Listen up, provincial officials

To the Editor,

Every day on the television news, in the newspapers and on social media we are made aware, yet again, of more tax burdens put on municipalities from the provincial and the federal governments. I know I am sick of it and would imagine that most of the general public is as well.

It is long past time for all of us to write, phone, email or visit our government officials and make our feelings known.

We cannot just sit and do nothing because these problems are compounding daily and costing us more and more every day.

In Hastings Highlands, for the third year in a row didn't get the $1.7 million  grant to assist with the repairs required on Hwy 62, north of Maynooth. I would imagine that a great deal of time is spent on these grant applications and this time is money. Still, we get nothing. 

I have mailed letters to Premier Kathleen Wynne and Prince Edward-Hastings MPP Todd Smith expressing my extreme displeasure. To date I have received a generic, non-specific response from Wynne's office and nothing from Smith (as of March 12). This is not acceptable behaviour from our elected officials. I am, however, not giving up. This is an election year. Ignoring us isn't appropriate. We help pay their salaries and therefore they work for us.

Additionally, we have the proposals for mandatory certification of our volunteer firefighters. The costs, if this proposal proceeds, will be significant and unaffordable for most municipalities without government assistance. Could we be at risk for limited services if this proposal becomes a fact of life? Very likely, I'm guessing. Now is the time to write the powers at be.

Many people think their voice won't be heard. On a singular level that is likely true but if every person takes pen to hand or keyboard to fingers you would be surprised what can be accomplished.

Now is the time to take back some control of our financial lives, if not for ourselves, for our children and grandchildren. Write the letter or make the call and don't give up when you get a generic response. Make your voice heard!

Dorothy Gerrow