CVRD board cowards for not holding budget meetings
While other jurisdictions will be having public meetings on their budgets, we, in the CVRD, will not be having any. The board are cowards. They do not want to have to justify the huge increases in taxes.
They claim lack of interest and waste of staff time. Yet, they had no qualms about spending taxpayer dollars for two new functions to the tune of $ 210,000. Glossy storyboards, multiple propaganda meetings and lots of staff spouting all manner of promises. Those that spoke against these functions at the meetings and on PlaceSpeak were deemed to be disrespectful and used misinformation as stated by the CAO. No proof of either has been forthcoming. I guess if one just says this then it must be true. What does the electorate know anyway?
This board is like an old boy’s club but now includes women. They form cliques and bully any board member who does not follow their agenda. Otherwise, how and who decided that the public need not have the availability to practice democracy? Who spoke against this and lost? This could set a precedent for future public meetings. They may not happen again, if this board gets its way. As for dissenters, there are ways to punish them. Funds for projects may disappear for certain areas. This could include upgrades to parks and trails in those areas. Gas tax funds may only go to the clique. Any manner of retribution could be inflicted because the board controls the purse or wallet.
It is the old adage: you scratch my back and I will scratch yours.
A snubbed taxpayer,
Ed Aiken
Cobble Hill