Tom Dingwall

Stay up to date on how we're growing Clarington! Join us today for the Planning and Development Committee Meeting starting at 5 p.m.

📍 Attend in person: Town Hall, 40 Temperance Street, Bowmanville
💻 Watch live online: www.clarington.net/Calendar ⬅️

Regional council voted today to increase property taxes. Our Clarington representatives could have changed the outcome of the vote thus reducing the impact on taxpayers to 3%. Not only did they not vote in favour of lowering the burden, not a single suggestion on how to save money within the budget was brought forward by our elected representatives from Clarington. Mayor Foster, Willie Woo, and Granville Anderson appear to be filling chairs but not fulfilling their roles. It’s time for a change.

I don’t complain about paying taxes. I do complain about wasting tax dollars. When poor decisions lead to burdening people with increased taxes to cover ridiculous spending it highlights the need for change. We have all heard about the million dollar revolving door. I went through it and have to say I was left wanting. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but for the cost I hoped for something special like a wonderland thrill ride. Big disappointment!

This January Regional Council voted to spend 3 million dollars to study the viability of elevated gondolas on Simcoe St in Oshawa. A proposal that if approved would cost an estimated 1 billion dollars and cost the region millions of dollars yearly to operate and maintain. Personally when I heard this I laughed thinking this is fake news as no one could possibly think this was a serious proposal. Wrong!

Waste one million on a door and 3 million to study a ridiculous proposal while homeless sleep under bridges, seniors struggle to afford there homes and everyone struggles with mounting expenses. We need people who take their responsibilities seriously representing us at the region and on local council.

*Vote on 3 million study- Foster absent, W***y Woo voted yes.
*Vote to reduce regional tax rate from 6.04% to 3%- Foster absent, W***y Woo voted against reducing.
*Vote to increase regional tax rate from proposed 3% to 4.8%- Foster seconded, W***y Woo voted in favour of increase.

Politicians seem to count on the electorate having short memories and low voter turnout. Decisions like these should demonstrate just how out of touch they are and how little effort they make to ensure your tax dollars aren’t wasted. Raise our taxes while wasting our money. I for one am tired of it.

Had a great time at the Premier’s dinner last night. It was nice to catch up with so many old friends.

I was pleased to attend the Marigold Hospice Hike and Bike event this morning. Excellent turnout for a great cause. Had the opportunity to tour the new facility and i must say, beautifully done. Congratulations to everyone who volunteered and dedicated so much time and energy to support an important resource for our community. Great to see you again Marian Timmermans.