If you, Mayor Doughty or councillors, were given the opportunity to purchase a company but the company was in deficit and the employees, in spite of the deficit, demand exceptional raises but were unwilling to wait until the company was on a firm financial foundation and in surplus, would any of you purchase such a company? No, it would be preposterous.

Yet as taxpayers at this time of deficit you want us to accept your justification for salary increase, BlackBerrys, decisions made and others being made, Dyer’s Memorial for example.

Combine this with predictions of moderate growth in Muskoka the trickle-down effect of what is happening in the U.S. with a slow-down in Canada as a result.

In conversation with Councillor Zanetti I asked, as a taxpayer, if I could get a statement of the town’s expenses plus a statement outlining all financial activity on River Mill Park since Jan. 1, 2007.

In April he said it would be put in the paper and I expect the River Mill Park statement also.

In closing, what will be the legacy each of you will leave? Were decisions made in the best interests of the town, its citizens and accountability to us the taxpayers?

At the end of your term as councillor when you reflect on your contributions and accomplishmentsm rememberL the only verdict that counts in your life is the one staring back from the glass.

It’s the person to please, never mind the rest, for it’s with you to the end.

Shirley Taylor
Huntsville