Would the folks who complain about the salaries of our elected civic officials please stop.
Qualicum Beach Mayor Teunis Westbroek’s salary is $22,983, period. The notion to combine expense accounts with a person’s salary is ridiculous and wrong. Expense accounts are just that; the discretionary costs of doing business which often includes memberships, registrations, travel, conference fees and accommodations, etc. These accounts are well documented and receipts are always required and examined.
Recent provincial legislation now requires four-year terms for our mayor and councillors, so is it any wonder why potential desirable candidates might say “this job is not really worth it” or “are you crazy?” We need to remember that our elected local officials, anywhere in Canada, are truly on the front line and much more accessible and accountable to their constituents than many MLAs, MPs, premiers and prime ministers.
Finally, in my opinion, the salary of the mayor of the Town of Qualicum Beach needs a significant upgrade, no matter who this elected person is. The combined duties and responsibilities of this office easily exceed $22,983 a year.
Doug Ebbett
Qualicum Beach