Some more flat tax facts Dear Editor: Re: “Move to flat tax,” Jan. 24. As a chartered accountant in public practice since 1947 —- now retired — J have worked with the income tax system for more than 40 years. * [have been advocating a flat tax for some years and 1 am glad to see that it is gaining interest both in the U.S. and in Canada, With all due regard for econo- mists however, I believe there are too many of them working on changing the system, to the exclu- sion of those who are familiar with the day-to-day operation of the cur- A song of the times Near Editor: ; - O Canada for the ’90s © Canada, our fates in Chretien’s hand Tme . patriot love, or what Ciinton demands . With glowing hearts, we sell our rights For drugs and MTV » From far and wide, we've been sold out and, don’t even print our currency Gor help us out, out of foreign debt O Canada, we are your own worst threat O Canada, it’s not too late, not yet. Chris North Vancouver | MAILBOX POLICY LETTERS TO the editor must be legible (preferably typewritten) and include your name, full address and telephone number. Due :to space constraints the North, Shore News cannot publish ' . all letters. Published letters may be edited for brevity, clarity, accuracy, legality and taste. Submissions can be faxed to 985-2104. . rent act. The requirements for a new sys- tem are: The government must cease using the tax act as an instrument for eco- nomic control. Any form of subsi- dies or incentives should be arranged outside the tax act so that they can be clearly seen. All income for individuals or cor- porations should be taxed at the same rate — using generally accept~ ed accounting principles to deter- mine business income, the only exception being the usual tax exemption for the lower portion of an individual's income, Bi All income, whether interest, div- idends or wages should be taxed at the same rate in the hands of the receiver and deductible as an expense by the payer. There may have to be an exception for capital gains on assets held over a specific time — say two years — but that would be subject to discussion. The advantage of this system is that everyone is in the same bucket and it is no longer necessary to arrange your affairs so as to attract the least tax, but you can concen- trate on making the most money. C.D.L. Dyke West Vancouver | Speed controi needed Dear Editor: West Vancouver Mayor Mark Sager and the West Vancouver Police Board (Feb. 21 News) do not see the need for photo radar. The mayor based his view on a straw poll (his words) and on a 98% satisfaction level with West Vancouver Police. Surely, West Van citizens’ satisfaction level with their police is based on the prevention of crime rather than the question of high car speeds. Here are the facts as presented by RCMP Staff Sgt. Mike Clarabut and quoted in the Feb. 17 Vancouver Sun. In 1993, West Van had 123 speeding accidents and in 1994 there were 169, a:24% increase. To the major trou- ble spots such as Marine Drive, Taylor Way, and the north end of Lions Gate the Fulton corridor (where police have recorded speeds of up to 84 km/h) and the Upper Levels must be added. Control on the Upper Levels, where the 90 km/h speed limit is constantly broken, may also help set the tone for controlling speeds on Highway 99. J. Walter West Vancouver Radar targets scofflaws Dear Editor: Do none of those recruited to oppose photo radar by the slogan “cash grab,” realize that no law abiding (or close to) driver will contribute? Photo radar is designed to detect drivers in clear breach of the limits set for our mutual protection, including, we hope, the hard core, which seems to be so intent on continuing to flout the law. A.D. Pool North Vancouver RRSP Tip #10 The average Canadian life expectancy has risen to 80 years and is rising. Janet Ketchen . Branch Manager Are you prepared to fund a long-term retirement that provides you with the freedom to choose your own lifestyle? The new monthly Po; winent option from ICBC Are you buying s short-term policies? We'll show you how Autoplan 12 can Save you mone (We gladly accept at no additional cost} Lynn Valley Insurance Agency Ltd. 3171 Mountain Hwy. 984-4515 Lonsdale Insurance Brokers Ltd. 1925 Lonsdale Ave. 986-9599 1 You're exhausted! We've got the solution for you ... CUSTOM DRAPERIES, TRACKS AND BEDSPREADS ‘Labour $9.50 per § 19.50 tined. CUSTOM VALANCES & BLINDS At low, Joss prices. For FREE Estimates eal? rina” 2968 (Ask about Seniors’ Discounts) ; Serving the North Shere for 24 yours give us a call... the right fitness program ca‘increase your energy and help you shed these pounds and keap them off ... hundreds of our members have done just that with the help of cur friendly professional staff! Call today and try our ... Que introductory Quick tim n Program is designed to trim, firm & reshape you ata “cost you can afford!.Your energy lavals will increase! This program includes a f fitness analysis to determine your exact needs.