Dear Editor:
Re: Wright, McIntosh will collect severance pay, The Record, Nov. 21.
The gravy train never ends.
To say I was shocked at the front page news that Wright and McIntosh will be receiving a "severance" would be an understatement.
I think it's disgusting that by virtue of choosing not to run or not winning an election entitles these two to $70,000.
So what does "about" $70,000 mean? Again fuzzy finances from city hall. As taxpayers, why can't we be told exactly what it's going to cost us? When I hear "about" from city hall it feels like it's going to be a heck of a lot closer to $80,000!
I also take offence at McIntosh's comment that "It's like a tiny pension." It's an insensitive remark and insults those in the city that make less than that a year and still have to fork out property taxes to feed unsustainable policies like this one.
Let's have some transparency here! How many and what other "benefits" and pensions will these two continue to receive after their "service" to the city?
Perhaps we could throw them retirement parties at the new Anvil Centre but only hire companies approved by city hall with the living wage provison.
The idea of a separation allowance is distasteful, to say the least, and just exhibits another example of pigs at the public trough that just can't get enough. The concept of serving the community is greatly blinded by the entitlement that these people feel is their right.
It is simply not sustainable, and it's in poor taste.
Mike Walmsley, New Westminster
