Re: councillor’s expenses under scrutiny. It is well documented that governments at all levels have wasted taxpayers’ money on a regular basis. Here in Coldstream, it is refreshing to see a councillor who is happy with his remuneration for the job. As Coun. Cochrane says, “The extra meeting is part of the job and after all, we get a third of our salary that is tax free.”
On the other hand, we have a councillor who is the leader of the pack and has been for going on three years. Her expenses are higher than those of the mayor. She maintains that every dollar was well spent.
Why is it, then, that Coun. Besso is allowed to go to Regional District of the North Okanagan and Greater Vernon Advisory meetings, even though she is not on those boards, has no voice and no vote, and can claim $139 per meeting?
If she wants to know what is going on, all she has to do is go on the computer and bring up all the minutes and correspondence of these meetings.
In my opinion, this is a total waste of taxpayers’ money. We, as taxpayers, have paid Councilor Dirk $14,652.80 as a director of RDNO in the past year. Does Mr. Dirk not report back to council what happened at the RDNO meetings?
I find it absolutely appalling that Coun. Richard Enns is defending Coun. Besso’s pay, while attacking Coun. Cochrane for showing fiscal responsibility.
Why is it that politicians are trying to figure out why there is such a high degree of voter apathy?
In my opinion, it is because people in general do not trust politicians as they say one thing and mean another.
John Hegler, Coldstream
