ItB次元官网网址檚 not often that a politician finds themself in hot water for trying to save their constituents money, but Victoria Coun. Ben Isitt has found himself in just such exclusive company.

Isitt stirred up a holiday hornetB次元官网网址檚 nest with his suggestion the City of Victoria look at trimming back on its Christmas decorations.

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The city spends about $90,000 on seasonal decorations each year, which includes downtown decorations at Christmas and Chinese New Year. Isitt said a line-by-line review of the city budget led him to question the appropriate level of public funding for decorations. The suggestion went over as well as a Christmas Eve visit by the Grinch.

B次元官网网址淧olitical correctness at itB次元官网网址檚 (sic) best,B次元官网网址� read a Facebook comment by Stephen Fortner that seemed to sum up the mood of the vast majority. B次元官网网址淐hristmas is a Canadian tradition and keep your hands off of it.B次元官网网址�

In an interview with Black Press, Isitt said tax dollars should not go to religious symbols. He said he didnB次元官网网址檛 have a problem with decorations at Chinese New Year because it relates to a B次元官网网址渃ultural group rather than a religious act.B次元官网网址�

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While IsittB次元官网网址檚 determination to protect the public purse is commendable, his reasoning couldnB次元官网网址檛 be more misguided. Victoria spends $200,000 a year on flower baskets every year, and the festive light displays over the holidays are just as welcome a sight to tourists and locals alike. The bill for $90,000 should be considered money well spent.

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And some could argue that holiday lights have become more of a cultural symbol than any tribute to Christianity. There are no biblical references to strings of lights or inflatable reindeer, the Christmas tree is actually derived from a pagan ritual and Santa Claus himself pays homage to consumerism, not religion, being a product of the advertising minds behind Coca Cola.

So yes, Ben Isitt, there is a Santa Claus. And Victoria residents are quite prepared to see their hard-earned tax dollars go towards celebrating his pending arrival.