Inconvenient truths about municipal governance
Judgment day for local politicians is a few months away, and voters are already getting a little twitchy. It’s never easy figuring out who should come and who should go,…
Questions raised about Saanich megaproject
STAN BARTLETT A commentary by the vice-chair of Grumpy Taxpayer$ of Greater Victoria, a citizens’ advocacy group for municipal taxpayers. Taxpayers in Saanich live in interesting times, which are about…
City overreach continues unabated
Howls of protest expected City council is considering a bylaw that all dogs be painted white to improve road safety because they could then be seen more easily at night.…
Council practices cynical politics in the name of sincerity
Lots of questions for mayor and council All Victorians share the concern over the pace of reconciliation with our First Nations neighbours. A very vigorous national debate on the report…
Taxpayers shell out $3.3 M to payroll politicians
Regional taxpayers paid a total of $3.3 million in salaries and expenses for the 13 municipal councils and the Capital Regional District in 2020, according to an analysis by Grumpy…
Spare us bills from senior governments
It’s that time of the year when you start checking under your couch cushions for cash to help pay annual property taxes. Most ratepayers don’t mind paying property taxes for…
Buckle up! It’s pothole season
By all accounts there are more potholes than usual during this winter season – there has been excess moisture and frequent freeze-thaw conditions – but not all that unusual for…
Langford releases financial disclosures of mayor, council
City of Langford has released the 2022 financial disclosures of mayor and council as required as required by the provincial Financial Disclosure Act. The legislation is designed to prevent and…
Two terrific tools for taxpayers
REVISED JAN. 6, 2022 Are you getting good value for your property tax dollar? It’s early January and that can mean only one thing, it’s the start of tax season…