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Thunderball · 06-29-2005, 07:51 PM

I think with budget surpluses, the key is moderation... yes you are rolling in money, but will you be in 5 years? 25 years? 50 years?

Primarily, spending to diversify industry and spending to become more environmentally friendly are gifts that keep on giving and must be a priority. Will we have a clean future and a diversified economy in the future. Should the Oilpatch become less prevalent, will there be enough of other industries to sustain us and promote growth? This is so important and not many politicians, left, right or centre seem to recognize it.

Secondly, you must recognize that people work hard in this province and reward them with a lesser tax burden. But do so in a way that promotes investment back into the economy and doesn't handcuff the province in the future.

Thirdly, you must look at your budget... are health care, infrastructure, education getting enough money? Could they use a quick infusion? These three departments are crucial and must have the most investment possible, that being said, they have to be run effectively and efficiently, and simply giving these groups money without careful consideration can result in that money disappearing with little gain for the citizens.

After all that, then you look at some of the other social programs, and doing stuff like refunds... you have to look after the big three sections first.

06-29-2005, 07:51 PM	#58
Thunderball Franchise Player Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Calgary, AB Exp:	I think with budget surpluses, the key is moderation... yes you are rolling in money, but will you be in 5 years? 25 years? 50 years? Primarily, spending to diversify industry and spending to become more environmentally friendly are gifts that keep on giving and must be a priority. Will we have a clean future and a diversified economy in the future. Should the Oilpatch become less prevalent, will there be enough of other industries to sustain us and promote growth? This is so important and not many politicians, left, right or centre seem to recognize it. Secondly, you must recognize that people work hard in this province and reward them with a lesser tax burden. But do so in a way that promotes investment back into the economy and doesn't handcuff the province in the future. Thirdly, you must look at your budget... are health care, infrastructure, education getting enough money? Could they use a quick infusion? These three departments are crucial and must have the most investment possible, that being said, they have to be run effectively and efficiently, and simply giving these groups money without careful consideration can result in that money disappearing with little gain for the citizens. After all that, then you look at some of the other social programs, and doing stuff like refunds... you have to look after the big three sections first.