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www.campbellrivermirror.com
Outrage over tax increase boils over KRISTEN DOUGLAS CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR
Campbell Riverites are taking the mayor’s words to heart and causing an uproar over a 13.6 per cent residential tax hike. Just one day after Mayor Walter Jakeway called for a tax revolt, a Facebook page (Campbell River Tax Revolt) popped up urging citizens to “rise up, speak their mind and be heard.” By Tuesday morning, the page already had 61 ‘likes.’ The Mirror’s website (www. campbellrivermirror.com) was also flooded with 46 people commenting on Friday’s article in which Jakeway advocated for a public uprising. The mayor said he was pleased with the response to his call for the public to “rise and yell and scream” and not accept such a substantial tax increase. A group of taxpayers heeded Jakeway’s calls and planned to storm city hall at Tuesday night’s council meeting, after the Mirror went to press (for updates see www.campbellrivermirror.com). A protest was expected to start at Robert Ostler Park, before winding up at city hall in time for the meeting. The reason for the protest according to the Campbell River Tax Revolt Facebook page, was to give the citizens a chance to speak to council in a public forum – something Jakeway tried to do during last week’s financial planning meeting but – with the exception of Coun. Ron Kerr – was shot down by other councillors. Jakeway said he can’t believe council refused to give the public
a chance to speak. “As soon as you deny taxpayers (a chance) to come and voice their
opinion, that’s when I started to shoot,” said Jakeway referring to his motion to host a public forum.
“An elected politician should never tell the electors they don’t want to hear from them, it’s con-
trary to democracy.” Council elected to go with a 13.6 Continued on A3
ALISTAIR TAYLOR/THE MIRROR
A family treasure? Antique and art appraiser Colin Ritchie assesses a clock brought to him at the antique and art appraisal session at the Museum at Campbell River on Saturday. Campbell Riverites lined up to have their paintings, photographs and heirlooms evaluated. See more pictures page A3.
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