I received this email from Toronto Councillor with his thoughts on the Toronto Land Transfer Tax. If you would like to have something posted regarding the tax, whether for or against, email me at vpirri@trebnet.com and I'll be happy to post it here. October 29, 2007
Thank you for your email urging members of Council to vote against the
Land Transfer Tax.
Your correspondence, together with the thousands of other letters,
emails and phone calls made a difference to our city and played an
important role in shaping the opinions of City Council. While we
weren't successful in winning the vote, a meaningful debate took place
about the way in which our city should be run. The taxes originally
proposed have been reduced and an independent review panel has been
selected to look over the city's finances.
These achievements could not have been accomplished without your
support.
I decided to take a leadership role on this important issue because the
proposed Land Transfer Tax and Motor Vehicle Registration Tax are
unjustified.
Taxes are the inevitable cost of living in a large urban city such as
Toronto. However, taxes must be a last resort, not a first strike
weapon.
Two things must be done before new taxes are contemplated. Firstly, the
city must look at efficiencies and savings and live within its means.
Simply put, until we run the city better and ensure our own financial
house is in order, I cannot support asking the taxpayer for more money.
Secondly, we must force the provincial government to address
downloading in a more substantial and meaningful way. The provincial
government must give the city the necessary resources it needs in order
to succeed.
I hope that you will continue to participate in local government so we
can hold city government accountable and keep taxes down.
Sincerely,
Denzil Minnan-Wong