Editor:
I learned of a city Christmas luncheon held on Dec. 16, 2022 at Sandman Center and filed a Freedom of Information request.
The catered lunch was for 350 employees, retirees, council and senior staff at a cost of $10,735.05.
Although, the invitation said the event was hosted by council, the current mayor and council can’t be held fully accountable as it was a budgeted expenditure. According to the invitation, this was an annual event prior to the pandemic.
I find it reprehensible that taxpayers funded this luncheon when we are looking at a roughly seven per cent increase in our property taxes.
The average Kamloopsian is trying to cut costs to navigate these challenging times.
For some, it means cutting back on nutritious meals due to high costs or lining up at the food bank, while our well-paid city workers are feasting on a catered lunch. There are many seniors who do not have $30.72 for a week’s groceries — the per person luncheon cost, not including space rental, etc. The city, however, was collecting food bank donations at the event, so, bring a can of food and receive a $30 lunch. Shame on the bureaucrats of this city.
While catered meal expenditures by city staff and council has been raised previously by KTW, the practice continues. It is time to quit feeding entitlement.
Klare Radloff
Kamloops
