Re: $15,000 welcome for Durham councilors, Jan. 9

$15,000 welcome for Durham councilors, Jan. 9

Having just moved back to the Durham region, I was just getting over the shock that the regional chair gets paid more than our prime minister, when I see that someone arranged a $15,000 welcome luncheon for councillors and their groupies.

If taxpayers had no problem with compensation for elected representatives, why should they complain about a little wine and cheese to get everyone on the right side of the trough?

At least I voted in the municipal election so I have a right to complain.


John Cousins, Bowmanville

In a time when almost all governments are complaining about being cash-strapped, to whom would it seem appropriate to spend $15,000 on a council lunch? Is it really necessary to buy lunch, alcohol, and pay a hefty tip, all while being in one of the nicest ballrooms in the region on taxpayers money?‎ It makes you wonder how these governments got in debt in the first place.

Derrik Stevenson, Ajax