Mayor and Council, I am writing to bring an interesting article to your attention in the Dec. 13 National Post that I would encourage you to read.
It references in it someone (Ronald Jensen) who ran the public works department in Phoenix, Ariz. for 25 years without the need to raise property taxes. I find this interesting because we have owned property in Surprise, Ariz. (population of about 100,000) for a couple of years. The first year the property taxes were about $2,500, the next year about $2,200 and this year about $1,800.
They operate first class facilities and services. I don't know how they did it but perhaps our city could learn something here. I would like to inspire all involved at city hall to take up the challenge and target to match the City of Surprise over the term of council. This would likely ensure re-election easily next time around.
Peter Lindhout, St. Albert
