So just how are our tax dollars spent?

By Shawn Lackie

When I was a kid (oh, so many years ago) we used to listen to our parents moan about taxes and how they were misspent and how taxation was overbearing.

Of course when you’re a kid this amounts to zippo. All that matters is candy, cartoons and comic books. However, as you get older you have a tendency to question things a little more often. Then, when you reach 'full-paying adulthood' you have an entirely different take on things.

Although this is not directly about Real Estate, in many ways it is. Our environment really influences our lifestyle. How we pay for it should matter, and boy does it count when it comes out of your account.

First up. The myriad 40km speed limit signs in Port Perry, seems wasteful. Usually, there is also one which indicates the speed limit is done. In Port, this mostly occurs 20 to 30 feet in front of a stop sign. Well Duh! I think I would hit less than 40km as I come to a stop (unless, of course you choose NOT to stop, but, more on that later). Yet, as you proceed through the intersection you see yet another sign which says 40km speed limit in effect.

Here’s an interesting thought. Why wouldn’t the powers that be put up large billboard style signs, at the entrances to town? I think, only six or seven of these would be needed. The signs could easily read “Speed Limit 40km Unless Otherwise Posted” I have seen this in other communities and it seems to work. It would save some serious cash.

Now, back to the stop sign dilemma. I live in town, in front of an interesting intersection. It could be a three way stop. It’s now just a one way stop. The thing is, nobody obeys the stop sign and they roar right through the intersection because they just have to get there. Where, I don’t know. They are always in a hurry, and there have been many near-collisions.

I witnessed one recently, and heard the car horn going off. I talked to the lady who was almost t-boned, and she said, this is at least the third time that has happened.

I have repeatedly expressed my concerns to council, they have paid lip service but that’s about it. I have also said, “There will be a crash one day and you will all be posturing about, how DID that happen?” Except you will know. So, maybe some funds could be appropriated for fixing this mess.

Maybe some others could be put aside to fix the roads, but I will leave that for another day.