As a voter and taxpayer I am…

As a voter and taxpayer I am strongly opposed to the proposed boundary changes to consolidate Ontario’s conservation authorities. The Province of Ontario contributes a mer 3% of the operating budget for the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority hence has no right to amalgamate it with other conservation authorities. The staff of UTRCA are already over worked in managing my watershed to conserve, restore and manage natural resources. They work to protect me from natural hazards including floods. They work to ensure that my family’s drinking water is SAFE. My aunt died during the Walkerton water crisis and I remember that disaster vividly. This consolidation will put drinking water at risk because there will be inadequate oversight to ensure drinking water safety. UTRCA has excellent educational programs for kids, farmers and landowners and I strongly support these programs. Bigger is NOT better.