Recently there have been letters in the paper addressing the high property taxes and especially the high increase from last year. That prompted me to look into spending. After a few Internet searches I came across something that I think is unethical spending by council.
In the District of Hope minutes of a special council meeting dated Sept. 20, 2012, there is an item 3(a), Travel Expenses for Council and Spouses. It was moved and carried:
"That council be reimbursed for the following travel costs for the spouses and partners during the 2012 UBCM Convention: specifically, welcome reception, banquet, ferry, and marginal hotel fee for the additional person."
Is our tax money going to fund a nice holiday for the "spouses and partners" of the council? There is another UBCM Convention Sept. 16-20 and it will be very interesting to see if we (Hope taxpayers), pay again for them. What really surprised me is that there was not a single objection to this from any council member.
I found that information in a few minutes of searching the council minutes.
I wonder what else we'll find if taxpayers dig a bit deeper?
Linda Kaji
Hope