With Milton families facing severe affordability challenges and rising property taxes, it is incredibly frustrating to see a recently passed motion increasing Council salaries and allowances for the next term.
Political leadership at the municipal level should never be a career or a financial opportunity; it should be an act of pure community service.
There is a common argument that if politicians aren’t paid, only the wealthy can afford to run. I reject that premise.
True dedication to a community requires sacrifice. Whether you are wealthy or a working-class professional, anyone asking for the responsibility to govern this town should be willing to volunteer their time and expertise freely.
To be clear: competitive compensation is essential to attract top talent for full-time municipal staff and private sector professionals. But when it comes to elected officials, the fundamental driving force must remain giving back to the community they call home.
When our residents are being forced to make difficult financial sacrifices, elected officials must lead by example. We cannot ask taxpayers to shoulder the financial burden of short-sighted political decisions while our public representatives get a salary raise.
Alongside competence and relevant expertise, having no expectation of financial compensation is a fundamental dimension of true stewardship.
Milton needs political leadership driven strictly by civic duty, not a paycheck.