Less not equal to more
An interesting (as in odd) political model was presented this week by our current mayor; less is more. Not equal; more. In an attempt to “teach those municipal employees a lesson”, his proposal is to reduce the number of city councillors, because we would then reduce the salary envelope. An example to the fellows on the sand/salt trucks or the lawnmower pilots. If we need fewer elected officials to “get the job done”, we could also do with less of you overpaid/underworked blue collars.
Let’s examine this with the same perspicacity our mayor obviously used. Less is more shall be our motto. Well, less officials means more power in their hands. The savings, estimated at close to one million dollars per year, will mean more money for other things. I’m guessing that the city could blow through a million in about fifteen minutes of frantic spending on the necessities of life; a better limousine for the mayor, some new curtains for the council chambers, more ergonomic chairs for those who will now be more responsible than before. Are we up to a million yet? No? OK, some better salary levels for these overworked politicians, because less is more. There, and some new business cards and letterhead, because no politician takes on more responsibility with less visibility. Less and more are inextricably tied together.
I’ve got a better idea, Mr. Mayor. Since you are a placeholder, with less than two years to go on your interim mandate, why don’t you leave what works “well enough alone” and spend some more time on current dossiers? After all, with less time than most mayors to “get things done” you’ll obviously accomplish more. Now that would be significant to me as in savings; someone who did more for less. Just a thought…
