When it comes to helping others, Puslinch councillors believe in making their own personal donations rather than using tax dollars.
The May 18 discussion followed correspondence from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
Both sought municipal assistance to help out Alberta’s Fort McMurray community in the wake of the devastating fire which forced 80,000 people to leave their homes.
Mayor Dennis Lever said after a similar past request, councillors went around the horseshoe for a collection.
Lever noted both he and his wife had already made donations to the Red Cross.
Councillor Matthew Bulmer said if the approach taken was similar to the last time, he proposed any donation be deducted from each councillor’s next pay.
“Rather than give someone else’s money, I’d rather donate my own,” Bulmer said.
Later it became clear that all members of council had already donated to the cause.
“If everyone has already donated, there is no need to do it twice,” Bulmer said.
Lever added the same thoughts were expressed at the county level at a recent administration, finance and human resources committee meeting.
He said the feeling was that many of the municipalities would be involved so there was no need to participate.
Other municipalities donate
Both Erin and Wellington North voted to contribute $1,000 to the Fort McMurray cause.
On May 16, Wellington North council voted unanimously (Steve McCabe was absent) to support the donation.
“Our community has been the beneficiary from other communities when we’ve had times of need, so it’s only appropriate that we make a contribution,” said Mayor Andy Lennox.
During its May 17 meeting, Erin council also voted to support Fort McMurray.
“I think $1,000 from our town is well worth the support,” said Mayor Allan Alls.
The vote passed 4-1, with councillor Jeff Duncan opposed. He told the Advertiser the town has not supported outside causes in the past.
“We typically have asked and encouraged residents to do things personally and with the federal government matching donations to the Red Cross, I voted against it,” he said. “Again, this is a tough situation and I do not think one way or the other is a bad decision.”
