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THE NEW TANNERTHURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2008 11 Tyler Property & Mgmt Ltd. 373 Queen Street East, Acton ON 519-853-0558 Glad Tidings of Hands Free Joy! NOKIA 2680 Includes $50.00 Air Time Credit & Free Bluetooth Headset valued at $40 ONLY AT $89.99 While supplies last. No rain cheques J-FORCE Youth Choir presents A CHRISTMAS CAROL MUSICAL Sunday, December 21, 2008 at 7:00pm Acton Baptist Church - 80 Mill St. E. A special love offering to send J-FORCE members to Kingdom Bound 2009 Youd Better Watch Out this season for all the great deals at our local businesses! To the editor: At a time of economic uncertainty, now is not the time for a change in gov- ernment, and it is never a time for a coalition gov- ernment that includes a separatist party. I believe it is important that our government remain in power to steer this country through difficult economic times. As a Canadian, I am dis- appointed with the events that have transpired in Ottawa. We, as Parlia- mentarians, need to focus on the issues of concern to Canadians. In order to do so, our government re- quires the support of the opposition parties. We are open to any economic ideas the opposition par- ties may want to bring forward for the benefit of our country. Canadians need a stable government that is focused on our future at this time of un- certainty. The proposed coali- tion government is not good for Canada. It is one thing for the members of a separatist party to fully Halton Regional Council has begun its budget review process for the Regions 2009 budget. The propos- al increase in the Regions portion of property taxes in 2.3 per cent. Chong says no time for changes participate in the legisla- tive branch of government, it is entirely another thing to allow them access to the corridors of power in the executive branch. This is beyond the pale. I have received hun- dreds of phone calls and emails from people who are concerned about this situation. I have heard from proponents from each side of this debate and I thank everyone who has taken the time to pro- vide me with their input. Sincerely, Michael Chong Proposed 2.3% increase in Regions property tax budget Key drivers for the 2009 budget include maintaining service levels, responding to the community, and investing in capital infra- structure. In addition to maintaining service levels, the 2.3 per cent increase will pay for enhanced recycling programs (including poly- styrene), the creation of a youth psychiatric service, and will create 150 subsid- ized child care spaces. Significant investments to maintain and replace existing infrastructure, and to deliver new infrastruc- ture to support economic development are also in- cluded. Key challenges for the 2009 budget are an ex- pected increased demand for social services, public health and the infrastruc- ture program. In response to the cur- rent economic uncertainty, Council is considering a six month delay to fill any of the new positions includ- ed in the proposed budget. The six month delay will allow Council to consider the impact of the changing economy, including im- pacts associated with the Provincial budget, which is expected to be delivered in March, 2009. For more information on the Regions 2009 budget, visit the web- site at www.halton.ca or call 905-825-6000, toll f ree 1-866-4HALTON (1-866-442-5866), TTY 905-827-9833. OLD FASHIONED ENTERTAINMENT: Acton Citizens Band entertained in the parkette at Main and Mill Sts, last Saturday during the Old Fashioned Christmas celebration sponsored by the merchants of the Acton Business Improvement Association. - Traci Gardner photo