The Editor,
I have just received notification of the 2011 Coquitlam utility rate increases along with a pamphlet outlining reasons for the increases. In the pamphlet, we are told the major proportion of the $65 increase is due to Metro Vancouver's requirements. What the pamphlet fails to say is that 29.5% of the increase is being imposed by the city of Coquitlam for its use.
The $65 increase equates to a 101% increase in utility charges since 2004, an average of 14.4% on a yearly basis
It should also be noted that Metro Vancouver's board is comprised of Lower Mainland mayors and councillors and the city of Coquitlam is part of the decision-making process.
The city hires many six-figure managers/administrators who together with the high-priced, part-time city council earlier this year gave themselves a 4% pay increase and seem incapable or unwilling to work within reasonable economic reality. We should bear this in mind in November, when we vote in the municipal election.
Henry Pritchard, Coquitlam
