Opinionnow

Editor:

A recent letter about the current civic government’s trend of spending notes that previous, more conservative governments had historically built huge reserves of capital, through so-called fiscal restraint

Seems I’ve heard that term before. Where did all that money go? The reserve must have been massive, considering the previous regime’s propensity for not spending The writer goes on to say he hopes the new(er) regime starts being a little more responsible, fiscally, moving forward, as he may have noticed there has been a fair amount of spending in recent years. Over my 30-something years in Burnaby, there was such a tight leash on spending that we have gotten to a state of public suffering unlike anywhere I know of with such unbelievable resources. Suffering from lack of updated public infrastructure such as parks and rec- reation facilities, and sidewalks, and housing policies that make it more affordable to live in our community

Burnaby has been one of the “have” cities for years and years I have no idea how the “nest egg” couldn’t be even bigger than it was, seeing the negligent lack of spending I’ve witnessed for a long time It’s about time I think that the city’s recent announcement that there are plans to build a new multimillion-dollar city hall may be adding to the previous letter author’s grievances

It may be that there is a want for the location to be closer to Metrotown. Not opposed, as long as it isn’t a huge waste The worst political spending is redundant or politically motivated, seemingly regardless of the cost the Massey tunnel replacement, fast ferries development (or sale, depending on your view) I hope the city government makes a good, publicly supported decision on the new city hall. Good record on decisions so far

Stan Gardner

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