As far as anyone who is not involved in the actual process can determine, the city council and staff appear to have done a good job of getting us through the impact of the mill closure.
And, I am very proud of the city which, with the help of the newspapers, has been willing to listen, engage and encourage debate on the issue of tax increases. I can only think that this is healthy and can cause a greater sense of involvement for the general public.
The best result would be that it will also encourage a moderated way of understanding priorities and making decisions for elected council members and city staff. Can we not establish a better way to deal with city costs than resorting to annual tax increases?
A great deal of effort has gone in to advertising Campbell River as a good place to retire. People facing retirement or retired are exposed cost increases everywhere.
While some have indexed pensions, many are stretched to meet demands. A city tax increase which may look to be ‘only a few hundred dollars’ is joined by increases from many other sources.
It is discouraging to think that our way of life will be diminished and restricted by continual cost increases. It may be that council members and/or city staff have assets and incomes beyond the population mean, and may need to have a different perspective on people’s needs, and ultimately, what is good for our community.
However this year’s budget battle is resolved, I remain appreciative of council’s work on our behalf.
Ruth McMonagle
Campbell River