Natasha Riebe CBC Reporter/Editor emailed me yesterday
Hi Brian,
I’m writing a story on mayoral candidates’ perspectives on municipal property tax.
What is your stance on this?
Thanks,
Natasha Riebe
Reporter/Editor
I responded. This is what they printed
— Only one candidate suggests outright that taxes should go up: Brian (Breezy) Gregg believes the city should invest in a “caring economy” to save money 20 years from now.
CBC News Report October 15, 2021 after record advance poll voter turnout
Here is my full response I gave —
Hi Natasha
Thanks for the question. I think we need to raise taxes so we can invest in public service that will save us money 20 years in the future.
There are a few Canadian Cities that have higher property taxes than Edmonton.
For over 40 years taxes at all levels of government have been going down. My position is that that has to change if we want to have a caring economy. We hear politicians talking about having a “competitive” tax rate. It is a sick competition. It is a race to the bottom. I am calling for municipalities to strike an agreement to end the competition by agreeing to harmonize their tax rates.
I own one property. It is a 1906 Settler’s house in Rossdale. This June I paid $3,533.61 in property tax to The City of Edmonton. I would be happy to pay double that if everyone else did too. That would generate more than enough revenue to invest in the public services I think we need to support a caring economy in our city.
Understanding that most property owners have placed themselves close to their debt limit by spending in my opinion too much, they are not in a position to easily afford a tax hike. Many people have splurged on; too big of a house, too many commercial properties, too many vehicles, too much consumer merchandise and have taken too many expensive holidays, leaving them unable in the short run to afford a tax increase.
My sympathy for them is mixed. I know it is easy to be sold on buying nice things but I ask is it fair to over do that and then cry that you cannot afford to pay taxes to support the public services that are needed?
Because of this I think we need to raise taxes slowly but steadily so people can have time to adjust their budgets. I think raising property taxes would cool the inflation of property values and reduce speculation that drives the inflation. It would be nice if housing could be more affordable for most people.
Part of the pain of a raise in property tax rates could be moderated by having a lower rate for a primary residence. We should also look into having proportional tax rates for property.
Peace and Love
Brian (Breezy) Gregg
