Editor:
Between the two extremes of truth and fake news, lies a flexible area called spin. Spin is used to justify one’s position in any given discussion or debate. An excellent example of this can be found in the July 19 “Mayor’s Message.” Mayor Milne accurately states that “facts are important and truth actually matters.” He goes on to say that our SCRD taxes and utility fees will see a zero increase to install water meters. Nada. The entire cost of borrowing funds and installing meters is already factored into the 2017 and 2018 charges. Nice spin!
Now here is another way to truthfully say the same thing. We have been paying increased rates for months on an intended loan that has not been entered into and may never be incurred if the envisioned plan does not come to fruition. In fact, if the proposed loan is not used, we taxpayers are entitled to a refund of the fees we have already paid. In a meeting with me on July 18, Mr. Milne agreed with this reasoning. There are other much lower-cost options to consider before we incur such a loan. These have recently been discussed with Mr. Milne and other SCRD board members.
If anyone thinks a $10-million loan ($6 million plus interest) comes at zero cost (nada), then I would like to speak to them. I have a bridge (to nowhere) to sell them!
Geoff Bedford, Sechelt
