Dear Editor:
Re: North Van Mayors Pitch For Yes Vote, March 11 front-page story.
I read the article posted in your Wednesday edition and would like to provide some thoughts to this issue.
I would like to thank the organizers of the “telephone town hall” and in particular mayors (Richard) Walton and (Darrell) Mussatto. It is encouraging to see the use of modern technology to attain the voice of your voting tax base.
There were a number of calls that emphasized some areas of project improvement. Specifically, I would like to highlight the issue surrounding credibility.
Credibility is not one of many issues, it is the issue. The push-back from voters is not about the 0.5 per cent increment, it is about trust. We all know there is an urgent need to beef up our infrastructure. We are behind in our transportation development and it is going to take serious money to get us back on track.
Unfortunately, the province and municipalities are going to find growing pressure from the tax-paying public that demands accountability for their tax dollars spent.
Even though the funds for this expansion are segregated and by law must only be allocated to the designated project, it will not stop the public from voting no. There is a public unwillingness to fund further projects with a company that shows a lack of respect for tax dollars already entrusted. It is that simple.
You want to turn this around? Provide Mr. Pattison a 12-month mandate to clean up TransLink Corp. — fire and reorganize (night of the long knives) to create another Expo-style success and then ask the public for funds.
My bet is the public would be willing to fund the 0.5 per cent and possibly double that if they knew the money was going to be spent in a responsible and credible manor.
As a result, the project is pushed back one year but at least the public has confidence to fund a system that is operating responsibly.
As important, they have confidence their elected government is listening.
A small voice on the North Shore.
Casey Cleland
North Vancouver
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