An article in the Eagle Valley News dated April 2, about MLA expenses and perks really motivated me to voice my opinion on the matter.
The perk to bring a family member or co-worker to Victoria at the expense of the taxpayers should not be allowed.
If an MLA wishes to bring his spouse or partner to Victoria for family harmony, that should be paid for out of the wages of the MLA.
Our local MLA, Greg Kyllo stated that his decision to run for the provincial seat in our riding was based in part on the government policy that accommodates spousal visits to Victoria. I thought that an MLA would seek election in his or her riding to deal with the issues of health, senior citizen housing, employment, taxes, highway maintenance, environment issues and social welfare.
Spousal visits are very important to keep the families together, but not at the expense of B.C. residents.
This policy has to be stopped – even though the policy has been around for years, according to the article.
Premier Christy Clark even stated in the news today, “That the rules on MLA expenses need to be tightened, because the public is clearly not willing to tolerate perks that may have been allowed in the past.”
This is one of the perks that have to be reviewed by the premier’s office, and make the MLA responsible for his or her spousal visits.
Gary F.T. Ferns