Dear Editor
Re: Raising rates again? Taxpayer’s fed up, Inbox, the Record,Nov. 26.
I agree with Mr. Prokovich 100 per cent! A recent article in the Recordreported a survey indicated citizens of New West are happy with a tax increase yet again. Who was surveyed? Tenants that don’t pay property taxes and utility bills?
Since I moved to my current address 13 years ago, my water, sewer and garbage bill has more than doubled! We were given a song and dance about the money we were saving when the garbage, recycle and green bin system was put in place. Well, the cost of these utilities is going up astronomically.
Property taxes are going up, but services are not –nor is my pension! Where is the money going? Why are we expected to pay salaries but don’t have privy to what they are?
During the last municipal election campaign, there were many forums sponsored by business, thus questions answered were all business-based.
The politicians talked about the miles they were tracking door knocking (one mayoral candidate even bragging that even with the miles he put on, he certainly couldn’t compete with our MP!). Well, Mr. Mayor – and all the councillors – not a one of you darkened my doorstep, and it was practically impossible to get a chance to talk to you! I did speak with Mr. Cote at River Market, but only because I interrupted his walk, not because he approached me. I told him he had one term to do something about the taxes – and he’s showing his colour now. Sure looks pretty black to me! The people who pay your salaries, oh managers of our affairs, are not happy – no matter what your surveys say.
Mary Gagnon, New Westminster
