First, let me be very clear before the social media machine takes this and runs with it. I think ThunderCon is a great event for the city. It’s another example of grassroots ideas turning into something big and it should be supported by our entire city. Sure its not for everyone, but there’s no denying there’s a following and a fan-base for it – so hat’s off to the organizers who work so hard for it’s success. Its the start of something big and that should not be overlooked.
But, here’s the issue. City Council – are you listening? This is just my two cents.
I don’t know how many times this has happened over the last several years particularly with this term of council, but to me – it’s happened far too many times. ThunderCon approached council for some help to fund their event. I know all too well what the cost of putting on an event is, especially here in Thunder Bay. The organization asked for a loan of $15,000.00 to help with the planning of the upcoming gathering, with full intentions of paying it back to the city. After much consideration, and thought, City Manager Norm Gale again went to council with a recommendation not to loan the money to the organization. Simply put, the city is not a bank. and there’s risk with every event. Although ThunderCon is supported by the city, it’s not the city’s job to fund it. This was not just Mr. Gale’s decision. There is a large group of really smart people in city administration who together advised council against the funding. Not only are we not a bank, but it’s also setting the stage for countless other organizations to come to council to ask for help.
Don’t get me wrong – the city should help grassroots organizations with events that make our city better – but – as Councillor Rebecca Johnson said Monday night, the budget was passed, the budget for this year was approved and this money wasn’t in there. I realize its not a lot in the grand scheme of things. But, its the principle. Organizations should go through the proper processes and channels for requesting funds prior to the budget, and it’s council’s job to approve or deny the requests. With this request, not only is it out of process, but its outside of the budget and not common practice for the city. To me, that’s one of the reasons administration suggested against providing the loan.
Again, council didn’t listen and instead a majority of Councillors approved the loan with only Councillor Johnson voting against it. Why?
Why does council think this was a good idea and a good precedent to set?
It’s simple really. It’s an election year.
Like countless other times over the last 4 years, they decided they knew better and went against the recommendation of the experts, the people that make these decisions about our finances for a living.
Hopefully council understands that the votes they just gained by approving this loan may be cancelled out by the votes they lost at the same time by approving it. These are things to consider when you head to the polls this fall. Grassroots organizations, festivals and events that make our city great should be supported. At the same time, there’s a process that council as the leaders of our city need to follow. This time they didn’t. It’s not a lot of money, but its a pretty good example of principle. Something to consider when picking names on your phone or on the ballot in October.
That’s just my two cents.
~John
