The Editor,
Re. "Let's talk dollars & cents" (Letters, The Tri-City News, March 30).
I agree unequivocally with opinions in the letters by Murray Clare and D. Pederson. The behaviour and financial irresponsibility of public sector unions and Tri-City municipal governments are arrogant and appalling. They don't give the smallest consideration to municipal taxpayers.
In the last seven years, my utility bills in PoCo increased 8.2% and municipal taxes 24%. There haven't been any attempts to tie utility bills with usage for the sake of savings on water and sewer distribution costs. Surrey and West Vancouver, with obviously wiser councils, are attempting to do it.
I am on small fixed income and PoCo city hall clearly wants to expel me from my apartment. City officials should realize their wages are paid for by taxpayers such as me and getting rid of me jeopardizes their employment.
We should remember the arrogant attitude of council during the November civic elections but our voice counts only if we vote.
In order to eliminate redundancy of management and to co-ordinate needs and capital projects, the amalgamation of our three cities has to be seriously considered. Tri-City has one school board and system of electing people that works. Why can't our cities follow this example?
H. Kolny, Port Coquitlam
