Surrey, B.C. (Rajeev Sharma): Surrey First councillor and mayoral candidate Linda Annis is calling for greater transparency around severance payments made to senior public-sector executives, arguing that taxpayers should be able to see the details when such officials leave their positions.
Annis made the comments while discussing the need for greater scrutiny of public spending, pointing to senior executives such as Metro Vancouver’s Jerry Dobrovolny as an example.
She argued that severance arrangements involving public funds should not remain hidden from residents once a termination or departure has been announced.
Annis Pledges Review of Surrey Spending
As part of her mayoral campaign, Annis says she would undertake a broad review of Surrey’s programs and expenditures if elected.
The proposed review would include compensation arrangements for senior city executives, including the terms surrounding severance payments.
According to Annis, governments need to take a tougher approach when negotiating such agreements rather than automatically relying on existing practices.
She also criticised what she described as overly generous severance arrangements involving public money, stressing that taxpayers ultimately carry the financial burden.
Her position is that greater disclosure would allow residents to better understand how public funds are being spent and hold elected officials accountable for major financial decisions.
Independent Auditor General Part of Campaign Platform
Annis has also renewed her call for Surrey to appoint an independent Auditor General.
She said the position would provide an additional layer of oversight over the city’s finances, programs and operations.
Annis noted that Surrey’s annual budget exceeds $2 billion, making independent scrutiny particularly important in her view.
She said the Auditor General should operate independently from both city staff and council, with the authority to examine municipal spending and operations.
The resulting reports and recommendations, she argued, could help improve transparency, efficiency and accountability at city hall.
Focus on Accountability
Annis said an independent audit function would give Surrey residents greater confidence that municipal programs and expenditures are being properly reviewed.
She also criticised former mayors Doug McCallum and Brenda Locke for opposing the creation of such an office, according to her campaign statement.
The calls come as Annis campaigns on a platform focused on financial oversight and greater transparency in municipal government. Her proposals include examining major expenditures and compensation arrangements involving senior officials while strengthening independent scrutiny of city operations.
