The provincial throne speech you should hear
We begin by acknowledging that B.C. is a province full of people who are skilled, confident and ready for the road ahead. It’s a place of hope and opportunity. It’s…
Hold the line on personnel costs
How could mayors and councils justify any personnel or council cost increases above inflation? The consumer price index is close to zero. Consider that the unemployment rate in Greater Victoria…
City roads underfunded by $2 million annually
It’s budget time again and council should be reminded that navigating the world and life’s potholes these days is challenging enough without adding bumpy roads. Granted, updating and maintaining roads…
Why civic political parties?
BY JOHN TRELEAVEN AND STAN BARTLETT, vice-chair and chair of Grumpy Taxpayer$ Local taxpayers are better served with unaligned independent politicians. For starters, Grumpy Taxpayer$ does not support any mayor,…
When needed, where are the best generals?
Where are the best generals when you need them? A recent article on the website ‘We Are The Mighty,’ which provides military entertainment for American veterans, did a statistical analysis…
Governance Review: No argle-bargle, please!
RE: Councillor wants review of how city is governed, Times Colonist, Oct. 22, 2020. A governance review for the City of Victoria is very welcome and holds potential for doing…
Untold millions spent on tent city cleanups
EDITOR’S NOTE: City staff told CTV and CHEK News that it cost $85,000 to clean up Pandora Avenue (including staff costs) during the last several months (Oct. 3, 2020). Centennial…
Does Mayor Helps wear too many hats?
Helps joins Trudeau Foundation board EDITOR’S NOTE: Mayor Helps is also the co-chair of the informal B.C. Mayors’ Caucus, described as a non-partisan group of the province’s 13 largest cities.…
GUEST COLUMN: Emergency response streamlining urged
Amalgamation Yes calls for an immediate response to intractable and insular municipal relationships and the need to streamline emergency response BY JAMES (JIM) ANDERSON, CHAIR, AMALGAMATION YES Once again senior…