BIPRIER ACRES Tax revolt column short om tax facts Dear Editor: The rantings of Mr. Noel Wright on the subject of the tax revolt are typical of the leaders and supporters of the movement —- long on ideolo- gy and short on analysis or facts. Wright goes on for six para- graphs in a diatribe that does not include a single supporting claim. Instead he offers a simplistic analogy of his household budget, which itself misrepresents the case, since Ottawa currently runs an oper- ating surplus and has for most of the past decade. ".. His representation of the oppo- nents to this knee-jerk movement is _, Similarly made up. I have followed -the debate with interest, and have yet to hear anyone call for “pillory- ing corporations” or. “soaking the rich.” This characterization is pure sensationalism and bad journalism. -. If Mr. Wright had a broader grasp of the issues he would under- stand why his sirnplistic view that “all our. troubles arise solely from ‘government spending, specifically social prograrns, is not universally accepted. In a legitiniate debate it would be appropriate to note, for example, — that the corporate share of income tax in Canada has declined by almost 20% over the past 15 years, and that much of Mr. Wright's increased tax load is required to make up the difference. Or question why family trusts were allowed to defer their tax for another 20 years under the Mulroney government, and why the current government has not reversed this decision. Or why my bank, which charges service fees for everything and recently recorded record profits, paid an effective tax rate of less than 2%, due in part to extensive tax credits allowed for investments in information technology they would have made no matter what? The reality of taxation in Canada is something to be excited about. I pay too much tax and believe there are policy alternatives that could reduce it. But Mr. Wright and his movement offer only another detour in the morass, and not a valid way out. Duncan Dow North Vancouver Why not cane city graffiti goons? Dear Editor: . Re: your report on the proposed bylaw. by: North Vancouver City Councillor Stella Jo Dean to fine a property owner for not removing graffiti from his walls; What a won- derful idea to fine the victims. Just = think what this will do to rape and “murder victims. "How about trying to apprehend ‘the hoodlums that cause the prob- ‘lem? Some cities in the U.S. have '- effective programs.in place where the perpetrators are being appre- hended and made to clean up their mess.. How about copying Singapore and introducing corporal punishment? I am sure that this would stop this problem at once. To fine the victims will do noth- ing to prevent these hoodlums from continuing their despicable behav- ior. R. Hepper North Vancouver ~£4. “Lower “Lansdale Bank of Montreal: staff: Karen’ English, Kerry Casidy,. Mary Lacey, Elizabeth Calla-Ross, Rij Waraich, Ramona Goossen, Gaido Titotto. i; For 70 years, the Lower| Lonsdale branch of the “Bank of Montreal has been. serving the financial needs of this diverse community. Our competi- ‘tors have chosen to relocate but the Bank of Montreal - Lower Lonsdale branch is here to stay. _ Serving the Lower Lonsdale Community its a Priority to the Bank of Montreal When it comes to commitment to 4 21 Lonsdale Avenue . our customers, it is possible | 668-1234 Friday, April 14, 1995 — North Shore News - 7 ealed Offers are invited for the purchase of twelve (12) freehold single family lots. Offers for each lot will be accepted by the office of Mr. EW. Bruckshaw, Purchasing Manager, City of North Vancouver until 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 3, 1995. East 22nd Street Queensbury Avenue East 21st Street THE NORTH SIDE OF THE 600 BLOCK EAST 21st STREET {fer packages may be obtained from Purchasing, City of North Vancouver, 2nd Floor, 141 West 14th Street, North Vancouver, B.C., V7M 1H9. In the event any further information is required, questions should be directed to the City Land Agent: Telephone 983-7304. The City reserves the right to accept or reject any offer to purchase. All offers will be subject to | approval by the Council of the City of North Vancouver. The highest or any offer not necessarily accepted. A Dtamonp oF A CARAT OR More: ‘ t Vancouver's largest selection of diamonds at the best possible prices, Swedish Jeweler... Expect the very best, SWEDISH JEWELER Park Royal South 922-2255 Pacific Centre Atrium /Upper Level 682-6711