Service cuts in mayor's crosshairs
July 14
A $20,000 annual coffee expenditure to ensure city councillors and the mayor have daily free coffee at work is not something Torontonians can swallow easily. It certainly doesn't seem like the city has no money when such frivolous expenditures are readily embraced.
When will Mayor David Miller and city councillors lead by example and prove to Torontonians that they are being wise in spending our tax dollars? A new homebuying tax is definitely one way to deter the growth of Toronto.
Under our present council's watch, not only are we losing business to the 905 regions, but now future homebuyers are being encouraged to move to the 905 as well. Let's hope councillors wake up and vote against Toronto's proposed land transfer tax today.
Suzanne McCormick, Toronto
Opponents of new taxes launch
city hall offensive
July 13
The proposed second land transfer tax is completely counterproductive to the city's goals. It will hurt young people and families trying to buy their first home, seniors – who will lose hard-earned equity to taxes when downsizing – and anyone trying to break a cycle of substandard rental dependency. A $4,000 surcharge to buy a typical home in the city is unconscionable and unfair. My message is: "Keep your hands out of our pockets."
The seriousness of this proposal requires that it receive proper exposure and public consultation – which is difficult when it is being debated in the middle of summer.
This second land transfer tax was never mentioned as an election issue and this proposal clearly falls under the radar. Many electors will be shocked when it hits home.
Luci Rizzo, Toronto
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