[Write a 6 word opinion headline]
I have spent 12 years on the Island and have observed a concerning misuse of voting power by the electorate.
The CRD has become an extravagant spending entity lacking voter control, and I acknowledge that mayors bear responsibility for this.
The recent proposal to borrow $85 million for housing reflects a blatant disregard for taxpayersB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™ funds. The appropriate response is to leverage the power of our votes; every mayor and counsellor on CRD boards must be replaced.
ItB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™s crucial to recognize that each tax increase diminishes your familyB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™s purchasing power. Mayors should not downplay a mere eight per cent tax increase, as it encompasses various areas such as the library, health, CRD, SEAPARC, B.C. Transit, B.C. Assessment, leading to a potential 20 per cent overall loss that could be better spent on groceries.
A call to all mayors and councillors: for the 2024 budget, no department should see an increase. Managers must seek savings, starting with the CRD reducing its fleet and thoroughly reviewing every departmentB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™s expenditure.
Consider how the Island has truly benefited from voting NDP federally and reflect on the provincial NDPB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™s actions during COVID, which included restricting citizensB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™ movements.
ItB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™s important to question the NDPB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™s treatment of citizens and businesses and their deployment of the police service without probable cause, a practice not favored by many.
Bryson Johnson
Sooke