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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2004-10-06, Page 7Wednesday, October 6, 2004 Exeter Times–Advocate Tax notices unfair An open letter to the individual councillors and the council at large for the Municipality of Bluewater: As a multiple property owner, I most vigorously protest the recent 2004 property tax notices issued for September and November payment. In particular, the special charges issued against each and every property assessment, with no regard to reasonable method or result, are nothing less than a spuri- ous and blatant tax grab. aimed at a small segment of the ratepayer popula- tion (largely farmers to be specific) that are already under constant economic siege and coming at a time of year that affords precious little time to mount an effective defence. This comes after several years of soaring assessments amid declin- ing services, with no cor- responding mill rate decreases to offset. I am totally baffled, frustrated and bewildered by the mysterious thought process and rationale that has allowed such boon- doggling to occur, and as such, have made the appropriate deductions. The first principle of any taxation, allowing that taxes are a necessary part of life, is that such taxation be honest, fair and equi- table applied. The special charges for blue box and rec facility, as currently applied for 2004, are none of these. Vacant land has no particular requirement for a blue box or recre- ational facility, nor does any land that does not have a residence or busi- ness upon it that could potentially contribute to the necessity or expense of either of these fine pro- grams. In my particular case, only two of the 10 or so assessed properties should qualify as eligible for these special charges, with the remainder being adjoining, abutting or vacant — or all three. The fairer method would be to special tax only each residence or qualifying business, regardless of how much total assessed acreage is attached to that residence and/or business. Further, any business should, in all fairness, pay only the blue box charge (once), but probably not the rec facility charge, as only individuals can realis- tically make use of these facilities. One last, but very impor- tant point. The rec facility charge should be one charge only, prorated and applied evenly to every residence in the WHOLE municipality of Bluewater!! Having the residences in Hay and Zurich pay more than the others is inequitable, extremely unfair and very shortsighted. If we are going to be a municipality, then we should always act like one. If not, then let's break it all up and go back to the way we were. Under this current method of applying special levies, what will happen when the time comes for Bayfield or Hensall to replace their community centre or other public facility? A nightmare of deciding who should pay and how much will erupt each and every time, serv- ing only to deepen the divisions and fostering Capsule Comments by Ernie Miatello Diabetics land non -diabetics) can use a visual method of eating the four main food groups. Ifs all in the hands. The palm of the hand shows the size of bread and meat one should eat at a meal and about the thickness of your little finger. The cupped hand (or fist) is a carbohydrate portion. For veggies, choose as much as you can fit in both open hands combined. For fat, like butter, ifs amount equal to the size of the tip of your thumb. Portion control: good for everyone. Depression and/or anxiety has affected over 65% of Canadians at one time or another. The problem is that only half of those seek help for the problem. There is help and it doesn't necessarily mean a medication. See your doctor. In Michigan, the first coin-operated breathalyzers were recently put into operation. They are situated in bars and taverns and the user inserts 50 cents in coins and blows through a straw into the machine. The results are given in printed and audio form. Manufacturers say the machine is accurate within 0.02%. Although polio is almost eradicated worldwide, 50% of the new cases are found in Nigeria where authorities in four large states rejected the polio vaccine because of a fear that it causes sterility in women. Of course there is absolutely no proof to this assertion but this rejection has caused an increase in polio cases in these states. Huron Apothecary Ltd. )'a Phone 235-1982, PHA 440 Main St. Exeter ASS. "YOUR HEALTH CARE PHARMACY" FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER SAVE $1.00 OFF THE PURCHASE OF ANY VITAMINS WHEN YOU PRESENT THIS COUPON EXPIRES OCTOBER 31, 2004 conflict. In conclusion, I earnestly appeal to the collective reason and good common sense of Bluewater coun- cil, with the fervent hope they move quickly to retroactively amend and correct all of the recent tax notices in a fair and equitable way, to better reflect the concerns of the many ratepayers that are so negatively and unfairly affected by these special charges as they are now applied. Sincerely, LARRY ELDER POLICE BRIEFS $4,000 worth of property stolen from residence SOUTH HURON — On Sept. 22 at 3:45 p.m. the OPP was called to a daylight break-in at a residence in Huron Park on St. Lawrence Avenue. Sometime that day between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. someone entered the unlocked home and stole $4,000 worth of property including a quantity of jewelry, an RCA MP3 player, an Advantix cam- era, Canadian and American cur- rency and credit cards. Officers have learned a couple accompanied by a young child went to two places in the London area and tried to use the credit cards. They were not successful in those two cases but did use them in the purchase of other property before the bank was notified. Police are looking for a 25 -30 - year -old, white female with long reddish hair. The male is also white and is believed to be 40 years of age with long blondish wavy hair with a touch of gray. If you can help solve this crime call the Huron OPP or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS). 1 (e TOYOTA '05 DRIVE 2005 Corolla CE $17,500 MSRP LEASE FOR '205* PER MONTH FOR 48 MONTHS WITH $2,628 DOWN. FREIGHT AND P.D.E. INCLUDED. Fuel consumption: Hwy 5.31/100 km (53 mpg). City 7.11/100 km (40 mpg). • L8 L, 130 hp engine • 5 -speed manual transmission • Air conditioning • Tilt steering • AM/FM Stereo CD • Keyless entry • Power locks and mirrors • 60/40 split folding rear seat • Driver and passenger airbags • Outside temperature gauge Plus, receive $100 tax credit for fuel conservation. try fikir ® TOYOTA LEASE FOR s205. 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