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
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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
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