Re. Walter Huculak’s April 22 letter, headlined There should be an inquiry into civic spending:
I couldn’t agree more.
Our present city council appears to be somewhat out of touch with the people they serve. But, alas, an inquiry into their spending affairs isn’t likely to happen. And even if you did get one, who would do the inquiring? More government people with the same agenda?
What we need, I believe, is a whole new group of people who are known to have a sense of fiscal responsibility and a desire to serve their community.
Serving in municipal politics should be a tour of duty, rather than a career. Maybe the length of office should be limited to two three-year terms with half the members replaced every three years to allow for continuity.
Likewise, the mayor also should be limited to two terms. Salaries and other remunerations should be set by council once every six years — six months prior to the next election.
In politics, often the most affluent candidates win the election due to the imbalance of available advertising funds. So, I believe, all valid candidates should get equal billing paid for by the city with a budgeted amount and with the returning officer making all promotional arrangements.
I was recently told that city council actually decides only about 25 per cent of the annual operating budget, the remainder is done by the department heads. If that is true, then that explains why the cart appears to be before the horse.
I’m afraid we have gotten off track with our present elected councillors having forgotten why they are there. Raising taxes every year and spending more money than we have is the easiest thing to do, but doing what needs doing most economically takes special talent
We have an election coming up this fall. Let’s use it wisely.
Len Nederlof, Sr.
Red Deer