks that ring false.
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November 26, 2009 - 4:20 pm |
Posted by Jonathan Ross
The petting zoo is on its way out, and in consideration of what could have been cut, it makes complete sense.
As most readers are well aware, yesterday the Park Board decided by way of a 4-3 split vote to end subsidies to the Stanley Park petting zoo and the Bloedel Conservatory in Queen Elizabeth Park.
As I was told, there were 30 impassioned speakers last week when the vote was deferred, and a contingent of close to 50 for last night’s proceedings.
There is no doubt that these people were sincere in their efforts. For some, both are “iconic” institutions that will be greatly missed.
But in public office, when you are dealing with taxpayers money, and of course an obligation to balance the books year in and year out, tough decisions inevitably need to be made. And quite frankly, the fact that these two institutions are on the chopping block as opposed to other essential core services is a sound decision.
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