MARKET VALUE ASSESSMENT AND OUR TAXES

It is wonderful to have acquired the various types of developments that have complemented our Georgian Triangle; however, the down side is that it has effected our tax assessment. As the

property value goes up so does the market value assessment. This is a huge problem for many, and the ripple effect is severe. The cost of homes in most areas of the Town of the Blue Mountains are so inflated that the local population working here cannot afford to buy. Double income families often live in sub-standard apartments. Our children move away for better opportunities. Those that have properties near the ski mountain or water front have really experienced an overwhelming rise in their assessment. Lots of people will say, “So what, they can afford it!” Yes some can afford it, but is that fair? I don’t think so! I believe that there should be some sort of a cap for these people, or a complete change in the entire county assessment. Owning property in this area does not mean that you are rich. Some very modest homes are affected. We are the fat cats that are feeding the rest of Grey County, and that is wrong!

AFFORDABLE HOMES

There is a desperate need for affordable homes for our local population. Ideally, there should be a designated area for such and the means to develop so that families can actually afford their own home. As it stands today, one large tourist entity is transporting workers by bus from a community approximately one hour away. If successful in changing the market value assessment maybe these rate payers could even afford their taxes!

ANIMAL SHELTER TO SERVE THE GEORGIAN TRIANGLE

Along with thousands of people that flock to our area, so do their pets. At the present time there is an urgent need for an animal shelter as well as a collection and adoption program. There are hundreds of stray cats and dogs that get dumped here every year! The cats are a terrible problem as they are left to fend for themselves, live out in the horrible, frigid temperatures, and for many, the result is death. I do not blame the people that visit or move here for the entire problem. The dumping of unwanted pets has been happening forever.

Added to the dumping issue are those owners that do not spay or neuter their pets. Again the population just keeps building, the problem gets worse, and there is nowhere to care for these unfortunate creatures.

I would have to call this my “Pet Project”. There are numerous animal lovers residing in the Georgian Triangle and I know that participation by volunteers would not be a problem.

In the past there have been successful shared projects between municipalities. I am confident that with the proper presentation, and fund raising plan, other municipalities would be pleased to cost share.

The care and responsibility afforded by a community to its domestic animals is a measure of that community’s civility and humanity.

The following news paper articles will help to show you some of my political background and as well give merit to my leadership, teaching, and motivational capabilities.