Sidney must be awash in excess monies and manpower to be able to consider a multitude of capital projects that have little or no justification based on objective metrics.
Take for example the traffic calming on Resthaven Drive. A report to council indicates the proposal is based solely on concerns by area residents, while information available from the police, ICBC and others show there is no need to add more calming obstructions, flashing lights and other unnecessary signs.
My vehicle has a perfectly good speedometer — I don’t need a plethora of goofy electronic signs telling me my speed. If others perceive that speed is an issue, then get the police involved.
All of these projects cost money that the residents pay for through municipal taxes. Absent in the decision making process to proceed with this and other similar projects is any questioning if such a project is really necessary. No one appears to have considered the option to not make any changes.
I sense we are doing things because it’s nice to do and that we have staff and funds sitting idle. Sidney needs to focus on the basics of municipal government by providing the services and infrastructure that are mandated to it by the province. Those projects necessary to provide the essentials should be put out to bid to achieve the most economical results. We don’t need bloated departments doing these make-work projects and thinking up new ways to squander our tax dollars. Perhaps council should consider reducing the size of the town’s government and staff.
Tony van Wouw
Sidney