As I read Andy Davidoff’s letter concerning ‘untenable and avoidable’ tax hikes, a sense of deja vu all over again, as my favourite philosopher Yogi Berra would put it, began to envelop me. Gradually Mr. Davidoff’s concerns, criticisms and proposals for alternate financing took me back in time to the referendum which, if passed, would have upgraded and expanded the Complex.
The Area I Director opposed that too with some of the same arguments he’s advancing now, IIRC. And it struck me: if the referendum had been successful, would the proposed tax increases for this year likely be required? I suspect not. Alas, the voters of Area I could not be brought on board and the referendum failed. And with it went my dreams of using the new indoor walkway at the Complex with my fellow seniors. Curses. But I digress.
For Mr. Davidoff and others, there seems to never be a right time to raise necessary taxes and that view has held sway for several decades leading to the crumbling infrastructure we see all around us. I applaud those local representatives who buck the trends, look to the future and do what’s needed to make and keep our communities liveable. As Yogi might put it: “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” Good advice.
Rod Mosby
Castlegar, B.C.
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