The recent decision to award a service contract to an out-of-town contractor, an off-shore American company boggles the mind. It is infuriating and simply put, an embarrassment to the city and should be an embarrassment to the City.
The simplistic mathematics and 'bean-counting' accountancy behind this decision was dollars and cents, a 'no sense' decision based on the simple price-point comparison of costs without any reasonable attention to the 'other' parameters and issues surrounding the analysis.
The company that had the contract pays taxes to the city; it pays employees a wage, which is in turn partially paid by many in the form of taxes, to the city.
The wages of these employees, their employers and the secondary contractors that support this company, such as electrical, plumbing and HVAC services, spend their wages locally, in shops, utilize local banking, restaurants and pay taxes, to the city.
Mr. Van Andrichem should metaphorically be burned at the stake for taking a simplistic approach to a decision that will in fact cost the city in the long run.
Any employee of the City of Prince George, ANY employee, must recognize that they are in OUR employ as a service for and to the citizens of our city.
Any purchase of goods, services and equipment should be locally sourced when possible as the failure to do so has a ripple or domino effect that causes collateral damage to the city. I find it hard to believe that any blue-collar or white collar city employee other than himself, would agree with this type of irresponsible and damaging behaviour.
I find it a reach of presumption to think this would go unanswered or even be enacted in New York or Boston where pride for 'Their Cities' is monumental. Soon Vancouverites will benefit from 'our' money, as will some Americans.
The next time you make a money decision sir, make sure that you consider the collateral damage you may be exacting and remember that you are there for us, the tax-payers. You are neither the Lord or the Sherriff, you should be accountable and you need to act in accordance with the idea that the City of Prince George and it's citizens come first in any decision you make; we pay the taxes, support the businesses, own the businesses and work in the businesses that pay your salary.
Independent investigation?
Mike Maslen
Prince George
