Sault Blog

After Mr. Donald Trump’s stunning presidential election win, many here wonder why this person was re-elected. Probably the best explanation is Philosopher Michael Sandel on “What Trump’s Win Says About American Society”, VLOG Youtube post.

My interpretation of Mr. Sandel’s VLOG can best be summarized as follows: Our government is no longer interested in, cares little about, or understands the working person; you are only here to pick up the tab through increased taxes, rising costs of living, and new junk fees.

Mr. Donald Trump promised the American People that he understands them and will do two things: get somebody else to pay the bill (tariffs) and cut wasteful government spending by creating the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

If anyone thought this wasn’t going to be serious, they only have to consider who was co-charged with running the DOGE: Mr. Elon Musk, the guy who coined the phrase “money furnace,” a business that just burns through money.

America mirrors what happens in our country and our communities. It isn’t a question of not reining in spending; it’s a question of just how much. From the perspective of our Federal, Provincial, and Municipal governments’ overspending, we need to take this new American approach seriously.

Canada’s Federal Government is an out-of-control “money furnace.” However, at the Sault’s municipal level, who will control costs and rein in municipal spending?

Could Mr. Tom Vair, our newly minted CAO, be a candidate for our City’s DOGE administrator? Not likely; Mr. Tom Vair, CAO, has a track record of overspending on the Plaza, continues to bloat the Civic Centre with non-essential core programs and personnel, has never used the GIS technology to produce a tax-yield management strategy, did not include a cost containment program in the new Strategic Plan, and pursues delusional ideas like swimming pools in the St. Mary’s River. Mr. Tom Vair, CAO, will never be the Sault’s DOGE Administrator.

Mayor Mathew Shoemaker has been on the City Council for over ten years and has brought forth a staggering number of motions for many things, except for an Office of the Auditor General for the City of Sault Ste. Marie. At some point in time, someone at the top has to realize that the costs are out of control at the City Administration, Police Department, Fire Department, and the many different programs that this City runs.

Mr. Stephan Kinash may be the only Councillor inclined to be the DOGE administrator; however, after questioning the excessive spending on “The Consultants,” it turned into an absolute fiasco that proved: you don’t question our City Administration. Realistically, it doesn’t appear that any City Councilor is ready to become the DOGE Administrator.

Sudbury has an in-house Office of the Auditor General that reviews a number of city departments and program expenditures each year to ensure and recommend program efficiencies. North Bay does the same using an externally contracted Auditor General. The Sault needs a City Auditor who will examine spending on city departments and programs, recommend cost savings and efficiencies, and ensure value for tax dollars spent.
Mark Menean, http://www.saultblog.com