The Editor,
Re. "Premier suggests a transit ref. Plan B: higher property taxes" (The Tri-City News, Feb. 13).
While I agree that there is a need for improved transit options in Metro Vancouver, I am not willing to support the 0.5% transit tax to get it.
MSP premiums are going up 4%, BC Hydro fees 6%, BC Ferries rates 3.9%. As well, auto insurance is going up. Throw into that mix the possibility of property taxes going up, utility taxes, food and the price of gasoline, which goes up and down like a yo-yo, and it becomes daunting for the average consumer.
That is at least a 13.9% increase that we as consumers have no choice but to pay. My wage increase for this year is 0.5%. Last year, it was 0%. It has been like that for the last few years yet the rate increases of the various services have gone up far beyond what most people get in wage increases each year.
How much more do you think the average person can pay? I don't have a money tree and I'm pretty sure most people don't, so I will be voting No.
But even if the vote is No, the mayors and Translink can still raise property taxes, increase the gasoline tax, etc., so consumers are paying for this no matter how you cut it.
A.M. Clayton, Coquitlam
