Dear Editor
We received our 2015 utility bill with a three-per-cent increase and, while it does not seem much on its own, when I consider that the Mayor and his fellow councillors enjoy recreational benefits at my expense, it is discouraging to say the least.
As the golf season approaches, the city officers and other high-ranking officials will enjoy free golf privileges at our local courses sponsored by the ratepayers. It was reported that some individuals benefitted as much as almost $5,000 last year while enjoying this wonderful game.
Now that could amount to as much as 75 to 100 rounds of golf or it is more likely that power carts, balls, tees and meals may be part of the benefit package, which of course they dutifully declare as a taxable benefit to revenue Canada.
Since most of these benefactors are close to being in the one-per-cent crowd it is comforting to know that they don’t have to suffer any expenses which might diminish their take-home pay.
In addition to golf course benefits, it would be interesting to know if these benefits extend to other parks and recreational centres.
Shame on you!
R. Peters, Burnaby
