It Is Not The $$$ But The Principle

Bussin At The Public Trough

Politicians use tax dollars to sponsor teams

By BRYN WEESE, SUN MEDIA

Toronto city councillors are allowed to sponsor amateur sports teams with taxpayers' money up to $500 per team. So far this year, councillors have spent more than $2,000 sponsoring teams, including "Bussin Blizzard," and "Bussin Blue Jays."

Last year, city staff recommended councillors not use taxpayers' money to sponsor local amateur sports teams because it could be perceived as favouritism towards those who receive the money, there is no process to verify that the organizations are legit, and the public perception that the donations will curry favour with voters at election time.

Council ignored that advice, and in July allowed their $53,100 office budgets to cover sports teams sponsorships.