I think that was a good article about municipal tax rates and increases and comparisons to other cities (A Taxing Concern, March 9). Twenty-eight per cent over the last 10 years is a lot when you take into account water and sewer and other utility costs. It’s getting to be very expensive to own and operate a home.

But, one of the major factors in the cost of delivery of all those services is the cost of labour. For example, a lifeguard at the YMCA, a private not-for-profit enterprise, pays its staff $11 per hour.

The same lifeguard gets twice that amount at a City owned and operated complex — $22 per hour.

Why? So, if you take that equation and multiply it by the over 500 full-time employees, not to mention management and other expenses, you can easily see where the constant increase in taxation is really coming from. Wages.

I’m all for supporting a living wage, but

I wonder what the tax increase per year would be if the City tendered all the contracts for service out for bid to the private sector, instead of being forced to accept a CUPE contract.

Just saying. I think it’s a fair argument. Sometimes you just need to challenge the status quo instead of accepting it as the only option.

If restaurants had to pay union wages, instead of minimum wage, would you be able to afford to go and eat and drink? Again, just saying. But, I think it’s the same basic concept. Competitive payment for services offered and accepted.

Anyways, I do appreciate the great level of services, and amazing quality of life we all share in Canada and I certainly understand how big business works.

After all, I sold gas for a living. My God, talk about a huge machine, and control of the consumer!

Don’t even get me started.

BRIAN HUSBAND

Kamloops