Coquitlam council may have watered down a proposal for a review of how municipal politicians are paid but has done a good service by at least attempting to raise the issue at the upcoming Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) conference.
Instead of calling for the province to step in and work with the UBCM to review salaries, the new motion leaves it to the UBCM to do so and establish an independent process to assist local governments.
The change in wording likely anticipates resistance from municipal leaders, especially those who don’t want Victoria calling the shots, but will at least put a spotlight on the issue this fall.
With the public still smarting from the Metro Vancouver retro pay debacle and civic elections on the way, politicians will, hopefully, be more supportive of an independent review of how they are paid.
What’s needed is a transparent and equitable policy that applies to all, including school trustees.
