The Solution.....

* Take the management of the cities out of the hands of politicos. Let them deal with collecting garbage, litter control, trimming trees, etc.

* Make the bureaucrats responsible for their decisions.

Local is global

The OECD's new report on the stagnant competitiveness, declining productivity and bronchitic congestion of the greater Toronto area is the sort of news that brings a smile to Canadians who view their biggest city as a self-satisfied and soulless megalopolis. But to revel in Toronto's woes is to miss the report's larger point: that if Canada wants to compete economically with other countries, our largest cities must be competitive with their largest cities. By the OECD's impartial reckoning, we as a country are failing in this vital mission. Nov 13, 2009