Response to Cornwall Action Group by Heather Megill

Heather Megill joins Guy St-Jean in responding to the Cornwall Action Group with an open letter.  According to The Cornwall Community Action Group homeowners in South Glengarry pay 28.5% less in property taxes on their home than if they had the same home in the City of Cornwall, and homeowners in South Stormont pay 35.5% less in property taxes on their home than if they had the same home in the City of Cornwall. One candidate for Mayor and 22 of the 29 candidates for City Council have signed the CAG document to roll back taxes. Council candidate Heather Megill discusses her reasons for not signing this document in an open letter.

Dear Cornwall Action Group,

My simple answer to you is that I will not sign your pledge to roll back taxes. As a councillor I would, however,  vow I to give thoughtful consideration to all recommendations and discussions concerning the Cornwall  budget. I understand that all City Departments submit their specific Department budgets to the Cornwall Director of Financial Services, Maureen Adams, who skillfully prepares and submits budget documentation for consideration.  It would be presumptuous of me to think that I would have all the answers before I am presented with draft budgets.  I also expect I would receive a certain amount of training in the new role as City Councillor and some of this would certainly include budgeting and city taxes. I do, intend to be a City Councillor for all citizens of Cornwall not just special interest groups.   Keeping the tax rate lower at the expense of maintaining important City services and infrastructure programs is counter-productive to Peace, Order and Good Government.