Dear Editor,

We are told this is "a time of restraint," with cut-backs in spending and rising taxes in Langley Township.

Does council realize its constituents are facing lay-offs for workers, a slowing economy, higher taxes, and now two bridge tolls?

Why do councillors working for the Township think they are worth as much as every other "big-salaried" executive across Canada? They are not judges (seven years plus more education), cabinet ministers (idiots anyway), school principals (five years or more education, plus experience), or superintendents of the RCMP (again degrees, degrees).

They work for us, their community and its citizens. Where is their restraint? What happened to public service for the public good, or for the good of the community?

And besides, they volunteered for their positions at current prices. I don't suggest they should never get a raise, but not 19 per cent in one year - only a raise comparable to the people they serve.

Most people struggle to make ends meet each month. Pensioners live on $1,200 a month unless they have a bit of savings. The tolls on our two Langley bridges plus our very bad transit system, which council did not oppose very loudly or help very much on behalf of their constituents, will make it even harder on most Langley workers.

And council wants a raise because everyone is getting more than they are. What cry babies! I say no raise.

Ras Gosse, Langley