To the Editor,
Re: Finding cuts starts on Day 1, Opinion, May 9.
I found your comments about Coun. Jim Kipp’s claim of $175 million budget being inaccurate not only disturbing, but surprising to be sure.
It is hard to believe that people cannot or are unable to add the operating expenditures of $123.2 million and capital expenditures of $52.5 and get a total spending of $175.7 million.
This is basic math, like two and two is four. It does not get any simpler. There is $175.7 million of real money being spent regardless of which pocket or account it comes out of.
To imply the $52.5 million is just monopoly or play money because the city is spending it on non-operating items is both irresponsible and misleading.
A tax dollar spent no matter from which budget or expenditure it comes from is a tax dollar spent.
To say any thing else shows a lack of appreciation for the tax dollars the city receives and the people who pay them.
Terry Wagstaff
Nanaimo