Editor, The News:
Re: Zero tax increase 'unpalatable' (The News, Nov. 1).
Governments are in place to provide us with basic essential services, but seem to think otherwise.
Staff recognition, volunteer gifts and award dinners are all very nice, but only if there is enough in the coffers to cover such expenses. I’m certain Pitt Meadows Day is a nice celebration, too, but it’s also tantamount to sending out invitations to a party and telling everyone they have to pay for it whether they attend or not.
We need to start running our governments like we do our households and businesses – pay for the essentials and only then consider extras because we taxpayers are tapped out.
Mayor Deb Walters says that “some of the biggest supporters of a zero tax increase are also the ones asking for things.” Well then, how about just saying no. That’s what we elected you to do, not to say yes to every special interest group that comes along, even though it may cost you votes in the next election.
Coun. Tracy Miyashita complains” “It’s upsetting to have to go through these cuts when others don’t,” and, “I wouldn’t want to work for the city if these cuts are made”
Stop complaining and show some leadership. We have all had to make serious adjustments to our standards of living in the past few years.
But then perhaps the mayor and council really don’t feel our pain. A mandated seven per cent annual salary increase and a whopping 50 per cent increase over the past six years with cost of living running about 2.5 per cent – you would be hard pressed to find a Pitt Meadows taxpayer who could come close to matching that type of increase in wages.
I will be attending the budget review sessions and strongly encourage all Pitt Meadows taxpayers to do the same.
We can’t afford not to.
Karen Bell
Pitt Meadows