News Release
June 24, 2010

For Immediate Release

OTTAWA – Today Jim Watson, candidate for Mayor of Ottawa, laid out his firm commitment to hold budget growth in check and restrict property tax increases to no more than 2.5% in any year – about half the annual increase of the past three years. Under the current leadership, property tax increases have run 4.9%, 4.9% and 3.8 % for an average of 4.5%.

“I will keep tax increases to a maximum of 2.5% each year I lead Council,” said Watson. “This will mean making some hard choices and holding some feet to the fire. It will mean working all year to stick to a clear fiscal plan. Even with only one vote at the Council table, I will take it as a personal failure if we do not meet this commitment each year. I will fight and I will not give up. I will deliver.”

Watson also discussed a number of areas of wasteful spending and provided a clear picture of the changes he would make in approaching the City Budget. Discussing a number of specific money-saving initiatives, Watson launched a new web based initiative that will carry on throughout the term of the next council under his leadership. The new link on Watson’s website is SaveMeMoney and will provide an opportunity for residents and municipal staff to forward ideas to improve value and reduce costs. Watson vowed to review every idea submitted by the people of Ottawa and to push sensible proposals through.

“To be successful, a mayor has to be able to do two things: set clear priorities and show the leadership necessary to make sure that these priorities are achieved” declared Watson “Right now, City hall is trying to be all things to all people. When everything is a priority, you really have no priorities”.

Underscoring that taxes and fees are about people and the services they need, Watson made plain that he believes candidates for Mayor owe the electorate clear and thoughtful commitments that they are prepared to stand by after they are elected.

“For some, higher property taxes are an irritant. For others, higher taxes are the difference between making their monthly budgets and not making it. I get that. I will fight to keep property taxes at a reasonable and predictable level because by doing so I am also looking out for the sustainable future of this great city and this community that has given me so much.”

“I am committing to a maximum annual tax increase of 2.5% because I believe that is a responsible commitment that is affordable, predictable and protects our valuable public services”, said Watson.