Dear Editor:
I have been reading all the letters and columns and advertising about the referendum on transit. I’ve consulted the mayors’ report, and read the Report on Business article with its worldwide look at urban transportation. I know our provincial government is responsible but doesn’t want to be seen to be raising taxes (except through fees and levies). The mayors are to be congratulated on arriving at something close to consensus on a plan about needs and a source of funding.
Here are two points I have not seen: First, we almost never have an opportunity to specify how our tax dollars are to be spent. We elect a government and are forced to watch as they appoint their friends, some without expertise or experience to well-paid positions which don’t necessarily produce service for the citizens of the province. This time we can specify how our money is to be spent. That alone would lead me to vote Yes.
Secondly, if I vote No, I have voted away my right to complain about traffic/congestion for the next ten years. I will have turned down my opportunity to vote for and pay for improvement.
So beware, my friends. If I hear you ranting about traffic, I’ll ask you, “How did you vote in the referendum?” If you voted Yes we can have a productive conversation about how to call our provincial government to account. If you voted No, that will be the end of the conversation. You had your chance.
D. J. Stewart
North Vancouver
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