A tale of two MLAs

By Nadine Eagles- Harvie

The Hants Journal

NovaNewsNow.com

When it comes to MLA expenditure Hants County covers both ends of the spectrum.

Over in East Hants there’s big spender, NDP MLA John MacDonell who splashed out on $13,445 worth of custom-made office furniture along with an additional $2,600 for a printer. On the other hand in West Hants we have PC MLA Chuck Porter whose frugal figures didn’t even warrant a mention in the media hype surrounding the recent Auditor General’s report on MLA expense claims. “I can say that I have not been contacted by the Auditor Generals office,” Porter told the Hants Journal in a recent interview, and adds his expense records are an open book. “Anyone that would like to come to my office and look at the expense claims is welcome to at any time. I am very diligent and I know every expense is correct and accounted for.” “As an elected official I’m in a position of trust and I need to be 100 per cent accountable to the public. I take great pride in representing the people of Hants West and am always conscientious of tax payers money.”

The father of four says he used to pinching the pennies. “I’m used to buying everything I can on sale. I’m a taxpayer too and understand what it’s like to watch those dollars. You have to know what you’re spending.”

Porter purchased his office desk on sale for $250. “At the time I thought that was even a little steep. When we need printer paper we wait until it goes on sale and buy in bulk to save money.”

Porter said it is unfortunate to have MLA’s exposed as spendthrifts. “Thats just not the kind of fellow I am. It’s like we’ve all been painted with the same brush. I can only speak for myself but we are given an allowance and that is only there to buy what you actually need.

He says all MLA expenses revealed in the audit, however, we legit. “Those claims were all within the rules of spending. But that doesn’t mean all the rules are good; they probably need some revamping.”

MacDonell has since repaid the expense claimed for the office furniture and had pointed out the pieces were purchased over a period of time and supported local industry.