I must admit to considerable surprise on two counts at the letter from Paul Reitsma.
Firstly he has been there, so he surely must know that making a living in a monopoly situation and drawing the financial rewards from the public purse with no outside restraints is a great temptation to misuse of trust.
Lack of supervision requires exercise of a higher level of integrity. Municipal elected positions are not meant to make a living.
Then, Mr. Reitsma is no spring chicken. He has a few years under his belt and so is quite familiar with the ‘Gimme! Gimme!’ philosophy of today’s society.
Regardless of what may be said in public the majority of people are only looking after Number One and the aim is to get more and more.
So how does he propose to put the brakes on?
On our local scene, I do not find the proposed mayoral stipends objectionable. They have a full-time job.
I do find, however, that the councillors — who in Qualicum Beach will get almost 20 grand — do a great deal of time-consuming non-essentials and should be relieved of this burden.
That way, they may concentrate on the important municipal affairs for a much more modest monetary return.
F.H. Horner
Qualicum Beach
