To the Editor,
Re: Core review finds $2.75M in savings, May 31.
A core review: in Penticton a great success, in Prince George, a disastrous failure.
The 2010 Penticton review was successful – civic cost reduction of $3 million and no tax increases for three years. Without the review, a tax of almost eight per cent was anticipated. Penticton’s review was council-generated and councillors stood against those opposed. They were successful convincing management and unions to consider taxpayers and agree to adjust, with no massive staff nor service cuts. The majority of recommendations were activated.
The failure in Prince George was due to being citizen-generated – but council disapproved. Councillors were attacked by management and unions. To avoid subsequent elections danger, they dove for cover. Virtually none of the recommendations were accepted.
Nanaimo councillors contracted a taxpayer-paid core review. Core review analysis noted $1.7 million in annual savings. The first public comment from the city manager was wow, look at the savings – we can hire a bunch more people.
Perhaps council and management should consider the taxpayers – not themselves – and cut taxes.
D.F. ConnorsNanaimo