To the Editor,
Re: Terms drafted for review of city services, Oct. 1.
What is going on at city hall? The news I read leaves me with a very surreal feeling, like I’ve been dropped into a parallel universe, a bizarro Dr. Who storyline where up has become down. I mean, where else but in bizarro parallel universe would anyone spend $50,000 to have a consultant tell them how to play nice with others? And remember, this is coming from a group of councilors largely elected on the basis that they would do away with this sort of insane waste.
Now they want to spend $200,000 on another consultant in order to conduct a core review of city services. So let me get this straight, they want to spend $200K to find ways to save money? Isn’t that the job of city staff? I mean, they run the city, they should know where efficiencies can be made and savings found.
Brendan MillbankNanaimo
To the Editor,
Re: Terms drafted for review of city services, Oct. 1.
The mayor and a majority of councillors sought election with a commitment to enact a thorough and independent ‘core review’ process.
Council is in disarray, unable to agree on much of anything. This leaves the city staff, the bureaucracies and their unions exactly where they wish to be, carrying on unimpeded and unexamined. City management and all of the affiliates associated with operating the city’s business are vested in maintaining the status quo.
Our membership is concerned that the core review will prove to be expensive and ineffective, resulting in little change while offering a cover of examination to those who most benefit from our current state of affairs. It is time for a fully independent, comprehensive analysis of city services and expenditures to be underway.
Randy O’DonnellpresidentNanaimo Ratepayers Association
To the Editor,
Re: Chamber of commerce leads petition to fix council relationships, Sept. 24.
In an effort to help bridge differences between council, a group of Nanaimoites created a Facebook group called ‘A Better Nanaimo.’ Our mission is to engage and respect each other with civility and decorum when contributing to our discussions.
We all want a better Nanaimo. How do we do this? By giving input on ideas and thoughts including those of political concerns that we can discuss and brainstorm together to establish positive solutions and results for the betterment of our city and its citizens.
We welcome everyone who wants to make a difference and see positive changes occur in our fair city. We look forward to everyone joining our group as all opinions and input are highly vital and valued in our community to achieve a better Nanaimo.
Don BonnerNanaimo