LOOKING FOR ANSWERS ON SUMMERSIDE SPENDING

The minority government of P.E.I. is reporting a $57-million surplus this year. Last year, it was $75 million. The City of Charlottetown is reporting a (net operating) surplus of $9 million. Yet, we see the City of Summerside recently borrowing another $10 million. How can this be? Is the City of Summerside paying out more than the city is taking in? These questions do need answers. Our finance chairperson and deputy

mayor Norma McColeman is taunting around figures with very little detail. Apparently the City of Summerside reported a surplus of $3 million, plus gas tax rebates of $2.8 million, then we borrow $10 million.

This makes no sense in terms of fiscal management. If anyone ran a business in this fashion, they would be bankrupt within two years. The mayor and council are accountable to the electorate during their term. I have recently requested an analysis on this spending, and to date, no response.

Tell us in a complete response just what our debt is? We have a city councillor in the City of Charlottetown bringing up transparency, regarding alleged overspending, as per the Municipal Government Act. Good for Coun. Bob Doiron for doing his civic duty representing the residents of the ward who voted him in. In my opinion, Charlottetown Mayor Philip Brown had better get this issue out in the public and resolved. Reporting by officials lacking detail is what causes much speculation in terms of how taxpayers money is being managed.

David Griffin, Summerside