During the all candidates’ forums Mr. Taylor was accusing the Coldstream Ratepayers Association (CRA) of being a “special interest group”.
A special interest refers to an individual or group of individuals who want something different than what is in the interest of the majority of taxpayers. Developers would fit this definition where the developers would ask for special treatment not afforded to the majority of taxpayers.
Such special interest was Coldstream Meadows Property Management Ltd (CMPM), which petitioned Council to rezone its property to allow major expansion of its facilities.
The zoning did not comply with the Official Community Plan. There were large number of taxpayers opposing the proposal at several public hearings but to no avail. There was even a lawsuit filed to prevent the expansion but Council called a hasty O
CP review and eventually approved the rezoning app
lication. Here was an excellent example of special interest.
That was the initial reason for organizing the CRA. The attached documents fully explain the reasons for the organization and its “Goals and Objectives”. Obviously, Mr Taylor disagrees with those goals and objectives although he has taken an oath to uphold those very objectives. (Click on attached documents)
The organization was instrumental in bringing to the taxpayers a number of issues, such as the inconsistencies relating to the Master Water Plan, the sports complex issue, the 9.19% proposed tax increase and the unjust firing of the fire chief.
Perhaps the best example of special interests is the letter penned by one of the principals of CMPM requesting Council to extend the sewer trunk line for 1.5 km at taxpayers expense (see attached).
Responding to a survey conducted by the District of Coldstream 66% opposed the sewer extension and only 27% supported it. Despite this overwhelming opposition Council proceeded to carry out the extension. That little favour to the developer cost taxpayers $665,000.
That was a glaring example of Council, including Mr. Taylor accommodating a request by special interest. So, if Mr Taylor wishes to speak of someone accommodating special interests he should take a look in the mirror.
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A special interest refers to an individual or group of individuals who want something different than what is in the interest of the majority of taxpayers. Developers would fit this definition where the developers would ask for special treatment not afforded to the majority of taxpayers.
Such special interest was Coldstream Meadows Property Management Ltd (CMPM), which petitioned Council to rezone its property to allow major expansion of its facilities.
The zoning did not comply with the Official Community Plan. There were large number of taxpayers opposing the proposal at several public hearings but to no avail. There was even a lawsuit filed to prevent the expansion but Council called a hasty O
CP review and eventually approved the rezoning app
lication. Here was an excellent example of special interest.That was the initial reason for organizing the CRA. The attached documents fully explain the reasons for the organization and its “Goals and Objectives”. Obviously, Mr Taylor disagrees with those goals and objectives although he has taken an oath to uphold those very objectives. (Click on attached documents)
The organization was instrumental in bringing to the taxpayers a number of issues, such as the inconsistencies relating to the Master Water Plan, the sports complex issue, the 9.19% proposed tax increase and the unjust firing of the fire chief.
Perhaps the best example of special interests is the letter penned by one of the principals of CMPM requesting Council to extend the sewer trunk line for 1.5 km at taxpayers expense (see attached).
Responding to a survey conducted by the District of Coldstream 66% opposed the sewer extension and only 27% supported it. Despite this overwhelming opposition Council proceeded to carry out the extension. That little favour to the developer cost taxpayers $665,000.
That was a glaring example of Council, including Mr. Taylor accommodating a request by special interest. So, if Mr Taylor wishes to speak of someone accommodating special interests he should take a look in the mirror.
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1 comment:
Well put!
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