Attracting more people and businesses to Black Diamond is the driving force behind one candidate’s campaign as election day approaches.
Brian Marconi, one of the two candidates running for the council seat in Black Diamond’s Aug. 22 municipal byelection, says lower taxes, better operational efficiencies, quarterly budget reviews and faster Internet are among the keys to strengthening the community.
“The first thing is to lower municipal taxes,” said Marconi. “That gives us growth and new residents, it attracts people to the town and it attracts business investments, which creates job opportunities for people. I’m not talking the big-box businesses, I’m talking unique types of businesses that would fit into the Black Diamond historical look.”
Marconi said when people move to town, businesses follow suit and that attracts even more residents.
“If they are moving from Calgary they will expect certain types of amenities,” he said. “Tim Hortons, for instance. That in itself is going to attract more people.”
Another amenity that will impact growth is high-speed Internet, Marconi says.
Two years ago, Black Diamond Town council received interest from Axia to deliver high-speed fibre-optics, but council is holding off on any decisions until learning what recommendations the Calgary Regional Partnership will make regarding a regional service.
Marconi said council has waited long enough, and further delays will impact the community.
“The Calgary Regional Partnership isn’t going to make a decision or recommendation until the end of the year, which you miss your budget for next year,” he said. “It may be the end of 2017 or into 2018 before you open up the ground. If you don’t have it, people won’t come. People from Calgary are going to want high speed Internet.”
Another way to attract people to Black Diamond is lower taxes, which means smarter budgeting, said Marconi.
Marconi, a member of the Concerned Taxpayers of Black Diamond, said council has to implement best-in-class businesses practices, quarterly council budget reviews and zero-based budgeting, versus traditional incremental budgeting.
“We need to start the budget process much earlier so once it’s approved it’s coinciding with the fiscal year rather than halfway through it,” he said.
Operational efficiencies are also key to ensure money is spent on necessary programs and services and there is no wasteful spending, said Marconi.
He said the Town should communicate with council and administration in Nobleford, 35 kilometres northwest of Lethbridge, which became known in 2014 for having the lowest taxes in Alberta.
According to reports the Concerned Taxpayers Group of Black Diamond collected from Global News and News Radio, Nobleford doubled in size and lowered its municipal taxes by 95 per cent in 10 years, and saw a growth of 250 new homes and 25 businesses in five years.
Also important to the growth of Black Diamond is for council to be more open to hearing the public’s concerns and ideas, said Marconi.
“I get the impression sometimes that Glen (Fagan, a mayoral candidate and member of the Concerned Taxpayers Group) and I or anybody else asking questions is really bothering the council,” he said. “We get that impression that we are a big pain in the butt to them. They are there for taxpayers. These are the people they’re working for so just listen to them.”
The byelection is being held as a result of former Coun. Michel Jackson stepping down due to health issues.
