At least $50,000 of your money down the drain, and for what?

Citizens' groups that have been fighting the installation of sewers in King City have pulled back from their latest court action, but there is the possibility of further action.

But there is a basic, down-to-earth issue that has to be considered, and Mayor Margaret Black who has raised it.

King Township was obliged to spend a lot of money to respond to this action. Black said the cost to the municipality will likely exceed the $50,000 mark when all the figures are in. And York Region has been put to similar expense.

Black has lamented that such funds could have been put to other uses. It's hard to argue with that.

The last time the sewer issue made the headlines, the Township established what King City residents would have to pay to cover their share of the installation. The figure was $12,541 per dwelling, and no one should be surprised that a lot of people are angry at that news. We can't help but wonder if some of that $50,000 might have

gone to help reduce that figure. Granted, it would have amounted to little more than a drop in the proverbial bucket, but it is also true that every little bit helps. Alas, this action that went nowhere meant that drop didn't go into the bucket.

We will always support the right of citizens to take action against plans and decisions with which they do not approve. We will support such action on the part of groups with whom we agree and with whom we disagree. The right to legal redress is basic in our society,

and a pox on anyone who would argue to the contrary.

But it is well documented that any right comes with responsibility. If you're going a launch a legal action, bear in mind that there will be a cost. And if you're going to go after a government body, bear in mind that the other side will have costs too. You and your neighbours will have to pick them up.

Has that bit of reality ever been considered by those who continue to fight sewers that are either in the ground or soon to go in?

There has been too much money spent fighting these sewers. The previous Township council devoted much of its energies on the fight, and accomplished little more than running up big legal bills.

The sewers are being installed as these very words are being written, yet more legal action is being contemplated.

And such action could very well lead to more costs for the taxpayers.

Who's really being served here?