TAXPAYERS SUBSIDIZING ROBERTSON MAYORAL RUN
Oldtown News
Vancouver, BC
TAXPAYERS SUBSIDIZING ROBERTSON MAYORAL RUN
Mr. Gregor Robertson, the NDP MLA for Vancouver-Fairview will not commit since winning the Vision Mayoral nomination to stepping down as MLA while he runs for Mayor of Vancouver.
Mr. Robertson on only his second day since winning the nomination is already exercising questionable conduct.
As MLA, Mr. Robertson receives a generous salary package. He has stated the Legislature will not have a spring/summer sitting and therefore be doesn't foresee any problems in maintaining his position as MLA and campaigning for Mayor of Vancouver.
The problem is this. By Mr. Robertson not stepping down as MLA, the taxpayers are essentially subsidizing his Mayoral run and this is wrong. It's actually improper.
As MLA Mr. Robertson collects a provincial paycheck and not carrying out that job attached to the paycheck is one thing but using that paycheck while doing another job (running for Mayor) seems fraudulent to me. Moreover, it certainly raises issues of ethics.
Mr. Robertson owes it to Vancouver citizens to clear this matter up. It is quite simple. He can refuse to accept his provincial paycheck and request that Vision pay him a salary while campaigning.
It seems Mr. Robertson's lack of experience is already placing him in a compromising position. This is exactly what turns people off from the political process and further erodes public trust. Citizens of course, once more are left paying the cost.
Jamie Lee Hamilton
tricia_foxx@yahoo.com
posted by Jamie Lee Hamilton @ 9:47 AM
6 comments
6 Comments:
How is this different than Peter Ladner not stepping down as city counsellor while he runs for Mayor - taxpayers are paying for Peter's salary just as we are for Gregor's. It is exactly the same.
The difference is that Peter Ladner is paid by the taxpayers to represent all Vancouver citisens. He was elected by Vancouver citizens.
Mr. Robertson is paid by the taxpayers to represent Vancouver-Fairview constiuents at the provincial level. He was elected by Vancouver-Fairview residents only.
My husband and I are not concerned about this what so ever. I am glad that his office will continue to be open in case his constituents require his assistance in matters that would not be addressed if it were closed. For an example: an illegal eviction or any other matters that need to be addressed. I think it is very wise of him to think about the needs of his riding rather than having a vacant seat until Spring 2009.
Hi Raigen
I dis-agree with you. He is doing the same thing as Tim Stevenson did. If he wants to move over to municipal politics fine but don't continue to suck the public teat, which he is doing by continuing to collect his MLA salary.
The public for the most part doesn't like this. I feel it was the reason Tim Stevenson was defeated and this will factor in to Mr. Robertson's defeat as well.
I'm sorry, but at what point did anyone in Vancouver agree to fund Peter Ladner's mayoral campaign? He was elected as a councillor, to represent all citizens as you said. Meeting with NPA backroom boys and holding expensive fundraisers is not reprsenting Vancouver.
Hi Anonymous
I think you have confused Peter Ladner with Sam Sullivan.
Mr. Ladner continues to do his Council work and his Mayoral campaign receives donations just like other campaigns do.
Mr. Robertson on the other hand is getting paid by taxpayers to represent his constituents full-time in the capital city.
His campaign to be Mayor is full-time work and so there appears to be some conflict especially because Mr. Robertson continues to collect his provincial MLA salary which clearly provides him a salary for his Mayoral run.
He has to make a choice as Councillor Ladner has said. Is he in provincial politics or municipal politics?
Even Allen Garr of the Vancouver Courier who is more sympathetic to Vision has articulated that Mr. Robertson needs to make up his mind on this issue.
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