Councillor Expenses For 2012

One of the promises I made to the people of Abbotsford during the November 2011 municipal election was that I wholeheartedly supported open, transparent and accountable government. By extension, that meant that I would apply that same principle as an individual member of Council. In other words, whatever taxpayer money I spent should be open to the public for review and comment.

The Financial Information Act Report requires that every elected official must disclose the total dollar amount spent in each year. However, there is no requirement to provide any detail, which means the taxpayer has no way of knowing what the money was spent on or how much.

In an effort to be open, transparent and accountable to the taxpayer’s of Abbotsford for the money I spent during 2012, please find a detailed breakdown of the $3,932.10 that I spent as follows;

1. Local Government Leadership Academy. This is a conference for newly elected Mayors and Councillors. This conference was held at the Delta River Inn, February 22 – 24, 2012. Hotel cost – $317.58 (room and taxes only), Parking $28.00, Mileage $79.50. Total Cost $425.08

1. Lower Mainland Local Government Association. This conference was held at the Hilton Whistler Hotel, May 9 – 11, 2012. Registration $291.20. Hotel Cost 377.00 (room and taxes only). Mileage – $199.39. Parking $40.32. Total Cost $907.91

1. Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM). This conference was held at the Victoria Conference Centre /Empress Hotel, September 24 – 28, 2012. Conference Registration – $828.80. Hotel Cost $733.84 (room and taxes only). Flights from Abbotsford/Victoria & return – $310.88. Taxi from Airport to Hotel – $55.50. Conference Meals – $58.05. Total cost – $1,987.07.

1. Miscellaneous City Events – Five (5) Abbotsford Chamber Lunches – $169.12, Abbotsford Economic Symposium – $159, Two Gala’s (Run for Water & Making News Making History) – $156.72, Abbotsford Sports Hall of Fame – $60. Urban Development Institute (Fraser Valley Lunch) – $67.20. Total Cost – $612.04

Total taxpayer monies spent during calendar 2012 – $3,932.10

If any resident of Abbotsford would like to review the backup for any or all of the expenses, please let me know and I will make those available.