Council Should Lead By Example

Wednesday, February 25, 2009 03:45 AM

A week ago, the new council had an opportunity to show that it means business when it comes to cutting the fat off the hog, by one;reducing the amount they receive for their work, and two; by cutting their travel expenses.

There are still a number of councillors sitting around the council table who had the opportunity to use those expenses and trips to China and the Olympics for example are items that we should not be spending money on.

You may recall the time that, conveniently, a group from the city (including the mayor and city manager) just happened to be in Ottawa at the very same day that the Grey Cup was being held. Surprise, surprise, they also were able to get tickets to the affair.

George Paul, (then City Manager) and Mayor Colin Kinsley said at the time it was all in the interest of city business. The excuses for that one were as acceptable as the trip to the Olympics to learn how to train athletes in Prince George, that one also fizzled.

If you look around the council table, there are still a group of councillors who were Okaying these trips, Councilors Basserman, Krause, Munoz and Skakun. If they now want to claim leadership they can show the city taxpayers by example on how we will cut our spending.

I’m Meisner and that’s one man’s opinion.

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Posted on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 03:45 AM in Views by Ben Meisner

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Comments

Posted by: Eagleone on February 25 2009 7:51 AM

IMO the vast majority of the politicians are in it for the travel expenses and perks, so putting a hold on all future travel would be a good thing. I've yet to see an example of a trip by a politicians outside its constituency that creates any value for the tax payer.

Posted by: Shellshadow on February 25 2009 8:19 AM

Our TAXES should not have been raised! I call Bullchit! Quesnel did not have to raise their taxes, our provincial and federal governments CUT TAXES for us and no one is getting raises. The markets and financial situation is still unsure and how many more of us are going to lose our jobs? Our new council ALL ran in their elections with the promises of cutting spending. The only ones that are cutting spending are the tax payers!! We have to live within our means...no one is giving us a raise so we can be comfortable. Why can�t our council find the smarts to work within the existing budget? They did not adjust our assessments to reflect the market down turn just so they could get more money in the end.

Posted by: yellow shovel on February 25 2009 8:23 AM

Actually I've been waiting to see who if anyone at city hall puts their foot forward and takes a pay cut or dumps a couple perks. I thought at least one would have come forward. Hey ..considering the times...when things pick up and level out a bit...get an increase. I guess I better not hold my breath....I'll just turn blue n fall over.

Posted by: realitycheck on February 25 2009 8:28 AM

You couldn't pay me enough to be on Council. I have nothing but respect for anyone who does it an they are definitely underpaid.

As for travel expenses...well that's another thing. Some travel is definitely necassary but it certainly needs to be scrutinized much more.

Posted by: dirtcheap on February 25 2009 8:51 AM

Way to say it like it is Ben.The Mackenzie mayor went to China sometime last year,right after all the layoffs and her comment in the local paper was "I think it was a worthwhile trip"...should it not be the taxpayers right to decide whether it was a wothwhile trip or not.At the very least the people of Mackenzie should have been told what was actually accomplished over there.And these politicians wonder why we don't trust them!

Posted by: tombstone81 on February 25 2009 10:57 AM

Where is Krause anyway? Why is he not working for the people who elected him at this most crucial time? A 5-4 vote might have changed the amount we have to pay in taxes...instead he's MIA and we get tie votes that end up with motions being defeated.

I don't agree with cutting salaries ($20K per year is hardly a huge number for the amount of work that goes into municipal council) but I certainly agree they should kybosh all travel, and the residual from their unused travel slush funds should go immediately back into road rehabilitation!

Posted by: Lamb on February 26 2009 9:08 AM

I have never agreed with travel by the Council. I am with you Ben.

If you want to learn something you will learn it and it can be done on your own expense. That is what I call ethical

Dave Wilbur and Garth Frizzel seem to be measuring up. Is that just my opinion?