Opinion Continued from Page A6é full-size German Shepherd run- ning down the same sidewalk they happen to be walking on. So we Slay out of their way by going to the beach. Does the mayor really believe that these dogs (and their humans) are going to scare the birds from the area? I don’t think so. My dog and I will always run on this beach with or without a leash. Rob Norbury Sidney Curious report on indemniiies Editor: _ Let’s look at council indemnit- ies starting in 1978. And remem- ber that one-third of indemnities are for expenses and not taxable. The indemnity only covers the expenses inside Sidney’s bound- ary. Outside the municipality, when attending committee meet- ings or functions that you have been delegated to attend, the coun- cil member or staff can put in a claim above and beyond his indemnity, for all his expenses. The CRD representative has another expense account which is bigger than the alderman’s, with one-third not taxable. In 1978 the mayor received $5,400 a year. In 1979 it was $5,854, in 1980 it was $6,305, in 1981 it was $6,898, in 1982-85 it was $7,440, in 1986 it was $8,892, in 1987 it was $9,180, in 1988 it was $10,824, in 1989 it was $12,960 and in 1990 it was $13,608. In 1991, council is debat- ing $15,100 a year, for a 10.9 per cent increase over last year. In 1978 alderman received $2,160 a year. In 1979 it was $2,342, in 1980 it was $2,522, in 1981 it was $2,759, in 1982-85 it was $3,036 a year; in 1986 it was $3,636 a year, in 1987 it was $3,744 a year, in 1988 it was $4,116 a year, in 1989 it was $4,320 a year and in 1990 it was $4,536 a year. In 1991, council is debating $7,200 a year for alder- men, for a 58.7 per cent increase over last year. You be the judge. Being an ad hoc committee and usually dismissed, by council, after their report, I am surprised that the chairman Mr. Reg Teeney did not thank his committee by name for having done such a job. I would suggest to the ad hoc committee that they must have gone far afield to get comparison indemnities, and what did they compare? The budget, population, land area, the ability to expand, sewer, water, roads? I’m sure the formula will be made public! Comparison is okay but it must be with similar munici- palities. In land area I don’t believe there is another municipal- ity similar to Sidney in all B.C The ability to pay must be there as well. I’m sure curious about the Teport’s substantiations. B.H. Ethier Sidney Conflict restricted io personal gain Editor: Your editorial of Dec. 5 was rather surprising, for lack of both research and logic (Conflict of interest: Not just business inter- ests, The Review). First of all, despite the allega- tions in the article, I am not a member of any lobby group. If the editor had picked up the phone he would have discovered that I do not speak for the SSPC. Secondly, the editor has totally redefined the notion of conflict. By his logic, any member of a political party (e.g. our MLA, Mr. Clive Tanner) should renounce party allegiance once elected because, after all, such a person had a prior agenda, namely that of the party. People are elected for their ideas, their platforms, and their promises. One has to wonder if any newspa- per supported by advertising is in conflict if it reports on activities in which its advertisers may be involved. T hope that in the future the editor will check information first, and subject his argument to more rig- orous critical analysis. Personal material gain from poli- tics is conflict. Ideas, discussions, and a multiplicity of grassroots organizations make for richer communities. Surely the editor does not want to see all elected officials become content-less blobs. Ald. Clarence Bolt Central Saanich Editor’s note: As recently as September, Bolt spoke on behalf Of us at your local B.C. Hydro office wish you seasons greetings and a safe, Customer Service offices will be closed Wednesday, December 25; Thursday, December 26; and Wednesday, January 1. Our emergency crews will be on standby 24 hours a day during the holiday season as they are throughout the year. THE STAFF AND CREWS OF YOUR LOCAL HYDRO OFFICE of Save Saanich Peninsula Com- munities, (SSPC says land use should dictate CRD’s regional transportation study, The Review Sept. 18). Hydro heroes Editor: A bouquet for the Hydro heroes. I was a little frightened to go home the night of Nov, 28, antici- pating to be met by a tree which was broken five feet from its base and flipped by the wind to rest on the Hydro lines, with its top droop- ing over the driveway to the other Side. I had called Hydro the night before and having seen all the broken trees on the roads I didn’t think there would have been time for my little problem. But sure enough, I turned into the driveway and they had been there! The offending tree had even been cut in easy-to-handle lengths! Thank you ‘Hydro Heroes” — you must have worked all night and then the next day, too. Please know you are appreciated by a lady in distress! Jeanette Evans Sidney If you want to spread a little comfort this Christmas, come in and pick out a pair of Levis Red Tab jeans for someone you know, Levis Red Tab jeans for Christmas. Give the comfort. Watch the Joy. 2 TheReview Wednesday, December 11,1991 — A8 |. ALL LIT UP on the way past the foot of Beacon Avenue is the second vessel in the Christmas Parade of Boats Sunday, the M.V. Hindeloopen. Although 81 boats had signed up for the sailpast Saturday, that number was reduced to 40 after winds forced organizers fo postpone foSunday. —~%s-} lf you have been drinking. . . Call my Uncle at MAXWELL’S TOWING 655-4442 and you and your car will get home Safely, for only $30.00 plus G.S.T. 24 HOUR SERVICE 7 DAYS A WEEK anywhere on the Peninsula or Victoria. ia “= Where Santa Shops For Value oe © WORKWERR sents JAN WORLD CHRISTMAS — Pe ke 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. except Sun = 11 am. 6 pm. & Christmas Eve 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.