Editor:
It’s budget planning time again on the Sunshine Coast. In carrying out their functions, councillors and staff are generally conscientious. However a radical change in past mindset is required in these parlous times. As trustees for the residents they have a fiduciary duty to keep their best interests in mind. The mentality that the taxpayers are inured to annual increases must be rooted out, and there must be no incipient empire building.
The pandemic has witnessed numerous people lose their jobs and their income. Many businesses have closed or had their activities drastically curtailed. Food prices have jumped significantly. Tax increases in these challenging times should not exceed the inflation rate. With a few exceptions, items on the “wish list,” such as many additional staff, should not now be proceeded with.
The last municipal election in Sechelt saw a house-cleaning because often the grassroots were not being listened to. With one elevated exception, a mass dismissal of all councillors both good and not-as-good resulted. The then mayor and most defeated councillors appeared gobsmacked by their defeat. It can happen again. Common sense and fiduciary duty must prevail in these difficult times.
George and Terry Goulet, Sechelt
