Inept municipal governance ignored during election
After years of moaning about local government over coffee and beer, an idea was sketched on a restaurant napkin ten years ago by a handful of concerned citizens. There was…
Is there ‘Power in the Apostrophe’ ?
A critical examination of local governance charged to members of the Victoria-Saanich Citizens’ Assembly BY JOHN TRELEAVEN, CHAIR, GRUMPY TAXPAYER$ OF GREATER VICTORIA The creation of the Citizens’ Assembly marks…
Unfair property taxes stiff business
Grumpy Taxpayer$ flags business tax concerns in municipalities across the Greater Victoria Region , Chair John Trealvean with CFAX host, Sept. 18, 2024. www.iheart.com/podcast/962-the-adam-stirling-podcast-76812037/episode/grumpy-taxpayer-flags-business-tax-concerns-217279937/ Business pays at least triple that…
Dismay and disgust over fat pay hike
Should the next City of Victoria council receive a 40% pay raise and the mayor 25%? Before it becomes law, voters have only the next few days (Sept. 12) to…
Who ultimately will be in charge?
Odds of ‘The Big One’ earthquake increase markedly A commentary by Brian Losie and George Barnhart, board members of GrumpyTaxpayer$ of Greater Victoria, a non-partisan citizens advocacy group formunicipal taxpayers.…
Critical linchpins need improving
Who-you-gonna-call when you want to find out something about your council or municipality or local services? Residents can talk to a friend or neighbour, search a newspaper, or maybe brave…
As expected, the fix was in on council pay increase
Citizen’s Task Force on Remuneration recommends mayor’s salary also be ‘realigned as soon as practicable’ Hard-pressed taxpayers are in for an unpleasant shock when they learn the Council Remuneration Task…
Our community deserves a seat at the Big City Mayors’ table
For years Greater Victoria has tried unsuccessfully to get a regular voice with the prime minister, cabinet and the federal government. So it’s encouraging that the Chair Colin Plant of…
Is the fix in on council pay?
FILE UPDATED JUNE 29, 2024 City taxpayers are wondering if it’s just a matter of time before councillors get their outrageous 25 percent pay hike this year. To date, since…