Wake up call for Airdrie taxpayers

Dear editor, Most Airdrie residents are unaware of the major increases in local property taxes planned for the coming years.

After a “small” tax increase of 3.97 per cent in 2010, local residents are looking at increases of 12 per cent in 2011 and 7.5 per cent in 2012.

If you paid $2,000 for taxes in 2009, within two years - in 2012 - your taxes will be $2,504. In many households, $504 represents one month’s food.

Why do taxes increase? Spending more than what is taken in could be the result of living beyond your means, poor management, poor planning or self interest.

In recent years, eight major businesses have turned away from Airdrie, including a Costco Retail outlet and a Wal-Mart distribution centre. These and other developments could have helped offset our rising taxes.

Airdrie has serious, major problems. Complacency sometimes leads to failure. Every property owner has a substantial interest to protect - as well as the future of our city. We need representation with management skills.

With the current economy, which hasn’t hit bottom yet, and the ensuing joblessness, now is not the time for increasing property taxes.

Elections coming

Elections for Airdrie’s mayor and aldermen will be held Oct. 18. Nomination day is Sept. 20. Candidate information packages are available at City Hall.

Our present mayor and aldermen should realize that they are not entitled to these positions, nor are they a platform for self-advancement. These are positions of stewardship and management for the best interests of residents. When making civic decisions, consequences should be known. Residents should not be asked to have faith, to have patience or to wait and see.

There is no doubt we have some very capable people in the business sector, retirees and others who could become very honourable custodians of Airdrie’s future. We need them to step forward.

Hugh Hamilton, Airdrie