Over the past few days, we have profiled several signees of our Contract with Taxpayers. On Monday, we will publish a list of every signee in BC, so watch for that.

But first I want to highlight the efforts of one concerned taxpayer who has been fighting to make a difference in her community.

Linda Falkener just wants her property taxes spent sparingly, fairly, and accountably. As a resident of the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, she has asked candidates to sign the CTF’s Contract with Taxpayers, to ensure these principles are upheld.

Well, the TNRD Directors don’t want to hear from her—they refused her permission to speak at their most recent meeting! From the Kamloops Daily News:

A Pritchard resident is asking candidates running for election to the TNRD board of directors to sign a pledge they will not raise taxes beyond inflation and will publish copies of receipts billed to regional district.

Linda Falkener said Thursday she wants candidates to sign the 10-point plan developed by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.

The “contract with taxpayers” stipulates candidates who sign will not crank up taxes and will improve transparency and accountability. Under the non-binding contract, they would face a 15 per cent pay cut for increasing taxes beyond the inflation rate.

Falkener attempted to address the board of the Thompson-Nicola Regional District Thursday but she was told she could not speak as a delegation.

“It’s really necessary because all governments become too powerful free with money,” she said.

Despite being turned down as a delegation, Falkener said she will attempt to contact all incumbents running again as well as those challenging them in the Nov. 19 civic election.

Linda contacted me when we first announced the Contract and has kept the pressure on in her community. As she told me earlier this week, “The bylaw may not get far but it is important for us to keep hammering with it. I am so glad you put this together. I answered the comments of one director.  It all falls into place when you understand what the Taxpayer Federation set down would solve many woes and poses as a good starting point.”

Her efforts have resulted in at least one signee: TNRD Area E candidate Sally Watson returned the Contract to us yesterday.

It’s taxfighters like Linda Falkener who will make a big difference in their communities—keeping a watchful eye on spending at city halls across B.C. She felt passionately about this issue, and undertook this campaign on her own initiative in her own hometown. Thanks Linda! People like you are what keep us working hard on the taxpayers’ behalf!