Two things Sooke council should keep in mind in reducing budgets are eliminating functions and the need for better policing.
The usual bureaucratic approach to reducing budgets is to trim every department. But that hurts those who were efficient and did not ask for too much. It is far better to eliminate functions. The typical municipality has many cutesy and do-gooder projects. Examples range from the Stonehenge sign in View Royal to Saanich’s meddling in the federal/provincial subject of the radio frequency emissions from smart meters.
On the other hand, most municipalities are under-policed, which puts residents and visitors at undue risk. The moral purpose of government is to protect individuals against the initiation of force, which is the only thing that can stop human creativity and productivity for life.
For Sooke’s budget and responsibilities that is policing to stop the dangerous driver, bully, thief, rapist and murderer. Even if all savings from other activities were put into policing society would be better off.
Voters in Sooke should ensure that politicians walk their talk. Usually once elected they weaken under pressure from many directions, as they lack clear values and guts. They should be acting for the long term, not special interest groups.
Keith Sketchley
Saanich