The vision of the anointed struck again this week, as the majority of Calgary's aldermen voted to raise municipal taxes again. Monday's vote erased the tiny provincial tax cut announced in the provincial budget two weeks ago.

This five percent reduction to the provincial property tax rate would have saved Calgarians over $20 million. This provincial tax cut would have slowed the growth in property taxes, which rise faster than inflation for many homeowners. But Calgarians will not be keeping $20 million of their own earnings, now that city council has voted to increase municipal taxes by the same amount as the provincial tax cut.

The majority of Calgary's politicians are firmly persuaded that they can spend other people's earnings with greater wisdom and more care than the people themselves. Has it occurred to them that Canadians already lose 49% of their earnings to support three levels of government? Have they noticed that taxes are the largest item in a Canadian family's budget, costing more than what families pay each month for the mortgage or rent?

Have they thought about a family's desire to save for their children's education, or put money towards a nice holiday, or give more to charity, or pay off some personal debt? Do they understand the economic benefits of allowing Calgarians to spend and invest more money in the local economy?

The answer to all these questions is "no," Hence my reference to "the vision of the anointed" above.

The politicians who voted for this tax increase are so high on their own vision of spending money that they no longer comprehend the needs of people who are earning this money to support themselves and their families. The majority of aldermen see themselves as anointed with wisdom superior to that of their fellow citizens.

"But we need that extra tax revenue to fix sidewalks," we are told. Baloney. City council already takes in $1.7 billion tax dollars from Calgarians each year - over $1,700 for every man, woman and child in the city, or $6,800 for a family of four.
If these aldermen can't put together a $1.7 billion budget which includes adequate money for sidewalk repair, they are incompetent and should resign.

Rather than raising taxes again, these anointed ones should consider getting more value for the $1.7 billion they already take from Calgarians.

When was the last time that city council looked at contracting out more municipal services to save taxpayers money? When was the last serious review of the size of Calgary's City Hall bureaucracy? Are municipal employees rewarded for finding savings and efficiencies, or is it in their best interest not to rock the boat? What incentives can be introduced to reward City of Calgary workers who find ways to save taxpayers money?

Perhaps the worst aspect of this tax increase was the sneaky way in which it was rushed through. The $1.7 billion budget for 2005 was approved by council this past February after debate, discussion, and opportunity for input from the taxpaying public.

In contrast, Monday's vote left no opportunity for input from citizens. But those who are anointed don't want to bother with annoying things like debate, input, accountability and democracy. Better to rush this through quickly, before citizens can speak out.

The only positive thing to come out of this unnecessary tax increase is an even stronger case for taxpayer protection laws. The idea is simple and effective: no new taxes and no tax increases without the consent, in a referendum, of those who pay the bills.

Taxpayer protection legislation forces politicians to explain and justify a tax increase.