Sir: Taxpayers in Chatham-Kent should not be misled by Mayor Darrin Canniff’s comment about the $12 million that it would cost to pay for either a new arena or to renovate two existing arenas as coming out of reserves with the tax impact being zero on ratepayers, reported in another publication recently.
Where do you think those reserves came from, Mr. Canniff? Were they pennies from heaven? Did Warren Buffet get generous with Chatham-Kent? Did your dog dig them up?
No! There is only one place that ALL monies in government came from and that is the almighty taxpayer! And those reserves that we citizens trust you, our elected representatives, with, came from the wallets of the hard working citizens of Chatham-Kent. We have paid them in taxes over the past years and they have accumulated into reserves as a result of budget decisions and tax money management (or mismanagement).
It’s horribly disingenuous to suggest that these reserves are “free money.” If these reserves get used for this new arena, then those funds won’t be available to use for the next rainy day or project that will inevitably come along. An unexpected bridge repair, a Bradley Centre or Capitol Theatre shortfall, a flood, a railroad?
Further, those reserve funds will naturally need or want to be replaced, and how do you think those reserves get replenished, Mr. Canniff? It’s the Chatham-Kent ratepayers!
Please, Mr. Canniff, don’t burst the bubble for us so early after your election. You seem like a smart guy so don’t treat us peon citizens like dummies. Don’t show us so early in your tenure that you are no different than most other politicians and public servants who treat our tax dollars with such disregard, like they are boundless. Be accountable! Be responsible! Be honest!
Is that really too much to ask?
Rick Youlton
Chatham
