Politicians put their interests ahead of the common good

Re: Regional reform discussions begin — Feb. 8

So area mayors are uniting to send a message to the province in opposition to amalgamation. Their message to not mess with success suggests that greater efficiency, improved services for residents and cost savings can’t be found in amalgamation. It is almost laughable to take such a position. It would take a great deal of data to convince me of that. What we have is a great number of politicians who, if finding themselves unable to agree on anything else, will agree on job protection for themselves.

If amalgamation will reduce the number of people drawing a paycheque from the taxpayer, then I welcome amalgamation with enthusiasm. Geographically, it has made sense for Kitchener and Waterloo to amalgamate for many years now. With the growth of Kitchener and Cambridge you can also make a reasonable geographical argument there as well. The duplication of municipal services, extra costs and inefficiencies must be overwhelming when you have three separate municipal governments in such a tight geographic location.

Politicians may suggest they are representing the best interests of their constituents in resisting amalgamation. But I believe a proper study conducted by non-partisan persons will show just the opposite. Rather than working for your best interests, they are putting their own personal interests ahead of yours.

Jim Martin

Kitchener