St Marys Association for Responsible Town Government

At the August 22, 2005 council meeting the following reasons were given for forming the St Marys Association for Responsible Town Government and what its role will be:

Council’s indifference to the petitions led to a group meeting and a decision to create a ratepayers association. The goal is monitor Council’s performance, review and comment on Council initiatives before they go forward and suggest action plans to Council. The perception the ratepayers have is that their concerns were largely ignored in the Pyramid Centre decision so the association will allow a powerful unified voice. The next council term is four years and as our review of the Municipal Act shows, Council receives a blank cheque book as soon as they are elected. The ratepayers association is an essential check on Council decision making.