SaltToday

LETTER: Mayor and council aren't volunteers and are underpaid.

Says the former $250,000 per year ribbon cutter.

- WhistleBlower

LETTER: Mayor and council aren't volunteers and are underpaid.

I agree Norm and these councillors take a lot of criticism and grief from some people. It’s can be a thankless job .

- The Sheriff

LETTER: Mayor and council aren't volunteers and are underpaid.

Agree 100% . The value of these positions to the community is substantial. Compensation should match or exceed such value .

- Y'all on

LETTER: Council pay shouldn't rise more than union increases

This is a pretty hilarious letter. Gary fails to mention the fact that council wage increases have been far below union increases for decades and if in fact we retroactively increased council pay to that of union increases over the last 20 years council pay would be far higher than what is being done over the next number of years. Talk about sour grapes. I'm sure most people have seen what many of the cities union workers do or dont do in a day and I dont think you'd find too many people supportive of the increases they have received over the last 20 years. Many (not all) are gravy train jobs for people who could not come anywhere close to their salary in the private sector. Council pay is not based on whether or not you agree with their decisions and please do some research. The private sector had a decade plus to build a turf facility and council actually gave a rezoning to a private developer to build one....it never happened.

- Johnathan Simkins

TBT News suspends weekend broadcast

And yet here you are .

- Rock Manenough

LETTER: Mayor and council aren't volunteers and are underpaid.

Norm, while your point is valid I think this is tone deaf.Taxpayers are trying to tell you they can't afford anything more. At some point this needs to stop. The majority of tax payers feel like they are taken advantage of by employers and are worth more than their salary. This is where the frustration often lies....People who are having a hard time right now don't think it's fair and I tend to agree at this point.

- Greg Tarque

LETTER: Council pay shouldn't rise more than union increases

The leaders are accountable every 4 years in elections. Would you hold all the union members to the same standard where union members only get raises after their performance has been evaluated every year? Would you also ask those same union members to campaign for their job every 4 years and risk losing it? You mention that several councillors own local businesses and have influenced zoning/permits that have helped them. Please name them and which zoning/permits they influenced in their favour. I dont anticipate you actually following through by providing actual proof of your statements because it sounds like coffee shop garbage.

- Johnathan Simkins

LETTER: Mayor and council aren't volunteers and are underpaid.

These elected official knew their responsibilities when they went into the jobs and what the compensation was, so they are well looked after. Appears a lot of them are there just for their recognition, etc.

- Alarmforce

Man arrested for Boulevard Lake assault

Good work! Thank you, TBPS.

- Grammar_Please

LETTER: Mayor and council aren't volunteers and are underpaid.

.."I'm not in it for the money"....does that apply to your Mr.Carney also?

- Feldwebel Wolfenstool

LETTER: Council pay shouldn't rise more than union increases

If you're avoiding roundabouts because of fear...time to turn in your license

- fearthegreek

Man arrested for Boulevard Lake assault

Great work TBPS.

- Wise Owl

LETTER: Mayor and council aren't volunteers and are underpaid.

(Part 2)Why should Thunder Bay families - fcing 4%+ tax hikes, infrastructure deficits, high living costs, and out-migration - subsidize one of the highest councillor-to-population ratios while council members' private businesses potentially benefit from (or block) decisions made at the table? The “only wealthy people can afford to run” argument falls flat when we have dedicated people serving now, and higher pay won't fix representation... it just costs more and may attract those seeking influence over income.True public service involves sacrifice. Before locking in these massive raises that outpace what most taxpayers receive, council should demonstrate restraint: tighter budgets, measurable results, reduced council size, stronger conflict rules, and leadership that feels the same pressures as the residents paying their cheques.We deserve accountable governance on our dime... not an insulated group gradually professionalizing self-regulation.

- TbayFromAfar

TBT News suspends weekend broadcast

Honestly, no big deal, they dont report actual news anyways...Just voicing my opinion is all......

- Nascar Baby

LETTER: Mayor and council aren't volunteers and are underpaid.

Then lower the wages of managers that are over the 200k list.

- lookatallthefacts

Man arrested for Boulevard Lake assault

Time to start letting the public take care of these assaults

- joy joy

New jail to get more beds

Perhaps it is time for Canada to adopt a Siberia style of incarnation for forced industrial work, especially for the habitual criminals. At a $152,700.00 + per year per head it is time the tax payer got better value for their dollar.

- Robert Stasiuk

Former Tbaytel CEO filing to run for mayor

There is an election every 4 years where each member of council can lose their job. Thats about the most accountable of a system you can get.

- Johnathan Simkins

LETTER: Council pay shouldn't rise more than union increases

Well said, Gary Dennis.Council pay should be tied to union increases and actual performance - not automatic 9% compounded hikes that nearly double councillors’ salaries from ~$33k to ~$62k (mayor to ~$174k) by 2033.This is a part-time job in a city of ~110k–117k with an oversized 13-member council (mayor + 12). Larger cities like Barrie (~148k) manage with just 11 members. Taxpayers are already facing 4%+ tax hikes, infrastructure deficits, and pet projects (event centre, roundabouts, turf facility, etc.).Several councillors own local businesses and have influenced zoning/permits affecting their own interests - raising pay only heightens conflict-of-interest risks.True leadership means showing the same restraint demanded of city staff and residents. Link raises to union settlements, cut waste, and consider shrinking council size. Voters will remember this at election time.We need accountable leaders who feel the same pressures as the people paying the bills.

- TbayFromAfar

Former Tbaytel CEO filing to run for mayor

He wants a government that is accountable to its taxpayers and citizens. We all want that but all we ever get is higher taxes and less essential services.

- TaxedtodeathinTB