Lessons on treatment
Currently going through its own controversy over sewage privatization is the municipality of Sooke [“Staff revise estimates,” July 6]. Sooke handed over the operation of its sewage system to Edmonton-based Epcor five years ago. Back then, Epcor estimated it would charge the municipality less than half a million dollars when the contract came up for renewal. But now Epcor is demanding $924,752—an increase of 87 per cent. A fuzzy cost item called “contract management” has ballooned by 57 per cent over what Epcor originally estimated.
Sooke residents are so incensed by the out-of-control fee increases they have formed the Committee for Fair Sewer Services for Sooke. A candidate is running in the municipal election for mayor opposing the deal with Epcor. But Sooke’s experience with privatization is like that of other cities, including Hamilton, Ontario, that see private operators come back repeatedly with demands for increased fees.
At least Sooke retains ownership of its treatment plant. What kind of bargaining position would the City of Powell River have in the proposed joint treatment deal with Catalyst Paper Corporation’s Powell River mill? Having got rid of its own sewage treatment plants, the city wouldn’t be able to threaten to take the system public again if Catalyst starts demanding fee increases.
Ellen Gould
Willow Avenue
Civic politics
Welcome, Powell River, to the real world of civic politics [“Councillor solicits support for option,” July 6].
Recently, City of Powell River Councillor Dave Formosa raised eyebrows for contacting signatories to a petition presented at a public council meeting and asking supporters of co-treatment of the city’s liquid waste to express their views to mayor and council.
As a former Vancouver city councillor and school trustee, let me assure you that practices like these are common place in urban communities. Petitions, letters to elected officials or any correspondence which comes to their attention are fair game for a call back.
Many (if not most) urban civic politicians who have been around the election block collect names of people given to them during their term of office, contact them on a regular basis and (very often) win on their support at voting time. Many (if not most) also have people they contact for more information or viewpoints about particular issues.
This is typical political strategy at all levels of government.
Also typical is elected officials lobbying those who can influence public decision making, especially when a controversial decision could go either way. Getting like-minded people to express their views to all decision makers or write letters to local media are practices covered in political kindergarten.
Elected officials should be passionate about issues and should leave no stone unturned in trying to get things to go the way they feel is right, even in Powell River.
Sandy McCormick
Texada Island
