While it is both desirable and very, very important to exercise fiscal responsibility, saying “It’s all about continuing on a path of restraint” severely limits the ability of the community to reach its full potential. Naturally no one loves paying taxes but the very best communities are not only about not spending any money. Far from being excited about the lowest tax rate let alone it being “the right thing to do” it would demonstrate real moral and political leadership if Chilliwack’s mayor and council actually insisted on and provided municipal funding for valuable initiatives like the Chilliwack Youth Health Centre and the Houses First initiative regardless of which level of government is considered responsible. The mayor is justifiably pleased with Chilliwack’s “excellent amenities” so why not put some financial support into keeping them that way. Working to create a better, safer city by supporting it’s citizenry to be healthy, and thriving is a more enlightened vision than hiring more officers of the law.
Kim Harder