Dear editor,
"Tired of paying ever increasing municipal taxes?" says the headline of the Comox Valley Common Sense full page ad.
They go on to point out that municipal taxes have been on a steep increase while federal and provincial taxes have declined. By now I thought that it was common knowledge that the two higher levels of government have reduced taxes by passing on the burden of providing certain services to the next government level down.
And now the tax burden for providing those services has arrived on the steps of municipalities all cross Canada. So what choice do they have but to raise taxes to pick up the slack.
I, for one, think that we are quite well managed fiscally, particularly Comox. Especially in light of the current world economy.
So, who are the people behind the Comox Valley Common sense? Based on their recent full-page ad, they are hoping to influence your vote in the upcoming municipal elections by posting a list of "approved" candidates.
I, for one, would like to know who is behind this organization before I cede my vote to their "list." If you go to their website, there is no mention of the board of directors nor the major backers, etc.
I am not suggesting that they are ultra right wing, left wing or pro developers or whatever. I would just like to know who they are and what they stand for individually.
So come on, man up. Who are you?
And, as for fiscally responsible government, they advocate a "northern connector linking the Inland Island Highway with Veteran's Memorial Parkway" (the quote is from their website).
How is that fiscally responsible? Such a road would cost hundreds of millions if not more.
And what about the ecological and social upheaval? Where would you have such a road routed?
Probably down Piercy, then up Vanier. So all those acreages and farms would have their peace and quiet forever disturbed, not to mention the questionable tactic of running a major highway past a high school and a sports centre.
However, there is one point in their mantra with which I agree fully. Get out and vote, it is your responsibility. If you don't vote, you give up all right to complain.
So show some common sense. Get informed and vote.
Andrew Clarke,
Comox