Community question 3 of 10
Affordability, taxes, services & infrastructure
I will not promise taxes will never increase. I will focus on responsible spending, good value, outside funding and long-term planning.
The question
How would you balance affordability for taxpayers while maintaining the services and infrastructure our community needs?
My answer
Property taxes and the cost of living are real concerns, especially for seniors on fixed incomes and families already feeling stretched.
At the same time, I don’t think it would be responsible for me to promise that taxes will never increase. Council still has to maintain the services and infrastructure our community depends on.
For me, the question is not simply, “How do we spend less?” It is, “How do we spend responsibly?” That means understanding where tax dollars are going, asking good questions, prioritizing what is necessary, looking at what can wait, and making sure we are getting good value for the money we spend.
It also means actively pursuing provincial and federal funding, grants and partnerships so Marathon taxpayers are not carrying costs alone when other funding opportunities are available.
Sometimes fiscal responsibility means investing before a problem becomes more expensive. Delaying necessary maintenance on roads, water, sewer or other infrastructure can cost taxpayers more in the long run.
Spend responsibly. Maintain what we have. Pursue outside funding. Plan for the long term.
I won’t promise that taxes will never go up. I can promise that I would treat every tax dollar with care and remember that it belongs to the people of Marathon.