ADMIRE BUSINESS

Re: Enough handouts (SP, Oct. 19). In response to Don Smith’s comments about business property taxes I offer the following, based on my own experience as a business owner in Saskatoon: ■ Our business pays over $13,000 a year in civic taxes, four times my residential tax;

■ We pay a surcharge on our water and sewer, even though we invested in water sumps;

■ We buy a business licence to operate in Saskatoon;

■ We pay almost $4,000 a year to dispose of our garbage and handle our recycling;

■ We budget and spend up to 10 per cent of our profits on local charities;

■ We pay a premium for electricity and natural gas;

■ We provide jobs for 15 people and support their families;

■ We provide a needed and valuable service to citizens, with no guarantee that they will choose us.

Our business is not an exception. Most business people I know are staunch supporters of our community and they want to make a positive difference.

We get no special treatment from the city in return. Our front street was finally swept in August. Several major potholes were finally fixed shortly after that — after my neighbour and I called the city several times.

Every business person takes a chance and goes into business in faith that they will succeed. Lots don’t make it. Those who succeed should be thanked for stepping out and creating new opportunities for wealth creation in our community.

Business ownership is one of the highest callings, and it should be promoted rather than made to appear greedy. It is far from that. Tom Bissonnette Parr Auto Body