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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1979-12-27, Page 16I' PAGE 16 —GODERICH SIGNAL -STAR, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1979 It's really aprivilege to be able topayyour BY ELSA HAYDON Responding to your general invitation to participate in your newspaper's final edition for 1979, I would like to submit a borrowed letter entitled "Why .I love to pay my taxes", "t The letter appeared in the Municipal Woricj in July this year. Although it was originally written for an American publication, the attitude it expresses isoutside national boundaries. In recent times it ap- pears so often that in order to" be clever, sophisticated and in tune with the times, the stmle to follow is to complain, blame, pull down and sneer. The message of the letter is the opposite and that is why I kept it. It is about so much more than paying taxes. It is about recognizing clearly our blessings, freedoms, advantages and privileges, particularly compared to so much of the rest of the world. It is about accepting one's responsibilities. I feel that the letter is appropriate for closing the decade for one who has spent the seventies in ''elected public service. • Here is the letter: WHY I LOVE TO PAY MY TAXES by RICHARD . BROCKMAN Publisher, Platteville Journal as published in "The Municipality" — League of 'Wisconsin Municipalities, April 1979, pg. 76 Dear Ciy Council, City Manage and School Board: Today I paid my property taxes. Usually I try to get to the city finance director's office, the day the notices are out so that I can be among the first to pay. This year I didn't quite make it. But don't take that as a sign I was agry, grassroots, level of disillusioned or just –government at least we' unhappy. _ know that regardless of Yousee, I consider it an how the money is spent, honor to be able to pay at least we'll get as close those taxes. It bothers me to a dollar's value for our to pay my state taxes and money as is possible with my federal taxes, but not government. the city, county and school district taxes because I - fervently believe that I get more (much more) for my money. I don't think that people mind paying taxes nearly as much as some peoples The money that I paid the city wflilo to educate children of y relatives and friends. It will go to provide good roads on which I can drive, for a good public library, swimmingpool, 4 think. -What people don't : parks. It will go for police like is having to pay taxes ` a'hd,fire protection for my and not know what home. It will go to pay they're getting for their somebody to plow out the money. Of course, we all road in front of my home disagree on how portions in the middle of the night of that money should be so that when I get up at 6 spent. But on the local, a.m. it's all done in time for me to use the car. The list goes on and on. Sure, there are some things I'd rather got pay for and there are other things I'd rather see in the city's -budget. But there's no way everyone can be satisfied. The alternative to paying city taxes is for each of us to hire the work . and services. we want separately. Most of us require an awful lot of city services and we'd oon find that the in- dividual bills would quickly mount past what we collectively pay once year in taxes. Oh, I'll still fight the ther 51 weeks of the year or those things I think are best for this com- .4. a 0 f munity things which will make it continue to prosper and to provide the best for its citizens, young and old, but this MVCAUO..O. •4from page 10 Wawanosh Valley, Maple Keys, Sunshine, Ethel, Galbraith and Falls Reserve Conservation Areas. The members' meeting allowance and expenses were reviewed and a proposal to increase meeting per diems from $27.50 to $30 was ac- cepted. Travel... expenses recommended at the current Ministry of Starting the New Year with a little style costs less tithan you think... one week out of the year I'll just be thankful that I had the privilege Of paying those local taxes. Natural Resources rates for any Authority business that members participate in under the direction cif -the Executive Committee, will be subject to Ontario Municipal Board ap- proval. The Authority's Administrative Headquarters will be closed over the holiday season, from December 24 to January 1 inclusive. The senior students of St. Marys school presented the meaning behind each letter in the Christmas as their contribution -4e the school's annual Christmas concert. The concert was staged on Wednesday evening. (photo by Dave Sykes) DRESSES OFF SWEATER COATS (Y0 OFF Fi•A(:k, OF $ BLOUSES .. 10 $5 SI'F:(;1 11. R 1(:K 01 - SWEATERS . • all Wreaths • all Decoupage Balls • aII Velvet Bows • all Stockings • all Decorative Xmas Candles • all Christmas Tree Decorations • all Gordon Fraser Cocktail Luncheon & Dinner Paper Napkins CHRISTMAS EXCHANGES will be handled until" SATURDAY, JANUARY 5th There are so many ways to say Merry ChriStn,a,, at etr Gift Certificates Available ,1‘." w ‘SIV , 4((e'rere4;7\,*, $. \ W Nit, ' 'qVt(1 erdCerA '"k \ I i /,-daroi (ativ -'4\ tt ( esei" \'��'��.�ellll�lll/l�l/li�l� (illy/ 7/-fr\\\\ 1 34 North St. (Next door to the Clothes Closet) Shoppers Square, Goderich 524-8572 CHARDF x VISA All PURCHASES GIFT WRAPPED FREE ON REQUEST etc. 36 birth St. Shoppers Square (;oderieh 321-8572 F:ID�F;MIDAI AF'TERNO()'\ti tt Y