Editor:
I have read the news about employees leaving the District of Sechelt and the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) and find it troubling. The cost of terminating and rehiring people is an expense paid by our taxes. Statements such as “reflecting on my values, vision and priorities, I have decided to return back” indicates a big problem. The hiring of new people from big cities also brings up questions: why are we not hiring locally? There are a lot of people who commute every day who would surely be qualified and happy to give up the daily commute. Bringing people in from large metropolises and out of province might very well be why they come and then leave, unable perhaps to adjust to small town living and politics. We want people to buy locally, so why do we not hire locally?
My next concern has to do with statements put out by both districts. Mayor Milne is expecting a “challenging workplace and reviewing the role of council,” while CAO Loveys indicates that “the board is supportive and personally recognizes their efforts and leadership.” Really? Our local politicians support the existing terminations, resignations and hiring of people from off the Coast? As a resident who supports buying locally, pays taxes to both Sechelt and the SCRD, I have some serious concerns about this. What have these turnarounds cost in terms of severance, hiring expenses and relocation – a million dollars, maybe more? What could this money have been used for – increasing our water supply, a new hot tub, or maybe curbside recycling? This is what I expect my tax dollars to be used for.
The local governments are working on budgets with what appears to be a hefty increase to our taxes next year. I think it’s time for local residents to ask their political representatives what is going on and how much it’s costing us. There is clearly something amiss in Sechelt and the SCRD, and it’s time to start asking why.
Roman Smythe, Sechelt
