The tricky issue of perks for civic employees continues to resonate along the letters to the editor’s page of the Daily News.
Friday’s edition provided for two more letters on the issue, on from the perspective of a long time civic worker who also introduced the hornet’s nest of the civic hiring controversy into the debate, as well as rather disjointed tour of recent Podunk history.
The other letter to the editor was a reply to Mayoralty candidate Jack Mussallem’s recent rebuttal of Jaime Stephens critique of the would be Mayor, which picks up where Stephens left off in his last correspondence.
With the election down to less than two weeks now, it will be interesting to see if this simmering item from the past year becomes a talking point for the various candidates for council and for the two contestants for the office of the Mayor.
Letter to the Editor
Prince Rupert Daily News
Friday, October 31, 2008
Page four
City Workers want respect
To the editor,
I have worked for the city of Prince Rupert recreation department since I was 14, in 1977. Over 30 years of my life. I have never been on a picket line. We have given our time and labour to our citizens.
Our workers are ageing. More than 50 per cent will retire in five to seven years. We’re not asking for hand-outs. I, for one, have not asked for a pass but I still get people saying why should you get a free pass.
It is mind-boggling. It’s not about the money. There is no money changing hands in this deal. I believe our rec director had all the good intentions when he proposed this deal to council, the same way I think Gordie Howie, our city administrator, and his wife got a bad rap. If you want to head-hunt, go back 15 years and see what went on when Dan Miller signed off our $10 million on New Skeena on a handshake.
The bank got paid their $100 million because they had the paperwork. When our city rep was in Victoria with the minister he asked where is the paperwork. At least Mayor Pond signed a contract with our contractor and we got a deal out of it.
What did we get from ‘mack the knife’ for $400,000. Everyone forgets that before people start headhunting and looking for a reason to nail a city worker, you better look at history. We are here to serve the people and treat them with respect and we hope to get that in return.
Iqubal Manhas
Letter to the Editor
Prince Rupert Daily News
Friday, October 31, 2008
Page four
Response was welcome
To the editor,
My apologies to Mr. Mussallem for my recent letter suggesting he leave the comfort of his office to face the elements of our beloved city workers do on a daily basis.
My statement was obviously based on outdate information as he so eloquently pointed out. However, that does not take away from the issues brought forward regarding the apparent frustration over a “free recreation pass” given to city employees.
It is interesting that in true political fashion the issue at hand was skirted and the focus shifted. One would think that Mr. Mussallem would have used the opportunity to clarify his stand on the subject, to fully explain the perk, or perhaps he could have given the wonderful program “Everyone Gets to Play” a shout out.
And in true skeptic fashion I wonder if perhaps the real reason Jack is seeking re-election is to get out of the elements?
I would however, like to sincerely thank Mr. Mussallem for taking the time to respond to a newcomer to this beautiful city. I am truly honored to have garnered a response from such a busy gentleman.
Jaime Stephens
Friday’s edition provided for two more letters on the issue, on from the perspective of a long time civic worker who also introduced the hornet’s nest of the civic hiring controversy into the debate, as well as rather disjointed tour of recent Podunk history.
The other letter to the editor was a reply to Mayoralty candidate Jack Mussallem’s recent rebuttal of Jaime Stephens critique of the would be Mayor, which picks up where Stephens left off in his last correspondence.
With the election down to less than two weeks now, it will be interesting to see if this simmering item from the past year becomes a talking point for the various candidates for council and for the two contestants for the office of the Mayor.
Letter to the Editor
Prince Rupert Daily News
Friday, October 31, 2008
Page four
City Workers want respect
To the editor,
I have worked for the city of Prince Rupert recreation department since I was 14, in 1977. Over 30 years of my life. I have never been on a picket line. We have given our time and labour to our citizens.
Our workers are ageing. More than 50 per cent will retire in five to seven years. We’re not asking for hand-outs. I, for one, have not asked for a pass but I still get people saying why should you get a free pass.
It is mind-boggling. It’s not about the money. There is no money changing hands in this deal. I believe our rec director had all the good intentions when he proposed this deal to council, the same way I think Gordie Howie, our city administrator, and his wife got a bad rap. If you want to head-hunt, go back 15 years and see what went on when Dan Miller signed off our $10 million on New Skeena on a handshake.
The bank got paid their $100 million because they had the paperwork. When our city rep was in Victoria with the minister he asked where is the paperwork. At least Mayor Pond signed a contract with our contractor and we got a deal out of it.
What did we get from ‘mack the knife’ for $400,000. Everyone forgets that before people start headhunting and looking for a reason to nail a city worker, you better look at history. We are here to serve the people and treat them with respect and we hope to get that in return.
Iqubal Manhas
Letter to the Editor
Prince Rupert Daily News
Friday, October 31, 2008
Page four
Response was welcome
To the editor,
My apologies to Mr. Mussallem for my recent letter suggesting he leave the comfort of his office to face the elements of our beloved city workers do on a daily basis.
My statement was obviously based on outdate information as he so eloquently pointed out. However, that does not take away from the issues brought forward regarding the apparent frustration over a “free recreation pass” given to city employees.
It is interesting that in true political fashion the issue at hand was skirted and the focus shifted. One would think that Mr. Mussallem would have used the opportunity to clarify his stand on the subject, to fully explain the perk, or perhaps he could have given the wonderful program “Everyone Gets to Play” a shout out.
And in true skeptic fashion I wonder if perhaps the real reason Jack is seeking re-election is to get out of the elements?
I would however, like to sincerely thank Mr. Mussallem for taking the time to respond to a newcomer to this beautiful city. I am truly honored to have garnered a response from such a busy gentleman.
Jaime Stephens
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