It’s kind of strange but in 2006 there were a fairly large number of drive by commentators to this blog during the election cycle. The readership also spiked significantly. But this time around, there are almost no comments – except…
Continue ReadingIs economic development revenue neutral?
The NDP is saying economic development that generates increased taxes for government is ‘revenue neutral’ in terms of the province’s fiscal situation because the feds just ratchet down Equalization as own source revenue goes up. We have discussed this probably…
Continue ReadingDon’t mess with the Zohan
Comments on the article I wrote suggested I was wrong about the population decline in most of NB municipalites. You can disagree with me on interpretation, analysis – anything and most people do but you can’t argue with facts. The…
Continue ReadingSmall biz policy
We continue the debate about the role of small business and economic development. I suspect we will not come to a consensus any time soon. On the one hand, we have those who say “small business is the engine of…
Continue ReadingWhither Self-sufficiency?
I have received eight emails in the past day or so about my column yesterday lamenting the fact that ‘self-sufficiency’ has disappeared at least from the politic-speak these days. I realize the label was confusing to some but the idea…
Continue ReadingNB Power – the gift that keeps on giving
NB Power – the gift that keeps on giving. The following is from the provincial government’s 18-K filing with the U.S. SEC. It is the section on budget to actual revenues. Note the reason for the $158.9 million under projection…
Continue ReadingR&D not usually an election topic
The politicians are crafting finely tuned, voter inducement packages – I could be wrong but it seems to me that this election is even more precise in its targeting niche voters than in previous years. For example, the Liberals are…
Continue ReadingFinn-ishing what was started
The People’s Alliance party sent out a tweet this am stating “Finn report means less power to the people and less democracy”. Of all the things I have heard about that report, I this that statement is the strangest of all. The…
Continue ReadingA history lesson
When I first moved to Moncton 13 years ago to work in economic development, I was given a copy of the book Resurgo which was published by the City of Moncton and was a history of the area going back…
Continue ReadingAntisocial media
I’ve been following Tweets referencing the election in New Brunswick and it seems to be there is a fairly tight group of folks doing most of the commenting. I heard back in 2006 the parties were paying people to comment…
Continue Reading