Toronto Star

Vision is vital to city’s future

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The race to be Toronto’s mayor is finally set: Here are the six leading contenders, May 13

City services cost money, and I have been reading about, and listening to, the current candidates for mayor. While some of them have some good ideas, none of their promises have been costed. One candidate even includes among his promises to decrease the taxes for the city.

To even maintain — let alone increase — city services will necessitat­e increasing taxes. To improve life and deal with the many problems that exist will require even greater increases in city taxes.

This has been the problem for many years, particular­ly since amalgamati­on. Taxes have not increased to keep pace with the needs of the city. Updating infrastruc­ture has been one prime example.

The city has a need of greater revenue sources beyond property taxes.

People in the 905 and those beyond, who pay far higher taxes, are tired of Toronto charging lower taxes and then going to the provincial government for additional revenue. That revenue comes at their expense.

We need to elect a mayor who possesses a real vision for the city which is truly realistic, and realizes we need to increase revenue to improve life in the city.

Robert P. Smith, Scarboroug­h

“Our premier continues to barrel through with his plans without

consulting the residents of Toronto or experts on the environmen­t. Is there a mayoral candidate who will stand up to his onslaught? DIANE SULLIVAN

‘‘ By allowing alcohol consumptio­n in public parks, we are potentiall­y exposing innocent park-goers to dangerous situations. — John Kampilis

 ?? VINCE TALOTTA TORONTO STAR FILE PHOTO ?? To improve life and deal with the city’s many problems requires increases in city taxes, letter writer Robert P. Smith says.
VINCE TALOTTA TORONTO STAR FILE PHOTO To improve life and deal with the city’s many problems requires increases in city taxes, letter writer Robert P. Smith says.

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