REGINA: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today released results of a six question municipal candidate survey conducted in advance of the October 28 civic election in Saskatoon. The questions concerned issues related to taxation powers and levels, capital projects with potentially high expenses, and recycling.
Eleven candidates responded to the CTF survey. Of these, seven said they would welcome the ability for the City of Saskatoon to levy more kinds of taxes. Two were undecided on the question. Only Robert Godfrey in Ward 2 and Mark Horseman in Ward 10 confirmed they would oppose any appeals to the province that would allow the city to receive such powers.
“The movement amongst mayors and city councils to want more tax powers is strong,” said CTF Saskatchewan Director Lee Harding. “Toronto received additional taxation powers in 2006 and has since levied a Municipal Land Transfer Tax and a Municipal Vehicle Ownership Tax. Calgary wants to expand the ways it taxes, and it looks like many Saskatoon candidates would happily follow. The province should say no, especially given its record high municipal transfers.”
There was wide support for a CTF proposal for a Giveaway Weekend. In this event, people would put unwanted items at their curb marked “free” for anyone to take them. Darren Hill initiated something similar in Ward 1 with his New 2U program. Ironically, Hill would oppose a city-wide weekend, fearing increased traffic concerns and minimized participation.
“The City of Winnipeg ran with this idea after it was proposed by the CTF, and it has been quite the success,” continued Harding. “With the strong support for this idea from council candidates, hopefully Saskatoon will soon be the next to implement it city-wide.”
Mark Horseman in Ward 10 was the only candidate who would not spend taxpayer dollars to replace the Mayfair Pool, Saskatoon’s least-used and slated for closure. This move alone would save Saskatoon taxpayers an estimated $5 million.
Meanwhile, Carol Reynolds in Ward 1 stood alone in opposing a city-operated blue box recycling program, estimated by Mayor Atchison to increase the average household tax bill by $144 annually. Opinions were much more divided regarding the proposed Art Gallery of Saskatchewan. Four candidates would oppose the project, three were in favor, and four remain undecided. Full results can be read at [url=http://www.taxpayer.com/sites/]http://www.taxpayer.com/sites/[/url] default/files/2009_Saskatoon_ Municipal_survey.pdf .
