2011/05/14

No plans to force municipal mergers: minister Published Wednesday May 11th, 2011

Amalgamation, tax hikes are main issues at Riverview public consultation on local gov't reform

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RON WARD/TIMES & TRANSCRIPT
Local Government Minister Bruce Fitch
"We will not force amalgamation. Let me be crystal clear," Local Government Minister Bruce Fitch said last night at the Riverview Lions Club during the latest stop on his public consultation tour on local governance.

However, the issue kept coming up as the evening progressed.Resident Cecile Cassista was the first to raise the issue. "It's refreshing to hear you're not going to force amalgamation," said Cassista, executive director of the Coalition For Seniors And Nursing Home Residents' Rights.I am proud to be from here ... I am not in favour of amalgamating with Moncton."

by JORDAN PARKER
TIMES & TRANSCRIPT staff
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