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People should have opportunity to vote on new tax

If you want my money have the decency to ask me up front so I can vote on it

Editor, The Times

During the last three years there have been many articles describing the North Thompson Geopark.

Not once was any mention made of the need to assess each household in the TNRD areas A, B, O, districts of Clearwater and Barriere and the Simpcw First Nation a tax approximating $17.69 on an assessment of $145,000 (North Thompson Geopark Service brochure).

If the affected ratepayers wish to oppose this they have to fill out a form and send it to the TNRD. This is called an alternative approval process.

So. What is wrong with this picture? First if you want my money have the decency to ask me up front so I can vote on it.

The reason given for going to the alternative approval was because a decision had to be made before Oct. 1 and the TNRD did not have the time to get a positive vote done.

So, what have you been doing for the last three years? You do not have the time?

Well BOO HOO. If you cannot organize a simple vote do not give up your day job.

Think you can do it for October 2018?

The TNRD works for us. If there is any running around to be done they do it. We vote. We have jobs, family commitments and life issues and do not have the time to get forms.

Just what right does the TNRD have to levy additional taxes without our express consent? Answer none.

You want my money, I get to vote.

I do not get my taxes raised through a negative vote.

Besides people here do not make wads of money and every penny counts. Also there are those on fixed incomes that could sure find better ways to spend $17.69 or whatever your amount works out to be.

John A. Cox

Blackpool, B.C.

Clearwater Times