Editor, The News:
Re: Gas tax to increase 2¢ a litre (The News, July 8).
The regional council of mayors seems inclined to levy still more taxes upon the already overtaxed, hard-working citizens throughout Metro Vancouver.
Maple Ridge Mayor Ernie Daykin has stated he is in favour of this. I can’t tell you how much this warms the cockles of my heart.
All this stems from an idea put forth by the unelected, unaccountable TransLink board, who for years have been allowed to make decisions unhindered by public scrutiny.
I have this to say to the mayor and his cohorts: these are my tax dollars you’re playing around with and I want to have a say as to whether or not you should be allowed to do what you’re planning to do.
If you barge ahead regardless of public opposition (and indeed it is increasing exponentially), then be prepared for the consequences of your actions.
Ideally, I would prefer a referendum on the matter, but that is unlikely, given the manner in which politics are conducted in this province.
The ballot box, however, looms large in the not too distant future and should prove the ultimate persuader.
Time will tell the tale as to whether or not the mayors are willing to put their jobs on the line for this ludicrous tax.
George Clarke
Maple Ridge