COMMUNITY FORUM
LangleyAdvance YOUR VIEW
Thursday, June 4, 2015 A9
Letters to the editor
Too much spent on ads Dear Editor, Not that there’s any lack of entries in this category, but you can add government advertising to the list of things-politiciansoppose-until-they’re-inpower. As the curtain begins to come down on the Lower Mainland’s TransLink tax plebiscite, B.C. taxpayers have been reminded what happens when politicians have hold of our chequebooks during an election campaign. While we scrimp and sacrifice and pay our taxes to ostensibly fund critical services like public safety, health and education; politicians line up to spend it on flashy ads designed to help them get more votes. It’s the way it’s always been, apparently. In opposition in 1999, Christy Clark hammered the NDP government for spending $700,000 in taxpayer money on advertising their budget. In 2013, the government-opposition roles
cism over this blatant in B.C. had reversed. misuse of tax money Clark’s BC Liberal gov– just a nudge and a ernment unashamedly wink and a “do-whatspent a big chunk of its you-gotta-do-to-win” $36 million taxpayerfunded communications attitude, even if it means wasting taxpayer budget on slick TV ads, dollars. touting their economic In November, B.C. record and jobs plan Auditor General Carol and laying the foundaBellringer tried to bring tion for their improbcommon sense to the able comeback win. issue: “It The is a generopposIt’s the way ally agreed ition NDP upon prin– once it’s always ciple that the guilty been. government advertiser should – was outJordan Bateman not use its raged by position this malof influodorous ence or public funds spending, even launchand resources to ing a petition calling support an electoral for an end to taxpayercampaign,” she wrote. funded partisan ads. “Government spends Sadly, that new New public money to inform Democrat position taxpayers about its seems to have gone the programs, but citizens way of the dodo. should not pay for comWith both the BC munications that are Liberals and NDP of a partisan political firmly supporting the nature.” TransLink tax camBellringer recompaign, the provincial parties turned a blind eye to TransLink mayors spending $7 million in taxpayer dollars to win this plebiscite. Not a word of criti-
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Wider 208th St. is needed soon Dear Editor, I have been waiting for action regarding a statement made by Mayor Jack Froese. This was concerning the widening of the 208th Street connector and that it could be paid for by the Township. At the time I thought this was a great idea and showed real character on his behalf. This initiative would ease the everyday stress of the commuters and residents along this vital corridor. This is similar to the great foresight shown by a previous administration on the construction of the 208th Street overpass. I have not changed my opinion in the intervening months. Having the township head up the project would definitely speed up the process; instead of waiting for five to seven years, its benefits could be realized in two. Even if this idea is rejected by the planning department, I wish to thank Jack Froese, the Mayor of the Township of Langley, for at least trying to put all the residents of the municipality first. Bruce Jones, Langley
mended that government prohibit partisan political information in government communications, and put together specific guidelines setting out what should or should not be included in ads. While the Canadian Taxpayers Federation generally chafes at the idea of adding another government committee, it’s clear no party, of any political stripe, can be trusted to do the right thing when it comes to advertising on our dime. At least not once they form government. It seems politicians will spend anything to get re-elected, especially when it’s taxpayers footing the bill. It’s time to put pressure on them to close the chequebook and campaign with their own money – not ours. Jordan Bateman Canadian Taxpayers Federation
Board steps too drastic
Dear Editor, I was very disappointed at the tone of the special general meeting Tuesday, May 26 held at the Langley Senior Resource Society. I am one of the group of concerned members, who questioned their actions that appeared to be non-compliant with the bylaws and constitution of the Langley Senior Resource Society. According to the board, our concern for the centre has put us into the category of bullies for the rest of the meeting. We want the membership to know that our petition, signed by 250 of the membership, asked for a meeting to review the actions of the current board of directors where said actions did not follow the bylaws as listed in the Senior Resource Society Constitution, as well as a review of staffing changes and iniquities during the last six months. However, the board called the meeting and set the agenda. We were very shocked that they proposed a resolution for the removal of the board. We did not asked for nor did we want such a drastic step as they took. We are volunteers who have for many years have worked tirelessly for the betterment of the centre and its members. Jan Scheuerman, Langley
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