Over the past four weeks we have examined the municipal restructuring debate. The motives of the province are clear. They believe that fewer municipalities mean fewer political headaches and more savings for taxpayers. Whether you agree or not, this is the environment in which decisions are being made (see Let's Talk Taxes -August 27, 1999).

Now the proverbial rubber hits the road. Municipal Affairs minister Steve Gilchrist has appointed four "special advisors" to listen and consult in the regions of Ottawa-Carleton, Hamilton-Wentworth, Haldimand-Norfolk and Sudbury. The advisors will recommend new governance structures by the third week of November. These will then be submitted to Cabinet for quick legislative approval. Municipal maps will then be redrawn in time for the November 2000 elections.

Local politicians have much too fear. Regardless of the exact outcome or governance model chosen (one city, multi-city, modified two-tier, etc.) many will lose their jobs and in a desperate effort to retain power, they will squander millions of taxpayer dollars in the next two months advertising, consulting, and travelling in an all out effort to convince voters, the media, the special advisor, the neighbour's dog - anyone who will listen or even feigns interest - that their solution is best and they should keep their jobs.

The challenge for taxpayers is to use the information that we've provided over the past four weeks to cut through all this "noise". First, our myths and facts (see Let's Talk Taxes -- September 2, 1999) must be repeated ad nauseum. For example, tell your politicians that communities don't derive their identity from artificial lines on a map. People define communities, not politicians.

Second, demand full disclosure from the authors of various studies that promise millions in tax savings if their particular governance model is adopted (see Let's Talk Taxes - September 9, 1999). Read the fine print to ensure that labour attrition costs (for organized labour and senior management) are fully costed. Ask for independent valuation of technological transition costs including disposal of old hardware, new purchases and all associated training costs.

Third, write letters to the editor, call talk radio shows and seek a meeting with the special advisor to convey your thoughts. Also copy your local elected officials, your MPP and the Minister of Municipal Affairs on any correspondence you send to the special advisor. Demand that he/she focus on restructuring service delivery as the most effective way to cut costs. Include options and candidates for privatization.

Finally, be vigilant in watching how the current town and city councils administer their budgets (your taxes) until year's end. The temptation to swallow a poison pill by debt-financing new capital projects or depleting built up reserve funds is great, especially if the municipality in question believes that its days are numbered. If this behaviour transpires, call us and we'll blow the whistle on them. Public revelations of such fiscal ineptitude can foster enough embarrassment, scrutiny and suasion to correct these stupid decisions.

So speak loudly and speak often, the next sixty days will change the face of municipal government in many Ontario communities for the generations to come. Shape your future, don't let it shape you!