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LETTER: Many more reasons to say 'No' to transit tax than 'Yes'

The Editor,

Re: "The congestion question," the Now, March 12.

The "Yes" side of me feels that the 0.5 per cent tax hike is the fairest way to pay for transit - in that everyone will be paying their fair share, as opposed to always going after drivers with gas tax, levies or road pricing.

Now here's why I would vote "No." Five unelected, unaccountable boards with no legislative way to fire them. Now the mayors want to create an oversight committee led by Jim Pattison, which will have no power to demand any financial information from the TransLink boards. With all due respect - Mr. Pattison is 86. He may not be around in 10 years to oversee anything.

TransLink removes a CEO for his incompetence but just moves him down the hall to continue providing incompetent advice. At present, there is enough money in the system if there was only one board that didn't waste money trying to convince us with scare tactics and fearmongering.

When it comes to our needs, Gregor Robertson says, "Give me a 'Yes' and we will look at it later."

Yeah, right. The mayors keep saying funding is not available for projects like the Pattullo Bridge and the replacement of the Massey Tunnel. Correct me if I am wrong but I believe the money has already been allotted by the province for these projects and will go ahead even with a "No" vote.

On the topic of waste - Surrey just finished widening the Fraser Highway to two lanes all the way to Langley and over the years, has upgraded King George Boulevard. Now they want to rip them up for a train? Although the artist's rendition of what the train will look like is impressive, I remain skeptical as to how much roadway we will lose.

If former Mayor Dianne Watts and council had not voted against the building of a casino in South Surrey, there may have been more money available to put towards transit. But with the upcoming federal election, we now know where Watts' loyalties lie.

I just read a letter to the editor in the Now by a B. Largghy which I thought hit the mark. I quote: "They would like me to vote for an increase in my taxes so I can start paying to use the Pattullo Bridge. Yeah, sure. I'll get right on it. "

Mr. J. Edwards, Surrey