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Saving taxpayer dollars the purpose of contracting out public works

Same principle applies when shopping around for best prices
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In regards to comments made by Colin James (Private companies will cut wages and benefits to make a profit, Courier Jan. 26) in regards to my letter, Colin seems to have money to burn in his own personal finances.

The whole purpose of contracting the public works department is to save taxpayer dollars. The B.C. provincial government privatized the Department of Highways public works and have never looked back. Contractors bid on the contracts and the contracts are for a 10-year term.

Colin mentions that my mention of eliminating employee benefits is drastic. What he fails to realize is that the employee benefits are not eliminated and will be paid by the contractors.

Colin in reality is two-faced. Why? When he shops for a new car, he does not buy the car from the first car lot he walks into. If he needs a new roof on his house, he does not hire the contractor that gives him his first estimate. When it comes to Colin’s personal finances he will shop around for the best price.

In summary, Colin comes across that he does not mind paying higher property taxes year after year. His neighbours would fully disagree.

Colin fails to remember what he heard over and over in his school days. What he heard over and over was the teachers saying, double check your work. He surely did not check his letter before submission to the newspaper.

The reality is the race in life is a long one. It is only with yourself. Your chances in life are only at half mast. So is everyone else’s.

Joe Sawchuk,

Duncan