In response to Alan Murdock's attack on the St. Albert Taxpayers Association.
The St. Albert Taxpayers Association was formed as a means in which a group of concerned citizens could respond to the issue of ever-increasing taxes and voice opinions on promoting responsible spending of our tax dollars. They speak out because they care about St. Albert.
Murdock, who is chairman of the board of the Arts and Heritage Foundation, seems to make light of these citizens who he feels are attacking the initiatives of the Arts and Heritage Foundation. St. Albert does have some wonderful amenities, but let's stop and take a breath because we can't have everything all the time. Taxes are too high. Let's look at needs versus wants. Sometimes the wants overshadow the needs of the majority.
One councillor alluded to the fact that the younger population is declining and some seniors are increasingly finding it more difficult to continue living here because of high taxes. Here is a scenario — today one pays $4,000 per year in taxes. In 15 years at five per cent you will be paying over $8,000 per year. In 20 years you will pay over $10,000 per year.
The city can't keep coming to the taxpayer for more. They have to live within their means just like you and I. Murdock seems to think that a person with a special interest (e.g., one who may promote fiscal responsibility) would hinder his vision of the growth in St. Albert. Gee, he has an ally with a special interest on council — how wonderful for him.
Maybe in Murdock's world high taxes are not a big deal but in someone else's world it has become a big problem.
I am at a loss to why spending has to continue at this fast and furious pace. Maybe council thinks that the sky is falling.
L. Hennigar, St. Albert
