The following letter was submitted to our sister Glacier Media site, The Tri-City News, by Geoff Taylor of Port Coquitlam.
The Editor,
As the COVID-19 pandemic deepens, the catastrophic financial situation for individuals, families, small businesses and communities becomes more unmistakable.
Federal, provincial and some municipal governments have taken some initial bold steps to dampen the blow, but there is more that can be done, especially at the municipal level.
Financial experts, economist and academics all suggest additional actions need to be taken at the local level.
They suggest a complete halt to bonuses, incentives and all discretionary spending immediately. They also suggest a consolidation of administrative positions and a 10 per cent reduction in salaries over $100,000 and a complete hiring freeze on all vacant or new positions.
No new programs or training.
Defer replacement of capital equipment unless warranted.
Regional services should be utilized to reduce duplication of these services and administrative positions should be eliminated through attrition.
According to the experts, these changes need to be enacted to weather this crisis.
Failure on the part of local mayors and councils to enact these necessary measures will have a prolonged negative effect on communities, services and the livelihood of many.
Regardless of future outcomes, one fact remains: there is only one taxpayer and now is not the time to delay appropriate action that will reduce community expenditures and give taxpayers a break.
