After close to three days of silence, Richmond East MLA Linda Reid finally commented on the controversy over her spending record as Speaker of the House in Victoria.
In a press release issued late Wednesday afternoon, Reid wrote she takes full responsibility for the expenditures which included $48,412 for a custom, touch-screen computer terminal she uses in the legislature chamber.
Reid vowed that next week she will bring recommendations to the Legislative Assembly Management Committee "to bring greater oversight, rigour and transparency to the expenses at the Legislature."
A furor erupted Monday after the Vancouver Sun revealed Reid was, in addition to the pricey computer terminal, responsible for okaying $13,965 for new drapes at the legislature dining room, and another $13,449 to convert half of the legislature library into an MLA-only TV lounge - with a $733 "food display case/rack" for coffee, muffins and other free snacks for MLAs.
Reid explained the new computer was needed to "ensure that the proceedings in the Chamber were conducted with decorum and civility, and that all members (MLAs) were able to be recognized fairly."
The new system has controls and displays to allow the speaker or deputy speakers to know when members wish to speak, including the current three MLAs who use a chair for mobility who now rely on the system to "illuminate their intention to speak."
It also provides enhanced communication between the computer console and the clerk's table, and allows the speaker to view proceedings in other committee rooms simultaneously.
As for spending funds on areas within the historic Legislature building, Reid stated any work undertaken "to alter the appearance of Chamber furnishings must respect that heritage and must compliment the existing structure."
Spending close to $14,000 for new drapes was part of routine maintenance, Reid wrote, adding they were last replaced in 1996.
