This city council is looking to increase the economic incentives, increase development tax-free zones and increase business incentive programs.
I don’t believe any of these programs have been proven to work. In none of these programs does the applicant have to prove they actually need these hand outs. Wanting to make more profit is not a need.
Some thoughts come to mind. First, why is city hall expanding the programs now? We are experiencing a building boom. Second, these handouts take money out of our budget for all things that this city needs to fix now. Third, these hand outs will increase the profit margins of the businesses that get them, will not increase the operating money of the city. Fourth, will it prove to be a conflict of interest for an ex-municipal politician to apply for one of these programs?
City hall needs to: Stop these incentive programs, stop giving away tax dollars and stop subsidising the developers.
Lynn and Garry Crassweller
Penticton