Responsible Stewardship of Every Tax Dollar

I will work to ensure disciplined, transparent and ethical stewardship of every tax dollar, with clear priorities and measurable value for Saanich residents.

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Fiscal responsibility does not mean refusing every investment or allowing essential infrastructure to deteriorate. It means distinguishing needs from wants, understanding the long-term consequences of decisions and ensuring public money is directed where it produces the greatest benefit.

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Set Clear Priorities

Saanich should prioritize funding essential services, public safety and critical infrastructure. New spending proposals should identify the need being addressed, the alternatives considered, expected results and how success will be measured.

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When costs exceed what residents can reasonably absorb, projects may need to be redesigned, phased or deferred. Any delay must also account for the risk of higher repair costs or service failures later.

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Understand the Full Cost

Major initiatives should include lifecycle costs, not merely their initial price. Council must consider future staffing, maintenance, energy, financing and replacement costs before approving construction, technology or new programs.

Debt should be used strategically for major and enduring assets or emergencies, not routine operations. Reserves should have clear purposes, prudent targets and transparent plans for withdrawals and replenishment.

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Make Spending Transparent

Residents should receive plain language budgets that clearly separate operating costs, capital projects, utilities, borrowing and reserves. Quarterly reporting should identify significant variances from projections, project delays, cost escalation and any corrective actions being taken.

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Respect Affordability

The local cost of living should be an important benchmark in budget decisions. Any proposed tax increase above cost-of-living increases should be clearly and transparently justified, and only after credible efficiencies, grants and other funding options have been considered.

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Residents should be able to see how their money was spent, and Council should be held accountable for the spending.

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