The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Question: In these belt-tightening times, what is our council doing differently, if anything? Was it prudent to approve pay raises for municipal workers last year when other towns were holding the line? Should more services be contracted out (example: concession at the Whitney Forum, etc.) so taxpayers can save on union wages, benefits, etc.? Mayor Therien: I am actually surprised with this question given that this is a union-oriented community, but I will try to address all the issues you brought up. It does not matter what type of times we are in, at least over the 15 years I have been on council, your council has always had their finger on the pulse of those controlling the purse strings of the city. We have to be aware at all times that we need to get the biggest bang for your buck as we can. Council has had to make tough decisions and will continue to make tough decisions in the future. Not to say everyone is in favour of our decisions, but that would be impossible to accomplish. Your question regarding contracting out has both pros and cons. We already contract out the concession at the Whitney Forum and this has worked well for us. Contracting out may not necessarily be an advantage, as it depends on what you are contracting for. If it is something specific and may not be able to be handled by our workforce, it probably makes sense to look at contracting out, but keep in mind, this process may not save you any money. The part of this question I have a little problem with is your reference to cost savings on union wages and benefits. First off, salaries and wages are a major cost of doing business regardless of whether you have a union or not. I have been involved, both as a councillor / mayor and in my business life, on the management side of the table. In business, I have been at Co-ops that are unionized and those that are not. Believe it or not, but my first preference is with a union, as I believe you get more structure dealing with a union contract. Not to say there may not be problems, but usually the answers lie within the confines of the contract. This is not to say that we have not been involved in heated contract negotiations as we (council / management) are always trying to get what is best for our taxpayers, as is the union for their members. At the end of the day, I believe we pay our people fairly and in line with like positions in the municipal world. As for benefits, I believe very strongly in maintaining our benefits. If you have ever had to use them, you certainly appreciate the fact that you have them. As far as costs, yes, they do come at a high price, but I would have a tough time using this as a tool to save money. * * * Question: What is the city's position on the (sometimes) elevated pollution levels residents continue to see? Mayor Therien: In fairness, the city does not have a position with respect to the sometimes-elevated pollution levels. This is not to say that individual councillors or myself may not have some concerns, but we are not in a position to do anything about it. It is what it is. However, this will all become a moot point when the smelter shuts down. * * * Send your questions for Mayor Therien to The Reminder via phone at 687-3454, fax at 687-4473, e-mail at [email protected] or standard delivery at "Ask the Mayor", C/O The Reminder, 14 North Avenue, Flin Flon, MB, R8A 0T2. No names are required. Ask the Mayor runs Mondays.
