Victoria Coun. Matt Dell wants us to believe council (basically the gang of five) struggles mightily to reduce another humongous tax grab from too-long-suffering residents. Mayor Marianne Alto says it’s “unrealistic” to expect an increase much below another irresponsible double-digit hike.

We’re treated to the annual production (the “budget passion play”) focused on flower baskets, unnecessary and unwanted renovations, threats about needed services.

The full force of the orthodoxy demonizes the police ask, ironic since so many of our problems are self-inflicted.

The final act, “it’s just another $280 for the average household” (equal to groceries for a month for one frugal person, on top of every other dollar, every year).

Yet, not one word about the massive, unjustified, selfishly engineered raise they give themselves, after the community clearly said no.

No discussion about funding favoured businesses, innumerable grants to literally unknown numbers of service providers with no goals, no measures.

Nothing about the city manager’s office spending increasing by 33%, or staff increasing by a stunning 68% in the last five years; just a few examples for anyone who cares to look at the numbers.

Both Colwood and Vancouver demonstrate different stewardship of the community’s resources.

And what did we get for this financial “management”? I wonder what they think we’re thinking.

Me, I’m thinking fiscal diarrhea and management incompetence, but that’s just me.

My only relevant experience is managing a large budget and team. What the hell would I know?

Stephen Ison

Victoria

Victoria’s mayor threatens property tax increases in double digits. Council has already managed double-digit increases in staffing. More jobs, less work.

The province has effectively taken over planning in B.C. So how many city planners are being axed?

Council is to get rid of half the hanging baskets. Should it be assumed the parks department will be pruned accordingly?

Council is putting a halt to road repairs, bicycle lanes and........

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