TAXPAYERS SHOULD EXPECT TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY FROM CITY HALL
New Westminster (September 15, 2022): “New Westminster City Hall will no longer bury any financial reporting within Council Meetings’ Consent Agenda should the New West Progressives (NWP) win a majority on Council this Fall,” says Ken Armstrong, NWP mayoral candidate. “Financial oversight is a key and foundational responsibility of a municipal council. Transparency and accountability should always be front and centre.”
New West taxpayers face an ever-increasing tax burden from City Hall on top of the high cost of living that comes with our Metro Vancouver location. “Value for money” must be a priority for all of City Hall in its daily operation.
If elected, New West Progressives are committed to quarterly financial reporting. A review of the policies and procedures on purchasing and contracting will also be initiated to ensure City Hall spends wisely and residents are “getting the best deal”. “Council and City Hall have a fiduciary duty to show residents and small business owners how their tax dollars are spent,” says NWP council candidate Rick Folka, who is a Chartered Professional Accountant.
An NWP Mayor and Council will ensure a 5-year operating budget and capital plan is put in place to address the vast needs of all the neighbourhoods in New Westminster. “And if major variances arise, New Westminster can be assured that its Mayor and Council will openly address them,” adds Armstrong.
NWP also commits to collaborating with the School Board to advocate for funding and explore innovative partnerships to address New West schools’ capacity deficit.
NWP mayoral and council candidates continues to share many of their policy ideas aimed to address the concerns and ideas they have heard from New Westminster residents and businesses, leading up to the unveiling of the NWP’s 2022 campaign platform next month. Follow all campaign announcements at nwprogressives.ca/platform.