Dear sir,
Recently there were two articles in Northern Connector: “Kitimat tax situation is not easy to understand” - does anyone? - and “Terrace to lower its tax rate in order to attract industry”.
The article on Kitimat taxes offered, in my opinion, a disturbing fiscal rationale.
Politically, in our province both parties are now without leaders: headless chickens.
My community, in my opinion, is just the same.
Consider the huge negative shifts in world economies that have enormous impact on our continent, our country, our province and finally on our community of Kitimat.
Oh yes, do not forget our largest trading partner, the USA, which by the way has now adopted the no tax increase policy of former (and at the time not very popular) president Bush. His ratings by some reports are now slightly higher than those of current president Obama.
Amazing what things like taxation does to people’s minds!
Here Methanex and then Eurocan shut down, causing probably the loss of some 2,000 jobs, and the negative effect on our properties and our homes was in some cases catastrophic.
(By the way does the local government and the statistic loving administration know how many foreclosures there are? Do you care?)
Further negative fiscal impacts on BC municipalities are the eternal oppositions to any projects that may produce jobs, thus create wealth and finally taxes that could feed the political/bureaucratic desire to spend on their entitlements.
All of this was/is not enough to curb the spending appetite of our leadership.
Add to it the mayors message that was enclosed with last year’s property tax notice.
When the budget was debated, the number was $24 million. The mayor’s message indicated $34 million.
There was new $5 million on paving. Was this urgent? A priority? And to crown it all, the mayor’s pie chart did not include the community’s debt.
How is that possible??
How can Kitimat Council make such an irresponsible presentation to its citizens with an incomplete fiscal report?
I am saddened that none of the candidates competing for vacant council seat last November debated these issues. Some were not even aware of the mayor’s message!
Thank you,
Leon Dumstrey-Soos.