Re: Oct. 31 editorial, titled "And now for their next trick..."
Your writing was a real "treat" - thank you! Very well written and presented.
Our dear city is turning into a spendthrift, so don't party too hard, city admin., over the results of the referendum to borrow
$50 million. What's there to celebrate?
We are now $50 million more in debt, but that's okay we are good for another $400 million, according to a financial director with the city recently interviewed by our local TV station. But relax we are getting this loan at three per cent? As one oldtimer told me yesterday; yes but in 20 years it might be at 10 per cent but I won't live long enough to see it paid!
So the official number that voted on Saturday was 7,875 of which 4,923 voted yes to a new pool and 6,520 voted yes to a new fire hall.
With a population of around 74,000 people, 4,923 said yes to a new pool and 6,520 said yes to a new fire hall and we can conclude the mind of the people have spoken?
The referendum was a disengaged, dismal display of democracy. Maybe it was manipulated as such, so that city may get its way.
Or maybe just a poor job done by the communications department to foster critical thought and debate, which is necessary to balance such initiatives that will effect our house taxes for a very long time!
The latest figure I heard through local media was a tax increase of over five per cent before the tax increase for increased yearly city expenses which can range from two to three per cent.
As the baby boomers are increasingly entering into retirement, the concern from all pensioners is, will they be taxed out of their homes?
What is city council and administration doing to comfort our quickly aging tax base, as well as those young people who are trying to get established, having to take on massive mortgages just to buy an old house that will have to be rebuilt, before being paid for?
Edward J. Denicola,
Prince George
