Dale KERR GENGE For Mayor, For Taxpayers
Between 2013 and 2024 (the latest figures available), Georgina's residential taxes have increased 77%1, while at the same time, average household income has only increased 43%2. Such tax increases compared to income are clearly unaffordable, particularly as many residents and businesses are still suffering financially from the COVID pandemic.
Dale stands by her record of not supporting the "nice-to-do" projects, like construction of a new civic centre and making Lake Drive one-way, viewing these projects as not in the Taxpayers' best interests. While we are stuck with the tax increase to pay for the new civic centre, Dale's goal is to ensure that, in the future, the best services possible are provided while keeping taxes in check.
1. Source: Financial Information Returns.
2. Source: BMA Annual Municipal Studies.
Dale will:
- Have a review conducted of the town's operational efficiencies;
- Encourage more effective use of consultants;
- Support a budget that focuses on Taxpayer priorities;
- Conduct a review of the Council Remuneration Policy to exclude Markham, Vaughan and Richmond Hill as they should not be used as comparable municipalities when establishing Council salaries based on the average of other municipalities.
Dale is a firm believer in on-going education and to help her better understand the town's budgets, she took two courses from AMCTO (Association of Municipal Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario), achieving grades of over 95% in both courses, and earning her certificate in the Municipal Accounting and Finance Program.