Dear Editor,
Of the 30 candidates who ran for mayor and council, five said yes (Mayor Brodie and councillors Hobbs, Loo, McNulty and unsuccessful candidate Wong) to the question, “Do you think Richmond City Council is sufficiently open and transparent in how they make decisions?”
Elected councillors Au, Day, Gillanders, Heed, Wolfe and 16 unsuccessful candidates said no.
Can the taxpayers expect the minority above to respect the majority wanting improved transparency?
This transparency should include complete annual costs of the Richmond Olympic Oval facility, including the loss of fair market rent income, total property tax relief, parking/investment income/hotel tax transfers, etc.
To all candidates who ran for election, thank you.
To those elected, the burden undertaken by you in serving the public is onerous. The absence of transparency can only lead to mistrust and disrespect for those who fail this test.
Ken McLennan
RICHMOND
