FALL RIVER: He’s only been in the position for just over a month, but already Steve Streatch is feeling like all eyes are on him.
That’s because rumours in the Fall River community have had him kicking out the Lions Christmas Express as well as other community groups from the Seniors Friendly Centre; cancelling the LWF Ratepayers area rate; and appointing “his people” to look after the Seniors Friendly Centre.
“That’s not the case at all. I can say clearly I do support the Lions Club and the Christmas Express, and all the volunteers and the good work their doing in the community,” said Streatch in a Dec. 9 interview with The Laker. “I met recently with Stephanie Dube, one of the main organizers with the Christmas Express, and assured her that access would continue and be given to them at no charge for use at the Seniors Friendly Centre.”
Streatch said he has also heard many rumours in the community. He just asks people to come to him, ask him, and he would be able to verify—or for the most part dispel them.
“There are a lot of rumours circulating,” he said. “Anytime there’s a change in the community that’s bound to happen. As being the recently elected councillor, I have a different way of doing things than they have been done in the past.
“I believe in transparency. I believe in opening up community facilities to all residents and all groups, and none are excluded including the Christmas Express.”
He said the issue surrounding the Seniors Friendly Centre is that the previous council, for whatever reason, decided to declare it and other buildings as surplus for HRM and put it up for sale, first to the community and then if no one wants it, it would go on the open market.
Streatch said intertwined in all these issues is the issue of area rates.
“Here in District 1, there are several area rates that have been in place for a long time and there are a lot of volunteers and organizations that have made use of those area rates,” he said. “At present, I have asked for a review of all area rates. I have spoken with our finance department and will be looking into details as to how the money is collected and how it is spent.
“It was clear that the voters in this area gave me a mandate of transparency and of responsible spending of tax dollars and I intend to see that through”
He was clear, he’s not pointing fingers at anyone in his ask for a review.
At the same time, I don’t want there to be any misunderstandings. I am not casting any doubt on groups that have managed the tax monies over the years,” said Streatch. “I quite simply want to make sure the taxpayers and residents of our communities are satisfied and have a level of comfort that allows me to go and have that rate continue to be approved by regional council.”
phealey@enfieldweeklypress.com
