Dear editor:
The March 12 edition of The Lake Report had an opinion piece authored by David Israelson (“If NOTL doesn’t want amalgamation, what do we want?“) who made a number of statements including the following:
“To its credit, the Niagara-on-the-Lake Residents Association quickly came up with a position paper opposing amalgamation, based on research into whether it would save NOTL taxpayers money. Hint: it won’t”
This was a misleading statement, a false narrative, if you like, of the real situation.
The NOTLRA is indeed opposed to amalgamation, just like Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa et al.
The NOTLRA was contacted regarding this supposed research, and the NOTLRA by and large hadn’t done any significant amount of research that would be considered current, nor did it do any current analysis whether there might be cost benefits to be had for an amalgamation.
Recent correspondence indicates NOTLRA based its “position” largely on information and studies that were 26-plus years old.
There wasn’t any analysis of the comparability in those antiquated studies between the 26-year-old studies to the financial/infrastructure/economic situation today in Niagara’s municipalities for applicability or relevance.
The NOTLRA was contacted and asked if they would inform Mr. Israelson and correct that misinformed statement made by him. They would not respond in the affirmative and therefore in essence declined, leaving readers to assume that the NOTLRA did considerable research themselves.
It was pointed out to the NOTLRA that Harry Schlange (with 17 years in municipal governments, having been Niagara Region’s CAO, as well as the Town of Fort Erie and the Town of Grimsby and top administrator with the City of Brampton) had asserted in September 2023 that there were $250 million of savings to be had through a consolidation process.
Information/analysis that I would see as more current (than 26-year-old information) and worthy of review and assessment by the NOTLRA.
However, the NOTLRA felt it was only an opinion and not worthy of further investigation.
Harry Schlange was to present to regional council in 2023 the details of his $250-million savings plan, but to quote the Oct. 12, 2023 editon of The Lake Report (“Schlange wants Niagara to reap benefits of amalgamation“):
“But before he could speak, regional Coun. Robert Foster and regional chair Jim Bradley asked to have his presentation cut from the agenda, calling him a lobbyist and saying it didn’t relate to the 2023 financial results being discussed during that meeting.”
My understanding is that he never did present.
Wouldn’t it have made sense for an elected Niagara Region official to review Harry Schlange’s information to see whether it had merit? Savings that could reduce property tax increases or finance billion-dollar infrastructure deficiencies.
Wouldn’t it have made sense for the NOTLRA to approach Harry Schlange and have one of the NOTLRA committee accountants confirm the estimates, and then come to a more informed conclusion?
Apparently, they aren’t interested. I wonder why.
Finally, Bob Gale’s ownership of a signed copy of “Mein Kampf” shouldn’t have been an issue at all. Does owning an accounting book make you an accountant?
If a museum held this book, would the museum staff, management, and board of directors be antisemitic?
Or would a marriage to a lady of Jewish faith make you a Zionist advocate of genocide in Gaza?
In some people’s minds this would be the case. It is a bizarre and irrational world we live in.
Let’s not forget all the good things that Bob Gale has done for the community, and will probably continue to do.
Let’s not disparage or crucify him for being a historian and a collector. We’ve all watched horror movies, does that make us monsters?
Gienek Ksiazkiewicz
St. Davids
