When it comes to elected officials and severance, Ponoka residents feel pretty strongly on the matter.
Ponoka News’ most recent web poll: Do you think municipal councillors should receive a severance package for years of service? garnered 176 votes from readers with 159 (90.34 per cent) stating “No”. Of those votes, 13 (7.39 per cent) voted in favour of the question while four (2.27 per cent) were “Unsure”.
For some, the idea of voting on a raise or severance is not ideal.
Curtis Jacobson feels voting on one’s own raise is wrong. “Nobody should ever have the ability to ‘vote’ themselves a raise, much less a potential $40,000 ‘severance.’ It’s clearly unethical and I would be shocked if it’s even legal.”
“How about we make these proposed raises and severance packages proactive, so they don’t apply to any current sitting council member or mayor,” added Jacobson.
For Kris Inglis, however, there’s always two sides to the story. “Quality works comes with quality pay. You get what you pay for,” they stated.
“So before jumping so hard to the side of ‘no, dammit all’ just consider what it takes for a town to flourish. It takes passionate hard working people who are compensated fairly for their work. Not running with millions, just fair honest pay.”
They suggested readers take into consideration what it takes with regards to time before jumping to a conclusion.
“So before we get all steaming mad here let’s try stepping into the other perspective to observe that point of view with a neutral level of compassion and/or understanding,” said Inglis.
Former town councillor John Jacobs was a definite “No” on the issue.
“I hate the thought that we entice someone to run for council for a pay check. The motive should be to serve the community, and if this is something you are not prepared to do, then don’t run for council,” he stated.
Ponoka News’ web polls are a way to engage with readers and get a feel for what residents want. The polls do not represent an official petition or plebiscite. Check at www.ponokanews.com/web-poll for more polls. Editor’s note: Some comments have been edited for length or grammar.