Read a letter to the editor sent from CUPE Local 500 President Mike Davidson Re: City Hall blames snow for deficit.
Transcona Councillor and Finance Chair Russ Wyatt, is playing smoke and mirrors, blaming this year’s $1.8 million budget deficit on the snow. With cost overruns on the new police headquarters ranging upwards of $75 million of taxpayer’s money, it’s no wonder he is scrambling to pass the buck onto someone else – whether it’s on city staff or on the weather.
It’s been almost sixteen years since the city has conducted a cost analysis of public versus privately contracted snow clearing operations. This is yet another lost opportunity to look at saving money, and increasing efficiencies in the best interest of the citizens. Perhaps its high time for the politicians to do the right thing and look at bringing snow clearing back in-house and pass those savings on to Winnipeggers.
Mike Davidson
President, CUPE Local 500
