"Cowardice asks the question...is it safe? Expediency asks the question...is it politic? Vanity asks the question...is it popular? But conscience asks the question...is it right? And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular but one must take it because it is right." ~Dr. Martin Luther King

Tuesday 4 November 2014

Multiple Choice

It's suggested blog become a problem solver. It's better than an option.

I am at the end of my phone or e-mail for anyone who needs help.  Town staff  response has  always been prompt.

Region of York doesn't get enough public attention.

During the election, Aurora was self-described on Rogers Cable as an affluent community. High average  income and post-secondary education were referenced.

Town spending reflects it, No indulgence is denied.  Economic class distinction is established.
Haves and have nots.

I think it's time to organize.

Tax equity for seniors and low income families strikes a chord. Should we be compelled to pay for services we neither want, need  nor are inclined  or  can afford to use.

Under provincial legislation forty years since, Aurora created a tax relief program that recognized potential hardship to seniors and low income families created by changes in property assessment.

In 1998, the Province legislated mandatory tax relief for  seniors and low income families in single tier municipalities. It coincided with the amalgamation of Toronto.

A lien  is registered against property but interest  cannot be charged.

The case is made. The precedent is set.

Membership is invited.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sounds a bit scary but should be worth considering. I was sort of hoping for a paying gig for you though.

Anonymous said...

I know of a young professional who simply did not bother to pay property taxes for years here in town. She only did so when she was ready to move elsewhere. The town did nothing because the place looked OK & no one complained.

Anonymous said...

Town spending does reflect it. This so called affluent community with high average income and post-secondary education will change. The entitlements will also come to a stop eventually. I’m just hoping for sooner rather than later.

Anonymous said...

16:56
Sooner it is. That message was received by all the candidates. It is not a coincidence that the Horton house is on the market.

Anonymous said...

Unless listing the property is to create a sense of urgency, with the hope of resurrecting the project for the new council?

Anonymous said...

18:56
That did not fly last time. The " Vision " is going to come from Mr Stronach who does not take to being nit-picked.

Anonymous said...

That library looks worth browsing.

Anonymous said...

"Tax equity for seniors and low income families strikes a chord. Should we be compelled to pay for services we neither want, need nor are inclined or can afford to use."

Why should anyone be compelled to pay taxes for municipal services that they will never use? I have no children in the school programs, why should I pay education taxes? I do not use the pools, arenas, soccer pitches, etc... why should I pay taxes for those things?

I am not poor nor am I a senior, however if I have to pay for things that I do not use, why do others get off? If the cost of taxes for an individual is too high, perhaps they are living in the wrong place?

Anonymous said...

Points well-made, 10:00. It's all part of living in a *community*.