The little ditty they sing on that commercial about bankers always having their hands in your pocket came to mind as I read the sign at Abbotsford Recreation Center about fee increases.

And no, it was not the fact that they were charging we citizens more to use the facility on the same day they were cancelling or cutting back access and services.It is that I have lived in Abbotsford for nigh on two decades, lived through and paid many fee increases, which in all those prior years took effect on September 1.

Why was the effective date moved up this year?

The only explanation I can think of is that the city coffers have been drained so empty by Plan A, that even the modest extra cash flow from this early fee increase is desperately needed by the city.I am afraid to ask how long it will be before we face quarterly fee increases or inventive new fees.

With quarterly increases the city can claim: “See, we only put your fees up 2.5%!” or disingenuously ask “What are you implying, what do you mean that is over 10% increase for the entire year?

”Just think, if council was to do tax increases on a quarterly basis they could claim taxes only went up 4% this quarter year.And this is why that little ditty is running through my head.

♪♪ …hands in your pockets …♪♪♪♪

Why is the City of Abbotsford dragging its heels over giving support to an initiative to help some of the homeless through a card program modelled on Mission’s successful Red/Gold card programs?

Is it not disgraceful enough that once again an initiative to supply basic humanitarian aid in meeting fraction of the life sustaining needs of the homeless and poor in Abbotsford has to be carried forward by so very few caring citizens?

Through the hard work and inspiration of the few involved with gathering the support and resources to launch even this limited, but so badly needed program, a hundred meals a month will be added to the battle against hunger in our city. The program will also provides some other acutely needed items, but will not at this time be able to provide showers.

A proposal, a request, that the city support this program by providing a hundred showers a month has apparently fallen on deaf ears. Not only has the city failed to grant this request, they have failed to grant the courtesy of a reply on the matter to the hard working citizens who are seeking to contribute to the spirit and well being of Abbotsford.

With two recreation centres in the city it would cost the city… nothing but the political will to act in providing showers to the homeless.

A simple, effective action and yet the city does nothing.

Why?