Dear Editor:
Re: Council is a product of democracy, Letters to the Editor, Burnaby NOW, Aug. 5.
The Maclean's article on a well-run city is regurgitated every time there is a challenge as to how Burnaby is run. Maybe Maclean's overlooked the fiasco of the SAP computer program implementation. City staff estimated a cost of approximately $6 million. The actual cost was never revealed, but it is possibly in excess of $18 million. Most persons in any industry would not consider a project completed at three times original estimates as well-run.
The new garbage pickup system was estimated by staff report to save $300,000. We went from two-man trucks to oneoperator trucks. At an average salary of $40,000 (low estimate), did we really only release seven employees, or did we release anyone? Have we actually saved anything?
Diversity on council was mentioned, and I believe that diversity is to be applauded. Diversity by its very definition means a point of difference. There are no points of difference on the current council and school board. Council in particular resembles a mime show. It would be difficult, if not impossible from a review of council minutes, to find one dissenting voice in three years.
I do agree and hope that the voters of Burnaby will get involved and turn out to vote on Nov. 19. Let's hope also that they vote for representatives on council who have diverse opinions and reflect the realistic views of Burnaby voters.
Ray Power, Burnaby
