To the editor,
The Concerned Taxpayers of Thunder Bay have been hearing loud and clear from city taxpayers about the deplorable condition of the city's roads.
Many motorists have encountered hefty repair bills for vehicle repairs as a result of the poor and unsafe condition of these roads.
The city's decision last year to lay off seasonal workers early did not help. Many of these workers did road repairs filling in the cracks in city roads.
City taxpayers have had hefty tax and water increases this year and expect and deserve decent roads to drive on. The full effect of this year's property taxes will be felt next month when the city mails out the third and fourth city tax installments.
We all agree that our roads are a mess and that old man winter plays havoc with them.
Where we disagree with city hall is on how and where our tax dollars are being spent.
We acknowledge that we spend lots on road repairs, etc. but we also know it's just not enough. The recent attempt by city administration to take $21 million dollars out of the gas tax fund for a proposed hockey rink had city taxpayers in an uproar and who could blame them.
Having decent roads to drive on is a priority for this city and it is a shame so many of our tax dollars have gone up in smoke on consulting fees and other listless ideas.
Raymond A. Smith- Chairman
Concerned Taxpayers of Thunder Bay
