Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Mel Rothenburger

ARMCHAIR MAYOR

ROTHENBURGER: Y needs support, not groundless accusations over cuts

Aug 7, 2019 | 7:36 AM

KAMLOOPS — IF ONLY PEOPLE WOULD think before they speak.

Some of the vitriol directed towards the Kamloops Community Y and especially to its executive director Colin Reid since the announcement of cutbacks to Y programs is disgusting.

The cutbacks are definitely disappointing. Two years of deficits convinced the volunteer Y board to reduce costs by 10 per cent, resulting in cuts to hours of operation, programs, and staff.

Loss of staff at the Y women’s shelter is drawing the most condemnation from those who are ever ready to cast blame first and ask questions later. The board and the CEO must be misogynists, they instantly conclude.

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For many, many years the Y has provided not only fitness facilities but social services for the community. It has been and continues to be an outstanding community resource.

When it built its swimming pool complex, it was the place to go both for recreation and fitness. But it has faced many challenges, including the seemingly endless stream of private fitness facilities that have set up shop.

It’s hard for a non-profit to compete with a corporate business model based on cut-rate prices and large volume.

While businesses may vow to be good corporate citizens, they don’t provide things like intervention and support services for victims of violence, financial assistance for kids and families, and mental wellness programs.

The know-it-alls are always ready with advice on where cuts should have been made or how more money could be brought in, but they don’t know the challenges and certainly don’t understand that wages are always the biggest part of any budget.

The volunteer board and its CEO should be applauded for making tough decisions that will ensure the survival of this important organization, not criticized with groundless accusations.

I’m Mel Rothenburger, the Armchair Mayor.

Mel Rothenburger is a former mayor of Kamloops and newspaper editor. He publishes the ArmchairMayor.ca opinion website, and is a director on the Thompson-Nicola Regional District board. He can be reached at mrothenburger@armchairmayor.ca.

Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.