Rocky View County office not needed

Re: “County takes step towards construction of complex,” Oct. 5

Dear Editor,

It is important to realize the big difference between commercial/government and individuals regarding equity.

People want equity to fund their retirement or even leave something to their children.

The point is individuals have a limited lifespan and changing needs over time.

Governments and business have neither and therefore have no need to build equity.

If the County’s goal is building equity, they should direct more tax dollars away from providing services to invest in land, gold, stocks, or mutual funds to build up a “retirement” fund.

Homes tend to increase in value but commercial buildings depreciate. Ironically, the reason for moving maintenance to the new location is that it is not worth repairing the old building because it has depreciated so much.

Another disadvantage is employees that do not want to commute as far will quit and we will lose their knowledge and experience.

Time will be wasted hiring and training new people.

Calgary has a downtown core not because the resource companies have wells downtown, but because the activities of an office are better served by proximity to other offices and suppliers.

Employees that have banking or other errands to run can do so during their lunch breaks. Office supplies are more readily available in the city and so are higher speed Internet connections.

Permits will not be approved faster, roads will not be better maintained, recreation facilities and municipal reserves will not receive more care because the office sits on county-owned land versus a leased facility. In fact, money spent creating this legacy to councillors lacking basic financial skills will take away from providing services to county residents.

The disadvantages of spending $32 million for a new county office can be easily listed.

The only stated benefit is the good feeling to “...conduct their business in the county...”. $32 million is far too much for a feeling.

John McMurray, Airdrie