By Jeremy Shepherd, North Shore News March 28, 2012
West Vancouver's mayor and council voted unanimously Monday night to give themselves their first pay hike in nearly a decade. Effective
April 1, councillors will see their salaries bumped from $21,972 to
$30,000. Mayor Michael Smith's pay is scheduled to rise from $65,915 to
$75,000. Smith acknowledged voting for a wage increase went
against his 30-year track record of advocating for fiscal prudence from
elected officials. "I haven't seen anything to prove that the more
you pay, the better candidates you get," he said. "Frankly, I can't
vote for an increase for myself," Smith said. Smith said he plans
to donate his salary increase to the West Vancouver Foundation, with the
suggestion the money be earmarked for the seniors' shuttle bus service. "That
way it'll stay in the district," he said. Despite "serious
reservations," Smith voted in favour of the motion. "There's a
significant cost to childcare and time away from employment," he said. (more)
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