NBT endorses Leblanc's bid for Moncton mayor

George Leblanc would "do a brilliant job" as Moncton mayor and is "exactly the kind of leader" the city needs, says tax advocate.

Not only has he demonstrated that he is "twice as charismatic and twice as energetic" as his rival Pierre Michaud, he has clearly set himself apart on the issues, most importantly taxation:

"It is very clear in my action plan that I intend to make (lowering taxes) my first priority," he says. "But it has to be done in a responsible way."

Leblanc has promised to establish a committee to review taxes and spending in City Hall, well in advance of next year's budget. Here are a few highlights from his Action Plan under Building Prosperity:

TAXES

I believe that low taxes and housing costs are essential to maintaining a competitive and quality community. Property taxes are made up of the assessment of your property, which is done by the provincial government multiplied by the tax rate, which is set by city council. To ensure that tax dollars are spent wisely and effectively and that we have a fair and competitive tax rate, I will:

• Establish a committee comprised of members of council and leading citizens to study and report to the mayor and council within four months on recommendations on our taxation levels, spending by the City and determining whether tax cuts are achievable, given our current commitments – all with the goal of determining a fair and appropriate tax level for our citizens.
• Implement an immediate freeze on all discretionary spending and hiring for the City for the remainder of 2008 to permit an appropriate review by the committee.
• Request a meeting with the Minister of Finance and the Premier to discuss the need to immediately deal with the escalating assessments.
• Review potential annexation for areas that benefit from City services to establish a level playing field regarding taxation.

DEMOCRATIC REFORM

Open and accountable municipal government must be one of the cornerstones of any modern city. That is why I believe there are many things we can do to make City Hall more responsive to your needs. As mayor, I will:

• Enact a Citizens’ Bill of Rights to establish and codify citizens’ rights in relation to municipal government, staff and affairs.
• Seek greater community participation in all council committees and commissions, and include at least one citizen on all council committees.
• Establish a Red Tape Reduction Committee.
• Develop an e-communications plan for electronic communications with citizens.
• Hold annual town hall ward meetings with council.
• Provide opportunities for community input in an annual strategic plan review.
• Seek municipal electoral reform to provide open and transparent financing of municipal elections, including spending limits, disclosure on contributions and expenses, equal financial treatment with provincial elections, incentives to facilitate greater participation and to make it easier for mothers, women and all others to run for municipal election, and more effective and modern voting processes
• Electoral boundaries and representation to be reviewed every 10 years.
• Establish a plan of action to be implemented commencing January 1 of every election year to encourage electoral participation and informed voting.

STRATEGIC ECONOMIC PLAN

Moncton has been blessed with a strong and vibrant economy over the last 15 years, however we have to continually ensure we have the right elements in place as a city to keep the various pieces of our economic engine running. To that end, as mayor I will:

• In 2009, hold a major economic summit bringing together community, business and municipal leaders to develop an economic blueprint for Moncton’s future.
• Establish a Mayor’s Economic Roundtable to regularly discuss opportunities to keep our economy moving and our current businesses prosperous.
• Identify specific future growth sectors and develop a strategic plan to promote areas such as:
- Moncton as a shopping destination, sport tourism destination and pursue other tourism opportunities.
- Language and language technology and translation
- Health industry and retirement service
- Transportation services

The mayor, city council, and school board elections will be on May 12. Make sure you get out and vote for George. The choice, this time, could mean the difference between being gouged by higher taxes or having more of your money left in your wallet. Not a hard choice.

Related: George LeBlanc announces candidacy for mayor of Moncton, Former city councillor wants to be Moncton mayor, Mayor hopefuls go face-to-face, Mayor race heats up, Moncton stadium spurs hopes of CFL franchise, LeBlanc unveils election platform, Campaign Photos.