Editor: Small business is the back bone of our country. We are the largest employer and the largest contributor of tax at all levels of government. Many of us are also the ones who give back the most to the community as well.
We are solutions-driven. All of us face struggles at times and we find solutions to keep our businesses going. Most of us are not getting rich, and have employees who take more from the business than we do.
Wouldn’t it have been prudent to consult with us on finding a solution to the TransLink dilemma? Most communities have business groups with expertise on what the community needs. As these associations are run by self-employed business owners, consultation could have made a huge difference.
I don’t doubt that we need better transportation for our communities, not just to reduce congestion, but to find cost-effective ways to help all of the folks in our communities get around to jobs and shopping without having to invest in cars, and therefore contributing to our carbon footprint.
Aldergrove has one of the largest industrial parks in the entire Lower Mainland, with the largest employer in our area, and there is not one bus to get employees there. Some of these companies employ young people, many who are struggling trying to raise a family, or seeking employment after education. These people cannot afford to purchase a vehicle to get to work without getting a job first.
Langley has the largest per capita use of cars. This is no secret. Why? For many of our citizens, they came to the valley simply because they couldn’t afford to live in the big cities, yet many are employed in the cities so they have to commute. I am sure many would love to get on a bus or train to get to work, but there is almost no transportation here.
The mayors’ plan offers nothing for Aldergrove, yet one new bus route would make a huge difference. We are not asking for a train, but one bus to travel from Aldergrove downtown to Gloucester Estates and back, a couple of times a day.
If the required funding came from property tax, mayors would have to cut a cheque to TransLink. There would be more focus on what is best for individual communities. Mayors would be more interested in what the consumer and small business owners need to prosper.
They would also be more intent on getting a fairer share of transportation.
I would like a bigger house or nicer car, but I don’t expect the business across the street to pay for it. Big city mayors should not ask small towns with poor transportation to pay for theirs.
Aldergrove is likely the most vulnerable of all the communities for an increased sales tax because of geographic location, yet we are also one of the few communities that will get nothing from the plan.
Instead of hurting small business (and our customers) who will be the ones responsible for collecting this tax, and driving consumers out of the GVRD to seek better pricing, why not help them so that they contribute more?
We as small business owners are all working maximum hours just to keep our businesses going, and now Metro Vancouver mayors want more.
Instead of punishing those who don’t use TransLink’s services, why not encourage them? Honey attracts bees. Mayors should consult with us small business owners to find a solution that helps us and solves TransLink’s requirement for funds. I have offered two potential solutions (property tax or graduated tax) and I am just one voice.
I am not opposed to finding a way to fund TransLink, but I am opposed to this method.
Bruce Heslop,
Diamond Bar Equipment
Aldergrove
