Here's a thought: Instead of complaining about the 10 per cent increase in property taxes, perhaps we should celebrate what a fabulous deal our taxes offer and be grateful that we live in place where we have so much abundance for so many people.
Like everyone, I grumble about tax increases, but every so often, I shake my head and try to stand back to get a broader perspective. And what do I see? Well, here's something: I have litres and litres of clean and safe water that's piped right into my house. And then, the waste is magically removed.
I could stop there. In my mind, having clean, safe drinking water and effective sanitation is worth every penny of our municipal tax and utility dollars. Ask someone in a developing country who's schlepping a few gallons of impure water home on her head if she would spend something like four per cent of her annual household income to ensure unlimited clean safe water pumped into the home. I think the answer is pretty clear. A lot clearer than the water.
But that's just the beginning of where our municipal tax dollars go. The paved roads we walk, ride and drive on aren't covered in trash and menaced by packs of roaming, rabid dogs. Our safety is pretty well assured by police force that is staffed by properly trained, non-corrupt professionals. We have parks, libraries, a pool, ball fields and trails; we might also make use of the fire department or the building inspector one day. This all for about the same price I pay for my television, computer and cellphone services.
The best part is that if I'm pissed off, my tax dollars give me the opportunity to vote out the people spending my money.
The problem with the continual griping about taxes that pervades our culture is that it limits all public discourse to money and cost. No discussion about our true quality of life - not the one based on how much disposable income we have - is permitted.
This doesn't mean we shouldn't be critical of the way our municipal, federal and provincial politicians are spending our tax dollars. Of course we need to be vigilant that out priorities are reflected in the decisions that they make, and if they aren't, then we need to hold them accountable.
But let's have a real discussion about what we want for our community instead of always resorting to the tired, knee-jerk reaction that taxes shouldn't increase.
