To ease tax pressure, economy must grow
Letters to the Editor - Friday, November 03, 2006 @ 09:00
On the subject of economic development and its importance in creating job
opportunities and a larger industrial, commercial and institutional (ICI) tax
base that would ease the pressure on spiraling residential taxes, mayoralty
candidate Rick Downes just doesn't get it. He must believe that Kingston already
has enough jobs and employment opportunities, and that the heavy burden our
residential taxes must carry is just fine and should continue. Otherwise, why
would he suggest that he wants to stop efforts to attract new commercial and
industrial investment from outside Kingston?
Downes's position shows he has no understanding of what should be seen as one of
the highest priorities of the mayor's office.
We are living in a global economy, and as other municipalities broaden their
marketing forces and efforts to attract new business, does it make sense to go
in the opposite direction by cutting back on, or eliminating, our
marketing/sales department?
After many years of being involved in and closely following area politics, this
is the first time I can recall a candidate taking that position. Everyone else
seems to understand that growing our ICI tax base is paramount for the future
well-being of our community.
Being a strong advocate for social responsibility and justice is honourable, but
we cannot build our economy on a social agenda. The ultimate goals in most areas
related to social issues will only be attained if we have the financial
stability and resources to take us there.
This council made some tough decisions and took giant steps that needed to be
taken to set the stage to grow our economy, even though these steps were not
always popular. We mustn't stop our forward momentum if we want put the brakes
on our ever-increasing residential taxes.
Carl Holmberg
Kingston