Councillors Rob Ford (Ward 2, Etobicoke North) and Doug Holyday (Ward 3, Etobicoke Centre)

Seems they're saving me money, much to the chagrin of their colleagues who are costing me a fortune in pay raises and expenditures.

Councillors receive an expense allowance of $53,100 a year to send out letters, rent office space in their constituencies or otherwise run their offices.

Ford reported spending zero in 2006; Holyday says he spent $1,471. Both are known to lecture other councillors for wasting taxpayers' money.

I understand that there's a Code of Conduct to adhere to, but as a Toronto taxpayer, I appreciate the little bit these men are doing for me. Year after year City Council and the Mayor vote themselves enormous salary increases - the increases alone being almost as much as my salary. If these two men want to take it upon themselves to pay for business cards and letterhead out of their own pockets, then more power to them. They already make more than most of their constituents. Let 'em do it.

Certainly this should be fully investigated to make sure that they aren't trading favors for goods and services. But if they come up clean, they should be commended.

Labels: Toronto