Letter: Rodriguez out of touch with reality

Mr. Rodriguez is concerned that Mr. Bigger’s proposal to implement a one-year tax freeze would result in job cuts or reduction in services or perhaps both. In my view, this thinking illustrates Mr. Rodriguez’s inability or reluctance to understand the reality of today’s economy.

Job cuts do not necessarily equate to reduction in service levels. Many levels of government, as well as private sector firms, have been forced to rationalize their workforces to deal with the harsh economic realities they face. This has forced organizations to become more efficient in maintaining, and in some cases improving, service levels, while reducing costs. In other words, “doing more with less.”

Perhaps there are too many “front-line jobs” at the city. Quite frankly I don’t know, but I do believe this issue should be part of the conversation.

Mr Rodriguez’s comments are clearly an attempt at populist fear-mongering without considering the possibility that cuts may be possible without adversely affecting service levels.

As a taxpayer, I expect what most consumers expect: value for money. I don’t want my tax dollars to subsidize what may very well be an inefficient operation.

While Mr. Rodriguez may have been “driving the bus” as our former mayor, we now need someone who knows how to pay for that bus.

Anthony Rossini
Hanmer