Do judges really need documents?

Re: “Judgment for judges,” July 22.

The judges claim that the order for cabinet documents is required for transparency. I wonder if they would see the need for such transparency if this were a case in which they had no self-interest?

Judges make about $250,000 annually. That is three times the average British Columbia salary. Should there be a salary cap for public servants such as these?

The article states that “they won’t know if the cabinet and legislature acted in good faith unless they see the cabinet submission.” Yet because judges have such authority, they can order government to hand over cabinet submissions? What about the next time someone wants cabinet documents; will they be so willing to make this order again?

To our judges I would say this: Having obtained what many would consider to be the height of success in your field, is it really in the public interest for cabinet submissions to be provided? Is that really necessary to decide if 7.02 per cent or 11.48 per cent is the proper increase for an already high salary?

The role of being a judge has to be a tough one to take on. Yet you have also been given the opportunity to participate in an important role.

Please realize that you are more than adequately compensated for the task, or at least far more than the typical citizen is. Show us how leaders act, which undoubtedly is in the public interest.

Bill Pybus Victoria