Congratulations to Coun. Rick Kasper, chair of the Finance and Administration Committee for the ongoing review of council grants and expendidtures - the process is long overdue and accountability and purpose of those who seek public hand-outs should be investigated. After all, this is taxpayers money and council must exercise due diligence and control of money within its control.
I agree that the District of Sooke should not be the only body contributing to Sooke Region Tourist Association; the donated sum of $20,000 is substantial and others who reap the benefits in our tourist area should share the cost.
Frederique Philip’s reported saying the chair was “lying” is reprehensible and she should apologize to him and council; no doubt that she has helped promote tourism and business within our community but is she the only one who has done so? Is she alone in having extensive knowledge of the tourist scene ?
Sooke Chamber of Commerce manager, Kari Osselton, seems to lack a sense of proportion and perhaps modesty in her rebuke, ‘If we are not doing these things, who would be?’ Well, Kari, we have many volunteers in Sooke who could carry out your community functions just as well, I would think and at much less cost to taxpayers. Ever heard of Sooke Lions Clubs or Sooke Rotary Club ?
Sadly, these incidents portray an attitude of expectation from some business members in our community perhaps from a cosy relationship with the former council. Public money should not, in my opinion as a taxpayer, be used to subsidize commercial activities; if council deems to enter a partnership with a business or service agency, using its discretionary powers, then that is another thing. There certainly must be room to promote functions and services for the benefit of all Sooke citizens, but the “gravy train” has to stop.
Thank you Coun. Rick Kasper and committee members for taking the flack! Keep on going!
Mr. E. Anderson
Sooke