Editor:
Councillor Steve Ferguson, in a recent letter, attempts to revise the recent Langley Township tax history.
He lauds the recently departed Mr Bateman for his commitment to the bugetary process and their collective “diligent ” work as members of the finance task force. Coun. Charlie Fox, in his recent announcement indicating his intention to stand for re-election as councillor states his commitment to hold tax increases to the rate of inflation.
I would point out that these three and their colleagues were responsible for tax increases in the last two budgets of over twice the rate of inflation. They fought the concept of a finance task force and staunchly rejected all of its recommendations. Mr. Ferguson stated at the time that staff’s budget requests were reasonable and justified because, “they wouldn’t ask for the money if they didn’t need it.”
All of these councillors pursued the very costly, too early, too fast replacement of paid on call firefighters. We now have a very expensive, well-equipped, efficient, full-time fire fighting system over a large area with no fire hydrants. A very costly cart before the horse issue at taxpayer’s expense.
All of these councillors fiercely ignored the loud support for reasonable and low tax increases. They legislated rates double the rate of inflation, ignoring the concerns of constituents. They can’t be allowed to revise history as they cower in the glare of their record and we approach their replacement in the impending election.
Robert Moats, Langley
