The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Jonathon Naylor Editor Budgetary challenges won't stop city council from sponsoring the Flin Flon Bombers this season _ at a reduced rate. Council voted unanimously last week to contribute $6,000 to the club in 2012-13, a substantial drop from the $7,500 provided last season. Coun. Tim Babcock, who made the motion, said he was happy to continue to support the team. 'They're a big part of this community. We do what we can,' he said. Coun. Babcock said council spent 'a long time' talking about the sponsorship question, with the Bombers' season now more than half over. Indeed the cash-starved club approached council for support by way of letter last June. 'The support of our corporate sponsors is absolutely vital to the continued success of our hockey club,' wrote Bombers assistant coach and director of marketing Michael George at the time. Coun. Bill Hanson said the $6,000 will not be paid in cash, but will rather be subtracted from the team's ice rental fees at the Whitney Forum. 'They've always just applied (city sponsorships) to their ice rental,' he noted. Coun. Babcock said the city will receive some type of visual recognition for its sponsorship. He made a point of saying the $6,000 sponsorship marks a 20 per cent reduction over last season. The city has now sponsored the Bombers with a total of $53,200 over the last seven years, dating back to 2005-06. Debate The question of whether tax dollars should support sports teams is one that has sparked debate in cities across North America. And it is generally quite divisive. Some taxpayers see other burning needs and point out that not everyone is a sports fan. Others stress the perceived economic benefits and sense of civic pride that sports teams foster. In Flin Flon, it has been years since the issue has generated a debate, at least in public, on whether this is an appropriate allotment of funds. Other highlights from the Dec. 18 council meeting: The animal-control officer's November report noted that one dog was captured. It was redeemed. Council voted to sign one-year advertising agreements with both The Reminder and CFAR. Coun. Colleen McKee, who made both motions, said council hopes to use the advertising to increase its communication with the public. Council's advertising with The Reminder will continue to include a full-page ad every Friday. When The Reminder vote came up, Coun. Karen MacKinnon, an employee of the newspaper, left the Council Chambers to avoid a conflict of interest. With it being their final meeting of 2012, Mayor George Fontaine and councillors took turns wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. Mayor Fontaine saved special words for the community's volunteers, thanking them for their hard work and dedication.
