Editor:
Re: A lack of discussion, Feb. 4 editorial
Someone on the Peace Arch News editorial staff needs to run for Surrey council. They understand the downside of allowing one slate to control city hall.
The first victim is ‘public debate’, followed closely by ‘public process’.
Many informed taxpayers know all too well how agonizingly difficult it is to raise concerns, ask questions or even be heard. One almost has to bring a lawyer with them just to speak at a public hearing, given elected officials growing tendency to interrupt, obfuscate and ultimately deny the public the opportunity to air their concerns.
In fairness to elected officials, it is a difficult job. Let’s be clear though, it is your job to hear, listen and respond in a thoughtful, patient and responsible fashion.
The first tendency to hear only what you want to is not good enough. After all, you are spending my money – and lots of it evidently (Surrey property tax bills on the rise, Jan. 29). Taxpayers are facing unprecedented tax increases and mounting debt by all levels of government. Taxpayers should be reminded that the ‘tooth fairy’ is not going to make it all nice.
A subsequent editorial (Capital concerns, Feb. 18) notes “the $100 recreational and culture levy that was sprung upon Surrey taxpayers just a few short weeks after the last civic election is coming to an end.” It is being replaced by the newly minted “capital levy”.
One might muse what is in a name? I suspect that $16 million are. They are now going to be shoveled into what Coun. Tom Gill refers to as city capital projects – otherwise known as general revenue.
Gone is the stated commitment earmarking money for recreation and culture. This is more than a name change; it is a broken promise courtesy of Surrey First.
The second editorial’s point remains: “Is there not a single member of council willing to speak out – about the capital levy, or the ongoing truck-park proposal in South Surrey, or the widely contested expropriation of the Riverside Golf Centre, or anything else?”
You might want to ask Mayor Linda Hepner and Couns. Bruce Hayne, Vera Lefranc, Mary Martin, Mike Starchuck, Barbara Steele, Judy Villeneuve, Dave Woods and Gill.
Mike Proskow, Surrey
