Dear Alison Redford
I write this letter to you as a fellow Albertan. Although I thought we were on the same side I
question that lately. That being said I
have great respect for the office and duties you have. Times are tough right now and although not
all of its your fault, some of it clearly is.
Take our financial woes.
We as Albertans have a revenue stream generating around 40 billion dollars per year, yet since you have stepped into office the
spending has continually been increased on unnecessary programs and frills. Our Taxes are low because we have a great
revenue stream with our resources of
which you in the last budget grossly overestimated at the behest of all
opposition parties. The Flat tax is
something that Albertans support along with our low corporate taxes and no
sales tax. Maybe we were wrong in continuing to lower resource revenue down
from the 30% it was and maybe that could come up to equal the other provinces
around us but at what cost? We could also tax everyone the heavier and the
government could have all the money it needs to build and spend on anything we
want , once again at what cost?
Admittedly, Alberta
is now in a bind. We could start taxing Albertans like we lived in B.C. and
pull in another 11 billion dollars and by
doing so move farther to the left and lose the Alberta advantage. Or what could
be done is a good hard look at the books
and start cutting unused, unnecessary and elective programs. In
conjunction with raising the resource revenue to stay in line with the other
provinces while maintaining low and even tax rates we can hold the Alberta
advantage to build schools, hospitals, pave roads and reduce hospital wait
times ( although changing some administrative issues could clear some of that
up as well) and then we can also save
some money for the future of our children without burdening them with debt.
During the election you ran "as not your father's PC
party" separating yourself from the legacy that Ralph Klein left us.
Although I realize that you are not Ralph, I hope that you could show Albertans
that you respect the wonderful legacy that he left us by building this awesome
province into the booming economic powerhouse it is and by doing so not
disrespect the sacrifices that all went through in order to get here.
This, now is your opportunity to show real-life leadership
and cut programs that aren't needed that we enjoyed in good times but can do
without as the fiscal belt tightens. We as Albertans do not want more taxes and
as one would cut in areas in their own homes when things get tight, so we also
can do so provincially but it takes a leader to see and recognize that.
Ms. Redford you once stated you were going to review all
revenue streams to see if they were sustainable. Please do that, please listen
to Albertans who might have great ideas
where to save money. Please listen to
opposition parties ideas even if they annoy you. Alberta is not over due for a tax increase,
we are overdue for responsible spending something that hasn't been done since the
latter part of the Klein years. And if you chose to do whats right and cut
unnecessary programs and people scream bloody murder , you can kindly remind
them that somethings in life are privileges and not everything can be funded
although we would love to if possible.
I do know you have a difficult task ahead. That being said
please do the right thing and do what is best for This wonderful province and
maintain that Alberta advantage that we love!
Be a leader don't govern like Lougheed or Klein, govern like Allison Redford and create your
legacy by doing what the people of this province want and need.
Kindest regards
Russell Bosch
Russell Bosch is just a regular Albertan
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