Thursday, October 30, 2008

Employee perks issue resurfaces, just in time for the election


The letters to the editor page has been the early battleground over what may turn out to be one of the issues of this year’s municipal election.

The subject of those perks for city employees that proved to be so controversial over the last few months have be re-introduced into the mix, a back burner item that may find itself moved to the front of the political stove over the final weeks of the municipal campaign.

In the short term however, the topic seems to have evolved into a collection of “who has worked in the worst weather” stories, all spurred on by an October 15th letter to the Daily News. We don’t have that particular salvo on file, but we do have a couple of the replies since…

Letter to the Editor
Prince Rupert Daily News
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Page four

Jack is right about freebies

To the editor,

In response to Jaime Stephens’ letter to the editor (Workers Deserve Thanks, Daily News Opinion, Oct 15).

Before criticizing Mr. Mussallem, perhaps you should find out the opinion of the majority of citizens of Prince Rupert as it pertains to perks for city employees. Do you think the majority of taxpayers are pleased that not only are city employees receiving a good wage, but they have also been given the use of the pool free of charge? I understand that this perk was offered to some federal employees as well.

You don’t work for a company, you work for a government, so you shouldn’t compare yourself with employees that work for private enterprise. To answer your question, “Why is it different for city employees?” The difference is, there is a perceived conflict of interest when city (gov’t) employees can use a city facility free of charge.

No one is saying you don’t work hard, but you are really blowing your horn if you think you are one of the hardest working in the city. Perhaps you should get out more and see what others do for a living in our weather conditions. I vote for Mr. Mussallem getting behind a desk at city hall

Jacquie Jones

Letter to the Editor
Prince Rupert Daily News
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Page four

I’m no stranger to outdoor work

To the editor,

Recently, Jaime Stephens wrote a letter to you, which was printed in the Daily News on Wed., Oct. 15.

Jaime Stephens took exception to my comment about free use of recreation facilities by city workers and then wrote, “I suggest that Mr. Mussallem leaves the comfort of his office and works outside for eight hours in the freezing cold and wind.”

“Let him become acquainted with the elements that chill you to the very core.”

Well, constructive comments are appreciated – baseless comments are not.

Jaime Stephens should investigate the facts before running off at the mouth with that comment.

For the last three years Jack Mussallem has worked as a construction worker, as a timber faller, and as a marine cargo surveyor.

All these jobs involve work outside in the “freezing cold rain and wind.”

Jack Mussallem

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