Agrees with Thorpe on PR

Dear editor: I read with interest the article on former MLA Rick Thorpe (Herald, A4, Aug. 30). I admire his intellect and his work on behalf of the people in our community.

Thorpe is quite right when he says he will vote no to proportional representation referendum. We already have the tyranny of the minority against the majority from the many special interest groups in Canada. We don’t need to increase the power of these groups to the detriment of the majority.

Thorpe’s acumen is very precise when he addresses the issue for the next civic election: “It should be both direct and indirect taxation. Both property taxes, and how the city is raising both electrical and water/sewer rates. In my opinion, these are indirect taxation and both need an independent third party/taxpayers review. All elected folks have to start thinking and acting like taxpayers.”

What most people don’t realize is that the annual budget only deals with funds raised through property taxation. The approximate $50-million garnered from electrical, water/sewer and other fees and charges are not included.

While these funds are deposited in various accounts like electrical and sewer, it escapes the radar screen of most taxpayers except to those with good financial backgrounds or on the inside such as the mayor, council and city staff.

Thorpe is right, we need an independent review board to examine taxes and rising costs and surcharges before any more increases in the auxiliary funds. Elvena Slump

Penticton