$52M debate has no clear winner

Five city alderman went head to head over the lunch hour Tuesday, debating what to do with $52-million.

Former dragon and local businessman Brett Wilson played the role of provocateur while the alderman presented their five options: a capital fund for Calgary transit, lowering business tax, revitalizing city communities, lowering the debt load and giving it back to Calgarians.

While all presented their options well, there was no clear winner, unless you count Wilson.  He seemed to get the most applause when he fired back at the alderman with questions of his own.

And he didn’t hold back with the money back option, comparing it to mini Ralf Bucks.

“Let’s use it for the benefit of the city.  It’s so politically easy to say why not we just give it back and the Rlaph Bucks were politically well received but it was the stupidest use of capital that our province has ever used, stupidest use of capital.  So take that scale it down and it’s ten bucks (a month) a hundred 20 bucks a year, I don’t think it makes sense to give it back,” said Wilson.

Mayor Nenshi was pleased with the turnout and suspects some people may have changed their minds on where they want the money to go.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today