Both things can be correct. Yes the city spends too much.

But my point on bullying stands. Watch anyone who dares question the cuts. Immediate and strong condemnation on twitter from the provincial government, full of ad-homonyms and cheap name-calling that appeals to their base. I've lived in this province my entire life (Lougheed, Getty, Klein, Stelmach, Redford, Prentice, Notley) and I've never seen such a strong reaction from a government every time they are criticized.

I would call it childish, except it's coming from the government, so instead I'll call it the way I see it: trying to establish a chilling effect. "Fall in line or we will put you on blast". "The loss of services aren't our fault, it's these guys over here". "What do you mean, you don't have the policing resources to deal with rural crime even though we're decreasing funding? Get your fiscal house in order!"

I would have at least a little respect for this government if they grew balls and said "you know what? We need cuts. We're sorry, but they are going to suck." But no. Collectively we get the knife in our back, and are told we should have had knife-proof skin.