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ifiijliipslliijirl Pli; j'Eij.h ti'.i .1 t.i • • Miiil iil'nii ,1,'}' ' • . ■ |S?| jiitnSi'ilOi 1 11811 lllpiliili I pjij iÿii||i iillii ijiiii illih llijiij BHMIijl il 4 lli WjUllllUI ' •' J inji 111 iks'fe: ^ ' V 'W* wu-Kmm r. ri. .-I ■ „ iv , i. : !av * <i: -nma -- : : _ L •_ Country b^sJass ^ers! to W BothweH, Gord Marks, Rod Craig, Russ Hass, Art Robicheau, Larry Arsenault, Ai Penrose and J.m Lamb m no particular order. Staying in Touch tMPP John O'Toole Have your say on Ontario tax increases What can you do to fight the "tax-and-spend" budget introduced last month by the Dalton McGuinty Liberals? That's the question that has been raised across Durham Riding in response to a new budget that not only introduces introduces a healthcare tax, but also plans to cut services in important areas such as chiropractic chiropractic care, some eye exams, and physiotherapy. It's not just the higher taxes that have disappointed Durham Riding voters. It's more than the increases in electricity bills, gas prices and insurance. Most importantly, importantly, voters feel let down by a government that said one thing during the election and then did the exact opposite when in power. Premier McGuinty vowed in writing not to run a deficit, raise taxes, or implement new taxes without the explicit consent of Ontario voters. We watched him make similar similar promises in television advertising. Then he broke all promises and brought in measures including a new health tax costing many families families upwards of $75 per month. (The tax, based on taxable income, ranges from $300 per year to $900 per year for anyone with taxable income of more than $20,000.) What response can taxpayers taxpayers take? As always, I encourage members of the public to get involved in the process between elections. Sign petitions, join citizens' groups, write letters to the editor, attend meetings, sign online petitions, serve on advisory committees, and write elected all officials. The political process is not a spectator sport. It works best when citizens become involved. We must also monitor the outcome of the provincial tax increases. Vast amounts of new money are being invested into healthcare and education. At the same time, provincial ministries such as agriculture are seeing their funding cut. Most of the provincial budget budget is nothing more than promises. promises. As citizens, it is our job to ensure these promises are kept. We need clear benchmarks benchmarks to ensure that, if more taxes are raised, citizens will receive value for their investment. investment. At the same time, we must work towards eliminating eliminating some of the more dangerous dangerous features of the McGuinty budget. Don't let the actions of those politicians who break their election promises discourage discourage you from expecting the very best in your elected officials. Our democratic system system has its flaws, but it remains the best possible form of government in a free society. I would like to thank those who have taken the time to sign petitions, write e-mails, call the constituency office, or speak with me directly about their grave concerns over the new health tax, the de-listing of services, and other aspects of the budget. Please continue to keep in touch. If you would like copies of petitions in opposition opposition to the tax hikes and the healthcare cutbacks, please let me know. If you would like copies of petitions or information on how to get involved, please telephone me at 905-697-1501 or 1-800- 661-2433 or e-mail us at: john_otoole@ontla.ola.org. MORRIS FUNERAL CHAPEL LTD, SERVING DURHAM REGION SINCE 1841 all funeral services PREARRANGED AND/OR PREPAID BURIAL - CREMATION - TRANSFERS. "WHERE PROFESSIONAL ETIQUETTE IS IMPORTANT" FUNERAL DIRECTORS GARY M. CONWAY DEBRA D. KELLEHER PAUL R. MORRIS DOUG R. RUTHERFORD 905-623-5480 A DIVISION ST.. BOWMANVILLE - AT QUEEN ST, West Nile virus: Gardening. Protec, yourself when gardening: wear mosquito netting, long sleeves and long pants. Syour pants hUo your socks for extra protection. Use bug repellent contenting DEBT and avoid gardening at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. To learn more visit our Web site or call lor a brochuie. 1-877-234-4343 TTY 1-800-387-5559 www.IIealtliyOntario.coin ] Fight the Bit e! , I,mi 11 i" "nil Ontario