The theme of the new strategic plan is quite obvious. All the valuable "head office" programs are to be reinforced with more resources. Branches on the other hand are to fend for themselves or suffer cuts or closure.

Prior to the adoption of new bylaws that put all power and money in the hands of a strong Vancouver based CEO, the former CEO and his entourage and supporters, a group that included the current President, travelled the province promoting the merits of central control and professional management.

Professional management would put an end to public embarrassment that was costing the society money and branches in the Lower Mainland and in Victoria. Professional management would bring a new level of professional fundraising and raise the Society's income from 20 to 23 million! Professional management would replace any lost gaming revenue from "other sources" ! And the very best, professional management would ensure everyone would get their fair share of Victoria's money - even Victoria!

So here we are in the fifth year of centralized professional management. Income continues to stagnate! The Society will continue to cannibalize its branches to expand its provincial programs. The interesting thing in all this is ..... that it was the current President, Ms. Troman who told me that the Society can't raise money in a community without a shelter!

I look forward to the closure of the BC SPCA in my community.

Rick Sargent