Better services require paying higher taxes

Budget woes put Toronto at risk, March 30 I live just north of Steeles Avenue in York Region. I pay $6,400 a year in property taxes. My friend lives just south of Steeles Avenue in Toronto, on a lot four times the size of mine. He pays $3,500 a year in property taxes.

Last year I had a break-in in my car. I called York Region police to report it, and they arrived at my house within 10 minutes. Last week my friend had a break-in at his house and called the Toronto police to report it. They were not able to arrive until 24 hours later. There is a direct correlation here.

For decades, Toronto politicians have been afraid to do what’s necessary and have preferred to go cap-in-hand to the province and the feds to solve their budgetary woes.

If Torontonians paid the same property taxes as the rest of the people of Ontario, the city would be able to pay its bills and have plenty left over to provide improved transit, social housing, and more.

Jason Shron, Thornhill