THE optics were bad, and our headline underscored them. But the issues surrounding the pay hike that West Vancouver council voted itself Monday evening are anything but black and white.
In an era when many workers have seen their wages fail to keep up with inflation, a 36 per cent hike for the councillors can be seen as unreasonable and a poor example.
However, the municipality that is home to some of the priciest real estate in Canada has paid its politicians less than any other Metro council for several years. Simply put, councillors have been earning approximately $10,000 less per year than their neighbouring counterparts in North Vancouver.
Of course, West Vancouver taxpayers who will pay the increases - voted for by those who will receive them - have the right to ask whether the job the neighbouring, better-paid councils do is that much better. But on the face of it, West Van council was overdue for a "catch-up" - council of the day having decided against such a step in 2008.
To avoid such massive jumps, council remuneration can be linked to an inflation index or some other form of indexed increases. In fact, West Van council's wage has been linked to the Vancouver Price Index for years, it's just that the base has not been changed.
Council could have plumped for a more expensive increase than the one they gave themselves and still earned less than many of their Metro counterparts. So, they showed some restraint.
But not as much as Mayor Michael Smith, who didn't want to oppose his council's choice but will be donating his increase to the West Van Foundation.
