Editor:
Re: Action on new city hall ‘long overdue,’ June 28.
After reading the above-headlined article, my immediate reaction was to give my head a shake over council’s latest enthusiasm.
Before the money is committed on behalf of White Rock taxpayers, there are two issues that I think should be considered.
• If there are resources for a new city hall, how about fixing the leaking roof on our local library first. Every time I walk up to the second floor on a rainy day for the last year or so, there is a container on the stairs picking up drops as they fall from the ceiling. It’s a great library – used and valued by many residents – that deserves better care.
• Before committing to the expense and construction of a new city hall, wouldn’t it be advisable to open up a dialogue with White Rock residents about the efficacy of such a move? We are, after all, about three square miles with a limited population and tax base. Our revenues are primarily derived from property taxes, and increasing the corporate or commercial portion seems to recede into wishful thinking as time passes.
This raises some questions. Is our city viable over the long run? Will the cost to the taxpayer, remaining as we are, continue to escalate at the historic rate? What other options are there for our jewel by the sea?
These are all questions and issues that should be discussed and considered by council and our citizens before proceeding with the construction of a new city hall.
Danny McJannet, White Rock
