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LETTERS: Council should adhere to their mandate

Taxpayer’s interests are best served when council adheres to the basics in their mandate.

Pentictonites were lucky Coun. Tarik Sayeed was absent as he likely would have voted in favour of taxpayers’ funding 100 per cent of council’s extended benefits plan; breaking the tied vote.

Mayor and council receive an honorarium; not a salary. Its purpose is to replace their regular private income lost due to attending to city business. Subject to taxation; it is called an honorarium for that reason.

Former mayors worked part time. Mayor Perry spent 50 per cent of his time on mayoral duties. While councillor, he held a full-time teaching position. Mayor Pierce ran a law practice while serving as councillor, mayor and unofficial legal advisor. Any current mayor or councillor claiming they have a full time position must be incredibly disorganized.

Council could have said no to medical and dental benefits. Instead they discussed three payment options: Employer 25/75 council; employer 50/50 council; employer 100/0 council. Council opted for the 50/50 four to two.

A fourth option; not considered would have been for council to pay 100 per cent of the premiums. Even with their contribution at 100 per cent I expect it would have been a steal of a deal. It is likely an above average plan; government-style.

Council could have voted to fund this and everyone would have understood their wish to be covered. Then they could have brought all taxpayers on side by electing to have payment attached to their tax-free expense account to eliminate a tax deduction on premiums. All councillors would gain experience by being rotated to the RDOS board on a regular basis.

Taxpayer’s interests are best served when council adheres to the basics in their mandate.

Elvena Slump

Penticton