Re: Esquimalt balks at police budget (News, April 8)
Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins is reported as saying that if Esquimalt wins its appeal against the amount of tax to be paid by CFB Esquimalt that “whatever additional funds we get would … be divided as per all the usual percentages.” The fallacy in that thinking is that all services are of equal value.
Since policing works to prevent the one thing that prevents people from living life, initiation of force, it is obviously first priority. Esquimalt is not free of robbery and assault, which really hurts those least able to afford loss of property and health.
A lesser problem is deliberately dangerous drivers – I’ve observed people speeding through the shopping area so they could get to the exercise facility – endangering the health of others. I followed a vehicle that tailgated a driver training car for several kilometres through Esquimalt. No police in sight.
Meanwhile Esquimalt wasted money on shrubbery on Esquimalt Road – all the better to hide jaywalkers, and mismanaged construction projects on Admirals and Craigflower.
I am disgusted with politicians who waste money and fail to protect people.
I urge Esquimalt voters to boot any politician who does not support adequate policing.
Keith Sketchley
Saanich