Letter to the editor 2, June 21, 2018

Reality check

Dear Editor, Hudson – a small town of approximately 5500 residents, a small town with a massive debt, with a fire department that has equipment that could serve a town with four times its population, a town that is incapable of repairing our road system has, in its infinite wisdom, purchased five new Ford 150 XLT pick-up trucks. Three for Parks and Recreation and two for Public Works. These trucks retail for $49,364 and with the extras that have been added to each truck (light bars, custom signage and roll bars) I would imagine that each one costs more than $51,000. This would represent a total expenditure $255,000. There is the possibility that these vehicles have been leased for a period of six years. If that’s the case, I don’t currently have the information for this long term debt that the town has committed us to. Other than questioning the need for a fleet of five new pick-ups, I would suggest that Mayor Jamie Nicholls, council, and all those involved in the decision to purchase these trucks have completely lost touch with the reality that we live in.

I use a 2010 pick-up and though I need a new one, I can’t afford it, so I make do with what I have.

I would suggest that the Town of Hudson starts adopting this philosophy. Jonathan Penney

Hudson