Dear Editor,
Re: “Donations and fees don’t mix,” Voices, Dec. 22.
In Eve Edmonds’ recent editorial commenting on the appropriateness of the donations offered by Onni to resolve the ongoing saga at their site at the Steveston boardwalk, she says “… big donations have a habit of swaying public opinion and can be used to leverage control; it’s the old he-who-pays-the-piper-calls-the-tune thing.”
Days earlier, Rick Ilich, of Townline Homes, “donated” $46,485 to the City of Richmond reserve account for subsidized, affordable housing from assignment fees collected from his Calla at the Gardens development.
Ms. Edmonds notes that, for their donation, Onni will receive a tax credit (the entire fee/donation is tax deductible). Townline will also receive a tax credit for their donation.
Ms. Edmonds also says, “A number of the councillors were deeply offended by the (Onni) offer — and for good reason.”
But yet, there is a photo of Mayor Brodie, not looking offended, accepting a donation from Townline.
I realize that, in Onni’s case the money is actually a “donation” in lieu of a “fee,” but I consider Townline’s “donation” more offensive.
Recently, limits have been placed on political donations on both the municipal and provincial level.
The Iliches, directly and through their various companies, have made significant political donations at both levels. Coincidently, we now see them making “donations” to the city; donations which tend to favour the incumbents.
Must be the cynic in me!
Also, by accepting this donation, the city has put itself in a potential conflict of interest situation.
How do we know the next time Townline makes a rezoning application they do not get a more favorable decision?
How do we know the next time Progressive Construction bids on a city contract they are not looked on more favourably?
Would the city consider advocating to the Province to take more aggressive action to limit the speculation associated with pre-construction assignments (not that they ever would) knowing that they benefit directly from such action?
If Onni’s donation is considered inappropriate, then so should Townline’s, regardless how laudable the cause.
Al Williams
RICHMOND
