The announcement that Mr. Bottrill is leaving for a position in Surrey raises questions about whether the City of Abbotsford is in worse shape, the problems bigger and future bleaker than those citizens concerned about the current state of affairs of the City of Abbotsford and its future thought likely.

This announcement underscores concerns that the financial situation and other challenges facing the City will prevent finding the leadership and excellence in a City Manager needed to lead/manage Abbotsford and avoid simply levying higher and higher levels of property taxes.

Mr. Bottrill’s departure, following on that of Don Lymes’s, taken together with upcoming retirements, highlights the fact the city is being stripped of its most competent people at a time when that competence, knowledge and experience is badly needed.

At this rate we will soon be, if not already are, left with only those who cannot find a position elsewhere remaining on the City payroll.

Put all this together with the spendthrift ways of City Hall and the current council – and we are looking at a hole so deep, only years of double digit property tax increases will keep the city financially liquid.