LETTER: Audit needed

This audit has recommendations with a price tag of $4.3 million dollars. I have asked for disclosure on many issues recently, concerning our high end spending projects, including justification of the scathing raises for the mayor and council.

If I am correct, we are paying another $1.5 million, into the $6.2 million dollar solar project, which apparently will save approximately $380,000 for electricity at the Credit Union Place (CUP). Taxpayers have a right to know how much this audit of Honeywell Inc. cost? What financial institution is lending us the money? What interest rate and for how long? Mayor Martin more than blasted our previous mayor about mismanagement and a running debt of approximately $100 million dollars. He promised "Change" 1,000 jobs, fiscal restraint and more.

I question, did the city have the right audit? What this city really needs is a forensic audit, so all the taxpayers can see the money trail, and just how much our debt actually is. The concept of living within our means has drifted away.

I do understand the importance of energy and greenhouse gas emission with new technology, at the same time our city must weigh the costs to what we can afford. To keep borrowing money, over and over again will leave our small city in major debt, which will be passed on to the next generation. 

Time to put all these projects and expenses, dollar for dollar, to the taxpayer. One sure way to see exactly where we stand is through a forensic audit of our books. I know of many municipalities who have done this for their own protection. Summerside is long overdue.

David Griffin

Summerside