Dear Editor,
It looks like according to the report authorized by the City of Richmond regarding replacing the existing RCMP with a city police force similar to Vancouver’s would be very expensive.
The transition could cost $20 million with a yearly operating exspense of up to $4 million more than the RCMP.
So it should beg the question...why bother?
Where is the value for the taxpayers? Some councillors seem to believe replacing the RCMP should proceed anyway.
They certainly are entitled to a view, but where is all this extra money coming from?
Coun. Bill McNulty was on CBC Radio on April 12, suggesting the city didn`t provide enough requirements on their wish list.
Some councillors in the past have shown little trepidation or concern when spending; taxes just go up and up and get spent just as quickly.
Spend and go. Spend and go on such worthy pastimes as travel to sister cities, or the tall ship boondoggle.
Maybe the pro-city police force movement should consider the status quo, instead, and show some genuine fiscal responsibility and concern for the taxpayers of Richmond.
David Merke
Richmond
