Dear Editor,
I am responding to the Dec. 18 newspaper article where town councillors approved a hefty pay raise for themselves.
It is my understanding that the federal government adjusted their pay.
[Editor’s note: as part of the 2017 federal budget the government changed long-standing tax exemptions for elected officials on one-third of their salaries. The changes took effect Jan. 1.]
I feel it is not up to the town taxpayer to boost their salaries back up with added increases. I feel there is a real possibility that with the councillor increase etc … will come more town taxpayer expense added to the ones stated in the paper.
I think there will be passed on fees at stores and businesses as each tries to compensate for their losses due to increased town taxation. I now have the Dec. 21 paper and it states a poll result of 81 per cent voted yes.
I had no knowledge and consider the result as posted fake news. I understand it to be just a touch yes or no regarding the town councillors pay increase.
There appears to me to be no accountability as to who, where do they live, and as to how many times a yes or no has been touched on the voting screen.
[Editor’s note: What Mrs. Martin is referring to is the Leader’s weekly poll question, the question is, “Do you agree with the Town of Barrhead councillors’ decision to give themselves a raise to compensate for new tax regulations for elected officials?” Readers who are not online can answer the poll question by cutting it out of the paper and send their response via snail mail or by dropping it off in person.]
I am hoping a petition could give accurate numbers providing accurate results, repealing the town tax increases at this time of restraint.
My New Year’s wish to Town of Barrhead councillors is more transparency and less closed door decisions.
If you are interested in helping with the petition call 780-305-4461.
Glenda Martin
Barrhead
