Re: Cowichan Valley public services top notch
I beg to differ with the “tax masochist” author.
I have also resided in the Cowichan Valley Regional District (Ladysmith) for 38 years. Working here and raising a family. I feel things were much better in 1977 than they are now.
I have no use for expensive frills like Cowichan Sportplex, aquatic centres, Kinsol Trestle and the Cowichan Theatre. I go to the privately run Chemaninus Theatre. All I want are the basics — water, sewer, protective services, medical care and roads.
Our CVRD taxes have skyrocketed over the past years. CVRD remuneration increased 34 per cent (2008-2013), over six times the CPI, which our pensions are tied to.
CVRD directors remuneration increased 25 per cent (2008-2013) with another big increase in 2014. Directors bill us for car travel from their homes to meeting sites and have full extended medical, dental and massages etc. — all at our taxpayer expense.
Things were much better in the old days under Rex Hollett who knew the value of a taxpayer dollar. No $320,000 golden handshakes to past CAOs or $600,000 legal bills for South Island Aggregates or expensive ghost transit buses doubling the CO2 in our air.
Paul Williams
Ladysmith