‘Twas the Year of the Golden Shovel

In the year before Christmas, at Kamloops, BC,
Where council met often, sans public, you see.
The chambers were quiet, the questions were light,
Accountability slipped out the door overnight.

Big visions were promised with glossy display,
PowerPoints dazzling, while costs ran away.
“AAPs are exciting!” they cheerfully said,
As the price tag kept climbing, before ground was spread

Golden shovels were polished, held high with a grin,
For projects not started, over budget to begin.
Millions were shifted with barely a flinch,
With taxpayers’ wallets left feeling the pinch.

Small businesses closed as the ribbon was cut,
Street issues, steep taxes, and more doors were shut.
Consultants were hired, reports neatly bound,
To confirm what the public had already found.

Meetings by daylight, conveniently timed,
So working folks found themselves neatly sidelined.
Transparency promised, then carefully trimmed,
So highlights were shared while the fine print was skimmed.

When things went sideways, as often they did,
Blame floated up, responsibility hid.
No mirror was needed, no lessons to learn,
Just another press statement and speedy adjourn.

But still, in our city, most people remain,
As patient as ever, though tested by strain.
They ask not for miracles, nor sleigh bells and cheer,
Just competence, value, and honesty next year.

Here’s hoping, City Council, when calendars flip,
You trade optics for outcomes, and let the spin slip.
For Christmas reminds us, though budgets may bend,
That trust, once it’s spent, is much harder to mend.

So here’s to our city, and those who serve too,
To council and staff, local media crew.
May next year bring change and more reasons for cheer,
Merry Christmas to all, and a Happy New Year!