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Why the large regional tax increase? reader asks
Dear Editor,
Living under a progressive Niagara regional government is becoming financially increasingly difficult for many residents.
Reg. Coun. Rob Foster did not properly explain why we got this large tax increase except by blaming others.
This regional government got rid of accountability and transparency. The dismissal two years ago of the two internal auditors by the Niagara Region’s Chair and the CAO has had a negative impact on Niagara’s financial situation.


These auditors were doing good work for taxpayers by holding bureaucrats accountable.
During council’s last term, Niagara taxpayers were confronted with several costly problems. This large bloated government, instead of cutting cost was largely increasing it:
• $177.9 million police budget - going through the roof of which most is for salaries;
• A new $55 million bus transit system in spite of low ridership;
•Most of the large capital projects had large cost overruns;

• The new under construction NF waste water plant is already over budget with more than $80 million;
• Several very costly legal cases, much waste, bad decisionmaking, unnecessary rate increases and several scandals were all contributing to this new high tax increase.
Two years ago they gave themselves large pay increases - up to $153,000 for Niagara’s interim public health officer and $81,000 more for Niagara’s CAO in a time where many were and still are financially struggling.
The Region has too many politicians, of which part are career politicians, who are more concerned about their own interests than that of the taxpayers.
No one is held accountable and no transparency thanks to the Ford government, which allows this bad situation to continue.
Rob Janssen
Notice
Vineland Cemetery Trustees 3547 Rittenhouse Road P.O. Box 9 Vineland, Ontario L0R 2C0
Licence # 3288177
Vineland Cemetery Trustees have submitted by-laws to the Registrar of the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, 2002. Any interested parties may contact Les High, administrator at (905) 328-7099 for information or to obtain copies. The proposed By-law may be reviewed, and copies may be obtained at Vineland cemetery, 3547 Rittenhouse Road, P.O. Box 9, Vineland, Ontario, L0R 2C0
These By-laws are subject to the approval of the Registrar, Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, 2002.
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