Ricks Rants Wednesday May 27th09 2009: Halifax Police

Ricks Rants Wednesday May 27th09

Halifax police plan to step up thier camera surveillance on the citizens of HRM, and do so secretly.
Police already have fixed cameras in use at several locations like pizza corner in downtown Halifax. Police Chief Frank Beazley says he now plans to equip his officers with portable digital cameras to record the goings-on at hot spots around the city and at public gathesrings like rock concerts. And the chief says the cameras will be used without the knowledge of those being recorded. Mayor Peter Kelly says he has no problem with the increased police surveillance, even if its done covertly. The mayor says if you’re a law abiding citizen, you have nothing to worry about. The thought however of undercover cops secretly recording people at events like the Tall Ships or the Paul McCartney concert has me uneasy. Shades of big brother! The tax rate’s down, but taxes are up. Go figure. That’s the scenario at city hall after council passed its gazillion dollar budget for the coming year last night. Factor in everything and it works out to a 1% decrease in the municipal tax rate, but because provincial property assessments are higher, the average homeowner in HRM will see about a 2.5% tax increase overall. I’m still thinking about the Governor-General’s actions the other day. Michaelle Jean not only helped skin a seal during a visit to Nunavut, but she also took out the seal’s heart and ate it, licking her bloodied fingers when she was done. I’m not sure whether that’s hot, or disgusting. Have a great day. Get involved. And if you’re not outraged, you’re not paying attention.
Rick Howe

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